You need stars to win in the playoffs, but sometimes it is the lesser-known players who sneak under the radar who can be the difference between a playoff win and a playoff loss. So let’s take a look at six under-the-radar players who could have a big impact on the NFL’s wild-card weekend.
You do not really appreciate a great kicker until your team has one.
Or perhaps does not have one.
Little is one of the NFL’s best weapons from the kicker position as he has literally expanded the field for Jacksonville in terms of where it can score from. He made a 70-yard field goal in the preseason. He has made a 67-yarder in the regular season. That sort of leg, combined with his accuracy, could be a difference-maker in a close game.
The Bears have done a great job surrounding quarterback Caleb Williams with offensive talent and an offensive-minded coaching staff, and Loveland has been one of the most underrated targets at his disposal.
He has made big plays for the Bears all season but has really come on strong over the past two weeks. During the Bears’ Week 17 and 18 games, he combined for 16 catches, 185 yards and two touchdowns. Given how thin the Green Bay Packers defense has been, and its reliance on zone coverage, he could be in a position to have a huge day on Saturday.
Another tight end who could be a major X-factor is Parkinson. The Rams passing game is built around wide receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, and they will almost certainly get their catches and yards against the Carolina Panthers.
Their presence, however, also draws attention to the outside. That attention can open things up in the middle of the field, and quarterback Matthew Stafford has taken advantage of that and made Parkinson a big-time player in the second half of the season.
All eight of his touchdown catches have come over the past nine games. That includes two touchdowns in their Week 18 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Cook was an afterthought on the Steelers roster when the season began, but multiple injuries at left tackle have forced him into a starting role. He is 27 years old and had never appeared in an NFL game until late in the season.
He has now started each of the past four games, drawing some massive matchups in Aidan Hutchinson, Bradley Chubb and Myles Garrett. He has more than held his own and given the Steelers shockingly solid play. He is going to get another huge test on Monday night against a Houston Texans defense that has one of the best edge-rushing duos in the NFL in Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. His ability to help slow them down will heavily dictate the Steelers/ chances for a win.
The 49ers pass rush has been nonexistent this season, and it is a problem. But it has shown some real improvement in recent weeks, and White, an in-season addition from the Patriots, has been one of the most disruptive players they have had.
It is hard to win in the NFL without a pass rush. White might be the best option the 49ers have right now. They need a big game from him if they are going to beat the Philadelphia Eagles.
The focus in the Chargers-New England Patriots game will naturally be on quarterbacks Drake Maye and Justin Herbert. For good reason. They are both fantastic.
But James will play a big role for the Chargers due to his ability to play up near the line and stop the run, while also being able to make plays against the pass. New England’s offense has been fantastic this season and James is going to need a big game to give the Chargers a chance.