NFL Playoff Recap
This weekend kicked off the NFL Playoffs, sending six teams to the next round and six teams packing. The overall theme of the weekend was defense and low scoring. Every game hit the under this weekend, except for the Texans/Chargers. Defense wins championships, and that was evident in the first round. There were a lot of sportsbook bonus deals for the NFL playoffs, as pointed out by MightyTips, who are excellent at recommending sports betting offers and advice on how to find the best-valued bonuses. Remember to read the many sportsbook reviews to find the best offer in your area.
Texans 23 Chargers 17
It was a rare off day for Justin Herbert, which helped the Houston Texans beat the Los Angeles Chargers 23–17 in the wild-card round. Coming into the game, Herbert had only thrown three interceptions all season and never more than two in a game, but in the first NFL wild-card game on the slate, the Houston Texans picked off Herbert three times. Derek Stingley Jr. had two, and youngster Kamari Lassiter added a diving pick that changed the course of the game. The Chargers made it back to the playoffs with first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, but they were eliminated in the wild-card round for the second year in a row. Their lack of wins in the playoffs now goes back to 2018, when they last won. Quarterback C.J. Stroud led a well-balanced offense. He threw for 283 yards and scored to Nico Collins, who caught seven passes for 122 yards. Joe Mixon ran for 106 yards and a touchdown, which helped Houston make it to the semifinal round.
Ravens 24 Steelers 14
An overwhelming force that the Pittsburgh Steelers couldn’t stop. The Ravens’ running game, led by Lamar Jackson and King Henry, tore through the Steelers for 299 yards on 50 runs, giving the Ravens a 21-0 lead at halftime that they wouldn’t lose. Pittsburgh lost its sixth straight playoff game, Jackson showed why he should be MVP, and Henry, who is 31 years old, showed that he isn’t slowing down.
Bills 31 Broncos 7
Denver started strong scoring first, with a long touchdown pass from rookie quarterback Bo Nix to wide receiver Troy Franklin in the first three minutes, but after that, it was all Bills. Josh Allen, led scoring drives on all but one possession, which helped the Bills take full charge. The win keeps Buffalo’s postseason streak going and moves them further into the playoffs. Denver’s season ends with this loss.
Eagles 22 Packers 10
Jalen Hurts threw for 131 yards and two scores, along with running for 36 yards on two important first downs to help Philadelphia win on Sunday. Saquon Barkley continued to have a very productive year, gaining 119 yards and four first downs on 23 runs and adding two receptions for four yards. Both defenses played really well, keeping the game close through three quarters. But injuries and turnovers hurt the Packers from advancing in this one.
Commanders 23 Bucs 20
The most entertaining game of the weekend was the Buccaneers and Commanders on Sunday Night at Raymond James Stadium. Commanders QB Jayden Daniels had a great first game in the playoffs. He threw for over 250 yards and led Washington on the game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter. Daniels was going to connect with Terry McLaurin and Dyami Brown, two receivers, in key moments throughout the game. Both ended with at least five catches, 89 yards, and a touchdown.
Rams 27 Vikings 9
Last Tuesday, the Vikings were -1.5 point road favorites, but this line changed a lot. It was -0.5 for the Rams at one point, and after the site change due to the wildfires, it was anywhere from -1.5 to -3.0 for the Vikings. Most of the bets (66% of them) have come in on the Vikings, and 71% of the deal bets have also come in on Minnesota.
The Ram’s defense stepped up and exposed a weakness in the Viking’s offensive line. Sam Darnold was sacked nine times. With the running game ineffective and the passing game dealing with protection problems, the Vikings couldn’t generate enough offense to keep this game close.
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