NFL SUPERBOWL LVI [SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles] - SUNDAY 13th FEBRUARY 2022

Super Bowl LVI

Venue: SoFi Stadium. 

Sunday 13th February   Time: 23:30 GMT.

Cincinnati Bengals (AFC)  20
LA Rams (NFC)  23

The final game of the 2021-22 NFL season takes place at the home of both the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. Super Bowl LVI will be the 56th Super Bowl and the 52nd modern-era National Football League championship. The game is scheduled to be played on February 13, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. 

Pregame Entertainment
The opening ceremonies will include country singer Mickey Guyton who will perform the National Anthem, making her the first black female country singer to perform the national anthem at the game. While Jhené Aiko will perform "America the Beautiful" and Mary Mary accompanied by the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles will perform "Lift Every Voice and Sing" which is also known as the "Black National Anthem".

Pepsi Half Time Show
The famous halftime show will be headlined by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar. That is quite a lot of artists to fill the short 15 minute slot although when you add in all the expensive adverts it usually lasts about 30 minutes.

The AFC Champions Cincinnati Bengals beat last years Super bowl runners up Kansas City to join the NFC Champions LA Rams into this seasons finale. Lots of exciting playoff games, late comebacks, overtime and some upsets of the seeds means we have the #4 seed Cincinnati Bengals representing the AFC matched up against the #4 seed from the NFC in the shape of the Los Angeles Rams. 

This end of season extravaganza is a big night in my calendar and will make a night of it where the main challenge for myself will be can I keep awake to catch it all, or will I be asleep before the half time show. The game is live on the BBC1 channel on Sunday night from 23:30 there is also a show on BBC2 from 23:00 with all the build up. Dan Walker presents the NFL weekly show now having taken over from Mark Chapman last season. However the SuperBowl appears to have been handed to Nat Coombs who will be joined by two-time Super Bowl winner Osi Umenyiora, former NFL cornerback Jason Bell and a host of guests from the world of American football including Mike Carlson. Time to rustle up some snacks, grab a few beers and settle down to enjoy the action, at least this year we don't have to be up early for work in the morning.

Joe Burrow QB Cincinnati

CINCINNATI BENGALS
Odds 33/20
(5/6 with +4.5 points handicap)

The Cincinnati Bengals finished the regular season with a 10–7 record under third-year head coach Zac Taylor. This will be their third Super Bowl appearance, following 1981's Super Bowl XVI and 1988's Super Bowl XXIII. After losing both, the Bengals saw little success and had not won a playoff game since the 1990 season. Having finished the previous three seasons at the bottom of the AFC North and having not made the playoffs since 2015, it was after their 2-14 season that they had the first overall pick in the NFL Draft which they used to select Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow. Much could depend on how often Joe Burrow can find his star receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who was their main pick the season after they selected Burrow. Chase was fourth in receiving yards (1,455) and third in receiving touchdowns (13), both of which led the AFC. In the AFC Championship Game against the two-time defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati fell into a 21–3 deficit during the first half, but rallied to take a 24–21 lead in the fourth quarter. The game went into overtime, in which safety Vonn Bell intercepted Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes on the first drive and McPherson converted a 31-yard field goal to send the Bengals to their first Super Bowl since 1988. So even if they do find themselves down in the game they know they have the minerals to turn it around, something that could be a big psychological advantage?

Rams QB Matt Stafford 

LA RAMS
Odds 1/2
(20/21 with -4.5 Points Handicap)

The Los Angeles Rams finished the 2021 season with a 12–5 record under fifth-year head coach Sean McVay. This will be their fifth Super Bowl appearance, third as a Los Angeles-based team, and second under McVay having lost the 2018 finale against the New England Patriots by a score of 13–3 in the lowest-scoring Super Bowl in history. I hope we won't see a repeat of that as it was very dull and this season by contrast has been one of the bests that I can recall. Wide receiver Cooper Kupp became the fourth NFL player and first since 2005 to obtain the receiving triple crown by leading the league in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947), and receiving touchdowns (16).  The team's leading rusher at 845 yards was running back Sony Michel, who was acquired in a trade with the New England Patriots after Cam Akers missed most of the regular season with an Achilles tendon injury. 

