Full Breakdown
Heisman Winners Shine in NFL Postseason
1/7/2026, 9:27:32 PM
Heisman Winners in the Playoffs
The 2025 NFL postseason features four Heisman Trophy winners, with three actively participating. Caleb Williams led the Chicago Bears to an 11-6 record, securing the NFC North Division title and the No. 2 seed. DeVonta Smith and the Philadelphia Eagles also finished with an 11-6 record, claiming the NFC East title and the No. 3 seed. Bryce Young's Carolina Panthers, despite an 8-9 record, clinched the NFC South title through a tiebreaker over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. In the AFC, Travis Hunter's Jacksonville Jaguars earned the No. 3 seed, although Hunter has been sidelined since November due to a knee injury.
Notable Performances and Records
DeVonta Smith, who won a Super Bowl with the Eagles last year, has the opportunity to become the first Heisman winner to win consecutive Super Bowls and only the third to secure two overall. Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens, although missing the playoffs, finished as the league's second-leading rusher with 1,595 yards and moved into 10th place on the NFL's career rushing chart with 13,018 yards. Henry's 16 rushing touchdowns ranked second in the league, while his 17 carries of 20 or more yards were the highest.
Caleb Williams, in his sophomore season, ranked seventh in passing yards with 3,942 and threw 27 touchdowns. Bryce Young achieved career highs with 3,011 passing yards and 23 touchdowns, while DeVonta Smith recorded 1,008 receiving yards and four touchdowns, marking his third 1,000-yard season.
Criticism of the Panthers' Playoff Position
Despite their playoff berth, the Panthers have faced skepticism regarding their competitiveness. Analysts have pointed out that the team, with a sub-.500 record, needed a rival's victory to secure their playoff spot. This has led to doubts about their ability to make a significant impact in the postseason, with some labeling them as pretenders.
Official Statements & Responses
NFL analysts have expressed mixed sentiments about the playoff prospects of various teams. While some teams like the Jaguars and Eagles are seen as strong contenders, the Panthers' recent performance has raised concerns. Analysts have noted the importance of consistency and performance under pressure as critical factors for success in the playoffs.
Verbatim Quotes
- “500 team that needed a rival to punch its ticket to the postseason following back-to-back losses, said Moton.” — Maurice Moton, NFL Analyst
- “Until then, they have a lot to prove.” — Russell Baxter, NFL Analyst
What's Next
As the playoffs commence, the focus will be on how these Heisman winners perform under pressure. The Bears will face the Green Bay Packers, while the Panthers will meet the Los Angeles Rams in the Wildcard Round. The outcomes of these matchups will determine the trajectory of these teams and their Heisman-winning players in the quest for Super Bowl LX.
