Updated NFL Playoff bracket after Bengals secure spot in AFC Championship
Jan 22, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) calls a play in the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills during an AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Greene-USA TODAY Sports
The Cincinnati Bengals cruised to a 27-10 victory over the Buffalo Bills to reach the AFC Championship Game. Let’s look at the updated NFL playoff bracket.
The Cincinnati Bengals ensured that the AFC Championship Game would not be held at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
On Sunday, the Bengals entered snowy Orchard Park, N.Y., and cruised to a 27-10 victory over the Buffalo Bills. With that, they are now set to compete in the AFC Championship Game for the second consecutive season. They were able to do this due to a strong game from quarterback Joe Burrow and an impressive effort by Cincinnati’s defense coordinated by Lou Anarumo.
Now, let’s take a look at the NFL playoff bracket now that the Bengals sent the Bills packing.
Updated NFL Playoff bracket after Bengals reach AFC Championship Game
Divisional Round
- AFC No. 1 Kansas City Chiefs def. No. 4 Jacksonville Jaguars 27-20
- NFC No.1 Philadelphia Eagles def. No. 6 New York Giants 38-7
- AFC No. 3 Cincinnati Bengals def. No. 2 Buffalo Bills 27-10
- NFC No. 2 San Francisco 49ers vs. No. 5 Dallas Cowboys
Conference Championships
- AFC Championship Game
- NFC Championship Game
Cincinnati will face a familiar face in the AFC Championship Game in the Kansas City Chiefs. Let’s not forget that the Bengals defeated the Chiefs last year in overtime to clinch a spot in Super Bowl 56. They will return to Arrowhead Stadium, looking to compete for the Lombardi Trophy for the second year in a row.
The Chiefs reached the AFC title game after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-20. They did this despite the fact that quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a high ankle sprain. It will be interesting to see how Mahomes is throughout the week in the lead up to the Bengals game, considering how serious the injury is.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles await their opponents in the NFC Championship Game after they blew out the rival New York Giants 38-7. The Eagles were able to rush for 268 yards on the Giants defense, making it an easy night at the office.
Now, Philadelphia awaits the winner of the San Francisco 49ers vs. Dallas Cowboys game on Sunday evening. Will the Eagles play their rivals in the Cowboys, or the best defense in the NFL in the 49ers?
