Wild Card Weekend Wraps as Divisional Round Picture, Injuries, Coaching Searches Emerge

As the NFL moves into the Divisional Round, teams turn attention to coaching vacancies, injury updates, and the clubs that advanced from Wild Card Weekend.

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Wild Card Weekend has concluded, and the NFL postseason field has been trimmed as six teams advanced into the Divisional Round. Alongside the on-field results, the early playoff week has also produced notable coaching movement and key injury developments that could influence the remainder of the postseason.

Several franchises without playoff representation continued their head coaching and coordinator searches. The Atlanta Falcons announced that former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel completed an interview for the team’s head coaching vacancy. The Dallas Cowboys hosted former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon for an interview regarding their defensive coordinator opening. Gannon also interviewed with the Tennessee Titans for their head coaching position and met with the Washington Commanders concerning their defensive coordinator vacancy. Meanwhile, Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka is scheduled to interview with both the Detroit Lions and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for offensive coordinator roles.

Coaching News

•Atlanta Falcons
: Former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel completed an interview for Atlanta’s head coaching vacancy.

•Dallas Cowboys
: Former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon interviewed for Dallas’ defensive coordinator opening.

•Detroit Lions
: Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka is scheduled to interview for Detroit’s offensive coordinator role.

•Tampa Bay Buccaneers
: Mike Kafka is also interviewing for Tampa Bay’s offensive coordinator position.

•Tennessee Titans
: Jonathan Gannon is interviewing for Tennessee’s head coaching vacancy.

•Washington Commanders: 
Jonathan Gannon is interviewing for Washington’s defensive coordinator job.

The Wild Card round also produced several significant injuries among advancing teams. The Buffalo Bills lost wide receiver Gabe Davis to a torn ACL during their win over Jacksonville. The Houston Texans ruled out wide receivers Nico Collins and Justin Watson with concussions during Monday night’s victory in Pittsburgh. The Los Angeles Rams reported quarterback Matthew Stafford suffered a sprained index finger but is expected to play in the Divisional Round, while the New England Patriots placed cornerback Christian Gonzalez in the concussion protocol.

Key Injuries

•Buffalo Bills
: WR Gabe Davis suffered a torn ACL during Buffalo’s Wild Card win over Jacksonville and will likely miss the remainder of the postseason.

•Houston Texans
: WR Nico Collins suffered a concussion and was ruled out late against Pittsburgh, while WR Justin Watson also exited with a concussion. Both are expected to be in danger of missing the Divisional Round.

•Los Angeles Rams: 
QB Matthew Stafford suffered a sprained right index finger on his throwing hand but is expected to be available for the Divisional Round, per head coach Sean McVay.

•New England Patriots
: CB Christian Gonzalez entered the league’s concussion protocol and his availability for the Divisional Round remains uncertain.

On the field, the AFC advanced the Bills, Patriots, and Texans, while the NFC sent through the Rams, Bears, and 49ers. With the Divisional Round now set, attention shifts to health, preparation, and how these developments shape the next stage of the postseason.

Teams Advancing

AFC

         •Buffalo Bills (def. Jaguars 27–24)

         •New England Patriots (def. Chargers 16–3)

         •Houston Texans (def. Steelers 30–6)

NFC

         •Los Angeles Rams (def. Panthers 34–31)

         •Chicago Bears (def. Packers 31–27)

         •San Francisco 49ers (def. Eagles 23–19)

As the Divisional Round approaches, injuries and timing are already shaping the playoff picture. Which injury concerns you the most moving forward, and which team coming out of Wild Card Weekend impressed you the most? Let’s Talk About It!