NFL Playoff Predictions: Divisional Round Recap + Conference Championship Predictions

Chiefs Defeat Jaguars, 27-20

Kansas City saw its Super Bowl hopes flash before its eyes in the first quarter of its tilt with the rising Jacksonville Jaguars. In the process of leading the Chiefs to 10 points on their first two drives, Patrick Mahomes suffered a high ankle sprain which forced him out of the game for the majority of the second quarter. With Mahomes on the bench, backup QB Chad Henne led the team on a 98-yard touchdown drive to extend Kansas City’s lead to 17-7. Mahomes returned to the field after halftime, but was clearly hampered by his ankle.

The Jaguars had plenty of opportunities to claw their way back into the game. Down 17-10 at halftime, Jacksonville had two chances to tie the game early in the third quarter — but only mustered 36 total yards on 13 plays before punting the ball back to the Chiefs on back-to-back drives. After a KC field goal increased its lead to 10, the Jags responded with a touchdown to pull within three points. KC bounced back with a TD of its own, and then Jacksonville imploded. On its next drive, Jacksonville fumbled on KC’s six-yard line. Jacksonville’s defense forced a quick three-and-out to get the ball back, but Trevor Lawrence immediately threw an interception to all but end the Jags’ season.

Image Source: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports