Here We Go Again: Patriots Face Ravens In AFC Playoffs
New England and Baltimore are developing an impressive postseason rivalry.
Watch CBS News
New England and Baltimore are developing an impressive postseason rivalry.
NFL Wildcard weekend has been a fun ride, as per usual, filled with tough defense and a few phenomenal plays. The Indianapolis Colts took care of the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday afternoon, meaning a matchup between Peyton Manning's Denver Broncos and his former team.
Denver is stacked with talented players thanks to John Elway's construction of the team over the last four years. So, there have been far more "studs" than "duds" this season, and we'll look at a few specific men here.
Considering the violent nature of the National Football League, the Denver Broncos have made it through the regular season relatively healthy. But there were plenty of bumps and bruises, as well as more major injuries, the last few weeks, making the bye important for the team.
The Cincinnati Bengals haven't won an NFL playoff game since January 6, 1990. They beat the Houston Oilers—right there, that tells you it was a long time ago—by a 41-14 score in the wild-card round of the AFC playoffs. Since then, the Bengals have lost all five postseason contests they've played in. That needs to change this weekend.
The Green Bay Packers do not have many holes in their game as they enter the playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the NFC. However, one is their blocking in the kicking game. They allowed more combined blocked field goals, extra point attempts and punts than they had in the previous five seasons combined.
Throughout the John Elway – Peyton Manning Era, a focus on offense was apparent. But things have changed this season, and possibly for the better, as the Broncos are more well-suited to face the playoffs this time around.
The Minnesota Vikings have more confidence and optimism heading into this offseason than they did a year ago. They have two of the most important pieces in place in head coach Mike Zimmer and Teddy Bridgewater. Also, they improved in several areas from the past season. The Vikings have 12 free agents this offseason, but just one opening day starter.
The division showdowns were won by the Packers, Panthers and Steelers. On to the playoffs. Also qualifying for the Super Bowl chase were the Ravens, who got the final AFC wild card.
The problems that have revealed themselves in the last month are all correctable, and Manning is in a perfect position to make the critics regret their words.
The AFC West champion Denver Broncos led the NFL with nine players selected for the Pro Bowl on Tuesday.
Four minutes were left when Peyton Manning took the field to try to lead his 51st game-winning drive. One bad throw brought the playoffs into sharper focus.
The Denver Broncos are currently one of the leaders in the AFC and are looking for home-field advantage. The Buffalo Bills are battling for one of the playoff spots with numerous other AFC teams. Steve Tasker of CBS Sports talks about their week 14 match-up and how Denver may not be this year's favorite to win it all.
Can the Denver Broncos get back to their winning ways or will Miami hang another loss on Manning and company?
It's heating up in Green Bay. Say what? Yep, the Packers couldn't be hotter.
The Denver Broncos and St. Louis Rams are two teams heading in completely opposite directions, but sometimes that's just the way the schedule falls. The Broncos don't need a win this week, but want one. The Rams desperately need a win to try and save their season. CBS Sports' Ian Eagle spoke about their upcoming game and looked at both sides of the spectrum.
The Colts, you loved them right? I sure did. What happens on Sunday? They get demolished by the Steelers and the most underappreciated QB in the NFL.
"I have no problem with our fans. Our fans are great," Manning said after Thursday's 35-21 win. "I've got a problem with our scoreboard operator. I've got to have a little talk with him."
The Broncos take firm control of the AFC West with a win over the Chargers on Thursday Night Football.
Emmanuel Sanders waited six long weeks to join the list of players who have caught a touchdown pass from Peyton Manning. Now, he has four in less than a week.
The Chargers and the Broncos have something more on their minds than the epic fantasy battle that is at hand when they meet in Denver Thursday night.
The two best teams in the AFC West face off on Thursday night when the 5-2 Chargers visit the 5-1 Broncos. Peyton Manning will look to extend his lead in the career touchdown category in a match-up of top-tier quarterbacks—Philip Rivers is behind only Manning and Aaron Rodgers in passer rating this season.
Jim Nantz...he's known as one of the most iconic voices and faces in the history of professional sports, and he took some time to speak on the upcoming "Thursday Night Football" game between the San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos.
After setting the NFL record with his 509th touchdown toss, Manning's teammates played keep-away with his milestone memento, and the quarterback played right along.
The Seahawks dominated statistically, outgaining the Rams 463-272. But for St. Louis, special teams trickery was the difference.
