The Super Bowl is set: It will be the 15-2 Bengals vs the 15-2 Panthers. The best team in the AFC the entire year vs the best team in the NFC the entire year. How did we get here? The playoffs were full of upsets, close games, and even some blowouts. Let’s take a look:
Wildcard Round
4. Chargers vs 5. Colts
We kicked off the playoffs with a game that had us on the edge of out seat the entire game. The Chargers walked into this game with home-field advantage, being the higher seed, yet very few people picked them to win this game. The Chargers showcased why they were in the playoffs in the first place. They won the game 23-19 after a great pick in the endzone led to a victory formation for the Chargers. #PlayoffBracketCrusher
2. Jets vs 7. Bills
The Jets and the Bills had a season tie 1-1 in their matchups against one another. Many would probably call an upset due to the fact that the Bills seemed to have the Jets’ number. However, this game was not as intense as expected. The Jets gave an absolute whooping, leading to the Bills quitting the game in an absolutely disgusting act. Before they quit, the score was 47-23
3. Titans vs 6. Browns
The Browns had a great turnaround to the season that led to them making the playoffs. However, their story would quickly come to an end against the “Scary Hours” Titans. This was a close game, but coaching decisions later in the game cost the Browns. For the Titans, they showcased what we already knew. THEY ARE THE REAL DEAL. They won 35-28.
4. Commanders vs 5. Lions
The Commanders shocked me when they finished the season strong to become NFC East division champions! In this matchup though, they were completely outmatched. The Lions jumped out to a quick lead and never looked back. The dominant duo of the MVP and OPOY was too much for the Commanders, and Howell just was not ready for the playoffs. Lions won this game 28-10.
2. Cardinals vs 7. Cowboys
Many considered the Cardinals frauds, thinking that they were just a regular-season team. With a chip on their shoulder, the Cardinals did what they have done all season. Shock the world. Stamp their identity. THEY ARE HERE. For the Cowboys, this game was a forgettable one. A great season hindered by a bad playoff performance, but I am convinced that with a few more moves they will be back. The Cardinals won this game 33-18
3. Packers vs 6. Saints
UPSET ALERT. Who saw this one coming? Nobody. Absolutely nobody! It was a great game but down 27-20, it was the Saints turn to shock the league. Converting on 4th downs after fourth downs, the Saints were at the one-yard line. Instead of running the ball, Carr threw the ball to Short for the touchdown to make the score 27-26. In a bold call, the Saints’ offense stayed on the field. They took a penalty to give them more space. With the season on the line, Carr fired a dot to Smith to take the lead and ultimately win the game 28-27. WOW!
Divisional Round
3. Titans vs 2. Jets
Scary Hours. The Titans stormed into New York and completely outmatched the Jets. Defensively, they hounded one of the best offenses in the league. Offensively, they made a name for themselves. Our host, SNYPZ, called it the BEST performance he had seen all year. If they had not already, the Titans put the league on notice. They won this game 40-20.
1. Bengals vs 4. Chargers
Man! Was this a great game or what? An offensive showdown capped off by a pick by Herbert. The Charger jumped out to a 21-7 lead and my prediction was making me look like a magician. However, the Bengals showed why they are the best team in the AFC. With Chase looking like he should have been the cover athlete, head-tapping all defenders, and Joe Shiesty throwing lasers, the Bengals were able to come back and take a 3-point lead. The Chargers were in field goal range late in the fourth, but a poor read by Herbert led to a pick-6. Crazy. The Bengals won this game 52-42.
1. Panthers vs 6. Saints
The Cinderella Story was put to a complete stop in Carolina. After a pick-6, the Saints took a 7-0 lead and the game looked like it would be a very close game. However, the Panthers dominated the rest of the way. A great season by the Saints, nonetheless, and they will surely make noise next year. But for Carolina, they still have a chance at the ultimate prize. They won this game 27-13
2. Cardinals vs 5. Lions
The Cardinals had a phenomenal season, but their underdog story ended in a blowout to the Lions. The Cardinals offense did not show up and Kyler Murray has put the game on himself. Once again, another team could not stop the MVP-OPOY due in Hooker and Jameson. The Lions won this game 31-12 and moved on the the much anticipated NFC Championship game.
AFC/NFC Championship Round
1. Bengals vs 3. Titans
This game was worth the hype. In a snow game, the two best teams in the AFC put on a show. The Bengals score, Titans have an answer. The Titans score, Bengals have an answer. Down by 6, the season was on Will Levis’s shoulder. He has performed well all season, and it was another chance for him to show how great he is. However, with the Bengals wearing white in a snow game, Levis did not see the defender and threw a pick. A mistake many would have made. Nonetheless, the season ended for the Titans, and the Bengals are AFC Champions! Whoever made the decision on the Bengals wearing white jerseys needs a raise! They won this game 27-21.
1. Panthers vs 5. Lions
Rumor has it that the Lions circled this matchup. They lost earlier in the year, but felt that they had what it takes to beat the Panthers. And for half of the game, it looked just like that. Down 14-3, Bryce Young threw a pick that put the Saints at the 1-yard line. A touchdown may have sealed this game, however, the Panthers got a great goal-line stand, forcing the Lions to take 3. On the following drive, the Panthers score. They get a stop, and then they score again! We had a tied-ball game! The Lions went down the field and got 3. Now it was time for Bryce Young and the Panthers’ offense to step up and lead their team to a Super Bowl. AND THEY DID JUST THAT. They won this game 24-20.
Now the Super Bowl is set! Two great teams who have had heated arguments in the past. Only one will get the ultimate prize. Only one will get bragging rights. Only one’s blood, sweat, and tears will be rewarded. Only one will hold up that Super Bowl Trophy. Only one will be called OGCFM Season 1 Super Bowl Champs! Tune in at 9:15 p.m. EST on Snypz to find out who it will be.
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