Chiefs, 49ers Win To Advance To Super Bowl

Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs celebrate their fourth AFC title in the last five years.

For the second time in the last five seasons, it will be the Kansas City Chiefs playing the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl. 

The Chiefs defense did the job for a hard fought, 17-10 road victory against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game while the 49ers rallied back from a 24-7 halftime deficit and cashed in on some questionable decisions on fourth down (twice) by Detroit head coach Dan Campbell to win, 34-31 to get back to the Super Bowl after losing for two consecutive years in the NFC Championship game. 

 

 

 

KANSAS CITY 17, BALTIMORE 10 - After a fast start for both teams, the defense took over and the Chiefs won the game to advance to their fourth Super Bowl in the last five seasons with the road victory. Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Travis Kelce (11 receptions for 116 yards) and Isiah Pacheco added a two-yard TD run in the second quarter for a 14-7 lead after Ravens QB Lamar Jackson completed a 30-yard TD strike to wide receiver Zay Flowers (five receptions for 115 yards). The Chiefs increased the lead to 17-7 at tha half when Harrison Butker made a 52-yard field goal with fours seconds to play. 

The only scoring in the second half was a 43-yard field goal by Ravens kicker Justin Tucker with 2:34 remaining in then fourth quarter. For the game, Kansas City gained 319 total yards in offense and had no turnovers while Baltimore gained 336 yards in offense, but had three turnovers (one interception, two fumbles), including a critical fumble by Flowers (pictured above left) at the Kansas City goal line following a reception that resulted in a touchback for the Chiefs.

 

SAN FRANCISCO 34, DETROIT 31 - In San Francisco, the Lions roared out to a 24-7 lead in the first half as running backs David Montgomery (one-yard run) and Jahmyr Gibbs (15-yard run) scored touchdowns and also WR Jameson Williams going 42 yards for a rushing touchdown to open the scoring. 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (20 carries for 90 yards, two TD) scored on a two-yard run with 13:49 left in the second quarter to trim the deficit to 14-7 prior to the Lions increasing it to 17 points at halftime.

In the second half, the tide turned when (with the Lions ahead 24-10) the San Francisco defense stopped Detroit on a fourth-and three as they opted to go for it rather than attempt a field goal to try and increase the lead back to 17 points. From there, 49ers QB Brock Purdy (267 passing yards, one TD, one INT) connected with WR Brandon Aiyuk (three receptions for 68 yards) for a six-yard scoring pass and then following a fumble recovery, the 49ers tied the game at 24-24 when McCaffrey banged it in from one yard out with 3:02 remaining in the third quarter. 

 

The 49ers celebrate a huge comeback win over the Lions.

The final quarter was more of the same as San Francisco went ahead 27-24 on a 33-yard field goal by Jake Moody with 9:52 left to play. The Lions once again eschewed a field goal attempt (from the 49ers 30-yard line) on fourth-and-two and failed to convert with an incomplete pass. The 'Niners struck again when RB Elijah Mitchell scored on a three-yard run with 3:02 remaining to make it 34-24.

 

 

 Lions QB Jared Goff (273 passing yards, one TD) hit Williams on a three-yard TD pass with 56 seconds remaining to complete the scoring. The 49ers recovered the ensuing onside kickoff and are moving on to face the Kansas City Chiefs, whom they lost to four years ago in the Super Bowl.

AFC Championship Game Preview

 

The game for the ages will take place this Sunday afternoon in Baltimore when the Ravens face the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and all the fanfare that goes along with them in the AFC Championship Game. 

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes and company knocked off the Buffalo Bills on the road last week and now face the mighty Ravens and their tremendous defense, led by linebackers Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith. This will be a great game as the Chiefs (in their sixth consecutive AFC title game) look to get back to the Super Bowl and try to become the first team in 19 seasons to repeat as champions. 

The Ravens crushed the upstart Houston Texans in the divisional round and QB Lamar Jackson scored two rushing touchdowns and also threw for two more to lead the rout. The Baltimore defense held the Texans without an offensive touchdown in the game and snuffed out any hopes for a comeback after a 24-0 barrage in the second half. Both Baltimore (60 QB sacks) and Kansas City (57 sacks) can get after opposing quarterbacks, which could lead to more running in the game.

Both teams can run the football, but the Ravens clearly have the edge in that area. Running back Gus Edwards (820 rushing yards this season along with 13 touchdowns) has been superb this season and of course Jackson is the best rushing QB in the NFL. The Chiefs have Isiah Pacheco (935 yards, seven TD) and Mahomes is always a threat to use his legs to gain crucial yardage when necessary.

The Chiefs know they have what it takes to win on the road and they have been to three Super Bowls in the last four years, winning two of them. Meanwhile, the Ravens have been ousted in the playoffs in either the wild card or divisional round every season Jackson has been with them in the post-season. This is their first AFC Championship game appearance since 2012, when they went on to win the Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers. 

Much has been said of Kansas City wide receivers dropping passes this past season, but Rashee Rice (79 receptions, 938 yards, seven TD) has stepped up in recent weeks and along with tight end Travis Kelce provides a solid target for Mahomes to throw to. Baltimore had a definite upgrade in their receiving corps this season as rookie Zay Flowers (team high 77 receptions) and tight end Isaiah Likely (playing in place of injured Mark Andrews) have made a difference along with Odell Beckham, Jr., Nelson Agholor and Rashod Bateman stepping up.

If the Chiefs can get off to a fast start and establish a lead, it remains to be seen whether Jackson and company can muster enough offense to come back from a deficit, which is something the Ravens haven't had to do much of this past season. Odds are the Ravens defense will do enough to prevent that problem and it will be the Chiefs playing from behind. 

 

PREDICTION -  Baltimore 28, Kansas City 20 

 

Last Week's Record - 3-1 

PLAYOFFS RECORD - 6-4 

 

NFC Championship Game Preview

 

The Detroit Lions have become "America's Team" with their recent playoff push that has them in the NFC Championship Game for the first time since the 1991 season. That was way back when running back Barry Sanders was dominating the NFL. The San Francisco 49ers are the home team and are in their third consecutive NFC title tilt and are the favorites to advance to Super Bowl 58 in Las Vegas. 

