NFL 2024 Week 17 Recap
This is when the big dogs come out.
Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers was the Christmas Wednesday morning game. The 14-1 Chiefs were one win from clinching home field throughout the playoffs. The 10-5 Steelers were tied atop their division and they held the tie-breaker, but they had not clinched their division yet. The game was live-streamed on Netflix and played on a Wednesday to anger players and viewers alike. A 25 yard punt return early on had the Chiefs with a short field at the Pittsburgh 42. On 4th and 1, Walrus Andy Reid gambled early on. Kareem Hunt gained 4. Patrick Mahomes gained 12. MAhomes found Xavier Worthy for a 7 yard touchdown. The extra point was no good as the Chiefs led 6-0. The Chiefs got it back and faced 3rd and 11 at their own 20. Mahomes went to Perine for 14 and then went deep to Watson for 49. On 3rd and 4 from the Pittsburgh 11, Mahomes went to Watson for the touchdown to make it 13-0 Chiefs.
The Steelers finally got going from their own 23 and soon had a 2nd and 4 at the Kansas City 8. Jalen warren ran it up the gut for the touchdown, but offensive holding nullified the score. On the next play Russell Wilson went to the end zone and was intercepted for a touchback. The Steelers got it back at their own 28 to start the second quarterback. Wilson went to George Pickens for 7 and to Washington for 8. Wilson found Pat Freiermuth for 15. Warren ran for 11. On 3rd and 8 from the Kansas City 20, Wilson went to Freiermuth for 15. From the one, Wilson faked the handoff, rolled out to his left, and raced to the corner pylon. He got there just in time and stretched the ball over the plane of the goal for the touchdown to get the Steelers within 13-7. The Chiefs in the third quarter moved from their own 33 to a 1st and 10 at the Pittsburgh 13. Mahomes threw 3 straight incompletions. Harrison Butker hit from 32 to make it 16-7 Chiefs. The Steelers after a touchback moved to a 3rd and 5 at the Kansas City 12. Wilson was sacked. Chris Boswell hit from 36 to get the Steelers within 16-10.
The Chiefs took over and soon faced 2nd and 14 at their own 19. Mahomes went to Hollywood Brown for 17 and again for 12. Mahomes found Travis Kelce for 19, Worthy for 11, and Kelce again for 7. On the first play of the fourth quarter Karim Hunt ran for a 2 yard touchdown. The 2 point try failed but the Chiefs led 22-10. The Steelers on 3rd and 15 from their own 25 fumbled the ball away. The Chiefs recovered at the Pittsburgh 34. Mahomes hit Kelce for 20 and again for a 12 yard touchdown to complete the scoring. Although they are in the playoffs, the 10-6 Steelers second third straight loss had them at risk of losing the division race. They are now one game back in their division, needing to win and get help to have a chance. They are in the playoffs as a Wildcard at worst. As for the 15-1 Chiefs, they have now officially clinched the top seed in the AFC, home field advantage throughout the playoffs, and the coveted first round bye. This makes Andy Reid a most happy Walrus indeed. 29-10 Chiefs
Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans was the Christmas Wednesday afternoon game. The 10-5 Ravens began the day tied for their division lead but not holding the tie-breaker. Before kickoff, a Pittsburgh loss meant the Ravens could seize control of the division with a win. The 9-6 Texans had already clinched their division. The Ravens began the game at their own 25 and Derrick Henry ran for a pair of 6 yard gains. On 2nd and 13 from their own 34, Lamar Jackson ran for a 25 yard gain. Henry ran for 7 and 5. Jackson’t first pass of the game and only pass on the drive was a 27 yard connection to Bay Flowers. Henry ran for a 2 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Ravens. The Ravens got it back at their own 30 and moved to a 2nd and 6 at the Houston 31. Ali lost 3 yards and Jackson threw incomplete. Justin Tucker hit form 52 to make it 10-0 Ravens. A good punt pinned the Ravens at their own 4. Henry got the carry, went backward, and was tackled in his own end zone for a safety. The Texans were down 10-2 and took the free kick at their own 43. They moved to a 2nd and goal at the 3 looking to tie the game. Joe Mixon lost a yard and CJ Stroud threw incomplete. DeMeco Ryans went for it on 4th and goal at the 4. Stroud went to Mixon, who gained 3 but got bottled up at the one. After the goal line stand, the game got out of hand.
From their own one, Hery gained 7 and Jackson went to Rashad Bateman for 12. Jackson then went deep to Mark Andrews for a 67 yard gain. Jackson hit Isaiah Likely for the 9 yard touchdown to make it 17-2 Ravens at the half. In the third quarter, an interception of Stroud set up the Ravens at their own 39. Henry ran for 13 and Jackson then faked a handoff and raced for a 48 yard touchdown to make it 24-2 Ravens. The Ravens got it back and faced 3rd and 3 at their own 45. Jackson gained 8. A defensive facemaska dded 15. Jackson hit Henry for 14. On 3rd and 1 from the Houston 2, Henry gained one. Jackson then hit Andrews for the touchdown. Although 6 minutes remained in the third quarter, the remaining 21 minutes were scoreless as backups on both teams finished the fourth quarter. The 9-7 Texans are in the playoffs but they are looking like a potential first round exit. They are most likely the four seed.The 11-5 Ravens are now one game ahead in their division. If they win next week, they clinch the division. The Ravens even have a very slim chance of moving up from the three seed to the two seed, but that would require they win next week and get help. 31-2 Ravens
Seattle Seahawks at Chicago Bears was the Thursday night game. The Seahawks came in one game back in their division. The Bears were done. 0 touchdowns were scored. Jason Myers kicked a 27 yard field goal for the Seahawks on their opening drive. Cairo Santos tied the game from 42 yards out with 2 1/2 minutes left in the half. Myers hit from 50 with 20 seconds left in the half. A horrendous effort saw the Bears finally reach a 1st and 10 at the Seattle 40 with 37 seconds left in the entire miserable game. Caleb Williams threw 3 straight incompletions. Rather than try a 58 yard field goal to tie the game, the Bears decided to go for it. Williams went deep and was intercepted with 20 seconds left to keep the second half scoreless. That was the entire game as league officials vowed to burn the tape so that future generations would never have to suffer through watching this wretched game. The 9-7 Seahawks still needed help to make the playoffs. They would not get it and would be eliminated by Sunday night. The 4-12 Bears lost their 10th straight. 6-3 Seahawks
Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots was the Saturday morning game. The Chargers needed only a win in one of their final two games to lock up a playoff Wildcard. The Patriots are done for the year. The Chargers took over at their own 9 yard line in the first quarter. Runs and short passes including runs of 5 and 6 by JK Dobbins had the Chargers facing 3rd and 2 at their own 35. Justin Herbert went to Ladd McConkey for 6 and to Hasan Haskins for 10. Jim Harbaugh went for it on 4th and 3 at the New England 42. Herbert went to McConkey for 5. Herbert went to Johnston for 19. Finally, Herbert hit Davis for a 23 yard touchdown. The 11 play, 91 yard, 6 minute drive made it 7-0 Chargers. The Chargers got it back at their own 24 and moved to a 4th and 5 at the New England 9 in the second quarter. Cameron Dicker hit a 27 yard field goal to make it 10-0 Chargers. After a touchback, a simple pitchout went horribly wrong when it was fumbled. The Chargers took over at the New England 44.Herbert went to Will Dissly for 7 and to McConkey for 10. On 3rd and 1 from the New England 10, Haskins gained 4. Herbert hit McConkey for a 6 yard touchdown to make it 17-0 Chargers.
