NFL playoffs 2018: Biggest difference-maker for each contender

By Ian Wharton | Dec 19, 2018

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 28: Chicago Bears Wide Receiver Anthony Miller (17) runs after catch in the 1st quarter during an NFL football game between the New York Jets and the Chicago Bears on October 28, 2018, at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Daniel Bartel/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – OCTOBER 14: Chicago Bears Wide Receiver Anthony Miller (17) celebrates scoring a touchdown during the NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and the Miami Dolphins on October 14, 2018 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Chicago Bears – Anthony Miller

The Chicago Bears have built one of the deepest offenses in the league to go along with their elite defense. There’s a number of option with the Bears, such as running back Tarik Cohen and tight end Trey Burton. But both play quite a bit to be a surprising difference-maker, so rookie Anthony Miller gets the nod.

Miller hasn’t been featured as prominently due to the presence of a similar player in Taylor Gabriel, but he’s earned six touchdowns on only 30 receptions, making him a spark plug for the offense. His ability to play in the slot and win man-to-man matchups is going to be a key factor against some of the top NFC defenses. Quarterback Mitch Trubisky can trust Miller’s speed and quality hands as much as any of his playmakers.

Right now the Bears are projected to face a talented Vikings defense in the Wild Card round. Should that hold, every individual advantage the Bears can manufacture is worth targeting. The Vikings’ secondary is deep and versatile, though the Bears were able to get the best of them in Week 11.

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