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Video: Josh Jacobs Gifts Packers OL Diamond Pendants, 'Couldn't Do It Without Them'

Dec 24, 2024
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 05: Josh Jacobs #8 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates with Tucker Kraft #85 and Rasheed Walker #63 after scoring a 4 yard touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter in the game at Ford Field on December 05, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 05: Josh Jacobs #8 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates with Tucker Kraft #85 and Rasheed Walker #63 after scoring a 4 yard touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter in the game at Ford Field on December 05, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Running back Josh Jacobs is having one of the best individual seasons of his career in his first year with the Green Bay Packers, and he found quite the way to thank those who are partially responsible for his success.

Jacobs bought the members of the Green Bay offensive line diamond pendants and said he "couldn't do it without them."

Jacobs is surely feeling thankful for his offensive line considering how well he has performed in a bounce-back season.

He averaged a career-worst 3.5 yards per carry last season for the Las Vegas Raiders, which wasn't the best timing heading into free agency. Still, that didn't stop Green Bay from signing him to a four-year, $48 million contract in a move that has paid off for both sides.

Jacobs is averaging 4.4 yards per carry through 15 games and has 1,216 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground to go with 35 catches for 340 yards and one score as a receiver.

The numbers are more in line with the 2022 campaign when he was a Pro Bowler and led the league with 1,653 rushing yards. He also ran for 12 touchdowns that season and as a Pro Bowler in 2020, but he has already notched a career-best 13 touchdown runs this year with two games remaining in the regular season.

He could also be in line for the first playoff win of his career after the Raiders largely struggled during his first five seasons and made the postseason just once.

Green Bay clinched the playoffs with Monday's 34-0 win over the New Orleans Saints and is playing excellent football with an 11-4 record and five wins in the last six contests. The team seems to be hitting its stride just in time for the postseason, and the performance of Jacobs and the offensive line has helped account for the success.

If that success continues through the Super Bowl, the offensive line could earn some more jewelry to go with Jacobs' gifts.

Fantasy News: Christian Watson's Avoid Major Injury, May Play vs. Vikings in Week 17

Dec 24, 2024
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 15: Christian Watson #9 of the Green Bay Packers catches a pass Seahawks during the third quarter at Lumen Field on December 15, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 15: Christian Watson #9 of the Green Bay Packers catches a pass Seahawks during the third quarter at Lumen Field on December 15, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

The Green Bay Packers clinched a playoff spot with a 34-0 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Monday and then received some encouraging news regarding the knee injury wide receiver Christian Watson suffered in the game.

"We got good news on him," head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters Tuesday while revealing Watson may play in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings. "It's more just a bruise."

The update comes after LaFleur expressed some worry after the game.

"There's some concern there, certainly," he said, per ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "We're going to get some more testing done tomorrow. Hopefully, I'll have an answer for you tomorrow."

As Demovsky noted, Watson suffered the injury when he got the ball on a running play in the second quarter and then returned for seven more snaps before leaving the game for good.

"It definitely hurt right away, but it felt like it was good enough to go back in, so I went back in and it was feeling all right," Watson said. "But it was just kind of lingering a little bit and I just couldn't play the type of football I wanted to play, so I just had to shut it down."

Watson had a quiet day and finished with two rushes for 23 yards and zero catches on one target.

There is something to be said for not pushing even a borderline injury and returning to a game that was well in hand. After all, the Packers jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the second quarter and were in full control throughout the game.

New Orleans didn't score a single point as Spencer Rattler threw for 153 yards, zero touchdowns and one interception while the visitors also averaged just 3.4 yards per carry.

Still, LaFleur initially mentioned there was some concern with Watson, which will make it a situation to monitor with just two games remaining in the regular season even after Tuesday's update. While the Packers will have to settle for an NFC wild-card spot, they are still just one game ahead of the Washington Commanders for the No. 6 seed.

Taking care of business in the upcoming games against the Vikings and Chicago Bears can put Green Bay in a position for a better seed and more favorable first-round playoff matchup.

If Watson is sidelined while his team is attempting to do just that, the offense still has the combination of Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks and Bo Melton at wide receiver and Tucker Kraft at tight end.

Throw in Josh Jacobs at running back, and there are plenty of weapons at quarterback Jordan Love's disposal even if Watson is sidelined.

Still, the offense is a more complete unit when he is healthy and on the field, making the status of his knee all the more important heading into the stretch run of the campaign.

