The #1 seeds in the NFC and AFC finally take the field in the NFL Divisional round. There is always the threat of “rust” for a team that sat a week against a team with momentum. This weekend, the playoffs got even spicier. Here’s a recap of the action.
Packers vs. Rams
The #1 seed Green Bay Packers faced the Los Angeles Rams. The packers took control of the game in the second quarter and never looked back. Aaron Rodgers was sharp in less than optimal weather, throwing for 296 yards and two touchdowns.
The Packers line, without All-Pro Tackle David Bakhtiari, did great against the Rams pass rush. They protected Aaron Rodgers and prevented a sack all game. They also pushed the pile and helped the run game as well. The Packers RB’s combined for 191 yards in the victory.
The Rams offense couldn’t get their offense to flow consistently. Jared Goff was sacked four times. Cam Akers ran for 90 yards and one touchdown, but that’s all they got from the Run game.
The Packers won 32-18 and will advance to the NFC Championship game.
Bills vs. Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens went to Buffalo to take on the Buffalo Bills. Both offenses struggled in the first half, scoring three points each. But in the second half, the Bills created some separation, scoring two touchdowns in the third quarter. The Ravens never gained momentum throughout the game.
The Bills pass rush, and the overall defense held the Ravens under wraps. The league’s best rushing attack couldn’t get rolling like they have done all season. The trio of Jackson, Dobbins, and Edwards only combined for 118 yards. They averaged over 191 rushing yards per game this year.
After Jackson left the game due to concussion protocol, the chances of them coming back were slim to none. The final score was 17-3, and the Bills advance to the AFC Championship.
Chiefs vs. Browns
The defending champion Chiefs came off of there the first-round bye and hit the ground rolling. Kansas City clicked on offense and defense as they jumped out to a 19-3 lead over Cleveland. It wasn’t all sweet for Kanas City, though, as the Browns battled back late in the game. It got even scarier for the Chiefs after Patrick Mahomes went out with a concussion scare as well.
Chad Henne stepped in for the injured Mahomes and completed the mission. Although he threw in an interception, he made two of the biggest plays of the game to secure the victory.
The final score was 22-17 as Kansas City advances to the AFC championship for the third year in a row.
Saints vs. Buccaneers
Tom Brady and Drew Brees matched up for the oldest QB playoff matchup in NFL history. The Saints dominated Tampa Bay in the regular season, but that changed yesterday.
Tom Brady didn’t have his best game, but he made the necessary plays to help his team win. Brady threw for 199 yards and two passing touchdowns and got a rushing touchdown.
The Bucs defense was outstanding as well, forcing Brees to throw three interceptions and only 134 yards.
The final score was 30-20 as the Bucs advance to the NFC Championship game. This will be conference championship game #14 for Tom Brady. For Brees, many think that this may have been his last NFL game.