Quarterbacks may dominate the MVP race year after year, but let’s be real: even the best signal-callers can’t win championships alone. As the NFL playoffs get underway, it’s time to spotlight the game-changers at other positions who are just as vital to their team’s success.
Here are five of the most important non-quarterbacks who could define the 2025 NFL playoffs.
5. Chris Jones, DT, Kansas City Chiefs
For years, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ high-flying offense have grabbed all the headlines. But in 2024, Kansas City’s formula shifted. Their offense ranks 15th in scoring (22.6 points per game), while their defense stepped up to fourth in scoring (19.2 points per game). At the center of this defensive resurgence? Chris Jones.
The All-Pro defensive tackle remains a disruptive force despite posting only five sacks this season. His 74 quarterback pressures rank sixth in the league, and he’s Pro Football Focus’s (PFF) highest-graded pass-rushing defensive tackle with a stellar 91.0 grade. Overall, he’s the third-highest graded defensive tackle with an 89.7 defensive grade. Jones is the cornerstone of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme, constantly wreaking havoc and creating opportunities for his teammates. As the playoffs heat up, Jones’ ability to dominate the trenches will be crucial to the Chiefs’ success.
4. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions
Jahmyr Gibbs has been nothing short of great for the Detroit Lions. The second-year running back led the NFL with 20 scrimmage touchdowns in 2024, setting a franchise record. His 16 rushing touchdowns tied him for the league lead with Derrick Henry and James Cook. Simply put, anytime Gibbs touches the ball, he’s a threat to score.
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Gibbs averaged an impressive 6.4 yards per scrimmage touch this season. It was the second-best mark in the 21st century. Only Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk’s 6.6 in 2000 ranked higher. Over the Lions’ last three games, he recorded over 150 scrimmage yards in each contest. No Detroit player had achieved this feat since Barry Sanders in 1991. With fellow running back David Montgomery sidelined, Jahmyr has risen to the occasion, delivering in high-pressure moments. He’ll need to maintain this form for the Lions to make a deep playoff run.
Also Read: Ranking The NFL Playoff Games: Which Wild-Card Game Stands Out?
3. Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Justin Jefferson continues to redefine the wide receiver position. The Vikings star leads the league in career receiving yards per game with an astounding 96.5 average. This season, he’s made journeyman quarterback Sam Darnold look like a deep-ball maestro. Darnold tops the NFL in completions (34) and completion percentage (49.3%) on throws of 20 or more air yards, thanks largely to Jefferson’s brilliance.
JUSTIN JEFFERSON ASDGJSKDNFGKSDF;K
— NFL (@NFL) November 13, 2022
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Jefferson’s 1,533 receiving yards rank second in the NFL this season, yet they’re only the third-best total of his five-year career. His ability to make jaw-dropping catches in clutch situations, like his iconic fourth-and-18 grab against the Bills in 2022, makes him the ultimate game-changer. As the most dangerous wideout in the playoffs, Jefferson will be pivotal to Minnesota’s postseason success.
2. Derrick Henry, RB, Baltimore Ravens
At 30 years old, Derrick Henry proves that age is just a number. The Ravens’ running back broke the NFL record for rushing yards in a season by a player 30 or older, racking up 1,921 yards. He also co-led the league with 16 rushing touchdowns, setting a new franchise record. Henry’s explosive speed and physicality remain as dominant as ever.
KING. HENRY. 👑
— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025
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Henry’s impact extends beyond his stats. By taking the rushing burden off Lamar Jackson’s shoulders, he’s helped the Ravens quarterback achieve a league-best 119.6 passer rating- the fourth-highest in NFL history. Baltimore’s offense has reached new heights with Henry as the focal point, and his postseason performance will be critical to their Super Bowl aspirations.
1. Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
When you think of the 14-3 Philadelphia Eagles, two things come to mind: their dominant offensive line and Saquon Barkley. Barkley’s debut season in Philadelphia has been nothing short of historic. He’s just the ninth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season, finishing with 2,005.
Packers defense needs discipline to prevent Eagles’ back Saquon Barkley from hitting home runs https://t.co/TEhkXRHRSx
— Packers News (@PGPackersNews) January 10, 2025
The Eagles ‘ elite offensive line is a big reason for Barkley’s success. Barkley led the NFL with 2.64 yards before contact per rush in 2024, a massive improvement from his 1.35 average during his time with the Giants. For comparison, D’Andre Swift- the Eagles’ lead back last season- averaged 2.16 yards before contact behind an even stronger line. Barkley’s ability to dominate time of possession (the Eagles led the NFL with an average of 32 minutes and 22 seconds per game) has also been a game-changer. His presence elevates not just the offense but the entire team, making him the most valuable non-quarterback heading into the playoffs.
Also Read: Which NFL Teams Are Most Likely To Win Their First Super Bowl This Postseason?
