The 2026 scouting combine gets underway next week, meaning we're only days away from the NFL rumo...

<p>The 2026 scouting combine gets underway next week, meaning we're only days away from the NFL rumor mill kicking into high gear. Decision-makers will mingle with agents as everyone starts making big plans for the weeks and months ahead.</p><p>With that in mind, here are 10 proposals for realistic deals we want to see this offseason.</p><h3>Maxx Crosby ➡️ Lions</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Maxx Crosby" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-An72f" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/An72f/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="157" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Do the Raiders want to trade Crosby? Probably not. But the relationship between player and team is clearly strained after he was shut down for the last two games of the 2025 season. And with Las Vegas embarking on what figures to be a multi-year rebuild, the superstar defensive end, who turns 29 in August, doesn't seem to line up with their competitive timeline. If Crosby wants out, the Raiders should welcome the opportunity to stockpile picks.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Lions will presumably be among the many teams lining up to take advantage. A pair of first-round selections might seem like a significant price to pay, as Crosby isn't quite on Micah Parsons' level as a pass-rusher. He's still among the league's premier players in that department, though, and he might be the NFL's best run defender, regardless of position - Crosby has recorded a league-high 133 tackles for loss since being drafted in 2019. A player like that lining up opposite Aidan Hutchinson would be terrifying for opposing offenses. Crucially, Crosby is also already under contract for the next four years, and the $116 million he's due over that stretch is a bargain relative to an exploding edge-rush market. If the Lions can get some better injury luck on the back end, this is the kind of move that could finally push them over the top.</p><h3>A.J. Brown ➡️ Ravens</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="A.J. Brown" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-nKe12" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/nKe12/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="137" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Perhaps the change at offensive coordinator opens the door for Brown to stay in Philly. That's the ideal outcome for the organization, as a trade would leave behind $43.4 million in dead money. But the fractures in this relationship seem to go much deeper than scheme. Even if a deal has to wait until after June 1, allowing his cap penalty to be spread over the next two years, the Eagles may have no choice but to move on. A package including a Day 2 pick and a replacement receiver is likely the best they could do.</p><p>Brown turns 29 in June. There are questions as to whether he's on the downside of his career after he barely cracked the 1,000-yard mark while posting a career-low 12.9 yards per catch last season. A fresh start should help, and his ability to overwhelm defensive backs isn't going anywhere. Brown is the exact type of physical boundary target the Ravens need opposite Zay Flowers. If the opportunity to play with Lamar Jackson brings out the dominant form we saw from Brown prior to his frustrating 2025 campaign, this trade would look like a steal for Baltimore. Assuming Jesse Minter's arrival has the expected impact on the Ravens' defense, Brown could be the piece that gets the team right back into Super Bowl contention.</p><h3>Kyler Murray ➡️ Vikings</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Kyler Murray" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-ZRbdq" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ZRbdq/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="119" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>A starting quarterback for a fourth-round pick? Yeah, it's complicated. No matter what you may think of Murray, he's worth more than a Day 3 selection. But the contract matters too. Having effectively telegraphed their decision to move on from the former No. 1 pick, the Cardinals can't expect to receive much from a team that will be inheriting $36.8 million in guarantees this year. The Cardinals should be happy with whatever they can get if another club is willing to take those commitments off their hands.</p><p>Murray is far from a perfect fit for the Vikings' offense, and his contract won't be easy to fit into a dicey salary-cap situation. If Minnesota is merely aiming to bring in some veteran competition for J.J. McCarthy, holding out hope he can still establish himself as the long-term quarterback, a reunion with Kirk Cousins may be the more logical move. But Murray is a unique talent who's shown flashes of top-12 quarterback play over his seven years in the NFL. Throwing to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in a Kevin O'Connell offense could help Murray reach that level on a more consistent basis. If that happened while Minnesota's defense remained excellent, the Vikings could quickly re-emerge as a playoff team.</p><h3>Jaylen Waddle ➡️ Bills</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Jaylen Waddle" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-BNfWx" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/BNfWx/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="137" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Bills have to make a big move at receiver. They were reportedly sniffing around Waddle at the trade deadline, and general manager Brandon Beane seemingly confirmed as much when he later said the Bills had the strongest offer on the table for an AFC East rival's wideout. With Miami in the midst of a complete teardown, the Bills should circle back and try to get this done.</p><p>Maybe the Dolphins will simply refuse to trade Waddle within the division. They wouldn't be the first team that has no interest in going up against one of its former star players two times per season. But what if Buffalo is the only team willing to offer a 2026 first-rounder? The Bills can rationalize the cost; a speedy wideout who can both stretch the field and make plays after the catch would go a long way toward maximizing what's left of Josh Allen's prime. Buffalo could even dangle former top pick Keon Coleman as part of the trade package if the Dolphins want to take a shot on a young wideout who could use a fresh start.</p><h3>T.J. Watt ➡️ Chargers</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="T.J. Watt" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-gUmOu" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/gUmOu/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="137" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Watt wearing anything other than black and gold would be unimaginably strange. And considering the Steelers' long-running distaste for rebuilds, we probably can't expect them to focus on the future. But this exercise is less about predicting what teams will do and more about identifying what they should do. As painful as it might be, moving on from Watt's expensive contract ahead of his age-32 season fits into the latter category for Pittsburgh. Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, and Jack Sawyer still make up a formidable trio of edge rushers.</p><p>After Watt's seven-sack season, the return for trading him would probably disappoint most Steelers fans. Los Angeles is one of the few teams that could justify the short-term move, though. With a projected $82 million in cap space - and a few obvious cuts that could push that number into the triple digits - the Chargers have a clear opportunity to go all-in and chase a Super Bowl in what may be their only season with Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator. Los Angeles should have plenty of money to spend even after bolstering the offensive line in free agency, and a turnover machine like Watt could help the defense maintain its level of play despite losing Jesse Minter as a coordinator.</p><h3>Trent McDuffie ➡️ Rams</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Trent McDuffie" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-H86cL" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/H86cL/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="137" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Kansas City could stop the McDuffie trade talk by working out an extension. The former first-rounder has put himself in a position to command between $25 million and $30 million per year on a new deal. The longer the Chiefs wait, the less eager they seem to meet that kind of price tag. After the Rams watched their secondary crumble, spoiling what could have been a Super Bowl season, they likely wouldn't hesitate to pay up.</p><p>Los Angeles is uniquely positioned to address its most glaring need with this kind of move, as last year's draft-day trade with Atlanta brought in an additional 2026 first-round pick (No. 13 overall). The Rams have strayed from their former "F them picks" philosophy since finding success drafting and developing their own stars, but the window to win with Matthew Stafford may not be open for much longer. Giving up the later of their two Day 1 picks to acquire one of the best corners in football would be a no-brainer for Sean McVay and Les Snead.</p><h3>D.J. Moore ➡️ Giants</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="DJ Moore" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-dVULq" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/dVULq/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="119" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Moore has long been a productive player, but Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and Colston Loveland represent a fascinating young trio of weapons to grow with Caleb Williams. And if Chicago is going to bolster the defense this offseason, it'll require freeing up some money. Trading Moore clears $16.5 million in cap space. The Giants, who need to give Jaxson Dart a strong No. 2 target alongside Malik Nabers, should be happy to take on the remaining four years of that contract at less than $25 million per season.</p><p>We don't often see a player-for-player trade in the NFL, but this one makes a lot of sense. The Giants can afford to move on from Thibodeaux with Brian Burns and Abdul Carter holding down the lead roles on the edge. The former first-rounder fills a glaring pass-rush need for Chicago, upgrading the starting spot opposite Montez Sweat. Thibodeaux is due $14.7 million for the option year of his rookie contract, and the Bears could create some additional short-term flexibility by bringing that number down with an extension.</p><h3>Budda Baker ➡️ Bears</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Budda Baker" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-IfKwx" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/IfKwx/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="119" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Bolstering the defensive line should only be the start of Chicago's efforts to retool the roster on that side of the ball. The Bears also have an obvious need on the back end of the defense, with Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker heading for free agency. Re-signing at least one of them would be ideal, but a splash move for Budda Baker is one heck of a way to upgrade the other spot.</p><p>While the Cardinals may resist the idea of parting with their eight-time Pro Bowl safety, the 30-year-old is unlikely to be a game-changer when this team is finally ready to compete. Arizona might be wise to pick up a Day 2 pick while it still can, and parting with Baker would save the organization $32 million in cash commitments over the next two years of the ongoing rebuild. The Bears can find a way to make the numbers work if it means adding a defensive playmaker who can help them take the next step toward Super Bowl contention.</p><h3>Denzel Ward ➡️ Eagles</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Denzel Ward" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-vacyA" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/vacyA/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="137" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Eagles will naturally be connected to any superstar edge rushers on the market, but that position group is in decent shape with Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt complementing the interior trio of Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Moro Ojomo. If Howie Roseman can find enough money for a big move on defense, why not round out the league's best cornerback room instead? Ward joining Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean would be nightmare fuel for opposing quarterbacks.</p><p>A pair of third-round picks admittedly seems a little light for one of the best cover men in football. The Browns could hold for more on account of the five-time Pro Bowler's continued high-level production. However, Ward will be 29 in June, making the Dolphins' 2023 trade for Jalen Ramsey the most relevant comparison. Ramsey, like Ward, had multiple years left on his contract at the time of that deal. Even so, the Rams managed to net only a single third-round pick and backup tight end Hunter Long from Miami. Unspectacular as this return may be for Ward, the additional draft capital would help the Browns stockpile talent that better matches their projected timeline for a return to relevance (it's going to be a while).</p><h3>Jonathan Greenard ➡️ Bengals</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Jonathan Greenard" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-eEUlQ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/eEUlQ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="137" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Vikings could have some tough decisions ahead, as they'll need to clear $43.2 million in cap space to get under this year's ceiling. Those efforts will have to go quite a bit further if they're planning any notable addition to the quarterback room, such as the above Kyler Murray proposal. Trading Greenard clears over $12 million in cap space. While that kind of move would be a major loss for Brian Flores' defense, Dallas Turner is likely ready to step into a more significant role opposite Andrew Van Ginkel on the edge.</p><p>Cincinnati needs all the help it can get on defense, particularly with Trey Hendrickson becoming a free agent in March. A pair of mid-round picks would be a small price to pay for a player who's just one year removed from a 2024 campaign in which he racked up 80 pressures, good for third behind only Hendrickson and Myles Garrett, according to PFF. Greenard could be the first and most important piece the Bengals add in an effort to put together a suitable defensive complement for one of the most potent scoring attacks in the game.</p><p><em>Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.</em></p>

