From Saturday, January 10th, to Monday, Januray 12th, the NFL Playoffs kicked off, with six games to determine who moves on to the divisional round and whose season is over. There were some great matchups and exciting games, particularly the Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Buffalo Bills and Carolina Panthers vs. Los Angeles Rams.
AFC:
(4) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. (5) Houston Texans
The Texans showed up this game, dominating on both sides of the ball in their 30-6 win over the Steelers, which marks the team’s first playoff road win in franchise history. The Texans keep their playoff hopes alive, and they will face off against Drake Maye and the Patriots this weekend. Mike Tomlin also coached his last game for the Steelers, as he is walking away after 19 seasons, in which he has never had a losing season, a huge accomplishment for an NFL coach.
(3) Jacksonville Jaguars vs. (6) Buffalo Bills
The Bills escaped Jacksonville with a victory, narrowly holding on to win 27-24. This was a back and forth game, and Bills’ Quarterback Josh Allen ran a 1-yd touchdown to give the Bills the lead with one minute left. On Trevor Lawrence’s last possession, he threw an interception, which ended the game. The Bills win on the road and move on to the divisional round.
(2) New England Patriots vs. (7) Los Angeles Chargers
Drake Maye and the Patriots offense looked great this weekend, throwing for 268 yards and a touchdown, but the real hero for the Patriots was their defense. They completely shut out Justin Herbert and the Chargers, allowing only 3 points on the night. The Patriots continue their great season, and they will face the Texans, which might prove to be more of a challenge to the Patriots offense.
NFC:
(4) Carolina Panthers vs (5) Los Angeles Rams
This was an absolutely amazing game. The Panthers, despite having a losing record and barely making it to the Playoffs, put up a great fight against the Rams, arguably a Super Bowl contender. Despite the Rams jumping out to a 14-0 lead early, the Panthers struck back, tying the game in the third quarter and even taking the lead with only two minutes left. However, the Rams drove down the field and retook the lead with only 38 seconds left. The Rams defense made one final stand against Quarterback Bryce Young and the Panthers offense, allowing them to move on to the divisional round.
(3) Philadelphia Eagles vs (6) San Francisco 49ers
This was another great back and forth game. The Eagles, despite winning the Super Bowl last year, came up short against the 49ers and took a first round exit this year. Both teams traded scores throughout the game, but it was the 49ers who made a play when it was needed most. The 49ers defense forced a turnover on downs with less than a minute left in the game, and the 49ers secured a huge win on the road, keeping their season alive.
(2) Chicago Bears vs (7) Green Bay Packers
The Packers jumped out to an early lead in this game, immediately pressuring the Bears and putting them on their heels, as they led 21-3 at halftime. However, the Bears rallied late in the game and overcame an 18-point deficit, pulling off an astonishing turn-around and winning the game 31-27. The Bears move on and will face the Rams in the divisional round.
