THE TYGRRRR EXPRESS

NFL 2022 Week 11 Recap

Tennessee Titans at Green Bay Packers was the Thursday night game. The Packers snapped their five game losing streak last week but the Titans are winning games with pure smash mouth football. The Titans started out facing 3rd and 7 at their own 20, Ryan Tannehill went deep to Burks for 43 yards. Derrick Henry ran for 9 and 3. Tannehill went to Austin Hooper for 8 and to Dontrell Hilliard for a 14 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Titans. The Packers took over at their own 22, Aaron Jones gained 9 and 4. Aaron Rodgers went to Randal Cobb for 24. On 3rd and 2 from the Tennessee 32, Jones gained 4, fumbled, and recovered his own fumble for 3 more. Rodgers went to Robert Tonyan for 10. On 3rd and 9 from the Tennessee 14, Rodgers went to Christian Watson for the touchdown to cap the 11 play, 87 yard, 7 minute drive. Mason Crosby’s extra point was blocked as the Packers trailed 7-6.

The Titans began the second quarter at their own 33 and embarked on a mind-numbing drive. 18 plays. 61 yards. 10 minutes off the clock. Mike Vrabel went for it on 4th and 1 from the Green Bay 4. Henry got the carry and got tackled for a 2 yard loss as the Titans came up empty. Despite the goal line stand, the Packers went 3 and out and gave the ball back to the Titans for a short field at the Green Bay 41. On 3rd and 7 from the Green Bay 26, Tannehill hit Robert Woods for 9. On 3rd and 3 from the Green Bay 10, Tannehill hit Burks for 6. Henry ran for a 4 yard touchdown to make it 14-6 Titans.

In the third quarter the Packers took over at their own 28. They moved 51 yards in 13 plays and 6 1/2 minutes. On 2nd and 7 from the Tennessee 17, Jones lost 4 yards. Rodgers threw incomplete. Crosby hit from 39 to get the Packers within 14-9. The Titans took over at their own 9. Tannehill went deep to Okonkwo for 31 and to Henry for 42 more. On 2nd and goal at the 3, Mike Vrabel went to the bag of tricks. Derrick Henry took the handoff and threw the halfback option pass to Hooper for the touchdown. Josh Lambo’s extra point try doinked off the upright no good but the Titans led 20-9.

The Packers took over at their own 31. Rodgers went to Cobb for 28. On 3rd and 3 from the Tennessee 31, Rodgers went to Allen Lazard for 23. Rodgers went to Watson for an 8 yard touchdown. Rodgers went to Jones for the 2 point conversion as the Packers only trailed 20-17 late in the third quarter. The Titans took over at their own 37. Tannehill went to Woods for 32 and Westbrook-Ikhine for 9. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Tannehill went to Hooper for a 16 yard touchdown to give the Titans breathing room up 10. Midway through the fourth quarter the Packers had 4th and 3 at the Titans 37. Needing 2 scores, Matt LaFleur opted to go for it rather than try a 55 yard field goal. Rodgers threw incomplete. With 2:12 to play, the Packers faced 4th and 1 at the Tennessee 44. Jones got the carry and got stopped cold by the Tennessee defense. The Titans are 7-3 on the year and winning with pure power football. 27-17 Titans

Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons — The Falcons began facing 3rd and 1 at their own 34. The Bears jumped into the neutral zone. Marcus Mariota then went to Pitts for 16. Tyler Allgeier gained 13. Mariota hit Hodge for 13. Mariota threw a 2 yard touchdown to London to cap the 10 play, 75 yard, 5 1/2 minute drive and make it 7-0 Falcons. A 55 yard kickoff return had the Bears starting at the Atlanta 44. Justin Fields hit David Montgomery for 9. Montgomery then ran for a pair of 4 yard gains. Fields ran for 9. Fields went to Darnell Mooney, who made a leaping catch in the end zone corner for a 16 yard touchdown and a 7-7 game.

In the second quarter the Bears moved from their own 30 to a 3rd and 5 at the Atlanta 22. Fields lost a yard. Cairo Santos hit a 41 yard field goal to make it 10-7 Bears. A Cordarelle Patterson fumble set the Bears up at the Atlanta 29. On 3rd and 6, Fields went to St. Brown for 10. On 3rd and 1 from the Atlanta 6, Fields gained 2 and then ran for the 4 yard touchdown to make it 17-7 Bears. 13 seconds later, the game was close again as Patterson atoned in the biggest way possible. He took the ensuing kickoff straight up the middle and outraced everyone for a 103 yard return touchdown to get the Falcons within 17-14. With 1:14 left in the half, Santos, who had been perfect all year, missed a 56 yard field goal try. The ensuing great field position allowed Younghoe Koo to hit a 40 yard field goal for a 17-17 tie at the half.

With 5 minutes left in the third quarter, the Falcons took over at their own 39. Mariota went to Pruitt for 17. Zaccheaus gained 13. On 3rd and 8 from the Chicago 29, Mariota threw incomplete but roughing the passer meant 15 more yards. Mariota ran for a 10 yard touchdown to make it 24-17 Falcons. The Bears soon faced 3rd and 3 at their own 32. Fields hit Chase Claypool for 6. The Bears began the fourth quarter facing 3rd and 3 at their own 45. Fields hit Cole Kmet for 5. Fields went deep to Montgomery for 32. On 3rd and 12 from the Atlanta 20, Fields went to St. Brown for 14. On 3rd and goal at the 5, Fields threw incomplete but defensive holding meant 1st and goal at the 2. David Montgomery got in to culminate the 13 play, 75 yard, 8 1/2 minute drive and tie the game 24-24 midway through the fourth quarter. After a touchback, the Falcons moved 40 yards in 12 plays and 6 1/2 minutes. On 4th and 2 from the Chicago 44 with 3 1/2 minutes left, Arthur Smith went big and bold and went for it. Patterson gained 6. With 1:47 left, Koo came in for a 53 yard field goal try to give the Falcons the lead. Koo was good. 3 plays later on 3rd and 5 from his own 30, Fields was intercepted. 27-24 Falcons

Carolina Panthers at Baltimore Ravens — a boring game with wind conditions saw Justin Tucker hit a 32 yard field goal on the last play of the half for the Ravens. Eddie Pineiro hit from 32 in the third quarter for a 3-3 game. The fourth quarter began with the Ravens at their own 14. The moved 67 yards in 12 plays and 7 minutes. Tucker hit from 37 to make it 6-3 Ravens with 8 1/2 minutes left in regulation. Two plays after a touchback, the key play was a fumble by the Panthers that the Ravens recovered at the Carolina 31. Kenyan Drake ran for 29. Lamar Jackson got the last yard to lock up the win and get the Ravens to 7-3 on the year. Baker Mayfield threw 2 late interceptions for good measure. 13-3 Ravens

Cleveland Browns at Buffalo Bills — A snowstorm in Buffalo used to make for winter wonderland football conditions and magical games. Now the sissies in charge of the NFL decided to earn their No Fun League reputation by moving the game to Detroit inside a dome. After an oping touchback Jacoby Brissett went to Nick Chubb for 17. On 3rd and 11 from their own 41, Brissett scrambled for a 22 yard gain. On 3rd and 11 from the Buffalo 38, Brissett went to Amari cooper for 16. Brissett went to the corner of the end zone for Cooper, who made the catch for the 25 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Browns. A 28 yard punt return had the Bills eventually taking over at the Cleveland 32. On 2nd and 2, a run went nowhere and Josh Allen then threw incomplete. Tyler Bass hit a 42 yard field goal to get the Bills within 7-3. The Browns moved from their own 35 to a 1st and goal at the 8 to start the second quarter. Chubb took the direct snap and was tackled for a 6 yard loss. Brissett threw incomplete twice. Cade York hit a 32 yard field goal to make it 10-3 Browns.
The Browns got it back at their own 10 and moved to a 2nd and 3 at the Buffalo 47. Brissett fumbled the snap and the Bills recovered as momentum changed.

The Bills moved from their own 48 to a 1st and 10 at the Cleveland 14. Devin Singletary gained 13 down to the one, but offensive holding killed the drive. Bass hit from 36 to get the Bills within 10-6. The Bills got it back at their own 22 with 1:54 left in the half. Allen hit Knox for 9 and 7 and Greg Davis for 28. On 3rd and 1 from the Cleveland 7, Singletary gained 2. With 14 seconds left in the half, Allen hit Stefan Diggs for the 5 yard touchdown to make it 13-10 Bills. In the third quarter the Bills moved from their own 26 to a 2nd and 4 at the Cleveland 26. An end around was blown up for an 8 yard loss. Bass nailed a 56 yarder to make it 16-10 Bills After a touchback, the Browns moved to a 3rd and 1 at the Buffalo 27. Brissett kept it up the middle and got stopped for no gain. Kevin Stefanski gambled on 4th and 1. Brissett kept it again and ran into a Buffalo brick wall again for no gain. Allen went to Davis for 17 and Knox for 23. Singletary gained 13 and then ran for the 5 yard touchdown The 2 point try failed but the Bills led 22-10. After the Browns missed a field goal, Bass hit fourth quarter field goals of 49 and 28 as 25 unanswered points put the Bills up 28-10 with 6:45 to play. The Browns managed another touchdown with 4 minutes left. The Bills tacked on a field goal. By the time the Browns got their last garbage touchdown with only 19 seconds left to make the score look far more respectable than it was. The onside kick failed. The Bills got to 7-3 on the year. 31-23 Bills

Washington Commanders at Houston Texans — The Commanders started 1-4 but are now 5-5 after going on the road and shocking previously unbeaten Philadelphia. After beating the best team in the league, now they had to avoid a hangover at the worst team in the league. 2 minutes into the game, Davis Mills completed a pass to Kyle Fuller, who plays defense for the Commanders. Fuller returned the interception 37 yards to the house for a 7-0 Commanders lead. The Commanders got it back at their own 15 and Robinson ran for 14 and 5. Taylor Heinecke hit Dotson for 13. The second quarter began with Antonio Gibson running for 9, Curtis Samuel adding 8, and Gibson getting 5 more. Heinecke went to Logan Thomas for 16. Samuel ran for a 10 yard touchdown to make it 14-0 Commanders. Joey Slye tacked on field goals of 25 and 24 as the Commanders took a 20-0 lead to the locker rooms. For some reason, the second half was played. Kaimi Fairbairn hit a 29 yard third quarter field goal for the Texans. Slye answered from 44 in the fourth quarter to make it 23-3 Commanders. The Texans managed a garbage touchdown with 3 minutes left as the Commanders have gone 5-1 in their last 6 games. 23-10 Texans

Philadelphia Eagles at Indianapolis Colts — The Eagles lost their first game last week. Now they had to face off against Jeff Saturday, who has never lost an NFL game as a coach. The Colts began facing 3rd and 6 at their own 29. Matt Ryan went to Pittman for 24. Jonathan Taylor gashed the defense for gains of 28 and 9. On 3rd and 1 from the Philadelphia 10, Ryan got the yard. Taylor did the rest, gaining 6, 2, and on 3rd and goal at the one, the last yard to cap the 10 play, 75 yard, 5 1/2 minute drive and make it 7-0 Colts. In the second quarter a field position game had the Eagles taking over at their own 42. They moved to a 1st and goal at the 2. After an incompletion, Hurts fumbled the shotgun snap for an 8 yard loss. the 15 play, 54 yard, 7 minute drive had the Eagles settling for a 22 yard Jake Elliott field goal to get within 7-3. With 1:43 left in the half, a 17 yard punt return by Coutee led to a 51 yard field goal by Chase McLaughlin to make it 10-3 Colts. On the first play of the third quarter, Hurts was sacked and fumbled. The Colts took over at the Philadelphia 22, but the defense held them to a 36 yard Chase McLaughlin field goal and a 13-3 Colts lead.

