Detroit def Dallas 44-30
Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 3 TDs and had 120 yards from scrimmage to lead Detroit to the win. Amon-Ra St. Brown surprisingly returned from his ankle injury and had 6 catches for 92 yards, but it was Jameson Williams who led all Lions receivers with 7 catches for 96 yards. Detroit suffered a costly injury as star S Brian Branch tore his Achilles and will miss the rest of the season. Branch is the key to the Lions defense, and it seems hard to imagine them going far without him.
Two major things happened: CeeDee Lamb left with a concussion after catching six passes for 121 yards, and George Pickens looked like he wasn’t even trying as he barely jogged on some of the routes that he ran, finishing with five catches for 37 yards. Pickens wants to sign a big contract in the offseason, and he’s deserved it thus far, but if he continues playing as he did on Thursday, he won’t get it.
Miami def New York Jets 34-10
This was a costly game for both teams. Miami moved to 6-7 on the season, but lost De’Von Achane, who left the game with a rib injury. Jaylen Wright had 24 carries for 107 yards and a touchdown and showed the promise that many were hoping for at the beginning of the season. Jaylen Waddle had five catches for 50 yards and a touchdown.
Tyrod Taylor left the game for the Jets early in the first quarter with an injury that was costly, as the Jets could not maintain any offensive drives after he left. The Jets are a complete mess and need to figure out their quarterback play as well as their wide receiver play in the offseason.
Pittsburgh def Baltimore 27-22
Pittsburgh took control of the AFC North with a close Victory on the road. Aaron Rodgers threw for 284 yards and a touchdown and also ran for a touchdown in what was his best game for the Steelers. DK Metcalf was sensational with seven catches for 148 yards, and Jaylen Warren had three receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown.
Lamar Jackson played considerably better as he had 219 yards passing and a touchdown, and he also ran for 43 yards and a touchdown. Jackson almost had a second touchdown, but it was taken away in the end zone as the referees overturned a touchdown pass to Isaiah Likely that was very controversial. The biggest problem for Baltimore is their play calling as it was totally suspect all game long, especially in the late 4th quarter as they were running the football with little time left on the clock.
New Orleans def Tampa Bay 24-20
New Orleans played its best game of the season behind Tyler Shough, who ran for two touchdowns to lead the upset. Rookie running back Devin Neal had 70 yards rushing and a touchdown, and although the Saints defense didn’t have any sacks, they pressured Baker Mayfield all game long.
Looking back on this game, Tampa had its opportunities to win, but it just missed on the little things. Emeka Egbuka dropped a sure touchdown late in the game, and there were some suspect play calls as it seems like Tampa wanted to protect Baker Mayfield and didn’t let him throw that much. All-Pro offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs missed this game, which really hurt as Baker was pressured throughout and had little time to throw.
Jacksonville def Indianapolis 36-19
Jacksonville has taken control of the AFC South with the victory, moving to 9-4 on the season. Trevor Lawrence threw two touchdown passes, and Travis Etienne ran for two touchdowns to lead Jacksonville. Brian Thomas Jr had one of his best games of the season, catching three passes for 87 yards, and the Jaguars defense intercepted Riley Leonard twice.
This was a very costly game for Indianapolis as Daniel Jones left early in the first half with an Achilles injury. He is likely done for the season. Riley Leonard came on and threw for 145 yards and ran for a touchdown. Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman combined for 14 catches for 159 yards, but it was just too little too late. There is a world where the Bengals cut Joe Flacco and the Colts pick him up to make a playoff push, but if not, the team is in the hands of Leonard, who played last year at Notre Dame.
Minneota def Washington 31-0
JJ McCarthy played his best game of the season as Minnesota dominated throughout, winning 31-0. McCarthy finished with 163 yards passing and three touchdowns, including two to tight end Josh Oliver. However, it was really the Vikings defense that was the real star as they sacked Washington twice and had two interceptions.
This was a very costly game for Washington as they lost Jayden Daniels to another elbow injury. Daniels threw a bad interception, and he was injured as he was trying to tackle Andrew van Ginkel. There is hope that he can return this season, but it really doesn’t make much sense for him to do so with the team’s record. The only bright spot for Washington was Chris Rodriguez, who had 10 carries for 52 yards and once again looked like the best running back for the team.