 

This game will likely be an exciting and close contest with Detroit's running game looking to establish itself once again in the post-season. The 49ers defense has been vulnerable in recent weeks and they will need to tighten it up if they want to hold off a very hungry Lions team. 

The 49ers offense is led by quarterback Brock Purdy, running back Christian McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle and wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who was injured (shoulder) in last week's victory over Green Bay and might not be available for the game on Sunday. Others will need to step in, such as wide receiver's Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings and perhaps RB Elijah Mitchell.  

The Lions defense has been suspect at times during their 12-5 campaign and defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson is the anchor that will look to pressure and rattle Purdy and keep things tight. As far as the Lions offense facing the 49ers defense, QB Jared Goff has been solid all season long and will need to be sharp in this one. His main target is WR Amon-Ra St. Brown along with tight end Sam LaPorta, who has been a rookie sensation. The running tandem of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs has been great and they showed out against Tampa Bay last weekend in the win after doing the same in the wild card game against the Los Angeles Rams. 

The 'Niners will look to force Goff to have to scramble and throw on the run rather than stay comfortable in the pocket and choose his targets. The Lions have a solid offensive line and keeping San Francisco edge rusher Nick Bosa at bay will be huge in coming away with a win.

The key to the game as always, will be turnovers and if Detroit can maintain their poise on the road and play their game, they could pull this one out and get to the Super Bowl for the first time in team history. On the other side, San Francisco will be looking to avoid a third straight setback in the title game, so there is way more pressure on them to win. 

Look for a close contest and as long as neither team is plagued with turnovers, one that will possibly come down to the final possession. If Deebo Samuel is ready to go, it could be a very significant swing to the 49ers side. The 49ers definitely rate the edge at home, but the Lions are a very gritty bunch and emulate (head coach) Dan Campbell's personality and that could make a difference in the outcome.

PREDICTION - Detroit 27, San Francisco 24

 

Last Week's Record - 3-1 

PLAYOFFS RECORD - 6-4  

 

 

 

NFL PLAYOFFS - Divisional Round Recap

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson races for his second touchdown in playoff win.

The NFL Playoffs are ready to advance to the conference championship games next weekend as four teams moved on with their victories. It will be the Baltimore Ravens hosting the Kansas City Chiefs  next Sunday for the AFC championship while the San Francisco 49ers will have the home field advantage against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game. 

Saturday, January 20 

Baltimore 34, Houston 10 - The host Ravens smashed the Texans, outscoring them 24-0 in the second half as quarterback Lamar Jackson rushed for two touchdowns and 100 yards on the ground while also passing for 152 yards and two more scores. The Ravens defense held Houston to just 213 yards in total offense as QB C.J. Stroud had a pedestrian performance, going 19-of-33 passing for 175 yards. The only TD for the Texans came on a 72 yard punt return by  Steven Sims to tie the game at 10-10 with 4:17 left in the first half. The Ravens out rushed the Texans by a 229-38 margin in the blowout win.

San Francisco 24, Green Bay 21 - The host 49ers held off the Packers in a game that went down to the wire with running back Christian McCaffrey (17 carries for 98 yards, two TD) scoring the go ahead touchdown on a six-yard run with 1:07 remaining in the game. The 'Niners overcame a 21-14 deficit by scoring ten points on the TD run and a 52-yard field goal by Jake Moody. The Packers trailed 7-6 at halftime, but two TD passes in the third quarter by QB Jordan Love (194 passing yards, two TD, two INT) gave them the seven point lead entering the fourth quarter. 

San Francisco twice took one-point leads thanks to a 32 yard TD pass by QB Brock Purdy (252 passing yards, one TD) to tight end George Kittle, who had four receptions for 81 yards in the win. McCaffrey gave the 49ers a 14-13 lead with 7:39 left in the third quarter on a 39-yard scoring run. The Packers had a chance to drive for the lead or tying field goal late in the final quarter, but 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw's second interception of the game sealed the victory. 

 

Sunday, January 21 

The Lions celebrate biggest win in 32 years.

 

Detroit 31, Tampa Bay 23 - The Detroit Lions won at home and advanced to the NFC Championship game for the first time in 32 years with the win against the Buccaneers as QB Jared Goff had two touchdown passes (along with 287 passing yards) while RB Jahmyr Gibbs (74 rushing yards) scampered 31 yards for the go ahead score early in the fourth quarter to lead the way. 

 

 This game saw three ties as the stubborn Bucs continually battled back behind QB Baker Mayfield (349 passing yards, 3 TD, 2 INT) as they racked up 408 yards in total offense. But Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes intercepted Mayfield inside of two minutes left to play to seal the win and send the Lions onward in the playoffs.

 

Kansas City 27, Buffalo 24 -  Wide right! 

Buffalo Bills fans know all about that history.  

Bills kicker Tyler Bass missed a 44-yard field goal try with under two minutes remaining and the Kansas City Chiefs won another classic playoff battle between these two teams to advance to their sixth straight AFC Championship game next weekend in Baltimore. It was the first true road playoff game for the Chiefs since Patrick Mahomes became the starting quarterback in the 2018 season.

There were five lead changes in this game as Mahomes had two TD passes (both to tight end Travis Kelce, who had five catches for 75 yards) and 215 passing yards in the win. Kansas City running back Isiah Pacheco (15 carries for 97 yards) scored the go ahead touchdown on a four-yard run with 14:20 left in the fourth quarter. Bills QB Josh Allen had two rushing touchdowns along with 72 rushing yards and also threw a TD pass (13 yards to WR Khalil Shakir for 24-20 lead late in third quarter) along with 186 passing yards. 

 

NFL PLAYOFFS - Divisional Round Preview

After a couple of surprises in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs, it's now time for the Divisional round and it starts up Saturday with two games and two more on Sunday. 

