Mile High Report
We had a wild wildcard weekend that featured multiple close games, one crazy comeback, multiple wild 4th quarters, a few upsets, and we still have one game to go!
The Los Angeles Rams avoided a huge upset to the Panthers on Saturday to open the playoffs, thanks in large part to quarterback Matthew Stafford, who led a game-winning drive. Following that, we had an instant classic between the two NFC North rivals. The Packers led the Bears 21-3 at one point, but a 25-point 4th quarter and a second-half collapse by the Packers led to a shocking comeback and a Bears victory.
On Sunday, Josh Allen and the Bills faced the small-market Jags in Duval and knocked off everyone’s favorite Cinderella in the AFC. A Trevor Lawrence INT on the final drive would clinch the game for the Bills. Following that, we had the banged-up 49ers upsetting the defending champion Eagles, who could be nearing an implosion this offseason. The nightcap between the Patriots and Chargers was a field goal fest throughout most of the game, but a late Maye touchdown was the nail in the coffin.
The remaining game will be on Monday Night when the Houston Texans take on the Pittsburgh Steelers.
1 Denver Broncos vs. 6. Buffalo Bills
2. New England Patriots vs. 5 Houston Texans/Pittsburgh Steelers
Los Angeles Rams 34 – Carolina Panthers 31
This was a back-and-forth game that saw multiple lead changes in the 4th quarter, and despite a strong push by the underdog Panthers, MVP frontrunner Matthew Stafford led the Rams to victory. Stafford did hit his hand off a defender during this game, which seemed to impact his play, so that will be something to monitor moving forward.
Chicago Bears 31 – Green Bay Packers 27
The Packers dominated the first half of this game and looked to be on their way to an easy victory over their hated divisional rivals. However, a second half full of blunders and bad play by the Packers, combined with a 25-point 4th quarter comeback by the Bears, led to a shocking loss for the Packers and a Bears victory. Bears fans and players broke out the Cheese graters and were celebrating in Soldier Field on Saturday Night.
Buffalo Bills 27 – Jacksonville Jaguars 24
In another close game, the Buffalo Bills went on the road and defeated a hot Jacksonville Jaguars squad that many expected to make some noise in the playoffs. The Bills and Josh Allen are banged up, but they did enough to beat a good Jaguars team, and their hunt for the Super Bowl continues. Meanwhile, the Jags’ hopes were dashed on a final drive interception by quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The small-market Jags will have all offseason to think about this one.
San Francisco 49ers 23 – Philadelphia Eagles 19
Despite being very banged up and losing star tight end George Kittle to an achilles injury during the game, Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers...