The Patriots took over at their own 27. Drake Maye went to Kendrick Bourne for 18. Maye ran for 12. When the Chargers jumped offside, Maye realized he had a free play and threw deep into double coverage. Pop Douglas made a diving catch near the goal line and rolled over into he end zone before being touched for a 36 yard touchdown. The Patriots were within 17-7 with 1:25 left in the half. The Chargers after a touchback moved to a 3rd and 3 at the New England 44 with 28 seconds left. Herbert threw deep incomplete. Harbaugh went for it on 4th and 3. Herbert went to Smartt for 9 as the Chargers took their last timeout with 17 seconds left. A mindless unnecessary roughness penalty for a late shove on Herbert gifted the Chargers 15 yards. Dicker’s 38 yard field goal try barely snuck inside the right upright. In fact, it appeared the kick was no good. Yet officials ruled it good as the Chargers took a 20-7 lead to the locker rooms.
The second half was a formality. Early in the third quarter the Chargers took over at their own 6 yard line. On 3rd and 5, Herbert went to Johnston for 7. Herbert found Dissly for 14. On 3rd and 3 from their own 41, Herbert went to Palmer for 19. Herbert went deep to McConkey for a 40 yard touchdown. The 10 play, 94 yard, 5 1/2 minute drive had the Chargers up 27-7. Jerod Mayo gambled on 4th and 2 from his own 38. Maye was sacked for a 15 yard loss. Dicker hit a 41 yard field goal to make it 30-7 Chargers. Mayo went for it again on 4th and 7 from the Chargers 31. Maye was sacked again. On 3rd and 3 from their own 44, Dobbins gained 13 with a horse collar tackle adding 15 more. The fourth quarter began with the Chargers facing 3rd and 2 at the New England 20. Dobbins gained 8, 4 and 2. On 3rd and 4 from the New England 6, Herbert ran for 4. Dobbins ran for a 2 yard touchdown to make it 37-7 Chargers. Dicker tacked on a 35 yard field goal to complete the scoring. The 10-6 Chargers are officially in the playoffs. 40-7 Chargers
Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals was the Saturday afternoon game. The 9-6 Broncos with a win in either of their final 2 games would make the playoffs as a wildcard. The 7-8 Bengals needed to win out and get help to have a chance at making the playoffs. The Broncos after an opening touchback moved to a 3rd and 2 at the Cincinnati 12. Bo Nix threw incomplete and Sean Payton was not in a gambling mood. Wil Lutz hit from 30 to make it 3-0 Broncos. The Bengals after a touchback moved to a 4th and 1 at the Denver 22. Zac Taylor went for it and Brown got stopped for no gain. The Bengals got it back at their own 27 and moved to a 1st and goal at the one. Burrow threw incomplete twice sandwiched around a run that lost a yard. On 4th and goal at the 2, Taylor gambled again. Burrow was sacked. The Bengals got it back at their own 38. Brown gained 5 and 8. Burrow went to Iosivas for 17, to Tee Higgins for 8, and to Jamarr Chase for 13. This time Burrow hit Higgins for the 2 yard touchdown. With 1:49 left in the half, the Bengals finally took the 7-3 lead. The Bengals moved from their own 28 in the first half to a 1st and goal at the 3. Burrow threw 3 straight incompletions. Cade York hit from 22 to make it 10-3 Bengals.
The Broncos after a touchback son faced 3rd and 1 at their own 39. Nix ran for 2. On 3rd and 2 from the Cincinnati 40, Nix went to Marvin Mims for 8. McLaughlin ran for 11 and 13. Nix went to Cortland Sutton for a 6 yard touchdown to cap the 12 play, 70 yard, 6 minute drive. The game was tied 10-10 with 3 minutes left in the third quarter. The Bengals took over at their own 37. On 3rd and 13 from their own 45, Burrow scrambled for 19 as the third quarter ended. Early in the fourth quarter Zac Taylor gambled on 4th and 2 at the Denver 28. Burrow hit Brown for 11. Burrow went to Higgins for a 12 yard touchdown. The Bengals led 17-10 with 11 1/2 minutes left in regulation. The Broncos took over at their own 25. Nix went to Sutton for 13. Nix then went bombs away to Mims, who beat the double coverage and caught a perfectly thrown ball for a 51 yard touchdown. With 9 minutes left, the game was tied again 17-17.
The Bengals after a touchback moved to a 3rd and 4 at midfield. Burrow went over the middle to Higgins, who had the ball chopped out of his hands by Patrick Surtain. Initially the call was ruled an incomplete pass. Sean Payton challenged the call and it was reversed to a fumble and a recovery by the Broncos at their own 40 with 5 minutes left. On 3rd and 15 from their own 46, Nix fired over the middle and was intercepted. The Bengals took over at their own 41 with 2 1/2 minutes left. Burrow immediately went deep to Chase for 38 yards. On 3rd and 6 from the Denver 17, Burrow went to Chase for 11. On 1st and goal at the 6, Chase Brown could have scored but purposely gave himself up at the one. Yet he injured himself on the slide and had to come out. The plan was to force the Broncos to use their timeouts, bleed the clock, and kick a field goal. Yet because of the injury the Broncos kept their last timeout. So the plan changed. Burrow took the quarterback sneak up the middle for the touchdown. The Bengals led by 7, but the Broncos after a touchback had 90 seconds and one timeout to make a comeback.
