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Baltimore Ravens 34, Houston Texans 10
Lamar Jackson proved that he can be deadly and beat you either in the air with his arm, or on the ground with his legs. It’s a matter of picking your poison. And that what makes it so difficult for opposing defenses.
What’s scary is that he is gaining very valuable playoff experience, to boot. That is a scary thought for opposing teams.
Jackson threw some great passes, and had some dangerous runs in the first half. But it was a long run that resulted in a touchdown in the third quarter that gave the Ravens the lead for good, breaking a 10-10 tie at halftime. From that point onward, the Ravens took control of the game.
Early in the fourth quarter, Jackson again showed how dangerous he can be with his passing game, as he found Isiah Likely in the end zone, which gave Baltimore a 24-10 lead. Time was running out on Houston.
The Ravens then ate up a lot of the clock with their running game, as Dalvin Cook. But it was Lamar Jackson who ran it in for a second running touchdown for him on the day. That put the game out of reach for the visiting Texans, who suddenly could not stop Jackson and Baltimore, as they had done throughout the first half.
A late field goal by Justin Tuck provided the final score of 34-10.
As for the Texans, they enjoyed a very successful season, coming from way back to capture an unlikely AFC South division title. Then they managed to stun the Cleveland Browns in the Wildcard, with their tough defense. C. J. Stroud is a rising star, and the offense looks very secure in his hands for years to come.
But this day belonged to the Ravens. They will host the winner of today’s AFC Championship Game next Sunday.
My pick: Accurate
San Francisco 49ers 24, Green Bay Packers 21
No, the Pack did not pull off another upset. What they did manage to do was play well and push the 49ers to the end of the fourth quarter, forcing the Niners to pull off a comeback win.
Green Bay got on the scoreboard early with a field goal, and seemed to be in position to add to that. Their offense really appeared to be rolling. But they got greedy and went for it on fourth and short, and did not make it. A missed opportunity for points, which would prove costly later in the game.
The 49ers offense did get in sync in the second quarter, as Purdy led his team to a a touchdown, where he threw a long touchdown pass to George Kittle.
The Packers were able to drive into the red zone again late in the second quarter. Also once again, they had to settle for a field goal. That closed the margin to 7-6 by halftime.
In the second half, San Francisco’s offense looked like it was in rhythm, driving down the field. But a blocked field goal after the ball was tipped by a Packer defender meant that they were not able to build on their lead.
Love threw a beautiful touchdown pass to Bo Melton.
The 49ers responded, however. They drove down the field again, with a McCaffrey breaking free on a beautiful run for a touchdown, which put the 49ers up by a point once again, 14-13, midway through the third quarter.
Right away, the Packers also responded, beginning with Keyshan Nixon had a huge return. Minutes later, Love found tight end Tucker Kraft for a touchdown. A successful two-point conversion make the score 21-14.
Nixon almost had a pick, just minutes after his big kick return. But on the ensuing drive, a Love pass was tipped and picked off by the 49ers.
On the first play of the fourth quarter, the 49ers Moony/ converted a long field goal attempt, bringing SF to within 21-17.
Aaron Jones had a huge run from deep in Green Bay territory, running open, then breaking some tackles to get inside of the San Francisco 40.
Carlson missed wide left, giving the 49ers a real chance to win it in regulation.
Minutes later, that is precisely what the Niners did. The went down the field, and got a touchdown inside of the two minute warning when McCaffrey ran another one into the end zone, putting San Francisco in front.
On their final chance, the Packers saw their hopes end with another interception.
With this win, the 49ers earn the right to host the winner of the NFC Divisional Round game next Sunday.
My pick: Accurate
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