Packers Seen as Dangerous Playoff Team by NFL Fans After Shutout Win vs. Saints

Dec 24, 2024
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 23: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field on December 23, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 23: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field on December 23, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

The Green Bay Packers cruised to a 34-0 win over the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football.

With the victory, the Packers improved to 11-4 and clinched a playoff berth for the fifth time in six seasons.

Green Bay jumped out to an early 21-0 lead in the second quarter and didn't look back, as New Orleans was held scoreless for the first time since Week 12 of its 2022 campaign.

Monday's contest also represented the only shutout of the 2024 NFL season so far.

Jordan Love finished 16-of-28 for 182 yards and a touchdown without recording a turnover.

The Packers were led by a strong all-around rushing performance, picking up 188 yards on 39 carries as a team. Josh Jacobs spearheaded the effort, running for 69 yards and a touchdown on 13 attempts.

Fans discussed Green Bay's playoff outlook after the dominant win.

For the Saints, Spencer Rattler started under center and dealt with inconsistency throughout the contest. Rattler finished 15-of-30 for 153 yards and an interception.

New Orleans amassed a mere 196 yards of total offense, recording 3.7 yards per play.

In addition to clinching a postseason spot, the victory put the Packers one game above the Washington Commanders for the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoff picture.

NFL Playoff Picture 2025: Love, Packers Clinch Berth; Updated Bracket, Standings

Dec 24, 2024
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 15: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers looks to pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of the game at Lumen Field on December 15, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 15: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers looks to pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of the game at Lumen Field on December 15, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

For the second consecutive season, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love has guided his team to the playoffs.

The Packers clinched a spot in the postseason with a dominant 34-0 win over the New Orleans Saints on Monday night.

With Green Bay as the latest team to earn a playoff berth, here's a look at the updated NFL standings and postseason matchups.

AFC Playoff Bracket

1. Kansas City Chiefs (bye)

7. Denver Broncos at 2. Buffalo Bills

6. Los Angeles Chargers at 3. Pittsburgh Steelers

5. Baltimore Ravens at 4. Houston Texans

NFC Playoff Bracket

1. Detroit Lions (bye)

7. Washington Commanders at 2. Philadelphia Eagles

6. Green Bay Packers at 3. Los Angeles Rams

5. Minnesota Vikings at 4. Atlanta Falcons

AFC Playoff Standings

1. Kansas City Chiefs: 14-1 (clinched AFC West)

2. Buffalo Bills: 12-3 (clinched AFC East)

3. Pittsburgh Steelers: 10-5 (clinched playoff berth)

4. Houston Texans: 9-6 (clinched AFC South)

5. Baltimore Ravens: 10-5 (clinched playoff berth)

6. Los Angeles Chargers: 9-6

7. Denver Broncos: 9-6

8. Indianapolis Colts: 7-8

9. Miami Dolphins: 7-8

10. Cincinnati Bengals: 7-8

Eliminated

11. New York Jets: 4-11

12. Cleveland Browns: 3-12

13. Jacksonville Jaguars: 3-12

14. Tennessee Titans: 3-12

15. Las Vegas Raiders: 3-12

16. New England Patriots: 3-12

NFC Playoff Standings

1. Detroit Lions: 13-2 (clinched playoff berth)

2. Philadelphia Eagles: 12-3 (clinched playoff berth)

3. Los Angeles Rams: 9-6

4. Atlanta Falcons: 8-7

5. Minnesota Vikings: 13-2 (clinched playoff berth)

6. Green Bay Packers: 11-4 (clinched playoff berth)

7. Washington Commanders: 10-5

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 8-7

9. Seattle Seahawks: 8-7

Eliminated

10. Dallas Cowboys: 7-8

11. Arizona Cardinals: 7-8

12. San Francisco 49ers: 6-9

13. New Orleans Saints: 5-10

14. Chicago Bears: 4-11

15. Carolina Panthers: 4-11

16. New York Giants: 2-13

When Love took over as the full-time starter ahead of the 2023 season, there were questions about whether he was the right successor to Green Bay's incredible quarterback lineage that went from Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers. It didn't take long for him to prove himself as the next great Packers quarterback, and he continued his stellar production this year.

Love has benefitted from the addition of veteran running back Josh Jacobs, who has excelled in his first year in Green Bay after spending the first five years of his career with the Las Vegas Raiders. After being limited to 805 yards in 13 games in 2023, it took him the same amount of time to surpass the 1,000-yard mark this year.

