The Houston Texans, Green Bay Packers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers were underdog teams that prevailed on wild-card weekend. All three received performances from underdog contributors that helped catapult them to victory. They’ll need similar outcomes if they’re to defeat powerhouses like the San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, and Detroit Lions this weekend.
Any team looking to defy the odds will rely on big-time performances from lesser-known commodities. These talents are capable of serving as X-factors. We've identified three potential X-factors in this weekend's matchups.
ROMEO DOUBS, WR, PACKERS
No team put forth a more impressive performance on wild-card weekend than the Packers. The youngest team in the league, Matt LaFleur's Packers scored 48 points against a shell-shocked Dallas Cowboys team. A well-balanced offense scored six total touchdowns, three through the air, and three on the ground. Sophomore wide receiver Romeo Doubs served as Jordan Love's go-to target.
Doubs totaled six receptions for 151 yards and a touchdown. The San Francisco 49ers are coming off a bye after compiling a conference-best 12-5 record. Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks is spearheading a unit that allowed a third-ranked 17.5 points per game throughout the regular season. The ever-creative LaFleur is going to have to dial up a special game plan if his inexperienced Packers are to upset the Super Bowl-favorite 49ers. Expect Doubs to be heavily involved.
DEVIN SINGLETARY, RB, TEXANS
The Texans were dominant 45-14 winners over the Cleveland Browns on wild-card weekend. Running back Devin Singletary rushed for 66 yards and a touchdown via 13 carries, averaging an effective 5.1 yards per carry. Singletary added three receptions and possesses the dual-threat skills necessary to make an even bigger impact in the passing game this weekend.
The Texans are going to require a repeat effort from Singletary if they're to upset the one-seed Baltimore Ravens. Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald is receiving head coaching interest for a reason. Macdonald's stingy defense enters the postseason having allowed a sixth-best 301.4 total yards of offense.
The Ravens are just league-average versus the run, however. They allowed a 14th-ranked 109.4 rushing yards per contest. Look for Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik to try to establish the run on Saturday with a heavy dose of Singletary early and often.
CADE OTTON, TE, BUCCANEERS
Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers continue to surpass expectations this season. Mayfield completed 22-of-36 passing attempts for 337 yards and three touchdowns in last weekend’s dominant 32-9 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Mayfield’s favorite target? Sophomore tight end Cade Otton.
Otton totaled team-highs in receptions (8) and receiving yards (89). This weekend’s opponent is the Detroit Lions, who don’t fare particularly well versus the pass. During the season, Aaron Glenn’s defense ranked 27th in pass defense, giving up 247.4 air yards per game. Matthew Stafford threw for 367 yards and two touchdowns in a one-point loss in the wild-card round. Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales is a shrewd game-planner who will look to attack Detroit's weaknesses. Otton will be crucial to Tampa's attempt to end Detroit's dream-like season.