Trying to spark his team, Kevin Sirianni went for it on 4th and 10 at the Indianapolis 47. Hurts was sacked. The Colts missed a chance to extend the lead when McLaughlin missed a 50 yard field goal try. The Eagles began the fourth quarter facing 3rd and 1 just shy of midfield when the defense jumped offsides. Hurts then ran for 23 and threw a 22 yard touchdown pass to Quez Watkins. The Eagles were now only down 13-10. The Colts fumbled the ball away but the Eagles fumbled it back to set the Colts up at their own 34. They moved to a 1st and goal at the 5 with a chance to ice the game. Taylor got stopped and Ryan threw incomplete. Ryan was then sacked. McLaughlin hit from 37. The Colts led 16-10 with 4 1/2 minutes left, but they did not slam the door shut.

The Eagles faced 3rd and 2 from their own 33. Hurts threw deep incomplete but defensive pass interference meant a 39 yard gain. Miles Sanders gained 6 and 5. At the 2 minute warning, everything came down to 4th and 2 at the Indy 9. Out of the shotgun, a perfectly executed quarterback draw let Hurts gain 3. On 3rd and goal at the 7, it was the exact same play as Hurts took the draw up the middle for the touchdown. With 1:20 left, the Eagles had the one point lead. After a touchback, the Colts needed only a field goal. Yet a sack of Ryan and a false start meant 4th and 21 for the Colts from their own 28 with 30 seconds left. Ryan completed a 5 yard pass as the Eagles survived to end the Jeff Saturday juggernaut. 17-16 Eagles

New York Jets at New England Patriots — A brutal game in cold weather saw a scoreless first quarter. The second quarter began with the Patriots having moved from 20 to a 4th and 1 at the Jets 6. Bill Belichick decided not to gamble. Nick Folk capped the 14 play, 74 yard, 8 minute drive with a 24 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Patriots. Greg Zuerlein answered with a 45 yarder for the Jets and a 3-3 game. Folk then missed a 44 yarder. In a scoreless third quarter, Folk missed again from 43. On the last play of the third quarter the Patriots had 4th and 3 at the Jets 36. A 54 yard field goal try was out of the question in these winds. Bill Belichick went for it and Raimondre Stevenson got stopped for no gain. With 32 seconds left the Jets faced 3rd and 1 from their own 34. A completion lost 2 yards. 26 seconds remained. The Jets would punt, and this slugfest was expected to go to overtime. Instead, Jones took the punt, got to the sideline, weaved back toward the middle, and raced 84 yards for the game’s only touchdown with 5 seconds remaining. These are the Jets. Evil Hoodie Bill Belichick’s deal with the devil lives on as the Patriots defeated the Jets for the 14th straight time. 10-3 Patriots

Los Angeles Rams at New Orleans Saints — A field position game had the Saints taking over at their own 41. They moved to a 1st and 10 at the Rams 13. Red Rifle Andy Dalton and Taysom Hill were alternating every play at quarterback to start. After an incompletion by Hill, Dalton was sacked and then Hill was sacked. Wil Lutz hit a 46 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Saints. One play and 14 seconds later, the Rams had the lead. Matthew Stafford was back after missing last week with a concussion. He went deep to Atwell for a 62 yard touchdown bomb and a 7-3 Rams lead. A field position game had the Saints beginning the second quarter just past midfield. Alvin Kamara gained 11. Hill ran for 12. Dalton hit Kamara for 15 Dalton went to Johnson for an 8 yard touchdown to make it 10-7 Saints. with 3 minutes left in the half the Rams took over at their own 13. On 3rd and 1 from their own 22, Stafford went to Robinson for 9 and Van Jefferson for gains of 16 and 20. Stafford hit Tyler Higbee for 3, Williams for 8, Powell for 8, Higbee for 18, and Robinson for the 6 yard touchdown with 19 seconds left in the half. 9 straight passes capped the 11 play, 87 yard drive and had the Rams up 14-10 at the break.

After a third quarter touchback, Dennis Allen decided to stop rotating quarterbacks every play. Dalton went to Chris Olave for 18. On 3rd and 2 just past midfield, Dalton hit Kamara for 13 and 15 and to Jarvins Landry for 18 and then the 7 yard touchdown to put the Saints up 17-14. The Saints got it back at their own 32. A sack of Dalton meant 3rd and 23 from their own 34. Dalton went to Johnson for 13. On 3rd and 10 Dalton went bombs away to Olave for a 53 yard touchdown and a 24-14 Saints lead. With 6 minutes left in the third quarter, Stafford left the game and was back in concussion protocol. Perkins came in at quarterback. McVay called 7 straight running plays. The fourth quarter began with the Rams facing 2nd and 6 at the Saints 15. Perkins threw incomplete twice. Matt Gay hit a 33 yard field goal to get the Rams within 24-17. Allen decided to go back rotating quarterbacks to start the fourth quarter. Hill and Dalton after a touchback moved the Saints to a 2nd and goal at the 3. Dalton was sacked to kill the drive. Yet with 9 minutes left, Lutz hit from 25. The Saints defense did the rest. Gay hit a 58 yard field goal with 6 seconds left, but the onside kick failed. The defending Super Bowl champions are a 3-7 mess. 27-20 Saints

Detroit Lions at New York Giants — The Giants are a good team and the Lions are a bad team with a defense that cannot stop anyone. The Giants were at home. Giants fans knew that this is the exact type of game their beloved team loses. In a game with heavy wind, the Lions moved from their own 30 to a 2nd and 8 at the Giants 12. After Goff threw incomplete, on 3rd and 8 his completion gained only 6 yards. Dan Campbell decided not to gamble on 4th and 2 from the 6. Mike Badly hit the 24 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Lions. After a touchback, Daniel Jones went to Darrius Slayton for 17. Brian Daboll decided to go for it on 4th and 1 just past midfield. Matt Brieda gained 5. On 3rd and 7 from the Detroit 41, Jones went to Breida for 16 and Robinson for 18. Jones ran for a 3 yard touchdown to culminate the 11 play, 75 yard, 5 minute drive. Graham Gano’s extra point was blocked as the Giants led 6-3.

The turning point are with 6 minutes left in the half when Hutchinson returned an interception of Jones 20 yards to the Giants 18. Jamaal Williams ran for a 4 yard touchdown to make it 10-6 Lions. The Lions got it back at their own 32 with 2:19 left in the half. Goff went deep to St. Brown for 32. Williams ran for 15. Goff hit St. Browns or 14. On 3rd and 2 from the Giants 5, Goff hit Wright for 4. Williams ran for the one yard touchdown to make it 17-6 Lions. A 36 yard kickoff return to start the third quarter had the Lions at their own 44. On 3rd and 9, Goff went to Kennedy for 13. Jackson ran for 5 and 10. Deandre Swift gained 16. Williams ran for a one yard touchdown as 3 straight touchdown drives turned a slugfest into a blowout and a 24-6 Lions lead. The Giants managed a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, but a Giants fumble meant another short field and a 4 yard swift touchdown to make it 31-12 Lions. The Giants got one more garbage touchdown. Again, this is the exact type of game the Giants lose. 31-18 Lions

Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos — Two of the dumbest teams in the league played for the division cellar. The Broncos have a great defense and no offense. The Raiders have no pass defense and a coach in Josh McDaniels who keeps abandoning the run when it is working. The Raiders moved from their own 26 to a 1st and 10 at the Denver 32. Then an offensive holding call pushed the Raiders out of field goal range. All McDaniels had to do was run the ball to get back into field goal range. Instead, he called 3 straight passes. An incompletion was followed by a completion for no gain. On 3rd and 20, a West Coast Offense dink and dunk pass gained 4 yards. Daniel Carlson had made 41 straight field goals, but McDaniels decided to punt rather than let him try from 56.

The Broncos took over at their own 8 yard line and made it look easy. Russell Wilson hit Dulcich for 15. Defensive pass interference added 18. Wilson hit Cortland Sutton for 16. Wilson went to Kendall Hinton for 32 down to the one. Former Raider Latavius Murray got the yard as the 92 yard drive made it 7-0 Broncos. The Raiders moved from their own 15 to the Denver 27 as the second quarter began. Josh Jacobs had been running well. All Josh McDaniels had to do was keep running the ball. Instead, he had Carr line up with an empty backfield on 1st and 10. Consecutive sacks of Carr killed the drive. Carlson came in for a 46 yard field goal try. After 41 straight makes, this time he was no good wide right. The Raiders moved 57 yards in 13 plays and held the ball for 9 minutes only to come up snake eyes. The Broncos moved from their 36 to a 2rd and 8 at the Raiders 30. The Raiders got a break when a pass from Wilson to Sutton that would have been a first down was dropped. Brandon McManus hit from 48 to make it 10-0 Broncos.

The Raiders after another offensive holding penalty faced 2nd and 19 from their own 16. Carr went deep to Davante Adams for 23. Jacobs gained 4 and 7. Carr hit Mack Hollins for 8. Jacobs gained 11. Carr then went deep to Adams for a 31 yard touchdown. The Raiders were within 10-7 with 5 1/2 minutes left in the half. The Broncos took over at their own 14 and soon faced 3rd and 12 at from their own 29. Wilson only gained 8 after a give up slide. The play was over. Yet a defensive unnecessary roughness penalty for a hit on Wilson while he was on the ground gifted the Broncos a new set of downs. Maxx Crosby is a smart player and the call was a questionable one. With 34 seconds left in the half the Raiders needed a miracle and got one. The Broncos had 3rd and 1 at the Raiders 3. Melvin Gordon got the carry and got the yard, but Crosby punched the ball out of Gordon’s hands backward. The broncos retained possession, but only after a 4 yard loss. McManus’s 25 yard field goal try was blocked as this time the Broncos came up snake eyes.

