The NFL postseason continued with a thrilling batch of divisional round games, including three of special interest to Bears fans.
The NFL postseason continued with a thrilling batch of divisional round games, including three of special interest to Bears fans.
Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson faced off for the second time this season, and the Mitchell Trubisky jokes were in full force. Then there were the NFC North matchups, which were 50% enjoyable following a Vikings loss and a Packers win. The Titans also showed that making a personnel change can sometimes help a team in unexpected, productive ways. Take note, Bears.
Let’s recap the NFL divisional round:
The Ryan Pace Bowl doesn’t disappoint
Chiefs 51, Texans 31
Watching Sunday’s divisional game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans couldn’t have been easy for Bears fans. Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson lit it up on a national stage for general manager Ryan Pace and all Bears fans to watch in agony as the quarterbacks that got away. Kansas City and Houston accounted for a combined 82 points, but the Chiefs got the last laugh after battling back from a 24-0 deficit to advance to the AFC Championship Game for the second straight year.
Vikings struggle in loss to 49ers
49ers 27, Vikings 10
The Minnesota Vikings returned to their early-season form against the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday, as they failed to get anything going offensively against the 49ers dominant defense. San Francisco sacked Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins six times and held running back Dalvin Cook to just 18 yards on 9 carries. The Vikings were shutout of the second half and could only watch as the 49ers glided to an easy victory. San Francisco will host Green Bay in the NFC Championship game.
Packers advance to NFC Championship
Packers 51, Seahawks 31
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before, but the Green Bay Packers won another game following a controversial call that went their way. Only this one had bigger implications, as it allowed the Packers to advance to the NFC Championship. Before the controversial spot that gave Green Bay a first down that sealed the win, the Packers were in control most of the game, as the Seahawks once again stumbled outside of quarterback Russell Wilson, who tried to do it all himself.
Titans dethrone the No. 1 seeded Ravens
Titans 28, Ravens 12
The Tennessee Titans continue to surprise everyone, including a major upset of the top-seeded Baltimore Ravens. Titans running back Derrick Henry continues his postseason dominance, as he rushed for 195 yards and threw a 3-yard touchdown pass against Baltimore. While sure-fire MVP Lamar Jackson seemed unstoppable this season, he was grounded against Tennessee, where he tossed two interceptions and also lost a fumble. The Titans have now dethroned the reigning Super Bowl Champion Patriots and top-seeded Ravens in a span of two weeks.
