By Sean Maloney ‘22

The NFL Playoffs have been exciting so far. This past weekend was no different.

On Sunday, the final four teams left in the playoffs squared off for a chance to go to the Super Bowl. In the AFC Championship, the Chiefs hosted the Bengals. And in the NFC Championship, the Rams hosted the 49ers.

Midway through the AFC Championship, the Chiefs led the Bengals 21-10. It looked like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce would take care of business in the second half and put the game out of reach. However, Joe Burrow started to get hot.

“Joe Burrow is a phenomenal quarterback,” said senior Dan Curran. “He has an incredibly bright future ahead of him.”

The Bengals stormed back and tied the game up at 24 apiece before the end of regulation. After getting a stop in overtime, Burrow led the offense downfield for a game-winning field goal and a trip to Super Bowl LVI.

“Kansas City had it all going for them, and they blew it. Burrow and the Bengals own Kansas City. It’s not easy to beat a team like the Chiefs twice in a year,” said senior Tim Gavin.

In the NFC, the Rams and 49ers fought out a low-scoring, defensive game. After three quarters of football, San Francisco led the game 17-7. NFL fans all over thought Garappolo and Kittle were headed back to the Super Bowl.

After two scores were led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, the Rams defense came up with a vital stop. Stafford then drove downfield and put the game in the hands of kicker Matt Gay. Gay’s kick was good.

Los Angeles proceeded to stop the 49ers one last time. They’re on the way to the Super Bowl for the second time in four years.

“Stafford deserves to go to a Super Bowl. I’m happy to see he’s finally going,” said senior Nelson Lopez.

Graphic designed by Danny Durkin ’23