The 2024 wild-card NFL playoffs kicked off on Saturday with two doubleheaders that did little to challenge the notion of the lower seeds being “dumping grounds” for less desirable matchups.
In one game, the Baltimore Ravens comfortably beat the Houston Texans, who committed seven turnovers and struggled on offense. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson led his team to a convincing win. On the other side, the Pittsburgh Steelers had a dismal performance against their own division rivals, with Russell Wilson’s return not enough to stem the tide of an early deficit.
In the second game, the Los Angeles Chargers fell short at home, losing to Justin Herbert’s own team despite having several opportunities to score. Herbert threw four interceptions in his worst postseason outing yet.
The Steelers’ defense was particularly disappointing, allowing a postseason franchise-worst 299 yards on the ground to Lamar Jackson. The unit seemed disorganized and unable to execute basic plays, leading to questions about whether they need significant changes during the offseason.
Meanwhile, the Chargers’ receiving corps showed its weaknesses in a crucial playoff game against their own quarterback Justin Herbert. With Los Angeles struggling to move the ball on the ground, it was clear that something had to give on offense.
The Steelers enter the postseason with massive uncertainty at quarterback and throughout their defense, while the Ravens are now set up for a potentially lucrative matchup in the AFC championship game if they can get past the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/01/12/nfl-playoff-winners-losers-mike-tomlin-justin-herbert-steelers-chargers/77633845007