Gophers in the NFL: Wild Card Round Edition

We started with 8, and are down to 5

We started the Wildcard round of the NFL playoffs with eight Gophers making posteason play. After the first round of games, that number is down to just five remaining who still have a chance to bring home the Lombardi Trophy. Here’s a look at last weekend’s games and how the matchups shape up for this weekend’s Divisional Round.

NFC

(6) Washington Commanders

Benjamin St-Juste—CB

St-Juste was put back in a backup role for the Commanders as they earned a win at Tampa Bay and advanced to this weekend. He played nine defensive snaps and 16 on special teams and did not record a stat.

(3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Antoine Winfield, Jr—S

Winfield returned from injury and played all 73 defensive snaps in the loss to the Commanders. He looked back to his old form as he tied for the team lead in tackles with 8, with four of them solo. He now has the entire off season to recuperate and come back 100% next fall.

Ko Kieft—TE

Kieft played two offensive snaps and 16 on special teams in the loss. He didn;t record a stat.

(5) Minnesota Vikings

Blake Cashman-LB

Cashman played all 53 defensive snaps for the Vikings in the crushing loss to the Rams on Monday night. He continued his great play with 11 tackles, five of them solo and one a sack of Matthew Stafford.

(4) Los Angeles Rams

Tyler Johnson-WR

Johnson was inactive for the Rams win over the Vikings and did not dress.

AFC

(4) Houston Texans

Eric Murray-S

Murray won the week for the former Gophers. He played 53 defensive snaps in the Texans big win over the Chargers. He led the Texans with seven tackles, four of them solo. He Also had a 38 yard Pick 6 late in the third quarter that put the Texans up 20-6 and helped them advance to this weekend.

(3) Baltimore Ravens

Rashod Bateman-WR

Bateman played 36 snaps in the Baltimore win. He was targeted just twice, but caught both passes for 24 yards and the first touchdown of the game for Baltimore. The Ravens are now 8-0 this season in games where Bateman scores a touchdown.

Daniel Faalele-RG

Faalele played all 74 offensive snaps and another four on special teams in the ravens win.

DIVISIONAL ROUND PREVIEW:

Houston Texans @ Kansas City Chiefs 3:30 PM Saturday ESPN/ABC

Murray and the Texans head to Kansas City to try and knock off the Chiefs. The Texans lost 27-19 in Kansas City on December 21st.

Washington Commanders @ Detroit Lions 7:00 PM Saturday FOX

St-Juste and the Commanders head to Detroit for a big game against the Lions. The two teams did not play this season.

Los Angeles Rams @ Philadelphia Eagles 2:00 PM NBC

The Rams head to Philly in the second NFC matchup. Will Tyler Johnson dress for this game??

Baltimore Ravens @ Buffalo Bills 5:30 PM Sunday CBS

The Ravens head to what will surely be a raucous Buffalo crowd to try and see if they can defeat the Bills for the second time this season. The Ravens beat Buffalo 35-10 at home in Week 4. Can Bateman and Faalele advance?