1/11/21

By Al Ortiz

Let's get right to some scores from the NFL Playoffs! Super Wild Card Weekend was, well, super wild. 

On Saturday, the Buffalo Bill defeated the Indianapolis Colts to start things off in a 27-24 win. The win was significant for many reasons, as it was the first playoff win for the Bills in 25 years. 
The Los Angeles Rams outlasted the Seattle Seahawks in a 30-20 battle, one that included a start from QB John Wolford in place of usual LA starter Jared Goff, due to his recent thumb surgery. However, Wolford was the recipient of a brutal hit from Seattle Safety Jamal Adams and had to be taken to the hospital for a neck injury as a precaution. Goff was active, and did finish the game with 155 yards passing and 1 touchdown. 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers outlasted the Washington Football Team 31-23 in what was a spectacular showing from fourth string quarterback Taylor Heinecke, who was starting in place of Alex Smith due to a quad injury. Heinecke battled all-time great Tom Brady and the Bucs with 306 yards, 1 passing touchdown and an amazing rushing touchdown. 

The Baltimore Ravens and the Tennessee Titans squared off in a new chapter in what has become one of the most notable rivalries in the NFL. The Ravens outlasted the Titans 20-13 behind QB Lamar Jackson's 179 yards passing and 137 yards rushing. 

The Chicago Bears fell to the New Orleans Saints 21-9, with a steady game from Saints QB Drew Brees and 23 carries, 99 yards and a touchdown from Saints RB Alvin Kamara. 

Finally, the Super Wild Card weekend was punctuated by a jarring first quarter of the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers matchup. After a barrage of turnovers from the Steelers, the Browns saw themselves ahead in the first quarter 28-0. Again, in the first quarter. The Browns held the Steelers at bay the rest of the way with a final tally of 48-37. That was the first playoff appearance for the Browns since 2003, and their first playoff win since 1994. 

The schedule for next week's Division Round games in the NFL Playoffs: 

• Saturday - LA Rams at Green Bay Packers, 3:35 p.m. on CBS.
• Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills, 7:15 p.m. on NBC
• Sunday - Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs, 2:05 p.m. on CBS
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints, 5:40 p.m. on FOX