You probably woke up with a dozen notifications on your phone, but honestly, it’s hard to keep track when everything happens at once. Last night was one of those rare sports marathons where the NFL playoffs collided with massive Premier League shifts and international friendlies. If you’re asking who won the football last night, the answer depends on which side of the Atlantic you're looking at, but the biggest headlines definitely belong to Denver and Seattle.
The NFL Divisional Round officially kicked off with two games that couldn’t have been more different. While one was a tactical, heart-pounding overtime thriller, the other was basically over before the halftime snacks were even served.
Denver Broncos vs. Buffalo Bills: The Overtime Heartbreak
The Denver Broncos secured a massive 33-30 victory over the Buffalo Bills in a game that will be talked about for years—though not all of it for the right reasons if you’re a Denver fan. Bo Nix was the hero of the hour, leading a drive that seemingly clinched it in regulation, only for the Bills' Matt Prater to nail a 50-yard field goal with five seconds left.
Overtime was pure chaos.
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Josh Allen, who has been virtually turnover-free in recent playoff runs, had a nightmare outing. He threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles. The final blow came when cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian wrestled a deep ball away from Brandin Cooks. That pick set up Wil Lutz for a 23-yard chip shot to win it.
Denver is moving on to the AFC Championship, but the price was steep. Coach Sean Payton confirmed after the game that Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury. It’s a bittersweet pill to swallow for a city that hasn't seen a playoff win in a decade.
Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers: A Literal Rout
If you were hoping for a classic NFC West rivalry battle, you were probably disappointed. The Seattle Seahawks absolutely dismantled the San Francisco 49ers with a 41-6 win. It started with a 95-yard kickoff return by Rashid Shaheed just 13 seconds into the game, and the Niners never recovered.
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Sam Darnold played clean football, which is really all Seattle needed because their defense was suffocating. They forced three turnovers and held the Niners to just two field goals. By the middle of the fourth quarter, Seattle was already pulling their starters to rest up for the NFC Championship game at Lumen Field.
What Happened in Global Soccer?
Beyond the gridiron, the "other" football had some massive results last night. In the English Premier League, Manchester United took down Manchester City 2-0 in a Manchester Derby that felt like a changing of the guard. Meanwhile, Liverpool scraped by Burnley with a 1-0 win to keep their title hopes alive.
On the international stage, Canada beat Guatemala 1-0 in a "B international" friendly. It wasn't the prettiest game—Jacen Russell-Rowe scored the only goal in the 66th minute—but it gave Jesse Marsch a good look at his North American-based roster.
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Quick Score Wrap-Up:
- Denver Broncos 33, Buffalo Bills 30 (OT)
- Seattle Seahawks 41, San Francisco 49ers 6
- Manchester United 2, Manchester City 0
- Canada 1, Guatemala 0
- Real Madrid 2, Levante 0
Why These Wins Matter Moving Forward
The landscape for the next few weeks is now set. Denver has to figure out how to win the AFC Championship without their starting quarterback, likely leaning heavily on their defense and run game. Seattle looks like the most dangerous team in the NFC, especially with home-field advantage.
For those tracking the Premier League, the Manchester Derby result puts a massive dent in City's armor, giving the rest of the top four some breathing room.
If you're looking to stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the injury reports for Denver this week. The transition from Nix to a backup for a game of that magnitude is a massive hurdle. Also, watch the Seattle weather forecasts; if they get a typical Pacific Northwest rainy day for the NFC Championship, their dominant run game becomes even more of a weapon.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check the AFC Spread: Expect the lines to shift heavily against Denver now that Nix is out.
- Watch the Transfer Window: With United's win, expect more aggressive moves as they try to solidify a title run.
- Set Your Calendar: The next round of NFL playoffs continues today with Texans vs. Patriots and Rams vs. Bears.