Today I will be evaluating the four NFL playoff games not covered by JP Bratten in his article “Football Evaluations.” Once the Super Bowl is played, we will then write a part 3 to this series together. 

Patriots vs. Texans

The 2-seeded New England Patriots took on the 5-seeded Houston Texans in a hotly anticipated Divisional Round game at Gillette Stadium, and it did not disappoint. In some very intense snow, the Patriots took command. Drake Maye connected with DeMario Douglas on a 28-yard play to give the Pats the lead. The Patriots also took full advantage of C.J. Stroud’s terrible game, as the Texans QB threw four interceptions in the first half, one of which was returned by Marcus Jones for a pick six. The Patriots led 21-10 at halftime. In the second half, the snow really started to take hold, with both teams fumbling and the Patriots defense staying dominant. After Stroud fell short on one last first down, the Patriots won 28-16 and advanced to the AFC Championship in Denver.

Bears vs. Rams

In this NFC Divisional Round matchup, the 2-seeded Chicago Bears played the 5-seeded Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field, and it was an all-timer. The Rams defense dominated the first three quarters, constantly putting pressure on Caleb Williams and attempting to sack him. Rams running back Kyren Williams scored two rushing touchdowns, and Los Angeles were up 17-10 and cruising. Or were they? Enter Caleb Williams. With 18 seconds left in regulation, the Chicago second-year QB floated a gem of a 50-yard Hail Mary pass to tight end Cole Kmet. Just like that the game was tied at 17. Yet in overtime, Williams and the Bears had their dream fall short. Williams threw an interception, which led to the Rams hitting a field goal to win the game at 20-17. The Rams would go on to play the fearsome Seattle Seahawks in the next round.

Broncos vs. Patriots

In this AFC Championship game, the Broncos hosted the Patriots at Empower Field in Denver. The main talking point before the game was how star Broncos quarterback Bo Nix was injured and would not play. His replacement, Jarrett Stidham, had not played since January 2024. However, Stidham started brightly, throwing a 54-yard pass to Marvin Mims Jr. which led to a touchdown on the next play. However, it only went downhill from there for Denver. Patriots QB and MVP candidate Drake Maye had a brilliant rushing game, which was capped off by a 6-yard touchdown in the second quarter after a Stidham fumble. Going into halftime, the game was tied at 7-all. It was then when the snow started coming down. The game was greatly hampered by these conditions, with there being three missed field goals, a fumble, and two Patriots players comically slipping on the same play. Patriots kicker Andres Borregales hit a 23-yard field goal to make it 10-7, and the game stayed like that until the end of regulation, with both defenses dominating.

Seahawks vs. Rams

The 1-seeded Seattle Seahawks were Super Bowl favorites coming into this NFC Championship against the 5-seeded Rams. Both teams were flying in the playoffs, yet one of them would have their momentum come to a halt. Ultimately, it was Los Angeles. The Seahawks won a barn-burner 31-27. Former Super Bowl MVP and Rams player Cooper Kupp scored the winning touchdown for the Seahawks, catching one of three TD passes from Sam Darnold. However, an avoidable taunting penalty from Seahawks cornerback Tariq Wooley nearly cost them the game. Jaxon Smith-Njigba was also crucial for Seattle.

In short, the NFL playoffs featured some outstanding games over the past two weekends. JP Bratten and I will be back with a Part 3 to this series after the Super Bowl. Make sure to catch the Patriots playing the Seahawks on February 8! 

P.S. Go Pats!