02.12.2024
New England Patriots 24 - 25 Indianapolis Colts
In a thrilling finish, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson displayed his late-game heroics, throwing a 3-yard touchdown pass to Alec Pierce and running for a critical two-point conversion with just 12 seconds left, securing a 25-24 victory over the New England Patriots. This marks Richardson's second comeback win in three games, showcasing his growth and confidence in high-pressure situations. The Patriots, led by Drake Maye's strong passing game, were unable to capitalize on their red-zone opportunities, managing touchdowns in only two out of six visits. Their chance at a last-second victory was thwarted when Joey Slye's ambitious 68-yard field goal attempt fell short. Jonathan Taylor was a standout for the Colts, rushing for 96 yards to surpass Marshall Faulk on the franchise's all-time rushing list. New England's attempt to control the game with a season-high 200 rushing yards was marred by penalties and inefficiencies in the red zone. With this loss, the Patriots are now out of playoff contention, while the Colts keep their postseason ambitions alive.
Cincinnati Bengals 38 - 44 Pittsburgh Steelers
In a thrilling AFC North showdown, Russell Wilson silenced any quarterback controversy by leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to a nail-biting 44-38 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Wilson threw for a season-high 414 yards and three touchdowns, marking his second-highest passing yard game in his career, while also leading the Steelers to a 9-3 record. Despite an early interception returned for a touchdown, Wilson's performance was pivotal in what Steelers coach Mike Tomlin called a historic addition to the series between these two rivals. The Steelers secured a 27-21 lead at halftime, in what was the highest-scoring first half in the history of their rivalry. Joe Burrow, despite his 309 passing yards and three TDs, struggled with turnovers, including a crucial fumble returned for a touchdown by Payton Wilson. The Bengals dropped to 4-8 with playoff hopes dimming, having allowed over 34 points in multiple recent games, while the Steelers prepare for a challenging stretch ahead against some of the NFL's toughest teams.
Atlanta Falcons 13 - 17 Los Angeles Chargers
In an intense clash of defensive prowess, the Los Angeles Chargers edged out the Atlanta Falcons 17-13, driven by the standout performance of rookie cornerback Tarheeb Still. Still's two interceptions, including a pivotal 61-yard return for a touchdown, were instrumental in securing Atlanta's third consecutive loss. Despite the Chargers' offensive struggles, yielding five sacks and just 187 total yards, their defense compensated by seizing four interceptions from Falcons' quarterback Kirk Cousins, marking only the second four-interception game of his career. Cousins, who equaled his career-worst performance, lamented missed opportunities as his late-game interceptions thwarted potential game-winning drives. Chargers’ head coach Jim Harbaugh praised the overall defensive effort and strategic opportunism, despite a failed fake punt attempt that could have proved costly. With Cousins' controversial performance raising discussions of a potential QB change, Falcons coach Raheem Morris remained steadfast in his support, underscoring the team's current first-place divisional standing. The Chargers now prepare to face the formidable Kansas City Chiefs, while the Falcons look to recover against the Minnesota Vikings.
Baltimore Ravens 19 - 24 Philadelphia Eagles
In a competitive clash between the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens, the Eagles secured a 24-19 victory, marking their eighth consecutive win. Despite a much-discussed showdown between running backs Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, it was Philadelphia's defense that stole the spotlight, successfully containing Lamar Jackson and limiting Henry to 82 rushing yards. Barkley's late-game efforts, highlighted by a 25-yard touchdown, led to his 107-yard rushing performance, potentially bolstering his MVP candidacy. Besides, the game was notable for the struggles of Baltimore kicker Justin Tucker, who missed two field goals and an extra point, contributing to the Ravens' defeat. Jalen Hurts helped rally the Eagles from an early 9-0 deficit by throwing a touchdown pass and scoring on a sneak. The Ravens' early advantage, aided by six Eagles penalties, was undone as Philadelphia dominated the second quarter, underscored by punter Braden Mann's strategic punts that set up favorable field positions. Both teams dealt with significant player injuries, but the Eagles eventually overcame their challenges to remain atop the NFC East.
New York Jets 21 - 26 Seattle Seahawks
In an eventful game, the Seattle Seahawks overcame the New York Jets 26-21, highlighted by Leonard Williams' historic 92-yard interception return for a touchdown, which was the longest ever by a defensive lineman according to ESPN Research. Williams also tallied two sacks and a blocked kick, becoming the first player since 1982 to achieve this rare combination in a single game. Zach Charbonnet secured the win with a late 8-yard touchdown run, aided by multiple Jets penalties on the drive. Despite a promising start and a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown by Kene Nwangwu, the Jets struggled offensively in the second half, unable to recover from Rodgers' costly interception. The Jets, who have now lost three consecutive games, face increasing pressure under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich. Seattle's victory marked their third straight win, propelling them to the top of the NFC West standings.
Jacksonville Jaguars 20 - 23 Houston Texans
In a dramatic game marked by a controversial hit and emotional responses, the Houston Texans secured a crucial 23-20 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Joe Mixon delivered a standout performance with 101 rushing yards and a touchdown, joining an elite group as the third player in NFL history to record at least 100 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in six road games during the same season. The victory, the Texans' 12th in their last 14 meetings with the Jaguars, came after a violent late hit by Azeez Al-Shaair knocked Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence out with a concussion, sparking a sideline brawl. Replacing Lawrence, Mac Jones led a spirited comeback attempt that fell short. The game also saw key injuries for both teams and concluded as Jaguars' running backs coach Jerry Mack announced his departure to become head coach at Kennesaw State. As they head into a bye week, the Texans will next face Miami, while the Jaguars prepare to confront division rivals Tennessee.
