Packers Hold Off Seahawks in Divisional Round Shootout
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The top-seeded Green Bay Packers weathered a furious comeback by the 5th-seeded Seattle Seahawks to secure a thrilling 37-35 victory in the NFC Divisional Round on Saturday.
Green Bay (15-3) came out firing, scoring 28 points in a dominant first half behind a career performance from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa threw for 415 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, showcasing the precision that powered the Packers to the NFC’s top seed.
Wide receivers Rome Odunze and Justin Jefferson were unstoppable, with Odunze hauling in 122 yards and a touchdown, while Jefferson added 102 yards and a score. Running back Isiah Pacheco complemented the air attack with a bruising 120 yards on the ground and a touchdown.
Despite the early dominance, the Seahawks (11-8) stormed back in the second half, cutting the lead to two points late in the fourth quarter. Green Bay’s defense, however, held firm on Seattle’s final drive to seal the victory.
“Credit to Seattle—they didn’t quit, and they made us earn it,” said Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. “But this team knows how to finish, and that’s what we did today.”
The victory sets up a marquee NFC Championship matchup as Green Bay will host the 2nd-seeded San Francisco 49ers, a clash of two 3GML franchises with Super Bowl aspirations.
49ers Capitalize on Late Turnovers to Advance to NFC Championship
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The 2nd-seeded San Francisco 49ers pulled away late to defeat the 3rd-seeded New York Giants 37-20 in the NFC Divisional Round on Sunday, punching their ticket to the NFC Championship Game.
In a game that was tied 20-20 midway through the fourth quarter, the 49ers (12-7) delivered a string of defensive heroics to put the game out of reach. The turning point came on a critical Giants possession when 49ers defensive tackle Zach Allen strip-sacked Daniel Jones, scooped up the loose ball, and rumbled 27 yards for a game-changing touchdown.
“Zach’s play was incredible—it completely shifted the momentum,” said 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. “That’s the kind of play you dream about in big games.”
Following the fumble return, the Giants (11-8) unraveled. Jones threw interceptions on New York’s next two possessions, first a pick-six to linebacker Drue Tranquill and then another interception to cornerback Jaylon Johnson, sealing the Giants’ fate with three turnovers in as many drives.
Offensively, San Francisco was efficient, with quarterback Jordan Love throwing for 247 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Running back Jaylen Wright chipped in with 59 rushing yards.
With the win, the 49ers advance to the NFC Championship Game, where they will face the top-seeded Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The clash between two 3GML franchises promises to be a showdown for the ages.
