NFL
The play-off participants in the National Football League (NFL) have been determined. As the last team, the Las Vegas Raiders secured the ticket for the knockout phase on Sunday evening (local time). With the 35:32 win after extra time against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Raiders also took the Pittsburgh Steelers and with them the playmaker Ben Roethlisberger, who was about to end his career, into the postseason. San Francisco is also there.
The Steelers had previously made their contribution in the AFC North duel at the Baltimore Ravens with 16:13 after extra time, before the very last game in the regular season offered support. Ironically, a draw would have meant the end for Pittsburgh and the end of Roethlisberger’s 18-year career. So it is at least extended by one game, next week it is away against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Steelers also benefited from the surprising 11:26 defeat of the Indianapolis Colts at the bottom of the NFL, the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Florida team has the first pick in this year’s draft.
The Los Angeles Chargers around young star Justin Herbert have once again missed the postseason. In a close game, the 32:35 against the Raiders was only certain after extra time. In the event of a tie, both teams would have been in the play-off, but the Raiders decided at the last second to try a field goal and thereby won the game. The Raiders will be guest at the Cincinnati Bengals next week.
In the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers also booked the play-off ticket at the last minute. In Los Angeles, the guests caught up with the Rams from a 0-17 deficit and won after extra time with 27:24. The 30:20 win in Atlanta was not enough for the New Orleans Saints. The 49ers now meet the Dallas Cowboys in a traditional duel.
Tennessee and Green Bay have byes
The bye in the AFC secured the Tennessee Titans with a 28:25 against the Houston Texans. The Titans and the Chiefs have twelve wins and five defeats, but the Titans have won the direct duel and therefore, like the Green Bay Packers in the NFC, get the break and continuous home rights in the play-offs. Tampa Bay starts the postseason at home against Philadelphia.
The New England Patriots lost their last straight game against the Miami Dolphins with 24:33 and could not intercept the Buffalo Bills at the top of the AFC East. The two will duel on Saturday for promotion to the quarter-finals. For the first time since 1988 a play-off game will take place on a Monday, the Rams will then receive the Arizona Cardinals for a reunion.
National Football League
Play-off:
Basic round: