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 can be one win away from enjoying within the Tremendous Bowl.
AFC
Houston Texans @ Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs entered the playoffs this week with a house sport in opposition to the Houston Texans. The Chiefs ended the common season with a 15-2 document, however a lot of these wins had been selected a remaining play. The Texans received to this stage after their victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Might they defeat one other AFC West facet, or would Kanas Metropolis make one other Convention Championship sport?
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, because of a really robust kickoff return. Nevertheless, the offense can be unable to go anyplace from right here, leading to a 32-yard area 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 manner right 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 area objective try from Ka’imi Fairbairn.
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This area objective leveled the scores, however this didn’t final lengthy. On the following 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 area objective to present the Chiefs once more the lead. Just a few drives later, it was the Texans flip to have one other area objective try, this time from 55 yards out. Nevertheless, Fairbairn’s kick went large proper, handing the Chiefs possession on their 37-yard line.
This missed area objective can be a expensive error for Houston. The Chiefs would rapidly go right 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 remaining drive earlier than halftime when Fairbairn was profitable on a 48-yard area 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 sport time, Joe Mixon discovered the endzone for the dashing landing. Nevertheless, the following PAT that might have tied the sport was missed, retaining the Chiefs’ lead.
This lead elevated on the next drive. Mahomes moved his offense right 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 capable of retain possession. Nevertheless, the entire play was irrelevant anyway, as there was an pointless roughness penalty in opposition to the Texans’ protection on the play, however many, together with the commentary group, believed that the penalty was uncalled for.
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On the Texans’ 11-yard line, Mahomes discovered Travis Kelce for the landing move.
A few drives later, Kansas Metropolis would once more have the ability to improve their lead. This time, Butker kicked a 27-yard area 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 area objective try. Nevertheless, this was blocked by the Chiefs particular groups protection.
The Texans did get one thing on the final drive of the sport. Nevertheless, this could once more be controversial. Houston benefited from an intentional security that occurred on the Chiefs’ punt. Finally, this solely gave them two factors, so it didn’t change the sport. However 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 sport, and it is going to 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 would have gone both manner, the Baltimore Ravens confronted the Buffalo Payments. Each of those groups are robust sufficient to be contenders to defeat the Chiefs, one thing that the Payments did within the common season, and the Ravens had been unable to by a foot. Each simply defeated their wildcard rounds opponents, organising 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 manner right down to the Payments’ 16-yard line. Right here, Jackson discovered Rashod Bateman for the landing move to present Baltimore the early lead.
Nevertheless, 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 manner right 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 sport.
On the next drive, the Ravens would make a mistake. Jackson’s deep move was intercepted by the Payments protection. Fortunately for Baltimore, the Payments couldn’t do something with this possession. Nevertheless, the Ravens wouldn’t be so fortunate on their subsequent drive. Jackson can 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 received the ball right down to the one-yard line, the place Allen discovered the endzone for the dashing landing to take the lead.
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The Ravens might lower into the lead on their subsequent drive. A mistake-free drive introduced Baltimore right down to the Payments’ eight-yard line. Right here, the drive stalled, organising a 26-yard area 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 lower into this lead on their opening drive of the second half. The offense would capable of make their manner right down to the Payments’ 29-yard line, the place the drive would stall. This arrange a 47-yard area objective try from Tucker, who was unsurprisingly capable of make the kick.
On their subsequent drive, the Ravens would proceed to chop again the Payments lead. This time, the Ravens offense went right 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, Nevertheless, the move was incomplete, conserving the Payments’ two-point lead.
However, this lead would develop on the next Payments drive, when kicker Trevor Bass made a 51-yard area 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 produce the ball right down to the Ravens’ two-yard line. Right here, the drive stalled, with Bass kicking a 21-yard area objective.
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With three minutes left to play, the Ravens had been eight factors behind. They wanted to search out the endzone and get the two-point conversion to take the sport to extra time. The drive began on the Ravens’ 12-yard line, with Jackson and firm capable of transfer right down to the Payments’ 24-yard line. Right here, Jackson discovered Isaiah Doubtless for the landing move. They then went for the two-point conversion try that might determine each groups’ sport and destiny. Jackson threw a move to Andrews, however Andrews dropped the ball.