Defensively they have the outstanding Aaron Donald the leading tackle with 12.5 sacks too, a leader on and off the field. Also with Jalen Ramsey, Leonard Floyd and Taylor Rapp they have put together a strong defensive line.

Expecting a high scoring offensive game so the over 47.5 points is high but achievable (10/11) will also support the half time market with the over 23.5 score at Evens shall aim to have that in some accumulators over the weekend. 
Other bets this weekend

Cooper Kupp to score 2 or more touchdowns @7/2

Total match touchdowns over 5.5 @5/6

Cooper Kupp AND Cam Akers to score touchdowns @12/5

2021-22 NFL SEASON DIVISIONAL (NFC / AFC) CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME 
Sunday 30th January 20:05

Cincinnati Bengals 27 @ 24 Kansas City Chiefs  [H/T 10 - 21]
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City

We are now down to the final four teams for this year's NFL Championship. The two conference winners from this weekend will battle it out for Superbowl LVI in two weeks time and this year it's the AFC Conference that steps up first. After an exciting play off weekend where all four games were decided at the death we see the Kansas City Chiefs host the Cincinnati Bengals at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs having beaten the Bills in a thrilling overtime win 42-36 will be seeking to reach their third consecutive Superbowl (won one, lost one) and it's their offensive unit led by QB Patrick Mahomes that has brought them this far for experienced head coach Andy Reid. The Bengals were the #4 seeds coming into this season's play off games and saw off the #1 seeded side Tennessee Titans with a final kick field goal in a 19-16 win, it's another tough game tonight but they will arrive on a high and could well be another nail biter with Joe Burrow leading the attack and a young head coach Zac Taylor calling the plays.

Selected bets;

Half time over 27 points @20/21.
Total points in match over 54 @10/11.

Kansas City to win handicap -7pts @5/6

Patrick Mahomes - Total passing touchdowns over 2+ @5/4.

Wow how did they throw that away, losing an 18pt lead to be denied in overtime. 

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME 
Sunday 30th January 23:30

San Francisco 49ers 17 @ 20 Los Angeles Rams  [H/T 10 - 7]
SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California

The second of this season's Championship game features the NFC match up with San Francisco heading over to Los Angeles, this game takes place at the host stadium for the Superbowl LVI itself, so the Rams could be seen to have advantage and with their talented squad in great form the likely favourites. Last year Tampa Bay became the first team to play in a Super Bowl in their own stadium. This year the Los Angeles Rams can emulate that feat with the NFL showpiece being staged at SoFi Stadium.  Sean McVay's men also have home advantage for the NFC Championship game as San Francisco knocked out Green Bay last week, but the 49ers have won their last six games with the Rams, including the final game of the regular season. The 49ers' defence restricted the Packers to just 10 points while their offence leans heavily on their run game, via Elijah Mitchell and dual-threat receiver Deebo Samuel.  And although he's thrown six interceptions and just two touchdowns in the last four games, the much-maligned quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has managed to marshal Kyle Shanahan's side back to the brink of the big game.

Both sides booked their places with final plays to beat Green Bay and Tampa Bay respectively. Defence were on top in the 49ers game and the wintry conditions surely played a part too, while the Rams almost capitulated against the Buccaneers having a 27-3 lead in the 3rd quarter though they never fell behind it was close and looked to be heading to overtime. It was down to Matt Stafford to find Cooper Kupp in the final few seconds and the winning field goal from 30y by Matt Gay made up for an earlier miss to send the Rams through.

Selected bets;

Half time over 23 points.
Total points in match over 46.

Total Match Touchdowns 7+ or more @23/10.

We shall update the final scores later over the weekend and then look forward to Superbowl LVI itself in a couple of weeks time, that will be LIVE on BBC TV here in the UK which is great for us fans.

