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Notre Dame alums continue on in NFL Playoffs

By J.P. Scott

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 05: Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings makes the game-winning touchdown reception against P.J. Williams #26 of the New Orleans Saints during overtime in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 05: Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings makes the game-winning touchdown reception against P.J. Williams #26 of the New Orleans Saints during overtime in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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This weekend’s divisional round games will be chock full of former Notre Dame players.

The NFL Playoffs are in full swing, and Notre Dame alumni are already making a splash.

This weekend, the four divisional round games will take place, and three of those games will feature Irish players in prominent roles.

Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers

Kickoff: Saturday, Jan. 11, 4:35 p.m. on NBC

Kyle Rudolph was the hero last weekend in the upset win over the Saints. He’ll try to repeat that performance this weekend. Harrison Smith will be charged with matching wits with Jimmy Garopollo and slowing down the 49er passing attack.

For San Fran, Sheldon Day will look to stuff the Vikings rushing attack and disrupt the pocket, while Mike McGlinchey will be key against the Vikings pass rush.

Tennessee Titans at Baltimore Ravens

Kickoff: Saturday, Jan. 11, 8:15 p.m. on CBS

Offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley will look to protect the blind side of presumptive NFL MVP Lamar Jackson against a stout Tennessee defense. Look for Miles Boykin’s size to be utilized on third and long situations as well as in the red zone.

Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs

Kickoff: Sunday, Jan. 12, 3:05 p.m. on CBS

All signs point to Will Fuller returning to action this weekend, and that’s huge for the Houston Texans. His presence alone opens up the Texan offense due to his deep threat capabilities. He must be accounted for, and this game now has the look of a shootout. Nick Martin will be charged with organizing the protection of Deshaun Watson during said shootout.

As of right now, there’s still a pretty good chance that one or two Notre Dame players walk away from the 2019 NFL season as proud owners of Super Bowl rings.

Next. All-Decade Interior O-Line. dark

Tune in this weekend and root for your favorite former Irish players!

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