The Packers have also performed steadily on defense throughout the 2024 campaign, fueling the team's chances to upset some of the higher-seeded teams in the NFC.

The only thing working against Green Bay this season is the fact that they reside in the most talented division in the league, as the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings have been vying for NFC North supremacy all year. Both teams are in the running for the NFC's No. 1 seed and home-field advantage in the postseason.

Still, the Packers have a chance to make some noise in the playoffs thanks to Love's ability to steer the ship. Green Bay is hoping to make a run to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2010, and it took its first step by clinching a postseason berth on Saturday.

Schefter: Sam Darnold, Vikings Haven't Discussed Long-Term Contract Amid Playoff Race

Dec 23, 2024
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 22: Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 22, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 22: Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 22, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

The Minnesota Vikings have not yet discussed a long-term extension with quarterback Sam Darnold, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Monday.

"I think that they figure, let's let the season play out, let's see where goes," Schefter said Monday on the Pat McAfee Show.

Darnold has led the Vikings to a 13-2 start while ranking sixth in the NFL with 3,776 yards and fifth with 32 touchdown passes.

He could be in high demand this offseason if allowed to hit free agency at the conclusion of his one-year deal with the Vikings.

Schefter predicted that at least seven NFL teams will be looking for a new quarterback after this season, and that Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward are the only signal callers in the upcoming draft that "teams feel very strongly about."

The New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders are on track to have the best odds for the first overall pick in the upcoming draft. Those two teams, alongside the Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts and New York Jets, are easy picks for clubs that are likely looking at adding a quarterback this offseason.

Given that five of those teams will be left without a consensus top quarterback prospect following the draft, free agent signal callers could be at a premium this spring.

The Vikings also have 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, who is sitting out the season with a knee injury, waiting for his chance to start next season. O'Connell said ahead of the season that Minnesota sees McCarthy as the team's future franchise quarterback.

Darnold could up the stakes by leading the Vikings to playoff success. Minnesota only won a single postseason game in the Kirk Cousins era. Vikings could be motivated to offer Darnold another deal for another season as a bridge quarterback for McCarthy if he can lead the franchise back to playoff success.

In that case, given that Darnold has had his most successful season as QB1 playing with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson, he could potentially be motivated to return to Minnesota despite demand from other teams in free agency.

For now, Darnold will focus on keeping the Vikings on track for the top seed in the NFC by winning out starting with Sunday's division matchup with the Green Bay Packers.

NFL Agent: Sam Darnold Will Get Vikings Contract 'Unless He Bombs in the Playoffs'

Dec 23, 2024
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 22: Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 22, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 22: Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 22, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Sam Darnold's breakout regular season may not be enough to earn him an extension from the Minnesota Vikings without playoff success, according to a text an NFL player agent sent The Athletic's Mike Sando.

"Sam Darnold will be a Viking next year unless he bombs in the playoffs," the agent wrote, according to Sando.

After serving struggling with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers and serving as a backup with the San Francisco 49ers, Darnold signed with the Vikings as a bridge quarterback for 2024 first-rounder J.J. McCarthy.

Following McCarthy's season-ending injury, Darnold recorded his most successful NFL starting campaign while developing strong connections with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

Darnold has led the Vikings to a 13-2 start while completing 67 percent of his passes for 3,776 passing yards, 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He has also added 15 carries for 205 yards and a rushing touchdown.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell recently expressed his confidence that Darnold can continue his strong play through the final two weeks of the season, according to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer.

"When people have decided that you can't play in their own minds, sometimes instead of it being a product of a guy deserving the credit for playing really good football, it's always just, When's it going to go the other way?" O'Connell said, per Breer. "I don't think that's fair. I don't think that's fair to him. He came here for the opportunity. He came here to be a Minnesota Viking, play in our offense, with the players around him. And I have a blast coaching him.

"I've got a lot of confidence in him. There's really not much more to it than that."

The Vikings could potentially clinch the top seed in the NFC, thanks in part to the Washington Commanders' upset Week 16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The path to the top involves Darnold and the Vikings triumphing over the Green Bay Packers next week and defeating the Detroit Lions in Week 18.

After recording multiple winning seasons without playoff success behind former QB1 Kirk Cousins, the Vikings could be looking to see Darnold win in January before offering him a longer-term commitment, especially with McCarthy expected to return from his knee injury next season.