The breakdown on all four games is featured below and the Heftyinfo picks follow up. 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, January 20 

Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens  - The Ravens beat Houston, 25-9 (in Baltimore) in the opening game. The Texans have indeed been the biggest surprise team this season, winning the AFC South division after going 3-13-1 last season. Rookie (of the Year?) quarterback C.J. Stroud was awesome in 2023 (4,108 passing yards, 23 TD, five interceptions) and he blew away the Cleveland Browns and their top ranked defense in the wild card round. 

The Ravens defense will once again present a stiff challenge, but if the Texans can hang around in the game, they could pull off the upset. Baltimore has been the NFL's best team and QB Lamar Jackson is likely to win his second league MVP after putting up solid numbers (3,678 passing yards, 24 TD, seven INT and a team leading 821 rushing yards and five touchdowns) and is leading an offense that continued to get better as the season went along. The Ravens should emerge from this game with the win, but this NFL season has been very unpredictable.

Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers - The 49ers had a great year and now face a surging Green Bay Packers team that has won four in a row and seven of their last nine games after crushing Dallas on the road last week in the wild card round. Can the Packers adopt the "road warriors" mentality again this week and topple the mighty 49ers? Don't be too surprised if it happens. 

The 49ers defense will present Green Bay QB Jordan Love (4,159 passing yards with 32 TD and 11 INT) with a much tougher challenge than did Dallas' defense. As for the San Francisco offense facing a much improved Packers defense (22 points per game allowed since Week Ten), QB Brock Purdy is in consideration for league MVP after he passed for 4,280 yards with 31 TD and 11 INT while also completing 69.4 percent of his passes and will look to mix it up with all the weapons on his side, including RB Christian McCaffrey (league leading 1,459 rushing yards and 21 total touchdowns) and all purpose player Deebo Samuel, who scored 12 touchdowns and caught 60 passes for 892 yards. Tight end George Kittle (65 receptions for 1,020 yards and six TD) is another big weapon the Green Bay defense must contend with. 

This game is a great matchup and should go down to the wire. Turnovers will be a big factor and whoever protects the football better will win this one.  

Sunday, January 21

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions - These two teams faced each other in Tampa back in Week Six and the Lions won, 20-6 . . . but as the old saying goes, that was then and this is now. Tampa Bay blasted the Philadelphia Eagles, 32-9 last week and now face a Lions team that scratched and clawed their way past the visiting L.A. Rams, 24-23 last Sunday night to get their first playoff win in 32 years. 

Detroit can play well on both sides of the ball and the Bucs defense, which has improved big time since the start of the season, will have to be ready to contain not only QB Jared Goff (4,575 passing yards, 30 TD, 12 INT) and the passing game, but also the one-two punch of Lions running backs David Montgomery (1,015 rushing yards, 13 TD) and Jahmyr Gibbs (945 yards and ten touchdowns). As for the Buccaneers offense, QB Baker Mayfield has been on fire in recent weeks and he passed for 4,044 yards this season along with 28 TD and ten interceptions. 

This game could go either way, but with a chance to advance to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since the 1991 season, the Lions playing at home seems to be too much for the Bucs to overcome.

Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills - This could very well be the best game of the weekend between two teams that know each other well and have played twice before in the playoffs. Six weeks ago, Buffalo came away with a 20-17 win at Kansas City after a touchdown late in the game by K.C. wide receiver Kadarius Toney (after a lateral pass from tight end Travis Kelce) was called back because Toney lined up offside on the play. 

Buffalo QB Josh Allen had a big game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild card round and he threw for 4,306 yards with 29 TD and 18 INT this year along with rushing for 524 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns. The Chiefs will look to contain him and the Bills offense while quarterback Patrick Mahomes (4,183 passing yards, 27 TD, 14 INT) will look to score more than 17 points this time around against an injury depleted Buffalo defense. 

The weather is expected to be cold and possibly snowy again this weekend in Buffalo as Mahomes plays in his first ever road game (other than Super Bowl) in the AFC playoffs. Bills fans will be amped up and it will be interesting to see if the Buffalo Bills can once again circle the wagons and finally defeat Mahomes and the Chiefs in the post-season. Overtime could be possible in this game to decide the outcome.

The Heftyinfo picks for the Divisional round  . . . . . . .  (Home teams are listed in bold) 

Baltimore over Houston 

San Francisco over Green Bay 

Detroit over Tampa Bay 

Buffalo over Kansas City 

 

Last Week's Record - 3-3 

Playoff Record - 3-3 

FINAL SEASON RECORD - 178-94 

 

 

NFL PLAYOFFS - Monday's Wild Card Games Recap

Nobody circles the wagons quite like the Buffalo Bills !

The Bills made quick work of the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC wild card game, 31-17 as they raced out to a 21-0 lead before halftime as quarterback Josh Allen (pictured left) threw a pair of touchdown passes and ran 52 yards for another score. The Steelers scored on a ten yard TD pass from QB Mason Rudolph (229 passing yards, two TD, one interception) to WR Dionte Johnson with 1:39 left to get to within 21-7 at the half. 

But it was more of the same in the second half as Allen (203 passing yards, three TD, 74 rushing yards, one TD) completed clutch passes to keep drives moving and added his third scoring pass in the game, a 17-yard strike to wide receiver Khalil Shakir for the 31-17 lead with 6:27 remaining in the game, as each team scored ten points to account for the final score. Pittsburgh had closed the gap to 24-17 when Rudolph connected with Calvin Austin III for a seven yard scoring pass with 10:32 remaining. The Bills will host the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday in the divisional round. 

In the final NFC wild card game, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers blasted the Philadelphia Eagles, 32-9 in Tampa on Monday night. Bucs QB Baker Mayfield passed for 337 yards and three touchdowns as they rolled up 426 yards in total offense. The only Eagles touchdown came on a five-yard pass from QB Jalen Hurts to tight end Dallas Goedert late in the second quarter to trim the deficit to 16-9 at halftime. But it was all Tampa Bay in the second half and they will move on to face the Detroit Lions in the divisional round next Sunday. 

