The Los Angeles Rams are heading to Super Bowl 56 after knocking off the rival San Francisco 49ers 20-17 in the NFC Championship Game. Matt Gay booted a go-ahead 30-yard field goal with 1:46 to play, and Jimmy Garoppolo was picked off on the ensuing possession to seal the victory. The Rams advance to their second Super Bowl in the last four years.
The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 27-24 in overtime to win the AFC Championship. Evan McPherson kicked a 31-yard field goal for the win as Cincinnati rallied from an 18-point deficit. Joe Burrow threw for two touchdowns and a pick in the win. Patrick Mahomes threw for three touchdowns and two interceptions in the loss for the Chiefs, who led 21-3 at one point. The Bengals and Los Angeles Rams play February 13th in Los Angeles.
There are now questions about quarterback Tom Brady’s future in the NFL. Brady’s agent Tom Yee released a statement saying the 44-year old quarterback will address his future “soon.” This comes after ESPN reported the NFL star was retiring after 22 seasons. The Athletic now says Brady contacted Tampa Bay Buccaneers to tell them he has yet to make a decision about his future. Additionally, an earlier tweet from Brady’s company, TB-12 Sports that congratulated him on his decision has now been deleted.
The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to hire Josh McDaniels as their next head coach. ESPN is reporting the two sides are still finalizing a contract, but McDaniels will leave his position of offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots to come to Las Vegas. The team is also expected to hire Patriots director of player personnel Dave Ziegler as their new general manager.