The 2017 NFL playoffs culminated in Super Bowl LI, showcasing an exciting postseason that saw the New England Patriots emerge victorious over the Atlanta Falcons in a thrilling comeback. This bracket detailed the path of the league's top teams as they battled for the Vince Lombardi Trophy, beginning with the Wild Card round and progressing through the Divisional and Conference Championship games. — Dallas Cowboys Schedule: Dates, Times & Opponents
AFC Playoff Picture: Patriots Lead the Pack
The American Football Conference (AFC) in 2017 was largely dominated by familiar powerhouses, with the New England Patriots once again securing the top seed. Their consistent performance throughout the regular season earned them home-field advantage, a crucial element in their playoff run. The Patriots, led by quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick, demonstrated their trademark resilience and offensive firepower. Their journey through the AFC playoffs was a testament to their experience and ability to perform under pressure. The Patriots' path to the Super Bowl involved overcoming tough opponents in the Divisional Round and the AFC Championship game, where they faced the formidable challenge of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, respectively. The Divisional Round saw them triumph over the Houston Texans, who had an impressive season themselves. The AFC Championship game pitted them against a strong Pittsburgh Steelers team, but the Patriots' experience and execution proved superior.
Other notable contenders in the AFC included the Oakland Raiders, who secured a playoff berth despite losing their starting quarterback Derek Carr late in the season, forcing them to rely on their backup. The Raiders' resilience was commendable, but their playoff hopes were dashed early. The Kansas City Chiefs also emerged as a strong AFC contender, boasting a well-rounded team with a potent offense and a solid defense. Their Divisional Round victory over the Steelers in a hard-fought contest highlighted their championship aspirations. However, their journey ended in the AFC Championship game against the Patriots, where they were unable to overcome New England's dominance. The Raiders' season, while impressive for much of its duration, ultimately fell short in the postseason. The Dolphins, another AFC team, also made a surprising playoff appearance, showcasing the parity within the conference. Their playoff experience, though brief, was valuable.
The AFC Wild Card round featured matchups that set the stage for the intense competition ahead. The Raiders, despite their circumstances, played valiantly but were ultimately eliminated. The other Wild Card game saw the Miami Dolphins face the Pittsburgh Steelers, with the Steelers advancing. The Divisional Round then saw the top-seeded Patriots host the Texans, securing a comfortable victory. The Chiefs, in their Divisional Round matchup, faced the Steelers, delivering a captivating performance. The AFC Championship game, as anticipated, was a clash between the Patriots and the Chiefs, with New England prevailing to advance to Super Bowl LI. The path was arduous, but the Patriots navigated it with their characteristic precision and determination. The AFC bracket represented a microcosm of the entire NFL season, with established dynasties and emerging challengers vying for supremacy. The narrative of the AFC playoffs was one of experience versus rising talent, with the Patriots ultimately demonstrating their enduring class.
NFC Playoff Picture: Falcons Soar to the Super Bowl
In the National Football Conference (NFC), the Atlanta Falcons, led by quarterback Matt Ryan, emerged as the dominant force, clinching the top seed. Ryan's stellar MVP season was a driving force behind the Falcons' success, showcasing an explosive offense that proved difficult for opponents to contain. Their home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs was instrumental in their deep postseason run. The Falcons' path to the Super Bowl included victories over the Green Bay Packers in the Divisional Round and the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game. The Packers, despite a late-season surge and a strong performance from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, were unable to overcome the Falcons' offensive prowess. The Seahawks, another NFC powerhouse, also represented a significant challenge, but the Falcons managed to secure a hard-fought victory to earn their Super Bowl berth. — Pacers Vs. Jazz: Game History & Key Moments
Other NFC teams that made significant contributions to the playoff picture included the Dallas Cowboys, who had a remarkable regular season, securing the second seed in the NFC. Their young core, led by rookie quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott, showcased incredible potential and resilience. However, their playoff journey was cut short in the Divisional Round by the Green Bay Packers in a dramatic upset. The Cowboys' performance, especially from their rookies, was a major storyline throughout the season, and their playoff loss was a tough learning experience. The Green Bay Packers, despite a mid-season slump, rallied to secure a playoff spot and proved to be a dangerous opponent. Their late-season win streak, powered by Aaron Rodgers, made them a formidable force in the postseason. Their Divisional Round victory over the Cowboys was a testament to their never-give-up attitude. The New York Giants also secured a Wild Card berth, demonstrating their defensive strength, but their playoff run ended in the Wild Card round against the Packers.