After a touchback, Nix went to Sutton for 15 and 14. With 14 seconds left the Broncos were down to their last gasp facing 4th and 1 from the Denver 25 with 14 seconds left. Nix rolled out to his right. With a defender in his face he threw a Hail Mary to Mims, who was blanketed by 2 defenders. All 3 players went up for the ball and Mims came down with it. Replay showed that Mims did not fully secure the ball until everyone was out of bounds. Yet it was ruled a touchdown. After initially deciding to go for 2 and the win, Sean Payton changed his mind and opted for the extra point. The game was tied 24-24 with 8 seconds left. The Bengals won the overtime coin toss and each team punted on their first drive. The Bengals took over at their own 46. Burrow went to Higgins for 6, to Mike Gesicki for 12, and to Higgins for 19. The Bengals were well within field goal range. Khalil Herbert, in for the injured Brown, ran for 8 as the Broncos took their 2 overtime timeouts on defense. On 3rd and 2 from the Denver 14, York came in for the 33 yard field goal try to win it. York doinked it off the left upright no good in front of a shellshocked home Cincinnati crowd. York was playing due to an injury to regular kicker Evan McPherson.
The Broncos took over with 2:43 left in overtime. Yet a tie game would automatically get the Broncos into the playoffs, so they could afford to be very conservative as long as the Bengals did not get the ball back. Now it was the Bengals taking their 2 overtime timeouts on defense. On 3rd and 9, a first down would let the Broncos run out the clock. The Bengals desperately needed a stop. A run would take the clock down to the 2 minute warning. Sean Payton called a pass and Nix threw incomplete. The Bengals had life. A relatively short 39 yard punt gave the Bengals the ball at their own 37 with 2:20 left in overtime. York prayed for a chance at redemption. Burrow fired to Iosivas for 16 as the clock hit the 2 minute warning. A pitchout to Herbert gained 13. Now a field goal try would be 53 yards. Rather than just gain a few more yards, Burrow went for it all and found Tee Higgins for a 31 yard gain down to the Denver 3 yard like with 1:10 left in overtime.
Rather than rely on a field goal try even from that short distance, Burrow fired to Higgins in the front corner of the end zone for the 3 yard touchdown. Despite being sacked 7 times, Burrow was a lights out 39 of 49 with 412 yards passing, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Despite starting 0-3 and 1-4 and once sitting at 4-8, the Bengals have won 4 straight to get to 8-8. The Broncos were 9-5 and needed to win one of their last 3 games to make the postseason. Consecutive losses have the Broncos at 9-7. The Broncos still control their own destiny. If they win next week, they are in the playoffs. The downside is they will be playing 15-1 Kansas City. The upside is the game will be in Denver and Kansas City might be playing their backups having locked up the top seed. The Bengals still have a much tougher road. They need to go on the road next week and beat a Pittsburgh team with everything to play for. The Bengals also need other teams including Denver to lose. Nevertheless, this was a thrilling football game. 30-24 Bengals, OT
Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams was the Saturday night game. — The Cardinals ere done for the year. The 9-6 Rams had a one game lead in their division and looked to move one step closer to locking it up. The first quarter was scoreless. In the second quarter the Cardinals had 4th and 1 at the Rams 14. Jonathan Gannon went for it. James Conner got stuffed for no gain. After more defense, the Rams took over at their own 40 with 6 1/2 minutes left in the half. Matthew Stafford went to Cooper Kupp for 29. On 3rd and 10 from the Arizona 31, Stafford went to Puka Nacua for 15. Stafford ran for 12. On 3rd and goal at the one, Williams got in to make it 7-0 Rams with 3 1/2 minutes left. The Rams got it back at their own 23 with 1:41 left and moved to a 2nd and 3 at the Arizona 35 with 39 seconds left. Stafford threw incomplete twice. Joshua Harty hit from 53 to make it 10-0 Rams. The Cardinals began the third quarter facing 3rd and 2 at their own 40. Kyler Murray went to McBride for 14. On 3rd and 5 at the Rams 41, Murray found McBride for 7. Murray hit Wilson for 9 and then ran for 12 himself. On 3rd and goal at the 2, Murray threw incomplete but defensive holding meant a new set of downs. Murray hit McBride for a one yard touchdown. In a major play, the extra point attempt was blocked. The Cardinals trailed 10-6. The Cardinals got it back at their own 10 and moved to a 3rd and 4 at the Rams 10 early in the fourth quarter. Murray threw incomplete. Ryland hit from 28 to get the Cardinals within 10-9. The Rams moved from their own 33 to a 3rd and goal at the 7. Stafford threw incomplete. Harty hit the 25 yarder to put the Rams back up by 4 with 6 1/2 minutes left in regulation. With 3:15 to play on 4th and 10 from the Rams 40, Murray went deep and was intercepted. The Arizona defense held and the Cardinals got it back at their own 36 with 2:01 left. The Cardinals moved to a 1st and goal at the 5 with 42 seconds left. Then came chaos. Murray rifled a pass that was batted up in the air. Witherspoon made a diving interception. While the nose of the ball hit the ground, Withersppn never lost control. The rule now allows the ball to hit the ground as long as possession is maintained. Officials also missed defensive holding on the play. The Rams took over at their own one. The Cardinals only had 2 timeouts left. On 3rd down in the shadow of his own goal, Stafford took a knee out of the end zone to avoid a safety. It was harrowing, but the 10-6 Rams got one step closer to clinching their division pending the outcome of other games. The blocked extra point was the difference. By Sunday night, the results of other games went the Rams way. The Rams clinched the NFC West. 13-9 Rams
