The 2019-20 NFL playoffs have kicked off with a wild first round of games. The players, coaches and fans alike were all amped up in anticipation of the first playoff weekend.
The first game was between the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints, two teams who had played twice during the regular season, each winning one game on their home field. This time, it was the Saints coming out on top with a 26-20 victory at home. Led by Drew Brees’ 349 passing yards and two touchdowns, along with an impressive run attack from Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray that combined for 108 yards and two touchdowns as well, the Saints controlled the ballgame throughout much of the way before clinching their win in the fourth quarter. The Vikings put together a valiant effort led by Kirk Cousins’ 242 yards passing and three touchdowns but fell just short to end their season early.
In Houston’s NRG Stadium, The Buffalo Bills squared off against AFC South champions Houston Texans in what turned out to be an extremely close contest through four quarters as both teams refused to give up any ground; ultimately it was Josh Allen’s touchdown pass to John Brown that sealed the 22-19 Bills win late in overtime. Allen surprised many with his performance throwing for 264 yards along with three total touchdowns while also accumulating 54 rushing yards to lead his team past Deshaun Watson’s 291 passing yards and one touchdown pass after facing adversity despite being down 16-0 at half time. Despite Watson’s best efforts, it wasn’t enough as Bills came away victorious ending Watson’s chances of advancing further into this season’s playoffs.
The Seattle Seahawks then took on Philadelphia Eagles in Lincoln Financial Field which featured Russell Wilson throwing for 325 yards and one touchdown helping his team defeat Carson Wentz’ 174 yard one interception performance as Seattle went onto halt Philadelphia 17-9 ending their quest for another Super Bowl appearance whilst sending them into an uncertain future following coach Doug Pederson’s rumors of possible departure this offseason.
Finally heading across into Foxborough Massachusetts where Tom Brady led New England Patriots against Tennessee Titans in what went down right until very last minute when Ryan Tannehill threw caught a 11 yard touchdown pass from Derrick Henry putting 25 points on board stopping Patriots comeback bid while they trailed 20–13 early fourth quarter however Stephen Gostkowski missed wide left 49 yard field goal attempt allowing Tennessee 27–24 slugfest win sealing there place into second round . On other hand Brady completed 20 passes for 209 yards alongside making several critical errors such as miscommunication between him Julian Edelman resulting in deciding pick six late third quarter which switched momentum further ruining former four time super bowl champion hopes of advancing furthest playoff stage once again.
All of this sets up mouthwatering matchups that are sure to thrill us all over the second weekend leading towards Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on February 2nd.