The playoffs have now reached the divisional spherical. The Wildcard spherical didn’t disappoint, and now, with the primary seeds coming into the image, the video games are positive to be entertaining. The winners of those video games could be one win away from taking part in within the Tremendous Bowl.
AFC
Houston Texans @ Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs entered the playoffs this week with a house recreation towards the Houston Texans. The Chiefs ended the common season with a 15-2 file, however a lot of these wins have been selected a closing play. The Texans bought to this stage after their victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Might they defeat one other AFC West aspect, or would Kanas Metropolis make one other Convention Championship recreation?
The Chiefs had the opening possession of the sport and will get the opening rating from it. The drive began on the Texans’ 13-yard line, due to a really sturdy kickoff return. Nonetheless, the offense could be unable to go anyplace from right here, leading to a 32-yard subject objective from Harrison Butker to ship the factors.
In response, the Texans would additionally get their first set of factors from their opening drive. Ranging from their 20-yard line, the offense led by C.J. Stroud, made its means all the way down to the Chiefs’ 12-yard line. However, just like the opening drive from Kansas Metropolis, this drive additionally stalled within the purple zone. This led to a profitable 30-yard subject objective try from Ka’imi Fairbairn.
This subject objective leveled the scores, however this didn’t final lengthy. On the subsequent drive, the Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs’ offense would have the ability to attain the Texans’ 18-yard line. Right here, the drive stalled, however Butker made a 36-yard subject objective to present the Chiefs once more the lead. Just a few drives later, it was the Texans flip to have one other subject objective try, this time from 55 yards out. Nonetheless, Fairbairn’s kick went vast proper, handing the Chiefs possession on their 37-yard line.
This missed subject objective could be a expensive error for Houston. The Chiefs would rapidly go all the way down to the Texans’ one-yard line. Kareem Hunt discovered the endzone for the dashing landing to increase the lead. Houston might barely cut back this lead on their closing drive earlier than halftime when Fairbairn was profitable on a 48-yard subject objective try.
This meant that the Chiefs had a 13-6 lead over the Texans at halftime.
Houston had the second half’s opening drive and would use it to get themselves again into the sport. Ranging from their 18-yard line, the Stroud-led offense slowly descended the sector to the Chiefs’ 13-yard line. Then, after 14 performs and over 10 minutes of recreation time, Joe Mixon discovered the endzone for the dashing landing. Nonetheless, the following PAT that will have tied the sport was missed, retaining the Chiefs’ lead.
This lead elevated on the next drive. Mahomes moved his offense all the way down to the Texans’ 11-yard line. He was fortunate to have the ability to do that, as earlier on the drive, he fumbled the ball. However he was in a position to retain possession. Nonetheless, the entire play was irrelevant anyway, as there was an pointless roughness penalty towards the Texans’ protection on the play, however many, together with the commentary crew, believed that the penalty was uncalled for.
On the Texans’ 11-yard line, Mahomes discovered Travis Kelce for the landing go.
A few drives later, Kansas Metropolis would once more have the ability to improve their lead. This time, Butker kicked a 27-yard subject objective to all however seal the win for the Chiefs. The Texans tried to get one thing from their subsequent drive and got a 35-yard subject objective try. Nonetheless, this was blocked by the Chiefs particular groups protection.
The Texans did get one thing on the final drive of the sport. Nonetheless, this may once more be controversial. Houston benefited from an intentional security that occurred on the Chiefs’ punt. In the end, this solely gave them two factors, so it didn’t change the sport. Nevertheless it did annoy many individuals.
What would annoy extra individuals is that the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs had defeated the Houston Texans 23-14.
This win places the Chiefs into their seventh consecutive AFC Championship recreation, and it will likely be the sixth time that Kansas Metropolis will host the sport. However who would they face for a spot within the Tremendous Bowl?
Baltimore Ravens @ Buffalo Payments
In a contest that might have gone both means, the Baltimore Ravens confronted the Buffalo Payments. Each of those groups are sturdy sufficient to be contenders to defeat the Chiefs, one thing that the Payments did within the common season, and the Ravens have been unable to by a foot. Each simply defeated their wildcard rounds opponents, establishing an entertaining affair in a chilly Highmark Stadium.
The Ravens had the opening drive of the sport and would have the ability to get the sport’s first rating from it. Ranging from their 27-yard line, the Ravens offense, led by Lamar Jackson, would have the ability to make its means all the way down to the Payments’ 16-yard line. Right here, Jackson discovered Rashod Bateman for the landing go to present Baltimore the early lead.
Nonetheless, the Payments would reply with a rating of their very own. On their first drive of the sport, the Josh Allen-led Buffalo offense made its means all the way down to the Ravens’ one-yard line. From right here, Ray Davis discovered the endzone for the dashing landing to tie the scores early within the recreation.