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<p>The 2025 season is officially in the books, but the fun is just getting started.</p><p>The football news cycle kicks back into high gear soon: Free agency gets underway in March and the 2026 draft takes place in Pittsburgh at the end of April.</p><p>Here are some key storylines to monitor as teams prepare for a busy offseason.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>QB musical chairs</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821445/cropped_GettyImages-2181909006.jpg?ts=1770759176" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821445/w220xh124_GettyImages-2181909006.jpg?ts=1770759176 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821445/w320xh180_GettyImages-2181909006.jpg?ts=1770759176 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821445/w640xh360_GettyImages-2181909006.jpg?ts=1770759176 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821445/w768xh432_GettyImages-2181909006.jpg?ts=1770759176 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821445/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2181909006.jpg?ts=1770759176 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Perry Knotts / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Nothing makes NFL headlines quite like the quarterback carousel. And while there probably won't be any blockbusters involving superstars this year, plenty of notable passers could be on the move. A thin rookie class at the position gives QB-needy teams no choice but to be aggressive on the veteran market.</p><p>Kyler Murray is the top name in that group, as the Cardinals are reportedly exploring trade options for the former No. 1 overall pick. Still a dynamic playmaker when healthy, Murray should net Arizona some sort of Day 2 draft compensation. Tua Tagovailoa also appears to be on the way out in Miami after getting benched for the last few games of this season. And with $54 million in guarantees remaining on the mammoth extension he signed in 2024, he'd be able to join a new team on a league-minimum contract if the Dolphins released him.</p><p>Daniel Jones is the top quarterback scheduled to hit free agency. Although the torn Achilles he suffered in December may impact the earning potential his breakout season in Indy created, the Colts seem to be eyeing an extension. Any such deal would push Malik Willis to the top of the market in his place. After some impressive flashes in spot duty for the Packers, the former Titans third-rounder might end up being the latest example of a talented young passer who was written off too soon.</p><p>Kirk Cousins appears to have something left in the tank after a strong finish to the season with the Falcons, and don't forget about Derek Carr. The 34-year-old retired last offseason after two years with the Saints. But after recovering from his shoulder injury, there have been some rumblings that he's not necessarily done. Could Cousins or Carr be a short-term solution for a competitive team like the Vikings?</p><h3>A new era for Bills</h3><p>Firing Sean McDermott only to elevate Joe Brady as his replacement appears to signal the Bills' internal belief that the former head coach was the one holding this team back. That's not how most people on the outside interpret the situation, so we'll see who's proven right.</p><p>Brandon Beane surviving the turnover - and getting a promotion of his own in the process - is a bizarre outcome after a season in which Josh Allen clearly lacked a suitable supporting cast. While ownership appears to think the general manager can do no wrong, the pressure is now on Beane to deliver. There's nobody else left to shoulder the blame If this coaching change produces the same old heartbreak.</p><p>Could that finally force to Beane to get aggressive in addressing the most glaring issues on his roster? The Bills are long overdue to take a big swing for a No. 1 receiver. And the defensive line could use at least one major addition after a dreadful season in the run game. If Buffalo wants to avoid wasting what remains of Allen's prime, why not both? Beane's approach to the offseason will go a long way toward determining how the AFC shakes out next fall.</p><h3>Harbaugh's second act</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818323/cropped_GettyImages-2247005114.jpg?ts=1770759237" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818323/w220xh124_GettyImages-2247005114.jpg?ts=1770759237 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818323/w320xh180_GettyImages-2247005114.jpg?ts=1770759237 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818323/w640xh360_GettyImages-2247005114.jpg?ts=1770759237 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818323/w768xh432_GettyImages-2247005114.jpg?ts=1770759237 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818323/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2247005114.jpg?ts=1770759237 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Diamond Images / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Giants reeled in the big fish, closing a deal with John Harbaugh before other clubs even got a chance to make their pitch. For a team that's won just one playoff game since the 2011 Super Bowl season, cycling through seven different coaches over that stretch, landing one of the most respected leaders in the sport represents a massive win.</p><p>Harbaugh could very well catalyze a quick turnaround in New York. The Giants feature young talent at several key positions, which must have been a leading factor in attracting the longtime Ravens head coach. But filling out the rest of the roster will be a little more challenging than it is for most rebuilding teams; New York is currently projected to have less than $7 million in cap space. Can Harbaugh get creative and find the necessary value additions to help this team take off right away?</p><p>That might be more important than it seems at first glance. While Harbaugh has a well-earned reputation for culture-building and getting the most out of players, New York's coaching staff isn't exactly the star-studded group that many expected he'd be able to assemble. Matt Nagy was an uninspiring fallback plan at offensive coordinator when Todd Monken took the head coaching job in Cleveland, creating some pressing questions about whether Jaxson Dart is truly being set up for success.</p><h3>Titans to follow Patriots' lead?</h3><p>Nobody imagined the Patriots as a Super Bowl team at this time a year ago. Mike Vrabel made it happen by changing the culture and expertly turning over the roster with a free-agent spending spree. New England staged a record-tying 10-win turnaround and then rolled through the AFC playoffs, which should inspire teams facing daunting rebuilds this offseason. Could the Titans aim to follow a similar blueprint?</p><p>Building through free agency can be exceedingly risky - there's usually a reason players reach the open market in the first place. But New England showed what's possible if there's a clear vision for each addition to the roster. The Titans, just like the Patriots last year, enter the offseason with more than $100 million in cap space and the No. 4 overall pick in the draft. Adding a receiver or two and getting Robert Saleh the pieces he needs to build another great defense could be the first steps in capitalizing on Cam Ward's rookie contract.</p><h3>Chargers' rare opportunity</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801538/cropped_GettyImages-2192539360.jpg?ts=1770759454" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801538/w220xh124_GettyImages-2192539360.jpg?ts=1770759454 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801538/w320xh180_GettyImages-2192539360.jpg?ts=1770759454 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801538/w640xh360_GettyImages-2192539360.jpg?ts=1770759454 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801538/w768xh432_GettyImages-2192539360.jpg?ts=1770759454 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801538/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2192539360.jpg?ts=1770759454 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ian Maule / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Rebuilding teams shouldn't be the only big spenders this offseason. The Chargers are projected to have $83.5 million in cap space, and that number could easily approach triple digits with a few likely veteran cuts. It's rare that a team coming off an 11-win season has that kind of flexibility, never mind one with a superstar quarterback contract on the books.</p><p>The Chargers should be prepared to exhaust their resources given that this could be their only year with Mike McDaniel at offensive coordinator (other teams will give the former Dolphins head coach another look if this season goes well). For starters, they should take a page out of the Bears' book and aggressively overhaul the interior offensive line. Even after a few big additions to that group, they'll likely have plenty of money left to bring in some playmakers for new defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary. The Chargers could quickly become a trendy Super Bowl dark-horse pick if they can make the most of their unique situation.</p><h3>Maxx Crosby trade talk</h3><p>Crosby figures to be the offseason's most appealing potential trade chip. The Raiders probably don't want to move on from a player of his caliber, but they may not have much of a choice. Crosby's relationship with the team appears strained after the club shut him down for the last two games of the regular season. And considering the turmoil he's already endured in Las Vegas, it's tough to blame him if he doesn't want to stick around for a full-scale rebuild.</p><p>Crosby turns 29 in August, so the Raiders probably won't be able to command a Micah Parsons-like package. The return may not be far off, though. Not only is the five-time Pro Bowler an elite pass-rusher, but he may be the NFL's best run defender, regardless of position. He's also under contract for the next four years at affordable cap hits of less than $30 million. The opportunity to trade for that type of player without necessarily having to give him a market-setting deal could have contenders lining up.</p><h3>'F them picks' 2.0?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820156/cropped_GettyImages-2257689252.jpg?ts=1770759416" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820156/w220xh124_GettyImages-2257689252.jpg?ts=1770759416 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820156/w320xh180_GettyImages-2257689252.jpg?ts=1770759416 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820156/w640xh360_GettyImages-2257689252.jpg?ts=1770759416 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820156/w768xh432_GettyImages-2257689252.jpg?ts=1770759416 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820156/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2257689252.jpg?ts=1770759416 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>If there's one team that might offer the kind of package that would pry Crosby away from the Raiders, it's the Rams. Sean McVay and Les Snead, at one point the league's most aggressive team-builders, have shifted the organization's philosophy toward drafting and developing its own players. They probably had every intention of continuing those efforts when the Rams added an extra first-round pick (No. 12 overall, via Atlanta) in this year's draft. But there's a time and a place for everything.</p><p>With Matthew Stafford approaching the end of his career and Davante Adams likely not far behind, the Rams might revisit the daring "F them picks" strategy that helped them win a Super Bowl in the 2021 season. Los Angeles could have been the last team standing this season if its defense was better equipped to match up with Seattle in the NFC title game. Whether it's a player like Crosby, a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback, or both, the Rams could justify using their draft equity to take some big swings and maximize what remains of their championship window.</p><h3>Do something, Bengals</h3><p>The Bengals should be among the offseason's most aggressive teams. With Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins complemented by a suddenly capable offensive line, Cincinnati has the pieces to light up the scoreboard on a regular basis. A league-average defense is all that stands between the Bengals and becoming legitimate Super Bowl contenders.</p><p>A projected $54.5 million in cap space gives Cincinnati an opportunity to add several impact players. A few new veteran starters up front, along with some Year 2 development from Shemar Stewart and Demetrius Knight Jr., could brighten this group's outlook in a hurry. The question is whether the notoriously conservative front office will actually do what needs to be done. The Bengals will seal their own fate, and potentially antagonize their superstar playmakers, if they continue to sit back.</p><h3>Can Bears do it again?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821446/cropped_GettyImages-2214249693.jpg?ts=1770759550" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821446/w220xh124_GettyImages-2214249693.jpg?ts=1770759550 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821446/w320xh180_GettyImages-2214249693.jpg?ts=1770759550 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821446/w640xh360_GettyImages-2214249693.jpg?ts=1770759550 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821446/w768xh432_GettyImages-2214249693.jpg?ts=1770759550 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821446/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2214249693.jpg?ts=1770759550 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Reaves / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Bears remodeled their entire offense in their first offseason under Ben Johnson. If they can somehow replicate that magic on the other side of the ball and get defensive coordinator Dennis Allen the kind of players he needs up front, there's no reason Chicago can't emerge as a real threat to win the Super Bowl in Year 2.</p><p>Another strong draft class would help, but a tight salary-cap situation requires Ryan Poles to get creative if he plans to make any notable veteran additions. With Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III representing the future at receiver, and Colston Loveland well on his way to becoming one of the NFL's brightest stars at tight end, could the Bears dangle DJ Moore or Cole Kmet in trade talks? A few more savvy moves could help set the stage for a big 2026 season in Chicago.</p><h3>Chiefs look to bounce back</h3><p>The Chiefs rebounding from their first playoff absence since 2014 will depend more on schematic adjustments than a spending spree. They simply don't have the cap space to reshape the roster in free agency. If they can create some wiggle room after cuts and contract restructures, though, they might be able to make one big move that could help them return to Super Bowl contention: landing a difference-maker at running back.</p><p>A stout interior offensive line has long provided the foundation for an effective rushing attack. And with Eric Bieniemy returning as offensive coordinator after a year with the Bears, Andy Reid might finally embrace some under-center looks. A home-run hitter in the backfield would make the most of that potential. The Chiefs should have several options to acquire that kind of player - both Breece Hall and Kenneth Walker III are scheduled to be free agents. Or, if Kansas City does something else with its limited cap space, Notre Dame star Jeremiyah Love becomes a fascinating option with the No. 9 pick.</p><p><em>Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.</em></p>