In the third quarter the Raiders defense forced a 3 and out and got the ball back at their own 47. Jacobs ran for 15. On the cusp of field goal range, Josh McDaniels again went for a low percentage pass play on 1st and 10 that was incomplete. Jacobs gained 5 but on 3rd and 5 got stopped for no gain. Nevertheless, utilizing Jacobs allowed Carlson to hit a 52 yard field goal for a 10-10 deadlock. The Broncos soon faced 3rd and 2 at their own 36. Wilson went deep to Sutton for 23. On the last play of the third quarter with the Broncos facing 3rd and 6 at the Raiders 26, Wilson was sacked. McManus hit from 52 on the first play of the fourth quarter to make it 13-10 Broncos. The Raiders went 3 and out when McDaniels again abandoned the run. Yet with the Broncos facing 3rd and 5 from their own 29, Wilson was sacked again as the Broncos also went 3 and out. The Raiders took over at their own 35. Carr hit Hollins for a pair of 5 yard gains. On 3rd and 11 from their own 44, Carr went deep incomplete but defensive holding gave the Raiders a new set of downs. Jacobs ran for 6, 7 and 4. Yet a false start killed the drive. McDaniels again abandoned the run to kill the drive. Midway through the fourth quarter, Carlson came in for a 57 yard field goal try. He nailed it for a 13-13 ballgame.

The Broncos took over at their 18 and moved to a 3rd and 4 at the Raiders 30. Wilson threw incomplete. McManus nailed a 48 yard field goal to make it 16-13 Broncos with 3 1/2 minutes left. There was plenty of time to run the ball but Josh McDaniels immediately went for 3 passes that gained 4 total yards. With 3 minutes left and only 2 timeouts, he opted to punt. There was a doubt the Raiders would get the ball back. The Raiders appeared dead when Murray on 2nd and 8 ripped off a 12 yard gain. The Raiders took their timeouts on defense. Everything came down to the 2 minute warning. The Broncos faced 3rd and 10 from their own 34. Now it was Nathaniel Hackett’s turn to make a terrible coaching decision. When you have the lead at the 2 minute warning or later and the other team has 0 timeouts, you run the ball every single time. Every. Single. Time.

Hackett called a pass play. Wilson rolled out and under heavy pressure threw incomplete. A running play would have taken the clock down to 1:15, with a punt giving the Raiders the ball back with one minute and 0 timeouts. The Raiders after a punt got the ball back at their own 22, but instead of one minute, they had 1:43 to work with. Hackett’s blunder gave the Raiders an extra 43 seconds. Wilson is a great quarterback, and letting your franchise quarterback try to win the game is understandable. It is also wrong. In that situation, again, you run the ball every single time. The Raiders had life.

Now in the 2 minute drill Carr was in command, without McDaniels there to interfere. With Carr calling the plays and leading the offense, Carr hit Hollins for 7, Keelan Cole for 21, and Jacobs deep for a 43 yard gain. The Broncos took a timeout on defense as the Raiders now had 1st and goal at the 7 with 32 seconds left. Yet the Raiders could not get the win in regulation. Carr threw 3 straight incompletions. Carlson nailed the 25 yard field goal to tie the game 16-16. This rivalry was going to overtime.The Raiders won the coin toss and Amir Abdullah returned the kickoff 28 yards to his own 33. On 2nd and 11, Carr fired over the middle to Foster Moreau for a 33 yard gain. On the next play on a perfectly executed play action pass, Carr went bombs away to a wide open Adams for a 35 yard touchdown. Just like that, in front of a shellshocked home crowd at Mile High, the Raiders had won.

Both teams are 3-7 on the year. The Raiders have beaten Denver twice and Houston, the worst team in the league. Time will tell if the Raiders can beat anyone good. Josh McDaniels deserves plenty of criticism for abandoning the run, but this time it was Nathaniel Hackett abandoning the run that proved to be a fatal mistake. Wilson was 24 of 31 but for only 247 yards. He was sacked 3 times and did not have an interception or a touchdown pass. Carr was 23 of 37 for 307 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Neither team turned the ball over on the day. Jacobs was a bulldozer, running for 109 yards on 24 carries. Josh McDaniels beat his former team twice this year as the Raiders got the season sweep. It was far from pretty, but Al Davis would have liked that last bomb. Just win baby. 22-16 Raiders, OT

Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings — After blowing a 14 point fourth quarter lead and losing at Green Bay, the Cowboys had to travel to face the 8-1 Vikings. The Vikings fumbled on the third play of the game and the Cowboys recovered at the Minnesota 27. On 2nd and 3 from the Minnesota 9, Dak Prescott completed a pass for no gain and then threw an incompletion. Brett Maher hit a 27 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Cowboys. After a touchback the Vikings moved to a 2nd and 2 at the Dallas 6. Cousins threw incomplete twice. Greg Joseph hit from 25 to make it 3-3. The cowboys soon faced 3rd and 3 from their own 32. Prescott went to Michael Gallup for 14. Tony Pollard ran for 18 and 20. Prescott hit Gallup for 8 and CeeDee Lamb for 6. On 3rd and goal at the one, Ezekiel Elliott got the yard to cap the 10 play, 75 yard, 5 minute drive to make it 10-3 Cowboys. The Cowboys took over in the second quarter at their own 17 and moved to a 1st and 10 at the Minnesota 32. The drive died there but Maher hit from 53 to cap the 14 play, 48 yard, 8 minute drive and make it 13-3 Cowboys.

The Cowboys got it back and soon faced 3rd and 2 just shy of midfield. Tony Pollard gained 7. On 3rd and 1 from the Minnesota 35. Elliott gained 2. Prescott then went to Pollard for a 30 yard touchdown to make it 20-3 Cowboys with 1:43 left in the half. The Cowboys got it back at their own 14 with 30 seconds left. With 13 seconds left from their own 31, Prescott went to Lamb for 27. Mike McCarthy brought in Maher for a 60 yard field goal try to end the half. Maher leveled it and the cowboys led 23-3. The second half saw the Cowboys deliver a beating. After a touchback, Prescott went to Pollard for 10. On 3rd and 14 from their own 32, Prescott went deep to Pollard for a 68 yard touchdown to make it 30-3 Cowboys. A 20 yard punt return gave the Cowboys a short field at the Minnesota 41. On 3rd and 5, Prescott went to Brown for 35 down to the one. Elliott got in to make it 37-3 Cowboys. Maher hit from 50 in the fourth quarter to make it 40-3 Cowboys. In an absolute shocker, the Vikings at home were obliterated. 40-3 Cowboys

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers — The Steelers are a bad team, but they stunned the Bengals in Cincinnati early in the season and were looking for the sweep. A field position game early on had the Bengals at their own 43. That allowed Evan McPherson to hit a 45 yard field goal for the Bengals. The Steelers moved from their own 35 to a 2nd and 7 at the Cincinnati 42. Kenny Pickett threw incomplete twice. Wright hit from 42 for a 3-3 game. The Bengals soon faced 3rd and 1 from their own 30. Perine got stopped but a defensive facemask meant 15 yards. Joe Burrow went to Joe Mixon for 24 and to Perine for a 29 yard touchdown to make it 10-3 Steelers. A 37 yard kickoff return had the Steelers starting the second quarter facing 3rd and 7 from their own 47. Pickett went to Pat Freiermuth for 13. On 3rd and 3 from the Cincinnati 33, Pickett ran for 14. Harris ran for a 19 yard touchdown to make it a 10-10 ballgame.

The Bengals took over at their own 8. On 3rd and 4, Burrow hit Higgins for 24, 6 and 13. Mixon caught a pass from Burrow for 7 and ran for 7 more. Burrow hit Perine for 6, Higgins for 12, and Perine for an 11 yard touchdown to cap the 10 play, 92 yard, 6 1/2 minute drive and make it 17-10 Bengals. The Steelers soon faced 3rd and 6 from their own 39. Pickett threw incomplete but defensive holding meant a new set of downs. On 3rd and 1 from the Cincinnati 47, Johnson got the yard. On 3rd and 5 from the Cincinnati 41, Pickett threw incomplete but defensive pass interference added 16 yards. On 3rd and 9 from the Cincinnati 24, Pickett went deep to Pickens for the touchdown to cap the 10 play, 65 yard, 5 minute drive and make it 17-17 with 1:47 left in the half.

The Bengals moved from their 24 to the Pittsburgh 47. Burrow was intercepted by Wallace to set up the Steelers at their own 44 with 30 seconds left. The Steelers moved to the Bengals 14 with 9 seconds left. Pickett completed a useless 2 yard pass to leave only 3 seconds. Wright hit from 30 to make it 20-17 Steelers at the half. The Bengal took over in the third quarter and faced 3rd and 5 at their own 46. Burrow went to Hurst for 7. Burrow went to Higgins for 33. Burrow hit Irwin for a one yard touchdown to make it 24-20 Bengals midway through the third quarter. The Bengals got it back at their own 23 and Burrow was quickly intercepted. The Steelers faced 3rd and 4 from the Cincinnati 15 and Pickett threw incomplete. Wright hit from 34 to get the Steelers within 24-23.

Williams took the ensuing kickoff at his own goal line and brought it to his own 42. The Bengals moved to the Pittsburgh 33. On 3rd and 10, Burrow was sacked for a 3 yard loss. McPherson nailed a 54 yard field goal to make it 27-23 Bengals. A field position game had the Bengals taking over at their own 7. Burrow went deep to Tyler Boyd for 27. Burrow went to Irwin for 32. Burrow went to Boyd for 15. Burrow hit Perine for a 6 yard touchdown as the 93 yard touchdown made it 34-23 Bengals with 4 1/2 minutes left. The Steelers turned it over on downs at their own 28. McPherson hit a 44 yard field goal to make it 37-23 with 3:18 left. The Steelers quickly moved 72 yards. Harris ran in a one yard touchdown to get the Steelers within 7 with 45 seconds remaining. The onside kick failed as the Bengals avenged the earlier loss. 37-30 Bengals

Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers was the Sunday night game. The 7-2 Chiefs took on the 5-4 Chargers in a key AFC West matchup. After a touchback to start, the Chiefs moved 60 yards in 11 plays. Yet on 2nd and 4 from the chargers 15, Patrick Mahomes threw incomplete twice. Harrison Butker was back from injury and hit a 33 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Chiefs. The Chargers after a touchback struck quickly. Justin Herbert went to Keenan Allen for 17, to Carter for 8 to midfield, and deep to Palmer for a 50 yard touchdown to make it 7-3 Chargers. After a touchback the Chiefs moved to a 3rd and 7 at the Chargers 34. Mahomes threw incomplete. Butker delivered from 52 to get the Chiefs within 7-6. The Chargers after a touchback moved to a 2nd and 5 at the Chiefs 28. Herbert threw incomplete twice. Cameron Dicker hit a 46 yard field goal to make it 10-6 Chargers. 

After an offensive penalty, the Chiefs faced 2nd and 21 from their own 14. Mahomes went to Watson for 13. On 3rd and 8, , Mahomes went to Travis Kelce for 34. The Chiefs began the second quarter facing 2nd and 15 from the Chargers 44. Mahomes went deep to Fortson for a 40 yard gain. Mahomes then went to Kelce for the 4 yard touchdown to make it 13-10 Chiefs. The Chargers eventually faced 3rd and 4 from their own 36. Herbert went to Smartt for 6 Herbert went to Carter for 20. On 3rd and 1 from the Chiefs 26, Herbert gained 2. Spiller gained 11. On 3rd and 1 from the Chiefs 4, Horvath gained 3. Austin Ekeler appeared stopped but stretched the ball over the plane of the goal for the touchdown. The 13 play, 70 yard, 7 minute drive had the Chargers up 17-13 with 3 1/2 minutes left in the half. 

