At Philadelphia, Shayne Graham gave his 10th team something to celebrate witåh four field goals, including a 32-yarder on the final play to win 26-24 . New Orleans had been 0-5 on the road in the postseason, but a strong running game, solid defense and the leadership of Drew Brees.
“As much as we hate hearing that talk, we kind of brought it on ourselves,” Brees said of questions about the Saints (12-5) winning on the road and in the cold ”“ whether during the season or in the playoffs. “We lost our last three on the road.”
Thanks to Graham, who was signed 2? weeks ago when longtime kicker Garrett Hartley was released, they get a chance to start on playoff winning streak away from the Big Easy.
The Eagles (10-7) went from last to first in the NFC East under first-year coach Chip Kelly and have plenty to build around.
“I know that this season is over, but we’re going to keep working and growing as a team,” said quarterback Nick Foles, who led the NFL in passer rating. “I love playing here, I love this city, I love this team.
Colts 45, Chiefs 44
At Indianapolis, the Colts (12-5) staged one of the NFL’s greatest comebacks. Andrew Luck, showing the touch and poise of, well, Peyton Manning in previous years in Indy, threw three of his four touchdowns in the second half. Luck also scored on a fumble return, and connected with a wide-open T.Y. Hilton on a 64-yard pass. Adam Vinatieri, who knows something about big postseason kicks, made the extra point for the winning edge.
Indy trailed 38-10 in the third quarter.
“I don’t know what level it is, but he sure went to another one,” coach Chuck Pagano said of Luck. “He’s a guy that is able to put things behind him in a hurry.”
Kansas City (11-6), which began the season 9-0, will have a tough time putting this loss behind it.
“Any time you’re leading like that and then have them battle back and then take it and losing by a point is a tough pill to swallow,” Chiefs QB Alex Smith said.
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