Justin Jefferson Compares Darnold, Vikings Team to Burrow, LSU 2019 Championship Team

Dec 23, 2024
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 16: Justin Jefferson #18 celebrates with Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings after a touchdown during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 16: Justin Jefferson #18 celebrates with Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings after a touchdown during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Wide receiver Justin Jefferson sees some parallels between the Minnesota Vikings and the LSU squad that lifted a national title in 2019.

"Not just what we're doing out there on the field, but the way we carry ourselves, the way we treat each other," Jefferson said when comparing the two, per ESPN's Kevin Seifert. "... In 2019, when I won a championship at LSU, it was the same type of vibe. The team is just together, fighting for one another every single game. It definitely feels the same."

At 13-2, the Vikings remain tied with the Detroit Lions for the second-best record in the NFL. And in their 27-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, they displayed the kind of mettle you associate with high-achieving teams.

Geno Smith put Seattle ahead with 4:21 remaining on a four-yard touchdown pass to tight end AJ Barner. It took Minnesota all of 30 seconds to respond. Jefferson's 39-yard touchdown catch from Sam Darnold reinstated the team's lead.

Safety Theo Jackson intercepted a Smith pass inside the final minute to seal the win.

Despite their record and the fact they have the third-best point differential (plus-120) in the league, it feels like Minnesota isn't getting the kind of respect as a Super Bowl contender you'd expect.

That might be down to the fact the Vikings haven't reached the NFC title game since 2019. A lot of fans also still remember them winning 13 games and losing to the New York Giants in the NFC Wild Card Round in 2022.

Minnesota closes out the regular season against the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions. Should the Vikes extend their winning streak to 10 games, nobody will be overlooking them ahead of the postseason.

Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs Discuss Lions' 'Stumble Bum' Trick Play TD vs. Bears

Dec 23, 2024
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 22: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions reacts against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Soldier Field on December 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 22: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions reacts against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Soldier Field on December 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff detailed the process that led up to the team's unique trick play during a 34-17 win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday

Goff revealed that offensive coordinator Ben Johnson came up with the concept in the week leading up to the game.

"It started on Monday with Ben asking me 'if he thought I could actually fumble on purpose and pick it back up?' and I was like, 'I don't know about that' and we kind of got off that pretty quickly," Goff said, per ESPN's Eric Woodyard.

The "stumble bum" trick play was executed in the third quarter against Chicago, as Goff and running back Jahmyr Gibbs pretended that a mishandled snap had occurred before the signal-caller stood upright and launched a touchdown pass to tight end Sam LaPorta.

Gibbs explained that Johnson dialed up the call earlier in the game, but it was scrapped.

"So, we called it before in the game, but we killed it because I guess it was a certain look," Gibbs said, via Woodyard. "But then we did it again a couple of drives later. I didn't know if it was going to work or not, but I was hoping."

The Lions jumped out to an early 20-0 advantage against the Bears on Sunday and didn't look back, maintaining a lead of at least two possessions for the remainder of the contest.

Johnson's creativity is a large reason why Detroit owns the NFL's No. 1 scoring offense, averaging 32.9 points per game. He hasn't been afraid to pull out trick plays on a weekly basis, with some proving to be more successful than others.

Johnson is expected to be a head coaching candidate for multiple vacancies once the year comes to a close, but he may decide to stay in Detroit after making the same choice during the 2024 offseason.

Sunday's victory put the Lions at 13-2 on the season as a whole, creating some more distance between themselves and the Philadelphia Eagles for the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

Caleb Williams Impresses NFL Fans Despite Bears' Loss to Jared Goff, Lions

Dec 22, 2024
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 22: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears looks to pass the ball against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at Soldier Field on December 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 22: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears looks to pass the ball against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at Soldier Field on December 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

Despite a loss to the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams impressed NFL fans with more than 300 passing yards in Sunday's 34-17 home defeat.

Williams holds the longest active streak in the NFL, with over 300 consecutive pass attempts without an interception. In addition, Williams has accumulated 3,271 total yards this season, ranking him in Chicago's top ten for most passing yards in a single season and the first Bears rookie to surpass 3,000 yards, per Bill Zimmerman of Audacy Sports.

The Bears couldn't secure a win to complement Williams' performance on Sunday, falling to 4-11 as the Lions improved to 13-2. Williams completed 26-of-40 passes for 334 yards and two touchdowns but also had two fumbles, one of which was lost.