Seattle def Atlanta 37-9
Seattle started off very slowly, but Rashid Shaheed returned the second-half kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, which spurred the team on to dominate the second half. Sam Darnold finished with 249 yards and three touchdown passes, including two touchdowns to JSN. Shaheed had also had 67 yards receiving to go along with his great special teams play.
Atlanta had very little chance as Kirk Cousins only threw for 162 yards and had two interceptions. Kyle Pitts played well with six catches for 90 yards in the loss. The season is over for Atlanta, and they need to figure out the next step in improving their OL and passing attack.
Buffalo def Cincinnati 39-34
This was the game of the day as Josh Allen led a huge comeback and Christian Benford had a go-ahead 63-yard interception return for a touchdown, which helped the Bills seal the deal. Allen had 251 yards passing and three touchdowns as well as 78 yards rushing and a touchdown. He also found Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid for 10 catches for 134 yards and a touchdown, once again proving how pathetic Cincinnati is against opposing tight ends.
Joe Burrow had one of his great games; however, he threw two bad passes, which led to two interceptions, which cost the Bengals dearly. Burrow finished with 284 yards passing and four touchdown passes, including two to Tee Higgins, who had six catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns. Cincinnati arguably deserved to win the game if it weren’t for those two errant throws by Burrow.
Los Angeles Rams def Arizona 45-17
Matthew Stafford threw for 281 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Rams to victory. Puka Nacua had two touchdown receptions, and Blake Corum ran for 128 yards and two touchdowns. Kyren Williams also had a great game with 84 yards and a touchdown, but it feels like there might be a changing of the guard at running back for the Rams, as Corum just looks way more explosive and seems to be getting more carries each week.
When Marvin Harrison is out, Michael Wilson has become a star. It makes you wonder why the Cardinals didn’t use him this much prior to Harrison’s injury. Kyler Murray barely looked his way when he was starting. Hopefully, Arizona will find a QB next year who can take advantage of the skill players they have.
Green Bay def Chicago 28-21
Jordan Love was able to take advantage of Chicago’s weak secondary, throwing for 234 yards and three touchdowns, including two to Christian Watson, who had 89 yards. Watson took advantage of a Chicago secondary that has been burned by big plays all season. Jayden Reed returned from injury and had four catches for 31 yards, and Josh Jacobs had 86 yards rushing and a touchdown.
At one point in the early second half, Caleb Williams was really struggling, but he finally started to play better and finished the game with 186 passing yards and two touchdowns. The leading receiver on the day was Luther Burden III, who had 67 yards. The big problem was that the Bears were committed to their run game, and at no point could they find DJ Moore, who only had one catch for -4 yards. When you’re not getting your top receiver involved, it’s going to be hard to win any game.
Denver def Las Vegas 24-17
Denver dominated behind Bo Nix, who threw for 212 yards and had a rushing touchdown. This was the first game that Denver didn’t fall behind this season. They were also led by Marvin Mims, who had a kickoff return for a touchdown, which changed the game’s momentum. RJ Harvey was outstanding again with 75 yards rushing and a touchdown to go along with six catches for 25 yards.
At this point, you wonder whether the Raiders will move on from Geno Smith, who finished the game with 116 yards passing and one touchdown. Smith left the game in the fourth quarter with a hand injury. This Raiders team needs to start over as they need a new quarterback and a number one receiver desperately.
Houston def Kansas City
CJ Stroud threw for 203 yards and a touchdown as the Texans defense completely shut down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. The Texans defense had two sacks and intercepted Mahomes three times, which really set the tone for the game. Houston did just enough on offense as Nico Collins had 121 yards receiving.
This will be the first time in Patrick Mahomes’s career that he likely does not make the playoffs. He only completed 14 passes for 160 yards and had three interceptions in the game. The Chiefs lack of a running game is really hurting their offense, which has become too predictable. It feels like there’s a lot for them to do both on offense and defense to get back to the Super Bowl.
