Buffalo Bills vs Denver Broncos

The Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos need more than 60 minutes to settle their matchup. And, it came down to a controversial interception and pass interference that decided the outcome of this game. The Denver Broncos secured their first postseason win since 2015 in Super Bowl 50, accomplishing this feat with a combination of their offense and, especially, their defense. The Denver defense forced five turnovers, including two interceptions and three fumbles. While their quarterback, Bo Nix, threw for 3 touchdowns. They did receive some gut-wrenching news that Bo Nix will miss the rest of the postseason with a broken bone in his ankle. So, the Broncos’ Super Bowl hopes will rely on Jarrett Stidham to get them to the Super Bowl. 

On the other side, the Buffalo Bills again had to endure another heartbreak postseason loss. The Bills’ offense had an up-and-down day with Josh Allen throwing 3 touchdowns, but the offense turned the ball over 5 times, with 3 fumbles and 2 interceptions. Then, in overtime, the Bills were a victim of two controversial plays that ended their season. First, the interception by Ja’Quan McMillian, which was ruled an interception, after Brandin Cooks didn’t complete the process of catching while going to the ground. And, the pass interference by Tre’Davious White that set up the game-winner from 23 yards by Wil Lutz. Now, Josh Allen and the Bills will have to endure another long offseason without a Super Bowl title. 

San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks

From the opening kickoff, the Seattle Seahawks took control and never looked back against their arch rivals. On the opening kickoff, the Seahawks Rashid Shaheed took 95 yards to house. From that point on, it was all Seattle. Seattle’s defense cooked the 49ers all night long by forcing 3 turnovers and making Brock Purdy’s night a living hell. And, stopping them 3 times on 4th down. While on offense, Kenneth Walker III had a big night on the ground, running for 116 yards on 19 carries with 3 touchdowns. While the quarterback Sam Darnold had trouble free game by completing 12 passes on 17 attempts, for 124 passing yards. Now, the Seahawks head to their first NFC title game since 2014. 

The San Francisco 49ers, from the opening kickoff didnt have the night that they hoped for. Their only points in the game came on 2 Eddy Pineiro field goals. Also, turning the ball over 3 times didn’t help either. Brock Purdy had a tough night, throwing for only 140 yards on 15 completions on 27 attempts, and a QBR of 37.3. Also, the 49ers didn’t convert a single 4th down after going for 3 times in the ball game, which hurt their momentum. After all the injuries that San Francisco endured during the season, I would say this season would be considered a success under the circumstances.   

Houston Texans vs New England Patriots

The Houston Texans and the New England Patriots were expected to be a defensive battle, and turn out to be one. The New England Patriots forced 5 turnovers against CJ Stroud and the Houston Texans. The Pats defense intercepted CJ Stroud 4 times on the day, including a pick six by Marcus Jones. Drake Maye had a good playoff debut in rain and snow conditions. While completing 16 passes on 27 attempts for 179 yards passing with three touchdown passes. Wide Receivers Kayshon Battle, DeMario Douglas, and Stefon Diggs all caught one touchdown pass from Maye on the day. Now, the Patriots are heading to Denver for the AFC championship, and look for 1st trip to the Super Bowl since 2018.

The Houston Texans had an up-and-down day. The upside was the defense, where they forced 3 turnovers. And, they sacked Drake Maye three times. While the downside was the offense, where CJ Stroud and company struggled all day. The offense turned the ball over 5 times, and four of them were on four CJ Stroud interceptions. For the 3rd straight year, Houston exits the postseason in the divisional round, and they are still looking for there 1st ever trip to the AFC championship game. But, as long as that defense remains the same and is that strong and fixes a little bit to the offense, then don’t be surprised if the Texans get to the conference championship game within the next few years. 

Los Angeles Rams vs Chicago Bears

The Los Angeles Rams and the Chicago Bears turned into an instant classic that needed overtime to decide this game. The Los Angeles Rams, coming in, knew they were in for a battle not only against the Bears, but the weather as well. Matthew Stafford had a quiet night, throwing for 258 yards with 20 completions on 42 attempts. But his running backs helped him out big time, particularly Kyren Williams, who scored both touchdowns on offense. While the defense, particularly the secondary, picked off Caleb Williams three times, including one in overtime to set up the game-winning field goal. Now, the Rams are heading to the NFC championship game for the 2nd time in 5 years, and trying to win a 3rd super bowl title in franchise history. 

While the Chicago Bears, on the other hand, were playing like a team of destiny. The Bears coming had 7 come-from-behind wins, including against the Packers a week ago. Caleb Williams was going down without a fight. With less than 30 seconds left, Caleb Williams made one of the greatest throws not only in postseason history, but in NFL history. Williams scrambled and found Tight End Cole Kmet for 14 yard touchdown to save the Bears’ season. But on their first drive in overtime, Williams was intercepted by Kam Curl. And the Rams went downfield and kicked a game winning 42 yard field goal. Overall, the Chicago Bears exceeded expectations with Caleb Williams and 1st year head coach Ben Johnson. Don’t be surprised if the Bears are back in the same place again the next year and beyond.