A mistake on the kickoff had the Chiefs starting at their own 6 rather than their own 40. The Chiefs went 3 and out and the Chargers got it back at their own 39 with a full 2:41 left. Herbert hit Allen for 11 to midfield. On 3rd and 7 from the Chiefs 47, Herbert gained only 5 but defensive unnecessary roughness added 15 more. Herbert then hit Palmer for 11. Ekeler got around the end for 9. On 2nd and 1 from the 2, a pitchout to Ekeler lost a yard as the Chargers took their last timeout with 23 seconds left. On 3rd and 2 from the Chiefs 3, Herbert as he was being pulled down threw a dangerous pass over the middle of the end zone that fell incomplete. Dicker hit from 21 to make it 20-13 Chargers.

In the third quarter the Chiefs moved from their own 33 to a 3rd and 1 at the Chargers 10. A run lost a yard. Butker hit the 30 yard field goal to get the Chiefs within 20-16. The Chiefs got it back and a sack of Mahomes had the Chiefs facing 3rd and 17 from their own 7. Mahomes went deep to Watson for 25 and to Gray for 12. On 3rd and 7 from their own 47, Mahomes went to Moore for 15. On the first play of the fourth quarter with the Chiefs facing 3rd and 4 at the Chargers 32, Mahomes went to Kelce for the touchdown as the Chiefs took the 23-20 lead.

The Chargers after a touchback moved to a 1st and 10 at the Chiefs 43. Herbert hit Allen for 13 but Allen fumbled and the Chiefs recovered at their own 22. The Chiefs moved to a 2nd and 8 at the Chargers 40 looking to put the game away. A swing pass lost 2 yards and was fumbled. The Chargers took over at their own 36. On 3rd and 1 from their own 45, Herbert barely got the yard. On 3rd and 18 from their own 38, Herbert went bombs away with perfectly thrown ball that Allen hauled in for a 46 yard gain. Ekeler ran for 3 and 9 to set up 1st and goal at the 4 at the 2 minute warning. Herbert went to Palmer for a 6 yard touchdown. The Chargers had the 27-23 lead, but Mahomes still had 1:46 left to work with. The Chargers did everything right but they scored too early.

After a touchback, Mahojmes went to Marques Valdes-Scantling for 18. On 3rd and 4 just shy of midfield, Mahomes threw incomplete but defensive holding gave the Chiefs a new set of downs with 1:05 left. Mahomes went to Moore for 13. Mahomes then ran for 16 and called the Chiefs 2nd timeout with 37 seconds left. Mahomes then went to Kelce on a perfect crossing route over the middle for a 17 yard touchdown. With 30 seconds left, the Chiefs led by a field goal. After a touchback, Herbert was immediately sacked for a 5 yard loss as the Chargers took their 1st timeout with 26 seconds left. Under heavy pressure, Herbert threw a deep ball off his back foot into triple coverage that was batted up in the air and intercepted. The Chiefs sweet the season series and have a 3 game lead plus the ti-breaker. This effectively means the Chiefs have a 4 game lead with 7 weeks to play. The Chiefs are cruising to their 7th straight AFC West title, making Andy Reid a most happy Walrus indeed. 30-27 Chiefs

San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals was the Monday night game from Mexico. Colt McCoy started in place of the injured Kyler Murray. The Cardinals moved from their own 20 to a 2nd and 6 at the San Francisco 22. McCoy went deep incomplete twice. Matt Prater hit a 40 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Cardinals. The 49ers eventually faced 3rd and 5 at their own 23. Jimmy Garoppolo hit George Kittle for 6. A defensive facemask added 15. Garoppolo hit Deebo Samuel for 19. Christian McCaffrey ran for 20 to start the second quarter. On 3rd and 5 from the Arizona 7, Garoppolo hit Brndon Aiyuk for the touchdown to make it 7-3 49ers. An interception of McCoy gave the 49ers a short field at the Arizona 46. Three plays later on 3rd and 3, Garoppolo went deep to Kittle for a 39 yard touchdown to make it 14-3 49ers. After a touchback, the Cardinals soon faced 3rd and 6 from their own 40. McCoy connected with Dortch for a 47 yard gain. On 3rd and 4 from the San Francisco 7, McCoy went to Dortch for 5. James Conner ran for a 2 yard touchdown to get the Cardinals within 14-10.

After that the 49ers turned out the lights and turned a close game into a blowout. The 49ers after a touchback moved to a 2nd and 6 at the Arizona 21. Garoppolo threw incomplete twice. Robbie Gould hit a 39 yard field goal to make it 17-10 49ers with 43 seconds left in the half. The 48ers began the third quarter facing 3rd and 1 from their own 34. Garoppolo gained 3. Mitchell then gained 4, 7 and 9. Samuel got around the end for a 39 yard touchdown to make it 24-10 49ers. The 49ers got it back with a short field at the Arizona 47. Mitchell gained 9 and 19. Garoppolo hit McCaffrey for 12. Garoppolo went to Aiyuk for a 13 yard touchdown to make it 31-10 49ers after three quarters. Early in the fourth quarter the Cardinals went for it on 4th and 4 from midfield and McCoy threw incomplete. Garoppolo went to Kittle for a 32 yard touchdown to complete the scoring. 38-10 49ers

NFL 2022 Week 11 Prequel

Thursday, November 17, 2022, 8pm

Tennessee Titans at Green Bay Packers (-3 1/2) — The Packers mounted a furious home rally against Dallas to snap a five game losing streak, but let’s not jump back on the Green Bay Bandwagon. Aaron Rodgers is better than Ryan Tannehill, but the Titans have a very good defense. Cold weather will not stop Derrick Henry. The Titans are the better team, and cold weather is meant for hard running and defense. Upset special, Titans win outright

Sunday, November 20, 1pm

Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons (-3) — These teams have occasional flashes of good football but not often enough to be good teams. Nothing stands out on either side, so just take the home field. Falcons cover

Carolina Panthers at Baltimore Ravens (-12) — This is just a mismatch. Lamar Jackson will run wild and throw whenever he wants. The Panthers do not have the personnel to stop him. With the game at the Big Crabcake, expect Jackson to impose his will. Ravens cover

Cleveland Browns at Buffalo Bills (-8 1/2) — The Bills will be enraged after an overtime home loss against Minnesota. The Bills blew the game. They will take their frustration out on the Browns. Jacoby Brissett is competent, but the Bills defense will be out for blood. So will Josh Allen. Bills cover

Washington Commanders (-3 1/2) at Houston Texans — After an emotional win that knocked Philadelphia from the unbeaten ranks, the Commanders have to guard against a letdown. Luckily for them, the Texans are hapless. Ron Rivera is too disciplined and focused to let his players suffer a hangover. Taylor Heinecke has been playing well. The Commanders tend to play close games. Commanders win but fail to cover

Philadelphia Eagles (-6 1/2) at Indianapolis Colts — Jeff Saturday has never lost a game as head coach. He is undefeated. The Eagles are not. Now for the reality check. The Eagles are the far better team. They have too many weapons. They will be angry after a loss. A garbage touchdown by the Colts is possible. Eagles win but fail to cover

New York Jets at New England Patriots (-3 1/2) — The Jets are an improved team, but Bill Belichick lives to humiliate them. Both teams are playing good defense. Mac Jones vs Zach Wilson is a wash. The Patriots have the better running game with Raimondre Stevenson. Patriots cover

Los Angeles Rams at New Orleans Saints (-4) — The Saints are average at best, but the wheels have fallen off the Rams. The Rams offense is sputtering and the Saints have a solid defense. The Rams have the superstars, but the Saints play team defense. Saints win but fail to cover

Detroit Lions at New York Giants (-3) — The Giants are the far better team. This is the type of game that Giants fans expect their team to lose. The Lions do put points on the board but their defense cannot stop anyone. Saquon Barkley is running well and Daniel Jones is making fewer big mistakes. At home, trust the Giants to take care of business. The Lions won their first road game in two years last week. They will not win consecutive road games. Giants cover

4pm

Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos (-2 1/2) — Both teams are awful. The Raiders have a terrible coach. Josh McDaniels has failed with both of these teams. The Raiders are without the injured Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow. The Broncos have a very good defense and no offense. The Raiders have blown multiple fourth quarter leads and last week lost to a coach who had never coached before. Home field has not mattered in this series. If Josh Jacobs can take the pressure off of Derek Carr, the Raiders will be able to win. The Raiders have no secondary, but Russell Wilson has regressed. Upset special, Raiders win outright

Dallas Cowboys (-1) at Minnesota Vikings — After blowing a 14 point fourth quarter lead for the first time in franchise history, somehow the Cowboys are favored against the 8-1 Vikings. Yes, the Vikings needed dumb luck to beat Buffalo. No matter, they won because Kirk Cousins, Justin Jefferson and Dalvin Cook are the real deal. Upset special, Vikings win outright

Cincinnati Bengals (-4 1/2) at Pittsburgh Steelers — Home field has not mattered in this series. The Bengals are the better team, and Joe Burrow is much more seasoned than Kenny Pickett. Burrow has more weapons. The Bengals have the better running game with Joe Mixon. The Bengals have the better defense. Throw out the records with this hated rivalry. Bengals win but fail to cover

8pm

Kansas City Chiefs (-5 1/2) at Los Angeles Chargers — The Chiefs offense is clicking on all cylinders. The Chargers are their typical underachieving selves. Patrick Mahomes has so many more weapons than Justin Herbert. Walrus Andy Reid is a much better coach than Brandon Staley. This could be a close game, but betting against the Chiefs has been a fool’s errand in recent years. Chiefs win but fail to cover

Monday, November 21, 8pm

San Francisco 49ers (-8) at Arizona Cardinals in Mexico — The 49ers had a good comeback win against the Chargers. The Cardinals beat the Rams, but the Cardinals are still a mess. Jimmy Garoppolo has been playing disciplined, while Kyler Murray tends to rely on raw talent. Deandre Hopkins can only do so much. Garoppolo has George Kittle and Deebo Samuel. The 49ers have the better defense. The 49ers win too ugly to trust a high spread for a road team. 49ers win but fail to cover

eric

NFL 2022 Week 10 Recap

Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers was the Thursday night game. Rainy conditions made for a less than exciting game. Eddie Pineiro hit a 46 yard first quarter field goal for the Panthers. A field position game in the second quarter had a short 31 yard punt giving the Panthers the ball at the Atlanta 43. Two plays later Shenault ran for a 41 yard touchdown to make it 10-0 Panthers. Two plays later an interception of Marcus Mariota meant another short field for the Panthers at the Atlanta 45. Pineiro hit again from 49 to make it 13-0 Panthers with 1:47 left in the half. 

