NFL Playoffs
NFL Playoffs
February 2nd, 2024
Written By: Jackson Freeman
As the new year starts and sports start to wrap up, the NFL Playoffs are just beginning. This year, the regular season was certainly exciting, and hopes are high for the playoffs this year. The NFC features the Packers, Rams, Eagles, Buccaneers, Lions, Cowboys, and the number one seeded 49ers, while the AFC has the Steelers, Dolphins, Browns, Texans, Chiefs, Bills, and the one seeded Ravens. The Ravens and 49ers earned a first round bye, and did not have to play until the divisional round.
In the Wild Card Round of the NFC, the Packers, led by first year starter Jordan Love, upset Dak Prescott and the Cowboys 48-32. Jordan Love threw for 272 yards and 2 touchdowns on 16/21 passing attempts with zero interceptions, earning a near-perfect 157.2 passer rating in his first ever playoff game. The Lions defeated the Rams 24-23 in a close game, with outstanding performances on both sides. Matt Stafford’s 367 yards and 2 touchdowns fell short, as he lost to his former team, while Jared Goff earned his first playoff win since 2019 when he was on the Rams and the Lions’ first playoff win in 31 years. In the final game of the NFC Wild Card, the Buccaneers upset the Eagles 32-9, dominating the whole game. Baker Mayfield proved he is still an elite quarterback, with 337 yards and 3 touchdowns on 22/36 attempts, while Jalen Hurts and the Eagles are disappointed in the playoffs once again.
For the AFC, however, there were no upsets. Mahomes and the Chiefs earned yet another playoff win, defeating the Dolphins and former teammate Tyreek Hill 26-7. Mahomes had 262 yards and 1 touchdown, while Isaiah Pacheco rushed for the Chiefs’ only other touchdown. Across the country in Buffalo, the Bills defeated the Steelers 31-17 with a great performance from Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Allen had 3 touchdowns and 203 yards on 21/30 pass attempts, sending the Bills to the Divisional Round against the Chiefs yet again. The Houston Texans, led by rookie quarterback CJ Stroud blew out the Browns 45-15, with an amazing performance overall. Stroud threw for 274 yards and 3 touchdowns, with a passer rating of 157.2. The Texans defense also had two interception returns for touchdowns, helping keep Joe Flacco and the Browns away for the whole game.
The Divisional Round was filled with exciting games all around, like the Ravens vs the Texans. CJ Stroud was unable to win this one, as Lamar Jackson and the Ravens won 34-10. Lamar had an elite performance, becoming just the fourth quarterback in NFL history to have a playoff game with multiple passing and rushing touchdowns. Lamar finally got his first playoff win as he awaits his second NFL MVP. The Chiefs matched up with the Bills in the playoffs yet again, and in typical fashion, the game came down to the wire. The Chiefs ended up getting the win 27-24, as Bills kicker Tyler Bass missed a field goal to send the game to overtime at the end of the fourth quarter. Mahomes had 215 yards and 2 touchdowns, proving he is still one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
In the NFC, the Lions defeated the Buccaneers 31-23, with a game-sealing interception from Derek Barnes to send the Lions to the NFC Championship for the first time in 32 years. Jared Goff had 2 touchdowns and 287 passing yards, earning the edge over Baker Mayfield who had 3 touchdowns, 349 yards, and 2 interceptions. The Packers and 49ers matched up yet again, and the 49ers won 24-21. Brock Purdy threw for 252 yards and a touchdown, earning his second straight trip to the NFC Championship in just his second year in the league.
Expectations are high for the Championship Round for both games. Jared Goff and Brock Purdy are both top five in passing yards for the NFL, and are both trying to earn their first ring. In the AFC, Mahomes and Lamar are matching up for the fifth time, and Lamar has only won once. Mahomes hasn’t thrown for under 340 yards and 3 touchdowns when they play each other, but Mahomes will be playing away in Baltimore, where there is an electric atmosphere as Baltimore is hoping to make it to the SuperBowl for the first time since 2012, where they played the 49ers. Mahomes hopes to solidify himself as one of the best quarterbacks of all time with a third ring, and Lamar is hoping to add to his Hall of Fame resume.
In the AFC Championship, Mahomes proved once again that he is the quarterback to beat in the NFL, taking down Lamar and the Ravens 27-10. Mahomes had 241 passing yards and 1 touchdown to star tight end Travis Kelce, who caught all of his targets for 116 yards, tying Jerry Rice for the most playoff games with 100+ receiving yards. Lamar fell short in the playoffs once again, and questions will certainly be raised about whether or not he can handle the pressure. As for the NFC, the Championship game was definitely the more entertaining one. It all seemed to be in the Lions favor, going up 24-7 at halftime. However, Brock Purdy led the 49ers comeback to win the game 34-31. He had 267 yards and 1 touchdown, while running back Christian McCaffrey had 90 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Lions should not be disappointed with this season’s result at all, improving their record from two wins just two seasons ago to making the NFC Championship.
The stage is now set for the SuperBowl, with Mahomes and the Chiefs reaching it for the fourth time in the past six years, solidifying themselves as a dynasty. Brock Purdy and the 49ers last made the SuperBowl in 2020, but fell short to the Chiefs for Mahomes’ first SuperBowl win. Brock Purdy is looking to prove to everyone that he is not just a system quarterback, and the 49ers have the best odds. They have all-star caliber players on both sides of the ball, but it is still far from decided. Mahomes has proven time and time again to bet against him, and this year’s SuperBowl will certainly be a fun one.
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