NFL
As the weather changes throughout the country, NFL fans understand that the games get a little more critical as we head into November, December and January. The first couple of months of the football season sets us up for tilts that will decide which teams have a chance to make a legitimate run to the Super Bowl down the stretch.
The excitement can be felt at the stadium, at home, and using an NJ sportsbook promo code to wager on NFL games. With the stakes escalating each and every week, there are a few players whose performance will have a significant impact on the playoff race.
Christian McCaffery
The San Francisco 49ers were already one of the teams in the mix to make a deep run in the NFC playoffs. While no one wanted to see a season-ending injury to second-year player Trey Lance, the 49ers’ fortunes for 2022 improved when Jimmy Garoppolo reclaimed his place under center. The veteran leadership that Garoppolo brings has been a factor in San Francisco’s success over the last few seasons.
However, they made a blockbuster trade in October that might make them the favorites in the conference. The 49ers traded a haul of draft picks to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for All-Pro running back Christian McCaffery. He is one of the most talented playmakers in the NFL and can beat defenses on the ground or catch passes.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan now has a treasure trove of weapons to work on offense, and the key to it all will be McCaffery’s health. If the former Stanford star can stay on the field, he will form a dynamic tandem with another well-rounded star in Deebo Samuel.
Tua Tagovailoa
No player’s health has been discussed more this NFL season than Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s. Early in the season, he had a few frightening moments take place five days apart, leading to a more extensive discussion about concussion protocol in the NFL. As the season progresses, this topic will not disappear and will continue to be featured as part of the league’s safety initiative.
Shifting our focus back onto the field, Tagovailoa has taken the step many believed he could not achieve. Objectively speaking, the Dolphins are a much better football team and a better run offense when Tagovailoa is on the field. The new Miami head coach, Mike McDaniel’s scheme, seems perfect for the former Alabama star signal caller. Teddy Bridgewater and Skylar Thompson remain solid backups but do not have the upside Tagovailoa has.
Even if Tagovailoa can avoid another concussion this season, he must avoid taking unnecessary hits to elude other injuries. Miami will be in the mix for a playoff spot if he can do that.
Sam Ehlinger
The Indianapolis Colts have had a pretty talented roster in the last few NFL seasons but have not been able to figure out the answer under center. Head coach Frank Reich has brought in a new veteran quarterback to lead the team every season since Andrew Luck retired. Ahead of the 2022 season, the Colts traded for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, hoping he could be their answer.
As it turns out, the franchise is unsatisfied with Ryan’s play this season and has decided to give Sam Ehlinger a shot. He was a sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and played his college football at the University of Texas.
This is a bold admission of defeat by Indianapolis, who still are in contention for an AFC South division title. The fact that the team feels like an unproven reserve gives them a better chance to win than a proven NFL veteran is intriguing. Ehlinger has the opportunity to make a name for himself in the league, and his play can help lead a solid roster into the postseason.
