Denver Broncos: Playoff Dark Horses

Dec 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) (center) huddles with wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) and running back C.J. Anderson (22) and tight end Virgil Green (85) in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Bills 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Every year it seems as though unknown players emerge from the shadows in the playoffs only to step up in a big way for their respective teams.

No Super Bowl hopeful can honestly expect to make it to Glendale, Arizona this season without having a few surprise performances arise throughout the playoffs.

Though Terrance “Pot Roast” Knighton was somewhat known as a good defensive tackle among Broncos Country, his name really boomed when he dominated in the AFC championship game versus the New England Patriots. No Denver Broncos fan could ever forget his clutch fourth-down sack of quarterback Tom Brady in the third quarter.

From the likes of David Tyree, to Jacoby Jones, every contender in the playoffs needs at least one unheralded player to give their team a boost.

With that being said, here are five potential playoff dark horses for the Broncos.