Minnesota Vikings 23 - 22 Arizona Cardinals
The Minnesota Vikings clinched their fifth consecutive victory by narrowly defeating the Arizona Cardinals 23-22, with Sam Darnold throwing a decisive touchdown pass to Aaron Jones with just 1:13 remaining in the game. This comeback win came after Minnesota trailed by 13 points, showcasing the resilience of a team that struggled offensively until the closing stages. Sam Darnold, who passed for 235 yards, showed his prowess in critical moments, posting 104 yards in the fourth quarter alone. Despite Kyler Murray's earlier success, his two fourth-quarter interceptions hindered the Cardinals' chance to secure a win, leaving them one game behind Seattle in the NFC West standings. Meanwhile, the Vikings defense, despite losing standout Stephon Gilmore to injury, managed to hold firm, culminating in a game-ending interception by Shaquill Griffin. Despite early mistakes, including two fumbles by Aaron Jones, the Vikings prevailed, maintaining their position behind Detroit in the NFC North and setting their sights on upcoming challenges against the Atlanta Falcons.
Washington Commanders 42 - 19 Tennessee Titans
Jayden Daniels led the Washington Commanders to a decisive 42-19 victory over the Tennessee Titans, ending their three-game losing streak, with an impressive performance including four touchdowns—three passing and one rushing. Daniels formed a strong connection with Terry McLaurin, linking up for two of those touchdowns, and accumulated a total of 206 passing yards. Brian Robinson Jr.'s return bolstered the team as he rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown, while Washington's defense and special teams each forced crucial fumbles. The win solidifies their playoff position as they head into a bye week, restoring confidence after recent losses and concerns surrounding their offense, coordinated by Kliff Kingsbury. Tennessee struggled significantly with penalties outweighing offensive yards in the first half and only put points on the board late in each half. This defeat dampens any remaining hopes of a playoff push despite their previous week's upset over Houston. Notable defensive efforts from Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner further underscored Washington's all-around dominance in the game.
Carolina Panthers 23 - 26 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers edged out the Carolina Panthers 26-23 in an overtime victory, thanks to a game-winning 30-yard field goal by Chase McLaughlin following a crucial fumble by Chuba Hubbard. Baker Mayfield overcame a scare after being stepped on by Jadeveon Clowney, fearing an Achilles injury but managing to return to the game. Mayfield contributed to four scoring drives, throwing for 235 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions, maintaining a perfect 4-0 against his former team. Bucky Irving shone with a career-high 152 rushing yards and a touchdown. Mike Evans, with an impressive one-handed touchdown grab, caught five passes for 118 yards. The Panthers' Bryce Young threw for 298 yards and a touchdown but was unable to capitalize on Hubbard's fumble in overtime. The Panthers, now confirmed to have their seventh consecutive losing season, suffered from missed field goals by Eddy Pineiro, who previously held the NFL's most accurate kicker title. Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles praised his team's resilience, while Panthers coach Dave Canales expressed optimism about Young’s progression despite the loss. The Panthers next face the Philadelphia Eagles, while the Buccaneers host the Las Vegas Raiders.
New Orleans Saints 14 - 21 Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford and Kyren Williams led the Los Angeles Rams to a 21-14 victory over the New Orleans Saints, with the Rams scoring all their points in the second half. Williams rushed for a season-high 104 yards, including a 4-yard touchdown, while Stafford delivered two key fourth-quarter touchdown passes, maintaining the Rams' position in the NFC West race. The Saints, despite outgaining the Rams, struggled in the red zone and missed opportunities, including a potential game-tying pass deflected by the Rams' Jared Verse. The Saints suffered multiple injuries, most notably to versatile tight end Taysom Hill, who was carted off with a knee injury. New Orleans' lone touchdown was Carr's 28-yard pass to Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The Rams now prepare to host Buffalo, while the Saints will visit the New York Giants.
Buffalo Bills 35 - 10 San Francisco 49ers
In a snowy, celebratory night for Buffalo, the Bills triumphed over the San Francisco 49ers with a 35-10 victory, securing their fifth consecutive AFC East title. Josh Allen delivered a remarkable all-around performance with touchdowns passing, rushing, and receiving, making him the first quarterback and seventh player in the Super Bowl era to achieve this feat. His receiving TD involved a clever play with Amari Cooper, underscoring Allen's versatility. The Bills, now 10-2, demonstrated offensive dominance by scoring on four out of five possessions around halftime, while James Cook added a career-best 65-yard rushing touchdown. Conversely, the 49ers struggled, suffering their third consecutive loss and potentially losing Christian McCaffrey to a severe knee injury. The 49ers also missed crucial field goals and fumbled the ball three times, complicating their playoff aspirations. This game came amid Allen's personal milestone of surpassing Jim Kelly's franchise record of total touchdowns, fueled by an engagement to actress Hailee Steinfeld. Despite challenging weather conditions, the Bills thrilled their fans and extended their streak of scoring 30 or more points to six games.