NFL Recap: Eagles Edge Rams in Snowy Thriller, Advance to NFC Championship

The Philadelphia Eagles secured a hard-fought 28-22 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in snowy conditions, with Saquon Barkley rushing for two touchdowns to send the Eagles to the NFC Championship game.

The Buffalo Bills secured a thrilling 27-25 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL playoffs, setting up a highly anticipated clash with the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Bills quarterback Josh Allen played a pivotal role, scoring two rushing touchdowns in the first half at a snowy Highmark Stadium in New York. Allen's opposite number, Lamar Jackson, and the Ravens were left to lament a series of costly errors that ultimately proved decisive.

The Ravens had a golden opportunity to tie the game with less than two minutes remaining, but a crucial mistake by tight end Mark Andrews sealed the Bills' win. Andrews failed to make a simple catch on a two-point conversion attempt, effectively ending the Ravens' hopes of a comeback. Following the game, Allen praised his team's defense, saying, “How about that Buffalo Bills defense? All year we heard this team has no talent, we're too small, we can't stop the run? We're not good enough to compete.”

DIVISIONAL ROUND DUB!!!!!!!!#BALvsBUF | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/KHN7f5KH5L

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 20, 2025

Allen's comments reflected the gritty nature of the contest, which had been billed as a quarterback showdown between two of the NFL's most dynamic players. However, the anticipated duel between Allen and Jackson largely failed to materialize, as the Ravens' mistakes at key moments ultimately proved pivotal. Despite the snowy conditions, the Bills' defense rose to the challenge, making crucial plays to secure the win and set up a blockbuster clash with the Chiefs on Sunday.

A crucial fumble by Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, following a sack by Damar Hamlin, proved to be a turning point in the game. The fumble led to Bills quarterback Josh Allen's opening touchdown in the second quarter, which put the Bills 14-7 ahead. Allen continued to make an impact, scoring his second rushing touchdown in the closing moments of the first half to help put the Bills 21-10 up at the break.

The Ravens attempted to mount a comeback in the third quarter, with a field goal and a Derrick Henry touchdown cutting the Bills' lead to just three points. However, another Ravens turnover in the fourth quarter proved costly. Tight end Mark Andrews fumbled under pressure, leading to a Bills field goal that stretched their lead to 27-19. The Ravens refused to give up, with Isaiah Likely scoring a superb touchdown from Jackson's 24-yard bullet pass. However, Andrews botched the two-point conversion attempt, keeping the Bills ahead.

The Bills' victory sets up a highly anticipated AFC Championship game against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs next week. The winner will advance to the February 9 Super Bowl in New Orleans. This will be the latest installment of a fierce rivalry between the two teams, who have met three times in the playoffs since 2021, with the Chiefs winning all three encounters. However, the Bills were one of only two teams to beat the Chiefs in the regular season this year. “We're going to enjoy this tonight and then turn our attention to the Chiefs tomorrow,” said Allen. “They're the perennial standard of what you want to be in the NFL. You've got to beat them to get past them.”

Eagles Soar to NFC Championship Berth

The Philadelphia Eagles secured a thrilling 28-22 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in snowy conditions, with running back sensation Saquon Barkley playing a starring role. Barkley rushed for two touchdowns, including a memorable 62-yard sprint, to help the Eagles reach the NFC Championship game. The Eagles will now host their NFC East divisional rivals, the Washington Commanders, next Sunday, with a place in the Super Bowl on the line.

snoW much fun!@BetMGM | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/4Czt64CDH3

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 19, 2025

The Eagles' potent running game proved decisive in the snowy conditions, with Barkley putting up an impressive 205 yards on 26 carries. The Rams' run defense was exposed from the outset, as the Eagles opened the scoring on their opening drive. Quarterback Jalen Hurts broke out and sprinted 44 yards for the touchdown, setting the tone for the Eagles' dominant performance.

Despite the Rams' best efforts, they were unable to contain Barkley's threat. The Rams quarterback, Matthew Stafford, led a 13-play, 67-yard drive that ended with a 4-yard touchdown pass to tight-end Tyler Higbee, momentarily leveling the scores. However, Barkley's impressive 62-yard touchdown run at the end of the first quarter put the Eagles back in front, 13-7. The Rams' inability to stop Barkley ultimately proved costly, as the Eagles secured a hard-fought victory.

The game became a grueling battle as the snow fell heavily, with the Rams fighting to stay in contention. Their second field goal of the third quarter brought them within a point of the Eagles. However, the Eagles managed to extend their lead with two field goals in the fourth quarter, creating some breathing room.

Saquon Barkley then delivered a decisive blow, bursting 78 yards for his second touchdown with 4:36 left in the game. The snow proved no obstacle to his power and speed, and the Eagles seemed poised to secure the win. However, the Rams refused to give up, with Matthew Stafford connecting with Colby Parkinson for a 4-yard touchdown pass to bring them within six points.

The Rams had one final chance to complete their comeback, and their hopes were raised when Stafford found Puka Nacua with a superb deep pass. However, with time running out, Stafford was unable to finish off the drive, and the Eagles emerged victorious. Barkley reflected on the game, saying, “The elements were great, but the atmosphere was even better. Our fans are amazing. It was a close one, but that's playoff football, and at the end of the day, we got the job done.”

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts also shared his thoughts on the game, revealing that the snowy conditions had brought back childhood memories. “I love playing football. Look, I used to put (snow) on when we played a video game as a kid. I'd put the snow on 100 and all that,” he said. When asked about his condition after the game, Hurts was concise, saying simply, “I finished the game,” as he was seen wearing a brace on his knee.