Once upon a time, Baker Mayfield was a No. 1 overall pick. He was supposed to lead the Cleveland Browns to unmitigated glory. He lasted just four seasons in their uniform. Also, once upon a time, Jared Goff was a No. 1 overall. He was supposed to lead the Los Angeles Rams to tremendous success. He played just five years in L.A. (only four for Sean McVay).
Now, with Mayfield a catalyst of the rising Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Goff driving the Detroit Lions’ powerhouse, we get to see both square off for a spot in the NFC title game as mutual redemption stories.
How could you not be romantic about pro football?
Onward, @Buccaneers. pic.twitter.com/oo2qUKxAAe
— NFL (@NFL) January 16, 2024
The Browns didn’t want Mayfield. They blamed their rotten-to-the-core organizational issues on a quarterback they specifically failed to develop. Now he’s two steps away from a Super Bowl appearance. Similarly, the Rams didn’t think Goff was good enough to take them to a championship. When the opportunity presented itself, they traded him for Matthew Stafford without hesitation. Then he beat Stafford in a playoff game. Go figure.
It’s impossible to predict who will win next Sunday’s Divisional Round matchup in Detroit at this very moment. These playoffs have been anything but predictable. But with a spot in the NFL’s final four on the line, seeing Goff vs. Mayfield — two reclamation projects as former No. 1 picks — is one perfect example.
NFL fans loved seeing Goff and Mayfield's redemption stories come full circle
either baker mayfield or jared goff will be playing in the NFC championship pic.twitter.com/q3zinZJpb3
— Tej Seth (@tejfbanalytics) January 16, 2024
2 QB’s have resurrected their careers this season – Jared Goff and Baker Mayfield; one will be in the NFC Championship game.
— Mike Tannenbaum (@RealTannenbaum) January 16, 2024
Jared Goff and Baker Mayfield. Two former #1 overall picks who got written off and tossed by their old teams.
NFL script is cooking 🍿 pic.twitter.com/czRi4PVB4o
— gianni🦁 (@Clapped_Dre) January 16, 2024
No. 1 overall picks benefitting from change of sceneries to the div round:
Jared Goff
Baker Mayfield— Kalyn Kahler (@kalynkahler) January 16, 2024
The NFC Championship Game will feature either Baker Mayfield as QB of a 9-8 team, or Jared Goff as QB of the DETROIT LIONS. What a time to be alive.
— Rany Jazayerli (@jazayerli) January 16, 2024
Baker Mayfield vs Jared Goff pic.twitter.com/o5ALEq90T1
— #JacobSzn (Offseason Mode) (@jacobsports12) January 16, 2024
One Divisional Match-up next week has a battle of former #1 picks
Baker Mayfield vs Jared Goff
The path less traveled
— Todd Fuhrman (@ToddFuhrman) January 16, 2024
One of Jared Goff or Baker Mayfield will be playing in the NFC championship. Hard to not root for the guys that were once written off.
— Nathan (@Curious_Colt) January 16, 2024
Either Baker Mayfield or Jared Goff is going to be in the NFC Championship. pic.twitter.com/qIDA5uRva6
— Max Loeb (@loebsleads) January 16, 2024
