Notre Dame alums front and center during NFL Wild Card Weekend

Former Notre Dame football players will be key roles in the outcomes of a couple of NFL Wild Card games over the weekend.

The 2019 Notre Dame football season may be over, but the NFL Playoffs are about to begin. This gives you — the Notre Dame fan — a chance to continue to root for your favorite Irish players now cashing checks in the NFL.

This weekend features four Wild Card games — two of which will prominently feature former Notre Dame players in key roles.

This first game of the weekend will see the Houston Texans host the Buffalo Bills. Former Notre Dame offensive lineman Nick Martin is the starting center for the Houston Texans, and he’ll have his hands full with a young and talented Buffalo defensive line.

As of right now, former Notre Dame receiver Will Fuller is a gametime decision for the Texans. His presence is one that could change the complexion of the game. As a dangerous deep threat, he’ll force the Bills to account for him on deep routes, subsequently weakening coverage against fellow Texan receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Kenny Stills.

That game will kickoff Saturday, Jan. 4th at 4:35 p.m ET.

The other game featuring Notre Dame players will be the New Orleans Saints hosting the Minnesota Vikings. In that one, there’s a good chance we could see two former Irish players matching up on multiple plays. Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph could have Saints linebacker Manti Te’o covering him on passing downs. Te’o has been providing the Saints with with solid depth at the linebacker position.

In the meantime, Minnesota safety Harrison Smith will be challenged with leading the Viking secondary against one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, Drew Brees.

The last time these two teams met in the playoffs, we were blessed with “The Miracle in Minneapolis.”

That game will kick off Jan. 5 at 1:05 p.m. ET.