NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round Wrap-Up!
The NFL’s thrilling Divisional Round came to a conclusion on a snowy Sunday, as fans witnessed two electrifying matchups. With the Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Commanders already securing their spots, the stakes were high. The Philadelphia Eagles clashed with the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC, while the AFC showdown pitted the Buffalo Bills against the Baltimore Ravens. Only one goal in sight: the conference finals next week!
(1) Philadelphia Eagles 28 – 22 Los Angeles Rams (4)
Under the swirling snow at Lincoln Financial Field, the Philadelphia Eagles edged out the Los Angeles Rams in a nail-biter! It was not easy, as the conditions deteriorated throughout the game.
Sticking with their ground game philosophy, the Eagles managed to pull out a lead despite only throwing for less than 40 yards by halftime. Jalen Hurts scored first with a clever quarterback sneak, and the explosive Saquon Barkley broke free for a jaw-dropping 60-yard run!
However, the Rams weren’t going down without a fight. They matched up well in the air, with Lamar Jackson connecting passes to Demarcus Robinson, while Tyler Higbee snagged the first touchdown for Los Angeles, igniting their hopes.
As snow piled onto the field, offensive productivity waned in the second half. Defensive plays took center stage: the Eagles forced fumbles while the Rams managed to sack Hurts in the end zone, tightening the score to just one point. But just as it seemed the Rams could mount a comeback, Barkley blasted through for another long touchdown, giving the Eagles a comfortable 28-15 lead.
SAQUON BARKLEY 78 YARDS GOOOOODBYE!
📺: #LARvsPHI on NBC
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/88LvtJoEFa— NFL (@NFL) January 19, 2025
In a spirited effort, the Rams mounted one final drive, advancing to the Eagles’ 15-yard line. Hope flickered, but alas, they fell short and boarded the plane back to California, surely pondering what might have been.
Victory means the Eagles march on to the NFC Championship alongside the Washington Commanders!
(2) Buffalo Bills 27 – 25 Baltimore Ravens (3)
As the Sunday night game came to a close, fans expected suspense—and boy did the Bills and Ravens deliver! In brutal cold and snow, Buffalo punched their ticket to the conference finals.
The Ravens entered the game firing on all cylinders. A meticulously crafted opening drive saw Lamar Jackson link up with Rashod Bateman for a touchdown within the first five minutes. However, the Bills quickly responded with a touchdown of their own, signaling an action-packed evening.
Statistically, the Ravens dominated offensively with Derrick Henry leading the charge, amassing 84 yards and a touchdown on the challenging field. Baltimore amassed a whopping 416 yards compared to the Bills’ 273. But in playoff football, statistics don’t always translate to victory.
JOSH ALLEN POWERS HIS WAY IN FOR THE TD 😤
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/nCarT3rfw0
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 20, 2025
The Bills showcased tremendous discipline, capitalizing on crucial turnovers, including an interception by Taylor Rapp and a fumble recovery that swung momentum in their favor. They never relinquished their lead after that, forcing three turnovers while not committing a single mistake themselves.
It’s a stark reminder that in these high-stakes games, each tiny misstep can cost dearly! The Ravens learned this lesson with a valiant but unsuccessful final surge.
With this win, the Buffalo Bills advance to face the Kansas City Chiefs in what promises to be a championship matchup filled with history and fireworks. The Baltimore Ravens, on the other hand, will reflect on a strong season that just ended too soon.
Photo Credit: © Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images