NFL PLAYOFFS - Sunday's Wild Card Games Recap

 

Jordan Love and the Packers dominated the Cowboys in playoff win.

The Green Bay Packers went into Dallas on Sunday afternoon and totally dominated the Cowboys in a 48-32 victory that sends the number seven seed in the NFC onto the divisional round of the playoffs next weekend in San Francisco. Meanwhile on Sunday night in Detroit, the Lions held on for a hard fought 24-23 win against the Los Angeles Rams.  

The Packers took the opening kickoff and drove downfield for a touchdown as running back Aaron Jones (21 carries for 118 yards, three TD) scored on a three-yard run and the Packers eventually built up a 27-0 first half lead. Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love passed for 272 yards and three touchdowns and the defense had two interceptions, including a 64-yard "pick six" INT for a touchdown by Darnell Savage.   

Dallas finally got on the scoreboard on the final play of the half when QB Dak Prescott (403 passing yards, three TD, two INT) threw a one-yard scoring pass to tight end Jake Ferguson. The Packers led 48-16 before the Cowboys scored two late touchdowns on passes from Prescott to Ferguson to account for the final score.

The Lions won their first playoff game in 32 years as QB Jared Goff (22-of-27 passing for 277 yards) had a touchdown pass and running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs each had rushing scores along with Mike Badgley kicking a 54-yard field goal to get the 24-23 victory. Detroit had a 14-3 lead and the Rams scored on a 50-yard TD pass from QB Matthew Stafford (367 passing yards, two TD) to WR Puka Nacua (nine receptions for 181 yards) to trim it to 14-10. After Goff's touchdown pass (for 21-10 lead) the Rams got to within 21-17 at halftime when Stafford connected with WR Tutu Atwell on a 38-yard scoring pass. The second half saw three field goals made for the scoring and the Lions did just enough on both sides of the ball to get the win.

NFL PLAYOFFS - Saturday's Wild Card Games Recap

 

The Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs rolled to easy victories on their home fields on Saturday to open the 2023 NFL playoffs "Wild Card" round. 

 

The Texans crushed the Cleveland Browns, 45-14 behind three touchdown passes and 274 passing yards by quarterback C.J. Stroud (pictured left) and two "pick six" interception returns for scores in the third quarter that put the game out of reach. The Texans led 24-14 at halftime, but Browns QB Joe Flacco (307 passing yards, one TD, two INT) was intercepted twice (on back-to-back possessions) for the touchdowns to increase Houston's lead to 38-14. Running back Devin Singletary added a 19-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter to wrap things up and advance the Texans to the divisional round next weekend. Browns RB Kareem Hunt scored both touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving) in the loss. 

In Kansas City in very frigid temperatures (-30 wind chills) on Saturday night, the Chiefs pounded the Miami Dolphins, 26-7 as QB Patrick Mahomes (262 passing yards) threw an 11-yard TD pass to wide receiver Rashee Rice (eight receptions for 130 yards) in the first quarter. Kicker Harrison Butker made four field goals and RB Isiah Pacheco (89 rushing yards) scored on a three-yard run early in the fourth quarter to account for the final score. Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa (199 passing yards, one TD, one INT) connected with WR Tyreek Hill for a 53-yard touchdown to get to within 10-7 early in the second quarter. But that was it as Kansas City out gained the Dolphins, 409-264 in total yardage and will move on to the divisional round in the AFC playoffs.

 

NFL PLAYOFFS - Wild Card Round Preview

 

The NFL Playoffs are here! 

The wild card round of the NFL playoffs begin on Saturday (two games) and continue Sunday (three games) and the Monday night game will be in Tampa Bay between the Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles topped the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay, 25-11 back in September when they got off to a 5-0 start.

On Saturday, the Cleveland Browns take on the Houston Texans in Houston and the "prime time" evening game will be in Kansas City between the Chiefs and the Miami Dolphins. Both of these game are re-matches between the teams. The Browns beat the Texans, 36-22 three weeks ago while the Chiefs won a tight one (21-14) over in Germany back in early November. 

The three Sunday games feature the Buffalo Bills hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first game. The Dallas Cowboys host the Green Bay Packers and in Sunday night in Detroit, the Lions host the Los Angeles Rams, winners of four straight games and seven of eight heading into the playoffs. None of these teams faced each other this past season. 

Here's a capsule style breakdown of the six playoff games and the Heftyinfo picks follow up. 

 

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13

Cleveland Browns (11-6) at Houston Texans (10-7) - The Browns already beat the Texans, but that was  without C.J. Stroud at quarterback. Browns QB Joe Flacco has been riding high since coming on the scene late in the regular season. Browns should win again in a much closer game this time. 

Miami Dolphins (11-6) at Kansas City Chiefs (11-6) - The weather could be a big factor in K.C. on Saturday night as it could be well below zero with the wind chill factor. Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa has a history of not playing well in very cold weather. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are coming off a so-so season (by their standards) and have a point to prove to both themselves and all the naysayers who claim they are done. 

SUNDAY, JANUARY 14 

Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) at Buffalo Bills (11-6) - The Bills have been on a big time roll since they dropped to a 6-6 record back in early December. Can the Steelers continue their run with Mason Rudolph at quarterback? The key to this game will be which team takes care of the football better, but the Bills should move on to the divisional round.  (Note - As of January 13, the game was moved from Sunday to Monday afternoon because of severe winter weather)

Green Bay Packers (9-8) at Dallas Cowboys (12-5) - The Cowboys have been unbeatable at home and that should remain the same this weekend against the Packers. But Green Bay has been playing well, especially on offense as QB Jordan Love finally figured things out in the second half of the season. But take the Cowboys and their high powered offense in this game. 

