Lions hold off Rams for first playoff win since 1991 season

Lions hold off Rams for first playoff win since 1991 season

DETROIT — It had the flashing lights and fireworks, the obligatory Eminem cameo as “Lose Yourself” blared over the speakers. It had Hall of Famers roaming the sidelines and posing for photos during warmups — there was Calvin Johnson in his Lions jacket, smiling alongside Barry Sanders — and deafening chants for Jared Goff that were drowned out by boos for Matthew Stafford.

The first home playoff game for the Detroit Lions in more than three decades had all the emotions and ear-ringing decibels expected of a fan base that had endured 32 years without a postseason victory.

And, boy, did those fans get a show.

The Lions and their high-powered offense jumped to an early lead and never let go, much as the Los Angeles Rams tried to pull it away. Detroit’s playoff finally drought ended with a 24-23 victory Sunday night at Ford Field. The city had waited 11,697 days since a 38-6 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Jan. 5, 1992.

The first round of the NFL playoffs is underway. Here’s what you need to know.

Detroit rolled through the first half with three consecutive touchdown drives, playing to the emotions of a crowd that regularly took jabs at Stafford, the Lions’ quarterback for 12 years.

They knew what was at stake — for them, for the city and for their quarterback, who two years ago was traded after his relationship with Rams Coach Sean McVay seemed to sour. Goff said throughout the week that his focus was narrow, that he and McVay are “good” — as if the trade was little more than a typical transaction. His play showed otherwise in the first three quarters.

Goff was methodical, spreading the ball to five receivers in the first quarter alone, and making checks at the line as offensive coordinator Ben Johnson pulled the strings. Goff finished 22 for 27 for 277 yards, one touchdown and a 121.8 passer rating.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 14: C.J. Gardner-Johnson #2 of the Detroit Lions celebrates with Derrick Barnes #55 after breaking up a pass in the end zone during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs at Ford Field on January 14, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

The Lions did what they do best — use presnap movements and their top-five rushing attack to open up their play-action passing game — to turn their first three trips to the red zone into touchdowns.

But they hit a lull in the second half and the Rams capitalized. They had chipped away at Detroit’s early lead and by the second quarter turned the game into an offensive duel, each team trying to outsmart, outplay and outgain the other, all while the crowd intermittently chanted Goff’s name to dig at Stafford.

But Stafford was eager to play spoiler in his first trip back to Detroit, finding soft spots in the Lions’ zone coverage to thread passes and rack up yards, even while hurt. Stafford took a shot from defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and grimaced as he jogged off the field and into the medical tent. His backup, Carson Wentz, warmed up on the sideline before Stafford emerged, returned to the field without missing a snap and orchestrated a 13-play, 79-yard scoring drive that ended in a field goal to make it a one-point game.

It came down to third and 14 at the Detroit 44-yard line with 4:20 left. A conversion would put the Rams closer to a go-ahead score. A failed attempt probably would end their hopes.

Stafford’s pass to Puka Nacua, his rookie Pro Bowl receiver who racked up 181 yards and a touchdown on nine catches Sunday, fell incomplete. The Rams punted, and the Lions needed just two first downs to run out the clock.

They got them. The crowd of 66,367 erupted moments later as blue and white streamers fell from the rafters. They did it — finally.

— Nicki Jhabvala

Find highlights and analysis from Sunday’s playoff action below.

Here’s what to know

• In Sunday’s first game, the Dallas Cowboys were upset by the Green Bay Packers in a loss that snapped Dallas’s home winning streak and booted the NFC’s No. 2 seed from the postseason.
• The Buffalo Bills’ game against the Pittsburgh Steelers was rescheduled for Monday afternoon because of blizzard conditions in Buffalo. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Philadelphia Eagles in the Monday night game.

11:18 PM: Analysis from Adam Kilgore, Reporter covering national sports

The NFL announced the schedule for next weekend:

Saturday

4:30 p.m.: Houston at Baltimore/Kansas City

8 p.m.: Green Bay at San Francisco

Sunday

3 p.m.: Philadelphia/Tampa at Detroit

6:30 p.m.: Kansas City at Buffalo or Pittsburgh at Baltimore

11:10 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

With the Lions having ended the NFL’s longest active stretch without a playoff win, that unhappy status now transfers to the Dolphins, who haven’t tasted postseason success since 2000. Miami had a chance to change that Saturday, but it fell to the Chiefs in Kansas City.

