Photo courtesy of the NFL
Temperatures over the weekend dropped as a cold front moved in across the northern half of the country, looming over multiple games in the NFL divisional round. Several were affected in some way by the elements. The playoffs always intensify with each passing round. Warm weather teams meeting in the snow or the bitter cold historically don’t matchup to teams conditioned for winter.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Los Angeles Rams
These teams fought it out mostly using their ground games because there was incoming snow as the game progressed. Matthew Stafford was making near perfect throws to premier talents in the receiving corps to almost no avail. They kept dropping crucial passes right in their bread baskets. Saquon Barkley was amazing in the previous matchup and was a high achiever in this game too with 26 attempts for 205 yards and two touchdowns.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills
This was probably the most anticipated game of the weekend. Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen proved why they are two of the most coveted quarterbacks in the league. Both are in the race for MVP. The game was extremely hard fought and came down to a very catchable pass made by Jackson to the usually reliable Tight End Mark Andrews. The weather surely affected the pass, but he dropped it on 4th down to send them packing. Allen was brilliant in this one.
Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions
In a game that shocked a lot of people, Dan Quinn led his team to a dominant victory over the league’s best offense. Jayden Daniels proved once again there is no moment too big for him. He was making a lot of big throws. Jared Goff was getting a lot of pressure but the Lions certainly didn’t lay down and give up. They were striking back with efficiency but just couldn’t keep up. The Commanders are in command.
Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs
There were a lot of people complaining about the calls in this game. Even the Texans head coach had something to say about it. Pat Mahomes seems destined to threepeat, regardless of his critics on and off the field. The Chiefs are still playing amazing football.
With the NFL Divisional round in the books, the Conference Championship games are set. It will be the Commanders vs. the Eagles in the NFC and the Bills vs. the Chiefs in the AFC.
