San Francisco 49ers 27, Minnesota Vikings 10- The number 1 team in the NFC showed exactly why they earned that seeding in this matchup. San Francisco was led by their defense in this one recording 6 sacks on Vikings QB Kirk Cousins, including 2 from rookie standout DE Nick Bosa. The 49ers held Cousins to 172 yards passing. Doing exactly what I said they needed to do, their defense also held star RB Dalvin Cook to just 18 yards rushing on the game! San Francisco’s offense was led by 105 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns from RB Tevin Coleman. QB Jimmy Garropalo made his long awaited playoff debut going for 131 yards passing and a touchdown to go with an interception as well. The story here was the defense who absolutely dismantled the Vikings offense and made it look easy especially in the 2nd half. The 49ers will host the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship next Sunday afternoon. If they bring the same pressure to that game Sunday, to me they are the scariest team defensively left in the playoffs.
Green Bay Packers 28, Seattle Seahawks 23- This game was yet another battle between these 2 teams that came down to key plays in the last 2 minutes. The Seahawks could not get anything going in the first half. RB Marshawn Lynch was stuffed and stopped at every turn. QB Russell Wilson was sharp but was hurried and every drive seemed to stall out. Green Bay was led by QB Aaron Rodgers and his accurate arm going for 243 yards and 2 TD. RB Aaron Jones added 2 rushing scores, but the real star was WR Davante Adams creating separation all night going for 160 yards and 2 TD’s. Wilson made a valiant effort in the 2nd half trying to lead his team to an 18 point comeback, down 21-3 at halftime, but came up short. It all came down to one last 3rd down play when Aaron Rodgers got the ball on a quick slant to TE Jimmy Graham and he got just enough yardage for the first down sealing the Packers victory. The Packers will travel to San Francisco next week to play the 49ers in the NFC Championship. They will certainly have their hands full but if anyone can pull it off, I wouldn’t bet against Aaron Rodgers.
To The Rack With Mac 