Not Much Excitement in NFL Divisional Playoffs
Was it me, or was this weekend's slate of NFL playoff games one of the worst in memory? My expectations were high especially in the AFC that we'd see some real exciting back and forth games that would keep you on the edge of your seat. It didn't happen.
The Indianapolis Colts were blown out by the Kansas City Chiefs 31-13 with total domination both offensively and defensively. Thru the first 28 minutes the Colts had gained only 21 yards and no first downs. And then it was the New England Patriots turn to dominate the San Diego Chargers building a 35-7 halftime lead enroute to a 41-28 win.
So for the eighth straight year the Patriots are in the AFC Championship game, but to head to their 11th appearance in the Super Bowl they'll have to beat the Chiefs in Kansas City. It'll be the first time in franchise history that the Chiefs host an AFC title game.
Over in the NFC it'll be the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints battling for the right to advance to the Super Bowl. The Rams built a big lead on the Dallas Cowboys and held on for a 30-22 win.
The most competitive game was the final game of the weekend when the Saints rallied from down 14-0 to beat the Eagles 20-14. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles looked like they'd run away with the game when they scored on their first two possessions, but the Saints used a fake punt on a fourth and one from their own 30 to swing momentum in their favor. It was all Saints after that.
Both conference championship games will be played next Sunday; the Rams at the Saints for the NFC title at 3:05 pm. Then it the Patriots at Chiefs for the AFC championship at 6:40 pm.