Baltimore Ravens 16
Green Bay Packers 34
LAS VEGAS - In only the second head to head 3GML Super Bowl, the Green Bay Packers outlasted the red-hot Baltimore Ravens 34-16. The Packers used a balanced run-pass attack to keep the Ravens defense on its heels for a good portion of the game.
Offensively, the Ravens couldn't get much going after scoring 59 in the AFC Championship. Jalen Hurts thew for 267 yards and a touchdown with one costly interception late in the end zone.
"Yeah, looking to make a different throw there," Hurts said. "I can promise you this. We will be back. You can take that to the bank."
The loss stings for GM TP, who made a miraculous run in the playoffs after getting in as a wild card. However, the future is bright for this new member who has an unbelievably deep roster and propensity to nail draft picks.
For the Packers, Isaiah Pacheco got things moving early and was consistent all game, rushing for 93 yards on 16 carries. The 5.8 yards per carry really opened up looks for Tua Tagovailoa and the offense. The 4th year signal-caller threw for 357 yards and four touchdowns en route to being named Super Bowl MVP.
"Wow. That's all I can say. After all the injury concerns last year, this feels pretty sweet to play an entire season and win the whole thing," Tagovailoa said.
The receiver most frequently on the end of the passing attack was Justin Jefferson. The LSU product had 11 receptions for 151 yards with 119 of those coming in the first half.
"I told y'all, we're the best team out there," Jefferson said after the game.
With the win, GM SD captures his league leading fourth title. The Lombardi Trophy now heads home.
Baltimore Ravens 59
Buffalo Bills 24
BUFFALO - The #6 Baltimore Ravens bullied their way through the #2 Buffalo Bills 59-24 to book their seat into Super Bowl LVIII.
After an early interception, Jalen Hurts exploded for 454 passing yards to go with three TDs while rookie phenom Bijan Robinson rushed for 159 yards and scored five total TDs (four rushing).
"The defense won't get the credit they deserve," Hurts said. "But Roquan (Smith) and the guys were shutting them down - It made it easy for us to go play with no fear."
In one of the most impressive 3GML playoff efforts of all time, this Ravens team now looks to etch their name in the record books against either the San Francisco 49ers or Green Bay Packers.
"We are just happy to be there," Robinson said. "Both of those teams are very strong, so it should be a good matchup either way."
Green Bay Packers 42
San Francisco 49ers 17
SANTA CLARA - The Green Bay Packers number one offense outlasted the top rated defense belonging to San Francisco, and punched their ticket to Super Bowl LVIII.
The Packers scored on the second play of the game when Isaiah Pacheco ran 63 yards for the opening points. From there, they led the rest of the way. San Francisco's defense kept things tight well into the third quarter, but their offense couldn't sustain drives, and eventually the unit ran out of gas.
For the 49ers, the loss stings as it marks the end of a promising season where they saw the team capture a 15-2 record and the number one overall seed. They invested multiple assets in a title run and now face some tough financial decisions this off season. However, they look to be set at quarterback as Jordan Love cemented himself as "the guy." That alone should keep San Francisco in the hunt for years to come.
For Green Bay, the win gets them back into the Super Bowl for the first time in three years.
"Ready to keep this bus rolling," said Amon Ra St. Brown. "We know we have a tough test ahead. Going to enjoy this one and then get to work."
The Packers will take on the Baltimore Ravens in Las Vegas where they will try to capture GM SD his 4th title.
Baltimore Ravens 38
San Diego Chargers 10
SAN DIEGO - A week after their dramatic come-from-behind victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, the #6 Baltimore Ravens destroyed the #1 San Diego Chargers 38-10 in San Diego.
Led by QB Jalen Hurts, the Ravens led throughout. Hurts finished with 312 passing yards and 4TD in a statement win for the 3rd year QB.
"They were a hot team," Hurts said. "But we played well today. We'll see if we can keep it going in Buffalo."
Rookie Hendon Hooker had the clock strike midnight on his magical season as he was picked off twice by CB Marlon Humphrey."
After a two weeks of debate about whether Nick Sirianni, despite a 15-2 record, was losing the locker room, the embarrassing loss seemed to prove that where there was smoke, there may have been fire.
"Yes, I know I was coaching for my job," Sirianni said. "But it was unwarranted. We watered the plants, tilled the soil, and trimmed the bushes."
Colin Cowherd already posted via X (formerly Twitter) that San Diego was lining up an interview with former coach (and fictional character) Jerry Daniel who (fictionally) led Akron to back-to-back college championships a decade ago.
Baltimore will now look to book their spot in the Super Bowl against the #2 Buffalo Bills.
Atlanta Falcons 31
San Francisco 49ers 34
SANTA CLARA - In a game that came down to the final play, the 49ers survived a late drive by the Falcons to earn a 34-31 win and a trip to the NFC Championship. The Falcons had the ball in field goal range with 35 seconds, but a bad sack taken by Desmond Ridder pushed them back too far for an attempt. The Hail Mary on the next play fell to the ground and San Francisco survived.
