KANSAS CITY — A bruising running game, a smothering defense and a sterling cameo performance by a backup quarterback was enough on Saturday to send Kansas City to its fifth straight appearance in the A.F.C. championship game.
The 27-20 victory over Jacksonville was secured only after Kansas City rookie Jaylen Watson intercepted Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence with just under 4 minutes left in the game. Moments earlier, Kansas City linebacker Nick Bolton had recovered a Jamal Agnew fumble inside the 5-yard line as the Jaguars were closing in on a score.
The high-flying Kansas City offense was not exactly grounded but had to put itself on autopilot after quarterback Patrick Mahomes injured his ankle in the first half.