Minnesota Football: Gophers in the NFL—Divisional Round

We are in the middle of the NFL playoffs, and remarkably the former Minnesota Golden Gophers who made the playoffs are all still alive! In fact at least one foemr Gopher and up to three could still have a chance to win Super Bowl 55. Here is our recap of how the former Minnesota Golden Gophers performed in the Divisional Round in the NFL and a look ahead to who is still playing in the NFC and AFC Championship Games.

Damien Wilson—Linebacker—Kansas City Chiefs

Divisional Rd vs Cleveland Browns

AFC Championship Game vs Buffalo Bills

Wilson and the Chiefs played their first playoff game last Sunday when they took on the Cleveland Browns in the Divisional Round. Wilson would play 47 snaps, record three solo tackles, add an assisted tackle and a pass defense. The game was a lot closer than many thought it might, especially after Patrick Mahomes was knocked out with an apparent concussion in the third quarter. But Chad Henne made the plays he needed to and got the Chiefs a 22-17 win and a chance to host the Buffalo Bills with a chance to head back to the Super Bowl for the second consecutive year.

Antoine Winfield Jr. —Safety—Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Divisional Round @ New Orleans Saints

NFC Championship Game @ Green Bay Packers

A week after he recorded six tackles in a Wild Card win over Washington, Winfield showed once again why he should be the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year on Sunday against the Saints. In 65 defensive snaps he recorded five solo tackles, one assisted tackle, and a key forced fumble which helped the Bucs to a 30-20 win and keep their season alive for one more week.

He also dropped a savage instagram post about it making sure that Saints fans knew he was out for revenge for his dad who was on the 2009 Minnesota Vikings team that lost the NFC Championship Game to the Saints.

Tyler Johnson-WR-Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Divisional Round @ New Orleans Saints

NFC Championship Game @ Green Bay Packers

Tyler Johnson still is not getting a ton of run in Tampa Bay, but the kid makes absolutely huge plays when he gets the chance. See this absolute insane catch that had just about every single NFL expert going crazy in Sunday’s win over New Orleans. It was on a 3rd and 11 play and made sure Tampa could keep would what be the game-winning field goal drive alive.

It would be Johnson’s only target in 15 snaps....but one that will not be forgotten as the Bucs are one game away from the Super Bowl. With Antonio Brown potentially missing the gsme with a knee injury suffered on Sunday, it may just be the chance Johnson needs to blow up in another huge game.

Kamal Martin-LB-Green Bay Packers

Divisional Round vs Los Angeles Rams

NFC Championship Game vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Martin played just four defensive snaps and 16 special teams snaps withouth recording a stat against the Rams in their 32-18 win and get a rematch against his fellow Gopher rookies. Tampa Bay gave the Packers their first loss in a 38-10 blowout back in October in Tampa. Should be fun.

NFC Championship Game: 2:05 PM—FOX

AFC Championship Game: 5:40 PM—CBS.