The NFL's road to the Super Bowl took a dramatic and brutal turn over the weekend, with a season-ending injury, a legendary walk-off kick, and defensive masterclasses defining the conference championship matchups. The Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots, and Denver Broncos are the last teams standing, but their paths to the final four were paved with contrasting fortunes.
Snowy Soldier Field Sees Rams End Bears' Dream Run
In a frosty classic at Soldier Field, the Los Angeles Rams ended the fairytale playoff run of the Chicago Bears with a nail-biting 20-17 overtime victory. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams lived up to his clutch reputation, forcing overtime with an almost unbelievable touchdown pass. However, his luck ran out in the extra period.
An interception, where receiver DJ Moore appeared to give up on the route, handed the ball back to Rams veteran Matthew Stafford. Stafford calmly engineered a drive to set up kicker Harrison Mevis – dubbed the 'Thicker Kicker' – for the game-winning field goal in the snow. The Rams now travel to face the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC Championship, with a Super Bowl berth at Levi's Stadium on the line.
Broncos' Joy Tempered by Devastating QB Injury
The Denver Broncos experienced the highest high and the lowest low in quick succession. The franchise celebrated its biggest moment since 2016, edging the Buffalo Bills 33-30 in overtime thanks to a walk-off field goal. The euphoria was short-lived.
Head coach Sean Payton revealed in his post-game press conference that second-year quarterback Bo Nix had suffered a fractured ankle on a designed run late in the game, ruling him out for the remainder of the playoffs. The cruel injury overshadowed another heartbreaking playoff exit for Bills QB Josh Allen. Denver must now turn to backup Jarrett Stidham, who hasn't started a game in 749 days, for the AFC Championship against New England.
Seahawks & Patriots Dominate to Advance
While other games were close, the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots delivered statement wins. The Seahawks annihilated division rival San Francisco 41-6, providing a blueprint for winning with quarterback Sam Darnold. The defence swarmed relentlessly, and a touchdown on the opening kickoff set the tone, requiring Darnold to manage the game efficiently.
Meanwhile, the New England Patriots dismantled the Houston Texans 28-16 courtesy of a stunning implosion from Texans QB CJ Stroud. Stroud threw four interceptions, with Patriots cornerback Carlton Davis snagging two of them. The Patriots' defence now prepares to test Denver's backup quarterback.
Panic Index: High for Houston, who must ponder a massive contract for Stroud after his playoff meltdown. Medium for New England, with concern over QB Drake Maye's league-leading fumbles against Denver's defence. Low for the Atlanta Falcons, whose new coaching hire could spark a quick turnaround.
