The 2024 NFL Playoffs are heating up this weekend with the Divisional Round, where eight teams will battle for a chance to advance to the conference championships. Among these teams, five former Boston College Eagles find themselves on rosters, ready to showcase their skills. The matchups promise thrilling football and offer glimpses of how these players have adapted to the professional level. Each game carries significant weight as teams vie for a coveted spot in the Super Bowl.
Detailed Coverage of the Divisional Round
In the heart of winter, four exciting games will unfold over the weekend, each featuring notable alumni from Boston College:
Saturday, January 18 at 8 p.m. ET | Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions (FOX)
The Washington Commanders, fresh off a hard-fought victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, travel north to face the Detroit Lions. This game will highlight Christian Mahogany, an offensive lineman for the Lions. After starting the season on the Non-Football Injury List, Mahogany made his debut in Week 12 against the Indianapolis Colts. He has since played in seven games, including one start.
Sunday, January 19 at 3 p.m. ET | Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles (NBC and Peacock)
The Los Angeles Rams head to Philadelphia after both teams secured impressive wins last week. The Rams defeated the Minnesota Vikings 27-9, while the Eagles beat the Green Bay Packers 22-10. This matchup features two former Eagles: safety John Johnson III and tight end Hunter Long, both playing for the Rams. Johnson III returned from injury last week, and Long contributed significantly in the Rams' playoff opener, catching one pass for 13 yards.
Sunday, January 19 at 6:30 p.m. ET | Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills (CBS and Paramount+)
In what promises to be the most anticipated game of the weekend, the Baltimore Ravens travel to Buffalo to take on the Bills. Wide receiver Zay Flowers from the Ravens and linebacker Matt Milano from the Bills, both former Eagles, bring added intrigue. Despite injuries, both players have shown resilience. Milano was a full participant in practice this week despite a biceps issue, while Flowers, who missed the Wild Card game due to a knee injury, has a chance to play on Sunday.
Saturday, January 18 at 4:30 p.m. ET | Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs (ESPN, ABC, and ESPN+)
This game does not feature any former Boston College players but remains a crucial contest for both teams as they aim to progress further in the playoffs.
Other Notable Former Eagles in the NFL
- Zach Allen, Defensive End - Denver Broncos
- AJ Dillon, Running Back - Green Bay Packers
- Zay Flowers, Wide Receiver - Baltimore Ravens
- Will Harris, Safety - New Orleans Saints
- Kyle Hergel, Guard - New Orleans Saints
- John Johnson III, Safety - Los Angeles Rams
- Zion Johnson, Guard - Los Angeles Chargers
- Elijah Jones, Cornerback - Arizona Cardinals
- Harold Landry, Linebacker - Tennessee Titans
- Chris Lindstrom, Guard - Atlanta Falcons
- Hunter Long, Tight End - Los Angeles Rams
- Christian Mahogany, Guard - Detroit Lions
- Isaiah McDuffie, Linebacker - Green Bay Packers
- Matt Milano, Linebacker - Buffalo Bills
- Justin Simmons, Safety - Atlanta Falcons
- Isaac Yiadom, Cornerback - San Francisco 49ers
From a journalistic perspective, it's inspiring to see how these former Boston College athletes have persevered through challenges and continue to excel in the NFL. Their presence in such high-stakes games underscores the quality of talent that Boston College produces. As fans and observers, we can't help but feel proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing how far they can go in this year's playoffs. The resilience and determination displayed by these players serve as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and dedication in achieving one's goals.