The NFL’s Wild Card Weekend? It was a work of art …
…drawn by a kindergarten class. In crayon.
Thank you, Washington Commanders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers for saving us from a complete set of disappointing games.
Otherwise, the NFL’s slate of games on Saturday and Sunday failed to deliver the kind of incredible drama the league has a reputation for routinely delivering.
Divisional Games Must Save Us
One possession games, which the league brags about because it keeps interest high? Only the weekend finale on Sunday night had that.
Great quarterback play? Baker Mayfield had the highest passer rating among all 12 starters all weekend at 146.5, That’s because he completed 15 of his 18 passes. But he lost the game and had a costly fumble.
Not great.
And because the unremarkable is not what the NFL is used to providing us, let’s be specific and look at each game. Let’s explore if we’re overstating the mundane:
HOUSTON, TX – JANUARY 11: An avid Texans fan signals first down during the Los Angeles Chargers and Houston Texans AFC Wild Card playoff game at NRG Stadium on January 11, 2025, in Houston, TX. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Texans Humble Harbaugh
Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans
Result: Texans 32, Chargers 12.
What we learned: You can argue whether defense wins championships, but can’t argue the Texans defense won this game. Also, Justin Herbert had a good year but was bitterly disappointing in this one.
Best of the game: Derek Stingley Jr. had two interceptions, forced a fumble and had five passes defensed, which begs the question why the Chargers continued to challenge one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL?
Worst of the game: Herbert had a game to forget. Four interceptions, generally off target, didn’t use his legs. He didn’t get much help, but neither did he lift anyone’s game. Terrible.
Fan excitement factor: It was close in the first half but nothing we saw was the least bit stirring. And then the roof caved in on the Chargers in the second half, which made the game almost unwatchable for anyone other than the most ardent Texans fan.
Overall fun grade: D.
