Where Wisconsin lands in Joe Lunardi Bracketology entering 2025
Wisconsin basketball enters 2025 and its full Big Ten schedule with a 10-3 (0-2 Big Ten) record.
The first stage of the season was mostly successful for Greg Gard’s team. It started 8-0 with impressive wins over then-No. 9 Arizona and Pittsburgh. While a three-game losing streak halted its momentum, two losses came in tight fashion to Big Ten rivals Michigan and Illinois.
Wisconsin went 10-1 overall against its nonconference foes. The only loss was an 88-74 road defeat to then-No. 5 Marquette.
That mark puts the team in a strong position entering its full Big Ten slate. While its Big Ten record of 0-2 is currently tied for last, each team still has yet to play 90% of its conference schedule.
Wisconsin’s wins over Arizona, Pittsburgh, UCF and Butler build a strong initial resume for future NCAA Tournament consideration. That resume is enough to slot the team as a No. 8 seed (No. 32 overall) in Joe Lunardi’s latest bracketology entering the New Year.
Wisconsin is on the No. 8-seed line along with Georgia, Clemson and San Diego State. Notably, several of the Badgers’ previous opponents are included in the projected field, with Marquette as a No. 2-seed, Illinois as a No. 5-seed, Pittsburgh as a No. 6-seed and Michigan as a No. 7-seed. Arizona and UCF both narrowly missed the cut, ranked No. 77 and No. 84 overall, respectively.
The Badgers return to the Kohl Center court on Jan. 3 at home against Iowa. That game begins an 18-game conference gauntlet. Wisconsin will need to recapture its strong early-season form if it is to rise in the bracket before March Madness begins.
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Several former Wisconsin Badgers accept postseason all-star game invites
Former Wisconsin defensive lineman Elijah Hills (2024) and wide receiver Chimere Dike (2020-23) accepted invites to postseason all-star games this week.
Hills and Dike are two of several former Badgers looking to improve their stock entering the 2025 NFL draft.
Hills, first, will participate in the 2025 Tropical Bowl. The event, which has been held since 2016, welcomes NFL draft hopefuls from across the Football Bowl Subdivision. It will be played on Jan. 19, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.
The veteran defensive lineman joined the Badgers in 2024 after three years at Albany (Football Championship Subdivision). He was arguably Wisconsin’s best defensive lineman in 2024, finishing the campaign with 26 total tackles (17 solo), six tackles for loss, three sacks and a pass deflection. His transfer addition was one of Luke Fickell’s best since taking over as Wisconsin head coach in 2023.
Hills is currently projected to go undrafted despite that breakthrough season. A strong Tropical Bowl performance could change that fact.
Dike, next, will play in the 2025 Hula Bowl. The all-star showcase was restarted in 2020 after a lengthy break. It features college football stars from all divisions, in addition to international players. The contest will be held on Jan. 11, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.
The veteran wide receiver played four years at Wisconsin before closing his career at Florida. He was the Badgers’ leading receiver in 2022, totaling 47 catches, 689 receiving yards and six touchdowns. The Waukesha, Wisconsin native tallied a career-best 783 receiving yards at Florida in 2024. His 42 receptions were a team-best.
Dike finished his five-year college career with 139 total catches, 2,261 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is currently projected to be a Day 3 selection in the upcoming NFL draft. A strong Hula Bowl performance could raise that stock further.
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Here are four big matchups to keep an eye on between the Commanders and Falcons.
The Washington Commanders (10-5) will host the Atlanta Falcons (8-7) on Sunday Night Football in Week 17, looking to clinch a playoff berth. Despite the Commanders having the better record, the Falcons are currently a higher seed in the NFC playoff picture because they lead the NFC South.
The Bucs play the Carolina Panthers at 1 p.m. ET, and the result of their game could impact the Falcons and Commanders. Tampa Bay is also 8-7, but the Falcons currently hold the tie-breaker advantage. However, if Carolina upsets the Buccaneers, the Commanders will clinch a playoff spot before their game kicks off.
This matchup looks much different than it did two weeks ago. The Falcons benched quarterback Kirk Cousins and replaced him with first-round rookie Michael Penix Jr. Sunday’s game will feature two rookie first-round quarterbacks starting against one another in prime time for the first time in NFL history.
The Falcons have multiple playmakers on both sides of the ball, which makes it a tough matchup for the Commanders. We’ve identified four key matchups for Sunday’s game.
Commanders WR Terry McLaurin vs. Falcons CB A.J. Terrell
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) catches a pass in front of Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell (24). Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Outside of Daniels, the key for opposing defenses is always to slow down wide receiver Terry McLaurin. The veteran wideout went over 1,000 yards receiving for the fifth consecutive season last week, joining some elite company. He is having the best start to his NFL career with 12 touchdown receptions.