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10 storylines that will define the NFL offseason

In this season's final edition of Sunday Rundown, Dan Wilkins analyzes Super Bowl LX's defining m...

<p><em>In this season's final edition of Sunday Rundown, Dan Wilkins analyzes Super Bowl LX's defining moments and examines their significance moving forward.</em></p><h3>Defense wins championships</h3><p>The prevailing sentiment coming out of this game will be that Super Bowl LX was a bit of a flop. And sure, a more competitive matchup would have been the ideal way to cap off a season that finally delivered parity. Some semblance of offensive fireworks probably wouldn't have hurt the watchability factor, either.</p><p>But don't let the relative lack of drama cause you to brush off everything the Seahawks just accomplished. The reason this game wasn't close is less about one team being a fraudulent participant, and more so a matter of the other being that damn good. And considering the way in which Seattle separated itself from the rest of the league, it should be easy to appreciate what we just witnessed.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Seahawks are, quite literally, built different. In a league dominated by superstar quarterbacks and offensive masterminds, Seattle found the ultimate counterpunch. Mike Macdonald, hired away from the Ravens in 2024, needed all of one year on the job to build one of the NFL's most suffocating defenses.</p><p>Nobody runs the ball on the Seahawks. Their 0.21 EPA/rush in the regular season was the best mark of any team since 2020. And as the Patriots found out Sunday night, this is the last defense you want to try solving in obvious passing situations.</p><p>Whether it was an overwhelming four-man rush, or some beautifully designed pressure packages involving second-level defenders, New England had no chance to block Seattle's defense. Drake Maye was under pressure 28 times on the night, the Seahawks' most in the Next Gen Stats era, and his six sacks were one shy of a Super Bowl record. Factor in three turnovers, including a pick-6 for the fourth-quarter dagger, and the result is the best defensive performance in a Super Bowl by EPA/play since 2015, according to TruMedia.</p><p>After so many years of teams cycling through hotshot offensive play-callers trying to find their own version of Kyle Shanahan or Sean McVay, perhaps Macdonald's instant success in Seattle can kick the door open for qualified candidates on the other side of the ball.</p><h3>Walker's big day</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821169/cropped_GettyImages-2260607860.jpg?ts=1770614970" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821169/w220xh124_GettyImages-2260607860.jpg?ts=1770614970 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821169/w320xh180_GettyImages-2260607860.jpg?ts=1770614970 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821169/w640xh360_GettyImages-2260607860.jpg?ts=1770614970 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821169/w768xh432_GettyImages-2260607860.jpg?ts=1770614970 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821169/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2260607860.jpg?ts=1770614970 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Kenneth Walker saved his best for last.</p><p>As spectacular as the Seahawks had been for much of the year, the run game was largely a source of frustration. The commitment never wavered, but a bottom-five rush success rate fell well short of what we'd come to expect from a Shanahan-esque, wide-zone system. The efficiency did start to tick up down the stretch, though, and the run game was there when it mattered most in the playoffs.</p><p>Walker was an especially interesting player to track this season. The explosive plays were never an issue - he recorded 10 runs of 20-plus yards, tied with Jahmyr Gibbs for third among all players at the position - but the down-to-down consistency wasn't quite there.</p><p>Perhaps he just needed a little more time in the system to start making the most of his natural gifts. Or maybe a true feature role, which was thrust upon him when Zach Charbonnet went down with a torn ACL in the divisional round, was always going to be necessary for him to find a rhythm.</p><p>Whatever the case may be, Walker delivered the most impressive performance of his career to lead Seattle past New England. His 135 rushing yards were the most in a Super Bowl since Terrell Davis in 1998. Crucially, he recorded a season-high 42 rush yards over expected, gaining an extra 79 yards on nine broken tackles, according to <a href="https://x.com/NextGenStats/status/2020708433285230715?s=20">Next Gen Stats</a>. The Patriots didn't concede more than 35 yards off missed tackles in any other game this season, and Walker's rushing total was the best individual rushing performance they allowed since 2023.</p><p>Walker earning Super Bowl MVP honors, and becoming the first running back to do so since Davis, is a dream way to head into free agency for the first time in his career. The Seahawks will undoubtedly want him back, and it's probably fair to assume that he'd prefer to stay. But there will be competition for an ascending back coming off this kind of performance under the brightest of lights.</p><h3>Super Bowl Sam</h3><p>Who could have imagined that we'd one day be talking about Sam Darnold as a Super Bowl champion quarterback?</p><p>Darnold wasn't necessarily at his best against the Patriots, completing just 19 of 38 passes for 202 yards and a touchdown, but he didn't have to be. It quickly became clear that this game could swing in either direction if one quarterback succumbed to the pressure being thrown his way.</p><p>There were some close calls early on, but Darnold did no such thing. After leading the league with 20 turnovers in the regular season, Darnold joined Drew Brees as the only quarterbacks to complete a turnover-free run to the Super Bowl this century. He also deserves credit for helping the Seahawks avoid negative plays in general, as he was sacked just once despite the Patriots turning up the heat and sending extra rushers at a 57.5% clip.</p><p>Darnold isn't a perfect quarterback, but he's a champion now. He got the Seahawks here with a sensational NFC title game performance against the Rams, and navigating the chaos against the same Patriots franchise that once had him "seeing ghosts" is one heck of a way to complete an all-time redemption arc.</p><h3>Maye crumbles</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821191/cropped_GettyImages-2260602125.jpg?ts=1770615137" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821191/w220xh124_GettyImages-2260602125.jpg?ts=1770615137 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821191/w320xh180_GettyImages-2260602125.jpg?ts=1770615137 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821191/w640xh360_GettyImages-2260602125.jpg?ts=1770615137 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821191/w768xh432_GettyImages-2260602125.jpg?ts=1770615137 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821191/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2260602125.jpg?ts=1770615137 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Maye coming up short in his first Super Bowl appearance takes nothing away from a spectacular sophomore season. The Patriots quarterback was a deserved runner-up to Matthew Stafford for MVP honors, and the final vote was exactly as close as it should have been. All of that can be true while we concede that Maye simply wasn't good enough Sunday night.</p><p>The Seahawks' defense is a challenge for any opponent, and the mismatch that group had against an underwhelming Patriots offensive line was bound to make this a particularly difficult task. Again, Seattle had Maye under duress on 28 dropbacks.</p><p>But there were also opportunities for him to make plays in the passing game, and he couldn't deliver. Is it possible that Maye's shoulder injury was more of an issue than the team let on? Or was this simply a matter of a young quarterback feeling the heat, even when he did have time in the pocket?</p><p>Either way, this wasn't the same budding superstar that we saw throughout the regular season. There were some bizarre misses in the Super Bowl, and an inexcusable pick deep down the middle on a second-and-3 in the fourth quarter all but sealed the game in favor of the Seahawks.</p><p>This may only be the beginning for a New England team that was supposed to be in the first year of a full-scale rebuild. With another offseason to continue stockpiling talent, this group could be in for another significant jump. But getting so thoroughly outplayed in the Super Bowl is a reminder of the work still left to do. Maye can't be asked to do it all himself if the Patriots are to narrow the gap between them and the Seahawks.</p><h3>Vrabel's costly decisions</h3><p>Mike Vrabel pushing all the right buttons in his first year on the job culminated in a record-tying 10-win turnaround and Coach of the Year honors. It feels a little strange to be nitpicking game-management decisions for a Cinderella team in the Super Bowl, but hey - this is the big leagues.</p><p>If the Patriots stood a chance at knocking off the powerhouse Seahawks, it was always going to require an expertly managed game. Vrabel didn't pass that test. First, it was opting to punt on fourth-and-1 from his own 41-yard line while trailing 12-0 midway through the third quarter. If ever there was a time to give your offense a spark, that was it.</p><p>Then came the decision to not attempt a two-point conversion after a touchdown made it 19-6. Settling for the single PAT ensured that the Patriots would still need two more touchdowns to have a chance. This one shouldn't even have been up for debate.</p><p>Seattle was the better team by such a wide margin that it's possible neither decision would have mattered in the end. But your head coach committing needless errors like that only ramps up the difficulty of pulling off an upset.</p><h3>Campbell a future guard?</h3><p>Anyone looking to be optimistic about the Patriots' chances of dealing with a ferocious Seahawks pass-rush likely would have pointed to the possibility that Will Campbell might look rejuvenated after the bye week. The first-round rookie had really struggled since making his late-season return from a knee injury, giving up three sacks and 11 pressures across New England’s first three playoff games.</p><p>Unfortunately for the Patriots, the results only got more disastrous in the Super Bowl. Campbell surrendered 14 pressures against the Seahawks, the most by any player in a game this season, according to <a href="https://x.com/RealJackAndrade/status/2020705028789743679?s=20">Next Gen Stats</a>.</p><p>There was a lot of talk heading into last year's draft that Campbell, who doesn't quite have the length teams are looking for on the outside, might be better suited at guard. The Patriots evidently didn't see it that way, selecting him over several other tackles with the No. 4 overall pick. Again, it's possible the injury was a major factor in his playoff performance, so we probably shouldn't make any sweeping conclusions just yet. Perhaps he gets back on track in that spot after an offseason to get healthy.</p><p>But the Patriots will have to keep a close eye on Campbell's development, and the staff shouldn't be afraid to make a change if necessary. Campbell can still be a long-term building block for this team on the interior of the offensive line. If that ends up being the move, a left tackle immediately becomes the team's No. 1 roster-building priority.</p><p><em>Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.</em></p>

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Sunday Rundown: Key takeaways from Super Bowl LX

The countdown is on.  With another Super Bowl in the books, draft nerds everywhere can officially...

