A Look Back On The Greatest NFL Weekend Ever

As we enter my favorite NFL weekend of the year, I thought now was a great time to look back on maybe the best divisional round ever. The NFL 2021 Divisional Round was not your ordinary NFL playoff weekend; it was playoff football at its finest. We saw four games that all came down to the very last second, and that weekend should never be forgotten. Each game became more exciting than the one before. The weekend's constant drama, amazing performances, and dramatic endings left viewers and fans in awe. Let's take a look back at what many have considered to be the best NFL weekend in history.

Game 1: (4) Cincinnati Bengals (10-7) def. (1) Tennessee Titans (12-5), 19–16

The Tennessee Titans and Cincinnati Bengals battled in a defensive slugfest to start the weekend. Despite being sacked nine times—a playoff record—Bengals second-year quarterback Joe Burrow never flinched. With seconds remaining, the Bengals picked off Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill, giving rookie kicker Evan McPherson a chance to send Cincinnati to the AFC Championship Game. As time ran out, McPherson made the game-winning field goal from 52 yards out. The Bengals' 19–16 victory was more than simply a step forward; it signaled that times had changed in Cincinnati. The Bengals, a week later, went into Kansas City and shocked the Chiefs with an overtime win to clinch a berth in the Super Bowl.

Game 2: (6) San Francisco 49ers (10-7) def. (1) Green Bay Packers (13-4), 13–10

There's nothing quite like a snowy Lambeau Field, and on that chilly January Saturday night, the San Francisco 49ers shocked the number one seed Green Bay Packers. Coming off a second straight MVP season, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers appeared to be on their way to hosting the NFC Championship Game for the second year in a row. However, with just under five minutes to go, the 49ers blocked a punt that was returned for a touchdown to tie the game at 10. Then, minutes later, the 49ers drove down the field and set up a game-winning field goal to clinch a stunning 13–10 victory. Despite the odds, the 49ers once again demonstrated their ability to win in the postseason. This game, in all likelihood, was the final playoff game of Aaron Rodgers' Hall of Fame career.

Game 3: (4) Los Angeles Rams (11-6) def. (2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (13-4), 30-27

The Los Angeles Rams vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers early game on that Sunday felt like something straight out of a movie. After falling behind 27–3, Tom Brady pulled off another one of his classic playoff comebacks to tie the score at 27. Luckily for Rams fans, Matthew Stafford, in his first year with the team, set up the game-winning field goal by connecting with Cooper Kupp for two crucial throws to avoid the collapse. Brady's postseason run that year came to an end with the Rams' 30–27 victory, which also solidified Stafford's reputation as one of the best quarterbacks in football. Three weeks after defeating the then-defending Super Bowl champions, the Rams defeated the Bengals in the Super Bowl to win their own title.

Game 4: (2) Kansas City Chiefs (12-5) def. (3) Buffalo Bills (11-6), 42-36

Then came the Chiefs vs. Bills AFC Championship Game rematch, this time a week earlier. This game was so intense it felt like the Super Bowl. In the closing minutes of regulation, Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes engaged in some of the best quarterback play I have ever seen. With just 13 seconds remaining, Allen completed his fourth touchdown of the day to receiver Gabe Davis, giving the Bills a 36–33 lead. It all seemed over, but then, somehow, someway, Mahomes led his team to a field goal with just those 13 seconds to work with, sending the game to overtime. Kansas City won the coin toss and ended the game with a touchdown from Travis Kelce, moving on to the AFC title game once again. The Chiefs' 42–36 win was simultaneously thrilling, devastating, and controversial. The NFL even changed its postseason overtime rules after this game to ensure that each team gets an offensive possession.

Reflection

The incredibly close margins of the NFL were seen in every game, each ending in overtime or with a last-second field goal. Fans witnessed unmatched drama, as legacies were questioned and legends were created. This was football at its best, with each player giving their all on the field until the clock hit triple zeros.

That 2021 Divisional Round showcased why the NFL is so great and why so many people love it. Anything can happen in any given game, and that was evident in that round of the season's playoffs. Here's hoping we get to experience something like that again in the near future.