Browns 14
Texans 45
CJ Stroud picked apart the vaunted Browns defense, throwing three touchdown passes in a lopsided 45-14 mollywhopping in Houston. Stroud became the highest-drafted rookie QB to win in the postseason in the process. Joe Flacco didn’t fare nearly as well, the turning point in the game occurred when he threw back-to-back pick 6 interceptions early in the third quarter. The Texans move on to face Lamar Jackson and the Ravens in Baltimore next Saturday in the Divisional round.
Dolphins 7
Chiefs 26
The Chiefs came out looking like Super Bowl contenders in the icy tundra that was Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday. It was so cold that Mahomme’s helmet shattered from a hard hit. But KC handled the cold weather and the Dolphins quite well. Mahomes threw for 262 yards, finding Rashee Rice eight times for 130 yards and a touchdown, and made several daring runs for key first downs. Isaiah Pacheco pounded over the frozen turf for 89 yards and another score, Harrison Butker added four field goals, and KC’s defense shut down a prolific Miami offense. The Dolphins have not won at Arrowhead Stadium since Nov. 6, 2011, and haven’t won a playoff game since Dec. 30, 2000. Kansas City moves on to the divisional round where they will face the winner of tonight’s Steelers vs Bills wildcard matchup.
Packers 48
Cowboys 32
The Packers came out swinging against the Cowboys in Dallas on Sunday and never looked back. They jetted out to a 21-3 lead and despite a valiant effort by Dak Prescott and the Cowboys, held on to win 48-32 in Jerry’s world. Jordan Love torched Dan Quinn’s special Dallas defense for 272 yards and 3 TDs. Aaron Jones added 3 more touchdowns on the ground for the Packers and the result was never really in question. Despite a 12-win season, the loss will raise questions about the future of Dallas coach Mike McCarthy after the Cowboys lost their playoff opener at home for the second time in three postseasons under the former Green Bay Coach
Rams 23
Lions 24
This game was rife with storylines fit for Hollywood and didn’t disappoint, coming down to the wire with Stafford and Goff playing their best and the Lions won a nailbiter 24-23. The win ended a nine-game postseason losing streak for Detroit – the longest such streak in NFL history that dates back to a victory over Dallas on Jan. 5, 1992. Against his old team, Goff was 22 of 27 for 277 yards and a touchdown. Stafford showed his grit once again, with a bandaged and bloody hand that slammed into a defenders helmet early in the game, he went 25 of 36 for 367 yards and two touchdowns. Detroit’s running back tandem of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs each had rushing TDs in the win as well. The Lions will now move on to the Divisional round where they’ll host the winner of the Eagles/Buccaneers showdown tonight.