11:02 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

Detroit has defeated Los Angeles, 24-23, for the Lions’ first playoff victory since the 1991 season.

11:00 PM: Analysis from Adam Kilgore, Reporter covering national sports

Not to belabor the point, but Sean McVay’s squandering of two timeouts is costing the Rams a chance to keep this game alive.

11:00 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

Detroit got a first down with under two minutes to play on an 11-yard pass from Jared Goff to his favorite target, Amon-Ra St. Brown, on second and nine. The Lions are very close to icing this game.

10:54 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

Down one with just over four minutes to play, the Rams opted to punt the ball away after an incomplete pass on a third-and-long play on Detroit’s side of the field. The Lions will start a possession at their 17-yard line. With a 35-yard catch-and-run on the Los Angeles drive, Puka Nacua set a rookie record with 181 receiving yards.

10:53 PM: Analysis from Adam Kilgore, Reporter covering national sports

Dan Campbell made a big bet on his defense, and it paid off. He could’ve declined a holding penalty and left the Rams with a long field goal. Instead, he took it and pushed them out of field goal range for third and 14. The Lions finally stopped a third-down pass to Puka Nacua and now can ice the game.

10:43 PM: Analysis from Adam Kilgore, Reporter covering national sports

Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson needs to find some answers. Detroit’s offense has shut down in the second half as the Rams and defensive coordinator Raheem Morris have figured out how to get pressure on Jared Goff.

10:35 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

After a Lions punt to start the fourth quarter, Los Angeles kicked a 29-yard field goal to cut its deficit to 24-23 with eight minutes to play. Earlier in the drive, impressive Rams rookie Puka Nacua shed tackles for a nine-yard gain on a third-and-eight play, then went up for a 22-yard reception in dangerous territory over the deep middle.

10:28 PM: Analysis from Adam Kilgore, Reporter covering national sports

Puka Nacua is made of granite. He’s up to eight catches, 146 yards and about 206 broken tackles.

10:24 PM: Analysis from Adam Kilgore, Reporter covering national sports

The difference between third and eight and third and 13 is NOTHING compared to not having a timeout late in a close game. Sean McVay refuses to learn that. It is his biggest weakness as a coach, and it’s enough to drive you crazy. The Rams have one timeout left.

10:19 PM: Analysis from Nicki Jhabvala, Reporter covering Washington’s NFL team

Matthew Stafford is out of the tent and back on the sideline with his helmet on.

10:11 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

Los Angeles kicker Brett Maher made a 27-yard field goal to cut Detroit’s deficit to 24-20 following a 10-play drive. On the preceding play, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was hit after releasing a pass and was driven to the ground. He appeared injured as he left the field.

10:01 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

Detroit’s Michael Badgley kicked a 54-yard field goal to increase the Lions’ lead to 24-17 over Los Angeles with less than nine minutes to go in the third quarter. On the nine-play, 44-yard drive, Jared Goff completed passes of 30 and 17 yards to Amon-Ra St. Brown, who is up to 89 receiving yards for the game.

9:56 PM: Analysis from Adam Kilgore, Reporter covering national sports

The Lions are really wearing out Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon. Every time they need a big play, it seems like they target whichever receiver he’s defending.

9:51 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

Getting the ball to start the second half, the Rams got just one first down before booting their first punt of the game. On the second play for Los Angeles, Matthew Stafford was flushed from the pocket and badly missed a wide-open Cooper Kupp well down the left sideline.

9:50 PM: Analysis from Adam Kilgore, Reporter covering national sports

Nobody squanders second-half timeouts like Sean McVay. Put a star next to that one in case the Rams trail late in a close game.

9:43 PM: Lions lead Rams, 21-17, at halftime

Matthew Stafford makes a throw. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Making plenty of progress toward fulfilling the predictions that Sunday’s game would be a high-scoring affair, the Lions and Rams played an entertaining first half that ended with host Detroit holding a 21-17 lead.