Los Angeles Rams (10-7) at Detroit Lions (12-5) - This could be the most interesting game this weekend in Detroit as both quarterbacks face their former teams in a high leverage situation. Rams QB Matthew Stafford (who has a Super Bowl ring) returns to try and take out his former team in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Detroit QB Jared Goff wants to prove the doubters wrong as the Lions look to win their first playoff game since the 1991 season playoffs. 

MONDAY NIGHT GAME 

Philadelphia Eagles (11-6) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-8) - Someone has to win this game . . . The Eagles have been their own worst enemies in recent weeks, dropping five of the final six games after a torrid 10-1 start this season. The Bucs held off the New Orleans Saints to win the NFC South division and are looking to prove there is indeed life after Tom Brady for their team. Can QB Baker Mayfield and company deliver against the struggling Eagles? Look for this one to possibly go down to the wire. 

The Heftyinfo picks for the Wild Card playoff games . . . . . . .  (Home teams are listed in bold) 

Cleveland over Houston 

Kansas City over Miami 

Buffalo over Pittsburgh 

Dallas over Green Bay 

Detroit over L.A. Rams 

Philadelphia over Tampa Bay

Last Week's Record - 12-4 

FINAL SEASON RECORD - 178-94

Lock of the Week Record - 14-4 

NFL - Week Eighteen Recap

Who had the Houston Texans winning the AFC South division and making the playoffs when the season was about to get underway?

That is exactly how it played out over the final weekend of the 2023 regular season and the Texans (10-7) beat the host Indianapolis Colts, 23-19 on Saturday evening while on Sunday afternoon in Nashville, Tennessee, the Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8) were coughing up the AFC South division in a 28-20 loss against the Titans (6-11) and were eliminated from the playoff picture. 

Houston won the game as quarterback C.J. Stroud (pictured above left) threw for two touchdowns while running back Devin Singletary scored a rushing TD to lead the way. Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (nine receptions for 195 yards) hauled in a 75-yard scoring pass from Stroud on their first play from scrimmage for a 7-3 lead. The Colts (9-8) finally tied the game 14-14 in the third quarter when RB Jonathan Taylor (30 carries for 188 yards) scored on a 49-yard run. The game was tied 17-17 when Singletary scored the winning touchdown with his run with 6:20 left to play. The Texans defense made the stop and then Houston took a safety as time ran down to clinch the division title. 

The Titans rode the legs of running back Derrick Henry (19 carries for 153 rushing yards and one TD) while Tyjae Spears scored two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving) and QB Ryan Tannehill had two TD passes to knock the Jaguars (who were 8-3 in early December) out of the playoffs. Jags QB Trevor Lawrence was stuffed on fourth-and-goal from the two-yard line and he had two TD passes along with two interceptions thrown and 280 passing yards in the season ending loss.

In the NFC playoff chase, the Dallas Cowboys (12-5) wrapped up the NFC East division title with a 38-10 thrashing of the host Washington Commanders (4-13) with QB Dak Prescott (279 passing yards and one INT) throwing four touchdown passes. The Dallas defense had four sacks and limited Washington to just 180 yards in total offense while forcing three turnovers, including two picks. The Commanders lost their final eight games this season and fired head coach Ron Rivera.   

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles are limping badly into the NFC playoffs and finished the season at 11-6 and lost five of their final six games as they were buried, 27-10 against the host New York Giants (6-11).  The Giants built a 24-0 halftime lead as RB Saquon Barkley scored two rushing touchdowns while QB Tyrod Taylor had a TD pass and the defense forced four turnovers (two INT, two fumbles) and had five QB sacks. 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-8) won their third consecutive NFC South division crown with a 9-0 win at Carolina with three field goals by kicker Chase McLaughlin. The Panthers (2-15) were shut out for the second consecutive game to end a miserable season. 

The Green Bay Packers (9-8) clinched the seventh and final NFC playoff spot with a 17-9 home victory against the Chicago Bears (7-10) as their defense dominated, limiting Chicago to 192 total yards in offense and just three field goals. Meanwhile, QB Jordan Love (316 passing yards on 27-of-32 passing) had two TD passes as the offense racked up 432 total yards. 

 

The Buffalo Bills celebrate another AFC East title.

The Buffalo Bills (11-6) won their fifth straight game and clinched the AFC East division title in the Sunday night game with a 21-14 win at Miami. Bills QB Josh Allen had two TD passes along with two picks thrown and 359 passing yards in the victory. The Bills tied the game 14-14 early in the fourth quarter when Deonte Harty took back a punt 96 yards for a touchdown. Allen then hit tight end Dawson Knox on a five-yard TD pass with 7:16 left to play and the Bills defense later intercepted their second pass to seal the win. The Dolphins (11-6) led 14-7 at the half, but were held scoreless in the second half and finished in second place in the AFC East and will be a wild card team in the playoffs.

How about the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) beating the odds and getting a playoff spot as they toppled the host Baltimore Ravens, 17-10 on a blustery rainy and snowy day as RB Najee Harris (26 carries for 112 yards) scored a rushing TD while QB Mason Rudolph hooked up with WR Dionte Johnson on a 71-yard scoring pass. Baltimore (13-4 and top seed in the AFC playoffs) rested many starters and reserve QB Tyler Huntley threw a 27-yard TD pass to WR Isaiah Likely for their only touchdown in the loss. 

The Los Angeles Rams (10-7 and a wild card playoff team in the NFC) squeaked past the host San Francisco 49ers, 21-20 as backup QB Carson Wentz scored a rushing TD and also had two TD passes. The 49ers (12-5 and top seed in NFC playoffs) sat many starters and Elijah Mitchell and QB Sam Darnold each had rushing scores in defeat.

In Cincinnati, the Bengals (9-8) knocked off the playoff bound Cleveland Browns, 31-14 with QB Jake Browning throwing three TD passes and RB Joe Mixon (14 carries for 111 yards) scoring twice, including a receiving touchdown to go with a one-yard scoring run. The Browns (11-6) sat many starters and were held scoreless until the final quarter.

