Tom Brady is once again in the NFL playoffs.
The oldie secures victory in the NFC South with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8) in the 17th and penultimate week with a 30:24 home win over the Carolina Panthers (6-10). For the first time in franchise history, the Bucs have managed to do so in two consecutive seasons.
The seven-time Super Bowl winner himself impresses with 432 yards, three touchdowns and only eleven incompletions.
Once again a comeback is needed, only three consecutive TDs in the last quarter are decisive.
The New York Giants (9-6-1), who are allowed to tackle the path to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2018, are also moving into the playoffs with them. For them, a 38:10 home win over the Indianapolis Colts (4-11-1) sets the course, for Bernhard Raimann and Co. it’s the sixth defeat in a row.
This leaves only one playoff ticket open in the NFC. The Washington Commanders (7-8-1) suffered a setback in the fight for this, as after a 10:24 loss against the Cleveland Browns (7-9) they were no longer able to move in on their own. The Detroit Lions (8-8) are 41-10 over the Chicago Bears (3-13) but likely need a win at the Green Bay Packers last week.
The Philadelphia Eagles (13-3) have to fear for their status as No. 1 in the NFC, losing to the New Orleans Saints (7-9) 10:20.
Patriots back on playoff course
Something is also happening in the AFC. The Kansas City Chiefs (13-3) took over the top spot of the conference from the Buffalo Bills (12-3), at least temporarily, with a 27:24 win over the Denver Broncos (4-12).
The New England Patriots (8-8) shoved the Miami Dolphins (8-8) out of the playoffs with a 23:21 lead, at least for the time being, while they themselves are back on track. The Jacksonville Jaguars (8-8) cemented their No. 1 status in the AFC South with a 31-3 win over the Houston Texans (2-13-1).
The Atlanta Falcons (6-10) beat the Arizona Cardinals (4-12) 20:19.