Cash That Ticket - Monday January 12th

Munaf Manji and Griffin Warner talk NFL playoff action. Super Wild Card Weekend delivered a slate defined by narrow margins, late execution, and familiar postseason themes, as several contenders advanced while others were undone by experience gaps, turnovers, and situational football. The weekend opened with the Rams surviving a scare in Carolina, where an aggressive Panthers approach nearly paid off. Early decisions put Los Angeles in short fields, and despite multiple swings in momentum, Matthew Stafford authored the decisive drive late to secure a 34 to 31 win. Carolina earned credit for its resilience, highlighted by defensive stops and a blocked punt, but two turnovers and the Rams’ composure in the final minutes proved decisive. The takeaway centered on coaching and quarterback experience, with Stafford and Sean McVay delivering when the game demanded it. Saturday night featured a divisional classic as Chicago stunned Green Bay 31 to 27 with a furious fourth quarter comeback. The Bears outscored the Packers 25 to 6 in the final period, overcoming clean offensive numbers from Green Bay that typically translate to wins. Missed kicks and late execution failures swung the result, while Chicago again showed comfort playing from behind, a trait that carried over from the regular season. Caleb Williams produced explosive yardage despite interceptions, and the Bears’ confidence in late game moments continued to grow, while questions lingered around Green Bay’s direction after another playoff disappointment. Sunday afternoon opened with Buffalo edging Jacksonville 27 to 24 in a game that followed a familiar Bills script. Josh Allen accounted for critical scores both through the air and on the ground, while Jacksonville’s statistical advantages were erased by late turnovers. The Jaguars moved the ball effectively and competed throughout, but one interception too many ended their season. Buffalo advanced with another reminder that its margin for error remains tied closely to Allen’s ability to elevate in decisive moments. In Philadelphia, San Francisco delivered the weekend’s most jarring result, eliminating the defending champions with a 23 to 19 road victory. The 49ers’ defense controlled critical downs, and Kyle Shanahan consistently stayed a step ahead as the Eagles leaned heavily on the run while leaving elite receivers underutilized. Despite winning time of possession and rushing efficiently, Philadelphia failed to capitalize, while San Francisco executed timely plays on both sides of the ball. The loss marked the end of the Eagles’ title defense and reinforced how quickly postseason expectations can unravel. Sunday night brought a defensive struggle in New England, where the Patriots handled the Chargers 16 to 3. The game never found an offensive rhythm, but New England’s defense dominated situationally, limiting third downs and red zone opportunities. The Patriots won without their best offensive performance, leaning on discipline, field position, and control, a formula that carried them comfortably into the divisional round. The weekend concluded with attention shifting to Monday night, where Houston travels to Pittsburgh in a matchup shaped by defense, pressure, and patience. The Texans arrive riding momentum behind a relentless pass rush, while the Steelers rely on experience, home field, and a history of thriving in prime time. With both offenses facing questions and both defenses capable of dictating tempo, the final game of the round promises another tight contest, consistent with a weekend that repeatedly came down to execution in the final moments.

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