Wild Card weekend is upon us. With how unpredictable and chaotic the regular season was, who knows what the NFL scriptwriters might have in store for the postseason. Our first NFL playoffs without Manning, Brady or Mahomes since 1998 are setting up some interesting matchups. Rivalries, underdogs and well-balanced games are set to take place. It’s during January where the stars need to make their mark, and their contributions can make or break their team’s season. Who exactly are those x-factors for every team this time around? Let’s dive in and see.
New England Patriots: Milton Williams and Christian Barmore
Oct 19, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Milton Williams (97) celebrates the sack of Tennessee Titans quarterback Cameron Ward (1) with defensive tackle Christian Barmore (90) during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Drake Maye’s MVP-caliber campaign has taken the spotlight away from his stout defense. Namely, Christian Barmore and Milton Williams who have formed a brilliant duo and will need to take advantage of LA’s faulty offensive line. The two have combined for 86 pressures, and will be eager to continue adding to that number against the Chargers.
Chicago Bears: Kyler Gordon
Dec 26, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon (6) enters the field before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
The secondary in Chicago has sorely missed Kyler Gordon. With the recent decline of their pass-defense, Gordon’s value within Dennis Allen’s scheme is clear. In the last three weeks, the team has allowed 799 yards through the air, with two of those games amounting to losses. If Kyler Gordon returns healthy and is able to contribute, he could do wonders for Chicago’s pass defense.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Etienne
Dec 28, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) runs against Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
It’s no secret that Jacksonville’s wild card opponent, Buffalo, carries the burden of having one of the weakest run defenses in the game. In the first half of the season, Liam Coen’s offense was predicated on the ground game. More recently however, their RB1, Travis Etienne, and the run game by extension, have taken a step back. If the Jaguars want to hit the Bills where it hurts, they’ll need to return to their early season success.
Philadelphia Eagles: AJ Brown
Dec 28, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) prepares to catch a pass against Buffalo Bills cornerback Christian Benford (47) during the first quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Robert Salah and the 49ers aren’t blind to the struggles that the Eagles passing-attack is going through. They’ll likely force Jalen Hurts to throw the ball, and do their best to nullify Saquon Barkley. This is where AJ Brown will need to step up. San Francisco’s season has been riddled with injuries, but their secondary is unscathed. As such, Brown will need to utilize his larger frame and make the most out of every opportunity in order for Philly to advance.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Cameron Heyward and TJ Watt
Nov 26, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) celebrate a sack of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) in the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-Imagn Images
It’s shaping up to be a defensive bout in Pittsburgh for when the Steelers host the Texans. Aaron Rodgers and the offense are likely going to have a hard time moving the ball against Houston’s top-tier defense. This is where the home team’s heroes, TJ Watt and Cameron Heyward, will need to take over. They’ll need to stop the offense in its tracks, and not allow the game to get out of reach. Houston’s offensive line has notoriously been a liability, which makes Pittsburgh’s duo on the d-line a potential game-wrecker.
Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young
Dec 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Carolina’s offense lives and dies by their quarterback. This season, In matches where they’ve lost, Bryce Young has 1408 yards, 9 TDs and 8 INTs. Conversely, in wins, Young has 1603 yards, 14 TDs and just 3 INTs. Maybe it’s a bit of an obvious selection given the position he plays. Nevertheless, the weight on a signal-caller’s shoulders is exemplified for Young, and it’ll be key for him to be Dr. Jekyll instead of Mr. Hyde in order to complete the upset.
Houston Texans: Will Anderson Jr.
Nov 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) leaves the field after defeating the Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Arthur Smith’s offense, which consistently utilizes outside-zone runs, will hate to see Will Anderson Jr. Anderson is one of the best in the league at setting an edge, ranking seventh at his position in stops. Additionally, everyone knows the nightmare that he can be when rushing the passer. He’ll have a major impact on this game, and may even put a tragic end to Rodgers’ farewell tour.
Los Angeles Rams: Davante Adams
Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams (17) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
In terms of Red Zone scoring, Davante Adams has excelled with the Rams. While the well oiled machine that is Sean McVay’s offense is still chugging, adding Davante Adams makes a world of difference. If Adams returns and is playing at 100%, his impact in the Red Zone alone could shut the door on Carolina.
Buffalo Bills: Dalton Kincaid
Jan 4, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) makes a catch defended by New York Jets cornerback Samuel Womack III (39) during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
It’ll be a clash of two units that are the cream of the crop when Jacksonville’s run-defense tries to stop James Cook. However, what should be utilized against the Jaguars defense is the tight end room. More specifically, Dalton Kincaid. With Kincaid on the field, the Bills are 9-2 this season. Without him, they’re 2-3, and Josh Allen’s numbers take a noticeable dip when his TE1 is out. Furthermore, the Jaguars have allowed the seventh most yards to TEs per DVOA, making Kincaid’s inclusion in this match critical.
San Francisco 49ers: Ricky Pearsall
Dec 28, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (1) celebrates in the first half against the Chicago Bears at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
It’s still up in the air whether or not Pearsall will play. Regardless, his impact when healthy cannot be exaggerated. The threat he poses when going deep opens up the entire passing-attack for everyone else. While Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne are both great physical receivers, Pearsall completely changes the 49ers gameplan, allowing the others to run rampant.
Los Angeles Chargers: The Offensive Line
Aug 16, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh, center Bradley Bozeman (75), guard Jamaree Salyer (68) and guard Zion Johnson (77) enter the field before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
There’s one crucial task at hand for the Chargers, keeping Justin Herbert upright. Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater’s absence is truly felt, and the Chargers offensive line has allowed the most sacks by any team in the playoffs. While Herbert can make magic happen, it’s preferable that he doesn’t immediately get pressured when taking the snap. Additionally, the protection up front will have to stand their ground in the run as well. If the Chargers can’t get Omarion Hampton going, they’ll be in deep trouble.
Green Bay Packers: Josh Jacobs
Dec 7, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
For the first time since week 11, Josh Jacobs has no injury designation. His power and fit with the Packers run scheme allows the offense to flourish. Despite not being fully healthy, he made his mark during the first meeting between Green Bay and Chicago. He ran for 86 yards and a score on 20 carries, tiring out the Bears defensive line. Now, with no lingering injury issue hampering him, he’ll be a significant boost in this game.
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