SALEM, OR - The Wild Card round of Season 32 delivered fireworks across the board, and four standout players emerged as this week's 2K OLF Playmakers-two from each conference, making a lasting impact when their teams needed it most. From clutch quarterback play to dominant defensive disruption, these athletes helped define the opening chapter of the playoffs.
NFC Offensive Playmaker: Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
Stats vs. Green Bay Packers: 25-38, 424 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INT
Facing division rival Green Bay in a high-stakes playoff showdown, Caleb Williams delivered his most polished performance of the year. The Bears' quarterback shredded the Packers’ secondary for 424 yards and three touchdowns, leading Chicago to a 34-29 victory. His composure under pressure and ability to exploit mismatches was the difference-maker, helping the Bears punch their ticket to the Divisional Round.
NFC Defensive Playmaker: Blake Cashman, New Orleans Saints
Stats vs. San Francisco 49ers: 12 tackles, 1 sack
Blake Cashman gave it everything he had in New Orleans’ Wild Card clash with the San Francisco 49ers. Despite the Saints falling 31-14, Cashman was everywhere on the field-racking up 12 tackles and recording a sack. His sideline-to-sideline hustle and hard-hitting presence were clear bright spots in an otherwise tough outing for the Saints’ defense.
AFC Offensive Playmaker: Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Stats vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: 34-54, 370 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INT
In a game that went into overtime, Josh Allen did all he could to carry the Buffalo Bills against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Allen threw for 370 yards and three touchdowns without turning the ball over, keeping the Bills alive until the bitter end of a 38-31 loss. It was the second straight season the Bills bowed out in the Wild Card, but Allen’s effort and efficiency showed he left it all on the field.
AFC Defensive Playmaker: Rich Lindsey, Pittsburgh Steelers
Stats vs. Buffalo Bills: 4 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 defensive touchdown
Rich Lindsey was the x-factor in Pittsburgh's overtime thriller over the Bills. His fourth-quarter strip sack not only halted a Buffalo drive but led to a scoop-and-score that shifted the momentum. Lindsey finished with four tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and a touchdown-making him arguably the most impactful defender of the entire round and key to the Steelers advancing.
While only Caleb Williams and Rich Lindsey will move on to the Divisional Round, all four Wild Card Playmakers made lasting impressions. Whether their teams advanced or not, their performances helped define the opening weekend of playoff football in Season 32.