NFL SUPERBOWL LV -- SUNDAY 7th FEBRUARY 2021

Super Bowl LV

Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida. 

Sunday 7th February   Time: 23:30 GMT. 

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (AFC)  9
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (NFC)  31

The final game of the 2020-21 NFL season takes place in Tampa Bay, Florida home of the Buccaneers. This is the first time in the history of the NFL that a team has reached the Superbowl to play at their home stadium. A game that features two of the most exciting teams in the NFL this season Kansas City Chiefs the defending Champions will take on Tampa Bay Buccaneers on 7th February. The opening ceremonies will include Country music singer Eric Church and R&B singer Jazmine Sullivan who will perform the national anthem, while the halftime show will be headlined by Canadian singer The Weeknd.
As defending Super Bowl Champions, the Kansas City Chiefs are currently the bookies favourites and have an outstanding offensive led by Patrick Mahomes, who hopefully is fully recovered from some slight injury scares. He will face the six time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady, Tampa Bay's new quarterback Brady will be playing in his record 10th Super Bowl, and with COVID-19 health restrictions limiting stadium capacity to around 25,000 fans, it will be the lowest attended Super Bowl, being broadcast around the world including live on BBC TV here in Uk we will not miss a thing.

This end of season extravaganza is a big night in my calendar and will make a night of it where the main challenge for myself will be can I keep awake to catch it all, or will I be asleep before the half time show. The game is live on the BBC1 channel on Sunday night from 23:30 there is also a show on BBC2 from 23:00 with all the build up. Dan Walker presents the NFL weekly show now having taken over from Mark Chapman earlier in the season, but I hear that Mark will be back for the Super Bowl which is great as we wasn't given the send off mid season that he deserved. He will be joined by two-time Super Bowl winner Osi Umenyiora, former NFL cornerback Jason Bell and a host of guests from the world of American football including Mike Carlson. Time to rustle up some snacks, grab a few beers and settle down to enjoy the action, at least this year we don't have to be up early for work in the morning.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Odds 20/33F
(5/6 with -3 points handicap)

As defending Super Bowl Champions, the Kansas City Chiefs recorded an NFL-best 14–2 record in 2020 under eighth year head coach Andy Reid. Other than a 40–32 loss against the Las Vegas Raiders in week 4, their only defeat was in the final game of the season, when they decided to rest most of their starters because they had already clinched the #1 seed in the playoffs. This appearance will be the Chiefs' fourth trip to the Super Bowl. Patrick Mahomes staring in the Quarterback position they also have plenty of offensive superstars with the likes of Tyreek Hill (wide receiver) and Travis Kelce (tight end) two to keep an eye on and expect them to be on the receiving end of some Mahomes magic. Head Coach Andy Reid is also a great tactician and not afraid of making brave play calls as he showed with a 4th down play against Cleveland in the playoffs to effectively end the game.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Odds 29/20
(20/21 with +3 Points Handicap)

The Buccaneers saw off the challenge of Green Bay in a dominate 31-26 win with quarterback Tom Brady guiding them to his 10th appearance in a Super Bowl having won six of them for the New England Patriots. An outstanding achievement in his first season with the Buccaneers and even recovered from being picked/sacked a number of times. Had to perform at his best to see off both Drew Brees (New Orleans) and Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay). Also has a huge amount of offensive weapons to use, wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin have been outstanding all season while he has a well established long relationship with tight end Rob Gronkowski and it will be interesting to watch who he uses most. Head coach Bruce Arians had his first coaching role with Kansas City, and has developed into an outstanding offensive mentor, Arians is a two-time Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year, earning the award in 2012 (Indianapolis Colts) and in 2014 (Arizona Cardinals).