The Lions delivered another dominant performance as they bounced back from last week's 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Quarterback Jared Goff had a stellar outing, completing 23-of-32 passes for 336 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Williams was the true standout of Sunday, with his remarkable performance and continued climb in Bears history earning him widespread praise across social media:

Sunday showcased a classic performance from Detroit as they pulled away from the Eagles, maintaining their first-place position in the NFC and solidifying their dominance after clinching a playoff berth.

The Lions controlled the first quarter, with kicker Jake Bates opening the scoring with a successful 30-yard field goal. Jahmyr Gibbs added seven points with a one-yard rushing touchdown just over five minutes before the quarter's end, extending the lead to 10-0. Bates followed up with another field goal, giving Detroit a commanding 13-0 advantage heading into the second quarter.

Jameson Williams kicked off the second quarter with an electrifying 82-yard touchdown reception from Jared Goff, extending the Lions' lead to a commanding 20-0 and leaving Bears fans deflated. However, hope flickered for Chicago when Cole Kmet hauled in a one-yard touchdown pass from Williams to get the Bears on the board.

The final minute before halftime was action-packed. Amon-Ra St. Brown caught an eight-yard touchdown pass from Goff, pushing Detroit's lead to 27-7 and seemingly putting the game out of reach. Yet, the Bears responded quickly, with Keenan Allen snagging a 45-yard touchdown pass from Williams with just 39 seconds left, narrowing the deficit to 27-14 at halftime.

Out of halftime, Sam LaPorta found the end zone for the Lions with a decisive touchdown, while the Bears continued to struggle offensively for the remainder of the game. Bears kicker Cairo Santos managed to add a 30-yard field goal midway through the third quarter, bringing Chicago's total to 17 points.

The fourth quarter lacked the fireworks of earlier periods, as both teams went scoreless, allowing the Lions to comfortably secure the victory. Detroit excelled in key areas, particularly on first-down conversions, tallying 27 compared to the Bears' 19.

The Bears will look to snap their nine-game losing streak when they face the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday at home.

NFL Rumors: Ben Johnson 'Intrigued By' Bears HC Vacancy amid Kliff Kingsbury Buzz

Dec 22, 2024
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 15: Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson of the Detroit Lions looks on in the fourth quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field on December 15, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 15: Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson of the Detroit Lions looks on in the fourth quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field on December 15, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is expected to be one of the hottest candidates on the coaching market this offseason, and he may have eyes for the vacancy in Chicago.

"My understanding is Johnson is intrigued by the Bears' job and he is going to be willing to listen," NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Sunday. "There's a lot to like in Chicago with Caleb Williams, tons of cap space, extra draft resources, also a major market."

Of all the current upcoming vacancies, which include the New Orleans Saints, New York Jets and Bears, Chicago's is easily the most ideal for coaching candidates. While other vacancies could come open—the Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants all feel like very real possiblilties, and other organizations could make changes as well—the presence of Williams in Chicago alone makes them intriguing.

He's not alone, of course—there are offensive playmakers in D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze and D'Andre Swift, while the defense has been solid—but having a young quarterback with a huge ceiling already on the roster makes life easier for an incoming head coach.

More than a few coaching candidates will likely have interest in the gig, with Washington Commanders' offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury previously linked to the opening.

But it's particularly exciting to envision what Johnson could draw up for Williams and the Bears. The Detroit offensive coordinator is one of the most creative and aggressive play-callers in football, routinely employing a number of trick plays throughout a game. How many teams have run a single hook-and-ladder in the past decade?

The Lions, meanwhile, have run several this season alone. And in the process, Detroit leads the NFL in scoring (32.8 PPG) and is second in yardage (403.9 YPG).

Excellent coordinators don't always translate as head coaches, of course. While coordinators can focus primarily on strategy and scheme, head coaches are like CEOs, running the entire operation while needing to understand where to delegate, how to appoint the right staff, etc. And Johnson eschewed head-coaching interest last season to remain in Detroit—if the Lions don't win the Super Bowl this season, it's possible he could do so again.

He does sound interested in making the leap at some point, however.

"I'd say this: I think there's a burning desire in every man to find what he's made out of, push the limits and see if he's got what it takes," he told reporters this past week. "So, yeah, there's a fire there. Now, when that time is, I don't know when that'll be, but there's certainly a fire there."

There's no doubt that Johnson would add a layer of creativity to Chicago's offense and improve upon the rather stale scheme the team employed during the Matt Eberflus era. Chicago and Johnson, at least for the time being, feel like a solid match.

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