Boys and girls, this is not a drill.
The divisional round featured some entertaining action. Patrick Mahomes reminded everyone that he is good at football.
49ers 27, Vikings 10
The 49ers were simply the better team on Saturday. Minnesota had nothing going on offense, and the 49ers rolled on offense. Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison combined for just 10 rushes as the Vikings abandoned their commitment to the run and let Kirk Cousins become playoff Kirk Cousins. After the 49ers extended the lead to 14 following a Cousins interception, the Vikings did not amount much of a resistance as they punted three separate times after San Francisco’s touchdown. Tevin Coleman and Raheem Mostert had productive days on the ground as the 49ers siphoned off the clock. With the victory, the 49ers advance to their first NFC title game since 2013.
Titans 28, Ravens 12
Well, that was weird. The Titans came into M&T Bank Stadium and thoroughly outplayed the Ravens. Derrick Henry was as dominant as ever. Henry romped for 195 rushing yards. After falling behind 14-0, the Ravens forgot they had the services of Mark Ingram and Gus Edwards. Ingram carried the ball just three times in the last three quarters and Edwards just had one carry, bringing their total up to nine. Lamar Jackson threw 59 passes and was sacked four times. Adding in his 20 rush attempts, Jackson was directly responsible for 83 plays. It was a bizarre gameplan from John Harbaugh and Greg Roman. They seemed to be scared rather than trying to go win a playoff game. The Titans had some abysmal drives, but they kept Derrick Henry involved in the gameplan no matter the cost. Take some notes, Harbaugh. The Titans will advance to their first AFC title game since 2002.
Chiefs 51, Texans 31
The Chiefs spotted the Texans 24 points in the first 20 minutes. 10 minutes later, the Chiefs led 28-24. Patrick Mahomes has quashed any doubt regarding his place as the best quarterback in the NFL. He was sensational, going for over 300 yards and five touchdowns. The Chiefs became the first team in NFL history to score touchdowns on seven consecutive possessions. Those in Houston will remember 35-3 from their collapse against the Bills in the playoffs, but fans of the Texans will get to remember 24-0 and 51-7 for the rest of their fandoms. It was alarming to see the Chiefs fall down 24-0, but their final three quarters were as good as any three quarters played during the season. The Chiefs will advance to their second consecutive AFC title game.
Packers 28, Seahawks 23
The Packers jumped out to an early lead before turning their pass-rushers loose on a terrible Seattle offensive line. Russell Wilson was under distress on nearly every snap the rest of the way, but he held his own, finishing with over 300 yards of total offense. To open the second half, Wilson led three consecutive long touchdown drives, but Wilson and the Seahawks were forced to punt on their final drive. Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith were fantastic for Green Bay, both recording a pair of sacks. Offensively, Aaron Rodgers made traditional Aaron Rodgers plays for the first time in months. Davante Adams turned the Seattle secondary into Swiss cheese, and the Packers will be advancing to their first NFC title game since 2016.
