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It’s impossible to ‘accidentally’ earn an NFL playoff spot.

In a sports universe increasingly determined to reward mediocrity, often granting a post-season place to half the competition, the NFL remains something of a relic, promising just 12 opportunities to its 32-team league.

It takes a village to navigate your way through an NFL season to earn a playoff spot, and not having your roster, front office - as well as your coaching and conditioning staff - in sync with each other is the surest way to find yourself on the outside looking in at this most wonderful time of the NFL calendar.

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With that said, within each of the Super Bowl contending teams there exists an overarching, indispensable figure who’s played arguably the biggest role in either getting their team here, or the role they're set to play over the next few weeks.

Today, we’ll be looking at each of the 12 playoff teams and identifying one such figure under the magnifying glass for each franchise.

BALTIMORE RAVENS: Lamar Jackson

It’s incredible to think that going into the season, most analysis surrounding the Baltimore Ravens revolved around how they were planning to mask the shortcomings of their talented - though compromised - quarterback, Lamar Jackson.

Five months later, on the eve of the playoffs, we’re now looking at the presumptive league MVP who has piloted his - and that is a definite 'his' - franchise to a league best 14-2 record and Super Bowl favouritism.

While Jackson’s mobility was never questioned, his arm power and accuracy certainly was, yet the former Heisman Trophy winner has made a mockery of such skepticism in 2019, tossing a league-high 36 passing touchdowns while lifting his accuracy from 58.2% all the way up to 66.1% this season.

Jackson’s mobility and improvisation remain both his predominant strengths as well as the very tool which unlocks so much of what the league’s highest-octane offense is all about.

Jackson, this season, set the NFL QB rushing record with 1,206 yards, while the Ravens ground attack has been virtually unstoppable, amassing 3,296 yards (991 more than the next best, San Francisco 49ers), along with 21 touchdowns, with Mark Ingram and Gus Edwards themselves combining for 1,729 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Head Coach, Kyle Shanahan

In a year in which the halo slipped somewhat from the head of Sean McVay, the mantle of the league’s most innovative and progressive offensive mind may now belong to Kyle Shanahan, whose San Francisco 49ers’ 13-3 season has earned them the NFC’s #1 seed going into the playoffs.

Shanahan’s strength lies in how multifaceted his attacking unit is, never relying on a single element, play or player, while making sure to incorporate and empower all available resources.

From a rush perspective, the 49ers have taken on the appearance of a three-headed monster, with all of Tevin Coleman, Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert having at least 123 carries, combining for 1,939 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Under centre, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has improved by the week and has perhaps now - despite my repeated ramblings on the Punt Return Podcast - justified his five year, $137 million contact, benefiting greatly from Shanahan’s exceptional play-calling, which has made excellent use of the varied skill-sets of the likes of George Kittle, Emmanuel Sanders and rookie wide-out, Deebo Samuel. 

The 49ers were one of just six teams in the league to amass more than 2,000 yards after a catch (YAC) this season, while also producing 39 catches of 25 yards or more, which was bettered only by the Kansas City Chiefs (42) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers(54).

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS, Michael Thomas

In a league more pass-orientated, high -scoring and receiver-friendly than ever before, the New Orleans Saints' Michael Thomas has separated himself from the pack to emerge as the NFL’s premier wide receiver.

Not only was Thomas’ 1,725 recieving yards the league’s highest mark (and by some 331 yards), but his 149 catches set an all-time single-season record, reeling in the passes directed at him at an outstanding 80.5% - a number usually associated with running backs whose backfield catches are generally much shorter, and more straightforward. 

While it’s entirely understandable to gush over Drew Brees' production at 40 years of age, the Saints simply would not have produced a 13-3 season without Thomas at the epicentre of their offense.

In a season where Brees has missed time due to injury, and where Alvin Kamara’s production has dropped significantly, Thomas’ elite production has been as important as ever. If the Saints are to make any noise this post-season to add a second Lombardi Trophy to their cabinet, the former Ohio State Buckeye will need to continue his outstanding season.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: Patrick Mahomes

Last season, in his first full year as a starting quarterback, and at just 23 years of age, the Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes mesmerised the NFL, tossing 50 touchdowns, 5,097 yards, winning the NFL MVP and taking the franchise to within a whisker of its first Super Bowl appearance in 50 years.

