NFL Playoffs Wild-Card Round O-Line Power Rankings feat. Lane Johnson, Tristan Wirfs, Mike McGlinchey

Modified Jan 09, 2025 23:16 GMT

O-Line power rankings entering Wild Card round (Getty)

The wild-card round of the 2024 NFL playoffs will kick off this weekend, featuring a bracket of 14 teams. Those who have made it into the playoffs likely have plenty of strengths on their rosters, including several with dominant offensive lines. They are often among the most undervalued players on successful teams, but they provide a massive offensive advantage to the teams that are solid up front.

The best offensive lines not only protect their quarterback so they have more time to operate, but they also open up holes for their running backs to have rushing lanes. The skill players usually get most of the credit for impressive offensive performances, but it's difficult for them to do so if they are playing behind a weak offensive line.

One of the best examples of a team with an excellent offensive line that will be playing in the wild-card round is the Philadelphia Eagles. Blocking has been one of the staples of their franchise in recent years and has helped them find sustained success. Behind studs such as Lane Johnson, they have found their way into the NFL playoffs in seven of the past eight seasons, so their strategy appears to be working.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers also have a solid offensive line, especially with Tristan Wirfs anchoring their pass protection. The superstar left tackle is widely considered one of the best left tackles in the NFL, including being selected to the Pro Bowl in the past four years with two All-Pro appearances. He has contributed to Baker Mayfield breaking out across the past two seasons and making consecutive postseason appearances.

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One of the most underrated offensive lines in the wild-card round is the Denver Broncos, as they have been a major part of them exceeding expectations this year. Head coach Sean Payton has always emphasized blocking, including in his successful run with the New Orleans Saints, which has also translated to his new team. Mike McGlinchey has been one of their keys this season, protecting rookie quarterback Bo Nix and opening rushing lanes for their mediocre backfield.

Here's where these three offensive lines, along with the others, fall in the power rankings ahead of the wild-card round. These rankings also include the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions, despite being on a bye week.