Lions quarterback Jared Goff and Rams counterpart Matthew Stafford, famously traded for each other nearly three years ago, combined to complete 28 of 34 passes for 390 yards and three touchdowns. Detroit also racked up 69 yards on 14 carries, while Los Angeles wide receivers Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell each had a long scoring reception. Using a slightly more methodical approach, the Lions have 18 first downs to 11 for the Rams.

Stafford was shown in the first half dealing with a fresh wound to his already banged-up throwing hand, but he has yet to let it slow him down. He will need some help, one would imagine, from a defense that thus far has put very little pressure on Goff.

By: Des Bieler

9:34 PM: Analysis from Nicki Jhabvala, Reporter covering Washington’s NFL team

At the half:

Goff: 16-18, 194 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 130.1 rating

Stafford: 12-16, 196 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, 155.2 rating

9:31 PM: Analysis from Adam Kilgore, Reporter covering national sports

Lions fans have bad history with controversial calls in playoff games. In their most recent playoff appearance, a first-round game in Dallas, referees picked up a flag after a seemingly valid pass interference call had put them in position to seal a victory. That botched false start call could linger.

9:30 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

With just over a minute to go in the first half, we got our first drive that did not end in any points. At the Rams’ 41-yard line, the Lions went for it on fourth and five and appeared to get Los Angeles to jump offside, but officials instead called a false start and Detroit punted.

9:23 PM: Analysis from Adam Kilgore, Reporter covering national sports

Great night for rookie skill players. Jahmyr Gibbs has been electric in gaining more than 60 total yards and scoring a touchdown. Sam LaPorta has scored a touchdown playing with a brace on the knee he hurt last week. Puka Nacua has been metronomic in already surpassing 100 yards receiving.

9:17 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

The Rams have again done their part to turn this contest into a high-scoring barnburner, this time with a 38-yard catch-and-run by wide receiver Tutu Atwell. That came one play after a fourth-and-five situation from Detroit’s 44 in which Los Angeles went for it and picked up a first down on a six-yard catch by Cooper Kupp. Detroit leads 21-17.

9:08 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

The Lions continued their red-hot start to the game with an 11-play touchdown drive featuring several broken tackles. Tight end Sam LaPorta ended the 75-yard march with a two-yard touchdown catch on fourth down for a 21-10 lead. Quarterback Jared Goff has now completed 14 of 15 attempts for 161 yards.

9:05 PM: Analysis from Adam Kilgore, Reporter covering national sports

Before Jonah Williams stuffed David Montgomery on first and goal, the Lions were pitching a perfect game on offense. They had not lost yards on any runs, and Jared Goff had thrown only one incompletion in 14 attempts. Remarkably, the Lions gained 15 first downs in their first 22 plays.

8:55 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

The Rams scored a touchdown to cut their deficit to 14-10 early in the second quarter. Matthew Stafford, who was shown dealing with an injury to his throwing hand, found rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua for a 50-yard scoring play.

8:53 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

Los Angeles ended the first quarter with a 19-yard completion from Matthew Stafford to wide receiver DeMarcus Robinson on a third-and-16 play. That moved the chains as the Rams looked to keep up with the Lions, who have a 14-3 lead behind quarterback Jarred Goff’s 9-for-9 passing for 111 yards.

8:46 PM: Analysis from Adam Kilgore, Reporter covering national sports

There’s another former Ram playing for the Lions tonight. Wideout Josh Reynolds, who went from the Rams to the Lions midway through Dan Campbell’s first season, has four catches for 75 yards in the first quarter.

8:46 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

The Lions went up by 14-3 after a 10-yard run by Jahmyr Gibbs, capping a 75-yard drive that needed just five plays and included a 15-yard penalty on Los Angeles for roughing the passer.

8:38 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

The Rams got a 24-yard field goal from Brett Maher to end their first drive and trim the Lions’ lead to 7-3. Matthew Stafford started the 11-play drove with four completions in as many pass attempts, but he missed his final three attempts once Los Angeles drew near Detroit’s end zone.

8:37 PM: Analysis from Adam Kilgore, Reporter covering national sports

Big call by Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to all-out blitz Matthew Stafford on third and goal. The pressure worked, as Stafford rushed a throw and Lions safety Brian Branch deflected the pass while leaping in Stafford’s face.

8:35 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

Los Angeles’ Matthew Stafford wasted little time showing the kind of throwing prowess he displayed for so long in Detroit. The Rams quarterback tossed a no-look, sidearm completion on his team’s first drive to tight end Davis Allen.

