Round one of the playoffs is complete and it provided some thrilling football with last minute conversions, game-defining interceptions and some truly baffling lapses in concentration. As the Bills, Chiefs and Bengals progress in the AFC, the Steelers, Patriots and Raiders have their seasons ended. Meanwhile in the NFC, it was the Rams, 49ers and Buccaneers who made their way into the divisional round match-ups. It was a weekend of firsts for teams and individuals this Wildcard round.
Cincinnati Bengals break 30-year playoff drought
A huge win for the Bengals and boy did they make it as dramatic as possible in their 26-19 victory over Las Vegas. An interception on the goal line on the final play of the game by Germaine Pratt ensured that the Bengals would win their first playoff game since 1990. Ja’Marr Chase helped himself to another record as he surpassed Bill Groman’s previous record of 1,510 yards for the most receiving yards by a rookie in NFL history, amassing a total of 1,571 total for the season following his nine catches for 116 yards against the Raiders.
Josh Allen makes more Buffalo history
Josh Allen had himself a near perfect game against the Patriots, completing 21/25 for 308 yards, five touchdowns and zero interceptions, becoming the first Buffalo quarterback to boast such a record in a playoff game. The Bills continued their prolific scoring form and the 47 points scored in their 47-17 demolition of the New England Patriots was the second most in playoff franchise history.
Mike Evans = Baller
The former Texas A&M man put on quite the show against the Philadelphia Eagles as the Buccaneers won 31-15 to progress into the divisional round and face the LA Rams next. Evans had nine catches, 117 yards and one touchdown and became the first player in Tampa Bay history to have over 100+ yards and a touchdown in a playoff game. Also, Tom Brady has more Super Bowl wins than 27 sides have appearances. Just putting it out there
Travis Kelce is more than just a tight-end
The first player in NFL history with a passing touchdown, receiving touchdown and 100+ yards receiving in a playoff game as the Chiefs cruised past the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has now recorded over 100 yards in four straight postseason games so it’s pretty clear who Mahomes likes as a go-to target. He shares the record with Antonio Brown and Larry Fitzgerald. The biggest problem for teams facing the Chiefs is stopping the big man as the Steelers found out on Sunday night. His mum is the real MVP as she watched both of her sons play on the same day, traveling from Tampa Bay to Kansas after watching Travis’ brother, Jason suffer defeat in his play-off game.
San Francisco 49ers beat the Dallas Cowboys in bizarre fashion
The San Francisco 49ers have hit form just in time for a postseason push as they battled past the Cowboys to win 23-17 in Dallas. The game was decided by an incredibly bizarre lapse in concentration when Dak Prescott handed the ball to his center rather than the official who must touch the ball before it can be snapped. It should be noted that the four previous times these two have faced off in the playoffs, the winner of the game has gone on to win the Super Bowl.
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