Expecting a high scoring offensive game so the over 56.5 points is high but achievable (10/11) will also support the half time market with the over 27.5 score at Evens shall aim to have that in some accumulators over the weekend. 
Other bets this weekend
Chris Godwin AND Tyreek Hill both to score a Touchdown @7/2

Patrick Mahomes To Score a Touchdown AND Kansas City Chiefs To Win @5/1

2020-21 NFL SEASON DIVISIONAL (NFC / AFC) CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME 
Sunday 24th January 20:05

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31 @ 26 Green Bay Packers [H/T 21-10]
Lambeau Field Stadium, Green Bay

We are down to the final four teams for this year's NFL Championship. The two conference winners will battle it out for Superbowl LV in two weeks time and this year it's the NFC Conference that steps up first. This should be a cracker, the No 1 seeds Green Bay Packers, led by this years MVP candidate Aaron Rodgers, host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers led by six time Superbowl winner Tom Brady. If the Bucc's can win they would be involved in a Superbowl at their home ground, which I believe would be a first. Brady's main weapons are Mike Evans and Chris Godwin while he has a well established long relationship with Rob Gronkowski and it will be interesting to watch who he uses most. Having beaten New Orleans Saints 30-20 last week they will have to be at their best again to be victorious against Green Bay who themselves beat the LA Rams 32-18 the combination of Rodgers throwing bombs to Davante Adams and Allen Lazard helping to secure that win. 

Selected bets;

Expecting a high scoring affair with these strong offensive line ups, so 50+ points the call. 

Allen Lazard to score a TD @9/4.

Antonio Brown to score a TD @5/2.

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME 
Sunday 24th January 23:40

Buffalo Bills 24 @ 38 Kansas City Chiefs [H/T 12-21]
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City

The second of this season's Championship game features the AFC No1 seed and current Superbowl champions Kansas City who will host the No2 seeds Buffalo Bills. Josh Allen has been outstanding this season and we're really seeing four outstanding quarterbacks in this seasons championship pair ups, at least we really hope so as Kansas QB Patrick Mahomes was taken out of the game last weekend against the Browns in the 3rd quarter of the match suffering with concussion. So will have to wait and see what the doctors say about that and hope that he can recover, also seemed to have a foot injury too so might not be 100% which would give the Bills more than a fair chance. Chiefs coach Andy Reid said postgame that Mahomes is doing well and that he passed all the preliminary tests. Mahomes will still have to pass protocol during the week in order to be eligible for championship Sunday. The Bills did an outstanding job of stopping the Baltimore Ravens running game in their 17-3 win last weekend, with Stefon Diggs scoring again and will be a threat once more.

Selected bets;

Half time over 24 points.
Total points in match over 51.

Stefon Diggs to score a TD.

We shall update the final scores later over the weekend and then look forward to Superbowl LV itself in a couple of weeks time, that will be LIVE on BBC TV here in the UK which is great for us fans.

NFL SUPERBOWL LIV -- SUNDAY 2nd FEBRUARY 2020

Super Bowl LIV

Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida. 

Sunday 2nd February   Time: 23:30 GMT. 

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (AFC)  31
SAN FRANCISCO 49ers (NFC)  20

Q1 - 7 - 3.
Q2 - 10 - 10.
Q3 - 10 - 20.
Q4 - 31 - 20.
The final game of the 2019-20 NFL season takes place in Miami, Florida home of the Dolphins, however it's a game that features two of the most exciting teams in the NFL this season Kansas City Chiefs against San Francisco 49ers on 2nd February. The opening ceremonies will include American singer Demi Lovato who will perform 'The Star-Spangled Banner' and the half time show will see Jennifer Lopez and Shakira perform as the featured acts.
The Kansas City Chiefs are appearing in their first Super Bowl for 50 Years ! They are the designated home team for Super Bowl LIV, as the home team alternates between the two conferences annually. This will be the Chiefs' third Super Bowl appearance having lost Super Bowl I in 1967, to the Green Bay Packers, 35–10, and then won Super Bowl IV in 1970, defeating the Minnesota Vikings, 23–7. It would be fitting for Andy Reid to secure another Super Bowl after all this time. And they are up against San Francisco 49ers who have come on from a poor season last year to storm their division under head coach Kyle Shanahan. 

