Bears in the Pros: NFL Playoffs Edition

The NFL Playoffs launch this weekend with two games on Saturday, a tripleheader on Sunday, and a lone Monday night contest to round out the six-game Super Wild Card slate. 

Counting the 49ers and Ravens on bye, fourteen teams continue the journey toward the Lombardi Trophy and Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. And that hunt includes several former Baylor stars. 

Here are the green and gold rooting interests if you need reasons to watch this weekend. Plus, a couple of notes on major Man of the Year and Pro Bowl accolades for a pair of ex-Bears. 

NFL WILD CARD ROUND 

-SATURDAY-

BROWNS @ TEXANS 

3:30 pm (NBC)  

Browns DL Siaki Ika - The rookie third-rounder has only played in four games and was mostly a healthy inactive for the first 13 weeks of the season until injuries elsewhere thrust him into action. Ika remains on the active roster and should see time as the postseason begins. 

Browns CB Kalon Barnes - The speedster signed to the Browns practice squad on Wednesday. He was previously released by the Jets just days before Christmas. 

Texans S Jalen Pitre - Year two has been a rollercoaster for Pitre compared to his sensational rookie debut. He was injured at the beginning of the season, and then briefly benched late in the year, but quickly returned to the starting lineup and continues to play a significant role in the Texans’ defense. 

Texans LS Jon Weeks - Baylor’s longest reigning pro returns to the playoffs in his 14th season. Making this year even more special, Weeks was named the franchise’s nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.  

“Considered the league's most prestigious honor, the award recognizes NFL players who have not only exhibited excellence on the field, but also whose passion to impact lives extends beyond the game and has led them to leave positive legacies in their community.” - via NFL.com 

Texans CB Grayland Arnold - Unfortunately, Arnold has resided on the Reserve/Injured list since mid-November due to a calf injury. 

DOLPHINS @ CHIEFS

7:10 pm (Peacock) 

CB Xavien Howard - X won’t give it to ya this weekend, as the team officially ruled him out due to a foot injury suffered back in Week 17 against the Ravens. It’s unclear if he’ll be able to return should Miami continue advancing. 

-SUNDAY- 

STEELERS @ BILLS

12:00 pm (CBS) 

Buffalo LB Terrel Bernard - He’s started all 17 games and compiled 143 tackles, including 84 solo takedowns. Bernard also grabbed three interceptions, three fumble recoveries, and 6.5 sacks, during this sensational sophomore showing. 

Steelers WR Denzel Mims - Mims joined Pittsburgh’s practice squad back in October but has yet to see any game action. 

PACKERS @ COWBOYS

3:30 pm (FOX) 

Green Bay TE Ben Sims - The rookie has appeared in 16 games, with one start, and caught his first career touchdown last month in a home win over the Chiefs, punctuated by his first-ever Lambeau Leap. 

RAMS @ LIONS 

7:00 pm (NBC) 

Detroit OT Connor Galvin - A member of the practice squad, he’s not scheduled for action on Sunday, but the rookie’s had a front-row seat to one of the NFL’s best stories, as Detroit won their first NFC North title since 1993 — seven years before he was born. Galvin's seen action in two games, making his NFL debut in Week 4 at Green Bay, and then returned to the active roster, but didn't play in a Week 11 home win over Chicago. 

-MONDAY- 

EAGLES @ BUCCANEERS 

7:15 pm (ESPN/ABC)

Nothing to see green and gold-wise. 

-First Round Byes-

NFC: 49ERS 

AFC: RAVENS 

Baltimore DL Bravvion Roy - The big man is a member of the Ravens practice squad. 

ALSO OF NOTE: 

THE PRO’S PRO: Jacksonville long snapper Ross Matiscik took home NFLPA All-Pro honors this week, as voted on by the players. He was also recently named a Pro Bowler for the first time in his career. The only negative? The Jaguars cratered down the stretch and missed the postseason with an upset loss on the final weekend. But other than that, he's thriving.  

THE DRAFT: DL Gabe Hall accepted an invitation to the Reese’s Senior Bowl, which is always a great opportunity. It’s unclear what his Draft prospects are right now, but Randolph is the Bears’ best shot at making it six straight drafts with a selection. 

THE EXECUTIVE: The LA Chargers have requested an interview with former Baylor kicker turned pro executive, Jeff Ireland, for their GM vacancy. He’s currently the Saints VP/Assistant GM - College Personnel. .