Underdogs Uprising
As the NFL postseason kicks off, Wildcard Weekend delivered no shortage of intrigue, drama, and underdog stories. While some teams made an early exit, others face questions and challenges as they navigate the road to The Big Easy. The 2024-25 season has been a story of resilience and surprises, with underdogs rising to the occasion and proving they belong on the biggest stage.
Take the case of 27-year-old veteran Sam Darnold, who was thrust into the QB1 spot following a preseason injury to promising rookie J.J. McCarthy. Darnold’s season has been a remarkable journey of resurgence and leadership, culminating in a 14-3 record in the regular season, their best since 1998. If Darnold doesn’t win Comeback Player of the Year, the league might just be rigged - ya hear me, Mr. Goodell! In their loss to the LA Rams, the Vikings were unable to gain any momentum as the Rams stifled the Vikings on all fronts. Limiting their top receiver, Justin Jefferson, to 5 receptions for 58 yards and Sam Darnold to only complete 25/40 passes. At the forefront of this takedown was edge rusher Jared Verse, who is looking pretty good right now for Defensive Rookie of the Year, as he picked up a strip sack on Darnold and ran it back to the house for 57 yards. Going into the game, fans and analysts predicted a vicious offensive showdown only to be surprised when LA’s young defense began to dominate as they were ranked 26th coming out of the regular season. With 9 sacks, the Rams have certainly put the Eagles on notice.
Courtesy of Ross D. Franklin | AP Photo
While in Philly, look out for Byron Young and Kobie Turner as they look to add to their resumes and put on another show as they did against the Vikings with a combined 17 QB pressures, including four sacks. Their relentless pursuit of the quarterback has quickly turned the Rams' defensive line into something to fear, helping set the stage for a battle with Philadelphia's high-powered offense.
Bo Nix and the Broncos: A Glimpse of the Future
Courtesy of Jon Heath
As Bo Nix said after his week 18 win to clinch a playoff spot: “Opening the season, nobody expected us to do this, but we didn’t really listen to that.” The Denver Broncos have been the ultimate underdogs this year, truly embodying the term “underdog uprising” as they secured a playoff berth with rookie quarterback Bo Nix leading the charge.
In an impressive NFL debut, Bo Nix has put the league on notice. This young team has the potential to become a real contender in the coming years. Despite their loss to the Buffalo Bills, Nix displayed poise and accuracy beyond his years, leading the team with flashes of brilliance. The Broncos’ league-leading 63 sacks this season highlight the strength of their defense, and with head coach Sean Payton at the helm, the future looks bright in Denver.
Underdogs are often overlooked, but Nix believes their strength lies in the freedom to play loose without the weight of outside expectations. Although they made an early exit, Broncos country finally has a reason to say “Let’s ride” - and mean it, saddle up for next season!
Breaking the Curse? Not Yet for Herbert and The Chargers, Plus a Look to Houston’s Game Against The Chiefs
Courtesy of ESPN
Justin Herbert and the Chargers’ postseason run was short-lived, with a Wildcard exit against the Texans Saturday night. Unable to break their playoff curse, Herbert delivered his worst performance of the season, completing only 14 of 32 passes for a passer rating of 40.9. His four interceptions on the night were a shocking contrast to the mere three he had thrown across 16 regular-season games. To make matters worse, the Chargers’ offensive line struggled, offering little protection and allowing four sacks.
It seems as though NRG Stadium’s supposed good luck for head coach Jim Harbaugh - dating back to winning the College Football National Championship there last year with the Michigan Wolverines - wasn’t enough to propel the Chargers past this round. Despite being a formidable force during the regular season, allowing just 17.7 points per game, the Chargers’ defense couldn’t overcome the Texans’ dynamic attack, with Houston’s cornerback and AP All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr. leading the pack with two pivotal interceptions.
Going into the postseason, the Chargers had the top-ranked run defense, boasting a 41% win rate at stopping the run. However, that strength was neutralized by Texans running back Joe Mixon, who rushed for 106 yards coupled with a touchdown. Meanwhile, CJ Stroud showcased remarkable composure in his second NFL season, leading his team to yet another playoff victory that earned them a spot in the AFC divisional round. Stroud’s steady leadership and clutch performance outshone the Chargers - who entered the game as 2.5-point favorites - once again proving the wisdom of betting on the underdog - just wish I followed my own advice in my playoff pool!
Now, the Texans find themselves as heavy underdogs against the Kansas City Chiefs. While the odds may not be in their favor, with the Chiefs being a 7.5-point favorite. Players to watch include running back Dameon Pierce, a relentless rusher with a knack for grinding out tough yards, which will be pivotal for Houston as they look to control the clock and keep Patrick Mahomes off the field.
