Divisional Round Recap

 


We had a full weekend of four games and the finalists have moved into position for the Conference Championship Games. But before that happens, let's look back at the games this weekend.

Saturday Games:

Green Bay Packers 32, Los Angeles Rams 18
The top seed in the NFC looked it against the Rams as the second round of the playoffs got under way. The Rams brought the league's top defense to Green Bay, but it didn't look like that. Aaron Rodgers threw for two TDs and ran for another, Davante Adams had nine receptions and a touchdown and Aaron Jones ran for 99 yards and a touchdown. The Rams' offense was decent, perhaps better than expected. Rookie Cam Akers wrapped up his year with 90 yards and a TD, but the Rams couldn't keep up. The Packers cruised and will host the NFC Championship Game next weekend.

Buffalo Bills 17, Baltimore Ravens 3
This was my pick for game of the weekend, but it didn't turn out to be that way. This was more about defense and missed opportunities. The Ravens saw Justin Tucker brick two field goals early, and the Bills looked tentative at times. But Josh Allen was able to lead his team to a touchdown, and the defense was able to turn Lamar Jackson over and return it for a second touchdown, putting the game away. When Jackson suffered a concussion, it was all but over. Now the Bills will head to the AFC Championship Game and, possibly, a trip to the Super Bowl. But they'll need tough defense and some of Allen's magic on offense.

Sunday Games:

Kansas City Chiefs 22, Cleveland Browns 17
The Chiefs finished with the best record in the league, and they seemed to be somewhat cruising. Then Patrick Mahomes got a concussion, the Browns came to life offensively with a quick touchdown and this was a game that went down to the wire. In the end, a few defensive plays and a big run from backup Chad Henne preserved the win. Now the question is if Mahomes can get cleared in time to face the Bills next week. That's no lock. And without him, the Chiefs are a different team. The Browns ultimately came up short, but it was an amazing season and I think they'll be back to compete next Fall.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30, New Orleans Saints 20
This one hurts. It's hard to beat a team three times, and we saw the Saints beat the Buccaneers in both of their regular season meetings. But that was before the broken ribs for Drew Brees, who doesn't look the same. The Saints were playing strong into the third quarter, even taking a lead at 20-13. But Tom Brady and his weapons got a huge boost from the defense, which nabbed three interceptions and forced a fumble. That led to three touchdowns and it was too much. So now Brady is back in a Championship Game, this time the NFC against Aaron Rodgers, with a shot at the Super Bowl on the line. The Saints, meanwhile, face a tough off-season. There are plenty of questions, starting at quarterback where Brees is likely to hang it up. Three straight seasons have ended with tough playoff losses at home, and the Saints title window might be swinging closed.

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