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2026 NFL mock draft: Post-Super Bowl projections

While nobody could have anticipated a Super Bowl matchup between the Seahawks and Patriots at the...

<p>While nobody could have anticipated a Super Bowl matchup between the Seahawks and Patriots at the beginning of this season, it's a fitting finale given the way these teams performed throughout the year. Seattle, arguably the most complete team in football, enters as a considerable favorite. But New England is very much a threat to add yet another ring to its collection.</p><p>Here are three matchups that could swing the final result one way or the other.</p><h3>Patriots' OL vs. Seahawks' DL</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820825/cropped_GettyImages-2241049342.jpg?ts=1770391625" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820825/w220xh124_GettyImages-2241049342.jpg?ts=1770391625 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820825/w320xh180_GettyImages-2241049342.jpg?ts=1770391625 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820825/w640xh360_GettyImages-2241049342.jpg?ts=1770391625 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820825/w768xh432_GettyImages-2241049342.jpg?ts=1770391625 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820825/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2241049342.jpg?ts=1770391625 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kenneth Richmond / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Patriots' offense was nearly unstoppable throughout the regular season, tying the Rams for the league lead at 3.1 points per drive with an outcome, according to TruMedia. Drake Maye's breakout was the driving force. The sophomore sensation paced all quarterbacks with 0.28 EPA/dropback. For reference, Tom Brady topped that mark only twice in his Hall of Fame career.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It hasn't exactly been smooth sailing in the postseason, though. New England's per-drive scoring efficiency was slashed in half over the last three games, and Maye is 10th among playoff quarterbacks with minus-0.12 EPA/dropback. Over a season-long sample, that level of output would have fallen right between Geno Smith and J.J. McCarthy for 32nd among qualified passers.</p><p>To be clear, that's not an indictment of Maye. The Patriots quarterback simply hasn't had much of a chance - his offensive line's gotten worked in matchups against the Chargers, Texans, and Broncos. The struggling group has given up five sacks in each of those games, putting Maye four shy of matching Joe Burrow's unenviable record in a single playoff run. Unfortunately for New England, pass protection won't get any easier in the biggest game of them all.</p><p>The Seahawks' defense is pressuring opposing quarterbacks at a 42.7% clip during the playoffs despite blitzing on just 12% of dropbacks. That's a continuation of what we saw in the regular season, where Seattle was a top-six team in pressure rate while tying for 23rd in blitz frequency. In other words, the Seahawks rarely send extra rushers because they don't need to. A front four featuring DeMarcus Lawrence, Leonard Williams, Byron Murphy II, and Uchenna Nwosu, among other impact rotational pieces, has been more than enough to overwhelm opposing offensive lines.</p><p>The Patriots' chances of pulling off the upset will be significantly better if they can hold their own in the trenches. That largely relies on rookie left tackle Will Campbell, who's allowed three sacks and 11 pressures in three playoff games after making a late-season return from his knee injury. Will he be more capable of limiting Lawrence and Nwosu on the edge after getting some extra rest on the bye week? If not, it may be difficult for New England to find time for the downfield shots that powered this offense all season.</p><h3>Sam Darnold vs. pressure</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819118/cropped_GettyImages-2258183135.jpg?ts=1770391717" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819118/w220xh124_GettyImages-2258183135.jpg?ts=1770391717 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819118/w320xh180_GettyImages-2258183135.jpg?ts=1770391717 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819118/w640xh360_GettyImages-2258183135.jpg?ts=1770391717 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819118/w768xh432_GettyImages-2258183135.jpg?ts=1770391717 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819118/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2258183135.jpg?ts=1770391717 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Steph Chambers / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Sam Darnold is one game away from completing an all-time redemption arc. A good chunk of the football world probably still has a tough time wrapping their heads around the idea of a former draft bust becoming a legitimate Super Bowl quarterback, but this is no fluke. His late-career breakout was - and remains - very real.</p><p>That said, Darnold represents the Patriots' best opportunity to steal this game. Although he emerged as one of the NFL's best vertical passers this season, the veteran still has a penchant for giving the ball away. Darnold accounted for a league-worst 20 turnovers during the regular season. His 14 interceptions, third behind only Geno Smith and Tua Tagovailoa, are the most he's thrown since his rookie campaign in 2018.</p><p>The New England defense should have plenty of opportunities to force him into mistakes. While Seattle remained committed to the ground game all year, ranking third in run rate in 2025, it yielded mostly middling results: The Seahawks finished as a bottom-five team in rush success rate. And the Patriots' defense has dominated the line of scrimmage since Milton Williams' return, posting a 60.3% rush success rate in the playoffs. That clears Tampa Bay's league-best mark from the regular season.</p><p>If those trends hold, Darnold might have to play hero. His NFC title game performance against the Rams - whose defense had forced him into eight turnovers over the previous three meetings - should eliminate any doubt about his ability to rise to the occasion. Darnold punched the Seahawks' ticket to the Super Bowl with a career-best outing, throwing for 346 yards and three scores - all of them under pressure. But after tying for 24th in EPA/dropback against pressure in the regular season, the Patriots will be eager to see if they can bring him back to earth.</p><p>New England has ratcheted up the chaos throughout the playoffs, blitzing opponents on 39.8% of dropbacks. That's meaningfully higher than the team's 27.2% rate in the regular season. Those strategic adjustments have produced spectacular results: The Patriots lead all playoff teams in both pressure rate (51.9%) and turnovers (eight). If Darnold can once again avoid costly errors, he'll likely put the Seahawks in position to come away with their second Super Bowl title. In a tightly contested defensive battle, though, one timely takeaway could open the door just enough for the underdogs.</p><h3>The return game</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820826/cropped_GettyImages-2248926104.jpg?ts=1770391957" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820826/w220xh124_GettyImages-2248926104.jpg?ts=1770391957 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820826/w320xh180_GettyImages-2248926104.jpg?ts=1770391957 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820826/w640xh360_GettyImages-2248926104.jpg?ts=1770391957 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820826/w768xh432_GettyImages-2248926104.jpg?ts=1770391957 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820826/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2248926104.jpg?ts=1770391957 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>We should probably expect a close, low-scoring game given the way these defenses have been playing. With that in mind, don't be surprised if a big play on special teams ends up being the deciding factor.</p><p>Seattle appears to hold the advantage in that underrated area of the game, having finished the regular season ranked third in special teams EPA. The main factors in that output: The Seahawks led the league in opponent starting field position after kickoffs, ranked third in their own starting field position after kickoffs, and produced a top-three mark in yards per punt return.</p><p>And they did that without adding Rashid Shaheed until the trade deadline. As we saw on the opening kick of the divisional round - and twice in his nine regular-season games with the Seahawks - the dynamic return man is always a threat to score. It goes without saying that New England has to find a way to keep him under wraps. But the Patriots will also have opportunities to make game-changing plays of their own.</p><p>Seattle's special teams prowess didn't extend to punt coverage: Only the Rams fared worse than the Seahawks' 15.5-yard average return. New England is uniquely equipped to capitalize on this relative weak spot, having finished the year with 17.3 yards per punt return - the best of any team since 2019. Marcus Jones earned second-team All-Pro honors for his contributions on that front, including touchdown returns of 87 and 94 yards.</p><p>We haven't seen a special teams touchdown in a Super Bowl since Percy Harvin with the Seahawks at the end of the 2013 season. If this is the year the drought ends, it may well determine which team raises the Lombardi Trophy.</p><p><em>Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.</em></p>

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3 matchups that will decide Super Bowl LX

Nobody could have forecasted this Super Bowl matchup when the 2025 season got underway.  Part of ...

