NEW YORK 23
BALTIMORE 21
The New York Jets (12-5) won a huge game on the road to beat the Baltimore Ravens (9-8) in the opening round of the NFL playoffs.
Sam Darnold was fantastic, moving the Jets offense up and down the field all afternoon finishing with 281 yards passing. The Jets quarterback picked up crucial 3rd downs and put the game away when his team needed him most.
"That was a tough D to play against. Credit to the guys getting open today." Darnold said after the game.
New York moves on to take on the number one seed and undefeated Buffalo Bills in the divisional round. It will be the 3rd match up between the AFC East foes.
"Third times the charm, right?" Coach Chad Pennington said. "We like our chances. The playoffs are a new season."
NEW ENGLAND 45
KANSAS CITY 24
The New England Patriots (12-5) won their wild card matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs (9-8) in blow-out fashion 45-24.
Marcus Mariota showed everyone why he was worth the mid-season trade the Pats made, throwing for 306 yards and 3 touchdowns before being pulled in the 3rd quarter when the game was clearly out of hand. Mariota had a perfect passer rating of 158.3 and has given the New England brass plenty to think about as he is set to become a free agent after the season.
Next week's matchup with the #2 seed Tennessee Titans will have extra intrigue as Mariota will be facing his former team.
"Just happy to get the W today." Mariota said. "It's just another game next week. All the other story lines are your guys' job."