While Mahomes' statistical production have been down this season on last season, owing mainly to injury, his role in yet another excellent Chiefs' regular season has been pivotal.

At 5-3, with Mahomes noticeably struggling, and with the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots running riot in the AFC, the Chiefs looked in serious trouble, however Mahomes was able to steady the ship, throwing for 11 touchdowns to just four interceptions in the second half of the season, as the Chiefs won their last six games straight to secure a first-round bye.

Incredibly, the Chiefs are now just three wins away from a drought-breaking Super Bowl triumph, and they wouldn’t be here without their franchise lynchpin who has now demonstrated he isn’t just about fireworks and numbers, but something far grittier and resilient.

GREEN BAY PACKERS: Aaron Jones

The easy answer here would of course be two-time league MVP, Super Bowl-winning quarterback, and future Hall of Famer, Aaron Rodgers. And, while the distinguished QB remains one of the league’s very best, the Green Bay Packerssimply wouldn’t have earned a first-round bye without Aaron Jones’ breakout season.

The Packers' backfield has been largely irrelevant in recent seasons, which has ensured a level of predictably from the Packers' offense, placing incredible strain on Rodgers.

Jones has, however, exploded this season, producing 1,558 all-purpose yards along with 19 touchdowns, and, in the process, completely transforming the Green Bay offense.

In six games this season, Jones produced at least 140 all-purpose yards, with the Packers winning all six of those games, two of which were against arch-division rival, Minnesota Vikings, as well as their Week 8 triumph away to the Kansas City Chiefs.

In contrast, all three of the Packers' losses have come when Jones had three of his worst games, held to just 38, 30 and 21 yards.

When the Packers' post-season begins next weekend, all eyes, as usual, will be on Aaron Rodgers. The contribution of 'the other Aaron', however, might play more of a critical role in whether the Packers win, or exit prematurely.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: Head Coach, Bill Belichick

The losses came thick and fast for the New England Patriots in the second half of the season, with their 4-4 finish consigning them to playing on wildcard weekend for the first time since 2009.

At a time when the sharply declining talents of legendary quarterback, Tom Brady, have been obvious for the world to see, one constant for this storied franchise has been head coach, Bill Belichick, who has contributed more than any other figure in securing the Pats' 17^th playoff berth in 19 seasons.

While Brady simply doesn’t inspire the kind of confidence he once did (24 touchdowns is his lowest return in ten years, while his 6.6 yards per attempt are at a 17-year low) it’s been Belichick who has reminded the NFL world of his brilliance, once again masterminding a relatively flawed roster, but one which was ranked #1 in defensive DVOA, caused 36 turnovers, and which kept opposition quarterbacks to a dismal 62.8 QB rating - a full 14.7 points better than the next best defense, the Baltimore Ravens.

No, this season’s Patriots don’t constitute the same threat they have in years gone by, with last week's shock upset by the Miami Dolphins proving indeed just how vulnerable they are. However, with Belichick patrolling the sidelines, they will remain a team no one wants to face, starting with the Tennessee Titans this weekend. 

MINNESOTA VIKINGS: General Manager, Rick Spielman

Minnesota Vikings front office head honcho, Rick Spielman, has overseen all aspects of the Vikings organisation for 14 seasons now, producing a grand total of two playoff wins.

Double digit wins and post-season appearances in three of the past five seasons has been well and good for the purple and gold, however another swift playoff exit will not be handled well by their fanbase, who remain understandably frustrated by their ‘also ran’ status that’s kept them in Green Bay’s shadow for far too long. 

While this Vikings squad is undeniably highly-talented, it’s also a problematic one, owing to quarterback Kirk Cousins’ three-year, $84 million deal which was the defining gamble of Spielman’s tenure, and, one which may ultimately cost him his job.

While Cousins' numbers have been very respectable over his journey, in Minnesota he has routinely struggled against top-tier opposition, with the Vikings going 2-10 over the last two seasons against eventual playoff teams.

Minnesota’s playoff journey will start this week in New Orleans, where they are considered the least likely of all four wildcard teams to advance.