<p>Nobody could have forecasted this Super Bowl matchup when the 2025 season got underway.</p><p>Part of the shock is that the football world had primarily grown accustomed to seeing the same few teams on the biggest stage. The Kansas City Chiefs were the AFC representative in a staggering five of the last six years, while the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers combined for four appearances on the NFC side over that same stretch. Suffice to say, the end of Tom Brady's reign wasn't nearly enough to kickstart a new era of parity.</p><p>The Chiefs and Eagles falling off a cliff this season has, at least temporarily, opened the door for some new blood at the top, but still, the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots? The real reason this matchup feels so far out of left field is that these clubs were in the early stages of rebuilding under new leadership. As it turns out, timelines get accelerated when you knock a head coaching hire out of the park. The example set by this year's final two should provide hope for the 10 teams - nearly one-third of the NFL - making changes in that all-important spot this offseason.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Mike Macdonald's first year on the job in 2024 was largely successful, with a 10-7 record marking the Seahawks' best finish since 2020. Most notably, he laid the foundation for an elite defense. Seattle ranked third in EPA/play from Week 9 through the end of that regular season that year, according to TruMedia.</p><p>The offense was a different story. Macdonald's decision to hand the keys to Ryan Grubb, a career college assistant, proved to be a mistake. The unit often appeared disjointed throughout the 2024 campaign, ranking 19th in EPA/play while giving up 54 sacks, tied for third-most in the league and the second-worst total in franchise history. Although Macdonald probably could've justified staying the course after narrowly missing the playoffs on a tiebreaker that decided the NFC West, a change became imperative if he wanted to build a championship-caliber team. His swift pivot to replace Grubb with Klint Kubiak immediately accelerated the Seahawks' progress beyond expectations.</p><p>General manager John Schneider also deserves credit for the bold move to swap out Geno Smith for Sam Darnold. Still, it wouldn't matter who was at quarterback unless the offense had a system that put players in position to succeed. Kubiak has been a dream addition on that front, installing one of the NFL's most explosive scoring attacks. Seattle finished the 2025 regular season with the third-highest rate of passing plays gaining 16-plus yards (16.9%).</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818751/cropped_GettyImages-2252661074.jpg?ts=1770054640" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818751/w220xh124_GettyImages-2252661074.jpg?ts=1770054640 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818751/w320xh180_GettyImages-2252661074.jpg?ts=1770054640 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818751/w640xh360_GettyImages-2252661074.jpg?ts=1770054640 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818751/w768xh432_GettyImages-2252661074.jpg?ts=1770054640 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818751/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2252661074.jpg?ts=1770054640 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brooke Sutton / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Just like that, Macdonald had an ideal complement on the other side of the ball. And with his defense taking another meaningful step forward - resembling the 2022 and '23 Baltimore Ravens units that made Macdonald a rising star in the industry - Seattle emerged as the most complete team in football. Not bad for the second season under a first-time head coach.</p><p>Then there's the Patriots. The future was undeniably bright with Mike Vrabel returning to the organization where he won three Super Bowls as a player. Given that he consistently helped the Tennessee Titans play above their talent level over six years as their head coach, it seemed only a matter of time before he'd have New England back in the playoff mix. But after inheriting a team coming off a disastrous 4-13 season, patience was expected as the rebuild took shape.</p><p>Every button Vrabel has pushed since taking the job in January has been a stroke of genius. First, he brought back Josh McDaniels as the offensive coordinator to oversee Drake Maye's development. Then came the free-agent spending spree to turn over the roster. Dishing out a series of big-money contracts isn't typically a wise team-building strategy, but the Patriots evidently had a clear vision for each player they targeted. Milton Williams, Stefon Diggs, Carlton Davis, Morgan Moses, Harold Landry III, and Robert Spillane all delivered significant value right out of the gate. An excellent draft class - focused on bolstering Maye's supporting cast with the club's first four picks - was the cherry on top of an outstanding offseason.</p><p>Though the roster was far from perfect, the wholesale changes and Vrabel's ability to maximize talent were enough to produce a record-tying 10-win improvement from 2024. And it wasn't a fluke. By finding a different formula for success in the playoffs, New England dispelled any narrative that it benefited from a soft schedule.</p><p>To that point, it's been Vrabel's defense leading the team's Super Bowl run. A struggling offensive line has limited Maye's postseason production, but a new, ultra-aggressive approach on the other side of the ball is making life just as difficult for opposing quarterbacks. The Patriots blitzed at a 39.8% clip over the last three games, up from 27.2% in the regular season. The result has been a 51.9% pressure rate and eight turnovers, both tops among all playoff teams. An upset win over the Seahawks is absolutely on the table if those trends hold for one more contest.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820163/cropped_GettyImages-2255145729.jpg?ts=1770054502" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820163/w220xh124_GettyImages-2255145729.jpg?ts=1770054502 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820163/w320xh180_GettyImages-2255145729.jpg?ts=1770054502 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820163/w640xh360_GettyImages-2255145729.jpg?ts=1770054502 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820163/w768xh432_GettyImages-2255145729.jpg?ts=1770054502 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820163/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2255145729.jpg?ts=1770054502 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Winslow Townson / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Of course, there are only so many coaches who can swing an organization's fate as Macdonald and Vrabel have in such a short period. While some teams could benefit from a little more patience, you can also understand why many are quick to make a change as soon as it becomes clear that the head coach in place isn't a true game-changer. Why not keep taking swings until you find a superstar leader of your own?</p><p>Among those involved in the coaching carousel this year, the Ravens would appear to be the closest comparison to the Seahawks. Jesse Minter comes from the same Baltimore-Michigan pipeline as Macdonald, and his track record over the last two years with the Los Angeles Chargers suggests it may not be long before the Ravens are again dominating on the defensive side. Pairing that kind of unit with a Lamar Jackson-led offense could produce an even faster turnaround than the two-year project we've seen in Seattle.</p><p>As for a long-shot Patriots parallel, why not the Titans under Robert Saleh? Cam Ward, like Maye, is a supremely talented quarterback coming off a promising debut season. His development should benefit from the addition of Brian Daboll, another former head coach, as offensive coordinator. And say what you will about Saleh's first stint in a lead job, but it sure didn't take him long to build one of the NFL's best defenses with the New York Jets, of all teams. The No. 4 overall pick and upwards of $100 million in cap space - the same resources New England used to perfection last offseason - give Tennessee a real opportunity to get Saleh all the talent he needs in short order.</p><p>Vrabel and Macdonald immediately putting their organizations on the cusp of Super Bowl glory is indeed more of an exception than a rule. Most clubs making a change this offseason will be right back in the same spot a few years from now. But the Patriots and Seahawks getting to the big stage is also an important reminder of what's possible with the right leaders in place. Until proven otherwise, each team embarking on a new era this offseason has reason to believe it could be next.</p><p><em>Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.</em></p>

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A Seahawks-Patriots Super Bowl gives rebuilding teams hope

Dan Wilkins, theScore's senior NFL writer, provides instant analysis at the time of every head co...

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NFL coaching hire grades: Full analysis with all 10 jobs filled

Sunday Rundown recaps the most important developments from the day's action and examines their si...