8:25 PM: Analysis from Nicki Jhabvala, Reporter covering Washington’s NFL team

Worth noting: The Lions were 10-1 this season in games in which they scored first. They were 2-4 in games in which their opponent scored first.

8:24 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

With the game’s first possession, Detroit moved right downfield and scored on a one-yard plunge by David Montgomery, resulting in a 7-0 lead. Jared Goff completed all five of his pass attempts for 51 yards, including a 24-yard strike to wide receiver Josh Reynolds.

8:21 PM: Analysis from Adam Kilgore, Reporter covering national sports

On the opening drive, the Lions’ offensive line is absolutely whipping the Rams’ defensive front. Knocking them back on runs and giving Jared Goff all the time in the world on passes.

8:18 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

It appeared that there were some initial issues with the officiating crew hearing the Rams’ preference on the coin toss, but having won it, Los Angeles chose to defer and kicked off to Detroit.

8:09 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

After suffering a scary-looking injury in Detroit’s regular season finale, Sam LaPorta not only avoided a severe malady, but he was made active for tonight’s game. It remains to be seen how much action LaPorta will get, but the new NFL record-holder for catches by a rookie tight end is in position to help his team.

8:06 PM: Analysis from Adam Kilgore, Reporter covering national sports

The Lions have not hosted a playoff game in 30 years. They now know that if they win today, they’ll host another next week. The Cowboys’ loss ensured the Lions will be one of the two highest seeds remaining if they can beat the Rams.

8:03 PM: Analysis from Nicki Jhabvala, Reporter covering Washington’s NFL team

We’re about five minutes before kickoff here at Ford Field and Lions fans have already chanted Jared Goff’s name (many times) and booed Matthew Stafford. The sideline during warmups was star-studded, with Hall of Famers Calvin Johnson Jr. and Barry Sanders, Detroit rappers Big Sean and Eminem, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith and actor Taylor Lautner.

7:52 PM: Packers upset Cowboys, advance to divisional round of NFL playoffs

Packers quarterback Jordan Love finished Sunday’s game with a perfect passer rating. He’s now 1-0 as a postseason starter, and Green Bay will play on next weekend.

ARLINGTON, Tex. — The home field that had been so kind to the Dallas Cowboys failed them just when the stakes were raised for the NFL postseason, and they once more were unable to make good on the promise of recapturing the franchise’s glorious playoff past.

The Cowboys stunningly lost to the Green Bay Packers, 48-32, here Sunday in an opening-round NFC playoff game at AT&T Stadium. The Packers scored the game’s first 27 points, and the Cowboys never seriously threatened from there.

It happened yet again. Another postseason ended in calamitous fashion for the Dallas, which again fell short in its bid to make the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance since the 1995 season. Coach Mike McCarthy lost to the team he once coached to a Super Bowl title. The speculation that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones could dismiss McCarthy undoubtedly will intensify following another postseason disappointment, particularly with coaches as prominent as Bill Belichick and Mike Vrabel now available.

“We’re very disappointed, to a man,” McCarthy said. “I don’t think anybody saw this coming. … We’re hurting. We’re disappointed, every man.”

The first round of the NFL playoffs is underway. Here’s what you need to know.

The seventh-seeded Packers play on. They will face the top-seeded San Francisco 49ers next weekend in Santa Clara, Calif., in the divisional round of the NFC playoffs. The Packers seized the final spot in the NFC playoff field on the last day of the NFL regular season. Now they have added a playoff victory to their list of accomplishments in their first season with Jordan Love as their starter at quarterback, following their trade of four-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets last offseason.

Tailback Aaron Jones provided three rushing touchdowns Sunday for the Packers. Love had three touchdown passes in a nearly flawless performance in his first NFL playoff game. The Packers had two interceptions of Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, one of which safety Darnell Savage returned 64 yards for a touchdown to make it a 27-0 game late in the second quarter.

Hopes were high for the Cowboys this postseason

The second-seeded Cowboys will be left to contemplate how another playoff appearance went awry. Jones said last month that the Cowboys’ loss to the New York Giants in the divisional round of the NFC playoffs after the 2007 season, when they went 13-3 with Tony Romo at quarterback, was his biggest disappointment as the franchise’s owner. He’d called this season the Cowboys’ best Super Bowl opportunity since then.

