NFL Wild Card 2019: 5 storylines to watch
5. Are the Texans getting overlooked?
The Houston Texans are the home favorite, so being overlooked isn’t the typical way to describe that team. However, many are picking the sixth-seeded Indianapolis Colts to come into NRG Stadium and upend the Texans, much I the way they did back in Week 14. Indianapolis has won nine of 10, but let’s not forget how hot Houston is either. The Texans began the season at 0-3 before rattling off 10 wins in the final 13 weeks to claim the AFC South.
4. Which team makes us all a believer?
Which is the Wild Card team that people are buzzing about come Monday morning. The aforementioned Colts are a good bet considering how well Andrew Luck has played. What about the defending champs? The Philadelphia Eagles have won three straight games with Nick Foles at the helm, and should they go into Solder Field and take down the Chicago Bears, they would certainly deserve some respect moving forward.
3. Is this it for John Harbaugh in Baltimore?
There is a chance that should John Harbaugh and the Baltimore Ravens lose on Sunday to the Los Angeles Chargers, this could be it for the pairing. FanSided has reported that the Ravens are interested in trading Harbaugh, especially to the Miami Dolphins. Should Harbaugh not get the kind of contract extension offer that he’s looking for, the Super Bowl-winning head coach would be agreeable to that kind of sendoff.
2. Can the young QBs get their first playoff wins?
There are some young guns hoping to get their first playoff wins this weekend. Dak Prescott is playing in his second postseason affair, while Deshaun Watson and Lamar Jackson are all playing in their first. Which of these kids can step up and find a way to win. Of the group, all of them are playing at home, giving them a nice advantage before having to go on the road in the Divisional round. All are favorites in their games as well.
1. Does Philip Rivers keep his championship dreams alive?
This has to be the main storyline. Philip Rivers is a borderline Hall of Famers. At 36 years old, a Super Bowl trophy would cement him as one of the game’s greats and certainly put a gold jacket on his back. The Chargers have a legitimate chance of getting that accomplished despite being a fifth seed. Los Angeles is 12-4 and has arguably the most balanced roster in the NFL. This is the time for Rivers, who may not ever have this good of a chance again.
