DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 20: Wilson brand footballs with the NFL logo are pictured during the game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns at Ford Field on November 20, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Here are three key players for each team in the Conference Championship games this weekend. These are not necessarily star players, some are, and others are role players who will need to step up.
Chiefs: DeAndre Hopkins
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 10: DeAndre Hopkins #8 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs after the catch in the fourth quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
He was quiet in the Divisional Round but will need to up his game to beat a great Bills team.
Bills: James Cook
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: James Cook #4 of the Buffalo Bills scores a touchdown in the second quarter against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
The Bills want to run the football and control the clock. They also don’t want to fall into old patterns where Josh Allen has to do EVERYTHING.
Eagles: Dallas Goedert
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 22: Dallas Goedert #88 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 22, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Needs to continue to be a big playmaker in the passing game.
Commanders: Terry McLaurin
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 23: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders and Dax Milne #15 celebrate after a touchdown during the third quarter of the game against the Green Bay Packers at FedExField on October 23, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
He has been terrific in the postseason and needs to make big plays.
Chiefs: Isiah Pacheco
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 1: Isiah Pacheco #10 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball during an NFL football game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
The Bills can be run on and although Hunt has done a decent job, Pacheco is their guy and since returning from his injury he hasn’t produced.
Bills: Keon Coleman
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 27: Keon Coleman #0 of the Buffalo Bills catches a pass during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on October 27, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
He can make big plays down the field and draw PI calls as well. Allen will surely take a couple shots deep to him.
Eagles: A.J. Brown
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 29: A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs as he is tackled by Emmanuel Forbes #13 of the Washington Commanders during the second quarter at FedExField on October 29, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
He has to be more involved in the offense. He has disappeared for the most part.
Commanders: Zach Ertz
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 14: Zach Ertz #86 of the Washington Commanders runs with the ball during an NFL Football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
He has been key in the red zone and needs to continue to be.
Chiefs: Travis Kelce
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 24: Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts before the AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium on January 24, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
This one is pretty obvious. When Mahomes needs a big conversion, you know he is looking Kelce’s way.
Bills: Khalil Shakir
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Khalil Shakir #10 of the Buffalo Bills scores a touchdown in the third quarter against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Shakir has become Allen’s favorite target, particularly on third down when they need a conversion.
Eagles: Jalen Hurts
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 19: Quarterback Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws the ball during the second half in the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field on September 19, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
He needs to get the passing game going because it has been a problem in the first two rounds.
Commanders: Brian Robinson Jr.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 14: Brian Robinson Jr. #8 of the Washington Commanders celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Eagles showed last week that they can be run on, so Robinson needs to have a big game.
