1 offensive secret weapon each playoff team can deploy

Dallas Cowboys – Dalton Schultz

The Cowboys are often thought of as a team lacking weapons in the passing game beyond CeeDee Lamb, but Dalton Schultz is worth discussing.

Playing on the franchise tag this year, Schultz finished second on Dallas in receptions (57), receiving yards (577) and touchdowns (5) while notching 27 first downs, fourth on the team. A reliable target in any area of the field, Dallas will need to rely on its play-making tight end when postseason defenses double-team Lamb.

Minnesota Vikings – K.J. Osborn

Justin Jefferson is a supernova, and Adam Thielen is the old standby. But K.J. Osborn is the best player on Minnesota people haven’t heard of. Yet.

Osborn had a quality third NFL season, posting 60 receptions for 650 yards and five touchdowns. His campaign was highlighted by the last four games of the regular season, in which Osborn caught 25 passes for 350 yards and two scores. Few players around the league have been hotter entering the playoffs.

New York Giants – Richie James

The Giants need more weapons, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a few sneaky threats.

James is such a player, finishing second on the team with 569 receiving yards, behind only Darius Slayton. The fifth-year vet also scored four touchdowns and registered 29 first downs, giving quarterback Daniel Jones a reliable option when Slayton was blanketed. With teams likely doing all they can to take away New York’s run game, James’ role will likely expand in the playoffs.

Philadelphia Eagles – Dallas Goedert

This was tough, considering most of the Eagles’ targets are well known. And while Goedert certainly doesn’t qualify as a sleeper, he’s the man with the most notoriety to gain.

While the attention is typically paid to receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, Goedert was fantastic in the 12 games he played this year. The fifth-year man has emerged from Zach Ertz’s shadow, catching 55 passes for 702 yards and three touchdowns. He’s a quality threat down the seam and across the middle, with the ability to get up the field and break tackles.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Russell Gage

No offense was more disappointing than the Buccaneers, who treated scheming like it was a chore which must be avoided at all costs.

However, there are a few notable names outside of receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and running back Leonard Fournette. Of them, Russell Gage is the most-deserving of mention, having scored five touchdowns to finish third on the team. Gage is a possession receiver with Tom Brady’s trust. He’s worth monitoring come Monday night against Dallas.

San Francisco 49ers – Kyle Juszczyk

The 49ers might have the most talent in football, and yet one of their best players is rarely talked about.

Kyle Juszczyk is the rare weapon who doesn’t put up big numbers. Instead, he’s the ultimate Swiss Army knife, allowing San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan to put him all over the formation and utilize his blocking, running and receiving ability. An Ivy Leaguer, Juszczyk provides San Francisco with a short-yardage option who can also go on a wheel route and catch a 20-yard pass.

Seattle Seahawks – Noah Fant

Fant was part of the trade sending Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, and he’s been a nice piece for quarterback Geno Smith.

Fant certainly isn’t taking targets away from receivers D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, but he’s a quality third option. This year, the former Iowa star caught 50 passes for 486 yards and four touchdowns.