Yet another meek January exit will raise some serious questions about the overall structure of the franchise, starting with Spielman.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Russell Wilson

The Seattle Seahawks gave quarterback, Russell Wilson, an NFL-record four year, $140 million extension in the off-season, with their phenomenal leader rewarding them handsomely in 2019, producing another MVP-caliber campaign, guiding Seattle to the playoffs for the seventh time in eight seasons.

Yet another 30+ touchdown season - his third consecutive - coincided with a career low five interceptions, as Wilson’s importance to the Seahawks became increasingly obvious, especially at a time of great roster upheaval in the Emerald City.

Wilson and the Seahawks defied many external expectations to produce their seventh double-digit win season of the decade. The next challenge, however, will be going a few steps further, threatening for another Super Bowl title.

HOUSTON TEXANS: Defensive Coordinator, Romeo Crennel

Instead of the Houston Texans incredibly talented quarterback, Deshaun Watson, Houston's most important figure heading into the playoffs may well be 72-year old DC, Romeo Crennel, who’ll be tasked with trying to squeeze something out a defense which is down to the bare bones at the most crucial time of the season. 

Not only were the 6.1 yards per play the Texans conceded this season the very worst mark in the league, but they generated pressure on the opposition quarterback on just 18.1% of drop backs, which was a number only the Miami Dolphinshistorically bad defense performed worse in.

The second half of the season has been particularly brutal, with Houston producing just one multi-turnover game in its last seven, while being routinely scorched - conceding scores of 35, 38 and 41 - with their fortunes continually being put into the hands of MVP-candidate Watson, who has for the most part, delivered to a resounding degree.

Thankfully for the Texans, their playoff journey starts at home against the Buffalo Bills, who are ranked #22 where offensive DVOA is concerned, easily the worst mark amongst  the playoff teams.

The Texans may well win to secure their fourth playoff victory of the decade, however making any noise beyond that - especially up against the likes of the explosive Baltimore Ravens or Kansas City Chiefs - will be an extremely tall order.

BUFFALO BILLS: Head Coach, Sean McDermott

When Sean McDermott was hired as the Buffalo Bills head coach in January 2017, it had been 18 long years since the Bills last playoff appearance.

Within three years, the Bills have now qualified for two post-seasons under the tutelage of McDermott, who, in collaboration with unsung Bills GM, Brandon Beane, have moulded a roster which is bubbling along brilliantly in northern New York.

While the Bills offense hasn’t exhilarated this year - with questions persisting about the long-term fit of quarterback, Josh Allen - the Bills defense has excelled, ranked top ten yet again where defensive DVOA is concerned, with only the vaunted New England Patriots defense conceding less points than Buffalo this season.

Breaking through to the playoffs is a box the Bills have now successfully ticked. The next one, is collecting a playoff win which is something not enjoyed in Buffalo since 1995.

TENNESSEE TITANS: General Manager, Jon Robinson

When thinking about the Tennessee Titans qualifying for just their second post-season in 11 years, its understandable if the mind gravitates toward the phenomenal running prowess of Derrick Henry, or the redemptive story of quarterback, Ryan Tannehill.  

The reality, however, is that the severely underrated Tennessee GM, Jon Robinson, has his fingerprints over all facets of this incredible Titans' story, and will prove a leading candidate when the NFL hands out its' Executive of the Year award.  

Since taking over in 2016, Robinson has completely transformed a franchise stuck in the mud, and which is now on the verge of becoming a legitimate NFL force. While going into Foxboro to face the New England Patriots is a daunting task for any team, the Titans' 7-3 finish to the season should give them hope that their second post-season victory in 15 years is well within reach.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: The Practise Squad

The Philadelphia Eagles injury list simply defies comprehension, however the Eagles have somehow managed to win the NFC East.

While credit must go to their quarterback, Carson Wentz, who has stood tall and refused to crumble under the weight of a distinct lack of weapons, the Eagles simply wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the combined contributions of their practice squad, who, if nothing else, has introduced the NFL to a cast of unfamiliar characters who have all produced moments in the sun to fuel an unlikely playoff appearance.

Incredibly, 16 different players have caught passes for the Eagles this season, with six different players earning at least ten carries.

It hasn’t been spectacular by any means, and nowhere near the elation of their 2018 Super Bowl triumph, however this season will be fondly remembered by Philly fans for years to come.

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