On the other side is A.J. Terrell. The fifth-year cornerback signed an extension before the season, making him one of the NFL’s highest-paid cornerbacks. Terrell is having another solid season for Atlanta, but McLaurin presents a big challenge. The Falcons need Terrell to limit any big plays from Daniels to McLaurin.
Commanders CB Benjamin St-Juste vs. Falcons WR Drake London
Benjamin St-Juste #25 of the Washington Commanders tackles Drake London #5 of the Atlanta Falcons. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Yes, you read that correctly. Benjamin St-Juste will likely be back in the starting lineup for Sunday’s game, as Marshon Lattimore looks unlikely to play. Lattimore reaggravated a hamstring injury in his second game for the Commanders last week against the Eagles. Philadelphia targeted Lattimore often, with him and A.J. Brown taking turns getting the best of one another — when officiating let them.
St-Juste hasn’t played much the past two weeks, but in just a few snaps against the Saints two weeks ago, he committed a critical penalty. Last week, with Lattimore out, St-Juste gave up a key fourth-down reception and missed the tackle.
London is a different matchup for St-Juste because they’re built similarly. St-Juste has struggled against smaller, quicker receivers. St-Juste cannot allow London to make multiple big plays downfield. You can guarantee that Penix will target him.
Commanders LB Bobby Wagner vs. Falcons RB Bijan Robinson
Bijan Robinson #7 of the Atlanta Falcons. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Bijan Robinson is similar to Saquon Barkley. Both were former top-10 picks capable of dominating games as a runner or receiver. While Robinson has yet to reach Barkley’s productivity, he’s had to share time. Robinson is the type of player who has hurt the Commanders. Washington did a good job of bottling up Barkley in the second half last week after he went off in the first 30 minutes. The Commanders should employ a similar strategy to slow Robinson, as he will be the focal point of Atlanta’s offense to ease the pressure off Penix.
Commanders QB Jayden Daniels vs. Falcons S Jessie Bates III
Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders. (Photo by Timothy Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The Falcons get their first look at Jayden Daniels this week. After it looked like an injury impacted Daniels midway through the season, or he hit the rookie wall, he’s back on track over the last three weeks. Daniels had his signature moment last week, passing for five touchdowns and rushing for 81 yards against the NFL’s top defense. He led the Commanders to an upset win over the Eagles, snapping their 10-game winning streak.
Daniels did throw two interceptions, and there’s no better defender at forcing turnovers than Falcons safety Jessie Bates III. Bates isn’t just around the ball; he’s excellent at baiting quarterbacks. Daniels isn’t your average rookie. It will be fascinating to see if the Falcons and Bates can trick Daniels into a mistake or two, which could prove to be the difference in the game.
The New Orleans Saints have two impending free agents among the Top 50 preview from Pro Football Focus, but would either of them be a big loss?
The New Orleans Saints have been one of the worst team’s in football as of late, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still talent on the roster.
It is almost impossible to project what Mickey Loomis and Co. in the Saints front office will do next season, but handing out a lot of extensions can seemingly be ruled out.
Among the list of players that are set to hit free agency next season, Pro Football Focus listed two New Orleans players in the Top 50 set to be available.
Tight end Juwan Johnson was the highest-rated Saint at No. 37 overall. Here is what they had to say about the pass catcher:
“There will be slim pickings at the tight end position in free agency this offseason, but Johnson offers a large catch radius and good hands over the middle, critical on third down and in the red zone. His 17 touchdowns over the past four seasons ranks eighth among tight ends, and his 8.9-yard average depth of target ranks seventh, illustrating he is not just a check-down outlet but a true downfield threat at the position.”
It may seem harsh to say, but Johnson has always seemed like a better player on paper than on the field. He was an exciting wide receiver-turned-tight end, but hasn’t panned out. The 28-year-old has 38 catches for 402 yards and three touchdowns this year. New Orleans likely won’t miss him too bad.
Next up on the list was defensive end Chase Young at No. 49. This was what PFF said about Young:
“Young signed a one-year, prove-it deal with the Saints after he was traded at last year’s deadline from the Washington Commanders to the San Francisco 49ers. Through Week 13, he was a top-30 edge defender in total quarterback pressures (41) and pressure rate (12.6%). He may not be the perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate he looked like as a prospect ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft, but Young is still a high-end No. 2 edge rusher for any team in need.”
The former second-overall selection was a bit of a surprising signing in the offseason and has not been super impactful on the field since coming over. He is a player that generate pressure, but rarely closes out. His 5.5 sacks is good for a tie at second-place on the defense, but that says more about the unit than it does the player.
Previewing the Minnesota Vikings before the Packers go on the road to U.S. Bank Stadium for a huge NFC North showdown in Week 17.
