In the spirit of , former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks spotlights players who are poised to have hero-like performances for their respective teams in :It's time to put in the MVP conversation, based on his spectacular play from the pocket. The two-time winner has been on fire the past eight games, completing 68.4 percent of his pa ses with a 21:5 touchdown-to-interception ratio and a pa ser rating of 110.2. Roethlisberger has averaged 365.3 pa sing yards per game since Week 8, which leads the NFL by a significant margin ( is second, with 309.0). Of course, the have allowed fewer than 270 pa sing yards in every game this season, meaning Roethlisberger will need to take his game up a notch to continue his torrid pace. Still, with Kansas City likely to focus on stopping on the ground, should have ample opportunity to attack a secondary that could struggle to contain a speedy receiving corps led by , and .It is not a coincidence that the ' offense has performed better since Stewart stepped into the starter's role in Week 14. The veteran runner has finished with 75-plus scrimmage yards in each of Carolina's last three games, exhibiting a hard-nosed running style that's set the tone for the offense. With coordinator Mike Shula ramping up his attempts to take advantage of Stewart's efficiency and production as a runner (he's averaging 5.8 yards a pop Chance Campbell Jersey in his past three games), the have been able to get back to the ground-and-pound attack that sparked a playoff run in 2013. Facing a defense that's allowing 137.6 rushing yards per game and coming off against the (Cleveland allowed a season-high 244 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns), the should make Stewart the focal point of a run-centric game plan. If Stewart notches 20-plus carries against the , he should deliver a 100-yard game -- and a "W" for Carolina. The NFL's stingiest defense might reside in Motown. Guided by new coordinator Teryl Austin, the are leading the league and while in total yards allowed. Naturally, most of the credit for this succe s has gone to a defensive line spearheaded by , but the vastly improved play of the secondary has helped lift the unit to the next level. Quin and Ihedigbo, in particular, have eliminated the deep balls that plagued the in the past. With at quarterback, we can expect the safety duo to feast on errant throws. Against an erratic signal-caller playing behind a shaky offensive line, the tandem -- which has combined for 10 picks -- should help the enjoy a turnover bonanza in this NFC North battle. ALREADY COMPLETEDJacksonville Jaguars' pa s defenseIt's hard to find many positives regarding the ' disappointing season, but credit coach for getting his defense to play hard each week. The have recorded 38 sacks (tied for ) and allowed fewer than 275 pa s yards in 10 straight games. and have led the way with their pa s-rushing prowe s, combining for 14.5 sacks (Clemons has seven; Marks has 7.5). Facing on Thursday, the would be wise to rev up the pre sure, to disrupt the veteran's timing and rhythm. Whitehurst is completing 56.6 percent of his pa ses with a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 5:2 on the season (with an 89.1 pa ser rating), and he is certainly capable of slinging the rock all over the yard when given time and opportunities. Bradley should unleash the hounds and let his veteran rushers protect a young, athletic secondary that's slowly rounding into form.The ' pa s rush has wrecked shop on opposing offenses in recent weeks, collecting 28 sacks in the last seven games. The unit is on pace to notch 54 sacks on the season, which would be the most by Philadelphia since 2002 (when the had 56 sacks). Barwin has been the leader of the pack, racking up 14.5 sacks and a ton of pre sures/QB hits. Given the struggles of the ' offensive line (Washington has allowed five-plus sacks in each of the last six games), and particularly the offensive tackles, Barwin should have a field day off the edge. If the are forced to play , expect to see a battered and bruised struggle against the ' blitz-heavy tactics.Follow Bucky Brooks on Twitter . Bruce Matthews Jersey