NFL Divisional : What Went Down

Samuel Ellis, Reporter

Last weekend, the NFL held the divisional round of the 2022 playoffs to send four teams to the conference championships. The weekend was filled with action-packed games, all coming down to the wire.

The first game was between the Bengals and the number seeded Titans. This was Titans’ star running back Derrick Henry’s first game back from injury. He didn’t do much to help the team, running for 62 yards averaging 3.1 per carry. Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill threw three interceptions, one of which led to the Bengals kicking a game-winning field goal. The Bengals got the upset, winning 19-16.

The second game was between the Packers and 49ers. The 49ers upset the Cowboys the week before and did the same to the Packers, who were the no. one overall team in the league. The 49ers kicked a 45-yard field goal as time expired to secure the 13-10 victory.

On Sunday, the Rams took on Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. At one point, the Bucs trailed 27-3, but no lead is safe when you’re playing Brady. The Bucs stormed back to tie the game at 27, but Rams QB Matt Stafford connected with all-pro receiver Cooper Kupp to set up a field goal to fight off the Bucs late comeback. The Rams won 30-27.

The final game was arguably the most exciting game in playoff history, as the Chiefs squared off against the Bills. The two teams went back and forth the whole game, combining for 25 points in the final two minutes. Both teams’ quarterbacks played flawlessly. Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs finished with 378 yards and three TDs, and Bills’ Josh Allen had 329 yards and four. Mahomes ended the game in overtime with a touchdown pass to Travis Kelce. The Chiefs pulled off the win 42-36.

Next week the Bengals will travel to Kansas City to face the Chiefs in the AFC championship, and the Rams will host the 49ers in LA for the NFC championship. The winners will face each other in the Super Bowl.