Jordan Love moved the ball effectively for the Niners, throwing for 306 yards, three TDs, and two interceptions.
"Happy to get that one," Love said. "You live for these moments, so I just tried to make it count."
Defensively, 3GML All Pro linebacker Drue Tranquill played a crucial role all game, racking up 11 tackles, sacking Desmond Ridder three times, and picking off the Falcons QB once.
"That was probably the best team we've seen offensively this year," Tranquill said. "Hats off to them. Glad we had more points at the end."
For the 49ers, the win gives them another home game next week and a shot for a return trip to the Super Bowl after a one year hiatus. Their challenge is the NFC's number two seed; the Green Bay Packers.
New Orleans Saints 14
Green Bay Packers 45
GREEN BAY - The Packers used a huge fourth quarter to pull away from the Saints late and walk out of Lambeau Field with a 45-14 win. Up 20-14 after three, Green Bay was on their heels with the Saints driving to start the fourth. However a strip sack of Derek Carr by Baron Browning led to a scoop and score by Harold Landry that broke things open.
Clearly rattled by the play, Carr threw a pick six to Martin Emerson Jr. on the very next possession, sealing the game for good.
The Packers are used to their offense carrying the load, so it was a change of pace to see the defense salt this one away.
"Peaking at the right time," Landry said after the game. "The O has made our job easy all year, so we needed to step up."
The Packers earns a trip to the NFC Championship for the second straight year, this time against the number one seeded San Francisco 49ers. The NFLs number one offense in Green Bay will face their biggest test against the NFL's number one defense in San Francisco.
Atlanta Falcons 41
Philadephia Eagles 20
PHILADELPHIA - The Atlanta Falcons rolled into a hostile Philadelphia atmosphere and walked out leaving no doubt about who played better this Sunday. For the Falcons, Kyle Pitts was unstoppable with 119 yards and 3 touchdowns on the afternoon. With their 41-20 victory, Atlanta moves on the divisional round.
For the Eagles, the loss caps a promising first season for GM BD who assembled a division winning roster with a rookie quarterback. Will Levis showed enough promise to be the franchise QB moving forward. He will have a full compliment of offensive weapons at his disposal next year with Christian McCaffey, AJ Brown, and Devonta Smith.
Defensively, BD will be looking for upgrades and depth to improve upon a bottom tier unit. He now has the draft and free agency to improve this 10-7 unit.
"I feel like we had a pretty solid season. Could have been a bit better defensively," said BD. "However, I know we have a lot of potential and am looking forward to next season."
Baltimore Ravens 33
Cincinnati Bengals 32
CINCINNATI - Down five with 2:23 to go in the game, Jalen Hurts led his team on a 7-play, 83 yard touchdown drive to will his team past the Cincinnati Bengals 33-32.
The Hurts TD pass to HB Rachad White capped a frenzied comeback for the Ravens who trailed from the opening kickoff.
"Yeah, that was a gut punch (the opening kickoff return for a touchdown by Randall Cobb)," Hurts said. "It took us way too long to dig out of that hole."
With TE Mark Andrews not quite able to go, backup Daniel Bellinger fueled the Baltimore comeback with 147 receiving yards and a pair of TD catches.
After losing both regular season games against the Bengals, DeMeco Ryans and his team gave us arguably the most memorable 3GML playoff game of all time.
"This one will go down in history," Ryans said. "But it will really mean something if we can keep it going to the championship."
Baltimore will not head to San Diego to take on the AFC's #1 seed.
Carolina Panthers 10
Green Bay Packers 38
GREEN BAY - The Green Bay Packers easily handled the visiting Panthers 38-10 in chilly Lambeau Field. Isaiah Pacheco set the tone for the Packers who turned to the ground game for success. Pacheco ended with 151 yards and 3 touchdowns on the afternoon.
Defensively, the Packers picked off rookie Bryce Young 3 times, including two by linebacker Ernest Jones.
"That was awesome," Jones said. "Defense is peaking at the right time and we were ready to go this afternoon."
Green Bay stays at home next week to host the New Orleans Saints in the divisional round.
Kansas City Chiefs 40
Houston Texans 19
HOUSTON - The two-time defending Super Bowl champions attempt at a third straight title came to end Sunday in a 40-19 loss to the Chiefs. Houston, who battled key injuries all season just couldn't keep up with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
"We just hit the end of the road," Coach David Shaw said. "Super proud of this team's resolve."
With the loss Houston heads into the offseason with a huge question at quarterback. Aaron Rodgers is supposed to be back and healthy, but the Texans appear to be tired of his off field comments. Houston also holds the number two overall pick thanks to a previous trade with the Commanders, potentially making it easier to move on.
"Happy with the year considering all the injuries. Solid draft class coming up. Very very happy to have the second overall pick," said GM TH potentially hinting at the direction he will go at signal caller.