2024 NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round Recap, Schedule, and Championship Sunday Preview
Divisional Round Recap
The Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs delivered two thrilling matchups that set the stage for an exciting Championship Sunday.
In the AFC, the No. 1 seed Baltimore Ravens dominated the No. 4 seed Houston Texans, securing a convincing 34-10 victory. Lamar Jackson led the charge for Baltimore, accounting for four total touchdowns (two passing, two rushing) and 100 rushing yards. The Texans struggled to contain Jackson and the Ravens’ potent offense, allowing 229 rushing yards and failing to generate significant offensive production.
The NFC Divisional Round matchup between the No. 1 seed San Francisco 49ers and the No. 7 seed Green Bay Packers was a nail-biter. The Packers held a 21-14 lead entering the fourth quarter, but the 49ers rallied to score 10 unanswered points and snatch a 24-21 victory. Christian McCaffrey emerged as the hero, scoring the game-winning touchdown on a six-yard run with just over a minute remaining. The 49ers’ defense also came up with crucial plays in the fourth quarter, intercepting Aaron Rodgers and forcing a fumble to seal the win.
Divisional Round Schedule and Results
Saturday, January 20th
* AFC: No. 1 Baltimore Ravens 34, No. 4 Houston Texans 10
* NFC: No. 1 San Francisco 49ers 24, No. 7 Green Bay Packers 21
Sunday, January 21st
* NFC: No. 4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 3 Detroit Lions, 3:00 PM ET (NBC)
* AFC: No. 3 Kansas City Chiefs at No. 2 Buffalo Bills, 6:30 PM ET (CBS, Paramount+)
Championship Sunday Schedule
Sunday, January 28th
* AFC Championship: Kansas City Chiefs/Buffalo Bills at No. 1 Baltimore Ravens, 3:00 PM ET (CBS, Paramount+)
* NFC Championship: Detroit Lions/Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 1 San Francisco 49ers, 6:30 PM ET (Fox)
Super Bowl LVIII Schedule
Sunday, February 11th
* AFC vs. NFC in Las Vegas, 6:30 PM ET (CBS, Nickelodeon, Paramount+)
Divisional Round Game Summaries
AFC: No. 1 Baltimore Ravens 34, No. 4 Houston Texans 10
The Ravens showcased their offensive firepower and defensive dominance in their victory over the Texans. Lamar Jackson was unstoppable, racking up four touchdowns and 100 rushing yards. The Texans’ defense had no answer for Jackson and the Ravens’ rushing attack, allowing 229 rushing yards in total. The Ravens’ defense also stifled the Texans’ offense, limiting them to just 209 yards of total offense.
NFC: No. 1 San Francisco 49ers 24, No. 7 Green Bay Packers 21
The 49ers and Packers engaged in a thrilling back-and-forth battle that came down to the wire. The Packers led for most of the game, but the 49ers showed resilience and determination in the fourth quarter. Christian McCaffrey’s game-winning touchdown run was the defining moment, securing the victory for the 49ers. The 49ers’ defense also played a關鍵 role, making crucial plays in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
Divisional Round Takeaways
* The Ravens are the team to beat in the AFC. They possess a dynamic offense led by Lamar Jackson and a stout defense that is playing at a high level.
* The 49ers are a legitimate contender in the NFC. They boast a balanced offense and a strong defense that can make timely plays.
* The Packers and Texans both had disappointing seasons, but they showed fight and determination in the Divisional Round.
* The Lions and Buccaneers will face off in a rematch of their Week 6 matchup, which the Lions won convincingly.
* The Chiefs and Bills will meet for the third time in five seasons in the playoffs. The Chiefs have won the previous two meetings.
Championship Sunday Preview
The AFC Championship Game will be a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s AFC Divisional Round game, which the Ravens won 27-20. The Bills will be eager to avenge that loss and reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 1993.
The NFC Championship Game will feature two teams that have not met in the playoffs since 1997. The Lions will aim to reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 1957, while the 49ers will look to return to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2019.
Super Bowl LVIII Preview
The Super Bowl LVIII matchup will be determined by the results of the Championship Sunday games. The AFC champion will face the NFC champion in Las Vegas on February 11th, 2024, in what promises to be an unforgettable spectacle.