Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson and QB Sam Darnold can’t flop again
In a 31-9, Week 18, loss to the Detroit Lions, Darnold completed 18-of-41 passes for 166 yards, and Jefferson finished with three receptions for 54 yards. The QB-WR tandem better not have another dud in Monday’s road game against the Los Angeles Rams at 8 p.m. ET, or Minnesota (14-3) could have an early postseason exit.
The Vikings have won three of their past four games. During this stretch, Darnold has seven touchdown passes. Jefferson, meanwhile, has three TD catches.
Los Angeles Rams must solve offensive issues to keep up with Vikings
Although the Rams offense features QB Matthew Stafford and WR Puka Nacua, it has recently stalled. L.A. (10-7) has failed to score 20 points in three of its past four games.
That won’t cut it against the Vikings’ explosive offense. Minnesota ranks ninth in the league in points scored (25.4).
Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert may have best chance to win his first playoff game
Herbert — who has started one playoff game in five seasons with the Chargers — is in a fantastic position heading into their road game against the Houston Texans at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.
The Texans (10-7) have lost five of their last nine games and are 14th in points allowed (21.9). Herbert, meanwhile, is on a tear. Over his past three starts, he has completed 73.3% of his passes for 911 yards and seven touchdowns.
Don’t expect Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson’s struggles against Pittsburgh Steelers to continue
According to Stathead, in eight regular-season games against Pittsburgh, Jackson has completed 58% of his passes and has more interceptions (nine) than TD passes (eight).
Despite his previous struggles against Pittsburgh, Jackson shouldn’t lay an egg in their home game on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET. Over his past three starts, the two-time MVP logged 764 yards (592 passing and 172 rushing) and eight TDs (seven passing and one rushing).
Steelers should consider QB switch
After the Steelers’ 19-17 Week 18 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, quarterback Russell Wilson said he doesn’t “wanna talk about the past.” However, it’s hard to ignore the team’s recent slide.
Pittsburgh (10-7) has lost four straight games. During this span, Wilson has posted an abysmal 37.4 QBR. If Wilson’s struggles continue, the Steelers should consider turning to backup QB Justin Fields, who has a 4-2 starting record this season.
Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels may flourish in postseason debut
Last season, Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud won his playoff debut against the Cleveland Browns. Although the Commanders are on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET, Daniels could do the same.
The Buccaneers’ 29th-ranked pass defense (243.9 YPG) presents a favorable matchup for Daniels. In 17 starts, the 2024 No. 2 overall pick tossed 25 TDs and engineered four fourth-quarter comebacks.
The Philadelphia Eagles passing attack could rebound against the Green Bay Packers
Eagles RB Saquon Barkley has rushed for 2,005 yards in 16 games, overshadowing their passing game’s problems. Philadelphia QB Jalen Hurts has averaged 193.5 passing yards per game in 15 starts, the second-lowest figure of his five-year career.
A struggling Packers defense should give Hurts and Co. an excellent opportunity to find their groove in Sunday’s home game at 4:30 p.m. ET. Green Bay ranks 13th in the league in passing yards allowed (215.6). Packers two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) was also recently placed on injured reserve.
Packers must rely on rushing attack
In a 24-22, Week 18, loss to the Chicago Bears, Packers wide receiver Christian Watson — who’s third on the team in receiving yards (620 in 14 games) — exited with a knee injury. In his postgame news conference, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said he’s not “super confident” about his availability against the Eagles (14-3).
With the key injury to their receiving corps, the Packers (11-6) should lean on running back Josh Jacobs. In 17 games, Jacobs has 301 carries for 1,329 yards and 15 TDs.
Denver Broncos rookie QB Bo Nix could give them a fighting chance
The Broncos (10-7) have their work cut out for them in their road matchup against the Buffalo Bills (13-4) on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. If Nix keeps thriving, that would help them pull off an improbable upset.
Nix is sizzling entering the playoffs. Over his past three starts, the 2024 No. 12 overall pick has completed 79% of his passes for 803 yards with nine TDs and one interception.
Bills QB Josh Allen should shred Broncos’ stingy defense
Denver’s defense features multiple Pro Bowlers, including edge-rusher Nik Bonitto and cornerback Patrick Surtain II. This talented unit should give Allen little trouble.
In 17 games, he posted a career-high 77.2 QBR, the second best in the NFL. Additionally, he has thrown a career-low six interceptions.