Rolling Redskins headed to playoffs

By: Associated Press - | Sunday, December 30, 2007 10:54 PM PST ∞

The Washington Redskins will enter the playoffs as the hottest team in the NFC. And with the hottest quarterback in the conference. And maybe the hottest running back. And with a defense coming off a game in which it allowed exactly 1 yard rushing.

The Redskins reached the postseason Sunday with a 27-6 victory over the visiting Dallas Cowboys, capping an emotional renaissance to a season that appeared lost less than a month ago. Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs, seemingly on the ropes after a four-game losing streak, received warm embraces from players and assistants as the final seconds ticked away.

Dallas rested anyone who was questionable with an injury because it had clinched home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. Still, the Cowboys played their healthy starters most of the game and were trailing 20-3 when quarterback Tony Romo was pulled for Brad Johnson with about 6 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter.

The Redskins (9-7) will travel to Seattle on Saturday for a 1:30 p.m. game, a rematch of a 2005 division playoff won 20-10 by the Seahawks.

Ravens 27, Steelers 21

At Baltimore: Musa Smith ran for 83 yards and a touchdown in his first NFL start, helping the Ravens (5-11) beat Pittsburgh (10-6) for their first victory since Oct. 14. With a playoff spot already wrapped up, the Steelers played without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, wide receiver Hines Ward, safety Troy Polamalu and cornerback/kick returner Allen Rossum. All were on the inactive list, nursing minor injuries.

Browns 20, 49ers 7

At Cleveland: Joshua Cribbs returned a punt 76 yards for a touchdown and Jamal Lewis rushed for 128 yards to lead Cleveland (10-6) past San Francisco (5-11). However, the Browns were eliminated from the playoffs when Tennessee beat Indianapolis.

Broncos 22, Vikings 19

At Denver: Jason Elam kicked a 30-yard field goal less than a minute into overtime to give Denver (7-9) a win over Minnesota (8-8), which needed a win and a Washington loss to top-seeded Dallas to sneak into the playoffs.

Bears 33, Saints 25

At Chicago: Devin Hester sprinted 64 yards for a TD with a punt return ---- his NFL-record sixth kick runback for a score this season to break his own mark set a year ago ---- to lead Chicago (7-9) past New Orleans (7-9).

Packers 34, Lions 13

At Green Bay, Wis.: Brett Favre extended his quarterback-record consecutive starts streak to 253 games, but didn't keep his helmet strapped on for very long. Favre led the Packers (13-3) to touchdowns on their first three possessions before handing the ball to backup Craig Nall in the second quarter against Detroit (7-9).

Falcons 44, Seahawks 41

At Atlanta: Chris Redman set a career high with four touchdown passes to lead Atlanta (4-12) past Seattle (10-6).

Texans 42, Jaguars 28

At Houston: Andre' Davis returned two kickoffs for touchdowns to lead Houston (8-8) past Jacksonville (11-5), which rested many starters with its playoff spot secure.

Panthers 31, Bucs 23

At Tampa, Fla.: DeAngelo Williams rushed for 121 yards and two second-half touchdowns, lifting Carolina (7-9) past Tampa Bay (9-7), which rested most of its starters for the playoffs.

Bengals 38, Dolphins 25

At Miami: Carson Palmer passed for 316 yards to lead Cincinnati (7-9) past Miami (1-15).

Eagles 17, Bills 9

At Philadelphia: Donovan McNabb was 29-for-41 for 345 yards, one TD and one interception to lead Philadelphia (8-8) past Buffalo (7-9). Meanwhile, Marv Levy is preparing to step down as Bills general manager, according to numerous reports.

Jets 13, Chiefs 10

At East Rutherford, N.J.: Mike Nugent kicked a 43-yard field goal, after having a 33-yarder negated by a penalty, 5:13 into the extra period to lift New York (4-12) over Kansas City (4-12).

Cardinals 48, Rams 19

At Glendale, Ariz.: Larry Fitzgerald caught 11 passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns to lead Arizona (8-8) past St. Louis (3-13).