The NFL wild-card Saturday doubleheader brought its usual mix of excitement and disappointment, showcasing dramatic highs and lows for teams and players. The Houston Texans and Los Angeles Chargers grappled with turnovers in a sloppy yet entertaining game, while the Baltimore Ravens comfortably handled the Pittsburgh Steelers. Here’s a breakdown of the winners and losers from Saturday’s action.
Winners
Derrick Henry returns to form
Derrick Henry reminded fans of his dominant playoff performances by rushing for 186 yards on 26 carries. His 44-yard touchdown run was pivotal in helping the Ravens secure their win. Now on Baltimore’s side, Henry delivered a punishing performance that mirrored his playoff exploits from years past.
Nico Collins rises to the occasion
Nico Collins emerged as a key player for the Texans, with seven catches for 122 yards and a touchdown. His performance steadied C.J. Stroud and helped Houston score 23 unanswered points. With injuries to Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell, Collins proved he’s a reliable WR1.
Todd Monken delivers on offense
Baltimore’s offensive coordinator showcased a dominant rushing attack, setting a postseason franchise record with 299 yards on the ground. Monken’s game plan effectively utilized Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, helping secure a decisive win.
Steve Spagnuolo capitalizes on opportunities
Kansas City’s defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is poised for another matchup with the Texans. His defensive strategies against Houston’s offensive line earlier this season led to significant pressure on the quarterback. The bye week provided Spagnuolo time to prepare, and his stock as a coaching candidate continues to rise.
Will Anderson Jr. shines on defense
The Texans’ defensive end demonstrated why he was the No. 3 overall pick, racking up 1½ sacks, two pass deflections, and three quarterback hits. Anderson’s breakout performance solidifies his potential as a future Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
Derek Stingley Jr. dominates
Fresh off his first All-Pro selection, Stingley recorded two interceptions, a forced fumble, and five passes defensed. His standout performance against Justin Herbert highlights his status as an elite cornerback and a cornerstone for the Texans’ defense.
Losers
Mike Tomlin faces scrutiny
Despite being a model of stability, Tomlin’s Steelers ended the season on a four-game skid, capped by a lopsided loss to Baltimore. With six consecutive playoff losses and uncertainty at key positions, questions about Tomlin’s future loom large.
Justin Herbert struggles under pressure
Herbert’s four-interception performance was a career-worst, with critical mistakes contributing to the Chargers’ loss. While other factors played a role, Herbert’s playoff record now stands at 0-2, inviting heightened scrutiny.
Chargers’ receiving corps disappoints
Despite Ladd McConkey’s record-breaking 197-yard game, other receivers struggled. Critical drops and miscues highlighted the group’s inconsistency, raising questions about its future configuration.
Steelers’ defense falters
Allowing 299 rushing yards in a playoff game is a franchise low point for Pittsburgh. Despite significant financial investment in the unit, their inability to stop the run underscores systemic issues.
Jim Harbaugh falls short
The Chargers’ head coach saw his team squander opportunities, managing only 50 rushing yards and three points off turnovers. Despite progress in his first season, the playoff loss stings for a franchise hungry for success.
Amazon Prime Video’s broadcast misses the mark
Saturday’s games, marred by turnovers and lopsided outcomes, didn’t deliver the thrilling content Amazon might have hoped for. The lackluster matchups may have dampened excitement for the streaming platform’s exclusive coverage.
Buffalo Bills face tough road ahead
With the Ravens set to visit for a divisional-round clash, the Bills face a challenging path in the playoffs. The alternative matchup with the Texans would have been a far less daunting prospect.
Saturday’s wild-card games showcased the unpredictable nature of playoff football. While some teams and players thrived, others left much to be desired, setting the stage for more drama in the weeks ahead.
