The playoffs always feel different. Last Sunday, that reality hit the Philadelphia Eagles like a freight train. If you spent your afternoon glued to the TV, you saw three games that basically redefined the 2026 postseason landscape. The Wild Card round is usually chaotic, but this was something else.
We saw the defending Super Bowl champions get bounced on their own turf. We saw a legendary franchise rediscover its January magic in the freezing air of Foxborough. And down in Jacksonville, a game that looked like a blowout turned into a nail-biter that came down to the final possession.
Honestly, it's the kind of Sunday that makes you realize why we watch this sport in the first place.
What Really Happened With the Last Sunday Football Games
The big story, the one everyone is texting about, is the San Francisco 49ers taking down the Philadelphia Eagles 23-19. It wasn’t just a loss; it was the end of a title defense. Brock Purdy had a weird day. He threw two interceptions to Quinyon Mitchell—who, by the way, is playing like the best cornerback in the world right now—but Purdy didn't blink.
He finished with 262 yards and two touchdowns.
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But let’s talk about the trick play. It was the start of the fourth quarter. Jauan Jennings, the wide receiver, gets the pitch, rolls right, and lobs a 29-yard beauty to Christian McCaffrey. Touchdown. That play changed everything. It took the air out of Lincoln Financial Field. McCaffrey was a monster all day, racking up 114 total yards and two scores.
The Eagles had their chances. Dallas Goedert actually made history, becoming the first tight end to rush for a postseason touchdown. He caught one too. But Jalen Hurts just couldn't find the rhythm late, finishing with only 168 yards passing. When he missed that last-gasp fourth-and-11 with 43 seconds left, it was over.
The Cost of Victory in Philly
The Niners won, sure, but they paid for it. George Kittle, the heart and soul of that offense, got carted off with an Achilles injury. That is massive. Heading into a Divisional Round matchup against Seattle next weekend, losing Kittle is like losing two players—a premier blocker and a safety valve in the passing game.
There was also that sideline blowup. A.J. Brown and Nick Sirianni had to be separated by "Big Dom" DiSandro. It looked messy. When your star receiver is ripping off his helmet and screaming at the head coach during a playoff game, things are clearly spiraling.
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New England’s Defense Is Legitimate
While the drama was unfolding in Philly, the New England Patriots were busy suffocating the Los Angeles Chargers. A 16-3 final score looks like a typo from the 1940s, but it was a defensive masterclass. Mike Vrabel has this unit playing like the early 2000s dynasty teams.
They sacked the Chargers six times. Six.
It was the Patriots' first playoff win since Super Bowl LIII. Think about that for a second. The fans at Gillette Stadium have been waiting years for a January afternoon that felt like this. Andy Borregales kicked three field goals, and the defense did the rest. The Chargers’ offense, usually so explosive, looked completely lost in the New England cold.
The Heartbreak in Jacksonville
The morning game was a slugfest. The Buffalo Bills escaped Jacksonville with a 27-24 win, but it wasn't easy. Josh Allen is basically a human tank at this point. He’s playing through a finger injury and a bruised knee, yet he still found a way to carry the Bills.
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Jacksonville actually had the lead late, but they couldn't close the door. The Bills' experience in these "win or go home" scenarios finally showed. Now, Buffalo has to pack their bags and head to Denver to face the No. 1 seed Broncos. That is going to be a bloodbath.
Actionable Insights for the Divisional Round
If you're looking ahead to next weekend based on what we saw in the last sunday football games, here is what you need to keep an eye on:
- Monitor the 49ers' Injury Report: Without George Kittle, the 49ers' run scheme changes. Watch how Kyle Shanahan uses Eric Saubert or if they go more "10 personnel" (four receivers) against Seattle.
- The Seattle Advantage: Seattle beat the 49ers in the season finale. Now they get them at home with the 49ers coming off a physically draining win in Philly. The "12th Man" is going to be deafening.
- Patriots Defense vs. Texans: The Patriots will likely host the Houston Texans next. The Texans’ young offense is fast, but New England’s secondary is disciplined. This is a classic "unstoppable force vs. immovable object" matchup.
- Josh Allen’s Health: Keep a close eye on Allen’s practice participation this week. If that index finger limits his deep ball accuracy, the Broncos’ pass rush will eat him alive in the thin Denver air.
The road to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara just got a whole lot narrower. Last Sunday proved that seeding doesn't matter nearly as much as who can survive the war of attrition.
The Eagles are going home to figure out their coaching staff. The 49ers are heading to Seattle with a limp. And the Patriots? They might just be the dark horse no one wants to play right now.
Make sure your schedule is clear for Saturday. The Bills and Broncos kick things off at 4:30 PM ET, and if it’s anything like last Sunday, you won't want to miss a single snap.