This end of season extravaganza is a big night in my calendar and will make a night of it where the main challenge for myself will be can I keep awake to catch it all, or will I be asleep before the half time show. This is live on the BBC1 channel on Sunday night and they'll have coverage of all the build up from 22:30 GMT, Mark Chapman presents the show as usual and is joined by two-time Super Bowl winner Osi Umenyiora, former NFL cornerback Jason Bell and a host of guests from the world of American football. Will have some snacks, a few beers and settle down to enjoy the action.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Odds 4/5F
(10/11 with -1 points handicap.)

Kansas City Chiefs beat the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Championship game to secure a first Super Bowl appearance in 50 years. Have been impressive in the last few seasons with MVP Patrick Mahomes staring in the Quarterback position they also have plenty of offensive superstars with the likes of Tyreek Hill (wide receiver) and Travis Kelce (tight end) two to keep an eye on and expect them to be on the receiving end of some Mahomes magic.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers
Odds 21/20
(20/21 with +1 Points Handicap)

The 49ers saw off the challenge of Green Bay in a dominate win 37-20 with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo guiding them. They  are the NFC Champions and are into what will be the 49ers' seventh Super Bowl appearance, their first since Super Bowl XLVII in 2013, when they lost to the Baltimore Ravens 34–31. The 49ers have a 5–1 record in their previous six appearances. A sixth Super Bowl title in team history will tie the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers with the most Super Bowl championships in the league. Couple of players to watch here George Kittle (tight end) was not just the 49ers best player but was voted best in the league, while running back Raheem Mostert was involved in scoring four touchdowns in the NFC Championship win last time.

Expecting a high scoring offensive game so the over 54 points is high but achievable (10/11) will also support the half time market with the over 26.5 score at Evens shall aim to have that in some accumulators over the weekend. 

2020 NFL DIVISIONAL (NFC / AFC) CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
SUNDAY 19th JAN 20:05

TENNESSEE TITANS 24 @ 35 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas

The AFC Championship game takes place first this Sunday and will NOT feature the New England Patriots for the first time in nine seasons. Instead we will see Tennessee Titans [9-7] head to play Kansas City Chiefs [12-4] for the right to represent the AFC in Superbowl LIV. Ryan Tannahill vs Patrick Mahomes, Derrick Henry vs Travis Kelce, Mike Vrabel vs Andy Reid should be a cracker to get us underway. Tennessee have been in great form beating both the reigning champions New England and then seeing off the bookies fancy Baltimore, they have another big test this time with the high scoring Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes in the way, even going 24 points behind couldn't stop them and the Chiefs possess plenty of weapons. That's not to say Tennessee are not without a shout themselves but the percentage call is a Chiefs win in a high scoring game.
Selected Bets - 
Kansas City Chiefs to win @5/6 WON [-7.5pt handicap]
Over 24 points half time @10/11  WON
Over 52 points total @10/11  WON


NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME 
SUNDAY 19th JAN 23:40

GREEN BAY PACKERS 20 @ 37 SAN FRANCISCO 49ers
Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara

The second Championship game will take place at the home of San Francisco 49ers (Levi's Stadium) who are headed to the NFC Championship game for the first time in seven years after a dominating 27-10 win over the Vikings. This has the best of the NFC paired up again and will mark the eighth time in the past 25 years that Green Bay [13-3] and San Francisco [13-3] have met in the playoffs, with the Packers currently holding a 4-3 edge. Green Bay have managed to get here with some tight games under Aaron Rodgers and could be a case of who's defence comes out on top tonight. The Packers advanced to the NFC title game thanks to a 28-23 win over the Seahawks. Green Bay will be playing in its fourth NFC Championship game with Aaron Rodgers (2010, 2014, 2016), who took over the Packers starting quarterback job in 2008. These two sides have met already this season when the 49ers were convincing winners 37-8. 
Selected Bets - 
San Francisco to win @5/6 WON [-7.5pt handicap]. 
Under 21 points half time @10/11 
Under 45 points total @10/11 

Wins for the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers sends them into Superbowl LIV on February 2nd.