The Kansas City Chiefs (11-6) finished the regular season by resting numerous starters and still managed to get a 13-12 win against the host Los Angeles Chargers (5-12) as kicker Harrison Butker made a 41-yard field goal with 49 seconds remaining. The Chargers points came on four field goals by Cameron Dicker. 

The Las Vegas Raiders (8-9) beat the visiting Denver Broncos, 27-14 as QB Aidan O'Connell had two TD passes and WR Jakobi Meyers scored two times, including one with a five-yard scoring run. Denver (8-9) went 2-4 down the stretch and missed the playoffs for the eighth straight season. 

In New Orleans, the Saints (9-8) won 48-17 against the Atlanta Falcons (7-10) as they outscored them 31-0 in the second half as QB Derek Carr (264 passing yards) threw four TD passes while the defense forced three turnovers (two INT, one fumble). Falcons QB Desmond Ridder had two TD passes in defeat and the team fired head coach Arthur Smith following the game.

The Detroit Lions (12-5) finished strong as they toppled the visiting Minnesota Vikings, 30-20 with QB Jared Goff throwing for two scores while running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery each had rushing touchdowns. The Vikings finished the season at 7-10 as QB Nick Mullens had two TD passes in defeat. 

The Seattle Seahawks outlasted the host Arizona Cardinals, 21-20, but they missed out on a playoff spot while finishing with a 9-8 record this season. QB Geno Smith passed for two scores,including the game winning 34-yard TD strike to WR Tyler Lockett as well as the two-point conversion pass to Lockett for the lead with 1:54 remaining in the game. Arizona RB James Conner had a rushing TD and went for 150 yards on 27 carries in the loss. The Cardinals (4-13) had a chance to win the game, but kicker Matt Prater (who missed two field goals) missed on a 51-yard attempt as time ran out.

The New York Jets (7-10) ended a 15-game losing streak against the New England Patriots (4-13) as they won on the road, 17-3 behind a big game from RB Breece Hall (37 carries for 178 yards), who scored the game's only touchdown on a 50-yard run with 1:47 remaining to ice things. The game was played in blizzard like conditions and the Patriots finished with their worst record (since 2000 season) in the Bill Belichick era.

 

WEEK EIGHTEEN RESULTS 

Pittsburgh 17, Baltimore 10 

Houston 23, Indianapolis 19

Tampa Bay 9, Carolina 0 

Cincinnati 31, Cleveland 14 

Detroit 30, Minnesota 20 

N.Y. Jets 17, New England 3 

New Orleans 48, Atlanta 17 

Tennessee 28, Jacksonville 20 

Green Bay 17, Chicago 9 

Dallas 38, Washington 10

Seattle 21, Arizona 20  

Kansas City 13, L.A. Chargers 12

Las Vegas 27, Denver 14 

L.A. Rams 21, San Francisco 20

N.Y. Giants 27, Philadelphia 10 

Buffalo 21, Miami 14

NFL - Week Eighteen Preview

 

Four division titles are still up for grabs as the NFL enters the final weekend this season. 

The AFC East and South divisions and the NFC East and South divisions are yet to be decided, but the Dallas Cowboys (11-5) have a win and it is theirs situation as well as the Miami Dolphins (11-5) and Buffalo Bills (10-6), who will be playing each other in the Sunday night game in Miami. Buffalo trashed the 'Fins in Buffalo, 48-20 back in October. The Jacksonville Jaguars (9-7) need to win on the road against Tennessee (5-11) to clinch the AFC South while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the same scenario to win the NFC South. 

The Buccaneers (8-8) play at Carolina while the New Orleans Saints (8-8) will host the Atlanta Falcons (7-9) and anything can still happen in that wild NFC South race. The same holds true in the AFC South where the Jags control their destiny, but the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans (both 9-7) face off in Indy on Saturday evening and one (the losing team) will be out of the playoff picture, unless there is a tie game. 

Back to the NFC East as the badly slumping Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) will face the New York Giants (5-11) on the road while Dallas takes on the Washington Commanders (4-12), losers of seven consecutive games, in D.C. The odds are with Dallas to get a win and clinch the East, leaving the Eagles as the wild card team (5th seed) while the Cowboys would be the number two seed in the NFC. 

All of the NFL action for Week 18 is featured in the capsule style previews and the final Heftyinfo picks for this 2023 regular season follows up. 

SATURDAY GAMES 

Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) at Baltimore Ravens (13-3) - The Ravens will be resting numerous starters, including quarterback Lamar Jackson, but they will not just roll over for their heated rivals from Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, the Steelers MUST WIN and then get some help to get into the playoffs. 

Houston Texans (9-7) at Indianapolis Colts (9-7) - It's win and in for the Colts or lose and they are out. The Texans still will need some help even if they win to take the division, but they would be a wild card team. If they lose this game, they're out. 

SUNDAY GAMES 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8) at Carolina Panthers (2-14) - The Buccaneers should win this one and clinch the NFC South division for a third straight year. 

Jacksonville Jaguars (9-7) at Tennessee Titans (5-11) - The Titans can give the Jaguars fits in this one, but the Jags snapped a four-game losing streak last week and know they can wrap up the AFC South with a win. 

Cleveland Browns (11-5) at Cincinnati Bengals (8-8) - The Bengals will likely get the win in this game as the Browns have already secured a playoff spot and will be resting many starters, including QB "Super" Joe Flacco. 

Atlanta Falcons (7-9) at New Orleans Saints (8-8) - Both teams need to win and get help from the lowly Carolina Panthers (a win against the Tampa Bay Bucs) to win the NFC South division. Take the Saints at home in this one. 

Minnesota Vikings (7-9) at Detroit Lions (11-5) - The Lions are still reeling over being cheated out of a win in Dallas last Saturday night, due to very poor officiating call. Look for the Lions to get the win here against an injury depleted Vikings team. 

New York Jets (6-10) at New England Patriots (4-12) - Will this be Bill Belichick's final game as head coach of the Patriots? The Jets will be in for a long day if the Pats come out and play hard for the old man in this one. 

