14.10.2024
New England Patriots 21 - 41 Houston Texans
C.J. Stroud led the Houston Texans to a decisive 41-21 victory over the New England Patriots, throwing three touchdown passes and marking Houston's first win at Gillette Stadium. In rookie quarterback Drake Maye's debut for the Patriots, he threw for 243 yards and three touchdowns, but also had two interceptions and was sacked four times, contributing to New England's four turnovers and fifth consecutive loss. Joe Mixon, returning from injury, made a significant impact for the Texans with 102 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown. Dameon Pierce's 54-yard touchdown run highlighted a strong Houston ground game that accumulated 192 yards. Despite New England's penalties and defensive struggles, Maye showed potential with two touchdown passes to Hunter Henry and DeMario Douglas. The game also continued a streak for Patriots punter Bryce Baringer, who hit a 54-yard punt, marking his 23rd consecutive game with a punt over 50 yards. Both teams were without key players due to injuries, including Texans' Nico Collins and Patriots' Rhamondre Stevenson.
Baltimore Ravens 30 - 23 Washington Commanders
In a thrilling matchup, Lamar Jackson led the Baltimore Ravens to a 30-23 victory over the Washington Commanders by outshining rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Jackson delivered an impressive performance with 323 passing yards and an additional 40 rushing yards, while Derrick Henry powered through with 132 rushing yards and two touchdowns, maintaining his league-leading status with nine touchdowns. Despite Jayden Daniels connecting twice with Terry McLaurin for touchdowns, the Commanders struggled without injured running back Brian Robinson Jr., resulting in a mere 52 rushing yards. The Ravens showcased their versatility with lengthy drives and solid plays from key players like Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers, who achieved a career-high 132 receiving yards. Baltimore's ability to blend passing and rushing effectively helped extend their winning streak to four, positioning them as strong Super Bowl contenders. Coach John Harbaugh described it as the ultimate team win, emphasizing contributions from all facets. On the injury front, both teams were affected, with notable absences including the Ravens' Malik Harrison and the Commanders' Jonathan Allen. Next up, the Commanders will face the Carolina Panthers, while the Ravens are set to visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Denver Broncos 16 - 23 Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert led the Los Angeles Chargers to a 23-16 victory over the Denver Broncos, capitalizing on the early exit of Denver's key defender, Patrick Surtain II, due to a concussion. The Chargers built a commanding 23-0 lead by the third quarter, leveraging a methodical offense that saw Herbert set season highs in completions and yards. The Broncos, missing Surtain, struggled defensively, and their late-game rally fell short as Bo Nix directed two fourth-quarter touchdowns. Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh, who briefly exited due to an illness but returned to the sidelines, praised Herbert’s precision and poise. Denver's attempts, including an unsuccessful onside kick, were insufficient to overcome their early deficit and end their three-game winning streak. The win marked the Chargers' first triumph over Denver in two years and highlighted Surtain's critical role in the Broncos' defense.
Las Vegas Raiders 13 - 32 Pittsburgh Steelers
Najee Harris had a standout performance, rushing for 106 yards and a 36-yard touchdown to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to a commanding 32-13 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. This marked Harris's first 100-yard game of the season, helping Pittsburgh snap a two-game losing streak and achieve their highest-scoring game since December. Quarterback Justin Fields contributed 59 rushing yards and two touchdowns, despite throwing for only 145 yards, amidst speculation about his starting status due to Russell Wilson's return. T.J. Watt was instrumental in the defensive effort, forcing two fumbles and making impactful plays despite not recording any sacks. The Raiders' offense struggled without key players Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, and Zamir White, while rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell's fourth-quarter interception proved costly. The Steelers capitalized on mistakes, including a roughing-the-passer penalty and a blocked punt, to seal their victory.
Philadelphia Eagles 20 - 16 Cleveland Browns
In a tense matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cleveland Browns, Jalen Hurts led the Eagles to a narrow 20-16 victory, throwing for 264 yards and two crucial touchdowns, including a pivotal 45-yard pass to DeVonta Smith in the fourth quarter. Despite the win, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni faced criticism from home fans, responding to their chants for his firing with some animated exchanges, highlighting ongoing doubts over his job security. The victory was soured by injuries to key players like Dallas Goedert and Darius Slay, while the Browns struggled with their own setbacks, including a disappointing performance from quarterback Deshaun Watson, who failed to produce an offensive touchdown. Cleveland's sole touchdown came from Rodney McLeod Jr. returning a blocked field goal, and their season-long offensive woes continued as they remained winless in scoring 20 points in a game. Both teams will look to recover and regroup for their upcoming divisional matchups next Sunday.
Green Bay Packers 34 - 13 Arizona Cardinals
In Romeo Doubs' return from a one-game suspension, he caught two touchdown passes to propel the Green Bay Packers to a decisive 34-13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Doubs' performance, including key receptions of 10 and 20 yards, emphasized his significance to the Packers, who improved to a 4-2 record. Quarterback Jordan Love threw four touchdown passes, matching a career high, and connected with nine players. The Cardinals, who suffered 13 penalties for 100 yards and three turnovers, struggled with discipline and injuries, notably losing rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. to a concussion. Arizona briefly narrowed the gap after falling behind 24-0, but failed to score in the final stages, with key contributions from Love and the Packers' running game sealing the win. The Cardinals face the Chargers next, while the Packers will play the Texans.
