NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round Recap

Jags late in the fourth quarter was a deciding factor in Lawrence’s effort for another comeback win to keep the season alive. Mahomes and the Chiefs will look to get back to the Super Bowl after another successful season under head coach Andy Reid.

The Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals came into the season as two of the favorites in their conference. Many had the week 17 matchup between the two circled before the start of the season as a potential determinant to who gained the higher seed and home-field advantage in the playoffs. After the unfortunate events that occurred in that game, which ended in Damar Hamlin being rushed to the hospital in critical condition, the contest was canceled and not rescheduled. But, a rematch would be in store after the Bills survived the Miami Dolphins in the first round beating them 34-31, while the Bengals escaped their rival Baltimore Ravens, winning 24-17.

The snowy game did not start as the close game that was advertised. The Bengals picked up right where they left off before the previous matchup got canceled, scoring two touchdowns before the Bills got their first first down. At the half, it was 17-7 with the Bills receiving the second-half kickoff, however, they would only score three more points while the Bengals would take advantage of some crucial pass interference calls, winning the game 2710. This sends Joe Burrow and the Bengals to their second consecutive AFC Championship game.

The New York Giants were football’s Cinderella story this year after making it to the playoffs for the first time since 2016 under rookie head coach Brian Daboll. After losing on a game-winning field goal in Minnesota earlier in the season, the G-Men looked for revenge against the Vikings in the first round of the playoffs. Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley carried the Giants to their first playoff victory since winning Super Bowl XLVI by beating Minnesota 31-24. The win set up a divisional round rivalry match between the Philadelphia Eagles and Giants. The Eagles completely outmatched New York for a 38-7 win, ending the season 3-0 against its division rivals and clinching a spot in the NFC Championship game.

The Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers both started their postseasons with blowout wins before determining who would be heading to Philly to face the Eagles. The 49ers beat the Seattle Seahawks 41-23 for the third time this season behind another terrific game from Mr. Irrelevant, Brock Purdy. It looked as if the Seahawks were going to pull off an upset and continue Geno Smith’s terrific season before a dominant second half from the Niners saw them outscore the Hawks 25-6. The Cowboys took care of business in Tampa Bay, defeating Tom Brady and the Buccaneers 31-14, even with four missed extra points from Brett Maher. It was the first time Brady had ever lost to the Cowboys, in what was potentially his final game in a Bucs uniform, let alone in the NFL altogether.

The wins from the two storied franchises set up a ninth playoff matchup between the Cowboys and 49ers and a repeat of last year’s Wild Card. Dak Prescott and the Cowboys hoped that better luck would turn their way as last year’s