<p><em>Sunday Rundown recaps the most important developments from the day's action and examines their significance moving forward.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Rams-Seahawks" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-gY9i7" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/gY9i7/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="100" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><h3>Darnold's career night</h3><p>Consider those demons exorcised.</p><p>For anyone not quite ready to buy in on Sam Darnold as a championship-caliber quarterback, this matchup was always going to be the measuring stick. The Rams defense had given him fits in three straight meetings dating back to last year's playoffs when nine sacks and a pair of turnovers marked a tragic end to his Vikings career. This year, it was six interceptions across two games in the regular season. Chris Shula seemed to have his number.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Bouncing back to light up the Rams in the biggest game of his career should effectively dispel both those narratives and any others that have followed him since a disastrous tenure with the Jets. Darnold was locked in, completing 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns - all of which came under pressure. His 0.47 EPA/dropback, according to TruMedia, marks the best game of any quarterback in the playoffs so far this season.</p><p>Darnold has plenty of support in the form of a creative play-caller, a superstar receiver, and one of the best defenses in football. The Seahawks indeed deserve credit for creating a situation where a quarterback can be successful. But make no mistake: this team isn't sniffing a Super Bowl without Darnold doing what he's done to make all those who questioned Seattle's offseason quarterback change (*raises hand*) look silly.</p><p>And meeting New England on football's biggest stage now provides him with an opportunity to cap off the redemption arc in the most fitting way imaginable. The Patriots, you may recall, were the opponent for his viral "seeing ghosts" moment with the Jets back in 2019.</p><h3>Was that their chance?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819127/cropped_GettyImages-2258189806.jpg?ts=1769401955" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819127/w220xh124_GettyImages-2258189806.jpg?ts=1769401955 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819127/w320xh180_GettyImages-2258189806.jpg?ts=1769401955 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819127/w640xh360_GettyImages-2258189806.jpg?ts=1769401955 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819127/w768xh432_GettyImages-2258189806.jpg?ts=1769401955 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819127/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2258189806.jpg?ts=1769401955 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ronald Martinez / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Rams coming up short in Seattle marks a devastating end to what could have been a magical playoff run. Most fan bases can get over this kind of letdown by looking ahead and buying in on the possibility of building off such a promising run. And with Sean McVay at the helm, it's probably easy to convince yourself that there will be more such opportunities down the road. Next year, though? Well, that depends.</p><p>Matthew Stafford reportedly intends to play again in 2026, so we probably don't have to spend much time entertaining the possibility of a retirement. But can the Rams really count on another MVP-type season from a quarterback who turns 38 in February? And as they found out after sidestepping a worrying preseason back issue, injuries only become more of a concern with age.</p><p>And what about Davante Adams? The future Hall of Fame receiver was the perfect addition opposite Puka Nacua. While no longer the type of player that commands extreme volume, his ability to eat up one-on-one matchups in the red zone was a major factor in Stafford's 46-touchdown season. Does he take a step back during a 2026 campaign in which he'll turn 34?</p><p>And then there's the potential brain drain on the coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, and defensive coordinator Chris Shula are all candidates for head coaching jobs around the league. Does either side of the ball take a step back in the event some of those key assistants have to be replaced?</p><p>I certainly wouldn't bet against one of the best organizations in the sport finding a way to be right back here next year. But not getting it done this season when so many things went right has to sting particularly hard. It might've been the best chance this group is going to get for the forseeable future.</p><h3>Another special teams blunder</h3><p>The special teams battle was one of several matchups I thought might decide this game. More specifically, I was focusing in on the Rams needing to contain Rashid Shaheed. They did manage to do so, but that didn't stop their kicking unit from finding other ways to make costly errors.</p><p>The Rams had a chance to take an early third-quarter lead after getting a stop to open the second half, but Xavier Smith tripped as he retreated to field a punt from Michael Dickson. The ball bounced off his shoulder as he fell to the ground, and the Seahawks were able to recover. Darnold wasted no time making the Rams pay, finding Jake Bobo for a 17-yard score to make it a 24-13 game on the very next snap.</p><p>Smith's blunder can't be chalked up to coaching - this was simply a bad-luck play at the worst possible time. But failures in the kicking game were a running theme all year long for Los Angeles. McVay was forced to make a change at coordinator with two games left in the regular season, as his team sat dead last in special teams EPA after a punt-return score from Shaheed sparked Seattle's comeback win in Week 16.</p><p>The Rams sat atop my power rankings for seven straight weeks over the second half of the season because at the time, I saw them as the most complete team in football. As it turns out, that label was always conveniently overlooking this critical third phase of the game. With the Seahawks having no such issues in that regard, ranking second in special teams EPA during the regular season, it should now be clear who the real No. 1 was all along.</p><h3>Kubiak dazzles</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816381/cropped_GettyImages-2237567125.jpg?ts=1769402027" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816381/w220xh124_GettyImages-2237567125.jpg?ts=1769402027 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816381/w320xh180_GettyImages-2237567125.jpg?ts=1769402027 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816381/w640xh360_GettyImages-2237567125.jpg?ts=1769402027 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816381/w768xh432_GettyImages-2237567125.jpg?ts=1769402027 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816381/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2237567125.jpg?ts=1769402027 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Christian Petersen / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>I've had a hard time trying to figure out what to make of Klint Kubiak as a head coaching candidate this year. The hype always made sense - an offensive breakout is what pushed the Seahawks over the top. Only two teams had a higher explosive pass rate than Seattle's 17.3% during the regular season.</p><p>But there were some rough patches mixed in there, including with a run game that didn't quite hit its stride until the stretch run. I couldn't help but think this may be the latest example of a hotshot offensive coordinator getting bumped to the front of the line a little too quickly. After watching Kubiak put on a clinic against the Rams, I hereby retract any such concerns.</p><p>While it certainly helps to have a wideout like Jaxon Smith-Njigba to serve as the centerpiece of the passing game, Kubiak just has so many ways to attack defenses and create favorable matchups for his playmakers. Smith-Njigba was the star of the show Sunday night, racking up 10 catches for 153 yards and a touchdown, but don't overlook the way Kenneth Walker was used out of the backfield. The Seahawks running back finished the night with 49 yards on four catches, three of which went for first downs.</p><p>Kubiak figures to be a popular man during the upcoming bye week, with several teams still looking to fill head coaching vacancies. The Seahawks will be happy to see him get that opportunity to lead a team of his own if he can help them finish the job, but you can bet they'll be doing everything they can to convince him to stick around just one more year. Mike Macdonald's bold move to make a change after one year of Ryan Grubb has yielded spectacular results.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Patriots-Broncos" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-SOZDS" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/SOZDS/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="100" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><h3>Maye's legs make the difference</h3><p>The Patriots' passing attack couldn't find any sort of rhythm for the third time in as many weeks. A struggling offensive line was once again the primary factor on that front, but the stadium turning into a snow globe didn't help. Drake Maye still found a way, though. In the end, his do-it-all skill set was the difference in New England advancing to Super Bowl LX.</p><p>Maye had the perfect answer for a collapsing pocket against the Broncos, tallying 57 yards on three scrambles. Accounting for situational factors - all three of those runs went for first downs - that works out to 6.37 scramble EPA. The list of playoff performers in that territory over the last 12 years makes for some pretty exclusive company.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819069/Screenshot_2026-01-25_at_6.11.28_PM.jpg?ts=1769382723" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819069/Screenshot_2026-01-25_at_6.11.28_PM.jpg?ts=1769382723 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819069/Screenshot_2026-01-25_at_6.11.28_PM.jpg?ts=1769382723 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819069/Screenshot_2026-01-25_at_6.11.28_PM.jpg?ts=1769382723 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819069/Screenshot_2026-01-25_at_6.11.28_PM.jpg?ts=1769382723 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819069/Screenshot_2026-01-25_at_6.11.28_PM.jpg?ts=1769382723 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption">via TruMedia <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><p>And the scramble numbers don't even include the two game-changing plays Maye made on designed runs: a six-yard score late in the second quarter and a seven-yard dash on a naked boot to seal the win late in the fourth. This is exactly why the NFL has been trending toward big-time athletes at the quarterback position. An elite downfield passer also being able to offer this kind of rushing upside is a true game-changer.</p><p>The Patriots have to shore up their pass protection if the offense is going to get back on track in a tough matchup with the Seahawks in Super Bowl LX. Will Campbell struggling since his return from a knee injury has been a critical factor in Maye taking five sacks in each of New England's three playoff games. But this team's ability to overcome any such issues is a truly special quality.</p><h3>Vrabel's defense does it again</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819128/cropped_GettyImages-2257694004.jpg?ts=1769402090" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819128/w220xh124_GettyImages-2257694004.jpg?ts=1769402090 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819128/w320xh180_GettyImages-2257694004.jpg?ts=1769402090 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819128/w640xh360_GettyImages-2257694004.jpg?ts=1769402090 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819128/w768xh432_GettyImages-2257694004.jpg?ts=1769402090 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819128/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2257694004.jpg?ts=1769402090 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kara Durrette / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>New England's defense certainly held its own throughout the regular season, but Maye lighting it up at the helm of a Josh McDaniels offense was the driving force behind this incredible one-year turnaround. Those roles have effectively been reversed in the postseason.</p><p>Some will shrug off this latest defensive performance as a product of playing a backup quarterback in the snow. While it's true that the final score may not have looked quite as sparkling under different circumstances, the reality is that this defense has now dominated three straight opponents. Personnel is one part of the equation, with a healthy Milton Williams giving New England a game-breaker in the middle, but it's also a matter of the coaching staff consistently looking to attack in these do-or-die games.</p><p>The Patriots entered this week with a 40.6% blitz rate in the playoffs, up from 27.2% in the regular season. That unit was once again creating chaos in the passing game Sunday, getting to Stidham for three sacks and eight quarterback hits. The latter matches a season-worst total for a Broncos offense that has done well to limit pressure and negative plays all year.</p><p>New England will have its hands full on defense in the Super Bowl, as the Seahawks are far more difficult to contain than the Chargers, Texans, and Broncos. Considering the way that unit has elevated its game over the last three weeks, though, it shouldn't come as a surprise if Mike Vrabel's unit is once again up to the task.</p><h3>Big mistake sinks Stidham</h3><p>Jarrett Stidham seemed like he was well on his way to shocking the world. After shaking off some early jitters, the Broncos quarterback ignited the home crowd by torching New England's defense with a 52-yard strike to Marvin Mims. Two plays later, he rolled out to find Courtland Sutton in the end zone to give Denver a 7-0 lead. The way the Broncos defense was swarming, it didn't feel like he'd need many more points, so long as he could avoid major mistakes.</p><p>Unfortunately for Denver, the game-changing blunder came when he tried to do too much on a critical third down before halftime. Stidham held the ball too long while drifting back in the pocket and took a big hit on the eventual pass attempt. The contact resulted in a backward pass, officially ruled a fumble recovered by New England on the Broncos' 12-yard line. The Patriots took advantage, tying things up two plays later. The Broncos didn't score again.</p><p>Perhaps this ends up being a different game if Sean Payton opts to take the field goal on a failed fourth down to make it a 10-point game midway through the second quarter. There was certainly an argument to take the points in a game like this. Or maybe Stidham would've had easier opportunities to redeem himself if the weather didn't take a turn for the worst. But the second-half numbers aren't conducive to winning either way: Stidham completed just 5 of 10 passes for 10 yards and a late interception that all but sealed the loss.</p><p>The Broncos tapping out of the playoffs after losing their starting quarterback in the final minutes of a divisional-round victory will be a bitter pill to swallow. While it's no guarantee that the final result would have been any different with Bo Nix, it's possible that his scrambling skills could have matched the situational impact we saw from Maye. Either way, it was a season to remember for Denver. And with Russell Wilson's contract finally off the books in 2026, this may only be the beginning of an extended window to compete for a Super Bowl.</p><p><em>Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.</em></p>

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Sunday Rundown: Key takeaways from conference title games

And then there were four.  Championship weekend is officially here, and the two best teams in eac...

