The Divisional Round was extremely entertaining, continuing this year’s playoffs as some of the most exciting we have ever gotten. In particular, the Broncos vs. Bills and the Rams vs. Bears are instant classics that will be talked about for some time. So, let’s recap those games, and then get into a preview for the championship games next week.
#1 Denver Broncos vs. #6 Buffalo Bills
This was such an even matchup, and it was far more exciting than their meeting in last year’s playoffs. Having gotten crushed 31-7 in last year’s playoffs, Bo Nix and the Broncos had a lot to prove. Denver jumped out to a lead of 23-10, but Josh Allen and the Bills came back to make it 27-23. However, Bo Nix charged down the field and scored on a ridiculous 26-yard pass to Marvin Mims. With 0:50 left in the game, Josh Allen rushed into field goal range. Matt Prater kicked a field goal to tie it at 30. In overtime, Buffalo was moving but threw a deep ball that was intercepted by Ja’Quan McMillan. The Broncos then went and kicked a Wil Lutz field goal to win the game, following multiple pass interference penalties. The Broncos’ 33-30 win proved they can hang with the best of the best, and Josh Allen lost his big chance to try and win a Super Bowl. On a sour note, for the Broncos, Nix broke his ankle and will miss the rest of the season. Backup QB Jarrett Stidham will lead the Broncos to play the Patriots in the AFC Championship.
#1 Seattle Seahawks vs. #6 San Francisco 49ers
This might have been the most one-sided game in the playoffs, even after the Steelers vs. Texans game last week. The Seahawks absolutely dismantled the 49ers, winning 41-6. Right out of the gate, Rashid Shaheed returned a kickoff for a touchdown. After that, it continued to be all Seattle. Kenneth Walker III ran for three touchdowns. The Seahawks look unstoppable, and that will be tested when they face off against their NFC West rival Rams in the NFC Championship.
#2 New England Patriots vs. #5 Houston Texans
Considering CJ Stroud threw four interceptions, the final score was still relatively close. The Patriots took advantage of the turnovers, returning an interception for a touchdown. They jumped out to an early 21-10 lead, then the Texans closed the gap at 21-16. But the Pats held control down the stretch to win 28-16. New England and Drake Maye proved just how real they are by beating Houston’s top defense. With this win, the Patriots move on to the AFC Championship Game to play the Broncos.
#2 Chicago Bears vs. #5 Los Angeles Rams
Another very close game, the snow dictated this game for a while. It was relatively low-scoring for the first three quarters, with the game tied at 10 going into the fourth. But then, Kyren Williams rushed for a touchdown to give the Rams a 17-10 lead. On a fourth-and-long with their season on the line, Caleb Williams completed an absolutely ridiculous throw to TE Cole Kmet to score. This touchdown would tie it up at 17. Going into overtime, Chicago stopped the Rams and looked like they were going to score, but a Kamren Curl interception gave the Rams their best shot. They would move down the field and kick the game-winning Harrison Mevis field goal to win 20-17. Los Angeles survived a dangerous game with the Bears, and they will get another shot at the Seahawks in the NFC Championship.
The matchups for the NFC and AFC Championships are set. Both games will occur on Sunday, January 25th.
At 3:00: Patriots vs. Broncos
At 6:30: Rams vs. Seahawks
When it comes to Patriots vs. Broncos, this is a rivalry that goes back to the early 2000s, where they faced in the playoffs in 2006, 2012, 2014, and 2016. Back in 2014 and 2016, the rivalry saw legendary QBs Peyton Manning and Tom Brady face off. Today, I can see a new rivalry in the AFC between the Broncos and the Patriots, and Bo Nix and Drake Maye. However, the Broncos will be without Nix and will have to win with Jarrett Stidham at quarterback. This devastating loss makes the Patriots the heavy favorites to beat the Broncos. But with a defense as good as the Broncos, they can never be counted out.
My pick: I’m going with the Patriots; I can’t disregard that Bo Nix won’t be out there.
For the Rams vs. Seahawks, this is a game I am so excited to watch. No two teams were as evenly matched as the Rams and the Seahawks during the regular season. The Rams won their matchup in Week 11 by a score of 21-19, but the Seahawks beat the Rams 38-37 in overtime the following matchup. Both of these were such close games that it should be hard to pick a winner. However, the Seahawks’ dominant victory over the 49ers can’t be ignored. They play some of the most dominant football on both sides of the field, making it hard to take them down. Even still, the Rams have been here before, and Matt Stafford is well-prepared for a shootout.
My pick: It’s close, but I’ve got the Seahawks winning this one.
