First, there were 12 teams vying for a chance to play in Super Bowl LI. Now, only four teams remain: New England will take on Pittsburgh for the AFC title next Sunday night in Foxboro while Atlanta will host darkhorse Green Bay for the NFC title. Who would've thought there would be matchups like these? How did we get here, here's a recap of what went on during the Divisional round:
1. NFC Divisonal #1: No. 2 Atlanta Falcons 36, No. 3 Seattle Seahawks 20
Russell Wilson and NFC West Champion Seattle looked to continue their momentum after eliminating the Detriot Lions last week. However, they faced a challenge in Atlanta's hot offense led by MVP Candidate Matt Ryan. The Seahawks were able to score on their opening drive but they wouldn't score another touchdown until late in the 4th quarter. Wilson threw for 225 yards and 2 TDs, but was picked off twice (not to mention sacked to give Atlanta a safety). Ryan threw for 335 yards and had 3 TDs. Julio Jones had a successful day catching for a touchdown of his own. Devonte Freeman and Tevin Coleman got credited for touchdowns as well. The Falcons will host the Packers in their final game at the Gerogia Dome.
2. AFC Divisional #1: No. 1 New England 34, No. 4 Houston Texans 16
It was no question that New England was the clear favorite to win. However, Texans QB Brock Osweiler wasn't going down without a fight. The Texans looked like they were in the game for most of the first half, only trailing 14-13 going into the final minutes of the first half, but since that moment the Patriots seemed unstoppable. Dion Lewis scored 3 TDs and Tom Brady threw for 287 yards, but was also picked off twice, which is something he needs to improve on going into the AFC Championships. While Osweiler was limited to throwing for 198 yards, was picked off three times and it seemed that the Texans offense wasn't quite there that night. New England will look to stay dominant next week.
3. NFC Divisional #2: No. 4 Green Bay Packers 34, No. 1 Dallas Cowboys 31
This was an upset for the ages! The Packers' strong offense is the main reason why Aaron Rodgers is up for MVP yet again. Despite not having Jordy Nelson play due to fractured ribs he sustained against the New York Giants, Rodgers had faith in Ty Montgomery, Richard Rodgers and Randall Cobb to finish the job for him. Montgomery had a fantastic game, scoring 2 touchdowns for the Packers. Rookie QB Dak Prescott was looking to become the first rookie QB since teammate Mark Sanchez to advance to a conference championship game. While his strong passing was there, throwing for 302 yards and 3 TDs, he also had his go-to teammates help him out. Dex Bryant caught for 132 yards and scored twice and Ezekiel Elliot rushed for 125 yards, but he never scored a touchdown. Green Bay had a 21-10 lead going into the second half but Dallas never backed down. Both Mason Crosby and Dan Bailey kicked field goals and the game was tied at 31 going into the last 35 seconds of the game, which gave Green Bay a chance to win. Thanks to an almost out-of-bounds miracle catch made by Jared Cook, Crosby drilled a 51-yard field goal (after a time-out from Dallas) and sealed the upset win for Green Bay. Rodgers, who threw for 356 yards, is going to face a tough challenge at the Georgia Dome against Atlanta next week.
4. AFC Divisional #2: No. 3 Pittsburgh Steelers 18, No. 2 Kansas City Chiefs 16
The Chiefs wanted vengence against the Steelers after their Week 6 loss to them. The game was already crazy because of an ice storm that forced the game to move from a 1:00 PM start to an 8:30 PM start. Here's how Pittsburgh scored their touchdowns: they didn't. All 18 of their points came from kicker Chris Boswell. His six field goals is an NFL postseason record. Kansas City scored two touchdowns, one from QB Alex Smith to WR Albert Wilson and then Spencer Ware rushed for the second TD of the game. Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell rushed for 170 yards and it seemed that Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters could not stop Bell at all. Kansas City led briefly and trailed for most of the game. They had the chance to tie the game after Ware's TD run. It seemed that the Chiefs successfully converted for 2, but there was a holding call...on KC OT Eric Fisher!! KC could not convert for 2 after the 10-yard pentalty was enforced. The Steelers got a first down and was able to seal the game. Both Smith and QB Ben Rothlesburger had an interception. Smith had a TD pass and threw for 172 yards. Rothlesburger threw for 224 yards. Can Pittsburgh carry that strength into New England next week? Who knows.
With Super Bowl LI less than 3 weeks away, the pressure is on. Two conference titles are on the line. The combination of strength and skill, who will go to Houston? Only next week will tell.
