NFL Playoffs Week 1 Review: Brilliant Bills steal the show

After an interesting weekend in the NFL playoffs, it’s time to take a look back at a Super Wildcard Weekend that was full of some great games and some really bad games.

Cincinnati Bengals vs Las Vegas Raiders

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Final score: Cincinnati Bengals 26, Las Vegas Raiders 19

This was a phenomenal start to Super Wildcard weekend. The Raiders have had the definition of a rollercoaster season. They had a scorching hot start but were derailed when former head coach Jon Gruden was fired, and then former first-round picks Henry Ruggs and Damon Arnette were released. The Raiders led by Derek Carr and interim head coach Rich Bisaccia who both did a tremendous job holding the team together despite the controversy.

The Raiders went down 14-0 early and even had a chance to win it on the final possession of the game but couldn’t put it in the end zone against a tough Cincinnati defense. “January” Joe Burrow showed no fear in his first playoff game as he passed for 244 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Bengals pull out the win and managed to cover the 6 point spread.

New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills

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Final score: Buffalo Bills 47, New England Patriots 17

In a freezing night in Buffalo, what a performance by Josh Allen and the Bills offense. The Bills became the first team in history to have a perfect day on offense as they scored a touchdown on all 7 of their offensive drives. Allen passed for 308 yards, 5 touchdowns and 66 rushing yards while running back Devin Singletary also scored twice. The Bills must’ve seen something in the two meetings prior to this game to make history in the third.

In a game that was supposed to be Bill Belichick’s anticipated return to the playoffs, the Patriots never really stood a chance. Hats off to the Bills as they go to Kansas City to take on a Chiefs team that also seems to be clicking on all cylinders.

Philadelphia Eagles vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Final score: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 35, Philadelphia Eagles 15

The final score indicates a closer game than it actually was. Philadelphia was overmatched by the Todd Bowles led defense. The Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts never really got going, Hurts finished the game 23/43 for 258 yards, 2 interceptions and a touchdown. Tampa also managed to shut down the Eagles’ historic running attack by holding them to a total of 95 yards on 17 carries.

Although the story of the game was the Bucs defense, Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, and Mike Evans all had very good days. Tampa covered this game with ease and should be favored yet again with the Los Angeles Rams coming to town next week.

San Francisco 49ers vs Dallas Cowboys

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Final score: San Francisco 49ers 23, Dallas Cowboys 17

In a game where the Dallas Cowboys were favored to win at home, the Cowboys came out flat. The 49ers were winning for the majority of the game and looked to be in complete control until the final possession of the game. The 49ers continued to show why they should be feared going into the second round of the playoffs. Eli Mitchell and Deebo Samuel had stellar games combining for 168 yards on the ground, Samuel also had 38 yards receiving and a touchdown.

The game came down to the final possession where Dak Prescott and the Cowboys were driving down the field with less than a minute left. It looked like the Cowboys might actually find a way to pull it out (-180 Money line). They tried a quarterback draw to get them closer to the end zone with 14 seconds left on the clock but failed to run a play before time expired. The 49ers (+155 Money line) took this one in a heart racer and will head to Green Bay to take on the Super Bowl favorite Packers in what should be a cold one.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Kansas City Chiefs

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Final score: Kansas City Chiefs 42, Pittsburgh Steelers 21

There’s not a lot to take away from this game other than the Steelers defense scoring the first touchdown of the game. The Chiefs would go onto 21 unanswered points and would win big. This is likely the end of an era in Pittsburgh with Ben Roethlisberger retiring. The Steelers should be in the market for a quarterback in the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft, keep an eye on Kenny Pickett. The Chiefs will take on the Buffalo Bills next week in a rematch of last year’s AFC Championship game.

Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams

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Final score: Los Angeles Rams 34, Arizona Cardinals 11

Again, there’s not a ton to take away from this game. After starting 7-0 the Cardinals fell off big time, losing 5 of their last 9 games. The up and down Cardinals didn’t stand a chance for long this game as they went down 21-0 at halftime and it wasn’t much of a game for them.

The Rams mid-season additions were in full form this game with Odell Beckham Jr. having a huge game receiving and even had a 40 yard pass down field to Cam Akers. Von Miller also finished with a sack and 6 tackles. The Rams will take on the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

You should expect some closer games in Week 2 of the NFL playoffs as the competition will only get better from here on out.