The first day of Super Wild Card Weekend provided memorable moments, and now three teams are advancing to the Divisional Round. Here's a look at how each game shook down, from the key moments to the important stats.
Bills Survive Late Colts Push
For the first time since 1995, the Buffalo Bills were on the winning end of a playoff game. Led by quarterback Josh Allen, the Bills defeated the Colts 27-24 to advance to the next round of the AFC Playoffs.
Allen accounted for three total touchdowns in the game, one of which came from his legs. The NFL's leading receiver Stefon Diggs was his top target, as the veteran wideout reeled in 128 yards and a touchdown. For the Colts, quarterback Philip Rivers tossed a pair of touchdowns with his 300+ yards passing, while running back Jonathan Taylor ran for close to 80 yards and scored as well.
Indianapolis managed to out-gain Buffalo on offense during the game 472-397, leading the time-of-possession battle as well. The big difference came in the red zone, where the Colts only scored in two of their five trips. And although the Bills made just two trips, both ended in touchdowns.
Rams D Gets Job Done
Five sacks, a forced fumble, and a pick-six helped the Rams upset the Seahawks 30-20 in Seattle. This is now the second time in three years L.A. has made it to the Divisional Round, while it's the second time in three years Seattle has lost in the Wild Card Round.
Defensive tackle Aaron Donald and linebacker Leonard Floyd each had a pair of sacks in the game, as the Rams defense held Seattle to just 278 total yards. In addition to Los Angeles' stellar defense, running back Cam Akers led the way for the Rams offense. The rookie ran for 131 yards with a touchdown, the bulk of which coming in the first half. L.A. also got a boost from quarterback Jared Goff's 155 yards and a touchdown after replacing the injured John Wolford in the first quarter.
For Seattle, Russell Wilson was uncomfortable for the whole game. Despite throwing for two touchdowns, both of which were to DK Metcalf. The star quarterback completed just 11 out of 27 passes, taking five sacks and getting intercepted on a screen pass that was taken for six by cornerback Darious Williams.
Running back Chris Carson finished the game with 77 rushing yards, while wide receiver Tyler Lockett was held to just two catches.
Bucs Hold Off WFT's Upset Bid
Playing in their first playoff game since the 2007 season, the Buccaneers held off a pesky Washington Football Team to win 31-23 and advance to the Divisional Round. It was Tampa's first postseason win since 2002, the season they won the Super Bowl.
Making his Bucs playoff debut, quarterback Tom Brady threw for 381 yards with touchdowns to Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown. Receiver Mike Evans was kept out of the end zone but did snag close to 120 yards receiving.
Stepping up for the injured Ronald Jones, Leonard Fournette also ran for 93 yards with a score. Despite the one-possession score and the 1-for-5 mark in the red zone, Tampa Bay gained over 500 yards of total offense and never let Washington take the lead.
Speaking of Washington, backup Taylor Heinicke surprised many with his performance. Starting over the injured Alex Smith, the fourth-year quarterback threw for more than 300 yards with a touchdown. He also led the team in rushing with 46 yards, including a highlight-worthy touchdown that brought Washington to within two. Wide receiver Cam Sims was Heinicke's leading receiver with 104 yards, while Steven Sims Jr. caught the lone touchdown.
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