<p>And then there were four.</p><p>Championship weekend is officially here, and the two best teams in each conference found their way to their respective title games.</p><p>Let's dive into each of Sunday's contests, breaking down the matchups that could decide who will be moving on to Super Bowl LX.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h2>AFC championship</h2><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Patriots vs. Broncos" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Ek7Dv" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Ek7Dv/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="109" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><h3>Jarrett Stidham vs. Patriots' defense</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818785/cropped_GettyImages-2255476111.jpg?ts=1769190109" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818785/w220xh124_GettyImages-2255476111.jpg?ts=1769190109 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818785/w320xh180_GettyImages-2255476111.jpg?ts=1769190109 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818785/w640xh360_GettyImages-2255476111.jpg?ts=1769190109 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818785/w768xh432_GettyImages-2255476111.jpg?ts=1769190109 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818785/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2255476111.jpg?ts=1769190109 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">C. Morgan Engel / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Bo Nix breaking a bone in his ankle at the end of last week's win over the Bills put the Broncos in an incredibly tough position. Sean Payton now turns to veteran backup Jarrett Stidham, who's made four career NFL starts and hasn't thrown a pass in a non-preseason game since 2023. It's only natural to assume that Denver's Super Bowl dreams are effectively dead. But don't be so sure.</p><p>Stidham will be in tough against a Mike Vrabel defense that appears to be peaking at the perfect time. New England terrorized Justin Herbert and C.J. Stroud in the first two rounds of the playoffs. The healthy return of big-ticket free agent signing Milton Williams - along with a 40.6% blitz rate (up from 27.2% in the regular season), according to TruMedia - has produced consistent chaos in the pass game. After ranking 12th with a 38.4% pressure rate in the regular season, the Patriots are second behind the Seahawks at 52.1% in the playoffs. The result? Nine sacks and a playoff-leading six turnovers. If they can maintain that form against a relatively inexperienced backup, the Patriots may well cruise into the Super Bowl.</p><p>But Stidham should have more support than Herbert and Stroud got from their subpar offensive lines. Denver allowed the fifth-lowest pressure rate during the regular season (32.6%), and only 12 teams surrendered a lower pressure rate when blitzed (42.8%). The Broncos will need to keep it up; Stidham does his best work from the pocket and will need to be particularly effective in that regard to replicate the overall impact of Nix, who also contributes as a runner.</p><p>Any Broncos fans seeking reasons for optimism can look back to a Stidham spot start with the Raiders in 2022. With Derek Carr benched for the stretch run, Stidham drew in against the 49ers, the NFL's best defense by EPA/play. He left little doubt about his natural skills as a passer, putting up 365 yards and three touchdowns. After three full years in Payton's system, don't be surprised if Stidham can manage the offense well enough to give the Broncos a chance.</p><h3>Broncos' pass rush vs. Patriots' O-line</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808891/cropped_GettyImages-2234194543.jpg?ts=1767686331" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808891/w220xh124_GettyImages-2234194543.jpg?ts=1767686331 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808891/w320xh180_GettyImages-2234194543.jpg?ts=1767686331 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808891/w640xh360_GettyImages-2234194543.jpg?ts=1767686331 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808891/w768xh432_GettyImages-2234194543.jpg?ts=1767686331 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808891/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2234194543.jpg?ts=1767686331 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Justin Edmonds / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>It can be dangerous to reduce football games to a battle between quarterbacks. A Patriots offense led by MVP candidate Drake Maye clearly has more firepower than a Broncos scoring attack that's handing the keys to its backup signal-caller. Nobody would be picking against New England if those were the only factors. But plenty of other players (and coaches) also get some say in the game's outcome. Can the Patriots' offensive line keep Denver's pass rush from leveling the playing field?</p><p>Few defenses in NFL history have gotten after quarterbacks like this edition of Broncos. That group recorded 68 sacks in the regular season, just four shy of the all-time record set by the 1984 Bears. Pressure packages were a big part of that equation - Denver had the NFL's third-highest blitz rate at 31.7% - but a four-man rush featuring the likes of Nik Bonitto, Jonathan Cooper, Zach Allen, and John Franklin-Myers is lethal enough on its own. The Broncos ranked third with a 39.6% pressure rate on dropbacks with four pass-rushers.</p><p>While the Patriots' playoff run started with a pair of convincing victories, it hasn't all been smooth sailing for their passing game. Maye took five sacks in each of those contests, fumbling six times and losing three. In the regular season, Maye was brought down in the backfield 49 times, more than all but three quarterbacks. First-round rookie left tackle Will Campbell has struggled in his first two games back from a knee injury, allowing nine pressures and three sacks in the playoffs.</p><p>The Patriots need to keep their offense on schedule with the run game to avoid too many obvious passing situations. And they'd be wise to limit the one-on-one assignments against Denver's explosive edge rushers. If the Broncos' offense can put together a few scoring drives to keep things close, the pass rush may be one timely strip sack away from swinging the game.</p><h3>Stefon Diggs vs. Ja'Quan McMillian</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815550/cropped_GettyImages-2253840044.jpg?ts=1769192603" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815550/w220xh124_GettyImages-2253840044.jpg?ts=1769192603 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815550/w320xh180_GettyImages-2253840044.jpg?ts=1769192603 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815550/w640xh360_GettyImages-2253840044.jpg?ts=1769192603 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815550/w768xh432_GettyImages-2253840044.jpg?ts=1769192603 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815550/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2253840044.jpg?ts=1769192603 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Evan Bernstein / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Here's New England's potential path to nullifying Denver's pass rush. Patrick Surtain II shadowing Stefon Diggs is the blockbuster coverage matchup that everyone wants to see, but those reps could be few and far between. Diggs gets plenty of work in the slot, while Surtain is predominantly a boundary player who lined up inside for just 74 of 971 regular-season snaps.</p><p>Ja'Quan McMillian is no slouch, and he's coming off an excellent game in the divisional round. He allowed one catch for minus-4 yards and stole the ball away from Brandin Cooks for a miraculous (and correctly called) interception in the clutch. But if the Patriots' receivers are going to get quick wins against the Broncos' man-coverage looks - Denver's 32.1% rate was second highest in the league - this is probably their best opportunity.</p><p>Diggs has exceeded expectations since signing a three-year, $63.5-million deal to join the Patriots in March, immediately bouncing back from the torn ACL that ended his 2024 season. The 32-year-old finished the regular season with 85 catches for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns. All four of those scores came while facing man coverage. His 23 first downs against those looks were fourth behind only Amon-Ra St. Brown, Puka Nacua, and George Pickens. If the Patriots are going to advance to their first Super Bowl of the post-Tom Brady era, Diggs should have a substantial role.</p><h2>NFC championship</h2><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Rams vs. Seahawks" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-TmRfh" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/TmRfh/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="109" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><h3>Sean McVay vs. Mike Macdonald</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818793/cropped_GettyImages-2192558176.jpg?ts=1769192726" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818793/w220xh124_GettyImages-2192558176.jpg?ts=1769192726 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818793/w320xh180_GettyImages-2192558176.jpg?ts=1769192726 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818793/w640xh360_GettyImages-2192558176.jpg?ts=1769192726 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818793/w768xh432_GettyImages-2192558176.jpg?ts=1769192726 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818793/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2192558176.jpg?ts=1769192726 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Harry How / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The highlight of this matchup is a football nerd's dream: Sean McVay's offense taking on Mike Macdonald's defense. Conference title games don't get much better than that. And it's the third time these schematic masterminds are going head to head this season, which should make the game within the game even more fascinating.</p><p>Most discussion about the Rams focuses on their passing attack, and for good reason. Matthew Stafford is an MVP favorite after a career year throwing to Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. But the ground game is still the foundation of this offense. Los Angeles posted a 56.9% success rate on running back carries during the regular season, the best mark of any team this century. But here's the thing: Nobody runs on the Seahawks. That unit led the league with 0.21 EPA/rush this season, the most from a defense since 2020.</p><p>The Rams found this out the hard way in Week 16 in Seattle, where they averaged just 3.2 yards per carry. The result was more third-down pass dropbacks (17) than any other game in the McVay era. That's not typically a recipe for success against the Seahawks, who also produced a top-five output in EPA/dropback. But McVay found a way to mitigate pressure and create big plays in the passing game. Stafford finished the night with 457 yards - his most since 2013 - and three touchdowns. Although Adams was out of the lineup, that didn't make it any easier for the Seahawks to keep Nacua under wraps; the superstar wideout turned his 16 targets into 12 catches for 225 yards and a pair of scores. Crucially, it was the third time in three matchups that McVay's offense held Macdonald's defense without a sack.</p><p>Does that trend give the Rams coach a leg up in this one? Not necessarily. It's Macdonald's turn to make some adjustments, though. Stafford has struggled under pressure so far in the playoffs, completing nine of 23 passes for 119 yards and an interception while taking five sacks. The Seahawks need to test him more consistently in that regard if they hope to avoid a game like December's 38-37 shootout. Seattle prevailed in that Thursday night thriller, but keeping up with the Rams in that kind of game script could be tough with Sam Darnold battling injury.</p><h3>Sam Darnold vs. Rams' secondary</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809385/cropped_GettyImages-2245899269.jpg?ts=1769192899" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809385/w220xh124_GettyImages-2245899269.jpg?ts=1769192899 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809385/w320xh180_GettyImages-2245899269.jpg?ts=1769192899 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809385/w640xh360_GettyImages-2245899269.jpg?ts=1769192899 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809385/w768xh432_GettyImages-2245899269.jpg?ts=1769192899 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809385/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2245899269.jpg?ts=1769192899 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Stephen Brashear / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>That brings us to the second-most important matchup of this game. Darnold needs to avoid back-breaking turnovers. Those critical errors made the difference in the teams' first meeting this year as the Rams recorded a 21-19 victory on the back of four interceptions. It was an unfortunate flashback to Darnold's "seeing ghosts" moment with the Jets.</p><p>The Seahawks quarterback was quite a bit better in the Week 16 rematch. The lasting memory of his performance is the overtime touchdown drive and two-point conversion to win it. Were it not for some key special-teams contributions that sparked the comeback, though, the spotlight likely would have found his two second-half picks. Darnold had his share of turnovers in other games, too, finishing the regular season with 14 interceptions. But Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula clearly has a knack for mixing coverages and dropping defenders into throwing lanes in a way that's been especially challenging for Darnold.</p><p>The Seahawks should have plenty of opportunities to make big plays if he can take care of the ball. Their passing game was a top-three unit in terms of explosive pass rate (17.3%) throughout the regular season. The back end of the Rams' defense really started to show cracks down the stretch, giving up 31 pass plays of 20-plus yards from Week 10 through the end of the regular season. Only four teams allowed more over that stretch. Can Darnold capitalize and dispel the narratives that cropped up after last year's playoff collapse?</p><h3>Rashid Shaheed vs. Rams' special teams</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818794/cropped_GettyImages-2254945878.jpg?ts=1769193016" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818794/w220xh124_GettyImages-2254945878.jpg?ts=1769193016 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818794/w320xh180_GettyImages-2254945878.jpg?ts=1769193016 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818794/w640xh360_GettyImages-2254945878.jpg?ts=1769193016 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818794/w768xh432_GettyImages-2254945878.jpg?ts=1769193016 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818794/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2254945878.jpg?ts=1769193016 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brooke Sutton / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The third phase of the game should never be overlooked - and that's especially true in this contest, because one side appears to hold a monumental advantage.</p><p>Seattle finished the regular season with the NFL's No. 2-ranked special teams unit by EPA. Rashid Shaheed has been a big part of that success since coming over in a trade-deadline deal from the Saints, racking up three return scores since making his Seahawks debut in Week 10. The most recent one came on the opening kickoff in the divisional round, setting the tone for a blowout win over the 49ers.</p><p>The Rams, meanwhile, produced the league's second-worst EPA on special teams. They were last by that metric when they fired coordinator Chase Blackburn with two games remaining in the regular season. The dagger? Shaheed igniting the Seahawks' fourth-quarter comeback with a 58-yard punt return touchdown.</p><p>With L.A. and Seattle so evenly matched on offense and defense, another big play from Shaheed could be the difference Sunday. The Rams can consider the special teams battle won if they're able to contain the league's most dangerous return man. McVay might be wise to treat Shaheed like Devin Hester and kick the ball out of bounds throughout.</p><p><em>Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.</em></p>

