Colts, Saint and Chargers all advance to divisional round.
It was wildcard weekend in the NFL, and the San Francisco 49ers arguably proved that they have everything required to reach the Super Bowl.
In the last game of the weekend schedule, the 49ers took to Lambeau Field in freezing conditions, but with quarterback Colin Kaepernick going sleeveless and without gloves, they were able to come away with the win after impressing in almost every department.
The elusive quarterback scrambled 11 yards out of trouble to set up Phil Dawson’s 33-yard field goal as time expired to seal a 23-20 win, as the 49ers continue to find a way of beating Green Bay while also demonstrating that their offensive can score and their defense can play tough to push them through games.
“Didn’t think we were going to pull it out, did you?” coach Jim Harbaugh asked reporters after the game.
Kaepernick threw for 227 yards, including a 28-yard TD pass to Vernon Davis, and ran for another 98 while Michael Crabtree had eight catches for 125 yards.
Harbaugh and his team will now look ahead to facing the Carolina Panthers next Sunday in the divisional round, but as they extend their current winning streak further, they will be in confident mood of being able to progress.
Elsewhere, the San Diego Chargers set up a clash with the AFC’s top seed the Denver Broncos next weekend after coming out on top against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Despite winning five consecutive games and having the bonus of going to Denver and winning during the regular season, San Diego will still be outsiders to prevail, although quarterback Philip Rivers insists that his team believe that can secure a win.
The New Orleans Saints also prolonged their season with a 26-24 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, although it remains to be seen how long it goes on with a trip to the Seattle Seahawks next weekend.
Nevertheless, the most entertaining game of the weekend took place at the Lucas Oil Stadium, where the Indianapolis Colts and quarterback Andrew Luck sealed an improbable comeback to overcome the Kansas City Chiefs.
Luck threw three touchdown passes in the second half, as the Colts wiped out a 28-point deficit in the third quarter to end what has been an improved, but ultimately disappointing season for the Chiefs.
NFL Results:
Kansas City Chiefs 44-45 Indianapolis Colts
New Orleans Saints 26-24 Philadelphia Eagles
San Diego Chargers 27-10 Cincinnati Bengals
San Francisco 49ers 23-20 Green Bay Packers
THIS is game-changing speed (c/o @kaepernick7): http://t.co/AtJdJr8VE2
— NFL (@nfl) January 6, 2014
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