The Divisional Round is here. Even with last weekend’s massive upsets and surprise rookie performances, is it fair to say that Mother Nature might have been the biggest X-Factor of them all?
Let’s take a look at one x-factor for each game in the finale of the Divisional Round.
Sam LaPorta, TE, Detroit Lions | vs. Buccaneers
After LaPorta went down in a somewhat meaningless Week 18 game, Lions fans feared the worst. The Iowa product turned out to be one of the league’s best rookies in a year littered with terrific performances, scoring ten touchdowns and tallying 889 receiving yards on 89 receptions.
Luckily, LaPorta did play in the Wild Card round, the injury not as serious as initially thought, and he’ll be a player to watch Sunday against Tampa Bay. The Lions have often found success this year on the ground with running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, but the Buccaneers’ rush defence is no slouch, ranking fifth in total rushing yards allowed and eighth in rushing yards allowed per attempt.
LaPorta’s ability to run seam routes and get open in the middle of the field will be critical to take some pressure off both the run game and teammate Amon-Ra St. Brown through the air.
Sean McDermott, Buffalo Bills head coach | vs. Chiefs
McDermott may be the head coach of this team, but he’s getting the nod here because of his second job title: defensive coordinator.
He’s done an admirable job given the litany of injuries — the unit has been without cornerback Tre White and linebacker Matt Milano for most of the year, and last weekend lost cornerback Taron Johnson to a concussion while linebacker Terrel Bernard was carted off after twisting his ankle.
If those two, along with cornerback Christian Benford, linebacker Baylon Spector, and safety Taylor Rapp — all of whom have been day-to-day for most of the week — can’t go on Sunday, then McDermott is going to have the unenviable task of facing Patrick Mahomes without a lot of regulars.
On the flipside, the Chiefs’ offence has looked startlingly mortal for much of the season. Could this be McDermott’s opportunity to send the rowdy Bills Mafia off to the AFC Championship?
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