The Falcons quickly moved to a 2nd and 5 at the Carolina 17 with 21 seconds left. Mariota completed a 2 yard pass and then had to spike the ball with 4 seconds left. That made it 4th down, so the Falcons settled for a 33 yard Younghoe Koo field goal to trail 13-3. A third quarter field position game had the Falcons taking over at the Carolina 42. Defensive pass interference added 11 yards. Tyler Allgeier ran for a pair of 6 yard gains. Huntley added 11 more. Mariota hit London for a 7 yard touchdown. The extra point was no good as the Falcons trailed 13-9. The Panthers took over at their own 16. PJ Walker hit Marshall for a 43 yard gain. Walker went to Smith for 17. Foreman ran for the 12 yard touchdown. The extra point was no good as the Panthers led 19-9 after three quarters. The Panthers got it back at their own 24 to st art the fourth quarter and moved to a 3rd and 8 at the Atlanta 22. Walker threw incomplete. Pineiro hit again from 40 to have the Panthers up 22-9 with 9 1/2 minutes left in regulation. 

With under 5 1/2 minutes left the Falcons took over at their own 3 yard line. On 3rd and 3, Mariota scrambled for 14. On 2nd and 16 from their own 18, Mariota went to Byrd for 21 and 18, to Pitts for 18, and to Hodge for a 25 yard touchdown. The 97 yard drive had the Falcons within 22-15 with 3 minutes left. The extra point was again no good. The Panthers went 3 and out and the Falcons got it back at their own 34 with 2 1/2 minutes left. A pair of sacks of Mariota killed the drive and gave the Panthers the ball at the Atlanta 19 with 1:50 left. The Panthers took the clock down to 10 seconds and brought in Pineiro for a 37 yard field goal try to lock up the win. Despite a tough night for extra points and a rough season for Pineiro in general, this time he was good. 25-15 Panthers

Seattle Seahawks at Tampa Bay Buccaneers was the Sunday early morning game from Munich. Ryan Succop missed a 52 yard field goal for the Buccaneers as the first quarter was scoreless. The Buccaneers got it back at their own 12. White ran for 3, 10 and 4. On 3rd and 1 from their own 34, White gained 8. On 3rd and 2 from midfield, Leonard Fournette gained 7. The second quarter began with the Buccaneers at the Seattle 42. Tom Brady went to Mike Evans for 11. On 3rd and 10 from the Seattle 31, Brady went to Julio Jones for the touchdown to cap the 13 play, 88 yard, 6 1/2 minute drive and make it 7-0 Buccaneers. The Buccaneers got it back and soon faced 3rd and 2 at their own 22. Brady went to Evans for 5. Fournette had gains of 2, 10, 3 and 4. On 3rd and 3 just past midfield, Brady hit Miller for just enough. Brady then went to Chris Godwin for 19 and Miller for 22. Fournette ran for 4 and then got the one yard touchdown to make it 14-0 Buccaneers. The Seahawks could not get anything going on offense. Jason Myers hit a third quarter 55 yard field goal to get the Seahawks on the board. After an exchange of turnovers the Buccaneers took over at their own 13. On 3rd and 7, Brady went to Godwin for 12. White ran for 29. The fourth quarter began with Brady hitting Cade Otton for 25. On 3rd and 1 from the Seattle 7, White gained 3. Brady went to Godwin for a 4 yard touchdown as the Buccaneers led comfortably 21-3 with 11 minutes left.

The Seahawks mounted a furious rally. From their own 23, Geno Smith hit Kenneth Walker for 23, 13 and 7. Smith then went to Fant for 8. Smith hit Tyler Lockett for a 21 yard touchdown. The 2 point conversion try failed but the Seahawks were within 21-9 with 8 1/2 minutes left in regulation. The Buccaneers took over at there own 23. From their own 36, Brady was intercepted. The Seahawks took over with a short field at the Tampa 45. On 3rd and 3, Smith went to Lockett for 10. With 4 minutes left the Seahawks were down to their last gasp facing 4th and 1 at the Tampa 19. Smith went to Marquise Goodwin for the touchdown. Just like that, the Seahawks were within 21-16. They needed to get the ball back. The Buccaneers took over at their own 17. On 2nd and 9, Brady went to Godwin for 13. White ran for gains of 3 and 12. Brady went to Jones for 17 as the clock hit the 2 minute warning. White ripped off an 18 yard gain. Brady then took 3 knees as the Seahawks never got the ball back. Brady became the first quarterback to win games in the United States, Great Britain and Germany. 21-16 Buccaneers

Minnesota Vikings at Buffalo Bills — Both of these teams have lost 4 Super Bowls, but they both entered this game as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. The Vikings began at their own 26. On 3rd and 11, Kirk Cousins went deep to Justin Jefferson for 46 yards. On 3rd and 3 from the Buffalo 22, Cousins went to Jefferson for the touchdown and the 7-0 Vikings lead. Duke Johnson returned the ensuing kickoff 43 yards to set the Bills up at the Minnesota 47. Josh Allen went to Stefan Diggs for 7 with a horse collar tackle adding 15. . Singletary added 21 and then ran for the 5 yard touchdown to make it 7-7. 

The Bills got it back at their own 30 and Allen hit Davis for 19. On 3rd and 3 from the Minnesota 44, Allen went to Isaiah McKenzie for 8 and Diggs for 16. On 3rd and 11 from the Minnesota 21, Allen ran for 12. Jared Cook ran for 8 and Singletary got the last yard to cap the 10 play, 70 yard, 5 minute drive and make it 14-7 Bills. Two plays after a touchback, Cousins went deep and was intercepted by Benford, who returned the pick 35 yards to the Minnesota 27. The second quarter had the Bills with 1st and 10 at the Minnesota 14. A run lost a yard and Allen threw incomplete twice. Tyler Bass hit the 34 yard field goal to make it 17-7 Bills.

A 39 yard kickoff return by Nwangwu had the Vikings taking over at their own 45. On 3rd and 7, Cousins went to Jefferson for 14. Mattison gained 9 and 7. On 3rd and 10 from the Buffalo 22, Cousins went to Osborn for 20. Yet 1st and goal at the 2 saw a run lose 5 yards followed by offensive pass interference costing 10 more. Greg Joseph hit a 27 yard field goal to get the Vikings within 17-10. The Bills took over at their own 10 and moved to a 2nd and 1 at the Minnesota 34. Singletary got the carry and gained 7 but then fumbled. Bynum returned the fumble 40 yards to the Buffalo 37. On 3rd and 1 from the Buffalo 28 at the 2 minute warning, Cousins threw incomplete. Kevin O’Connell went for it. On 4th and 1, Cousins threw incomplete. Allen scrambled for 25. Allen went to Diggs for 14 and Gabe Davis for 15. Allen went to Diggs for 6 and Davis for the 11 yard touchdown as the Bills took a 24-10 lead to the locker rooms. In the third quarter the Bills moved from their own 27 to a 3rd and 2 at the Minnesota 22. Johnson got stopped. Bass hit a 45 yard field goal as the Bills led 27-10 late in the third quarter. The rest of this game was insane. 

17 seconds later Dalvin Cook was in the end zone after an 81 yard touchdown run that got the Vikings within 27-17. The Bills took over at their own 26 and moved 67 yards in 13 plays and 6 minutes. On 2nd and 2 from the Minnesota 7, Allen threw the ball away incomplete. On 3rd and 2, Allen threw incomplete again. Sean McDermott decided to go for it. On 4th and 2, Allen went to the end zone and was intercepted by Patrick Peterson, who returned the interception 39 yards to the Minnesota 34. On 4th and 1 from his own 43 with 9 minutes left in regulation, Kevin O’Connell had to go for it. Osborn  gained 2. On 4th and 6 just shy of midfield, the Vikings again stayed alive as Cousins went to TJ Hockenson for 12. Cousins went to Ada Thielen for 21 and ran for 15 himself. CJ Ham ran for a 3 yard touchdown. The Bills had every chance under the sun to put the game away. Instead the Vikings only trailed 27-23 with 4 1/2 minutes left in regulation. Joseph missed the extra point no good, a key miss.

The Bills went 3 and out and the Vikings got it back at their own 24 with 3 1/2 minutes left. Cousins hit Osborn for 5 and Thielen for 6. At the 2 minute warning after a sack, the Vikings were down to their last gasp facing 4th and 18 at their own 27. Cousins scrambled for his life and threw a deep prayer. Jefferson made a leaping one-handed grab with a defender draped all over him and somehow secured the reception for a 32 yard gain in front of a stunned Buffalo home crowd. Cousins then went to Thielen for 9 with defensive unnecessary roughness adding 15 more. Cousins then went to Jefferson for 14 to set up 1st and goal at the 3 with 1:09 left. The Bills took a timeout on defense. Cousins tried to go up the middle but lost 3 yards as the Bills took another timeout. Cousins then threw incomplete to set up 3rd and goal at the 6 with one minute left. Then things got really crazy. 

Cousins went to Jefferson near the goal line. Jefferson caught the ball, rolled over a defender, and got in the end zone for the touchdown. Yet on further review, Jefferson’s elbow was down short of the goal. The Bills took their last timeout with 57 seconds left. Now it was 4th and goal at the one. Cousins rolled out and had a wide open Cook. Cook dropped it. Yet this time the Bills had jumped offside. Again, it was still 4th and goal. The Vikings were inches short. Cousins took the quarterback sneak as all the bodies converged. At first Cousins appeared stopped, but a second effort got him closer. Yet was denied. The inspired goal line stand had the Buffalo defense celebrating. With 50 seconds remaining, the Bills had won. Normally at this point Allen could take a knee, but he was too close to his own goal line. He had to either sneak the ball or hand it off. Then this insane game went truly psychotic. 

Allen fumbled the quarterback-center exchange. A mad scramble ensued in the Buffalo end zone. The Buffalo defense saved the game and the Buffalo offense gave it away. The Vikings recovered for the gift touchdown. 20 unanswered points had the Vikings up 30-27. Yet because of the missed extra point, the Bills needed only a field goal to force overtime. From their own 20, they had 35 seconds to work with. Allen went to Dawson Knox for 12 and 8, to Davis for 20, and to McKenzie for 15. With 11 seconds left, the Bills had 1st and 10 at the Minnesota 25. The Bills even had a chance to win in regulation. A deep ball was incomplete. Defensive pass interference added 14 yards down to the 11, but only 2 seconds remained. Bass came in for the 29 yard field goal try. The kick was good, and this spectacular game was headed to overtime tied 30-30.

