Football is always exciting, but man… this divisional playoff was something else. What didn’t happen in the last two days? We saw upsets upset take place, routs, and the end of a magical season. Here is a recap of the second week of the 2011-2012 playoffs, arguably the most exciting week of the season. Don’t forget to read the Globe’s Conference Finals predictions too.

Tebow’s Cinderella Season is Over

He has had a lot of ups this season, but his ghastly performance against the Patriots yesterday was not one of them. Tebow was sacked five times, fumbled the ball, and worst of all, he failed to make big, moment-shifting plays. The guy threw 9/26 – 34 percent! Tebow does not get all of the blame for the rout however; the Broncos’ defense was downright awful, allowing Tom Brady to burn them for 363 yards and six touchdowns. Despite the defeat, the Broncos should be happy of Tebow has played throughout the season. They have the potential to dominate their division and do some serious damage next year. Tebow’s future remains bright, and he may one day play in the Superbowl, but this year, he will just have to watch it from his couch.

Green Bay Who? 

After going 15-1 in the regular season, the Green Bay Packers instantly became Superbowl favorites. And why not? They had a terrific quarterback, who broke the record for highest quarterback rating this season, as well as two great receivers with Jordy Nelson and Greg Jennings. However, the Packers had a daunting weakness that was slightly forgotten about due to their dominant offense: their defense. The Packers had the worst defense in the league, an aspect of their game that the Giants exposed today, scoring 37 points. Eli Manning of the Giants out-played Aaron Rodgers, throwing for 330 yards and three touchdowns. Hakeem Nicks was a complete monster, racking up 165 yards and two touchdowns from Manning. The Giants defense was phenomenal as well, limiting the NFL’s most potent offense to only 20 points. A tremendous performance by the Giants; no one expected them to go anywhere in the postseason, yet they make the NFC Finals. Could they meet the Patriots in the Superbowl for a 2008 superbowl rematch? With the way both teams are playing, that is highly plausible.

The 49ers Reach the NFC Finals

This 49ers-Saints game was supposed to be a low scoring game, with many analysts picking the Saints to come out of top. Quite the opposite took place; it was a very high scoring game with the 49ers taking the win. That’s right, the 49ers beat the Saints with their offense. Alex Smith, regarded as a draft bust throughout his career, had a fantastic performance, throwing three touchdowns for 300 yards, and running for one touchdown. Not only did the Saints let Alex Smith burn them, they burned themselves, committing five turnovers. Their terrible defense allowed a low-scoring team drop 36. After Jimmy Graham’s amazing go-ahead touchdown from Drew Brees, the 49ers came back to score the game winning touchdown with under two minutes left in the game. Vernon Davis, who had 180 receiving yards and two touchdowns, including the game winning touchdown, was sobbing after his clutch play. That emotion defines the 49ers, a team that was worked so hard to get to where they are now: the NFC finals (after 14 years).

It’s So Easy to Throw Away a Game

You had to feel bad for Arian Foster (Texans) as the Baltimore-Texan game came to an end, with Baltimore winning 20-13. The league’s most dangerous running back had another dominant game, running for 132 yards and a score. The Texans’ defense deserves some sympathy as well; they contained running back Ray Rice of the Ravens for 61 rushing yards. Yet, the Texans still lost; why? It’s simple, stupid, stupid turnovers, the biggest offender being Texan receiver Jacoby Jones. Jones committed not one, but two fumbles! How do you have the nerve to lose the ball twice in a game? To add fuel to the fire, T.J. Yates had three interceptions. In no way should Baltimore’s efforts be disregarded, as they played very well, but the Texans could have easily won this game. Without a doubt, they threw away the game.

Go here to read the Globe’s Conference Finals predictions.