“I don’t have any comments or questions or answers for how and why we didn’t do what we wanted tonight,” Jones said. “I say this to our fans how much you deserved [for] us to not have this ending. I certainly in no way have spent any of my time over the last three hours asking how and why.”

It was far from certain that the Cowboys would have been able to overcome the 49ers in a possible NFC championship game matchup on the road. The Niners eliminated the Cowboys from the previous two postseasons and overwhelmed them in an early-October game in Santa Clara. But the Cowboys, even with the prospect of playing at home again next weekend, didn’t even come close to advancing that far.

McCarthy has overseen three straight 12-win regular seasons, but his postseason record with the Cowboys fell to 1-3. Prescott’s playoff mark dropped to 2-5.

“There’s no excuses. … We had it all lined up three hours ago,” Prescott said. “This is the last place that anybody in this organization, especially in that locker room, would have thought that we were going to be.”

The Cowboys won the NFC East title. They were the only NFL team to go unbeaten at home during the regular season. They had won their past 16 regular season games at AT&T Stadium. But none of that mattered Sunday, with the roof closed for indoor football on an unusually harsh and wintry day in the Dallas area. Some Cowboys fans began heading to the exits late in the third quarter, while many of those who stayed were booing the home team.

By: Mark Maske

7:51 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

A last-gasp drive for the Cowboys, who were out of timeouts, ended when Dak Prescott threw a long pass into the end zone that fell incomplete. Green Bay will kneel out the clock on an impressive, 48-32 win at Dallas.

7:47 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

Jordan Love had a perfect passer rating of 158.3 when he first left the field, but with the Cowboys getting to within 16 points late in the game, Green Bay put its starting quarterback under center again. He proceeded to throw an incompletion, dropping his rating to an imperfect but still sparking rating of 157.2.

7:42 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

The Packers put starting quarterback Jordan Love and running back Aaron Jones back on the field for a drive that began with three minutes and 24 seconds to play. Nonetheless, Green Bay went three and out and punted the ball back to Dallas, which got the ball back at its 8-yard line, down 16 points.

7:38 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

Dallas’s Jake Ferguson has a third touchdown to cap a speedy drive that brought his team to within 48-32 after Dak Prescott ran in the two-point conversion. The Cowboys went 91 yards in four plays — and, importantly, used less than a minute and a half of game clock — but failed again on an onside kick.

7:33 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

Backup quarterback Sean Clifford, a fifth-round rookie out of Penn State, replaced Green Bay’s Jordan Love with under six minutes to play and the contest well in hand. On a drive that began after Dallas failed to recover an onside kick, the Packers punted after a three-and-out. Love finishes his first playoff start with a perfect passer rating (158.3).

7:26 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

With the outcome decided early in the fourth quarter and several Packers defenders already benched for backups, Dallas mounted a lengthy drive that ended in a second touchdown catch for tight end Jake Ferguson. The Cowboys went for two, got it on a Rico Dowdle run and trimmed Green Bay’s lead to 48-24 with less than six minutes to play.

7:17 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

On a fourth-and-two play from Dallas’s 3-yard line, Green Bay’s Jordan Love found wide receiver Romeo Doubs in the end zone to increase the Packers’ lead to 48-16. Doubs is up to 151 yards on six catches. The scoring drive, which followed the Cowboys turning the ball over on downs, went 40 yards in eight plays.

7:07 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

The third quarter ended with a desperate Dallas squad going for it on fourth and five from its 41-yard line. A deep heave from a pressured Dak Prescott landed well away from any pass-catcher, and the Packers will take over on downs.

7:01 PM: Analysis from Mark Maske, Sports reporter covering the NFL

Some fans have begun to head to the exits at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys simply can’t stop the Green Bay offense.

7:00 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

Green Bay continues to embarrass the Cowboys’ defense, this time with a three-play, 75-yard drive capped by a deep Jordan Love pass to wide-open tight end Luke Musgrave. The first two plays consisted of long runs by Aaron Jones. The Packers extended their lead to 41-16 over Dallas with under two minutes left in the third quarter.

