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Seven NFL teams remain with a chance to reach Super Bowl 57. The NFL Divisional Round sets the stage for the elite teams to rise.
There are no more byes. Each team will hit the gridiron and validate their postseason credentials. Who will secure a spot in the conference championship?
The Kansas City Chiefs kicked off the weekend with a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. They head to their fifth straight AFC championship behind a hard-nosed Patrick Mahomes and a career day from Travis Kelce.
The Philadelphia Eagles are also in action on Saturday. They welcome the New York Giants for the third installment of the NFC East rivalry this season. The Eagles won both meetings, including a 48-22 victory in late December.
Sunday could also be an epic slate of action. The Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills will settle the score after their Week 17 matchup was canceled. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers meet in prime time.
Follow every game: Latest NFL Scores and Schedules
PICKS: Which remaining NFL teams reach conference championships?
UPSET ALERT: Ranking top four seeds based on who should worry most in divisional round
NFL MOCK DRAFT: Where will the top collegiate athletes land this offseason?
Here’s a rundown of all the wild-card action around the NFL.
Kansas City Chiefs 27, Jacksonville Jaguars 20
Briefly: Despite injuring his ankle late in the first quarter, Patrick Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs to their fifth straight AFC championship by beating the Jacksonville Jaguars. Mahomes went 22-for-30 for 195 yards and two touchdowns through the air and he added a rushing first down in one of his first plays back after sitting out some of the second quarter and taking a trip to the locker room for evaluation. Backup Chad Henne contributed a touchdown pass to Travis Kelce, who had a career-high 14 catches, which broke his own record for most catches by a tight end in a postseason matchup. Trevor Lawrence’s Cinderella season ends with a performance where he went 24-of-39 for 217 yards with a score and an interception.
One highlight to know: In the fourth quarter and up by three, Mahomes extended the Chiefs’ lead with a one-footed touchdown pass. He felt the pocket collapsing around him, stepped up and hopped on his left foot to shovel the ball to Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Next up: The Chiefs face the winner of the Cincinnati Bengals-Buffalo Bills matchup. The Jaguars’ season is over.
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. ET (Saturday)
TV: FOX
Betting info: Odds, moneyline and more
What to know: The Giants arrive in Philadelphia looking to avenge two losses to the Eagles. While all eyes will be on Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and his injured shoulder, the key name to watch is Giants star Daniel Jones. Will he turn in another signature moment? In Week 14, Jones completed 18 of 27 passes for 169 yards and two total touchdowns. The Giants will need more to vanquish their NFC East rivals. Expect the Eagles to attempt to shutdown running back Saquon Barkley. This will put all the onus on Jones to deliver. Conversely, watch for the Eagles to lean on their balanced offense to put Hurts in a comfortable position to make plays.
Cincinnati Bengals at Buffalo Bills
Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. ET (Sunday)
TV: CBS
Betting info: Odds, moneyline and more
What to know: The Bengals and Bills will meet on the gridiron for the first time since Damar Hamlin’s scary collapse in Week 17. Emotions will be likely as both teams attempt to reach the AFC Championship Game. This matchup could come down to who has the football last. Expect a high-scoring affair between Josh Allen and Joe Burrow. Each quarterback performs well in big games and have momentum after a standout 2022 campaign.
For the Bengals, how their offensive line stacks up (minus three starters) will be important in giving Burrow enough time to survey the defense. A potential X-factor to watch is Bills tight end Dawson Knox. The veteran has scored a touchdown in his last five games. Allen will look his way near the red-zone and Knox’s involvement in the run game could be a springboard for backfield tandem Devin Singletary and James Cook.
Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers
Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. ET (Sunday)
TV: FOX
Betting info: Odds, moneyline and more
What to know: The Cowboys have waited for this moment over the last year. They have a chance to avenge some late-game issues against the 49ers in the 2021 NFL playoffs. Both teams look different as new stars emerged for this contest. This is the biggest game for guys like CeeDee Lamb, Tony Pollard, Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey. How will each player respond to the moment? The answer to that question could decide this matchup.
Purdy has shined during his improbable rookie season. He has gone from “Mr. Irrelevant” to a high-caliber NFL quarterback. The Cowboys defense will send pressure with a dynamic defensive front seven led by stars Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence. Conversely, the 49ers will counter with Nick Bosa and company to rattle Dak Prescott. This game could be a throwback defensive battle. One mistake could end up deciding the eventual winner on Sunday night.
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