Sports | January 23rd, 2025
Recapping the NFL Divisional Round and College Football Championship
By: Autumn Haddox | Staff Writer
Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions were one win away from a return to the NFC Championship Game, but standing in their way were the Washington Commanders, led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels shined in his playoff debut, throwing for 268 yards and two touchdowns in a 23-20 wild-card victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He then faced a Detroit team hungry to solidify its place as a conference powerhouse, as the Lions sought to clinch their second consecutive trip to the NFC title game. With a rising star under center for Washington and Detroit’s playoff experience, this divisional-round clash delivered high stakes.
However, the Commanders, powered by Daniels’ poise and playmaking, pulled off an upset, with the score of 45-31, of the top-seed in the NFC Lions, delivering one of the most memorable surprises of the postseason.
Philadelphia Eagles at Los Angeles Rams
The Philadelphia Eagles battled not only a tough Los Angeles Rams team but also challenging weather conditions in their Divisional Round matchup. As snowflakes fell steadily on a frigid evening, the Eagles proved they were unfazed by the elements, securing a hard-fought 28-22 victory to punch their ticket to the NFC Championship Game.
Philadelphia’s offense was led by their steady quarterback play and a balanced attack that kept the Rams’ defense on its heels throughout the game. Despite a late surge from Los Angeles, the Eagles held firm, with critical stops and a late touchdown sealing the win.
The snowy conditions didn’t slow down the Eagles’ momentum, as they showed their resilience and determination to keep their hopes of a second straight NFC title alive. With the win, they advance to their third NFC Championship Game in the past five years, ready to face whoever stands in their way next.
Divisional Round: AFC
Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans
The Kansas City Chiefs demonstrated their dominance once again in the postseason, securing a 23-14 victory over the Houston Texans to advance to the AFC Championship Game. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes continued his flawless playoff performance, improving to a perfect 7-0 in Divisional Round matchups.
Mahomes orchestrated the offense with precision, throwing for over 270 yards and two touchdowns, while the Chiefs’ defense stepped up with key stops to shake the Texans’ offensive rhythm. Houston fought hard, but Kansas City’s experience and explosive playmaking proved too much to overcome.
The victory marked another milestone for Mahomes, who continues to cement his legacy as one of the NFL’s top postseason performers. With the win, the Chiefs are now one step closer to their third Super Bowl appearance in three years, as they prepare for the AFC Championship. Patrick Mahomes is one of five quarterbacks in NFL history to win three or more Super Bowls as a starter.
Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills hosted the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC Divisional matchup. Lamar Jackson had totaled 45 touchdowns during the regular season, while fellow MVP candidate Josh Allen had accounted for 41.
In Week 4, Derrick Henry ran for 199 yards as the Ravens defeated the Bills 35-10. With two of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks and a dominant performance from Henry earlier in the season, this divisional round, as promised, was a battle between two of the best quarterbacks in the AFC.
In a heartbreaking ending, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens fell short to the Bills with a score of 27-25.
The road to the Super Bowl is now set, Sunday, January 26, football fans will be treated to two Conference Championship matchups. In the NFC, the Washington Commanders will face off against the Philadelphia Eagles at 3 p.m. ET on Fox.
Then, in the AFC, the Buffalo Bills will travel to take on the Kansas City Chiefs at 6:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
NCAA Championship Game
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
In the College Football Playoff National Championship game, the Ohio State Buckeyes clinched their ninth national title by defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 34-23. This victory marks Ohio State’s first national championship since 2014.
Quarterback Will Howard played a pivotal role, completing his first 13 passes. The Buckeyes outgained Notre Dame 445 yards to 308.
Running back Quinshon Judkins was instrumental in the win. Following the championship, Judkins announced his intention to declare for the NFL Draft, expressing gratitude to the Ohio State community for their support.
The victory not only secures Ohio State’s place in college football history but also sets the stage for an exciting future as they continue to build on this championship success.