On the next drive, the Ravens would make a mistake. Jackson’s deep go was intercepted by the Payments protection. Fortunately for Baltimore, the Payments couldn’t do something with this possession. Nonetheless, the Ravens wouldn’t be so fortunate on their subsequent drive. Jackson could be sacked after which fumble the ball, which was then scooped up by the Payments, who returned the ball to the Ravens’ 24-yard line. Right here, the offense bought the ball all the way down to the one-yard line, the place Allen discovered the endzone for the dashing landing to take the lead.
The Ravens might minimize into the lead on their subsequent drive. A mistake-free drive introduced Baltimore all the way down to the Payments’ eight-yard line. Right here, the drive stalled, establishing a 26-yard subject objective try from Justin Tucker. He was profitable with this kick.
However Buffalo might lengthen their lead on the ultimate drive earlier than halftime. Allen would once more discover the endzone for the dashing landing down on the Ravens’ four-yard line.
This meant that the Payments had a 21-10 lead over the Ravens at halftime.
Baltimore might minimize into this lead on their opening drive of the second half. The offense would in a position to make their means all the way down to the Payments’ 29-yard line, the place the drive would stall. This arrange a 47-yard subject objective try from Tucker, who was unsurprisingly in a position to make the kick.
On their subsequent drive, the Ravens would proceed to chop again the Payments lead. This time, the Ravens offense went all the way down to the Payments five-yard line. Right here, Derrick Henry discovered the endzone for the dashing landing,. They then tried a two-point conversion try, which if profitable, would have tied the sport, Nonetheless, the go was incomplete, preserving the Payments’ two-point lead.
However, this lead would develop on the next Payments drive, when kicker Trevor Bass made a 51-yard subject objective. On the next drive, the Ravens would make one other mistake when Mark Andrews fumbled the ball, which was scooped up by the Payments’ protection. The Payments would capitalize on this error and convey the ball all the way down to the Ravens’ two-yard line. Right here, the drive stalled, with Bass kicking a 21-yard subject objective.
With three minutes left to play, the Ravens have been eight factors behind. They wanted to search out the endzone and get the two-point conversion to take the sport to additional time. The drive began on the Ravens’ 12-yard line, with Jackson and firm in a position to transfer all the way down to the Payments’ 24-yard line. Right here, Jackson discovered Isaiah Possible for the landing go. They then went for the two-point conversion try that will determine each groups’ recreation and destiny. Jackson threw a go to Andrews, however Andrews dropped the ball.
This meant the Buffalo Payments defeated the Baltimore Ravens 27-25.
This recreation went as anticipated. It was a good recreation that went all the way down to the sport’s closing play, precisely what playoff soccer needs to be. The Payments advance to the Championship recreation, the place we could have one other spherical of Mahomes vs Allen.
NFC
Washington Commanders @ Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have been the highest seed within the NFC. The Lions have been one of many highest-scoring groups within the NFL this season, and for the primary time, they may make the Tremendous Bowl. They confronted the Washington Commanders, who’ve been a shock package deal this season beneath rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
The Lions had the sport’s first possession however couldn’t do something with it. Nonetheless, they’d have extra success on their second possession. Ranging from their 29-yard line, the Lions’ offense, led by Jared Goff, went all the way down to the Commanders’ one-yard line. Right here, Jahmyr Gibbs discovered the endzone for the dashing landing.
In response, the Commanders might put their first set of factors onto the board. On a drive that began on their 30-yard line, Daniels may lead the offense all the way down to the Lions’ 29-yard line. Right here, the drive stalled, establishing a 47-yard subject objective try from kick Zane Gonzalez. That is one thing he was profitable with,
However on the subsequent drive, Detroit would make a expensive error. The offense would make its means all the way down to the Commanders’ 17-yard line, however right here, Goff was sacked and fumbled the ball, which might be scooped up by the Washington protection. The Commanders would get all the way down to the Lions’ two-yard line on the following drive. Brian Robinson would discover the endzone for the dashing landing to present Washington the lead.
However this lead didn’t final lengthy, because the Lions’ would strike again on their subsequent drive. Shaking off the prior mistake, Goff might transfer the offense all the way down to the Commanders’ two-yard line. Right here, the quarterback discovered Sam LaPorta for the landing go. Washington rapidly responded, with Daniels discovering Terry McLaurin for a 58-yard landing go.
The scoring streak continued on the subsequent drive, however it will not be Detroit who would discover the endzone. Goff’s go was intercepted by the Commanders’ protection, who would then return the ball to the endzone for a pick-six landing, including to the Commanders’ lead. Moreover, it must be famous that Jared Goff was injured on this play and didn’t participate within the following drive.
Nonetheless, even with out Goff, the Lions might discover the endzone. Backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater would assist the offense attain their 39-yard line. Jameson Williams discovered the endzone for a 61-yard dashing landing to make it a three-point recreation.
