The NFL playoffs are proving predictably unpredictable, but one thing is clear: the Denver Broncos are headed to the championship round after a 33-30 victory over the buffalo Bills. Despite a challenging postseason landscape, four teams with proven Super Bowl experience remain in contention for the league’s ultimate prize.
My predictions in the divisional round weren’t exactly spot-on – I only managed to get one game correct. However, several contests were incredibly close, and a slight shift in momentum could have easily altered the outcomes. Before looking ahead to the conference championships and the Super Bowl, let’s revisit the key moments and scores from the divisional round.
Broncos Edge Bills in Controversial Finish
Table of Contents
Denver 33 Buffalo 30 (Harv’s score Bills 27-17). The Buffalo Bills are sure to dissect the final moments of their loss to Denver all offseason, focusing on a late-game interception that they believe should have been ruled a reception. Ultimately, the Bills simply didn’t execute well enough to secure the win. Josh Allen,facing a favorable playoff bracket without Patrick Mahomes,Joe Burrow,or Lamar Jackson,couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity.
Patriots’ Championship Run Gains Momentum
A critically important blow to the Broncos’ championship hopes came with an injury to quarterback Bo Nix, sidelining him for the remainder of the playoffs. This unexpected turn of events dramatically increases the New England Patriots’ chances of reaching the Super Bowl, despite now relying on Jarrett Stidham, who hadn’t thrown a pass in two years.
Seahawks Dominate 49ers, Darnold’s Storyline Emerges
seattle 41 San Francisco 6 (Harv’s score 49ers 30-27). San Francisco, despite being on the road, was widely considered the stronger team, but Seattle delivered a stunning upset. The New York Jets are likely regretting their past quarterback decisions, given Sam Darnold’s current success with the Seahawks, who are now favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. A Seahawks Super Bowl victory would be a remarkable narrative for Darnold.
Patriots Outlast Texans in Turnover-filled Contest
New England 28 Houston 16 (Harv’s score Texans 17-13).The question of whether Drake Maye is the league’s Most Valuable Player remains open,but his path to the super Bowl has been substantially eased by Bo Nix’s injury.Despite initially believing the Houston Texans’ defense would mirror their success against the Steelers, the Patriots proved too resilient. C.J. Stroud struggled with four turnovers, a critical factor in the Texans’ defeat.
Rams Survive Bears’ Challenge, Stafford Shines
Los angeles Rams 20 Chicago 17 (Harv’s score Rams 35-21). The Chicago Bears came agonizingly close to victory, but Matthew Stafford’s veteran poise ultimately secured the win for the Rams. despite the loss, the bears should hold their heads high after a surprising championship season, fueled by the arrival of Caleb Williams and a promising rookie coach. no one anticipated Chicago becoming division champions this year.
Championship Experience Abounds
Interestingly, all four teams remaining in the conference championships have previously won a Super Bowl. New England boasts six championships, the Denver Broncos have five, the Seahawks have one, and the Rams have won twice. For fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers, a Denver victory would be preferable, preventing the New England Patriots from claiming a record-breaking seventh Super Bowl title.
