BY : MIKE RIFKIN
Here we are Wild Card weekend, one of the best weekends of the year. This piece will show each team’s x factor this weekend to advance.
CHARGERS AT TEXANS : BOTH: PASS RUSH : Two teams in the top 10 in sacks and two of the most sacked quarterbacks duel in Houston. Both defenses are also top 10 in turnover differential., whichever defense generates the better rush, and forces the other into a major mistake will win the game.
STEELERS AT RAVENS : STEELERS – Russell Wilson : Yeah, I know it’s weird to say the starting quarterback is an x-factor, but at this point this is what Russ is. Russ’s best game during the Steelers four game losing streak was against the Ravens, where he threw for 217 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Russ is also going to have to get the ball out of his hands quickly, before the Ravens pass rush (second in sacks) gets to him.
RAVENS : Mark Andrews : Since he’s come into the league Mark Andrews has been nothing short of phenomenal for the Ravens. Andrews’ 11 touchdowns all came after week five, including one against the Steelers a few weeks ago. In his playoff career Andrews has 22 catches for 227 yards in six games. If Zay Flowers misses significant time with his knee injury, expect Lamar Jackson to look for old reliable.
BRONCOS AT BILLS : Broncos – Nick Bonittto – The former Oklahoma Sooner was third in the NFL with 13.5 sacks on the season. He also had two forced fumbles, and an interception ( returned for a touchdown). But on Sunday the ultimate key for the Broncos will be limiting Josh Allen’s running ability, so expect maybe Bonitto to play as a spy.
BILLS – Khalil Shakir/Keon Coleman – If Denver uses Pat Surtain to shutdown Amari Cooper, Shakir is going to have to be a big target for Allen. Shakir led the Bills with 821 yards, while Coleman had 556 yards. Both had four receiving touchdowns, and if Riley Moss isn’t 100 percent, that should be advantage Bills.
PACKERS AT EAGLES : BOTH THE TRENCHES – Both of these teams are top 10 in both total offense and total defense. Green Bay gives up less than 100 yards rushing per game, while the Eagles run for 179 yards per game. Whoever wins the trench battle should win this game.
COMMANDERS AT BUCS – COMMANDERS – Zach Ertz – Ertz had a great year for the Commanders, as an outlet for Jayden Daniels. Ertz had 66 catches for 654 yards and six touchdowns. Ertz is also one of the few Commanders with playoff experience. He has 36 catches for 381 yards and two touchdowns in eight playoff games.
BUCS – BUCKY IRVING – The rookie from Oregon established himself as the lead back in Tampa rushing for 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns, while also accounting for 392 receiving yards. If the Bucs win expect a heavy dose of Irving, mainly because the Buck doesn’t stop there.
VIKINGS AT RAMS – VIKINGS – SAM DARNOLD : I know I said it’s rare that the starting quarterback is an x factor, but for Minnesota it definitely is. As good of a season Darnold had and he had a great one, he has never played in a playoff game before. If Darnold can lead his team to a win, he’ll regained some confidence lost from last week’s stinker.
RAMS – Demarcus Robinson – Robinson had a solid season with 31 catches for 505 yards and seven touchdowns. Two of those touchdowns came in the earlier meeting with the Vikings. If Robinson has a good start, he can open things up for Cooper Kupp or Puka Nacua.
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