5 local story lines to follow as the NFL playoffs begin
Players from Massachusetts are in action, including former Everett High star Isaiah Likely.
With the Patriots out of the picture, the NFL playoffs naturally don’t carry quite as much intrigue in New England.
At the same time, there are still some local angles for fans to monitor in the coming weeks. Here’s a closer look:
Many former Boston College players are in the mix.
Ravens star Zay Flowers, who was recently selected to his first Pro Bowl, has been ruled out for Saturday’s matchup with the Steelers due to a knee injury.
His status moving forward, if the Ravens are able to advance, is unclear.
There are plenty of other former Boston College standouts who could see the field this weekend.
Broncos defensive end Zach Allen posted a career-high 61 tackles and 8.5 sacks this season en route to Associated Press second-team honors. Matt Milano returned from injury and is back in action at linebacker for the Bills. Also at linebacker, Isaiah McDuffie has carved out a nice role with the Packers, racking up a career-high 97 tackles and forcing a fumble in 17 games. Teammate AJ Dillon hasn’t played this season (neck) and isn’t expected to return in the playoffs.
Rookie guard Christian Mahogany has come on strong for the No. 1 Lions late in the season, appearing in seven games and carving out a role. Also at guard, former first-round pick Zion Johnson has appeared in all 17 games for the Chargers.
Safety John Johnson III and tight end Hunter Long will try to help the Rams defeat the Vikings. The Rams activated Johnson off injured reserve Tuesday, after he missed the bulk of the regular season due to a shoulder injury. Long, an Exeter, N.H. native, has appeared in all 17 games and caught seven passes for 60 yards. He also had this highlight-reel touchdown on special teams.
Players from Massachusetts are in action.
It may not be a Georgia or Texas when it comes to churning out NFL prospects, but don’t sleep on Massachusetts football.
Many local legends are representing their state in the NFL playoffs this year.
Spencer native Patrick Ricard and Cambridge native Isaiah Likely will try to help the Ravens get over the hump. Ricard, who played at David Prouty High, does the dirty work for Baltimore. Likely, who played at Everett High, has career-highs in catches (42), yards (477), and touchdowns (six) this year.
Merrimac’s Pat Freiermuth, who played at Pentucket Regional High and Brooks School, has carved out a significant role with the Steelers at tight end. He hauled in a career-high 65 passes for 653 yards and seven TDs this season.
Noah Gray, who attended Leominster High, had career highs in receptions (40), yards (437), and TDs (5) for the No. 1 Chiefs.
After ankle and finger injuries sidelined him for an extended period of time, Ifeatu Melifonwu is back in action for the Lions. Melifonwu, a springy safety, starred at Grafton High.
Bills safety Cole Bishop was born in Boston.
Others who attended Massachusetts colleges are active.
Chiefs guard C.J. Hanson and Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (17 catches, 215 yards, 2 TDs) played their college ball at Holy Cross. Raymond led the NFL in punt return yards with 413 and earned All-Pro honors for the second time in three seasons.
UMass product Isaiah Rodgers made 26 tackles and forced a fumble at cornerback in 15 games with the Eagles this season.
Impress your friends with this one: Commanders long snapper Tyler Ott attended Harvard University.
The Bills will try to curb a trend.
No AFC East team besides the Patriots has won the Super Bowl since the Dolphins in 1974.
The Bills, of course, made it to the game four straight seasons in the early 1990s and lost all four.
Younger fans may be surprised to know that the Jets did actually win a Super Bowl, but it hasn’t happened since 1969.
Patrick Mahomes could keep closing in on Tom Brady.
While Tom Brady is still widely regarded as the greatest player of all-time, the reality is that Patrick Mahomes is gaining ground.
Mahomes, who’s only 29, already has three Super Bowls to his name, including each of the last two. If the Chiefs win this one, and cement the dynasty, he’ll move one significant step closer toward Brady.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com