NEW YORK JETS
After wrapping up their second consecutive AFC East crown and the AFC's top seed, the 15-1 New York Jets were able to spend some downtime together, resting up for what they hope is another Super Bowl run.
Head Coach Todd Bowles, who has been long rumored to step away from the club, regardless to how the season finishes, was seen on the Stanford football sideline during the New Year's Eve Sun Bowl game between the Cardinal and the PITT Panthers.
"I just love what David (Shaw) does here with his guys," Bowles said. "I know this (season) is the end for my time in the NFL, I'm itching to look at a bit of a slower pace and to plant some roots; Maybe at the college level."
Upon his return to team headquarters, Bowles and his squad will be watching to see which teams make it out of the Wild Card round before making their trek to the Gotham City.
"The road to the Super Bowl is through here," Lamar Jackson said. "I think we have proven we are up for any test - We welcome any challenge."
BUFFALO BILLS
After a Week #17 victory over the Miami Dolphins, the Buffalo Bills secured the AFC's #5 seed and a road matchup against the scuffling Jacksonville Jaguars on Wild Card weekend.
A top heavy AFC East feasted on all other AFC opponents allowing the Jaguars to limp into the playoffs with a losing record.
"We can't take anyone for granted," Aaron Rodgers said. "I know they gave up like 100 points the other week, but it's a new season now."
Leonard Fournette, who has been seemingly non-existent for the Jags the past four weeks, tried to pump his squad up with what seems to be an ill-advised guarantee.
"We're at home and we are going to win," Fournette said. "You heard it here first and I'll never waiver from that."
The -19.5 point underdogs would be the biggest dog in history to advance in a playoff game.
"A lot of times those barking dogs don't have no bite," Jamal Adams said. "He's my boy and all (both played at LSU), but man he's out there."
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
With a strong regular season finish, the Kansas City Chiefs, winners of the AFC West, earned the right to host the AFC's #6 seed from New England.
However, being more than a touchdown underdog at home, seems to be a bit of a slap in the face for a team boasting one of the better home field advantages in the NFL.
"Yeah it's a dig at us," Patrick Mahomes said. "I think we should be favored. But none of that matters once the game is on."
New England would have won any other AFC division this year, but being slotted in the strong AFC East put them as the last team in.
"Wild Card teams make runs all the time," Julio Jones said. "It starts Saturday and we'll see where the road takes us."
MIAMI DOLPHINS
The Miami Dolphins acted fast in their search for a new Head Coach. The team interviewed Don "Wink" Martindale (DC Baltimore Ravens), Rex Ryan (former New York Jets and Buffalo Bills HC) and Tony Dungy (former Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach) before announcing the hiring of Matt Campbell who has been the Head Coach of Iowa State from the Big 12 since 2016.
"I am thrilled at the opportunity," Campbell said. "Job number one is to build our staff and connect with our current players to ensure we are laying our foundation together."
Campbell also announced that Charles London would be his offensive coordinator and that Chris Hewitt would serve as the team's defensive coordinator.
London played runningback at Duke before spending time coaching RBs at Penn State University under Bill O'Brien. London then followed O'Brien to the Houston Texans before joining the Chicago Bears for the 2018 season.
Hewitt played collegiately for Rutgers before joining the New Orleans Saints for three seasons as a defensive back. In the professional coaching ranks, Hewitt has coached special teams and defensive backs for the Baltimore Ravens under John Harbaugh. He will be handed to the keys to a defensive backfield with good, young talent.
