AFC Divisional Round:
(1) Denver Broncos vs (6) Buffalo Bills
The Denver Broncos beat the Buffalo Bills 33-30 in an overtime thriller, advancing to the AFC Championship after Will Lutz kicked a 23-yard game-winning field goal. Denver’s defense stood their ground during the overtime period, getting an interception to take the ball from Josh Allen and the Bills, and Denver’s offense was able to capitalize off this and set up their game-winning field goal. Although Denver QB Bo Nix threw for three touchdowns, he suffered a season-ending broken ankle late in the game. Denver moved on, but they lost their starting quarterback, who is the heart of their offense.
(2) New England Patriots vs (5) Houston Texans
The New England Patriots continued to shine in their 28-16 win over the Houston Texans, as QB Drake Maye threw three touchdown passes and the New England defense forced multiple turnovers—including four interceptions off Houston QB CJ Stroud, one of them returned for a touchdown. In the first half, both teams got off to a slow start offensively, but New England took control of the second half. Houston, on the other hand, struggled to move the ball down the field without turning it over.
NFC Divisional Round:
(1) Seattle Seahawks vs (6) San Francisco 49ers
The Seattle Seahawks showed complete dominance in their 41-6 rout over the San Francisco 49ers. They set the tone early when Rashid Shaheed returned the opening kickoff for a 95-yard touchdown. The Seahawks had their foot on the gas from the start, and they never let up. RB Kenneth Walker III was the X-factor for the Seahawks, as he rushed for three touchdowns. The Seahawks’ defense completely shut down the 49ers, allowing only six points on the night. The Seahawks proved why they are one of the best teams in the league, and they advanced to the NFC Championship.
(2) Chicago Bears vs (5) Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Chicago Bears 20-17 after an insane fourth quarter that led to overtime, in which Rams’ kicker Harrison Mevis hit a 42-yard game-winning field goal. Bears QB Caleb Williams threw a touchdown pass to Cole Kmet on fourth down to tie the game with 18 seconds left, one of the most difficult throws ever, as Williams ran backwards under pressure from the Rams D-line and threw a 51-yard fadeaway pass right on target. Despite the Bears having all the momentum going into overtime, Williams threw a fatal interception in overtime, and the Rams capitalized off this and set up their game-winning field goal that would move them on to the NFC Championship.
AFC Conference Championship:
(2) New England Patriots vs (1) Denver Broncos
The New England Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos 10-7 in a defensive showdown to advance to Super Bowl LX. Patriots QB Drake Maye rushed for a touchdown, and New England’s defense shut down Denver’s offense. Denver’s backup QB Jarrett Stidham threw for a touchdown early in the game, but it was not enough as New England held on for the win. Drake Maye will now be competing for a Super Bowl ring, an incredible accomplishment for a second-year QB.
NFC Conference Championship:
(1) Seattle Seahawks vs (5) Los Angeles Rams
The Seattle Seahawks beat the Los Angeles Rams 31-27, advancing to Super Bowl LX. Seahawks QB Sam Darnold threw for three touchdowns, and the Seahawks defense made a critical fourth-down stop to seal the game. Despite Rams QB Matthew Stafford throwing for 374 yards and three touchdowns, the Rams still came up short. Key mistakes, including turnovers and a muffed punt, hurt the Rams and allowed the Seahawks to move on and compete for a Super Bowl, which is the first time they have seen this stage since 2015.