6:56 PM: Analysis from Mark Maske, Sports reporter covering the NFL

The penalty on the Cowboys’ two-point conversion attempt keeps it a three-possession game. And kicker Brandon Aubrey misses the extra point, sending the ball off the upright. The Cowboys still have a chance. But it’s a slim chance. And they need to get some stops on defense.

6:54 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

Dallas cut its deficit to 34-16 after going 88 yards in 11 plays, but the team still made key mistakes. Tony Pollard scored a one-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a two-point conversion called back on a penalty, at which point the Cowboys’ extra point attempt failed when the ball hit the upright.

6:34 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

Jordan Love, Aaron Jones and the Packers offense picked up right where they left off in the first half, taking their first possession of the second half 75 yards to the end zone in five plays, including a 46-yard pass from Love to Romeo Doubs, who has 148 receiving yards. Jones scored from nine yards out for a 34-10 lead.

6:31 PM: Analysis from Mark Maske, Sports reporter covering the NFL

If the Cowboys do manage to come back and win this game, it will be the second straight year in which a team overcame a 27-0 deficit to win an NFL playoff game. The Jacksonville Jaguars rallied from such a deficit to beat the Los Angeles Chargers, 31-30, in a first-round AFC game last January.

6:29 PM: Analysis from Mark Maske, Sports reporter covering the NFL

The Cowboys could have put some real pressure on Jordan Love and the Packers if they’d gotten a touchdown there. But they settle for a field goal. The Cowboys at least have steadied themselves a bit with 10 straight points since facing a 27-0 deficit.

6:27 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

The Cowboys started the second half with a 34-yard FG, cutting their deficit to 27-10. Earlier in the 12-play drive, Prescott ran for no gain on third and two, but Green Bay’s Kenny Clark got a 15-yard face mask penalty on the tackle. Three plays later, CeeDee Lamb kept the drive going by shaking a tackle attempt on third down.

6:13 PM: Analysis from Mark Maske, Sports reporter covering the NFL

The consequences of a Cowboys’ loss today could be considerable. Mike McCarthy’s playoff record with the Cowboys would fall to 1-3. Dak Prescott’s postseason mark would be 2-5. Would Jerry Jones fire McCarthy even after three straight 12-win regular seasons? Bill Belichick and Mike Vrabel are now available, keep in mind.

6:08 PM: Analysis from Mark Maske, Sports reporter covering the NFL

The Cowboys obviously needed that. It might have been game over if they’d failed there at the end of the half. That touchdown gives them a chance, at least. They get the ball to begin the second half and need to score again to make it competitive and put some pressure on the Packers.

6:04 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

At the Packers’ 1-yard line but with just two seconds left in the first half, the Cowboys eschewed a field goal attempt and got a desperately needed touchdown on a pass from Dak Prescott to tight end Jake Ferguson. Dallas went 55 yards in 12 plays and cut its deficit to 27-7 going into halftime.

5:52 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

Dallas is now down, 27-0, late in the first half, after Green Bay’s Darnell Savage returned a second Dak Prescott interception 65 yards. It’s getting late early for the Cowboys.

5:46 PM: Analysis from Mark Maske, Sports reporter covering the NFL

It’s 20-0 and the Cowboys are completely melting down. This is a stunning first-half performance by both teams. Jerry Jones said last month that his biggest disappointment as owner of the Cowboys came when they failed to reach the Super Bowl after a 13-3 regular season in 2007. And Jones called this the team’s best Super Bowl opportunity since then.

5:43 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

Starting at their 7-yard line, the Packers moved 93 yards in 10 plays for a touchdown that gave them a 20-0 lead after Anders Carlson missed the extra point. Wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks got into the end zone on a 20-yard pass from Jordan Love, who is carving up the Cowboys in his first playoff start.

5:35 PM: Analysis from Mark Maske, Sports reporter covering the NFL

The Cowboys punt again, and that’s three offensive possessions for them resulting in two punts and a turnover. It’s not exactly an ideal start for a team looking to break through in the postseason.

5:31 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

The Cowboys finally got some passing yards and had a drive going, but a Keisean Nixon sack of Dak Prescott on third down abruptly halted their momentum. Green Bay got the ball back at its 7-yard line with nine minutes left in the first half after a Dallas punt.

