The NFL playoffs never cease to amaze me…Football fans were treated to another incredible slate of games this weekend, and there was no lack of drama in these highly anticipated matchups. From The Green Bay Packers almost upsetting the 49ers to the Bills losing another heartbreaker to the Chiefs, fans around the league were brought to tears of joy and sorrow.
Ravens vs. Texans (34-10 Final)
Looking at the final scoreline, this result is what many people would have expected, but if you watched the full game, you would have been amazed at how the Texans stepped up in the first half. It looked like the Texans might actually have a chance to pull off an upset, but the Ravens and Lamar Jackson had better ideas. Baltimore's Defense completely shut the Texans' offence out in the second half, giving up little to no yardage and consistently making CJ Stroud uncomfortable in the pocket. Out of all the Divisional games, this one ended up being the most lopsided, and I don't think there are many people surprised Baltimore came out on top. You do have to give a shoutout to DeMeco Ryans for what he has been able to do with this team in only his first year at the helm of this Texans' squad. This team was debatably the worst team in the NFL last year, and they have made it this far. One thing is for certain…This Texans team will be back.
49ers vs. Packers (24-21 Final)
This game definitely surprised fans across the world because it came right down to the wire. Jordan Love almost willed this team victory but came up short on the last drive. This game was back and forth, and the heavily favourited 49ers went into the fourth quarter trailing by a touchdown, but of course, when you have not only Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey but the most stacked Defense in the league, you always have a chance. Shoutout to Dre Greenlaw, who not only led the 49ers in tackles but was out there looking like a Wide Receiver on Defense. He had two clutch interceptions and even iced the game when Jordan Love was looking to assemble a game-winning drive. This one was a bit of a scare for the 49er Faithful, but at the end of the day, good teams always find a way to win games…Bang Bang 9er Gang!
Lions vs Buccaneers (31-23 Final)
It's crazy to say, but I never thought I would see the Lions in the playoffs, let alone competing for a spot in the Super Bowl. What Dan Campbell has done for this franchise has been truly remarkable, but of course, he can't take all the credit. Jared Goff has continued to play the best football of his career, and he has his fair share of weapons on the offensive side of the ball. Rookie Running Back Jahmyr Gibbs may very well be the future face of the position because he had plays where he looked downright unstoppable. I am not sure how much magic the Lions have left because now they have to make their way out west and try to overcome a well-rounded 49ers squad. Also, hats off to Baker Mayfield for leaving it all out on the field. It can't be easy to be the QB to replace Tom Brady, but he battled all season long, and from what I've seen, it looks like he's going to get to the bag this offseason.
Chiefs vs Bills (27-24 Final)
They met again…Kansas City had to make their way up to Buffalo for one of the most anticipated playoff rematches. This rivalry has been years in the making, but yet again, the Chiefs came out on top. Whenever these teams play, it is always close, and every year, Bills fans get their hopes up; it seems like the Chiefs are always the ones crushing their dreams. Josh Allen was doing it all this game with his legs and through the air, but of course, you can't forget that Patrick Mahomes is Patrick Mahomes. This was a back-and-forth game, and the Bills had a chance to tie it late, but Tyler Bass saw his game-tying field goal sail wide right to the dismay of the home crowd. I really thought this would be the year that the Bills would overcome the Chiefs, but now this is probably the last time I will bet against Patrick Mahomes. This Chiefs team always seems to find a way to get it done, so I won't be surprised if we see them competing for a Super Bowl in a couple of weeks' time. For the Bills…Where do they go from here? I understand the team was riddled with injuries, but it is starting to feel like they might be cursed. Some serious changes might need to be made in order for them to take the next step.