In overtime, the Vikings after a touchback moved 60 yards in 12 plays and 6 1/2 minutes. On 2nd and 22 from their own 45, Cousins threw deep incomplete but defensive pass interference meant a 19 yard gain and a new set of downs. On 3rd and 10 from the Buffalo 26, Cousins went to Jefferson for 24 yards. A touchdown would win the game but a field goal would still give the Bills a chance with the ball. On 1st and goal at the 2, a run lost 3 yards and Cousins was sacked. After another incompletion, Joseph came in to give the Vikings the lead. Joseph hit from 33 as the Vikings led by 3. Yet the Bills took over at their own 28 with a full 3 1/2 minutes left. Allen ran for big gains of 18 and 20. With 1:25 left in overtime, the Bills had 1st and 10 at the Minnesota 20. Time was no longer a factor. After an incompletion came the deciding play of the game. A field goal try would only be 38 yards. Allen wanted it all. He went to the end zone and again was intercepted by Peterson. A Super Bowl rematch of this epic game would be worth it. Meanwhile, the Bills fell to 6-3 and the Vikings are 8-1 on the year and winning big games in the biggest of ways. 33-30 Vikings, OT

Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears — A pair of bad teams added to their storied but irrelevant rivalry. In the first quarter Cairo Santos hit a 33 yard field goal for the Bears and Mike Badly answered from 25 for a 3-3 game. The Lions began the second quarter facing 3rd and 14 at their own 16. Jared Goff went to Raymond for 21. On 2nd and 13 from their own 34, Goff hit St Brown for big gains of 14, 22 and 20. On 3rd and goal at the one, Deandre Swift lost a yard. Dan Campbell went for it. On 4th and goal at the 2, Goff hit Wright for the touchdown to make it 10-3 Lions. The Bears soon faced 3rd and 2 at their own 33. Justin Fields ran for 8. On 3rd and 5 from their own 46, Fields went to Byron Pringle for 12. Khalil Herbert ran for 7. Fields added 6 and Herbert gained 11 more. Fields went to Mooney for 13. With 21 seconds left in the half, the Bears had 3rd and goal at the one. Out of the shotgun, Fields somehow avoided a sack, scrambled for his life, met 2 defenders at the goal line, and banged into them for the touchdown. The 15 play, 75 yard, 7 minute drive had the game deadlocked 10-10 at the intermission.  

The Bears took over at their 24 in the third quarter. Fields went to Mooney for 16. On 3rd and 5 from their own 45, Fields went to Mooney for 22. On 3rd and 1 from the Detroit 24, Pettis ran for 8. Fields hit Ket for a 6 yard touchdown to cap the 10 play, 76 yard, 5 1/2 minute drive and make it 17-10 Bears. The Bears got it back at their own 29. Herbert ran for 12 and 9.  Fields then went deep to Kmet for a 50 yard touchdown to put the Bears up 24-10 after three quarters. 

The Lions got the ball early in the fourth quarter at their own 45. Goff ran for 10 with defensive unnecessary roughness adding 15 more. Goff hit Jackson for 8. On 1st and 10 from the Chicago 14, Goff was intercepted but Johnson was called for his 2nd straight defensive illegal use of hands penalty.  On the next play, Swift ran for a 9 yard touchdown to get the lions within 24-17. The Bears soon faced 2nd and 18 from their own 17. Fields under heavy pressure threw an ill-advised pass into traffic that was intercepted by Okudah. Okudah returned the interception 20 yards for a touchdown and a 24-24 game with 10 1/2 minutes left.

Three plays after seeing the worst of Fields, we saw his best. On 3rd and 2 from his own 33, Fields ran around and took off for a 67 yard touchdown. The extra point was no good but the Bears led 30-24 with 9 minutes left. After an exchange of punts, the Lions took over at their own 9 yard line with 5 1/2 minutes left. Jamaal Williams ran for 11. Goff went to Raymond for 20. On 3rd and 8 from their own 42, Goff hit Kennedy for a 44 yard gain. Goff went to St. Brown for 13 more down to the one. Williams got in. With 2:21 left, the missed extra point loomed large as the Lions led by a point. The Bears took over at their own 20 needing only a field goal to win against a terrible Detroit defense. With one minute left, on 4th and 8 from his own 32, Fields was sacked. For the first time in 2 years, the Lions won a road game. 31-30 Lions

Jacksonville Jaguars at Kansas City Chiefs — Walrus Andy Reid faced off against Doug “Little Andy” Pederson. Pederson began with a successful surprise onside kick. Yet the Jaguars offense is a work in progress, and they did not take advantage of the good field position. The Chiefs drove deep but fumbled the ball away. The Chiefs got it back at their own 20 and got down to business. Patrick Mahomes went deep to Travis Kelce for a 46 yard gain. Mahoems hit Fortson for 6 and Pacheco ran for 9. Mahomes went to Toney for a 6 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Chiefs. Riley Patterson in the second quarter missed a 51 yard field goal try for the Jaguars. The Chiefs took over at their own 41 and quickly capitalized. Toney ran for a 32 yard gain and Pacheco added 9. Mahomes went to Marques Valdes-Scantling for an 18 yard touchdown to make it 14-0 Chiefs. With 3 1/2 minutes left in the half, the Chiefs took over at their own 14. On 3rd and 1, Mahomes threw incomplete but defensive holding kept the drive going. Mahomes went to Toney for 23 and McKinnon for 8. Mahomes ran for 12. Mahomes went to Noah Gray for a 13 yard touchdown. The extra point was no good but the Chiefs led 20-0 with 46 seconds left in the half. 

The Jaguars took over at their 39 with 39 seconds left. Trevor Lawrence went to Jones for 33. Lawrence then ran for 18. Lawrence hit Christian kirk for a 3 yard touchdown with 11 seconds left in the half to get the Jaguars within 20-7. The Jaguars then got a tremendous break when the Chiefs fumbled the ensuing kickoff. Yet Patterson missed again from 41 to end the half. His misses are why the Jaguars were not within 20-13. After a third quarter touchback, the Jaguars embarked on a staggering 17 play drive that went 58 yards and took over 9 minutes off the clock. On 2nd and goal at the 4, Lawrence went to Evan Engram for the touchdown. Yet an ineligible man downfield nullified the touchdown. On 3rd and goal at the 9 after an incompletion, Lawrence was sacked. This time Patterson hit from 35 to get the Jaguars within 20-10. The Chiefs soon faced 3rd and 2 at their own 33. Mahomes went to McKinnon for 19. On 3rd and 6 from the Jags 44, Mahomes went to Kelce for 10, McKinnon for 8, and Toney for 22. Mahomes went to Kelce for a 7 yard touchdown. The Chiefs led 27-10 after three quarters and were never threatened. The Jaguars reached the end zone again with 5 1/2 minutes left in regulation, but the Chiefs moved 61 yards in 11 plays and bled the entire clock. The teacher beat the student, getting the Chiefs to 7-2 and making Andy Reid a most happy Walrus indeed. 27-17 Chiefs

Cleveland Browns at Miami Dolphins — Ford returned the opening kickoff 48 yards to set up the Browns at their own 47. On the first play from scrimmage, Jacoby Brissett went deep to Donovan Peoples-Jones for 38. On 3rd and 4 from the Miami 9, the Dolphins jumped into the neutral zone. Brissett hit Bryant for a one yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Browns. The Dolphins took over at their own 16. Raheem Mosetert had gained of 7 and 2. The Dolphins soon faced 4th and 1 at their own 36. Mike McDaniel is the young kid coaching the Dolphins who is too inexperienced to know he should punt in that situation and play field position. He went for it and Wilson gained 4 yards. Tua Tagovailoa went deep to Sherfield for 18. Wilson gained 18 and 11. Tagovailoa then went to Alec Ingold for a 13 yard touchdown to culminate the 10 play 84 yard, 6 minute drive and make it a 7-7 game.

The Browns after a touchback moved 44 yards in 12 plays and 6 minutes. On 2nd and 10 from the Miami 34, Nick Chubb gained 3 and then fumbled. The Dolphins took over at their own 29 as the second quarter began. On 1st and 10 from the Cleveland 25, a running play was blown up for a 6 yard loss to kill the drive. Jason Sanders hit a 39 yard field goal to make it 10-7 Dolphins. After a touchback. the Browns moved to a 3rd and 2 from the Miami 41. Kareem Hunt lost a yard but Kevin Stefanski gambled on 4th and 3, Kevin Stefanski went for it and on 4th and 3, Brissett threw incomplete. The Dolphins quickly moved from their own 42 to a 2nd and 1 at the Cleveland 14. Mostert got stopped up the middle. Smythe then got stopped up the middle. Mike McDaniel went for it. This time Wilson carried up the middle on 4th and 1 and lost a yard. The Dolphins got it back at their own 47 with 1:22 left in the half. Tagovailoa went to Mike Gesicki for 15. On 3rd and 7 from the Cleveland 30, Tagovailoa went to Jalen Waddle for just enough.Tagovailoa went to Sherfield for a 14 yard touchdown to make it 17-7 Dolphins at the half. 

The Dolphins began the third quarter at their own 30 and moved quickly to put the game away. Tagovailoa hit Wilson for 14, Ingold for 9, and Gesicki for 16. Mostert ran for a 24 yard touchdown to make it 24-7  Dolphins. The Browns after a touchback moved to a 3rd and 4 at the Miami 19. Brissett threw incomplete. Needing 3 scores, Kevin Stefanski opted for the field goal. York hit from 37 to get the Browns within 24-10. They got no closer. The Dolphins soon faced 3rd and 10 from their own 23. Tagovailoa went to Waddle for 15 and Tyreek Hill for 16. Wilson caught a pass from Tagovailoa for 7 and then ran for 5. Mostert added 10. On 3rd and goal at the 2, Tagovailoa went to Hill for the touchdown. The extra point was no good but the Dolphins led 30-10 after three quarters.

The Browns began the fourth quarter facing 3rd and 1 from their own 33. Hunt gained 2. Brissett went to Bell for 13 and Peoples-Jones for 19. Chubb ran for a 33 yard touchdown to get the Browns within 30-17 with 13 minutes left in regulation. Midway through the fourth quarter, Sanders tacked on a 33 yard field goal to make it 33-17 Dolphins. The Browns had to go for it on 4th and 7 at their own 28. Brissett was sacked. One play and 6 seconds later, Wilson had another touchdown. Despite a 2nd missed extra point, the Dolphins won easily to get to 7-3 on the year. 39-17 Dolphins

Houston Texans at New York Giants — Nobody plays down to the level of their competition like the Giants. On their first drive they faced 3rd and 2 from their own 40. Daniel Jones hit Robinson for 9 and Saquon Barkley for 8. On 3rd and 1 from the Houston 42, Barkley gained 2. Jones went to Darrius Slayton for 36. Jones went to Cager for a 9 yard touchdown to finish the 10 play, 68 yard, 5 1/2 minute drive and make it 7-0 Giants. Kaimi Fairbairn hit a 38 yard second quarter field goal as the Texans only trailed 7-3 at the intermission. After a third quarter touchback, Barkley ran for 8 and 12. On 3rd and 9 from their own 46, Jones connected with Darrius Slayton for a 54 yard touchdown and a 14-3 Giants lead. After a touchback and a pair of 5 yard runs, Davis Mills hit Akins for 9, Moore for 23, and Akins for 17. Roughing the passer added 8 more. Mills went to Collins for a 12 yard touchdown to have the Texans right back in it down 14-10 midway through the third quarter.

