There were no unexpected outcomes during the first weekend of the NFL playoffs, with the possible exception of the wide winning margin of 38 - 13 by which the Green Bay Packers disposed of the New York Giants.
In the AFC Wild Card round, the weak Texans prevailed against an injury-depleted Oakland Raiders team that was down to its third-string quarterback. The Texans earned a trip to Foxborough, Massachusetts, where they will find a rested and eager New England Patriots team.
Likewise, the Pittsburgh Steelers got past the Miami Dolphins, absent their quarterback Ryan Tannehill, although it is doubtful his presence would have had much influence on the hot Steelers. The Steelers made amends for their 30 – 15 loss to Miami during the regular season, a loss Steelers’ Coach Mike Tomlin characterized by saying, “We got our butts whupped.” Now, the Steelers will face a test in the unfriendly confines of Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, where the Chiefs will be seeking retribution for the 43 – 13 thumping the Steelers administered during the regular season.
The Divisional round in the NFC looks to offer competitive games, with the Seattle Seahawks, who rolled over the Detroit Lions, visiting the Atlanta Falcons, whilst the Packers, with a hot, Hail Mary tossing Aaron Rogers, will visit the number one seeded Dallas Cowboys.