New York Jets at Buffalo Bills — The Jets are done for the year. The Bills with a win would lock up the two seed although the top seed is out of reach. After an opening touchback, the Bills faced 3rd and 5 at their own 35. Josh Allen hit Shakir for 12. On 2nd and 17 from their own 45, Allen threw incomplete but defensive illegal contact meant 5 yards and a new set of downs. On 3rd and 13 from their own 47, Allen went to Mack Hollins for 23. Allen went back to Hollins for 10 and to Kincaid for 11. On 2nd and goal at the 6, Allen threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant 1st and goal at the one. Allen got in to make it 7-0 Bills. The Jets moved from their own 28 to a 4th and 1 at the Buffalo 24. Jeff Ulbrich went for it and Allen got stopped for no gain. In the second quarter the Jets moved from their own 26 to a 2nd and 8 at the Buffalo 12. Aaron Rodgers was intercepted. The Jets got it back at their own 5. From their own 2 on 2nd and 13, Rodgers was sacked in the end zone for a safety. With 2 1/2 minutes left in the half the Bills led 9-0. The Bills took the free kick at their own 32 and moved to a 4th and 2 at the Jets 21 with 2 seconds left. Tyler Bass hit the 39 yard field goal to make it 12-0 Bills. Midway through the third quarter of a game that was still close, On 3rd and 19 from the Buffalo 41, Rodgers was intercepted. Benford returned the pick 24 yards with another 15 tacked on for unnecessary roughness against Rodgers of all people. From the Jets 38, the Bills turned out the lights. On 2nd and 14 from the Jets 30, Allen went to Amari Cooper for the touchdown to make it 19-0 Bills. A 25 yard punt return gave the Bills a short field at the Jets 37. Allen hit Kincaid for 13. Defensive unnecessary roughness added 10. Cook ran for 4 and then the one yard touchdown to make it 26-0 Bills. On the very next play from scrimmage, the Jets fumbled a swing pass and the Bills recovered at the Jets 15. On 3rd and 9, Allen went to Coleman for the touchdown to make it 33-0 Bills. The fourth quarter began with Josh Allen being given the rest of the day off to prepare for the playoffs. Mitchell Trubisky took over at his own 35. On his third play from scrimmage on 3rd and 14, a short pass from Trubisky to Shavers saw Shavers break several attempts at tackling and race down the sideline for a 69 yard touchdown to make it 40-0 Bills. Only after Rodgers headed to the bench did the Jets show any signs of life as backup Tyrod Taylor led a couple of garbage time scoring drives. The Bills locked up the two seed. 40-14 Bills
Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars — This week’s Stupor Bowl between 3-12 teams is for Draft position. The Jaguars took over at their own 32 and moved to a 3rd and 5 at their own 30. Mac Jones threw incomplete. Little hit the 48 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Jaguars. A second quarter interception of Mason Rudolph gave the Jaguars a short field at the Tennessee 43. Jones went to Thomas for 17. Thomas ran for 18. Jones went to Washington for a 2 yard touchdown to make it 10-0 Jaguars. The Jaguars got it back at their own 20 and moved to a 1st and 10 at the Tennessee 26. Jones threw 3 straight incompletions. Little hit from 44 to make it 13-0 Jaguars. The Titans took over at their own 29 at the 2 minute warning. They moved to a 4th and 4 at the Jacksonville 21 with 3 seconds left. Matt Wright hit from 39 to get the Titans on the board. The Titans began the third quarter facing 3rd and 2 at their own 23. Rudolph went to Okonkwo for 18. Spears ran for 12. Spears then fumbled but Calvin Ridley picked it up for the offense and gained 19. On 3rd and 8 from the Jacksonville 45, Rudolph went to Ridley for 19. On 3rd and 2 from the Jacksonville 18, Spears got just enough. On 3rd and 2 from the Jacksonville 8, Rudolph went to Vannett for the touchdown The 13 play, 85 yard, 8 minute drive had the Titans within 13-10. The Jaguars took over at their own 26 late in the third quarter. Travis Etienne ran for 8 and 2. Offensive penalties had the Jaguars facing 1st and 25 at their own 21 to start the fourth quarter. Jones hit Thomas for 9 and Washington for 24. On 3rd and 1 from the Tennessee 37, Jones gained 2. On 3rd and 1 from the Tennessee 26, Jones again gained 2. On 3rd and 1 from the Tennessee 15, Tyler Bigsby gained 4. On 3rd and 10 from the Tennessee 11, Jones went to Thomas for the touchdown. The staggering 16 play, 74 yard, 9 minute drive had the Jaguars up 20-10 midway through the fourth quarter. After a touchback the Titans moved to a 4th and 9 at the Jacksonville 10. Needing 2 scores, Brian Callahan opted for the field goal. Wright hit from 28 to get the Titans within 7 with 2:02 to play. The Titans held on defense and forced a 3 and out. The Titans took over at their own 26 with 90 seconds left. They reached a 1st and 10 at the Jacksonville 26 with 30 seconds left. Rudolph threw 4 straight incompletions. 20-13 Jaguars
Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — The Panthers are done for the year. The 8-7 Buccaneers are tied atop their division but do not hold the tie-breaker. They need to win and get help to make the playoffs. After an opening touchback, Irving ran for 6, 10 and 12. Baker Mayfield went deep to Durham for 31. Mayfield went to Mike Evans for a 2 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Buccaneers. After a touchback Bryce Young went deep to Adam Thielen for 31. Young went to Coker for 15 and back Thielen for a 17 yard touchdown to make it 7-7. The Buccaneers moved from their own 20 to a 1st and goal at the 2. Irving got stopped for no gain and then lost a yard. On 3rd and goal at the 3, Mayfield was sacked. Chase McLaughlin hit the 23 yarder to make it 10-7 Buccaneers. The Buccaneers in the second quarter moved from their own 39 to a 3rd and 8 at the Carolina 16. Mayfield threw incomplete. McLaughlin hit from 34 to make it 13-7 Buccaneers. The Buccaneers got it back at their own 19. Irving ran for 34 and caught a pass from Mayfield for 42 down to the one. From there, Mayfield went to Evans for the touchdown to make it 20-7 Buccaneers. The Buccaneers got it back at their own 36. Roughing the passer added 15. An offensive penalty and a sack had the Buccaneers facing 2nd and 27 at their own 34. Mayfield went to Miller for 23. On 3rd and 4, Mayfield hit Evans for 10. On 3rd and 4 from the Carolina 27, Irving gained 5 and 9 as the clock hit the 2 minute warning. Mayfield went to McMillan for a 10 yard touchdown. With 1:11 left in the half, the Buccaneers were dominating up 27-7.