Denver Broncos (8-8) at Las Vegas Raiders (7-9) - Viva Las Vegas ! 

Chicago Bears (7-9) at Green Bay Packers (8-8) - A rejuvenated Bears team could play spoiler and knock the Green Bay Packers out of the NFC playoff picture. But don't count on the Packers letting it happen if they play their game. 

Seattle Seahawks (8-8) at Arizona Cardinals (4-12) - The Seahawks are another one of those teams that MUST WIN and then get a lot of help to make the playoffs. The Cardinals are flying high after knocking off the Eagles on the road last weekend. Toss up in this one.

Kansas City Chiefs (10-6) at Los Angeles Chargers (5-11) - Can the Chargers get a win against the Chiefs substitute players? 

Los Angeles Rams (9-7) at San Francisco 49ers (12-4) - The 49ers have already clinched the top NFC playoff spot and first round bye, so don't be surprised if the playoff bound Rams get a win here. 

Dallas Cowboys (11-5) at Washington Commanders (4-12) - The Cowboys have not been a good road team this season, but the Commanders are horrible. If Dallas doesn't win this one, they don't deserve to win the division. 

Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) at New York Giants (5-11) - The Giants would love to be a thorn in the Eagles' side and keep them from possibly winning the division title. Eagles are smarting after losing at home to lowly Arizona and have dropped four of their last five games. Toss up.

Buffalo Bills (10-6) at Miami Dolphins (11-5) - The Sunday night "prime time" game for all the marbles in the AFC East division. The Bills really need this game or they could be out of the AFC playoffs if things play out just right . . . Win or lose, the Dolphins are already in the playoffs. Toss up in this one.

 

The Heftyinfo picks for Week Eighteen  . . . . . . .   (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS) 

Pittsburgh over Baltimore 

Indianapolis over Houston 

Tampa Bay over Carolina 

Jacksonville over Tennessee 

Cincinnati over Cleveland 

New Orleans over Atlanta 

DETROIT over Minnesota 

New England over N.Y. Jets 

Las Vegas over Denver 

Green Bay over Chicago 

Seattle over Arizona 

Kansas City over L.A. Chargers 

L.A. Rams over San Francisco 

Dallas over Washington 

Philadelphia over N.Y. Giants 

Buffalo over Miami

Last Week's Record - 12-4

SEASON RECORD - 166-90

Lock of the Week Record - 13-4

NFL - Week Seventeen Recap

 

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson celebrates big win to clinch top spot in AFC playoffs.

For the second consecutive week, the Baltimore Ravens (13-3) sent a statement to the rest of the NFL . . . the playoff road goes through Baltimore as they clinched the top seed and home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. 

On Sunday, the Ravens absolutely crushed the visiting Miami Dolphins (11-5) by a 56-19 score as quarterback Lamar Jackson finished the game with five touchdown passes along with 321 passing yards and a perfect passer rating in the game. The Baltimore defense intercepted Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa (237 passing yards, two TD, two INT) twice along with getting a fumble recovery and had three sacks while the balanced offense gained 491 total yards (331 passing, 160 rushing) in the rout.

On Thursday night in Cleveland, former Ravens QB Joe Flacco continued his resurgence for the Browns (11-5) as he had three TD passes (one interception) and 309 passing yards in a 37-20 win against the New York Jets (6-10) to help them clinch an AFC playoff spot. The Browns piled up 428 yards in total offense as they built a 34-17 lead at the half. The Jets had one offensive TD in the loss while Jermaine Johnson took an interception back 37 yards for a score late in the second quarter prior to Flacco's third TD pass in the game.

The San Francisco 49ers (12-4) clinched the home field edge throughout the NFC playoffs with a 27-10 road win against the Washington Commanders (4-12) as QB Brock Purdy threw for two touchdowns while RB Elijah Mitchell scored a rushing touchdown. Washington tied the score 10-10 on a three-yard TD pass from QB Sam Howell to WR Terry McLaurin, but from there it was all 49ers the rest of the way. 

The Arizona Cardinals (4-12) pulled off perhaps the stunner of the entire regular season as they went into Philadelphia and beat the Eagles, 35-31 in comeback fashion as QB Kyler Murray passed for 232 yards and three touchdowns (one INT) to lead the balanced offense, which piled up 449 total yards (221 rushing and 228 passing yards). Meanwhile, Arizona RB James Conner (26 carries for 128 yards) scored twice with a rushing and receiving touchdown in the big come from behind (15-point halftime deficit) win. The Eagles (11-5) built a 21-6 halftime edge as rookie DB Sydney Brown took an interception back 99 yards for a touchdown and 14-3 lead in the second quarter, but they fell flat in the second half as QB Jalen Hurts (three TD, one INT) connected with tight end Dallas Goedert on a nine-yard scoring pass for a 28-21 lead. But the Cardinals stormed back behind a TD pass from Murray and Conner's second score (two-yard run) with only 32 seconds left.

The New Orleans Saints dominated the host Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 23-13 to force a first place tie with the Bucs (both teams are 8-8) in the NFC South race. Saints QB Derek Carr had two TD passes as they built a 20-0 lead after three quarters. Bucs QB Baker Mayfield (309 passing yards, two TD, two INT) threw a pair of TD passes in the final quarter, but it wasn't close enough to prevent the loss. 

Meanwhile, another team from the NFC South blew a chance to make it a three-way tie as the Atlanta Falcons (7-9) were blown out, 37-17 in snowy Chicago by the Bears (7-9) as they gained 432 total yards with QB Justin Fields (268 passing yards) running and throwing for a score while RB Khalil Herbert ran for 124 yards and a touchdown and wide receiver DJ Moore caught nine passes for 159 yards and a touchdown. The Chicago defense intercepted four passes, including two by cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. The Falcons got a rushing and passing TD from QB Taylor Heinicke in defeat.  

 

 

Controversial penalty call helped Dallas win.

