This weekend was packed full of playoff football, with the top four teams in this year’s NFL standings coming out on top. Here’s a recap of what happened.
Chiefs vs. Jaguars
The Kansas City Chiefs pulled the win over the Jacksonville Jaguars Saturday, with a final score of 27-20.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a high-ankle sprain during the first quarter. He missed some time in the second quarter but eventually returned to secure the victory for the Chiefs.
“It’s a tribute to him and his competitiveness,” said Chiefs head coach Andy Reid of Mahomes’ determination to play through injury.
Eagles vs. Giants
The Philadelphia Eagles started the 2022-23 season 13-1 — better than any other team in the NFL. They proved their dominance once again in their 38-7 victory over the New York Giants Saturday.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts played so well that Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni compared him to Michael Jordan.
“To have him out there, I know this is high praise — it’s like having Michael Jordan in there,” Sirianni said. “He’s your leader. He’s your guy.”
Bills vs. Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals were minutes away from winning the Super Bowl last year when a sudden Los Angeles Rams touchdown crushed their dreams. Thanks to a 27-10 win over the Buffalo Bills Sunday, they could have another shot at the title this year.
In the process of winning the game, the Bengals spoiled the NFL’s plans of having a neutral-site AFC Championship game. Had the Bills won, they would have played the Chiefs in Atlanta. Because the Bills finished half a game behind the Chiefs due to Damar Hamlin’s cardiac incident on Jan. 2, the league did not want to give either team the home advantage.
“Better send those refunds,” said Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow in a post-game interview.
The loss upset Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
“Our goal was to win the Super Bowl, and we didn’t accomplish that,” Allen said. “So, everything that happened this season is null and void in our minds.”
49ers vs. Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott threw two interceptions en route to a 19-12 loss to the San Fransisco 49ers Sunday.
“Just disappointment,” Prescott said after the game. “Defense gave us an opportunity to win this game. They played hard against a really, really good offense — a really good team. For us to only put up the points that we did, that’s unacceptable. It starts with me. I’ve got to be better. There’s no other way to sugarcoat it.”
The Bengals will face the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Sunday, Jan. 29, while the Eagles will host the 49ers in the NFC Championship the same day.
The Super Bowl will occur Feb. 12.