After a touchback on 3rd and 5 from their ow 35, Young went to Leggette for 10. On the next play Young went deep to Thielen for a 40 yard touchdown. The Panthers were within 27-14. The Panthers got it back quickly but Eddie Pineiro’s 53 yard field goal try to end the half was no good. In the third quarter the Buccaneers took over at their own 6 yard line. On 3rd and 1, McMillan gained 9. Mayfield went deep to Evans for 34 and to Irving for 16 and 15. On 3rd and goal at the 5, Mayfield hit Durham for the touchdown to make it 34-14 Buccaneers. The Panthers tried to punt and Johnny Hekker had his punt blocked. JJ Russell picked it up and raced 23 yards for another touchdown to make it 41-14 Buccaneers. The Buccaneers got it back and moved 85 yards. On 3rd and 2 from the Carolina 16, Mayfield went to McMillan for the touchdown 90 seconds into the fourth quarter to complete the carpet-bombing. The 9-7 Buccaneers awaited results of other games knowing they were still alive. By Sunday night, the other games went the Buccaneers way. They had a one game lead in the division, If they win next week, they win their division and are in the playoffs. 48-14 Buccaneers
Las Vegas Raiders at New Orleans Saints — Both teams are done for the year. Derek Carr did not get his chance to make NFL history by losing to all 32 NFL teams. His injured hand has not healed. He is still out. Spencer Rattler started in his place. The Raiders team plane had mechanical issues. They did not arrive in New Orleans until late Saturday night. After snapping their 10 game losing streak last week, the Raiders began this game in promising fashion. A statement drive took 17 plays. From their own 27, they moved 69 yards. They took 9 minutes off the clock. On 3rd and 4 from the New Orleans 13, a short pass from Aidan O’Connell to Amir Abdullah saw him leap for the pylon for the touchdown. Yet Darren Rizzi challenged the score. On further review, Abdullah was down inside the one. Yet even 1st and goal at the one is too much to ask of these Raiders. The conclusion was inevitable. Abdullah got stopped for no gain. Then he got taken down for a 2 yard loss. On 3rd and goal at the 3, O’Connell was sacked. Daniel Carlson hit the 31 yard field goal for a 3-0 Raiders lead. Yet for a team that frequently sputters on offense after their opening drive, it was not a good sign. This team cannot run the ball.
After a touchback on their first play from scrimmage, Rattler ripped off a 28 yard gain. The saints moved to a 2nd and 6 at the Raiders 38. Rattler found a receiver over the middle, but he got blasted and dropped the ball for an incompletion. On 3rd and 6 Miller gained nothing. A field goal would be 56 yards so Darren Rizzi decided to go for it. After a false start, Rizzi opted to punt. The Raiders took over at their own 6 and soon faced 3rd and 7 at their own 9. O’Connell went to Alexander Mattison for what appeared to be an 8 yard gain. A horrendous spot reduced it to a 6 yard gain and 4t and 1. Antonio Pierce challenged the spot and lost. The Raiders punted. A 21 yard punt return had the Saints starting at midfield. Rattler went to Miller for 16. On the first play of the second quarter, Rizzi went to his bag of tricks. A perfectly executed flea flicker saw Rattler go deep to a wide open Foster Moreau. The former Raiders tight end caught the ball for a Big Easy 30 yard touchdown and a 7-3 Saints lead.
The Raiders moved from their own 26 to a 3rd and 5 at the New Orleans 21. O’Connell threw incomplete. Carlson hit from 39 to get the Raiders within 7-6. The Saints after a touchback moved to a 3rd and 10 at the Raiders 40. Rattler went deep to Johnson for what might have been 39 yards and down to the one, although Johnson did roll over into the end zone before being touched. It didn’t matter as offensive holding wiped out the gain. The Saints ended up punting and another great punt pinned the Raiders at their own 5 yard line. On 2nd and 12 Abdullah broke free for a 17 yard gain. O’Connell went to Bowers for 13. On 3rd and 5 from their own 38 at the 2 minute warning, O’Connell went deep to Jakobi Meyers for 29. O’Connell went to Bowers for 17. Abdullah ran for 13. On 1st and goal at the 3, a play action pass saw O’Connell hit Meyers for the touchdown. With one minute left in the half the Raiders led 13-7. After a touchback that was plenty of time for the Saints. They moved to a 2nd and 9 at the Raiders 16 with 9 seconds left in the half. Rattler threw deep incomplete, leaving only 3 seconds. Blake Grupe hit the 34 yard field goal. Despite being dominated statistically, the Saints only trailed 13-10.
The Raiders took over at their own 15 in the third quarter and moved to a 3rd and 5 at the New Orleans 37. A designed draw play to Abdullah gained only one yard. Carlson nailed the 54 yard field goal to make it 16-10 Raiders. The Raiders got it back at their own 39 and moved to a 3rd and 3 at the New Orleans 7 to start the fourth quarter. O’Connell threw incomplete. Carlson hit his 4th field goal from 25 to make it 19-10 Raiders. After a touchback the Saints moved to a 2nd and 6 at midfield. Rattler went to Wilson for 16, but the gain was wiped out by offensive holding. On the next play Rattler was intercepted by Jack Jones. The Raiders had a short field at the New Orleans 40. On 3rd and 5 O’Connell went to Bowers for 13. On 3rd and 6 from the New Orleans 18, O’Connell backpedaled and threw a prayer to the corner of the end zone. Tre Tucker came down with it for a touchdown with 8 1/2 minutes left in regulation. With 3 minutes left in regulation the Saints took over at their own 10. The Saints moved to a 3rd and 2 at the Raiders 20 with 1:12 left. Rattler went to Johnson for 16 but the gain was wiped out by offensive pass interference. On the next play Rattler was intercepted by Harper. The Raiders defense pitched a second half shutout. A tee 10 straight losses, the Raiders have won 2 straight in what was their most complete team win to date. Brock Bowers broke Mike Ditka’s record for yards by a rookie tight end that had stood for decades. Bowers also set a rookie record for most receptions by a tight end in a season. These records were accomplished 16 games, not in 17. Bowers still has one week to add to his totals. 25-10 Raiders
Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles — The Cowboys are done for the year. The 12-3 Eagles enter this game the two seed. With a win the Eagles lock up their division. The Eagles need to win and get help to have a shot at the top seed. They would have to do it without Jalen Hurts, who was out with a concussion. Kenny Pickett got the start. After an opening touchback the Cowboys moved to a 3rd and 3 at the Dallas 35. Yet Rush was then intercepted by Gardner-Johnson, who returned the pick 65 yards for a defensive touchdown and a 7-0 Eagles lead. After a touchback on 3rd and 1 from their own 39, Rush gained 2. Rush hit Brooks for 12. On 3rd and 9 from the Philadelphia 34, Rush went to Cooks for 22. On 3rd and 7 from the Philadelphia 9, Rush threw incomplete but defensive holding meant 5 yards and an automatic first down. Rush went to Jalen Tolbert for a 4 yard touchdown to make it 7-7. In the second quarter the Eagles took over at their own 19. On 3rd and 2 from their own 37, Saquon Barkley gained 7. On 3rd and 8 from their own 46, Pickett went to Calcaterra for 34. Pickett went to Smith for a 22 yard touchdown to make it 14-7 Eagles. On the first play from scrimmage after a touchback, the Cowboys fumbled the ball away. The Eagles took over at the Dallas 39 and moved to a 2nd and 9 at the Dallas 13. Pickett threw incomplete twice. Jake Elliott hit a 31 yard field goal to have the Eagles up 17-7 with 1:55 left in the half.