In Dallas on Saturday night, the Cowboys (11-5) benefited from a penalty against the Detroit Lions (11-5) in a 20-19 victory as an illegal touching (the football) call was flagged against the Lions as they attempted a two-point conversion try in the final 23 seconds. The refs said the wrong offensive lineman checked in as eligible to make the catch, so the flag dropped as the Lions celebrated the short lived successful two-point conversion pass.

The Cowboys jumped on top 7-3 late in the first quarter when QB Dak Prescott (345 passing yards, two TD, one INT) hit wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (13 receptions for 227 yards) on a 92-yard scoring pass. Lions running back David Montgomery later scored on a three-yard run and the game was tied 10-10 entering the fourth quarter. Prescott threw his second TD pass in the fourth quarter and kicker Brandon Aubrey drilled his second field goal for a 20-13 lead before Lions QB Jared Goff (271 passing yards, two INT) threw an 11-yard TD pass to WR Amon-Ra St. Brown before all the controversy on the failed two-point attempt.

 

The Indianapolis Colts (9-7) toppled the visiting Las Vegas Raiders, 23-20 to stay in the thick of the AFC playoff chase  as QB Gardner Minshew connected with WR Alec Pierce on a 58-yard TD strike along with Jonathan Taylor's five-yard scoring run and three field goals. The Raiders (7-9) were eliminated from playoff contention as QB Aidan O'Connell threw two TD passes to Davante Adams.

In Buffalo, the Bills (10-6) made it four wins in a row as they held off the stubborn New England Patriots, 27-21 with QB Josh Allen scoring two rushing touchdowns and defensive back Rasul Douglas taking an interception back 40 yards for another score to lead the way as their defense forced four turnovers (three interceptions, one fumble). New England (4-12) grabbed a quick 7-0 lead when Jalen Reagor took the opening kickoff back 98 yards for a score. Buffalo scored the next 20 points and led 20-14 at halftime. Allen scored his second rushing TD for a 27-14 lead and Pats RB Ezekiel Elliott had a six-yard TD run to account for the final outcome.

The Kansas City Chiefs (10-6) knocked off the visiting Cincinnati Bengals, 25-17 as kicker Harrison Butker made six field goals and QB Patrick Mahomes (245 passing yards) threw a TD pass to make the difference in the final outcome. The win clinched the AFC West division for the Chiefs, their eighth consecutive division crown while the Bengals (8-8) were eliminated from playoff contention. The Kansas City defense sacked Bengals QB Jake Browning (one rushing and passing TD in defeat) six times as they shut out Cincy in the second half.

The Jacksonville Jaguars (9-7) shutout the Carolina Panthers (2-14) by a 26-0 count to stay in a three-way tie for first place with Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts with RB Travis Etienne scoring two rushing touchdowns while gaining 102 yards on 16 carries and Brandon McManus kicking four field goals. The Panthers gained just 124 total yards in offense and QB Bryce Young was sacked six times in the blowout loss. 

The Houston Texans (9-7) won at home, 26-3 against the Tennessee Titans (5-11) as C.J. Stroud had a TD pass and Sheldon Rankins ran a fumble back 13 yards for another score to pace the easy win. The Texans defense limited the Titans to 187 yards in total offense and registered six QB sacks. 

The Los Angeles Rams (9-7) continued their push to make the NFC playoffs as they survived, 26-25 against the New York Giants (5-11) for the road win, which coupled with the Seattle Seahawks losing to Pittsburgh, clinched an NFC playoff spot. Running back Kyren Williams scored three times on the ground as the rams overcame three turnovers and two big scoring plays by the Giants, which included an 80-yard scoring pass from Tyrod Taylor to WR Darius Slayton and a 94-yard punt return TD by Gunner Olszewski to get to withing one point, but the two-point pass attempt failed. Giants kicker Mason Crosby missed on a 54-yard field goal in the closing seconds.

The Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) guaranteed another winning season as they topped the host Seattle Seahawks, 30-23 and more importantly stayed in contention for an AFC playoff spot. Meanwhile, Seattle fell to 8-8 and will now need help to get into the NFC playoffs. Steelers running back Najee Harris scored two rushing touchdowns and had 122 yards on 27 carries as they gained 468 total yards with 202 rushing yards. Seattle QB Geno Smith passed for 290 yards and one touchdown in the loss.

In Denver, the Broncos knocked off the injury depleted Los Angeles Chargers, 16-9 as backup QB Jarrett Stidham threw a 54-yard TD pass to WR Lil' Jordan Humphrey to get to 8-8 this season, but they were eliminated from playoff contention as Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Houston, Jacksonville and Buffalo all won their games. The Chargers (5-11) lost for the seventh time in the last eight games.

In the Sunday night game in Minnesota, the Green Bay Packers (8-8) destroyed the Vikings, 33-10 with QB Jordan Love (256 passing yards) throwing three TD passes and rushing for another in the easy win. Two of the scoring passes went to WR Jaylen Reed (six receptions for 89 yards) and one to WR Bo Melton, who had six receptions for 105 yards. The Vikings (7-9) were eliminated from playoff contention and were never in this one as they fell behind 23-3 at the half while turning the ball over twice. The Packers had a balanced attack on offense with RB Aaron Jones going for 120 yards rushing on 20 carries while the defense had four sacks and limited Minnesota to 211 yards in total offense.

WEEK SEVENTEEN RESULTS 

Cleveland 27, N.Y. Jets 20 

Dallas 20, Detroit 19  

Houston 26, Tennessee 3 

Chicago 37, Atlanta 17

New Orleans 23, Tampa Bay 13

Baltimore 56, Miami 19

Indianapolis 23, Las Vegas 20

Buffalo 27, New England 21

Jacksonville 26, Carolina 0 

Arizona 35, Philadelphia 31 

San Francisco 27, Washington 10 

L.A. Rams 26, N.Y. Giants 25

Pittsburgh 30, Seattle 23

Kansas City 25, Cincinnati 17 

Denver 16, L.A. Chargers 9

Green Bay 33, Minnesota 10