16.09.2024
Baltimore Ravens 23 - 26 Las Vegas Raiders
Gardner Minshew propelled the Las Vegas Raiders to a thrilling 26-23 comeback victory against the Baltimore Ravens with three fourth-quarter scoring drives. Despite trailing 23-13 after Derrick Henry's touchdown early in the fourth quarter, Minshew led the Raiders to tie the game with a 1-yard TD pass to Davante Adams. A go-ahead 38-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson with 27 seconds left sealed the win. Minshew threw for 276 yards, a remarkable feat given his 15-23 career record and the Raiders' previous offensive struggles. Derrick Henry shined for Baltimore with 84 rushing yards, but Lamar Jackson was limited to 20 yards rushing, far below his previous week's performance. The Raiders' resilient offense and key defensive plays, including an interception by Robert Spillane, were pivotal in upsetting a Ravens team that had the NFL's best record last year. This defeat marks Baltimore's first 0-2 start since 2015.
Jacksonville Jaguars 13 - 18 Cleveland Browns
In a rainy showdown, the Cleveland Browns edged out the Jacksonville Jaguars 18-13, with Deshaun Watson scoring a rushing touchdown and Dustin Hopkins adding three field goals. The Browns' defense sacked Jaguars' quarterback Trevor Lawrence four times, largely keeping Jacksonville at bay. Lawrence found rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. for a 66-yard gain to set up a late-game touchdown, narrowing the score. Despite a chance to clinch the game, penalties pushed the Browns back, but a strategic punt and a crucial sack by Alex Wright in the end zone preserved their lead. The Jaguars’ attempt to win in the final moments fell short as Lawrence's end-zone pass fell incomplete. Lawrence’s sideline argument with coach Doug Pederson highlighted Jacksonville's frustrations, marking their seventh loss in eight games. Despite the loss, Jacksonville running back Travis Etienne moved up in the franchise’s all-time rushing ranks. Injuries hit both teams, with notable exits including Browns' WR David Bell and Jaguars' TE Evan Engram. The Browns will next host the New York Giants, while the Jaguars face the Buffalo Bills.
Tennessee Titans 17 - 24 New York Jets
In a thrilling game, the New York Jets defeated the Tennessee Titans 24-17, with standout performances by the NFL's oldest and youngest players, Aaron Rodgers and Braelon Allen. Rodgers threw for 176 yards, including a touchdown pass to the 20-year-old Allen, who also ran for a 20-yard TD that secured the Jets' victory. Key plays included multiple turnovers by Titans' QB Will Levis and crucial defensive efforts by the Jets, notably Will McDonald IV's three sacks. The Jets capitalized on Titans' mistakes, scoring 17 points off turnovers and penalties. Despite a late-game push by the Titans, the Jets' defense held firm to seal the win, marking Rodgers' first victory as the starting quarterback for the Jets.
Minnesota Vikings 23 - 17 San Francisco 49ers
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Carolina Panthers 3 - 26 Los Angeles Chargers
In a dominating performance, the Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Carolina Panthers 26-3, with Justin Herbert throwing two touchdown passes to Quentin Johnston and J.K. Dobbins running for 131 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown. The Chargers racked up 219 rushing yards while holding the Panthers to just 159 total yards and seven first downs. Panthers' quarterback Bryce Young struggled again, completing only 18 of 26 passes for 84 yards with one interception. Johnston caught five passes for 51 yards, and Dobbins had a standout moment, becoming the first NFL player since Jamal Lewis in 2003 to record three runs of at least 43 yards in the first two weeks of the season. The Chargers (2-0) will stay in Charlotte to practice before heading to Pittsburgh for next week’s game against the Steelers.
Denver Broncos 6 - 13 Pittsburgh Steelers
Justin Fields led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 13-6 victory over the Denver Broncos, marking his second consecutive win subbing for an injured Russell Wilson. In a game defined by defensive stands and missed offensive opportunities, Fields threw for 117 yards and a touchdown, while Denver's rookie QB Bo Nix threw two interceptions and couldn't find the end zone despite 246 passing yards. Nix's critical third-quarter interception halted Denver's best drive, facilitated by big plays from Courtland Sutton and Josh Reynolds. Pittsburgh capitalized on Denver's penalties, with Chris Boswell's field goals sealing the win. Russell Wilson, although sidelined, was notably given a game ball by Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, adding an emotional layer to his return to the Mile High City, where his tumultuous two-year stint ended. The Broncos' struggles persisted, partly due to injurious departures, with their scoring and yardage averages declining sharply since Wilson's departure.
Kansas City Chiefs 26 - 25 Cincinnati Bengals
In a thrilling game at Arrowhead Stadium, Harrison Butker secured a 26-25 victory for the Kansas City Chiefs over the Cincinnati Bengals with a 51-yard field goal as time expired. The kick, set up by a critical pass interference call on Bengals safety Daijahn Anthony during a crucial fourth down, marked Butker's second game-winning field goal of the season. Patrick Mahomes contributed with 151 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, while Joe Burrow threw for 258 yards and two scores for the Bengals. Notable moments included a bizarre touchdown catch by Chiefs offensive tackle Wanya Morris and a fumble return touchdown by Chamarri Conner. Among the injuries, Bengals DT B.J. Hill and Sheldon Rankins both left the game, and Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco exited in a walking boot. The game featured heightened tensions, highlighted by an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase.