The Cowboys took over at their own 26. On 3rd and 6 from their own 42, Rush was intercepted. It was Gardner-Johnson again, and he returned the pick 25 yards to his own 35. Barkley gained 15. Pickett went deep to Smith for a 49 yard gain down to the one. Pickett got the yard to have the Eagles up 24-7 at the break. In the third quarter the Eagles moved from their own 33 to a 2nd and goal at the 7. Barkley got stopped and a touchdown pass by Pickett was nullified by offensive holding. Elliott hit the 26 yard field goal to make it 27-7 Eagles. Yet in the third quarter Pickett got injured and had to leave the game. The Eagles 3rd string quarterback Tanner McKee came in having never taken an NFL snap. With a 20 point lead, handing the ball to Barkley on every pay seemed ideal. Barkley gained 9 and 23. On 3rd and 8 from the Dallas 20, McKee went to AJ Brown, who made a leaping touchdown catch. In his very first NFL game, McKee had a touchdown pass as the Eagles led 34-7. The Eagles began the fourth quarter at their own 25 after recovering a Cowboys fumble. On 2nd and 12 from the Dallas 25, McKee went to Smith for his McKee’s 2nd NFL touchdown to complete the blowout. The Eagles clinched the NFC East and the two seed. Based on the results of other games, the top seed and 1st round bye is out of reach. 41-7 Eagles
Indianapolis Colts at New York Giants — The Giants are done for the year. With 2 more losses the 2-13 Giants are guaranteed the top pick in the Draft. The 7-8 Colts need to win out and get help to make the playoffs. The Colts had to do so without Anthony Richardson, who is out for this game injured. Joe Flacco started in his place. Early on Flacco was intercepted. The Colts got it back and moved from their own 37 to a 3rd and 2 at the Giants 10. Flacco was sacked. Matt Gay hit a 32 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Colts. After a touchback, Tyrone Tracy ripped off a 40 yard gain. On 3rd and 14 from the Indianapolis 31, Drew Lock went to Nabors for the touchdown and the 7-3 Giants lead.In the second quarter Gay missed a 54 yard field goal try. The Giants took over at their own 44. Lock went to Nabers for 19. On 3rd and 8 from the Indianapolis 32. Lock went to Darrius Slayton for the touchdown as the Giants had the surprising 14-3 lead. The Colts after a touchback moved to a 3rd and 9 at the Giants 11. Flacco threw incomplete. Gay hit from 29 to get the Colts within 14-6. After a touchback Singletary ran for 5 and 13. Lock went deep to Nabers for 34. On 2nd and goal at the 20 after an offensive penalty, Lock went to Nabers for 19. After a false start, on 3rd and goal at the 5, Lock went to Robinson for the touchdown.With 6 minutes left in the half, the worst team in football had a 21-6 Giants lead.
The Colts after a touchback faced 3rd and 1 at their own 39. Jonathan Taylor gained 2. Flacco went to Pierce and Pittman for a pair of 13 yard gains. On 3rd and 2 from the Giants 25, Taylor gained 12. On 4th and 5 from the Giants 8 with one minute left in the half, Shane Steichen went for it. Flacco hit Granson for 6. Taylor ran for a 3 yard touchdown with 20 seconds left to get the Colts within 21-13. Yet the Giants gave the home crowd a thunderbolt of energy when Smith-Marsette returned the second half kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown and a 28-13 Giants lead. After a touchback Flacco went to Pittman for 19. Taylor ran for 6, 5, 9 and 0. On 3rd and 1 from the Giants 25, Taylor got it again and ran for the touchdown. Just like that, the Colts were back in it down 28-20. The Colts got it back at their own 26 and moved to a 3rd and 1 at the Giants 23. Taylor got stopped for no gain and Shane Steichen went for it. Taylor got the carry again up the gut and ran into a brick Big Blue wall for no gain. The Giants moved from their own 22 to a 4th and 1 at their own 42. Brian Daboll went for it and this time it was Tracy running into the teeth of the defense for no gain. In the fourth quarter the Colts took over at their own 39. Flacco went to Pittman for 14. Defensive pass interference added 19. On 3rd and 3 from the Giants 13, Flacco went to Alex Pierce, who out-jumped the defender for the touchdown. The 2 point conversion try to tie the game failed but the Colts were within 28-26.
After a touchback the Giants soon faced 3rd and 3 at their own 37. Lock went to Robinson for 4. Lock then found Naebers, who escaped everyone for a 59 yard touchdown. With 8 1/2 minutes left ire gelatin the Giants led 35-26. After a touchback, Flacco quickly went to Pierce for a 49 yard gain. Flacco hit Downs for 10. On 3rd and 6 from the Giants 7, Flacco went to Pittman for the touchdown. With 6 1/2 minutes left, the Colts were right back in it down 35-33. After a touchback and a 6 yard defensive pass interference penalty, Lock went to Robinson for 18. On 3rd and 8 from the Indy 44, Lock went to Robinson for a 35 yard gain. On 3rd and goal at the 5, Lock ran for the touchdown. The Giants again had breathing room up 42-33 with 3 minutes left. On the first play from scrimmage after a touchback, Flacco was intercepted. Phillips returned the pick 25 yards to the indy 17. After 6 touchdowns, this time the Giants settled for a 30 yard Graham Gano field goal. After another touchback, Flacco was sacked and fumbled. The Giants took over at the Indianapolis 22 with 1:53 left. Lock took 3 knees. The Giants snapped their 10 game losing streak. They may no longer end up with the top Draft pick, but thankfully there is no tanking in the NFL. Teams try to win. As for the Colts, it was a bitter defeat. At 7-9, they are eliminated from the playoffs. 45-33 Giants
Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns — The Browns are done for the year. The 7-8 Dolphins need to win and out and get help to make the playoffs. They would have to do so without Tua Tagovailoa, who is out of this game with an injured hip. Tyler Huntley got the start in his place. A hideous first half saw Jason Sanders hit a 54 yard first quarter field goal for the Dolphins. Dustin Hopkins answered from 25 early in the second quarter. Sanders hit from 39 to end the half with the Dolphins up 6-3. The Dolphins took over at their own 28 in the third quarter. Tyler Huntley went to Tyreek Hill for 13 with 15 more tacked on for a defensive facemark. Huntley went to Washington for 15. On 3rd and 8 from the Cleveland 29, Huntley found Cracraft for 16. Huntley ran for a 13 yard touchdown to make it 13-3 Dolphins. With 4 minutes left in regulation Kevin Stefanski gambled on 4th and 5 from his own 18 yard line. Dorian Thompson-Robinson completed a pass for only 3 yards. Huntley hit Hill for 13. Huntley went to Smith for a 7 yard touchdown.to complete the scoring. The 8-8 Dolphins are still alive, but they must win next week and get help to make the playoffs. 20-3 Dolphins
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings — The 11-4 Packers and 13-2 Vikings are both in the playoffs. The Packers are a Wildcard. The Vikings are tied atop their division and the conference but they do not hold the tie-breaker. The Vikings need to win and get help to grab the top seed. In the first quarter will Reichard missed a 57 yard field goal try for the Vikings. The Packers reached a 3rd and 7 at the Minnesota 8. Jordan Love threw incomplete. Brandon McManus hit from 22 to make it 3-0 Packers. The Vikings took over at their own 23. Aaron Jones ran for 5 and 9. The second quarter began with the Vikings facing 3rd and 4 at their own 43. Sam Darnold went to Jordan Addison for a pair of 13 yard gains. Darnold went deep to Nailor for a 31 yard touchdown and a 7-3 Vikings lead. After a touchback the Packers moved to a 4th and 2 at the Minnesota 23. Rather than kick a 41 yard field goal, Matt LaFleur gambled and Love thew incomplete. The Vikings moved from their own 24 to a 3rd and goal at the 7. Darnold threw incomplete. Reichard hit from 25 to make it 10-3 Vikings with 2:16 left in the half. The Vikings got it back at their own 16 with 1:16 left. They moved to a 3rd and 3 at the Green Bay 37 with 4 seconds left. From 55 yards out, Reichard was no good. Yet the defense jumped offsides. Given another chance from 50, Reichard was good as the Vikings took a 13-3 lead to the locker rooms. After a third quarter touchback the Vikings faced 3rd and 3 at their own 37. Darnold hit Jones for 4. On 3rd and 8 from their own 43, Darnold went to Nailor for 22. Darnold went to Justin Jefferson for 7 and 15 and to Addison for an 18 yard touchdown. 20 unanswered points had the Vikings cruising up 20-3.