The lead turned 10 factors when Daniels discovered Zach Ertz for a five-yard landing close to the top of the primary half. To make issues even higher for Washington earlier than the half, on their closing drive, Goff threw one other interception.
This meant that after a really high-scoring half, the Commanders had a 31-21 lead over the Lions.
The Lions have been in a position to minimize into this lead on their first drive of the second half. Ranging from their nine-yard line, Goff and firm might transfer all the way down to the Commanders’ eight-yard line. Right here, Gibbs discovered the endzone for the dashing landing to make it a three-point time once more. However, just like the final time, this didn’t final lengthy.
On the responding drive, the Commanders went all the way down to the Lions’ one-yard line. Right here, Robinson discovered the endzone for his second landing of the sport. In response to this, Detroit threw one other interception. The error was expensive, as the next drive led to one other landing for the Commanders. This time, Jeremy McNichols discovered the endzone from the one-yard line.
The Lions bought some factors on their subsequent drive, with a Jake Bates subject objective from 28 yards making the uprights. However, it was not sufficient. On their closing line, Goff threw one other interception to shut a season the place the Lions skilled the very best of highs, but it surely all crashed down after they wanted it to not.
This meant that because the clock reached 0, the Washington Commanders had defeated the Detroit Lions 45-31.
This was a high-scoring thriller that many anticipated to see when these two groups performed. Nonetheless, errors price the Lions, giving Jayden Daniels, a rookie quarterback, the chance to ship his crew to the Tremendous Bowl. However who would they meet within the convention championship recreation?
Los Angeles Rams @ Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles, just like the Detroit Lions, have been a high-scoring aspect. With the elimination of the Lions, they’d be the favorites to make the Tremendous Bowl. Nonetheless, the Eagles must defeat the Los Angeles Rams to face their divisional rivals within the NFC Convention Championship. This process shouldn’t be simple, and the Rams might trigger an upset. Would they have the ability to go to a wintry Lincoln Monetary Area?
The Eagles had the sport’s opening drive and would have the ability to get the opening factors from it. Ranging from their 26-yard line, the offense led by quarterback Jalen Hurts might make their means all the way down to the Rams’ 44-yard line. Right here, Hurts would discover the endzone for an extended dashing landing. Nonetheless, the PAT missed.
In response, the Rams additionally discovered the endzone on their opening drive. Ranging from their 33-yard line, the Rams’ offense, led by Matthew Stafford, would have the ability to transfer all the way down to the Eagles four-yard line. Right here, Stafford discovered Tyler Higbee for the landing go. The PAT was profitable on this landing, giving the Rams a one-point lead.
Los Angeles misplaced this lead just a few drives later when Saquon Barkley discovered the endzone to file a 62-yard dashing landing. The Rams might instantly in the reduction of the lead that the Eagles had simply gained, by means of a 30-yard subject objective from kicker Joshua Karty.
This meant that the Eagles had a 13-10 lead over the Rams at halftime.
Each groups’ drives to open the second half would finish in punts. However the Rams would have the ability to degree the scores on their subsequent drive. The Stafford-led offense went all the way down to the Eagles’ 16-yard line, the place the drive would stall. This arrange a 34-yard subject objective try from Karty, which was profitable.
However the Rams’ lead didn’t final lengthy. On the next drive, the Eagles’ offense would stall on the Rams’ 26-yard line. This arrange a 44-yard subject objective try from Jake Elliot, which was additionally profitable, handing Philadelphia a three-point lead.
The three-point lead turned one level on the Eagles’ subsequent drive when Hurts was sacked in his endzone. This was a security for the Rams, giving them two factors. Nonetheless, Los Angeles would make a mistake on their subsequent drive. Kyren Williams would fumble the ball, which might be scooped up by the Eagles’ protection. This error would show expensive, as Elliot would kick a 23-yard subject objective on the following drive. Nonetheless, it might have been much more, as Barkley did discover the endzone, but it surely was later dominated that he was down on the one-yard line.
The Rams made the identical mistake on their subsequent drive. This time, Stafford fumbled the ball, which was then scooped up by the Eagles’ protection. This may once more lead to a subject objective for the Eagles.
Philadelphia’s lead could be prolonged on their subsequent drive when Barkley discovered the endzone for a 22-yard dashing landing. In response, the Rams’ offense would have the ability to preserve themselves within the recreation. They made their means all the way down to the Eagles’ four-yard line. Right here, Stafford discovered Colby Parkinson for the landing go.
Los Angeles had one closing try to win the sport. On this drive, they made their means all the way down to the Eagles’ 22-yard line, the place they’d a vital fourth down try. Nonetheless, the go from Stafford was incomplete.
The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Los Angeles Rams 28-22.
The win signifies that there might be an all-NFC East convention championship, because the Eagles will host the Commanders for a spot within the Tremendous Bowl, the place they’ll face both the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs or the Buffalo Payments.
