Jay’s big gamble pays off

KIRK COUSINS will lead a rejuvenated Washington Redskins into the NFL play-offs this weekend after one of the most unexpected turnarounds in recent memory.

Coach Jay Gruden was tipped to be the first coaching casualty of the season, especially when he axed quarterback Robert Griffin III in favour of youngster Cousins early in the campaign.

RGIII, as Griffin is known, is a favourite of owner Dan Snyder and Gruden looked to be signing his own exit papers when he benched him.

Cousins has had a recordbreaking season for Washington and with their NFC East rivals all suffering miserable campaigns, the Redskins have won the division with a 9-7 record.

Gruden said: “I’m happy for Kirk. He’s got a lot of confidence now.

“It’s great to see him progress. He’s got a chance to be a really good one.”

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• Sunday. The Packers face the away trip because they lost their grudge showdown with Minnesota Vikings 20-13 last weekend.

That result landed the Vikings a home clash against Seattle Seahawks in the wild card round.

It marked Minnesota’s first division title in six years.

Star running back Adrian Peterson said: “It’s been since 2009 and that’s too long of a stretch. That drought is over.”

The Pittsburgh Steelers, who visit the Cincinnati Bengals in this weekend’s play-offs, had the most nerve-testing wait to book a post-season spot last Sunday.

They beat the Cleveland Browns 28-12.

But then they still had to hope the New York Jets lost at the Buffalo Bills – which they did narrowly, 22-17.

The fourth and final wild card clash sees Houston Texans host Kansas City Chiefs.