5:26 PM: Analysis from Sam Fortier, Reporter covering the Washington Commanders

Disastrous start for Dallas. The Cowboys aren’t a team built to overcome deficits. The pass game relies on play action, which will get less effective, and the defense is much better against the pass than the run — and it’s about to see a lot more run.

Big challenge on deck for Mike McCarthy and Dak Prescott.

5:24 PM: Analysis from Mark Maske, Sports reporter covering the NFL

Okay, it’s officially time for the Cowboys and their fans to panic. The Cowboys trail, 14-0, in the early moments of the second quarter. Another playoff calamity perhaps could be at hand. Dak Prescott has thrown an interception. The crowd is quiet. Jordan Love and the Packers are not the least bit overwhelmed by the playoff circumstances. Watch out.

5:21 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

Two plays into the second quarter, Aaron Jones got his second rushing touchdown, and Green Bay pushed its lead to 14-0. On a drive set up by a Jaire Alexander interception, the Packers moved 19 yards in three plays. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had zero passing yards in a first 15 minutes dominated by Green Bay.

5:19 PM: Analysis from Mark Maske, Sports reporter covering the NFL

That’s a tremendous interception by Jaire Alexander. He’s a difference-maker on defense, and it was major boost to the Packers when he was active today.

5:16 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

The Packers’ Jaire Alexander intercepted Dallas’s Dak Prescott and appeared to return it for a touchdown, but the veteran cornerback was called down by contact at the point of the catch. Still, Green Bay gets a huge play and starts a drive deep in Cowboys territory.

5:11 PM: Analysis from Sam Fortier, Reporter covering the Washington Commanders

Dallas DC Dan Quinn usually counters bigger personnel on offense with smaller personnel. It seems like the Packers want to bully the Cowboys, especially in the run game. It worked on the first drive, but can the Packers keep it up?

(“12” personnel means two WR, two TE, one RB; “11” is three WR, one TE, one RB.)

5:11 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

The Cowboys will start their second possession at their eight-yard line after forcing the Packers to punt, but not before Green Bay’s Jordan Love hit wide receiver Romeo Doubs for a 26-yard gain on a third-and-9 play early in the drive. While the Packers stalled soon thereafter, they were able to pin Dallas deep in its own end.

5:03 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

The Cowboys picked up one first down on their opening possession, courtesy of an 18-yard Dak Prescott scramble, but soon were forced to punt. Green Bay got the ball at its 24 after a penalty was called on Dallas for bumping into Packers returner Jayden Reed while he was trying to make a fair catch.

4:58 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

Veteran running back Aaron Jones got his Packers into the end zone first on a three-yard plunge. The seventh-year player, who may have a bigger role today because of the absence of fellow back A.J. Dillon (neck, thumb), ran the ball seven times on the opening drive for 25 yards.

4:57 PM: Analysis from Sam Fortier, Reporter covering the Washington Commanders

Packers Coach Matt LaFleur made a smart decision by choosing to take the ball first. That beautiful drive, led by Jordan Love and Aaron Jones, will prevent the Cowboys from doing what they do best — getting a lead and rushing the passer. Dallas will now have to continue to respect the run.

4:54 PM: Analysis from Mark Maske, Sports reporter covering the NFL

That’s such a tremendous opening drive by the Packers in Jordan Love’s NFL playoff debut. The Cowboys came out with very good defensive intensity. The home crowd was loud. And the Packers went straight down the field anyway. They avoided a very quick third-down predicament with the illegal contact penalty on the Cowboys.

4:53 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

Electing to possess the ball first in hopes of a fast start that could dim the Dallas crowd and allow it to dictate tempo, Green Bay marched 75 yards for a touchdown that gave it a 7-0 lead. In a drive that used 12 plays, the biggest was a 22-yard pass from Jordan Love to Romeo Doubs.

4:42 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

The Packers-Cowboys playoff game has kicked off. Green Bay won the coin toss and elected to receive, meaning it gets the ball first.

4:38 PM: Analysis from Sam Fortier, Reporter covering the Washington Commanders

No team in the NFL was as good at home this season as Dallas. The Cowboys went undefeated (8-0) and averaged 37.3 points per game, the highest scoring output at home by any team since Green Bay in 2014 (39.8).

If Dallas starts fast, the more than 80,000 fans in AT&T Stadium should help carry the Cowboys home.

