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4h ago

Back-to-Back NFL Playoff Catch Rulings Draw Fire for Inconsistency

The NFL has offered technical explanations with no policy change announced.

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Denver Broncos cornerback Ja'quan McMillian reaches in on Buffalo Bills wide receiver Brandin Cooks who has the ball and whose knee is on the ground during overtime at Empower FIeld at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Jan. 17, 2026.
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Overview

  • In Rams–Bears, officials ruled Davante Adams down by contact on a contested 12-yard grab after video showed his knee hit before the ball came loose.
  • A day earlier in Broncos–Bills overtime, Ja’Quan McMillian ripped the ball from Brandin Cooks and it was ruled an interception because Cooks had not finished the catch process.
  • Fans and commentators flooded social media with accusations of inconsistent officiating, with Buffalo News reporter Jay Skurski calling the situation an embarrassment for the league.
  • Rules analysts pointed to narrow distinctions—tiny steps and down-by-contact for Adams versus an immediate knee-down for Cooks—to explain the different outcomes.
  • The rulings stood and shaped the bracket, with Denver winning 33-30 in overtime and the Rams winning 20-17 in overtime, and the Rams slated to face the Seahawks in the NFC title game at Lumen Field on Jan. 25.