1 offensive secret weapon each playoff team can deploy
The NFL playoffs have arrived, and for each of the 14 teams, there’s a weapon who remains a secret to the outside world. No longer.
Everybody knows the best names in the game.
You know about Ja’Marr Chase and Travis Kelce, Stefon Diggs and Keenan Allen. Of course you’re familiar with Saquon Barkley and Justin Jefferson, Deebo Samuel and CeeDee Lamb.
But what about the quiet stars? The men who move the chains, who make big plays in camouflaged ways?
We’re about to meet one such weapon from each of the 14 playoff teams.
Baltimore Ravens – Demarcus Robinson
Who has accounted for the more Baltimore first downs besides star tight end Mark Andrews in the passing game? That would be receiver Demarcus Robinson.
Robinson led all Ravens receivers in first downs (23), receiving yardage (458), receptions (48) and targets (75). While his numbers aren’t overly-impressive, Robinson came to Baltimore in late August after being released by the Las Vegas Raiders, and has become their most consistent perimeter player.
Buffalo Bills – Devin Singletary
When people talk about the Bills’ rushing attack, they speak of Josh Allen. Everyone forgets Singletary’s name.
Singletary had a solid year for Buffalo, running for 819 yards on 4.6 yards per carry. Although he’s only had three games of at least 80 rushing yards this season, the fourth-year back provides speed and burst for the Bills along with good hands, notching 38 receptions in 2022.
Cincinnati Bengals – Samaje Perine
Maybe no team has more big names on its offense than Cincinnati. But while Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Joe Mixon and Tyler Boyd get the shine, Perine has proven to be a glue guy for the Bengals.
Perine actually had a better yards per attempt figure than Mixon (4.1 against 3.9) and brings a bruising style to the backfield, accounting for 394 rushing yards in limited action. However, like Singletary, Perine is an excellent receiver, totaling 38 receptions this season. And, when Mixon missed time with a concussion, Perine stepped up, including a 155-yard effort in a win over Kansas City.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Evan Engram
Much-maligned for his drops with the New York Giants, Engram appears to have found a home in Jacksonville.
The 28-year-old has enjoyed a renaissance on his one-year deal, catching 73 passes for 766 yards, ranking third in both categories on the Jaguars. A red zone threat, Engram hauled in four touchdowns, but perhaps surprisingly also amassed 10 receptions of at least 20 yards. Don’t be surprised if Engram has a big day against the Chargers’ linebackers in the Wild Card round.
Kansas City Chiefs – Jerick McKinnon
Quick, who is the only running back to have a receiving touchdown in at least five consecutive games since 1950? Obviously, it’s Jerick McKinnon.
Not re-signed until June, the Chiefs should be thankful nobody else scooped up the versatile back. McKinnon has became Kansas City’s lead back alongside rookie Isiah Pacheco, and he’s thriving. The veteran scored 10 touchdowns (nine receiving) and registered 56 catches for 512 yards, all while providing excellent blitz pickups to keep Patrick Mahomes upright.
Los Angeles Chargers – Joshua Palmer
With Mike Williams and Keenan Allen missing time this season, the Chargers needed a young receiver to step up. Enter Joshua Palmer.
The second-year man out of Tennessee showed why Justin Herbert raved about him over the offseason, totaling 72 catches for 769 yards and three touchdowns. While he’s been relatively quiet with Allen and Williams returning to the lineup — no games of more than 60 yards since the start of December — he could be counted on heavily if Williams’ back limits him this weekend.
Miami Dolphins – Trent Sherfield
The love all goes to Tyreek Hill ad Jaylen Waddle for Miami’s receivers, and understandably so. The duo has combined for 3,066 yards this season, more than any other pairing in the league. But don’t sleep on Trent Sherfield.
Sherfield is on his third team in as many years, but he’s been a positive contributor for the Dolphins. The 26-year-old has 30 catches for 417 yards and two touchdowns, including a 75-yard jaunt against the San Francisco 49ers. If Hill and Waddle get all of a defense’s attention, Sherfield can make someone pay.