4:28 PM: Analysis from Sam Fortier, Reporter covering the Washington Commanders

Expect the Cowboys to come out throwing. Coach Mike McCarthy calls pass plays (and play-action passes) at one of the league’s highest rates. It’s smart to put the game in the hands of Dak Prescott, who’s as smart and clinical as any QB in the league right now. Watch him adjust plays at the line of scrimmage before the snap.

4:25 PM: More than a ‘big meathead,’ Dan Campbell has resurrected the Lions

DETROIT — Dan Campbell stood before the Detroit Lions, delivering his usual address at the team hotel on the eve of game day. The players had come to expect anything from their coach. His eyes might turn glassy with tears. Spittle could form at the edges of his mouth. He may wave his hands so fiercely that it could make someone suspect his Himalayan forearms had grown gargantuan from the burden of keeping his hands attached. But they had never seen what happened on that night last season.

As Campbell spoke, a false tooth popped out of his mouth and dropped to the ground. Hardly pausing his speech, Campbell bent down, pinched the tooth between his fingers and popped it back into place.

“It doesn’t even faze him,” Detroit linebacker Alex Anzalone said. “We were like, ‘What in the world?’ He just kept going like nothing happened.”

Read the full story

By: Adam Kilgore

4:20 PM: Analysis from Mark Maske, Sports reporter covering the NFL

The Packers said their team captains for the game will be running back Aaron Jones, linebacker Rashan Gary and cornerback Keisean Nixon. Cornerback Jaire Alexander presumably won’t appoint himself a captain this time.

4:18 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

Cowboys offensive lineman Tyler Smith was listed as active for today’s game, an expected development after he was cleared from the injury report earlier following a foot injury that caused him to miss the regular season finale against Washington. Cornerback Stephon Gilmore (shoulder) and backup quarterback Cooper Rush (illness) are also available to face the Packers.

4:15 PM: Analysis from Des Bieler, Sports reporter covering national topics, as well as supporting coverage of D.C.-area teams

The Packers are getting some big-name reinforcements today in cornerback Jaire Alexander and wide receiver Christian Watson, both of whom were listed as on the team’s active list. While Watson is back after missing over a month with a hamstring issue, Alexander was considered questionable this week following an ankle injury suffered in practice.

4:10 PM: The Cowboys are feeling right at home as they begin the playoffs

This is who the Dallas Cowboys are. This is what they do. They tantalize. They raise hopes. They create belief. They foster expectations that, this time, things will be different — that, this time, they will break through and return the franchise to its “America’s Team” birthright by getting back to the Super Bowl.

For going on three decades, the next step has been to disappoint, to fall short and to turn the postseason glories of the Cowboys’ past into fading memories.

That could change in the coming weeks. It could be different this time. The Cowboys are convinced of it. What choice do they have? Once more, they have a team capable of getting it done. They won the NFC East and secured the conference’s No. 2 seed, and they will be on a home field that has been very kind to them when they host the seventh-seeded Green Bay Packers in an opening-round NFC playoff game Sunday.

Read the full story

By: Mark Maske

4:05 PM: Analysis from Mark Maske, Sports reporter covering the NFL

The weather is unusually harsh and wintry in the Dallas area for Sunday’s first-round NFC playoff game between the Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers.

It was 20 degrees in Arlington less than two hours before kickoff.

Fortunately for everyone in attendance, that won’t matter because the roof is closed at AT&T Stadium.

4:02 PM: No further scheduling change at this point to Bills-Steelers game

NFL officials remained hopeful as of Sunday afternoon that the Buffalo Bills’ home playoff game can be played Monday at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time in Orchard Park, N.Y., as now scheduled.

The NFL, in consultation with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), decided Saturday to reschedule the game because of hazardous weather conditions, including lake effect snow and high winds, in the Buffalo area. The game had been scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday.

A travel ban remained in effect Sunday afternoon in the Buffalo area.

The Steelers were scheduled to travel Sunday afternoon from Pittsburgh to Buffalo.

The Bill-Steelers game became the first NFL playoff game to be postponed due to weather issues since a Steelers-Chiefs divisional-round game in Kansas City in January 2017 was pushed back from 1 p.m. to 8:20 p.m. the same day.

By: Mark Maske