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December 31, 2013

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Eagles, Packers make dramatic entrances into the postseason

The Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers pulled out memorable road victories on Sunday to secure berths in the NFL playoffs.

Philadelphia completed a terrific turnaround under new coach Chip Kelly by beating Dallas 24-22 to win the NFC East.

Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers played the role of returning hero, along with Randall Cobb, in the Packers’ 33-28 victory at Chicago to capture the NFC North title.

The Eagles (10-6) will host New Orleans (11-5) on Saturday while Green Bay (8-7-1) is home against San Francisco (12-4) on Sunday.

The wild-card round begins on Saturday with Kansas City (11-5) at Indianapolis (11-5). The early game on Sunday is San Diego (9-7) at Cincinnati (11-5).

Philadelphia’s Brandon Boykin intercepted a pass in the final 2 minutes to clinch the Eagles’ win. One year after they finished with a woeful 4-12 record, they claimed a division title by winning seven of their final eight games.

“A huge win for Philly, a huge win for us, just a great moment,” Boykin said.

Dallas (8-8) has lost three straight showdown finales for the NFC East title.

At Chicago, in his first game back from a broken left collarbone, Rodgers threw a 48-yard touchdown pass to Cobb with 38 seconds left for the go-ahead score.

Rodgers had been out since getting injured in a loss to Chicago on November 4, and Cobb missed the previous 10 games with a knee problem. Still, the Packers edged the archrival Bears (8-8) for the division crown by winning three of their last four games.

“He is the best quarterback in the league,” said Packers receiver Jordy Nelson, who caught 10 passes for 161 yards.

San Diego also completed a rally to get into the postseason, beating undermanned Kansas City 27-24 in overtime.

 




 

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