The Green Bay Packers (11-4) and Minnesota Vikings (13-2) will write the latest chapter in a long-running rivalry at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Packers and Vikings have both clinched a playoff spot in the NFC and will be competing for seeding in what could be one of the most entertaining and important showdowns in the rivalry’s long history.
The Vikings have won eight straight games and still have a chance to get to 15 wins and the NFC North title. This has been one of the NFL’s biggest surprises and most impressive teams in 2024, so the Packers will need to play at the height of their powers to go into U.S. Bank Stadium and beat the Vikings on Sunday.
Here’s a closer look at the Vikings in Week 17:
Last week (Win, 27-24 over Seahawks)
The Vikings got a 5-yard touchdown pass from Sam Darnold to Jordan Addison to take a 7-0 lead early and took a 17-7 lead into halftime, but the Seahawks quickly tied the game at 17 in the third quarter and eventually took a 24-20 lead on a touchdown pass from Geno Smith with under five minutes to go in the fourth quarter. But the Vikings had an immediate response, and Justin Jefferson’s 39-yard score roughly a minute later re-took the lead for good. The Vikings intercepted Smith late to seal the deal. Darnold threw three touchdown passes without an interception, Jefferson caught 10 passes and the Vikings defense picked off two passes. Minnesota had only 298 total yards and finished 3-for-12 on third down, but Kevin O’Connell’s team keeps finding big plays in big moments.
Quarterback play
Sam Darnold has been a revelation in Year 1 in Minnesota. The former third overall pick has thrown 32 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions with a passer rating 105.4 — making him one of only five quarterbacks with at least 30 touchdown passes and a passer rating over 100.0 this season. Darnold has led the Vikings on five game-winning drives in 2024. Thriving in Kevin O’Connell’s offense, Darnold has made good decisions and consistently distributed the football to a talented group of playmakers. He’s also taken 45 sacks. Darnold ranks 14th in success rate, 13th in QBR, 12th in EPA/play, 23rd in turnover worthy play percentage and 23rd in pressure to sack ratio, so it’s possible his box score numbers overrate his actual efficiency. But he’s been excellent in a well-run and talented offense operated by one of the NFL’s best playcallers.
Line of scrimmage
The Vikings are averaging only 4.0 yards per rushing attempt and have allowed 46 sacks. By PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency, the Vikings rank 26th. By PFF’s run-blocking grade, the Vikings rank 15th. Minnesota lost left tackle Christian Darrisaw to a season-ending injury and replaced him with former Jaguar Cam Robinson — a fairly substantial downgrade. Right tackle Brian O’Neil has been excellent. The other four starters are question marks. On defense, the Vikings have dominated against the run, giving up only 3.9 yards per attempt (second best) and only seven rushing touchdowns (first). Minnesota ranks second in run defense grade at PFF. The pass rush is powered by two versatile edge rushers (Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel) and Brian Flores’ wild blitz package. The Vikings have five players with 20 or more pressures and an incredible 10 players with 10 or more. They are going to come in waves. At a loud U.S. Bank Stadium, the Packers offensive line will face one of the toughest tests of the season.
Turnovers
The Vikings are +10 in turnover differential and lead the NFL with 30 takeaways. While the Vikings have six games with multiple giveaways and rank middle of the pack in terms of giveaways (20), the defense — which has an NFL-high 22 interceptions — has picked up the slack. Ten different players have an interception for Minnesota; seven have multiple picks. Cornerback Byron Murphy has six interceptions. Edge rusher Jonathan Greenard has four forced fumbles. Andrew Van Ginkel has two interception returns for touchdowns. On offense, Sam Darnold has thrown 11 interceptions and fumbled eight times, while running back Aaron Jones has five fumbles. Darnold has 21 turnover worthy plays, which ranks as the third most among quarterbacks.
Injury situation
Safety Harrison Smith and cornerback Fabian Moreau missed last week’s win in Seattle with injuries. Linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. is coming off injured reserve and should play Sunday. The Vikings are otherwise healthy. The team does have left tackle Christian Darrisaw, cornerback Mekhi Blackmon and quarterback JJ McCarthy on injured reserve.
Players to know
RB Aaron Jones: The former Packer has 1,046 rushing yards, 1,394 total yards and seven total scores for the Vikings. He’s averaging 4.5 yards per carry and still looks electric as a runner.
Edge rusher Jonathan Greenard: The former Texan leads the Vikings in pressures (69) and defensive stops (38). He’s a game-wrecker.
TE T.J. Hockenson: The Packers didn’t face him in the first meeting. He’s since returned from last season’s knee injury and is once again a focal point in the passing game. Hockenson is averaging almost five catches and 50 yards per game.
WR Jordan Addison: The 2023 first-rounder has eight touchdown catches while averaging 9.5 yards per target. Justin Jefferson is going to command attention, but Addison is also a dangerous weapon.
