NFL Wild Card Playoffs 2022: Results and Game Recaps
The 2022 NFL Wild Card round delivered a series of high-stakes matchups, featuring dominant offensive displays and critical defensive stands. From the freezing temperatures of Orchard Park to the sunny shores of Tampa Bay, the opening round of the playoffs determined which teams would advance toward the Super Bowl.
Key Facts
- Buffalo Bills recorded the most dominant victory, defeating the New England Patriots 47–17.
- Josh Allen led all quarterbacks in scoring with 5 touchdown passes in a single game.
- Patrick Mahomes threw for a game-high 404 yards in the Chiefs' victory over the Steelers.
- Tom Brady and the Buccaneers maintained a shutout lead until the fourth quarter against the Eagles.
- Matthew Stafford led the Rams to a decisive 34–11 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
AFC Matchups
Cincinnati Bengals 26, Las Vegas Raiders 19
The Cincinnati Bengals secured a hard-fought victory at Paul Brown Stadium. Joe Burrow led the offense, completing 24 of 34 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns. His primary target, Ja'Marr Chase, was a force on both sides of the ball, recording 9 receptions for 116 yards and adding 23 rushing yards.
The Raiders remained competitive throughout, with Derek Carr throwing for 310 yards and a touchdown, while Josh Jacobs contributed 83 rushing yards. However, the Bengals' balanced attack and the kicking precision of Evan McPherson proved too much for Las Vegas.
Buffalo Bills 47, New England Patriots 17
In a game played in clear but frigid 7 °F weather, the Buffalo Bills overwhelmed the New England Patriots. Josh Allen delivered a masterclass performance, completing 21 of 25 passes for 308 yards and 5 touchdowns. Tight end Dawson Knox was a key target, hauling in 5 receptions for 89 yards and two scores.
The Bills' dominance was evident early, gaining over 300 yards in the first half alone. While Mac Jones managed two touchdown passes to Kendrick Bourne, the Patriots could not keep pace with Buffalo's explosive offense, which included two rushing touchdowns from Devin Singletary.
Kansas City Chiefs 42, Pittsburgh Steelers 21
The Kansas City Chiefs utilized a massive second-half surge to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers at Arrowhead Stadium. Patrick Mahomes was nearly unstoppable, throwing for 404 yards and 5 touchdowns. Travis Kelce served as a primary weapon, finishing with 108 yards and a touchdown.
The Steelers initially took the lead when T.J. Watt returned a fumble 26 yards for a touchdown. However, the Chiefs responded with 35 unanswered points. Ben Roethlisberger threw two late touchdowns to James Washington and Diontae Johnson, but the deficit was too large to overcome.
NFC Matchups
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31, Philadelphia Eagles 15
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers dominated the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium. Tom Brady efficiently managed the game, completing 29 of 37 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns. Mike Evans was the standout receiver with 117 yards and a score.
The Buccaneers built a commanding 31–0 lead by the third quarter, aided by a muffed punt recovery by Ross Cockrell and an interception by Shaq Barrett. The Eagles managed two fourth-quarter touchdowns via Boston Scott and Kenneth Gainwell, but the game was effectively decided by the third quarter.
San Francisco 49ers 23, Dallas Cowboys 17
The San Francisco 49ers relied on a strong rushing attack and precise kicking to edge out the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Elijah Mitchell led the ground game with 96 yards and a touchdown, while Deebo Samuel added a critical 26-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
Robbie Gould was instrumental for the 49ers, converting three field goals, including a 53-yarder. Dak Prescott threw for 254 yards and a touchdown for the Cowboys, but a key interception by K'Waun Williams shifted the momentum in San Francisco's favor.
Los Angeles Rams 34, Arizona Cardinals 11
The Los Angeles Rams cruised to victory at SoFi Stadium, led by Matthew Stafford's efficient passing. Stafford threw for 202 yards and two touchdowns, including a 4-yard strike to Odell Beckham Jr. and a 7-yard pass to Cooper Kupp.
The Rams' defense stifled the Cardinals, forcing two interceptions from Kyler Murray, one of which was returned 3 yards for a touchdown by David Long. Arizona struggled to find rhythm, with James Conner's 2-yard run providing their only touchdown of the game.
Playoff Summary Table
| Game | Winning Team | Score | Losing Team | Top Performer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFC | Cincinnati Bengals | 26–19 | Las Vegas Raiders | Ja'Marr Chase (116 rec yds) |
| AFC | Buffalo Bills | 47–17 | New England Patriots | Josh Allen (5 TD passes) |
| AFC | Kansas City Chiefs | 42–21 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Patrick Mahomes (404 yds) |
| NFC | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 31–15 | Philadelphia Eagles | Mike Evans (117 rec yds) |
| NFC | San Francisco 49ers | 23–17 | Dallas Cowboys | Elijah Mitchell (96 rush yds) |
| NFC | Los Angeles Rams | 34–11 | Arizona Cardinals | Matthew Stafford (2 TD passes) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who had the highest scoring game of the Wild Card round?
The Buffalo Bills had the highest scoring output, defeating the New England Patriots 47–17.
Which quarterback threw the most touchdown passes?
Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills threw the most touchdown passes in a single game, recording 5 touchdowns against the Patriots.
How did the San Francisco 49ers defeat the Dallas Cowboys?
The 49ers won 23–17 through a combination of Elijah Mitchell's 96 rushing yards, a touchdown run by Deebo Samuel, and three field goals from Robbie Gould.
What was the outcome of the Bengals vs. Raiders game?
The Cincinnati Bengals won 26–19, supported by Joe Burrow's two touchdown passes and Ja'Marr Chase's 116 receiving yards.
Who was the top receiver in the Buccaneers vs. Eagles game?
Mike Evans was the top receiver, catching 9 passes for 117 yards and one touchdown.