New Orleans Saints 27 - 51 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In a thrilling game against the New Orleans Saints, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by Baker Mayfield, secured a 51-27 victory despite losing their initial 17-point lead. Mayfield showcased resilience, overcoming three turnovers to throw for 325 yards and four touchdowns, emblematic of the team's determination amidst Hurricane Milton's aftermath. Notably, the Buccaneers accumulated a remarkable 594 total offensive yards, including 277 rushing yards, marking them as just the fifth NFL team to surpass 300 yards passing and 275 rushing in a single game. The Saints’ rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, in his debut NFL start, faced challenges with two interceptions and scant offensive support, extending New Orleans' losing streak to four games. Injuries added to the Saints' woes, while the Buccaneers aimed to uplift their storm-affected fanbase with the win. Tampa Bay plans to move back to their headquarters, intending to support the Tampa community further.
Dallas Cowboys 9 - 47 Detroit Lions
In a dominant performance, Jared Goff led the Detroit Lions to a resounding 47-9 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, throwing for 315 yards and three touchdowns. This result exacerbated the Cowboys' struggles at home, marking their fourth consecutive lopsided loss at AT&T Stadium and their worst home defeat since 1988. Despite Goff's impressive display, which included a completion streak that nearly set an NFL record, the win was dampened by a serious injury to key pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, who will require surgery. Dallas' defense, weakened by injuries to key players like Micah Parsons, could not contain the Lions, who scored over 40 points in consecutive games for the first time since 1962. The Cowboys' offensive woes continued with Dak Prescott throwing two interceptions and contributing to five total turnovers. Detroit's victory was further sweetened by some playful redemption against the officials over a disputed call from a previous meeting. The struggling Cowboys now face a weekend off to regroup, while the Lions prepare to face the undefeated Minnesota Vikings.
Carolina Panthers 20 - 38 Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons secured a 38-20 victory over the Carolina Panthers, marking their third consecutive win against an NFC South team. Bijan Robinson was instrumental in the win, rushing for 95 yards and two touchdowns, while Tyler Allgeier added 105 rushing yards and a game-sealing touchdown. Quarterback Kirk Cousins had a subdued role this week, contrasting with his record-breaking 509-yard performance the previous week against the Buccaneers, throwing for 225 yards and a touchdown. The Falcons capitalized on Carolina's defensive struggles, as the Panthers have now allowed a league-high 203 points over six games. Despite scoring touchdowns via Andy Dalton's passes, the Panthers saw their momentum undone by costly turnovers and penalties. Falcons coach Raheem Morris emphasized adaptability, highlighting their strategic shift from a dominant passing game last week to a formidable rushing attack against the Panthers. Carolina struggled with errors and injuries, and Dalton's two interceptions in the fourth quarter solidified the Falcons' victory.
New York Giants 7 - 17 Cincinnati Bengals
In a crucial 17-7 victory over the New York Giants, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow showcased his versatility by scoring a career-long 47-yard rushing touchdown, helping to secure the team’s win and improve their record to 2-4. Despite facing a struggling Giants team, the Bengals' defense, ranked 31st in the league, excelled with key contributions, including two sacks from Trey Hendrickson and a pivotal interception by Germaine Pratt. Chase Brown provided a game-clinching 30-yard touchdown run, while Evan McPherson rebounded from a prior missed kick to score a go-ahead 37-yard field goal. The Giants, hampered by the absence of key offensive players Malik Nabers and Devin Singletary, managed only a single touchdown and missed vital scoring opportunities, including two missed field goals by Greg Joseph.
Chicago Bears 35 - 16 Jacksonville Jaguars
In an unusual and eventful game in London, the Chicago Bears defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 35-16, with Bears tight end Cole Kmet unexpectedly stepping in as an emergency long snapper after Scott Daly's knee injury. Kmet, who had only limited practice in this role since high school, handled the snaps flawlessly and also caught two touchdown passes from rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Williams, who was the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, threw four touchdowns and added 56 yards rushing in a strong performance. Keenan Allen also contributed with two touchdown catches, including a memorable celebration after one of his scores. The Jaguars struggled with “self-inflicted wounds,” as noted by head coach Doug Pederson, including a costly fumble by tight end Evan Engram. Despite some strong efforts from Trevor Lawrence, who threw two late touchdowns, Jacksonville could not overcome their mistakes. The Bears achieved their first three-game winning streak since 2020, while the Jaguars remained in a slump, having only won one game so far this season.
Tennessee Titans 17 - 20 Indianapolis Colts
In a closely contested matchup, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco led the Indianapolis Colts to a 20-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans, throwing two key touchdown passes, including a decisive 10-yard strike to Michael Pittman Jr. late in the game. Despite several players, including running back Jonathan Taylor, being sidelined due to injuries, the Colts managed to rally from a 10-point deficit with Flacco's leadership and Pittman's clutch performance, who played despite a back injury. The Titans, despite a promising start with a touchdown run by Tony Pollard, suffered their third consecutive one-score loss, plagued by seven interceptions by quarterback Will Levis this season and multiple penalties totaling 113 yards. The Colts' defense, despite missing key players, held strong in the fourth quarter, limiting the Titans' possession and clinching the win. The game also highlighted the ongoing struggles of wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who was held without a catch and expressed frustration over the lack of early involvement in games. The Colts now turn their focus to hosting Miami, while the Titans prepare for a road game against Buffalo.