NFL divisional playoff round breakdown: Conference title game matchups are set
The NFL divisional playoff round is in the books and the conference championship matchups are set. Here are the highlights from the weekend:
- For the second consecutive year, the Bengals and Chiefs will meet in the AFC title game.
- Playing on an injured ankle, Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs to a fifth consecutive AFC championship game.
- The Eagles routed the rival Giants as both conference's No. 1 seeds advanced.
- The 49ers are in the NFC title game for the second consecutive season and third time in four years.
Divisional playoff analysis
- Winners and losers: While Brock Purdy continues to make his case to remain the 49ers' starter, Dak Prescott underwhelmed in another Cowboys playoff exit.
- 32 things we learned: As much as No. 1-seeded playoff teams have struggled in recent years, the second round of this year's postseason was kinder to them.
- Bengals enter AFC title game with chip on their shoulder: As the Bengals move on to face the Chiefs in AFC title game rematch, they've carried with them the "disrespect" theme during their playoff run, Jarrett Bell writes.
- 49ers defense playing 'big-time football': The 49ers' playoff win over the Cowboys sets up what could be a defensive showdown in Philadelphia, Tyler Dragon writes.
- Eagles send Super Bowl message: In Saturday's demolition of the division-rival Giants, the Eagles reminded everyone why they were considered a top Super Bowl contender, Nate Davis writes.
- Patrick Mahomes' injury could define his pursuit of second Super Bowl win: Mahomes returned from an ankle injury in the second half of divisional round win, but it will remain something to watch for rest of playoffs, Safid Deen writes.
Biggest moments from divisional playoffs
- Ezekiel Elliott really lined up at center! The Cowboys' season ended on a hilarious play.
- 49ers TE George Kittle's astonishing juggling catch set up Christian McCaffrey's touchdown against the Cowboys.
- Damar Hamlin attended his first game since suffered a cardiac arrest on Jan. 2.
- Bengals QB Joe Burrow had the perfect response after ending the NFL's neutral-site AFC title game plans.
- Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes was diagnosed with high ankle sprain, but still is expected to play in the AFC title game against the Bengals.
- Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker used his face to help preserve the divisional playoff win over the Jaguars.
- Trevor Lawrence thanked Jaguars fans and the city of Jacksonville for a "special" 2022 season.
- Jalen Hurts and Brock Purdy meet again ... the two once dueled in a college football thriller.
NFL playoff schedule
SUPER WILD CARD WEEKEND
Saturday
San Francisco 49ers 41, Seattle Seahawks 23
Jacksonville Jaguars 31, Los Angeles Chargers 30
Sunday
Buffalo Bills 34, Miami Dolphins 31
New York Giants 31, Minnesota Vikings 24
Cincinnati Bengals 24, Baltimore Ravens 17
Monday
Dallas Cowboys 31, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14
DIVISIONAL ROUND
Saturday, Jan. 21
Kansas City Chiefs 27, Jacksonville Jaguars 20
Philadelphia Eagles 38, New York Giants 7
Sunday, Jan. 22
Cincinnati Bengals 27, Buffalo Bills 10
San Francisco 49ers 19, Dallas Cowboys 12
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Sunday, Jan. 29
NFC championship game: San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles, 3:00 p.m. ET (FOX)
AFC championship game: Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs, 6:30 p.m. ET (CBS)
Feb. 12
AFC winner vs. NFC winner, State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (FOX)
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