The Vikings got it back and this time Darnold was intercepted. Valentine returned the pick 31 yards to the Minnesota 16. Josh Jacobs ran for a 2 yard touchdown to get the Packers within 20-10. After a touchback Darnold hit Jones for 7, Jefferson for 6, Jones for 13, and Addison for 20. Jones ran for 13. Darnold went to Cam Akers for a 9 yard touchdown to have the Vikings up 27-10 after three quarters. With 9 minutes left in regulation, a 43 yard field goal that would have extended the lead doinked off the upright for Reichard no good. The Packers soon faced 3rd and 10 at their own 33. Love went to melton for 13 and to Kraft for 35. On 3rd and 6 from the Minnesota 15, Love went to Romeo Doubs for just enough. Wilson ran for a 5 yard touchdown. Matt LaFleur decided on a pointless 2 point conversion try. It succeeded as Love hit Doubs to have the Packers within 27-18 with 6:12 to play in regulation. The Packers got it back and soon faced 3rd and 7 at their own 31. Love went to Doubs for 13. On 3rd and 1 from the Minnesota 19, Love went to wicks for 18 down to the one. After a loss, Love went to Heath for a 3 yard touchdown. The Packers were right back in it down 27-25 with 2:18 to play. After a touchback, Darnold went to Ham for 13 as the clock hit the 2 minute warning. The Packers took their timeouts on defense. Everything came down to 3rd and 2 just past midfield. with everyone expecting a run, a play action pass saw Darnold roll out and toss a soft lob to a wide open Akers. Akers nearly fell down, but he barely caught the ball at his shoe strings for the first down. Darnold then took 3 knees. Darnold finished 33 of 43 for 377 yards, 3 touchdowns and one interception. The 14-2 Vikings have a showdown next week at Detroit. It is winner take all for the division and the conference with the first round bye. The loser of that game is the Wildcard. The 11-5 Packers are locked in as a Wildcard. 27-25 Vikings
Atlanta Falcons at Washington Commanders was the Sunday night game. The 8-7 Falcons are tied atop their division. They hold the tie-breaker but have not clinched anything. If the Falcons win out, they win their division and go to the playoffs. The 10-5 Commanders are in the driver’s seat for a Wildcard but have not yet clinched a playoff spot. A win in either of their final 2 games would clinch a Wildcard. Their division became out of reach earlier in the day. An early inception of Michael Penix was returned 29 yards by Martin to set up the Commanders at the Atlanta 38. Jayden Daniels went to Zaccheaus for 12 and 9. On 4th and 2 from the Atlanta 7, Dan Quinn went for it. Daniels went to Zaccheaus for the touchdown to make it 7-0 Commanders. After a touchback Bijan Robinson gained 13. Penix went to Pitts for 23. On 4th and 4 from the Washington 28, Riley Patterson hit the 46 yard field goal, but the defense jumped offsides. Raheem Morris took the points off the board. Penix hit London for 13. On 3rd and goal at the 6, Penix through incomplete but defensive pass interference meant 1st and goal at the one. Robinson got in for a 7-7 game. In the second quarter the Commanders moved from their own 28 to a 1st and 10 at the Atlanta 12. After offensive holding, Daniels was intercepted. The Falcons took over at their own 28. Tyler Allgeier ran for 8 and 5. Penix hit London for 14. Robinson gained 5 and 12. Allgeier gained 6 and roughing the passer added 10. Robinson gained 8, 3, and finally the one yard touchdown to make it 14-7 Falcons with 4 1/2 minutes left in the half. The Falcons got it back at their own 28 with 1:52 left in the half. The Falcons moved to a 2nd and 7 at the Washington 21 with 16 seconds left. Penix threw incomplete twice, leaving 2 seconds. Patterson hit from 39 to have the Falcons up 17-7 at the intermission.
The Commanders began the third quarter at their own 31. On 3rd and 22 from their own 19, Daniels was sacked but defensive illegal contact meant 5 yards and an automatic first down. Brian Robinson gained 10. Zaccheays gained 11. Daniels went to Zac Ertz for 37. On 3rd and 5 from the Atlanta 34, Daniels gained 9. On 4th and 1 from the Atlanta 16, Dan Quinn went for it. Daniels gained 4. On 3rd and 8 from the Atlanta 10, Daniels went to hertz for the touchdown. The 15 play, 69 yard, 7 1/2 minute drive had the Commanders within 17-14. After a touchback Daniels ran for 13 and again for 18. On 4th and 5 from the Atlanta 39, Quinn gambled again rather than try a 57 yard field goal. Daniels hit McNichols for 6. Zaccheays caught a pass from Daniels for 6 and ran for 8 himself. On 3rd and 1 from the Atlanta 10, Rodriguez gained 2. Rodgriuez ran for a 2 yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter to have the Commanders up 21-17. The Commanders got it back at their own 36 and moved to a 1st and goal at the one looking to put in the dagger. On 3rd and goal at the 2, a touchdown pass from Daniels to Zaccheaus was nullified by offensive holding. Zane Gonzalez hit a 31 yard field goal. 17 unanswered second half points had the Commanders up 24-17, but they did not slam the door shut.
