- NEXT GAME: Divisional Round, opponent TBD
OK, admittedly, it’s hard to label any quarterback an X-factor, considering the position’s outsized importance in the modern NFL. But I think the shoe fits with this particular signal-caller on this particular team, given the trepidation that continues to linger around his name and game. Yes, Darnold did a lot to debunk the narrative that he crumbles under the spotlight, winning his fourth and fifth straight prime-time contests against the Rams in Week 16 and the 49ers in Week 18 to secure the NFC’s top seed. But he also did commit a fumble or interception in each of those five games, consistent with his season-long difficulty in that area — he finished the season with 20 total turnovers, including 14 picks. Darnold was still able to torch opponents in the regular season, but if the Seahawks are to advance through the playoffs, he must come through in the clutch and avoid turnovers. Darnold’s decision-making and ball-security skills will determine whether the NFC’s No. 1 seed will represent the conference in Super Bowl LX.