This meant the Buffalo Payments defeated the Baltimore Ravens 27-25.
This sport went as anticipated. It was a decent sport that went right down to the sport’s remaining play, precisely what playoff soccer must be. The Payments advance to the Championship sport, the place we can have one other spherical of Mahomes vs Allen.
NFC
Washington Commanders @ Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions had 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. Nevertheless, they’d have extra success on their second possession. Ranging from their 29-yard line, the Lions’ offense, led by Jared Goff, went right 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 right down to the Lions’ 29-yard line. Right here, the drive stalled, organising a 47-yard area objective try from kick Zane Gonzalez. That is one thing he was profitable with,
However on the following drive, Detroit would make a expensive error. The offense would make its manner right 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 right 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 right down to the Commanders’ two-yard line. Right here, the quarterback discovered Sam LaPorta for the landing move. Washington rapidly responded, with Daniels discovering Terry McLaurin for a 58-yard landing move.
The scoring streak continued on the following drive, however it could not be Detroit who would discover the endzone. Goff’s move 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.
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Nevertheless, 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 sport.
The lead turned 10 factors when Daniels discovered Zach Ertz for a five-yard landing close to the tip of the primary half. To make issues even higher for Washington earlier than the half, on their remaining 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 had been capable of lower into this lead on their first drive of the second half. Ranging from their nine-yard line, Goff and firm might transfer right 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 right 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 resulted in one other landing for the Commanders. This time, Jeremy McNichols discovered the endzone from the one-yard line.
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The Lions received some factors on their subsequent drive, with a Jake Bates area objective from 28 yards making the uprights. However, it was not sufficient. On their remaining line, Goff threw one other interception to shut a season the place the Lions skilled the best of highs, nevertheless it 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. Nevertheless, errors price the Lions, giving Jayden Daniels, a rookie quarterback, the chance to ship his group to the Tremendous Bowl. However who would they meet within the convention championship sport?
Los Angeles Rams @ Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles, just like the Detroit Lions, have been a high-scoring facet. With the elimination of the Lions, they’d be the favorites to make the Tremendous Bowl. Nevertheless, the Eagles must defeat the Los Angeles Rams to face their divisional rivals within the NFC Convention Championship. This process will not be simple, and the Rams might trigger an upset. Would they have the ability to go to a wintry Lincoln Monetary Subject?
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 manner right down to the Rams’ 44-yard line. Right here, Hurts would discover the endzone for a protracted dashing landing. Nevertheless, 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 right down to the Eagles four-yard line. Right here, Stafford discovered Tyler Higbee for the landing move. The PAT was profitable on this landing, giving the Rams a one-point lead.
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Los Angeles misplaced this lead a number of drives later when Saquon Barkley discovered the endzone to document a 62-yard dashing landing. The Rams might instantly in the reduction of the lead that the Eagles had simply gained, by way of a 30-yard area 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 stage the scores on their subsequent drive. The Stafford-led offense went right down to the Eagles’ 16-yard line, the place the drive would stall. This arrange a 34-yard area 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 area 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. Nevertheless, 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 area objective on the following drive. Nevertheless, it might have been much more, as Barkley did discover the endzone, nevertheless it 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 could once more lead to a area objective for the Eagles.
Philadelphia’s lead can 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 hold themselves within the sport. They made their manner right down to the Eagles’ four-yard line. Right here, Stafford discovered Colby Parkinson for the landing move.
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Los Angeles had one remaining try to win the sport. On this drive, they made their manner right down to the Eagles’ 22-yard line, the place they’d a vital fourth down try. Nevertheless, the move from Stafford was incomplete.
The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Los Angeles Rams 28-22.
The win implies that there will probably be an all-NFC East convention championship, because the Eagles will host the Commanders for a spot within the Tremendous Bowl, the place they are going to face both the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs or the Buffalo Payments.