The NFC Wild Card round set a competitive tone, with the Giants falling to the Packers in a tightly contested matchup. In the Divisional Round, the top-seeded Falcons faced the Packers in a high-scoring affair, with Atlanta ultimately advancing. The Cowboys' highly anticipated matchup against the Packers resulted in a stunning upset, as Green Bay pulled off a road victory. The NFC Championship game then pitted the Falcons against the Seahawks, a rematch of a regular-season contest. The Falcons emerged victorious, booking their ticket to Super Bowl LI. The NFC bracket was characterized by a blend of established teams and emerging contenders, with the Falcons proving to be the class of the conference. Their offensive juggernaut was a key factor in their success, allowing them to overcome challenging opponents and secure their place on the biggest stage in American football.
Super Bowl LI: A Historic Comeback
Super Bowl LI, played on February 5, 2017, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, featured a highly anticipated matchup between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons. The game is etched in NFL history for one of the most remarkable comebacks ever witnessed. The Atlanta Falcons started the game with incredible momentum, establishing a commanding 28-3 lead in the third quarter. Their offense, led by MVP quarterback Matt Ryan, was firing on all cylinders, and it seemed as though the Lombardi Trophy was within their grasp. The Falcons' aerial attack and efficient running game left the Patriots defense struggling to find answers.
However, the New England Patriots, under the leadership of Tom Brady, staged an unprecedented comeback. Beginning in the second half, the Patriots' offense found its rhythm, scoring 31 unanswered points. Tom Brady orchestrated a masterful performance, leading his team down the field with precision and efficiency. The Patriots' defense also stepped up, making crucial stops and preventing the Falcons from extending their lead. The turning point of the game came in the fourth quarter, where the Patriots scored three touchdowns and two two-point conversions to tie the game at 28-28. This remarkable surge forced the game into overtime, a rarity in the Super Bowl.
In overtime, the New England Patriots received the ball and capitalized on their momentum. Tom Brady led another decisive drive, culminating in a touchdown pass that sealed their 34-28 victory. This win marked the fifth Super Bowl title for the Patriots franchise and further cemented Tom Brady's legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. The Falcons, who had played exceptionally well for most of the game, were left to rue their inability to close out the victory. The Super Bowl LI comeback remains a defining moment in NFL history, showcasing the Patriots' mental fortitude and the Falcons' late-game struggles. The game was a fitting conclusion to the 2017 NFL playoff season, demonstrating the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of professional football.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Super Bowl LI?
The final score of Super Bowl LI was New England Patriots 34, Atlanta Falcons 28. This historic game went into overtime, marking the first time in Super Bowl history that the championship was decided in the extra period.
Which teams were seeded number one in the 2017 playoffs?
The New England Patriots secured the number one seed in the AFC, while the Atlanta Falcons earned the number one seed in the NFC for the 2017 NFL playoffs, both enjoying home-field advantage.
Who won the AFC Championship game in 2017?
The New England Patriots won the AFC Championship game in 2017, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs to advance to Super Bowl LI. Their victory was hard-fought and demonstrated their readiness for the championship.
Who won the NFC Championship game in 2017?
The Atlanta Falcons won the NFC Championship game in 2017, beating the Seattle Seahawks to secure their spot in Super Bowl LI. Matt Ryan's MVP performance was key to their success.
How did the Falcons lose their lead in Super Bowl LI?
The Atlanta Falcons lost their significant lead in Super Bowl LI due to a remarkable comeback by the New England Patriots in the second half. The Patriots scored 31 unanswered points to tie the game.
What made Super Bowl LI so memorable?
Super Bowl LI is considered one of the greatest Super Bowls due to the New England Patriots' historic comeback. They overcame a 28-3 deficit to defeat the Atlanta Falcons in overtime, a feat never before accomplished in a Super Bowl. — Braves Vs Marlins: Rivalry, Key Players, And Season Preview
Were there any major upsets in the 2017 NFL playoffs?
Yes, a significant upset occurred when the Green Bay Packers defeated the Dallas Cowboys in the Divisional Round of the NFC playoffs. The Cowboys, who had a strong regular season, were favored to win.