The Falcons took over at their own 32 with 4 1/2 minutes left. On 4th and 11 from midfield with 2 1/2 minutes left, Penix went to London for 31. On 1st and goal at the 5, a wild snap sailed over Penix’s head. By the time Penix recovered it, it was a 21 yard loss. The Falcons faced 2nd and goal from the 26 at the 2 minute warning. On 4th and goal at the 13, Penix fired over the middle to Pitts for the touchdown. Raheem Morris took no chances on a 2 point try. The extra point tied the game 24-24 with 80 seconds left. The Commanders went 3 and out when a 3rd and 10 pass to Zaccheays was just dropped. The Falcons took over at their 19 with 40 seconds left. On 3rd and 10 from their own 44 with 7 seconds left, the defense jumped. On 3rd and 5 under heavy pressure, Penix threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant 1st and 10 at the Washington 38. With 2 seconds left, Patterson came in for a 56 yard try to win it. Patterson’s kick was dead center but a bit short no good. The Commanders won the overtime coin toss. After a touchback and a false start, Daniels had a pair of 7 yard runs sandwiched around a 10 yard completion to Ertz. On 3rd and 2 from midfield, Daniels ran for 16. Daniels hit Rodriguez for 12. On 3rd and goal at the 2 with 2:45 left in overtime, Dan Quinn called timeout to give Daniels a chance to catch his breath. A touchdown would end the game but a field goal would give the Falcons a chance with the ball. Daniels fired over the middle to Ertz, who caught the ball just above the ground and hung on for dear life. Touchdown. Ballgame. The 11-5 Commanders are in the playoffs. The 8-8 Falcons are one game back in their division. They need to win next week and have Tampa Bay lose to make the playoffs. Otherwise they are out. In a special life note, after the game Commanders special teamer Jeremy Reaves proposed to his girlfriend on the sideline and is now an engaged man. 30-24 Commanders, OT
Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers is the Monday night game. This is the rematch of last year’s NFC Title Game. The Lions had a big lead but the 49ers came storming back. This year the 49ers crashed and burned, and are done for the year. Meanwhile the 13-2 Lions are tied atop their division and the conference. The Lions hold the tie-breaker. This was almost a meaningless game for them. Whether they win or lose, their home game next week against Minnesota will decide if they win the division and the top seed in the conference with the first round bye. Yet Dan Campbell said the Lions would be going full throttle and not resting starters. The 49ers began at their own 39. Brock Purdy went to Conley for 13. Deebo Samuel ran for 9 and Purdy hit George Kittle for 18. On 4th and 1 from the Detroit 5, Kyle Shanahan went for it and Purdy gained 2. Purdy went to Pearsall for a 3 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 49ers. The Lions soon faced 3rd and 2 at their own 43. Jahmyr Gibbs gained 6 and 21. Jared Goff went to Reynolds for 26. On 3rd and goal at the 3 Williams got in for the touchdown. The extra point was blocked as the Lions trailed 7-6.
After a touchback the 49ers faced 3rd and 4 at their own 41. Purdy hit Pearsall for 14. Guerendo gained 11. Purdy hit Kittle for 20. On the first play of the second quarter, Purdy hit Kyle Juszczky for a 9 yard touchdown to make it 14-6 49ers. The Lions soon faced 3rd and 3 at their own 32. Goff hit Sam LaPorta for 6. Gibbs gained 15. On 3rd and 12 from the San Francisco 41, Goff connected with Amra St Brown for the touchdown to have the Lions within 14-13. After a touchback Purdy hit Jennings for 9. On 3rd and 7 just past midfield, Purdy went deep to Pearsall for 40. Purdy ran for a 9 yard touchdown. 3 touchdowns on their first 3 drives had the 49ers up 21-13 with 6 minutes left in the half. After a touchback the Lions moved to a 4th and 3 at the San Francisco 8. Goff threw incomplete. The 49ers took over with 1:13 left in the half and moved to a 3rd and 2 at the Detroit 30 with 20 seconds left. Purdy went to Kittle but offensive pass interference nullified the gain. On the last play of the half, Jake Moody’s 51 yard field goal try to extend the lead was no good.
The Lions began the third quarter at their own 34. Goff went to St Brown for 13 and 6. On 3rd and 5 from the San Francisco 48, Goff went to Williams for 12. On 3rd and 5 from the San Francisco 31, Goff went to Robinson for 21. On 3rd and goal at the 6, Goff went to LaPorta for the touchdown. Dan Campbell went for 2 and Goff hit Patrick for a 21-21 game. The 49ers took over at their own 16. Purdy hit Jennings for 13. Purdy went to Pearsall for 39 and to Kittle for 22. Purdy hit Deebo Samuel for a 5 yard touchdown to put the 49ers back up 28-21.
The Lions after a touchback moved to a 3rd and 3 at the San Francisco 26. Goff was sacked. Dan Campbell went with a 57 yard field goal try and Jeremy Bates delivered to have the Lions within 28-24. Purdy went deep from midfield and was intercepted. The Lions took over with a short field at the San Francisco 43. Goff went to Reynolds for 9 and St Brown for 13. On 4th and goal at the 4, rather than just kick the field goal, Campbell gambled again. Goff hit St Brown for the touchdown to have the Lions up 31-28. Early in the fourth quarter kyle Shanahan tried a 58 yard field goal to tie the game. Moody was no good. Bates connected from 42 to have the Lions up 34-28 with 10 1/2 minutes left in regulation. Another interception of Purdy gave the Lions the ball at their own 38. Gibbs ran for 8 and 4. On 3rd and 2 from the San Francisco 30, Gibbs took an end around all the way for the touchdown. The extra point was no good but the Lions led 40-28. Purdy got knocked out with 1:36 left. Joshua Dobbs finished the game. Dobbs ran for a 7 yard touchdown with 43 seconds left. Moody’s bad night continued as he missed the extra point and drilled the onside kick out of bounds. The 14-2 Lions are at home next week for their showdown with Minnesota. The division, the conference, and the first round bye with home field advantage throughout the playoffs, it’s winner take all. 40-34 Lions