Fans were treated to an exciting introduction to the 2017-18 NFL playoffs.
All of the games were hotly contested and came down to the wire.
Here’s the roundup for a thrilling weekend of action.
TITANS 22 CHIEFS 21
The Andy Reid and Alex Smith era is likely over in Kansas City. After jumping out to a commanding 21-3 halftime lead at home, the Chiefs collapsed in yet another embarrassing playoff loss. The Chiefs scored right before the half, but were outscored by the underdog Titans 19-0 in the second half. Kansas City has now been one-and-done in the playoffs, nine out of their last 10 appearances and three out of four under Reid. With both Philadelphia and Kansas City, Reid has proven to be a coach who can win a lot of games but seems incapable of getting over the hump. As for Smith, he further cemented his reputation as a game manager, being outdueled by the younger and more dynamic Marcus Mariota.
Casey Baker on Twitter
Marcus Mariota proving Gisele Bundchen wrong. You CAN throw the ball and catch it at the same time #TENvsKC https://t.co/6hAvn01Dl1
FALCONS 26 RAMS 13
Playoff football in Los Angeles is back…and gone again. After boasting the highest scoring offense in the league, the Rams were held to a meager 13 points at home against Atlanta. Head coach Sean McVay was questioned for resting his starters in week 17 during a blowout loss to the 49ers, opting to rest his players for the wildcard game. Experts are split on the merits of rest vs. rust, but the move clearly did not pay off in this instance. The Rams never got superstar runningback Todd Gurley going, and second-year quarterback Jared Goff was unable to carry his team to victory. Meanwhile, the defending NFC champions showed their playoff mettle with a gutsy road win.
GO DAWGS 🏆🏆🌹🌹 on Twitter
THIS IS NOT A DRILL JULIO JONES SCORED A TOUCHDOWN IN THE REDZONE https://t.co/vz4ov6S79r
JAGUARS 10 BILLS 3
Jacksonville came into the game with the most formidable defense in the league, but Blake Bortles, who had been on fire in the month of December, came back down to Earth in the final two games of the season. Bortles’s lackluster play carried into this game, but the defense was able to shut down Buffalo’s offense and carry the day. The Bills reached the playoffs for the first time since 1999, but the emotion of their dramatic playoff berth wasn’t enough to spark any offense. Tyrod Taylor threw for a paltry 134 yards on 37 attempts and left the game late with a concussion. Bortles didn’t fare much better, only throwing for 87 yards, but running for 88. It didn’t matter, because the defense was sharp all day.
The Fan Page on Twitter
Jalen Ramsey with the game clinching interception! Jacksonville will play at Pittsburgh next Sunday https://t.co/FCvOnztGcn
SAINTS 31 PANTHERS 26
New Orleans almost squandered a great day from future Hall-of-Famer Drew Brees, but survived a late scare from their division rivals. The drama began when Saints head coach Sean Payton opted to go for it on 4th & 2 at midfield when his team was trying to salt the game away. The Panthers were ready and Brees threw an interception 25 yards down field. Mike Adams, who picked off the pass, forgot the game situation and caught the ball instead of knocking it down and saving his team 25 yards in field position. The play actually looked like a drop, but the replay officials inexplicably didn’t review it. The Panthers quickly marched down the field, but an intentional grounding penalty killed any realistic chance at a comeback, and the Saints defense sealed the game two plays later.
New Orleans Saints on Twitter
The moment. #SaintsGameday | #CARvsNO https://t.co/n0D8MUeHn7