Led by running backs CJ Anderson and Todd Gurley, the Los Angeles Rams made it into the playoff semi-final of the American Football League NFL. Against the Dallas Cowboys, the Californians prevailed in the quarterfinals 30:22 (20: 7). Anderson and Gurley came together on 238 run yards and three touchdowns.
In addition to Anderson (123 yards / two touchdowns) and Gurley (115 yards / a touchdown) were able to achieve in the past 30 years, only three other duos each more than 100 run yards in a playoff game. "It's scary, we have two different styles of running and we can balance teams," said 27-year-old Anderson.
For the Rams, this is the first semi-final since 2002. Dallas has been waiting for 26 years for a win in a playoff away game. In the semifinals next Sunday, the Rams meet either defending champion Philadelphia Eagles or the New Orleans Saints.
First semi-final since 1994 for the Chiefs
In the second quarterfinal game, the Kansas City Chiefs beat veteran star Patrick Mahomes 31-13 (24-7) against the Indianapolis Colts. In light snowfall the 23-year-old playmaker scored a run touchdown and threw for 278 yards.
"We have a great deal of confidence that we will win every game," said Mahomes, who led the Chiefs to the first semi-final since 1994. Indianapolis playmaker Andrew Luck threw a touchdown pass.
In the final of the AFC, Kansas City will welcome superstar Tom Brady and the Los Angeles Chargers the winner of Sunday's Super Bowl finalist New England Patriots.