S Josh Mettelus: He’s an elite run defender and tackler who plays all over the defensive formation for Brian Flores. Expect to see him blitz, play in the box and cover running backs and tight ends.
Spencer Rattler’s decision-making and ball security will be tested by the NFL’s best ballhawk on Monday night:
Spencer Rattler is stepping into his fourth start as the New Orleans Saints quarterback. It’s his first start since Week 8, and as long as Derek Carr remains out, Rattler will be the Saints’ starting quarterback. That stretch begins against the Green Bay Packers.
In last week’s contest, Rattler relieved Jake Haener and put on an improved performance. One of the rookie’s most glaring problems in his first stint was his issues protecting the football. He threw two interceptions in his first three games and fumble three times, too. As the Saints close out the season, Rattler must ensure he protects the football and avoids putting it in dangerous spots.
Rattler’s decision making will be put to the test this week, as Xavier McKinney is on the other side of the field. The Packers safety has seven interceptions, the most in the league.
McKinney’s presence should remain on Rattler’s mind. Rattler is going to take shots down the field, and McKinney is going to be waiting for the opportunity to get his hands on the ball.
The Packers have the most passing plays to gain 40 or more yards, and the Saints are one of the worst teams at stopping them. That’s a mismatch:
Alontae Taylor and Kool-Aid McKinstry have shown some positive things at cornerback since the New Orleans Saints traded away Marshon Lattimore. There have been lapses in technique occasionally too, however. The one thing the Saints secondary has objectively struggled with is stopping big plays. That will be challenged against the Green Bay Packers.
New Orleans has allowed the third-most passing plays of over 40 yards this season. Because of that, they’ve also allowed the fifth most yards. On Monday Night Football, they have to line up across from the passing attack with the most gains of 40-plus yards this season.
Green Bay has two wide receivers (Christian Watson and Jayden Reed) with receptions that gained more than 60 yards. Romeo Doubs has a 39-yard reception and Dontayvion Wicks caught a 36-yard pass earlier this season, too. Essentially, the Packers have four receivers who can stretch the field and a young quarterback who isn’t afraid to lean on them.
It’s not just about air yards when thinking about explosive plays. New Orleans has struggled with corralling receivers at the catch point as well, which has led to too many yards gained after the catch. When it comes to the Green Bay receiving corps, they have the ability to stretch the field and make a play with the ball in their hands. The Saints’ young duo must be on top of their game.
Josh Jacobs, the NFL’s third-leading rusher, faces the Saints, the sixth-worst run defense, on Monday. Advantage: Packers
The Green Bay Packers have the ability to exploit the New Orleans Saints in their weakest area defensively: the run defense. The defensive line has been praised for their improvements since moving to Brian Young as the position coach, but those improvements are in the pass rush department.
New Orleans has the sixth-worst run defense in the NFL. They did a better job against Brian Robinson, but the degree of difficulty rises on Monday.
New Orleans will have to take on the task of stopping Josh Jacobs on Monday night. The temperatures are expected to be below freezing when the Saints step onto Lambeau Field.
Northerners will call that football weather. That’s up for debate, but you can expect the Packers to come out running the football.
Jacobs is the third-leading rusher in the NFL, behind only Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley. In addition to ranking third in rushing yards, Jacobs also has the third-most attempts and fourth-most rushing touchdowns in the league. The Packers use him frequently and efficiently. It’s vital that the Saints figure out how to slow him down. If he builds some momentum this one could get away from them in a hurry.
Expectations are low against the Packers, but some Saints have a lot to gain in Week 16. Spencer Rattler and Darren Rizzi could make waves:
The back half of the New Orleans Saints’ season became an evaluation period from the moment Dennis Allen was fired. The two people under the microscope the most are Darren Rizzi and Spencer Rattler. As the Saints enter a night game at Lambeau Field, this is a low risk, high reward game for both men.
There aren’t any expectations for the Saints to beat the Green Bay Packers. Because of that, the pressure on both Rizzi and Rattler is low.
The expected result alleviates a lot of pressure off Rizzi’s shoulders. You still want to see the Saints show some good traits, but you’re not looking at the final score as critically. If the Saints are able to pull off the upset, this will be a huge feather in the cap of Rizzi as he builds his case to shed the interim tag.
At this point, every game is high reward, low risk for Rattler. It’s unlikely for Rattler to be benched in favor of Jake Haener. All the Rattler needs to show is potential. If he can show enough potential, there is a shot he can be the starter next season for the new head coach.
Rattler’s weapons continue to dwindle. Alvin Kamara is likely out of the equation this week, which creates an opportunity for Kendre Miller to assert himself. Rattler will be attempting to do more with less, and the more he does, the more impressive it’ll be.
In general, we’re probably not judging the quarterback or head coach too harshly on Monday unless things go really bad.