We shall update the final scores later over the weekend and then look forward to the Superbowl itself in a couple of weeks time, that will be LIVE on BBC TV here in the UK which is great. 

2020 NFL DIVISIONAL WILD CARD PLAYOFF WEEKEND

With the regular season over the end of season playoffs await as all teams still standing look forward to an appearance in Superbowl LIV. We are down to the final twelve teams of which Baltimore, Kansas City, San Francisco and Green Bay are already waiting in the Divisional Play offs and the other eight have to get through the Wild Card Play offs this weekend. All teams are seeking the right to play in the finale at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium on February 2nd.  We can expect some cracking games this weekend who can win to keep their season alive and who will be watching Superbowl LIV from the comfort of their sofa?

DeShaun Watson QB

In the opening contest on Saturday night the Buffalo Bills [10-6] travel to Houston [10-6] to take on the Texans, the Bills have improved throughout the season but I still side with the Texans who despite losing their final game against the Titans they had already secured a wild card berth and rested a few players including key starters, such as their quarterback Deshaun Watson, receiver DeAndre Hopkins, defensive lineman D.J. Reader and linebacker Benardrick McKinney. When these return against the Bills I expect a high scoring game and the Texans to be too strong. For the Bills to succeed their QB Josh Allen will have to come up with something special and this will be his first post season game.

Tom Brady GOAT

Sunday sees three further play off games, the first is the remaining AFC Wild Card contest between Tennessee Titans [9-7] and reigning Superbowl champions New England Patriots [12-4]. It's not been plain sailing for the Patriots this season and rare they have to contest a Wild Card contest. Tom Brady is still the GOAT though and while they still miss the likes of Rob Gronkowski his new go to guy is Julian Edelman but there are doubts with his shoulder injury. I'm going to pick Tennessee for this one, could be dangerous to oppose the great Bill Belichick but everyone's time has to come and this could be the best time to catch them. Titans have Ryan Tannehill (quarterback) and Derrick Henry (running back) to run the offence but their defence isn't bad either and I think this could be a relatively low scoring event. These two quarterbacks seem to be headed in opposite trajectories?

Drew Brees

Next up on Sunday will be the first of the NFC Wild Card games between Minnesota Vikings [10-6] and New Orleans Saints [13-3]. Am a big fan of the Saints star quarterback Drew Brees who continues to push boundaries and set new records this season, it would not be a bad thing if he could claim another Superbowl Ring this season. That they've only had eight turnovers all season (another new record) also shows they are strong offensively with the likes of Alvin Kamara, Michael Thomas amongst others, the ability to be winning games when Brees was injured during this season too makes them a strong fancy. Minnesota Viking do have plenty of weapons too with the likes of quarterback Kirk Cousins, wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen together with strong defensive players like Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter. Think we will see a high scoring game and probably a win for New Orleans at the end of it.

Russell Wilson

Final wild card game of the weekend sees Seattle Seahawks [11-5] take on the Philadelphia Eagles [9-7], the Eagles come here as a result of beating Dallas to the NFC East title but look very beatable here while Seattle had a ding dong battle all season with San Francisco for the NFC West that essentially came down to the final game on Sunday night that the 49ers won 26-21. Seattle led by head coach Pete Carroll have Marshawn Lynch likely to return to action and that surely improves their options thus I expect Russell Wilson to simply outscore Carson Wentz tonight.

