NC State Pack pros were once again dominated by Philip Rivers and Russell Wilson, who have led their respective teams to the playoffs in the 2018-19 season. The Seahawks and the Chargers look like they might be the two hottest teams in the League right now, so with just one week left all eyes will be on them.
As they look toward the playoffs, a number of NFL Pack pros are suiting up for the final time this season.
Philip Rivers, quarterback, Los Angeles Chargers
Rivers and the Bolts (11-4) suffered a minor setback in week 16 in a 22-10 loss against the Baltimore Ravens. However, it comes better this week than in a potential Wild Card Round matchup against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. The Chargers can still win the AFC West, but it will take a win against the Denver Broncos (6-9) and a Kansas City Chiefs (11-4) loss against the Oakland Raiders (4-11).
Rivers threw 23 completions on 37 attempts for 181 yards and two interceptions, his worst game of the season. 181 yards is his lowest of the season and it was the first game Rivers didn’t throw for a touchdown.
Russell Wilson, quarterback, Seattle Seahawks
Wilson and the Seahawks helped out the Chargers last week by keeping them in the division hunt with a win over the Chiefs. Wilson threw for 271 yards on 18 completions and three touchdowns while running for 57 yards. Wilson has led the charge into the playoffs, locking up a Wild Card spot by winning five of their last six games.
The Seahawks are locked into a wild-card spot, but they could still lose the fifth seed, so Wilson will have to step up big against the Arizona Cardinals in week 17.
Bradley Chubb, outside linebacker, Denver Broncos
Despite the Broncos disappointing season, Chubb has lived up to his first-round draft value collecting 12 sacks with just one week to go. Denver will face Rivers and the Chargers in the final week where Chubb has an outside shot to break the rookie-season record of 14.5 sacks. In the week 16 loss to the Raiders, Chubb collected four total tackles for the third straight week.
Jaylen Samuels, running back, Pittsburgh Steelers
Samuels has stepped up big for the Steelers late in the season as the lead back with James Conner out. After rushing for 142 yards against the Patriots in week 15, he took a step back, collecting only 53 yards in a close loss to the Saints. With Conner coming back, Samuels will likely see minimal touches in the final week where the Steelers need a win and help to get into the playoffs.
Nyheim Hines, running back, Indianapolis Colts
Like Samuels, Hines stepped up when starting running back Marlon Mack was out earlier in the season with an injury. Hines has taken a backup role for a number of weeks, rushing for just 27 yards in the last four weeks combined, but added 152 yards in receiving during the same time period. Hines has totaled 310 rushing yards and 400 yards receiving on the season. The Colts need a win against the Titans in week 17 to get a wild-card spot.
B.J. Hill, defensive tackle, New York Giants
Hill’s only stat against the Colts in week 16 was a quarterback hit. Hill has started 11 of 15 games so far this season collecting 45 total tackles. The Giants (5-10) finish up their season against the Cowboys (9-6), who are locked into the fourth seed in the NFC and have nothing left to gain in the regular season.
Stephen Hauschka, kicker, Buffalo Bills
Hauschka made two of three field goals in a week 16 24-12 loss to the Patriots. His only miss came from 43 yards while he made 41-yard and 35-yard field goals. The Bills (5-10) will finish the season against the Dolphins (7-8) in a meaningless December game.
Josh Jones, safety, Green Bay Packers
Jones had his best game of the season in week 16 against the Jets (4-11) with a season-high 12 total tackles and one of his two pass defenses of the season. While Jones didn’t play in as many games as last season due to an early-season injury, he has still totaled 50 tackles through 15 games. The Packers (6-8-1) end their season against the Lions (5-10) in a game with no playoff implications.
