5 Lions Who Will Carry Detroit to the Super Bowl

The Detroit Lions are headed toward the postseason, where they are among Super Bowl favorites. They already won more games than any other season in franchise history and it would be a disappointment if this team at least didn't make a deep postseason run.

Everyone knows who the stars and team leaders are. However, because of injuries, certain Lions players now have more important roles to play. How well they fare in their expanded roles will likely determine how far Detroit will go in the playoffs. Who are some of the under-the-radar X-factors for this team that can carry them to the Super Bowl?

Za'Darius Smith

Since being acquired at the trade deadline, Za'Darius Smith immediately became an important part of the Lions defense. After serious injuries to the defensive line, the veteran pass rusher has an increased importance to this team on that end of the field. In recent weeks, he has been playing the second-most snaps in the defensive end rotation behind John Paschal.

In these snaps, Smith has three sacks, seven QB hits, and two tackles for loss. On Pro Football Focus, he received a 69.7 defensive grade in six games.

The three-time Pro Bowler has more postseason experience than most of the Lions' defense. With four different teams, Smith has appeared in eight postseason games but consistently came up short.

This is his opportunity to finally win the Super Bowl which has eluded him in his impressive career. To do that, he has to elevate his game to the next level in the new year.