The Giants soon faced 3rd and 7 from their own 29. Jones hit Robinson for 11. Barkley ran for 2 and 13. On 3rd and 7 from the Houston 42, Jones went to Hodgins for 26. Matt Breida ran for 9 Barkley ran for a 2 yard touchdown. The 12 play, 74 yard, 6 minute drive put the Giants up 21-10 after three quarters. The fourth quarter belonged to the field goal kickers. Fairbairn hit from 34 to get the Texans within 21-13 with 2:22 left in regulation. The onside kick failed. The Texans took their timeouts on defense. Graham Gano hit a 49 yard field goal with 1:55 left to make it 24-13 Giants. After a touchback, Mills hit Moore for 25, Rex Burkhead for 15, and Philip Dorsett for 18 to give the Texans 1st and 10 at the Giants 17. Yet they needed 2 scores and only 44 seconds remained. Mills was then sacked. By the time Fairbairn hit the 46 yard field goal, only 7 seconds remained. The onside kick again failed. The Giants may win ugly, but they are 7-2 on the year. 24-16 Giants

New Orleans Saints at Pittsburgh Steelers — A pair of bad teams met, although the Saints have a decent defense. A field position game had the Steelers taking over at their own 43. Najee Harris ran for 5 and 7. On 4th and 2 from the Saints 37, Mike Tomlin decided to go for it rather than try a 55 yard field goal. Kenny Pickett hit Warren for 7. Defensive pass interference added 11. On 3rd and goal at the one, George Pickens got in. The 12 play, 57 yard, 6 minute drive made it 7-0 Steelers. The Steelers got it back at their own 20 and moved to a 1st and 10 at the Saints 20. A run lost a yard followed by an incompletion meant 3rd and 11. A completion only gained 6. Matt Wright hit a 33 yard field goal to make it 10-0 Steelers in the second quarter. 

The Saints moved from their own 34 to a 1st and 10 at the Pittsburgh 26. The drive died there but Wil Lutz hit a 44 yard field goal to get the Saints on the board. The Saints got it back at their own 29 with 1:53 left in the half. Red Rifle Andy Dalton went to Jarvis Landry for 17. On 3rd and 4 from the Pittsburgh 48, Dalton went to Johnson for 10 and 8. Unnecessary roughness added 15. Dalton went to Johnson for a 15 yard touchdown with 19 seconds left in the half for a 10-10 game. In the third quarter Wright missed a 39 yard field goal that would have given the Steelers the lead. The Steelers got it back at their own 2 yard line and moved 83 yards in 11 plays and 6 1/2 minutes. The fourth quarter began with the Steelers facing 3rd and 2 at the Saints 12. Pickett was sacked. Wright hit from 33 to put the Steelers up 13-10 one minute into the fourth quarter. The Saints soon faced 3rd and 5 from their own 30. Dalton was intercepted to set the Steelers up at the New Orleans 44. Pickett went to Warren for 26. On 3rd and 6 from the Saints 12, Pickett went to Warren for 7. On 3rd and goal at the 5, Pickett threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant 1st and goal at the one. Pickett got in to lock up the win with 8 1/2 minutes left. 20-10 Steelers

Denver Broncos at Tennessee Titans — Both teams have a great defense. The Titans play stone age football with Derrick Henry while the Broncos have no offense at all. Ryan Tannehill returned from injury. After a scoreless first quarter, the Broncos took over in the second quarter at their own 20. On 3rd and 6 from their 34, Russell Wilson went deep to Virgil for a 66 yard touchdown and a 7-0 Broncos lead.  The Broncos got it back at their own 38 and moved to a 1st and 10 at the Tennessee 22. A run gained only one yard and Wilson threw incomplete twice. Brandon McManus hit a 39 yard field goal to put the Broncos up 10-0 with 2:23 left in the half. The Broncos defense was dominating, but the 2 minute drill proved decisive. 

At the 2 minute warning the Titans faced 3rd and 3 at their own 32. Tannehill went to Robert Woods for 6. Tannehill then went to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Tannehill went to Austin Hooper for 5, to Westbrook-Ikhine for 6, to Burks for 6, and to Woods for 4. Tannehill ran for 11. With 16 seconds left in the half, the Titans faced 3rd and goal at the 9. Tannehill went to Westbrook-Ikhine for the touchdown as the Titans trailed 10-7 at the half. Midway through the third quarter the Titans took over at their own 20. Tannehill went to Burks for 15. Mike Vrabel then went to the bag of tricks. A perfectly executed flea flicker saw Tannehill go deep to a wide open Westbrook-Ikhine for a 63 yard touchdown and a 14-10 Titans lead. Midway through the fourth quarter the Titans had moved from their own 42 to a 3rd and 2 at the Denver 34. Malik Willis came in for one play. Willis lost 4 yards and fumbled the ball away. The Titans got it back at their own 20 and moved 63 yards in 10 plays. On 3rd and 7 from the Denver 17, Tannehill threw incomplete. Randy Bullock hit a 35 yard field goal to put the Titans up by 7 with 3 minutes left. The Broncos after a touchback moved to a 2nd and 4 at the Tennessee 21 with 41 seconds left in the game. An incompletion and a sack of Wilson meant 4th and 13. Then the defense jumped offside to set up a critical 4th and 8 with 20 seconds left. Wilson went deep and was intercepted at the goal line. The Titans bounced back from a brutal overtime loss last week to win for the 6th time in their last 7 games. 17-10 Titans

Indianapolis Colts at Las Vegas Raiders — The Raiders were a 2-6 mess, but they were at home and facing the one team they should have been able to beat. After last week’s loss, the lifeless Colts fired Frank Reich. In an absolute shocker, owner Jim Irsay plucked former Colts center Jeff Saturday out of the ESPN booth and named him interim coach. Saturday has never coached an NFL or college game. Saturday named Parks Frazier the play-caller, despite the 30 year old Frazier having never called plays before. Saturday also made one other key decision. Reich’s last decision before he was fired was to bench Matt Ryan for the remainder of the season and elevate 2nd year Sam Ehlinger. Saturday named Matty Ice the starter. The Raiders were without the injured Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller, but the Raiders were playing against an organization that still had no idea who did what or why.

The Raiders immediately went 3 and out, as did the Colts. The Raiders under a hail of offensive penalties punted on 4th and 29. AJ Cole delivered a 67 yard punt, but the Colts took over at their own 30. Ryan hit Pittman for 9. On 3rd and 2 from midfield, Ryan hit Pittman for 6. Ryan went to Granson for 32. On 3rd and 4 from the Raiders 5, a swing pass from Ryan to Jonathan Taylor followed by several terrible attempts at tackling turned a loss into a 4 yard gain. Ryan got the last yard himself for a 7-0 Colts lead. The Colts got it back at their own 20 and moved 50 yards in 10 plays and nearly 5 minutes. On 2nd and 3 from the Raiders 30, Taylor got stopped for no gain. On 3rd and 3, Ryan threw incomplete. Chase McLaughlin hit from 48 to make it 10-0 Colts in the second quarter. 

The Raiders after a touchback moved to a 3rd and 2 at the Indianapolis 44. Josh Jacobs got stopped. Josh McDaniels gambled on 4th and 2. He properly called for Jacobs to get the ball, but went with a pitchout rather than bulldoze straight ahead. Jacobs got stopped for a 3 yard loss as the hapless Raiders were doing nothing right. The Colts had all the momentum from their own 47. From the Raiders 42, Ryan went to Coutee for a 20 yard gain. Yet Coutee had the ball chopped out of his hands and Brown recovered for the Raiders at their own 21. 

Carr hit Jacobs for 9 and Foster Moreau for 21. On 4th and 1 from the Indianapolis 37, Josh McDaniels again went for it. This time Jacobs banged ahead for a tough 2 yards. Jacobs then ran for 22. On 3rd and 1 from the Indy 4, Carr went to Moreau for the touchdown. With one minute left in the half, the Raiders were within 10-7. Yet that was more than enough time for the Raiders defense to melt down. After a touchback, Ryan hit Granson for gains of 6, 6 and 13. With 8 seconds left, on 3rd and 4 from the Raiders 39, Taylor gained 9. That turned a 57 yard field goal try into a 48 yard try. McLaughlin delivered and the Colts led 13-7. After a third quarter touchback the Colts had a golden opportunity to double up and put the game away. An 11 play, 45 yard, 6 minute drive had the Colts facing 3rd and 1 from the Raiders 16. This time Ryan was sacked for a 14 yard loss. McLaughlin’s 48 yard field goal try doinked off the upright no good. 

The Raiders took over at their own 38. Jacobs banged out a pair of 6 yard gains. Carr went to Adams for gains of 9 and 11. On 2nd and 12 from the Indianapolis 30, a completion gained only 3 yards but defensive illegal use of hands meant an automatic first down. On 2nd and 20 from the indy 35 after an offensive penalty, Carr went to Moreau for 18. On 3rd and 2 from the Indy 17, Carr went to Amir Abdullah for 14. Jacobs then banged ahead for 2 and then for the one yard touchdown. The 2 point try failed but the Raiders led 14-13. Yet 2 plays later, the Colts had the lead again. On 2nd and 6 from their own 34, Taylor broke through a ginormous hole and easily raced for a 66 yard touchdown run. The 2 point try failed but the Colts were back in front 19-14 after three quarters. With 11 1/2 minutes left in regulation, the Raiders faced 3rd and 10 from the Indy 48. Carr found Adams over the middle, and he outraced everyone for a 48 yard touchdown. The 2 point try failed but the quick strike had the Raiders up 20-19. 

The Raiders even got a stop on defense and got the ball back at their own 25 with 9 1/2 minutes left in regulation and all the momentum. This is where Josh McDaniels is at his worst. His stubborn refusal to run the ball when it matters is his undoing. Jacobs gained only 2 yards on 1st and 10, but McDaniels should have handed Jacobs the ball again. Instead, McDaniels did what he has done far too often in this miserable season. He abandoned the run. After a Carr incompletion set up 3rd and 8, Carr was sacked. AJ Cole belted out another great punt of 62 yards, but now the Colts needed only a field goal to take the lead. They had over 8 minutes to work with from their own 18.

 On 3rd and 3 from their own 25, the 37 year old Ryan had to pass the ball. He is not a running quarterback. He is a pure pocket passer who runs like a geriatric. His longest career run was 20 yards back in 2009. Yet somehow this AARP candidate Ryan broke through the pathetic Raiders defense for a 39 yard gain. The next play was even more awful for the Raiders defense. Ryan went to Pittman, who then got blasted and fumbled. The Raiders could have just fallen on the ball. Instead they ineptly tried to pick it up, allowing the Colts to maintain possession and turn a disaster into a one yard gain. On the next play, Ryan went to Parris Campbell for a 35 yard touchdown. The 2 point try again failed, but the Colts led by 5 with 5 minutes left. 

