The regular season is no more, but the lessons are still there. Two lessons per game in a rich NFL weekend. Sean McVay at the top, Sam Darnold on the bench and Jayden Daniels MVP? It's time to get wet!
Texans – Chargers (32-12): Justin Herbert suffocated
Justin Herbert, the shadow of a doubt
Justin Herbert is one of the most gifted quarterbacks of his generation, and a player who makes very few mistakes as evidenced by his total of 3 interceptions throughout the regular season. Unfortunately for him, he threw 4 in this playoff game. Two years after a cruel defeat against the Jaguars, after being more than 25 points ahead, Herbert's ability to win in the playoffs is called into question. He has time to catch up, but he risks having enormous pressure in the playoffs in the future. It will take a better Herbert to be competitive in the coming years.
Nico Collins, bigger stronger
Too big, not fast enough. Before the draft, Nico Collins' profile was divided as he did not fit into the boxes, and he was generally considered a “50-50” receiver. He is much more than that. Before his injury, he was the No. 1 receiver in the league. Back at his best level, he is the number 1 asset of the attack, and responded at the best time. The Texans have young people and talent.
Ravens – Steelers (28-14): Derrick Henry rolls on Pittsburgh
With Derrick Henry, it's easier
There aren't many players who can destroy a defense almost single-handedly. In fact, there is only one: Derrick Henry. While Baltimore has had years of struggling in the playoffs, they dominated their first round head and shoulders. the arrival of the future hall of famer is not unrelated to this change in performance in major matches. Baltimore will have a mission to win in Buffalo. Not easy, but with this runner everything is possible.
A renewal needed in Pittsburgh
The seasons follow one another and are similar for the Steelers. Better than expected in the regular season, Pittsburgh fails to compete with the best teams in the playoffs. The glass ceiling is real, and we're going to have to take risks to break it. AT the quarterback position, in the composition of the coaching staff or in the draft, the Steelers must become aggressive to avoid remaining in a frustrating in-between.
Bills – Broncos (31-7): Josh Allen too strong for Denver
Bo Nix has time
After a touchdown at the start of the match, the Broncos were logically crushed by the Bills. Nothing to call into question an incredibly encouraging season. Bo Nix has made a successful entry into the league, Sean Payton is still one of the best coaches in the league, and the defense has some promising young players. All the false ones are green, and the hard part begins: confirming.
No need for a number 1 receiver
Since the departure of Stefon Diggs, the question has been who will be the number 1 receiver. The answer? No one, and it doesn't matter. In the last game, Josh Allen used 8 targets, as he has done all season. This team is complete, and the targets are interchangeable. Danger comes from everywhere, and this unpredictable side will perhaps be the key in an AFC that is still very competitive.
Eagles – Packers (22-10): Dallas Goedert offers victory to Philadelphia
The Eagles are living in the 90s and it's working
Just two years ago, the Eagles went to the Super Bowl by combining running and risky passing plays, favoring long 50-50 passes and trusting the playmakers. Philadelphia changed strategy in 2024, relying almost exclusively on the ground and the best statistical defense in the league. Deliberately underutilizing Jalen Hurts, the Eagles are playing like they did in the 90s, prioritizing clock control and taking advantage of opponents' mistakes. It works, but we will have to test this strategy against better attacks like the Lions.
Jordan Love still needs to grow
Jordan Love was not at the expected level this Sunday, but it is difficult to evaluate this performance as he seemed physically hampered throughout the entire match. This match should serve as a learning experience for him, showing the path he has left before truly becoming a top quarterback in this league. The owner will also have to ask himself if the surrounding pieces are the right ones, from the line to the receivers to the coaching staff. Green Bay is not far away, you have to take advantage of it.
Buccaneers – Commanders (20-23): Washington at the buzzer!
Washington gives pleasure
Forget the statistics, the stakes, the score. You can just enjoy and watch beautiful football. Two years ago, Washington was still a team without identity, without soul with the worst owner in the league. This franchise is now on the right direction, with less problematic leadership. Everything is better, and Jayden Daniels is the star the franchise has been waiting for. If we must remain cautious, CJ Stroud jurisprudence, optimism is already a great victory.
Tampa Bay has the foundation for the future
When a division champion goes out in the first round, it's a disappointment. But the Buccaneers can smile. The aging squad of the title was quickly replaced in key positions, and the Floridians have an interesting group of young players, such as Antoine Winfield, Rachaad White, Jalen McMillan and Zyon McCollum. The division is weak, and Tampa Bay can continue its reign.
Rams – Vikings (27-9): Sam Darnold massacred
Sean McVay is generational
Sean McVay is already one of the greatest coaches of his generation, and probably THE best. After the title, hell was promised to the Rams. Instead, Sean McVay carries his team every year, renews his staff and gets the best out of his players. Again in this match, he crushed his opposite number, Kevin O'Connell, head and shoulders. The latter has just lost for the second time in the playoffs, although he was favorite in both meetings. He will have to question himself if he is not performing as well as in the regular season.
Sam Darnold avoids a headlock
Should Sam Darnold be extended? Should JJ McCarthy be traded? Should Sam Darnold remain the starter?
Here are all the questions that will not arise during this off-season. Sam Darnold disappointed, liquefying against the Lions in the last week and in the playoffs. In addition to probably losing a big contract, he ultimately shouldn't be part of the future in Minnesota. Perhaps a good thing for the franchise that can cut the cord without regret.