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<p>For the first time since 2007, and just the fourth time since 1969, the Pittsburgh Steelers are looking for a new head coach.</p><p>Mike Tomlin stepping down Tuesday marks the jarring end of an era for an iconic franchise. As frustrated as fans may have been with recent playoff failures, his status among the NFL's most respected coaches isn't up for debate.</p><p>A 19-year run that included a Super Bowl title and no losing seasons was the product of an exceptional winning culture fostered by the face of the franchise. Add in the list of star players with big personalities who thrived under his guidance in Pittsburgh - some of whom flamed out spectacularly after landing elsewhere - and there's a case to be made that Tomlin is one of the best leaders this game has ever seen.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>With that in mind, it goes without saying that every club in the market for a head coach, and perhaps even a few not fully committed to the one they have in place, will put in calls to make their pitches. Whether it's this year or potentially down the road after he takes time to reset with broadcast work, Tomlin will have teams throwing offers his way until he eventually takes another lead job.</p><p>All of that can be true even as both sides recognize that, after nearly two decades, it was time for a change. And considering the notoriously conservative Steelers were never going to be the ones to pull the plug, they should be happy Tomlin made the decision for them.</p><p>While making the playoffs on a semi-regular basis would thrill many franchises, that'll never be good enough in Pittsburgh. Expectations are exponentially higher for an organization with six Lombardi Trophies. Having dropped six straight postseason games now - making it nine years since their last win - it was becoming increasingly clear that the Steelers would need a new vision to have any hope of adding another to the collection.</p><p>Tomlin isn't entirely at fault. We're likely having a different conversation if Pittsburgh had managed to stumble upon a long-term quarterback solution at some point in the four years since Ben Roethlisberger called it a career. But there's some luck involved in such pursuits, and the Steelers didn't do themselves any favors by consistently drafting in the back half of the first round.</p><p>Still, passing on a falling Jaxson Dart (and Tyler Shough) last April and going all-in on a 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers left no doubt that team decision-makers, Tomlin included, were drawing the wrong conclusions from their postseason cameos. Getting thoroughly embarrassed by the Houston Texans on Monday night drives home the cruel reality that merely reaching the playoffs, no matter how consistently you do it, doesn't mean you're a quick fix or two away from catching up to the real contenders.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815115/cropped_GettyImages-2253168684.jpg?ts=1766516936" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815115/w220xh124_GettyImages-2253168684.jpg?ts=1766516936 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815115/w320xh180_GettyImages-2253168684.jpg?ts=1766516936 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815115/w640xh360_GettyImages-2253168684.jpg?ts=1766516936 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815115/w768xh432_GettyImages-2253168684.jpg?ts=1766516936 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815115/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2253168684.jpg?ts=1766516936 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Nic Antaya / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Other similarly talented teams have made noise in January, so it's easy to understand why the Steelers thought they'd break through eventually. However, doing so with the rosters they've put together over the last few years was unlikely without some schematic creativity. For all of Tomlin's admirable qualities, he and his staff haven't exactly been at the forefront of innovation.</p><p>A once-stout Steelers defense has been shockingly vulnerable in recent years. Offenses today have too many easy ways to expose vanilla coverage schemes, making this unit almost entirely dependent on the front four wrecking shop. If that rush didn't get home, the back seven was consistently in trouble. Pittsburgh finished this season ranked 24th in pass success rate when the opposing quarterback wasn't pressured, according to TruMedia.</p><p>Tomlin's offensive coordinator hires have led to similar problems on the other side of the ball. The Matt Canada debacle, which somehow lasted nearly three full seasons, represented a particularly unwatchable stretch of football for that group. Arthur Smith has been an upgrade, and one could argue that he was hamstrung this year by having an immobile quarterback and exactly one starting-caliber wideout. Yet his unimaginative passing game still leaves the Steelers lagging behind modern competition.</p><p>Pittsburgh may never find a coach who can lead a room like Tomlin, but that doesn't mean this fresh start can't be a net positive. The right hire could bring in a more innovative staff, better equipped to adjust to league trends. Perhaps even more importantly, a new regime would likely be willing to turn over the roster and embrace the retooling effort this team so desperately needs. No more clinging to fringe contender status to the detriment of the future.</p><p>There might be some short-term pain. After years of inexplicable Tomlin magic regularly helping them exceed expectations, the Steelers taking a brief step back would test the patience of a passionate fan base. If the result is a sustained contender with upside beyond the first round of the playoffs, a few tough years while building the right way would be a small price to pay.</p><p>Tomlin's exit may only be setting the stage for the next great Steelers coach to go on an extended run of his own. This organization has never known anything different.</p><p><em>Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.</em></p>

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<p>It's been an exceptionally strange season in the AFC, where the presumptive top dogs either look more beatable than ever or have already tumbled out of the playoff race.</p><p>The result is a postseason field filled with fresh blood and, by extension, a collection of teams that all seem equally capable of going to the Super Bowl. For the first time in recent memory, it really does feel like anyone's conference.</p><p>The last thing the current contenders want is a potential spoiler in the mix, so they'll be hoping the Ravens don't beat the Steelers for the AFC North crown Sunday night.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Yes, I've been <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3182070" href="https://thescore.com/news/3182070">wrong</a> about the Ravens <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3301584" href="https://thescore.com/news/3301584">before</a>, and they're 8-8. Their level of play this season gives us pretty much no reason to believe that they'd be competitive in the playoffs. They're right up there with the Chiefs in terms of colossal disappointments. The offense has fallen off a cliff after last year's historic output, ranking 12th in EPA/play, according to TruMedia. And that's not solely a product of Lamar Jackson missing some time with injury.</p><p>Baltimore is 6-6 in the superstar quarterback's 12 starts. After leading the league with 0.31 EPA/dropback last season - the highest output from any passer since his first of two MVP campaigns in 2019 - Jackson is putting up just 0.02 EPA/dropback so far this year, tied for 21st with rookies Jaxson Dart and Tyler Shough.</p><p>It's a staggering decline. It feels like the offense is simply broken. Maybe it is - changes are undoubtedly on the way if the Ravens' season ends Sunday night. But if there's one sleeping giant capable of waking up at the right time and humbling all these new kids on the block, it still might be Baltimore.</p><p>All the talent from last year's juggernaut remains in place. And remember, Jackson began this season looking like an even better version of the unstoppable quarterback we saw in 2024. He'd thrown for nine touchdowns, no interceptions, and a near-perfect 141.8 passer rating through three weeks as the Ravens posted a league-best 37 points per game.</p><p>But then he injured his hamstring in Kansas City. Jackson wasn't himself in the two months that followed his return to action in Week 9, and offensive coordinator Todd Monken recently revealed that the hamstring is just one of many physical issues the quarterback has battled throughout the year.</p><p>The back contusion that kept him out of the season-saving win over the Packers threatened to further complicate that outlook, but Jackson is on track to play in Pittsburgh. If this latest injury is already in the rearview mirror - Jackson has been a full participant in practice - could the week of rest turn out to be a blessing in disguise?</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813111/cropped_GettyImages-2250552796.jpg?ts=1765231789" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813111/w220xh124_GettyImages-2250552796.jpg?ts=1765231789 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813111/w320xh180_GettyImages-2250552796.jpg?ts=1765231789 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813111/w640xh360_GettyImages-2250552796.jpg?ts=1765231789 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813111/w768xh432_GettyImages-2250552796.jpg?ts=1765231789 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813111/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2250552796.jpg?ts=1765231789 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Scott Taetsch / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>A slightly healthier version of Jackson on Sunday night, and potentially in the weeks to come, could be a game-changer, giving this unit a chance to look like the unstoppable force we saw last year and in September. And he's not going to have to do it alone.</p><p>When the Ravens found themselves in a must-win spot without their star quarterback in Green Bay, they had no choice but to overcorrect for some of Derrick Henry's occasionally bizarre usage patterns. The future Hall of Famer showed he's still a nightmare to tackle, putting the offense on his back with 216 yards and four touchdowns on a career-high 36 carries. We're guessing the Ravens won't get cute with his workload from here on out.</p><p>Keep an eye on Baltimore's defense, too. While the unit once again stumbled out of the gate this year, effectively wasting that high-flying start on the other side of the ball, it's mitigated those issues by once again changing Kyle Hamilton's role. The Ravens' defense is tied for fourth in EPA/play since shifting the NFL's premier safety into a role closer to the line of scrimmage in Week 6. Shutting out the Bengals on Dec. 14 was the clearest sign yet that this group was rounding into form.</p><p>If that trend holds, and the offense can take a few meaningful steps back in the right direction, Baltimore quickly becomes the kind of opponent that nobody wants to face in January. In an AFC playoff picture where every team appears equally flawed, the most talented group of the bunch should not be overlooked.</p><p>The Bills will be a popular pick with neither Patrick Mahomes nor Joe Burrow standing in the way of Josh Allen's first trip to the Super Bowl. Running into Baltimore at some point could pose a problem, though; the Ravens are uniquely equipped to stifle the only consistent part of Buffalo's offense, ranking first in EPA/rush since Week 6. And if you thought Henry had a great outing against the Packers, just wait until he gets a Bills defense that's been helpless in the ground game - only the Giants have been worse by EPA.</p><p>Baltimore's suffocating run defense would also be a critical factor in potential matchups with the Broncos, Jaguars, Texans, and Chargers. How might Bo Nix and Trevor Lawrence fare if consistently forced into obvious passing situations? In the case of Houston and Los Angeles, would those offensive lines be able to give their quarterbacks a chance?</p><p>As for the upstart Patriots, we only have to go back two weeks to find evidence that Baltimore can trade blows with one of the NFL's hottest teams. The Ravens took a two-score lead early in the fourth quarter despite having lost Jackson at the end of the first half. Were it not for a strange decision to turn away from Henry in a game where he was averaging 7.1 yards per carry, they might have been able to hold off New England's comeback.</p><p>The Ravens may not deserve a postseason spot, but a toothless division has given them one last chance to sneak in. And if they do get there, they'll be as dangerous as anyone else in the wide-open AFC.</p><p>Flipping the script on years past by disappointing early and then taking flight when the games actually matter would be a fitting way for the Ravens to cap off this wildly unpredictable season.</p><p><em>Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.</em></p>

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