The Divisional round is now complete and we are one step closer to the culminating event- Super Bowl LVIII (58). This round saw some very intense games, as teams that were expected to win marched onward, towards championship weekend. Other teams who reached the playoffs were sent home in heartbreaking fashion, despite all the work they accomplished the prior week in Wildcard weekend and in the regular season. Their efforts shall not be forgotten!
Here are the grades for all NFL teams that competed in the Divisional Round:
Baltimore Ravens: B+ (last week: playoff bye week)
The Ravens showed the NFL why they’re the one seed, after their playoff bye week, as they defeated the Houston Texans 34-10. Lamar Jackson threw two touchdowns against no interceptions and scored two rushing touchdowns but was sacked three times. Isaiah Likely and Nelson Agholor, both scored touchdowns, while Zay Flowers caught four receptions for 41 yards. On defense, the Ravens had no sacks or interceptions, but still secured the home victory over the Texans. The AFC Championship runs through Baltimore as they look forward to squaring off against the defending Super Bowl Champion- Kansas City Chiefs.
Buffalo Bills: B- (Last week B+)
The Bills’ playoff run ended in heartbreak, as Tyler Bass missed a game-tying field goal in the 24-27 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, despite a very intense neck-and-neck battle. Josh Allen threw a touchdown against no interceptions and scored two rushing touchdowns. James Cook rushed for 61 yards and Khalil Shakir scored a receiving touchdown. On defense, the Bills had no sacks or turnovers on the night. It was a very painful night for the Bills, as the wagon broke and the team heads into the offseason working to rally again, in 2024.
Detroit Lions: A- (Last week B+)
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
The Lions had a strong battle with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and came out on top in their 31-23 victory. Jared Goff threw two touchdowns against no interceptions but was sacked twice. Jahmyr Gibbs and Craig Reynolds both scored rushing touchdowns and Amon-Ra St. Brown and Josh Reynolds both scored receiving touchdowns. On defense, the Lions had two interceptions and four sacks. A strong afternoon for the Lions, as they made solid work of the Buccaneers. The Lions now get focused on their road trip against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game.
Green Bay Packers: C (Last week A-)
The Packers had a nail-biting go-around, but in the end they were grounded and sent packing back home from their 21-24 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Jordan Love threw two touchdowns against two interceptions on the night. Aaron Jones rushed for 108 yards on 18 carries, Bo Melton and Tucker Kraft both scored touchdowns, and Romeo Doubs caught four receptions for 83 yards. The Packers’ defense had one sack in the form of two half-sacks from Kenny Smith and Preston Clark but no interceptions. This was certainly a painful loss nonetheless for the Packers, but the future is bright under Love’s leadership moving forward in the 2024 regular season.
Houston Texans: C- (Last week A-)
The Texans’ wild season concluded, as they were dominated by the Baltimore Ravens 10-34. C.J. Stroud threw no touchdowns or interceptions and wasn’t sacked. The Texans rushing attack was held to 38 yards on the ground. Nico Collins caught five receptions for 68 yards, Devin Singletary caught five receptions for 48 yards, and Steve Sims had a 67-yard punt return for a touchdown in the second quarter. On defense, the Texans had three sacks but no interceptions. The Texans’ magical season may have come to an abrupt end, however, this is only the beginning for the young and passionate Texans team. Under the leadership of QB, C. J. Stroud IV and head coach, DeMeco Ryans, they have found the winning formula to dominate the league, potentially for seasons to come.
Kansas City Chiefs: A- (Last week B+)
The Chiefs came to western New York and won an intense 27-24 showdown against the Buffalo Bills, and advanced to the AFC Championship game. Patrick Mahomes threw two touchdowns against no interceptions on the night. Isiah Pacheco had 97 rushing yards and scored a touchdown and Travis Kelce scored two touchdowns. On defense, the Chiefs had no sacks or turnovers, as both offenses kept the battle tight and close until the very end. The Chiefs continue their road-trip to Baltimore, MD with an AFC Championship showdown against the Baltimore Ravens, next on their path.
San Francisco 49ers: A- (Last week: playoff bye week)
The well-rested 49ers went to work and played a hard-fought and close battle with the Green Bay Packers- and won 24-21. Brock Purdy threw a touchdown against no interceptions, Christian McCaffrey scored two rushing touchdowns, and George Kittle scored a receiving touchdown. The 49ers did lose Deebo Samuel to a shoulder injury in the first quarter. His status for the NFC Championship game, remains questionable. On defense, the 49ers had no sacks, but they did have three pass deflections and Dre Greenlaw had two interceptions. The 49ers are a very resilient team, as they await to host the Detroit Lions for an NFC Championship showdown.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C- (Last week B)
The Buccaneers played a hard-fought battle against the Detroit Lions but ended up short in a 23-31 loss. Baker Mayfield threw three touchdowns against two interceptions and was sacked four times. Rachaad White led the Bucs’ ground game with 55 rushing yards on nine carries and scored receiving touchdown. Mike Evans and Cade Otton both scored receiving touchdowns. On defense, the Bucs had two sacks but no interceptions. A tough way to end a fairytale season. Mayfield wasn’t expected to do much beforehand and proved his doubters wrong, by leading the Bucs to the divisional round of the playoffs!
