1 Player Each NFL Team Is Counting On as the Season Winds DownBy Tim Penman Dec 3, 2015
Rick Scuteri/Associated Press With Week 13 upon us, it’s time to look ahead at the remaining schedule and single out certain players whose performances could have the biggest impact.Each team’s roster will be examined, and while some are vying for the playoffs, others are simply trying to build positives for next season. A lot of the players on this list are under 25 years old and therefore have major potential to truly break out in 2016.For this list, we’ll look at key opponents, team needs and player potential. What kind of core talent can the struggling teams build their organizations' future around? Which underrated player can help a team with playoff aspirations achieve its goals?
Atlanta FalconsDevonta Freeman has been a beast for the Atlanta Falcons all season, tallying nine TDs and almost 800 rushing yards. The balance he brings will be key for the Falcons as they try to snap a four-game losing streak that has come at the worst time.To make matters worse, Freeman and Co. have to face the undefeated Carolina Panthers twice this month. Since the Falcons only average 23.6 points per game, good for 14th in the league, Freeman will have to bring his best in those contests.
Carolina PanthersOne of the most underrated members of the Panthers’ stellar defensive unit has been defensive back Kurt Coleman.The Ohio State product has been on fire recently, collecting an interception in each of the last three games. As the saying goes, defense wins championships, and Coleman will be front and center as this Panthers team attempts to make franchise history in January.
New Orleans SaintsThe New Orleans Saints are hoping for a bounce-back performance out of star receiver Brandin Cooks in Week 13.With six touchdowns in his age-22 season, Cooks represents a big part of the Saints’ future. His ability to continue to build chemistry with Drew Brees will be instrumental to the Saints’ progress next season.His 4.33-second speed in the 40-yard dash has and will continue to help this offense. Look for the Saints to try more deep balls to Cooks this month, as they test the young player’s durability.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins has tremendous potential for the Buccaneers, and although he’s missed a bulk of the games this season, he has the size (6'5", 262 lbs) to break out when Tampa Bay figures to be more competitive in 2016.Players at his position usually take a while to develop, so the fact that he has two touchdowns off only seven receptions is encouraging for Buccaneers fans. Look for offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter to target Seferian-Jenkins more in the red zone this month.For every team...link