All articles tagged with #wild card weekend
New England defeated Los Angeles 16-3 in Wild Card Weekend, leaning on a swarming defense and a solid performance from Drake Maye to advance. Maye overcame a slow start as the Patriots’ defense harassed Justin Herbert, who was pressured on six sacks, while the Chargers’ run game and O-line struggled (Omarion Hampton limited, Kimani Vidal carried most plays).
Post-Wild Card Weekend, this WCG Power Rankings recap ranks the eight remaining playoff teams (Seahawks, Broncos, Rams, Patriots, Bills, Bears, Texans, 49ers), analyzes quarterback play, injuries, and key matchups as they chase a Super Bowl, and offers parting thoughts on the six eliminated teams (Jaguars, Eagles, Chargers, Steelers, Packers, Panthers) with notes on offseason directions.
Caleb Williams fuels Chicago’s comeback past Green Bay, Matthew Stafford leads a Rams late-game surge, and Josh Allen delivers a clean, clutch performance as wild-card weekend ends with multiple dramatic finishes; meanwhile Nick Sirianni’s Eagles stumble, the NFC West makes a strong playoff statement, and Justin Herbert struggles in New England in an unforgettable open to the postseason.
Drake Maye threw a 28-yard TD to Hunter Henry as the Patriots, backed by a swarming defense, defeated the Chargers 16-3 in the wild-card round, earning New England its first postseason win since Super Bowl LIII. Maye finished 17-of-29 for 268 yards with a TD and an interception, plus 66 rushing yards, becoming one of the few QBs with 250+ passing yards and 50+ rushing yards in a playoff game. Vrabel praised Maye after a late rally, and New England will host the winner of the Texans-Steelers game next week.
After the Chargers' 16-3 wild-card loss to the Patriots, Jim Harbaugh said he doesn’t have the answers for why his team scored only three points, pledging hard work and sleepless nights to figure out how to improve for 2026, while praising the players’ effort and congratulating New England.
In the Eagles' 23-19 Wild Card loss to the 49ers, A.J. Brown had 3 catches for 25 yards on seven targets with two drops, including a wind-affected deep ball. Nick Sirianni defended Brown, praising his hands and explaining that weather can cause uncharacteristic drops, while downplaying a sideline exchange. Brown finished the season with 1,003 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, and his future with Philadelphia remains a topic of offseason chatter.
The article highlights the top plays by the Chicago Bears during their Wild Card Weekend game against the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 NFL Playoffs, along with other notable game highlights from Week 17 and Week 18 of the 2025 NFL season.
Senior NFL columnist Judy Battista discusses the New York Giants' head coach search, with interviews expected from interim coach Mike Kafka, Mike McCarthy, Kliff Kingbury, and Matt Nagy.
The article previews the upcoming NFL Wild Card Weekend, highlighting key matchups and questions, such as the Rams' potential to prove their strength, Josh Allen's quest for a Super Bowl, the rivalry between the Packers and Bears, the Eagles' challenge against the 49ers, and the Patriots' chance to build a dynasty under new leadership, while also examining the playoff prospects of Rodgers and Tomlin.
The San Francisco 49ers face the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Weekend with several key players, including Trent Williams and Renardo Green, listed as questionable due to injuries, but some players like George Kittle and Jordan Elliott returned to full practice, as both teams prepare for their playoff matchup.
The Buffalo Bills have several key players listed as questionable or out for their AFC Wild Card game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, including Terrel Bernard, Maxwell Hairston, Damar Hamlin, Joshua Palmer, Shaq Thompson, and Ty Johnson, with updates on their practice participation and health status.
NFL analysts make bold predictions for Wild Card Weekend, including Drake Maye throwing three interceptions against the Chargers, Caleb Williams leading Chicago to a win with four touchdown passes, and other standout performances like Brandin Cooks surpassing 100 yards and C.J. Stroud rushing for two touchdowns. The predictions highlight potential surprises and key player performances in the playoff games.
The article provides expert betting tips for the NFL Wild-Card Weekend, analyzing six key matchups and offering specific bets such as under 46.5 in Rams-Panthers, Packers ML, under 44.5 in 49ers-Eagles, and others, based on team performance, injuries, and historical trends.
Gerry Dulac predicts the outcomes for the NFL wild-card playoff games, favoring the Rams, Bears, Jaguars, Eagles, Chargers, and Steelers in a series of close contests, highlighting key team performances and recent form.
The article previews the Rams vs. Panthers playoff game, highlighting the significance of Davante Adams' return for the Rams, the playoff debut of Panthers QB Bryce Young, and the potential for an upset with Panthers' coach Dave Canales channeling past success. It also provides injury reports and viewing information.