Props to the backup quarterbacks that held their own this weekend and the Jacksonville Jaguars fans that decided to stay in case fate changed in the second half. The AFC’s second stringers were sent home, but Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars earned their spot to compete with the big boys of the conference. However, games against elite quarterbacks don’t always come down to the passers, but the lesser-known guys that separate them. Which unsung heroes can we expect to show out on their quest to the Super Bowl?
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville has left TIAA Bank Field for the remainder of their season, having beat a Los Angeles Chargers team stocked with star pass rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.
Against left tackle Walker Little, the two failed to generate a pressure. Filling in for Cam Robinson, Little has stepped up amicably and protected Lawrence’s blindside. He even had it covered during a post-game trip to Waffle House.
The longest odds for the Jaguars to win it all can be found at BetMGM, where their +3500 line means $100 can turn into $3,500 in profits. This is a long shot, but it wouldn’t be possible without Little’s contributions to the offense.
Tethered to the line of scrimmage, Little will likely never receive the amount of praise he deserves, but he’s got the makings of a quality tackle. He’ll need to continue to prove that in the Divisional Round against a Kansas City Chiefs defense that has averaged 3.2 sacks per game this season.
Kansas City Chiefs
Ironically enough, the Chiefs’ own unsung hero will be trying to improve upon those sack numbers. First-round rookie George Karlaftis had a slow start to the season and subsequently fell under the radar. He’ll get a chance at recognition on Saturday.
Karlaftis has revved up in recent weeks, recording a sack in six of his last seven games. Falling out of the Defensive Rookie of the Year polling was inevitable given his slump and the rise of two star cornerbacks, but make no mistake: Karlaftis is an impact player.
We know Chris Jones will make his mark, pushing the pocket and forcing Lawrence outside. When the scrambling ensues, it will be on Karlaftis to chase him down and prevent potentially explosive plays. Expect a big day from Furious George, especially on third-down.
Cincinnati Bengals
Get yourself acquainted with Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt. He’s Pro Football Focus’ 10th-ranked linebacker this season. In terms of pure coverage, his 90.2 grade is tied for the top of the leaderboard.
In the Bengals’ Wild Card victory, Pratt was all over the field, excelling both in coverage and as a tackler. Against the Baltimore Ravens, notorious for their run-heavy, mobile quarterback attack, he stepped up to task. Pratt’s a big game player, too; some of his best games have come against the Chiefs and divisional opponents.
He’ll be key in diverting passes away from the middle of the field and trying to wrangle in Josh Allen. Currently, BetMGM has his Bengals at +800 to win it all, one of my favorite futures still available. You can place that bet on their website or app after using their promotion for Bet Basics readers: UP TO $1,500 IN BONUS BETS.
Buffalo Bills
Karlaftis isn’t the only slow-starting rookie making an appearance. Sunday’s Wild Card victory over the Miami Dolphins might have been closer than anyone reasonably anticipated, but that shouldn’t stop the celebration.
Buffalo gets to host another playoff game in a week. In doing so, they’ll play host to an explosive and deep Cincinnati offense. Expect cornerback Kaiir Elam to step up to the plate. Elam had his coming out party this weekend, catching an interception in what was easily the best game of his career.
Elam is a playmaking boundary corner who excels in press coverage. Tasked with limiting a dangerous MIami offense (without their quarterback), Elam made an impact on some of the game’s most crucial passing downs.
You’ll find +350 odds for the Bills to win the Super Bowl at PointsBet, DraftKings, and Caesars. Their road forward is tough, presumably facing two of the league’s four best passers before flying out west for the big game. If they do make it there, don’t be surprised if Elam carves a legacy out for himself.
BASIC TIPS
This article features Super Bowl bets, a common futures wager. Futures are bets placed on events in the more distant future than a rapidly approaching game. These include things like award winners, statistical leaders, and season-long win totals. Making a keen futures bet could be lucrative given their longer odds, but be careful–the uncertainty of more time is baked into those odds.