Saturday 4th January 2019
AFC WILD CARD
BUFFALO BILLS 19 @ 22 HOUSTON TEXANS
21:35   Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston
An overtime win for the Houston Texans, having been behind throughout the entire game, the Bills were 13-0 up at half time, while the Texans looked dead in the water for more than two and a half quarters, getting pummelled on both sides of the ball. Houston was limp on offence, generating just 81 first-half yards. The defence couldn't tackle a two-year-old in space. Then J.J. Watt woke up a sleepwalking fossil. The defensive end came streaking off the edge to sack Josh Allen and force a Bills field goal early in the second half. The Texans were still down 16-0 at that point. Then Watson took the team on his shoulders. After a wayward game to that point, in which the QB looked rattled and threw a bevy of off-target passes, Watson powered Houston down the field. Capped off with a powering 20-yard TD run that saw Watson carry defenders into the end zone, the Texans were back in business..The AFC South champions now move on to face the No.2 seed Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round next Sunday.

Sunday 5th January 2019
AFC WILD CARD
TENNESSEE TITANS 20 @ 13 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
01:15    Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough.
The reign of the Superbowl champions New England is at an end as the Tennessee Titans win at Foxborough. Bruising back Derrick Henry celebrated his 26th birthday by running for 182 yards and a touchdown to lead Tennessee to a 20-13 wild-card win Saturday over the Patriots at Gillette Stadium -- the Pats' first home loss in the playoffs since 2012. The Titans running back, Derrick Henry crashed over tacklers, carving through the Patriots' defence like a hot knife through butter in a 20-13 wild-card road victory. "That's the way we like it," Henry said. "We don't want nothing easy. We want it gritty. We want it dirty. That's the mentality we got to have. Our main focus is just finishing, each and every drive. The powering running back blasted for 182 yards on 34 carries for 5.4 yards per pop and ploughed in for the eventual game deciding touchdown. Henry also added one screen catch for 22 yards the second-most receiving yards for the Titans on Saturday night and he took to the 1-yard-line to set up his TD. With just 15 seconds left and his side trailing 14-13, Tom Brady's last pass in what could be his final game for the Patriots was intercepted for a touchdown giving the Titans the win. Brady, 42, is set to become a free agent for the first time in his career.

NFC WILD CARD
MINNESOTA VIKINGS 26 @ 20 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
18:05    Venue: Mercedes Benz Superdome, Louisiana
Minnesota fumble on their first drive of the game and New Orleans have an early opportunity which only results in a field goal, soon cancelled out by the Vikings so we are 3-3 at the end of the first quarter. New Orleans secure the opening touchdown of the night from four yards by Alvin Kamara and the response is another field goal from Dan Bailey for the Vikings. Minnesota take the lead with a Dalvin Cook touchdown as we reached half time. If the Vikings can hang on and win this it would be quite the play-off shock. It's going to go right to the wire! 

The third quarter is slow to develop with a sequence of punts from both sides. Drew Brees is almost sacked again and New Orleans are struggling at home for a change, Dalvin Cook scores again to extend the lead to ten points with the fourth quarter starting. But a touchdown from Taysom Hill and a Will Lutz 49 yard field goal ties it up at 20 - 20 and overtime beckons. Minnesota upset the NFC's number three seed, with a Kyle Rudolph touchdown in overtime giving them a shock 26-20 win at the New Orleans Saints.

NFC WILD CARD
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS  17 @  9 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
21:40    Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
The Seahawks beat the Philadelphia Eagles 17-9 after Marshawn Lynch and DK Metcalf touchdowns in each half. While Philadelphia won the NFC East, Seattle finished the regular season with a better record and the Eagles suffered a host of injuries as they won their last four games to reach the play-offs. And they were dealt another huge blow on just their second drive as they lost quarterback Carson Wentz to a head injury, meaning 40-year-old back-up Josh McCown became the oldest player in NFL history to make his post-season debut.

The two teams traded field goals before running back Lynch, who helped Seattle win Super Bowl 48 and only re-signed two weeks ago, barged over from five yards to give the Seahawks a 10-3 lead at the half. Philadelphia kicked field goals either side of Russell Wilson's 53-yard touchdown pass to Metcalf in the third quarter, but were unable to launch a late fightback.

Seattle now visit the Green Bay Packers in the NFC divisional round.

Will update with the final scores later over the weekend and then look forward to the AFC and NFC Divisional Round next weekend 11th-12th January.