New England Patriots 20 - 23 Seattle Seahawks
In a thrilling overtime victory, Jason Myers hit a decisive 31-yard field goal to lift the Seattle Seahawks to a 23-20 win over the New England Patriots. Myers was perfect on his field goals for the day, including a crucial 38-yard kick that sent the game into overtime. Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith shone, completing 33 of 44 passes for 327 yards and a touchdown to DK Metcalf, who had 10 catches for 129 yards. New England's offense featured strong rushing performances from Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson, while quarterback Jacoby Brissett contributed a touchdown pass. The Patriots celebrated the 10-year anniversary of their 2015 Super Bowl win over Seattle, with Malcolm Butler ringing the stadium’s lighthouse bell in a pre-game ceremony. Key plays included Julian Love’s blocked field goal late in the game, and the Patriots’ missed opportunity in overtime after winning the coin toss but failing to capitalize. Injuries affected both teams, with Seahawks' LB Derick Hall returning from a concussion scare and Patriots’ LB Ja’Whaun Bentley and LB Oshane Ximines both exiting due to injuries.
Dallas Cowboys 19 - 44 New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr and Alvin Kamara propelled the New Orleans Saints to a 44-19 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, ending Dallas' 16-game home winning streak. Carr, aiming for a faster start in his second season with the Saints, threw for 243 yards and two touchdowns, while Kamara scored four touchdowns, including a 57-yard screen pass. The Saints scored on their first six drives, replicating their high-scoring performance from the previous week. The Cowboys, despite a strong showing from Dak Prescott, who threw for 293 yards, struggled defensively and were undone by turnovers, including two interceptions of Prescott. New Orleans also saw a successful debut from offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, and the Saints became the fifth team to score at least 44 points in the first two games of a season. This victory was significant for Carr, whose commitment to improving after a disappointing previous season appears to be paying off.
Washington Commanders 21 - 18 New York Giants
Jayden Daniels secured his first NFL win as the Washington Commanders narrowly edged out the New York Giants 21-18, driven by kicker Austin Seibert's franchise-record seven field goals. Daniels, despite briefly leaving the game after a rough hit, completed 23 of 29 passes for 226 yards and engineered a crucial final drive, setting up Seibert’s game-winning 30-yard field goal as time expired. The game saw both teams struggle with penalties and missed opportunities in the red zone, with the Giants losing kicker Graham Gano to injury and relying on punter Jamie Gillan, who missed an extra point. Commanders' running back Brian Robinson Jr. rushed for a career-high 133 yards, and tight end Zach Ertz surpassed 7,500 yards receiving in his career. Notably, Giants' Malik Nabers, a former LSU teammate of Daniels, caught 10 passes for 127 yards and his first NFL touchdown but also dropped a crucial fourth-down pass late in the game.
Detroit Lions 16 - 20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In a thrilling playoff rematch, Baker Mayfield led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a narrow 20-16 victory over the Detroit Lions with both a rushing and passing touchdown. Mayfield's standout moment came with an 11-yard zig-zagging touchdown run that secured the lead late in the third quarter, following his earlier 41-yard touchdown pass to Chris Godwin. Despite a valiant effort and stellar performances from Aidan Hutchinson, who had a career-high five sacks, and Amon-Ra St. Brown's 119 receiving yards, the Lions fell short due to costly mistakes, including two critical interceptions by Jared Goff and a significant coaching error that negated a potential field goal opportunity. The Bucs' defense held firm in the final moments, stopping the Lions twice in the red zone to seal the victory.
Green Bay Packers 16 - 10 Indianapolis Colts
In a resilient 16-10 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, the Green Bay Packers, led by newly acquired quarterback Malik Willis, thrived despite missing their injured starter Jordan Love. Willis, traded from Tennessee on August 27, capitalized on his fresh start by throwing his first career touchdown pass and completing 12 of 14 passes for 122 yards, with significant support from running back Josh Jacobs, who racked up 151 yards on 32 carries. The Packers' defense also shined, intercepting Colts' quarterback Anthony Richardson three times. Notably, Green Bay's rushing attack was dominant, accumulating 237 yards on 34 carries by halftime, the highest first-quarter total since 2011. Despite a late push from the Colts, including a touchdown pass from Richardson, the Packers sealed the win with an onside kick recovery and a final interception, showcasing a comprehensive team effort.
Arizona Cardinals 41 - 10 Los Angeles Rams
The Arizona Cardinals dominated the Los Angeles Rams 41-10, with quarterback Kyler Murray's exceptional performance, including 266 passing yards and three touchdowns, highlighted by a Houdini-like scramble. Rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. shined, catching his first two NFL touchdowns and amassing 130 receiving yards. The Cardinals broke a nine-game losing streak against the Rams at State Farm Stadium, and James Conner contributed with 122 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Rams struggled offensively and defensively, with Matthew Stafford sacked three times and star receiver Cooper Kupp leaving the game due to an ankle injury. Harrison's remarkable play marked him as just the 13th receiver since 1991 to achieve over 130 receiving yards in the first quarter.
Houston Texans 19 - 13 Chicago Bears
In a tightly contested game, the Houston Texans edged out the Chicago Bears 19-13, largely due to C.J. Stroud's 260 passing yards and a touchdown, complemented by Ka'imi Fairbairn's four long-range field goals from 56, 47, 59, and 53 yards. Despite Houston's offense struggling in the second half, their defense rose to the occasion, intercepting rookie quarterback Caleb Williams twice and sacking him seven times. Nico Collins shined with 135 yards receiving, despite Joe Mixon being limited to just 25 rushing yards after a stellar performance last week. The Bears rallied late with a Cairo Santos 54-yard field goal but were ultimately unable to overcome Houston's defensive pressure, as Williams was sacked and his fourth-down pass fell incomplete, sealing the Texans' victory.