On defense, Derek Stingley Jr. and linebacker Christian Harris will be key to slowing down the Chiefs powerhouse of an offense. Stingley’s success against the Chargers and his ability to lock down opposing wideouts could provide some frustration for Mahomes and force turnovers.
With Stroud finding his postseason rhythm, Texan fans can dare to dream of an upset that could redefine the playoff landscape and take down the dynasty. As they enter the divisional round as underdogs, Texans fans should hold out hope for a team whose grit and resilience have carried them further than most predicted.
From Rebuild to Playoff Run: Jayden Daniels and the Commanders Gear up for a Showdown in Detroit
Courtesy of Sporting News
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels led the Commanders to a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, bolstering his case for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Beginning the year with a new owner, new general manager, new coach, and new quarterback, the Commanders were not expected to go far, with most writing off the season and calling it a rebuilding year. However, maybe that was the formula, as Daniels was able to lead the Commanders into the playoffs, secure their first postseason win in 19 years, and have one of the most high-functioning offenses, averaging 28.9 points per game. With a little help from kicker Zane Gonzalez and the football gods, a field goal bounced perfectly off the uprights to secure the Commanders a spot in the AFC divisional round. As Daniels said, the fans have “waited a long time for this moment and this feeling.” Their defense stepped up as well, holding the Bucs’ offense in check and proving they can compete in tight games. As the Commanders head to Ford Field to face the Detroit Lions, they’ll need to bring their A-game. This win adds to Daniels’s resume for OROY, as his offense emerged as one of the best in the NFL, averaging the fifth most points per game (28.9) in 2024. In Saturday’s game against the Lions, viewers should watch for right guard Sam Cosmi, who has entrenched himself as one of the league’s best. Allowing just one sack and four hits this year, he displays sound technique and surprising quickness for someone of his size. He could be the X-factor the commanders need to dispute Jared Goff.
Courtesy of Hogs Haven
As the Commanders make their way to Detroit, they cannot let the outside noise get to them. They will play at Ford Field as the underdog (something they are used to), but going up against the Lions will be a tough feat.
What a year for the Lions fans - as the highest-scoring offense in the league, averaging 33.2 points per game, it seems like the Lions do even better when the stakes are higher. For all you Lions hopefuls out there, I hope that is true! With a powerhouse offense including Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and deep threat Jameson Williams, the Commanders have plenty to be nervous about. Adding to the Lion’s edge is their linebacker Alex Anzalone, whose leadership and ability to read the field have been instrumental in anchoring the defense. His knack for shutting down the opposing offense could be the key in this game, and is definitely someone to watch on Saturday. You should also keep a lookout for returning David Montgomery, who has the ability to set the tone for the offense. Could Sonic and Knuckles make an appearance this Saturday?
Courtesy of USA TODAY
Jackson vs. Allen: MVP Duel Looms
Back in the AFC, Lamar Jackson strengthened his MVP case, delivering a stellar performance against the Steelers. The Ravens’ offense dominated in the first half racking up 308 yards. Meanwhile, the Steelers’ struggles continued, failing to break their four-game losing streak as they played the first half unfocused and uninspired. They managed only two first downs in the first half compared to the Ravens’ 19 and didn’t make it past midfield.
Baltimore’s defense was a force at the line of scrimmage, pressuring Russel Wilson into a cautious, ineffective passing game. The Steelers’ defense struggled, allowing 144 yards after contact, which is the most the Steelers have allowed this season. They also failed to contain Jackson’s dynamic read-option runs, as he rushed for 82 yards on 14 carries - his most since October.
For the Ravens, the challenge now is consistency. Jackson will need to maintain his poise, avoid the playoff jitters that have plagued him in the past, and avoid reverting to his antsy style of playoff football. Next up, is a high-stakes matchup against MVP candidate Josh Allen. The Bills, however, face significant defensive concerns as they have allowed 33 points on average against playoff teams - to make a deep playoff run, they must tighten up their defense and find a way to counter Jackson’s dual-threat capabilities.
Courtesy of USA TODAY Sports
As the NFL postseason unfolds, the stage is set for underdogs to rise, stars to shine, and champions to emerge. From the resurgence of veterans like Sam Darnold to the breakout performances of rookies like Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels, this season has been a thrilling reminder of football's unpredictability. For fans, this isn’t just football; it’s grit; it’s resilience; it’s the triumph of the underdogs, and those unpredictable moments that stick with us long after the postseason. And hey, it’s educational too (or at least that’s my excuse for sitting on the couch all day). The game teaches us resilience, teamwork, and perseverance—reminding us that even the underdog can rise, a lesson worth carrying into our own lives. Whether it’s the Lions' high-octane offense, the Ravens' MVP-level quarterback play, or young challengers like the Commanders, every team left in the hunt has a story to tell and a case to make for the Lombardi Trophy. As fans, we can only sit back and enjoy the ride, knowing that the road to The Big Easy will be anything but easy.
Edited by Elle Chavis
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