What To Look For From Utah’s NFL Locals In Divisional Round Of Playoffs
Jan 17, 2025, 4:42 PM
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 13: Puka Nacua #17 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts following the NFL playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated the Vikings 27-9 (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – The NFL Playoffs are about to heat up as we enter the Divisional Round this weekend.
With eight teams still standing and the No. 1 seeds set to hit the gridiron for the first time, here are some locals to keep your eye out for on Saturday and Sunday.
RELATED: Every Local Player, Coach Set To Compete In 2025 NFL Playoffs
Next up: The Divisional Round. #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/LIqCrSm9JW
— NFL (@NFL) January 14, 2025
Locals In The NFL Playoffs Divisional Round
Cougars In Kansas City Start Three-Peat Journey
With a near-unblemished regular season record, the Kansas City Chiefs received a first-round bye for the third time in the last five seasons.
This meant that two locals on the reigning-champion Chiefs, offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia and head coach Andy Reid, got to enjoy a much-needed extra week of rest.
However, their return to action will be far from a cakewalk. The Texans were top five in sacks and yards allowed in the regular season which means Suamataia will have his work cut out for him.
Reid and the Chiefs have proven to be a different beast in the playoffs though. The matchup with Houston will definitely be their easiest if they can advance. Next week would be the winner of Buffalo/Baltimore. After that would be whoever comes out on top from the NFC.
READY TO ROCK THE HOUSE‼️ pic.twitter.com/VJUcL5SkZc
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 16, 2025
Utah State Star To Face Juggernaut In Detroit
Moving to the other side of the bracket, Washington and Detroit will go head-to-head on Saturday night.
The Lions also have an offensive lineman stud in Desert Hills high star Penei Sewell, as well as two former Utes with WR Tim Patrick and WR/S Sione Vaki. The Commanders have two locals in BYU CB Michael Davis and Utah State LB Bobby Wagner.
If Washington has any hopes of an upset, they will of course need a big performance from their rising star QB Jayden Daniels. But, they will also need a lot from their defensive captain.
In the Wild Card, Wagner posted eight total tackles (five solo), 0.5 sacks, one QB hit, and a crucial fumble recovery in Washington’s win over Tampa Bay. Turnovers can always change the outlook of a game and Wagner can make his presence felt in that regard.
Other than Sewell’s dominance in the trenches and the possibility of a Patrick receiving touchdown, much of Detroit’s production comes from other playmakers.
Can’t wait to see you tomorrow, #OnePride! pic.twitter.com/Z81oAruzUW
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 17, 2025
Puka Nacua Looks To Drive LA Upset In Philadelphia
Moving on to Sunday, the first game of the day is the lightest in terms of local presence.
With that said, maybe the biggest local name is in this game. Former BYU WR Puka Nacua.
The former Cougar is set to play in his third postseason game. Nacua’s first two playoff games were hot and cold. In his playoff debut last year, he went off for nine receptions, 181 yards, and a touchdown.
However, in last week’s Wild Card, he had just five receptions for 44 yards.
If the Rams hope to beat the 2-seeded Eagles, they may need another playoff heater from Nacua.
RELATED: #LocalsInTheNFL Wild Card Recap: Top Performances And Weekly Roundup
Full throttle to Philly. pic.twitter.com/hk5wqQlhW1
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 17, 2025
Potential Game Of The Week Features Collection Of Locals
Just at a quick glance, each of the three games leading up to Sunday Night Football has a clear favorite. That isn’t really the case for Buffalo vs. Baltimore.
To add an extra bit of excitement for NFL fans in Utah, there are six players with local ties in this game.
The Bills have three former Utes in TE Dalton Kincaid and safeties Cole Bishop and Terrell Burgess as well as former Weber State cornerback Taron Johnson. Baltimore has two key local defensive playmakers in former BYU LB Kyle Van Noy and former Utah safety Marcus Williams.
It is not far-fetched at all to say that multiple local players will leave their fingerprints on this game.
There is a valid argument for either team coming out on top on Sunday night. The Bills are undefeated at home this season which probably means they would be a slight favorite. Regardless, many expect this to be the most entertaining game in the Divisional Round.
About #LocalsInTheNFL
For over five years, KSL Sports has provided coverage on all NFL players with ties to the state of Utah.
Whether they attended Utah or BYU or grew up in the Beehive State, we keep you caught up with how the locals are performing on the highest stage.
From highlights to trades and other breaking news, check out our Locals In The NFL coverage here.