That was still plenty of time for Carr, who has over 30 fourth quarter and overtime comebacks. After a touchback, Carr went to Mack Hollins for 12. An offensive penalty meant 1st and 20, but Carr calmly went to Hollins for 6, Adams for 6, and on 3rd and 8, to Adams again for 12. With 1:56 left on 3rd and 4 from the Indy 43, Carr went to Abdullah for 8. Carr then found Adams for 16. With 1:38 left, the Raiders had 1st and 10 at the Indy 19. They had the Colts defense reeling. With time not a factor, it would have been a perfect time for more running. Instead, Josh McDaniels kept passing and Carr threw incomplete. On 3rd and 7, Carr went to the end zone and Moreau dropped it. The defender was in good position to knock the ball away, but only after Moreau juggled it. It was well thrown and should have been the winning touchdown. On 4th and 7, Carr went to the end zone again for Adams. The ball fell incomplete as obvious defensive pass interference was ignored. 16 yards away from victory, the Raiders lost again and fell to 2-7 on the season. McDaniels lost to a coach who had never coached, a play-caller who had never called plays, and an immobile quarterback who had the longest run of his career by double his previous best run. A visibly emotional Carr after the game was not willing to call out McDaniels, but Carr led the Raiders to the playoffs last year. From 10-7 to 2-7, the only difference is the coach. McDaniels will still have a job on Monday, which should not be. 25-20 Colts

Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers — These teams have played epic games over the years, but this game featured a good Cowboys team and a bad Packers team that had lost 5 straight. In a very classy move, the Packers as an organization welcomed back their former coaches on the jumbotron. Mike McCarthy sought revenge against Aaron Rodgers, the quarterback who got him fired. Matt LaFleur was McCarthy’s replacement. Mason Crosby missed a 54 yard field goal try for the Packers in a scoreless first quarter. The Cowboys late in the first quarter faced 2nd and 13 from their own 14. Tony Pollard gained 14. On 3rd and 1 from their own 37, Dak Prescott gained 2. Prescott went deep to CeeDee Lamb for 21. The Cowboys began the second quarter facing 4th and 1 at the Green Bay 31. Mike McCarthy went for it. Prescott kept it and got the yard. On 3rd and 1 from the Green Bay 21, Prescott gained 2. Prescott went to Lamb for a 3 yard touchdown to cap the staggering 17 play, 83 yard, 8 1/2 minute drive and make it 7-0 Cowboys. 

The Packers soon faced 3rd and 3 from their own 17. Rodgers was sacked and fumbled. Kearse recovered for the Cowboys at the Green Bay 10. Yet on 3rd and goal from the 11, Prescott was intercepted by Ford, who returned the pick 34 yards to the Green Bay 33. On 3rd and 1, Rodgers went to Christian Watson for a 58 yard touchdown. The Cowboys after a touchback moved to a 1st and 10 at their own 42. After a pair of incompletions, Prescott on 3rd and 10 was again intercepted by Ford. This time Ford returned the interception 34 yards to the Dallas 24. Aaron Jones ran for a 12 yard touchdown to put the Packers up 14-7 with 1:42 left in the half.

The Cowboys took over at their own 34. Prescott went to Lamb for 7 and 9 and Dalton Schultz for 13. On 3rd and 1 from the Green Bay 28, Prescott went to Michael Gallup for 23. With 8 seconds left in the half, Prescott went to Schultz for a 5 yard touchdown and a 14-14 game. In the third quarter, the Packers fumbled a punt and the Cowboys took over at the Green Bay 45. Prescott went to Lamb for 30. Pollard ran for a 13 yard touchdown to make it 21-14 Cowboys.The Cowboys got it back at their own 14. Davis ran for 5 and 17. On 3rd and 9 from his own 37, Prescott went to Lamb for 14. Davis gained 14. Prescott went to Lamb for a 35 yard touchdown. The Cowboys led 28-14 after three quarters. In the entire 62 year history of their franchise, the Cowboys had never lost a game where they led by 14 points in the fourth quarter.

The Packers soon faced 3rd and 3 from their own 31. Rodgers gained 7. Rodgers hit Sammy Watkins for 15. Only 90 seconds into the fourth quarter, the Packers faced 4th and 7 at the Dallas 39. Needing to go for it, Rodgers went deep to Christian Watson for the touchdown. The Cowboys could have turned out the lights, but instead the Packers were very much alive down 28-21. The Packers got it back at their own 11 with 9 minutes left. On 3rd and 2, Rodgers went to Watson for 3. Rodgers hit Allen Lazard for 9. AJ Dillon ran for 17. Jones ran for 23, fumbled the ball, and yet the Packers retained possession and gained another 7 yards. Rodgers hit Watkins for 9. Rodgers went to Watson again for the touchdown. When the Packers needed a prayer, they found a Christian. Watson’s 2 touchdowns tied the game up 28-28 with 2 1/2 minutes left. 

The Packers got it back at their own 33 with 1:38 left. Jones gained 2 and 7 but Rodgers threw incomplete on 3rd and 1. With 22 seconds left on 4th and 1, an angry Rodgers screamed at Matt LaFleur on the sideline when LaFleur opted to punt. After a touchback to start overtime, the Cowboys marched down the field. On 3rd and 3 from the Green Bay 35, Prescott threw incomplete. Mike McCarthy decided to go for it rather than have Crosby try a 53 yard field goal. Prescott threw incomplete. Now the Packers had their shot with 6:15 left in overtime. On 3rd and 1, Rodgers fired over the middle to Lazard, who outraced the defense for a 36 yard gain. Jones gained 5 with a defensive facemask adding 8 more. At this point LaFleur was taking no chances. On 1st and goal at the 7, Rodgers took a knee just to center the ball. On 2nd and goal from the 10, Crosby came in. From 28 yard out, Crosby was dead center. McCarthy and Rodgers hugged before and after the game. A very classy LaFleur conveyed his enormous respect for McCarthy to him. 31-28 Packers

Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams — These teams both won on the opposing team’s field during the regular season but the Rams won the rubber match at home in the playoffs. Meanwhile, both teams have fallen off a cliff this year. Kyler Murray and Matthew Stafford were both out injured as Colt McCoy got the start for the Cardinals and John Wolford led the Rams. The Rams began after an opening touchback on a 14 play, 57 yard drive that took nearly 9 minutes off the clock. On 3rd and 9 from the Arizona 24, Darrell Henderson gained only 6. Matt Gay hit a 36 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Rams. The Cardinals offered a mirror image after a touchback. They also moved 57 yards in 14 plays, taking 6 minutes. On 3rd and 4 from the Rams 19, James Conner gained only one yard. Vizcaino hit from 36 for a 3-3 game after the first quarter.

A field position game had the Cardinals taking over at their own 34. McCoy went to Deandre Hopkins for 14, 8 and 4. On 3rd and 2 from the Rams 18, McCoy gained 3. On 3rd and 6 from the Rams 11, McCoy hit Conner for 5. Kliff Kingsbury put faith in his backup quarterback and went for it. On 4th and 1 from the Rams 6, McCoy gained 2. Conner ran for a 4 yard touchdown to put the Cardinals up 10-3 with 1:56 left in the half. After a touchback, the Rams soon faced 1st and 10 at their own 44. Wolford was sacked and fumbled. JJ Watt recovered for the Cardinals at the Rams 30. McCoy went to Moore for 13 and 6. McCoy threw a 6 yard touchdown pass to AJ Green with 24 seconds left in the half for a 17-3 Cardinals lead.

A field position game had the Rams taking over at their own 41 midway through the third quarter. Wolford went to Tyler Higbee for 25, to Robinson for 13, and back to Higbee for 11 more. On 3rd and goal at the 4, Henderson got in to get the Rams within 17-10. Field position reversed in the fourth quarter as the Cardinals took over at their own 40. On 3rd and 1, Conner gained 3. On 4th and 3 from the Rams 41 midway through the fourth quarter, Kliff Kingsbury decided to go for it. McCoy went deep to Moore for 26, Conner ran for 6 and then for the 9 yard touchdown to make it 24-10 Cardinals. With 5 1/2 minutes left, Buddha Baker put the dagger in by returning an interception of Wolford 53 yards to the Rams 25. Vizcaino hit from 46 to make it 27-10 Cardinals with 3:45 left. The Rams got a garbage touchdown with 7 seconds left, but both teams have 6 losses on the year as the defending champs are 3-6 and on the ropes. 27-17 Cardinals  

Los Angeles Chargers at San Francisco 49ers was the Sunday night game. A pair of underachieving teams with legitimate playoff aspirations met. The Chargers began facing 3rd and 4 from their own 31. Justin Herbert hit Austin Ekeler for 14. On 3rd and 4 just past midfield, Herbert went to Everett for 17. Herbert then went deep to Carter for a 32 yard touchdown. The Chargers quickly led 7-0, but spent the next 56 1/2 minutes not reaching the end zone. The 49ers took over at their own 31 and moved 67 yards in 14 plays and 7 1/2 minutes. On 3rd and goal at the 2, Christian McCaffrey got stopped for no gain. The home crowd did not like the decision, but Kyle Shanahan opted not to gamble. Robbie Gould hit from 20 to get the 49ers within 7-3. A 49ers fumble gave the Chargers a short field at the San Francisco 32. Dicker hit a 47 yard field goal to open the second quarter and put the Chargers up 10-3. The 49ers then punted, and the Chargers partially blocked the punt to take over with a short field at the San Francisco 46. Despite 1st and goal at the 2, an incompletion followed by a false start killed the drive. Dicker hit again from 25. The Chargers led 13-3, but their reliance on field goals would come back to bite them.

The 49ers soon faced 3rd and 12 from their own 23. Jimmy Garoppolo went to George Kittle for 21 and to McCloud for 33. Garoppolo hit McCaffrey for gains of 6 and 12. On 3rd and goal at the one at the 2 minute warning, Garoppolo got in to get the 49ers within 13-10. After a touchback, the Chargers quickly moved 64 yard in 11 plays. On 3rd and 6 from the San Francisco 40, Herbert gained only 5. Yet a defensive personal foul added 15 more. Defender Greenlaw was also ejected from the game on the play. Yet Herbert was injured on the play and would miss the last 30 seconds of the half. Chase Daniel came in with the Chargers facing 1st and 10 at the Frisco 20. He threw incomplete twice and then was sacked. Dicker hit his third field goal of the second quarter from 40 as the Chargers took a 16-10 lead to the locker rooms. The second half belonged to the San Francisco defense.

After a third quarter touchback, the 49ers moved 67 yards in 12 plays and 6 minutes. Yet on 1st and goal at the 7, a run went nowhere, a short pass lost a yard, and Garoppolo then threw incomplete. Gould hit from 26 to get the 49ers within 16-13. The 49ers began the fourth quarter at their own 23. On 3rd and 5, Garoppolo hit Jennings for 11. On 3rd and 8 from the San Francisco 41, Garoppolo hit Jennings for 10. Mitchell ran for 9, 4, 7 and 3. On 3rd and 10 from the Chargers 26, Garoppolo went to Brandon Aiyuk for 24. McCaffrey ran for the 2 yard touchdown. The extra point was no good, but the 49ers led 19-16 midway through the fourth quarter. An exchange of punts pinned the Chargers at their own one yard line with 2:02 left. Forced to go for it on 4th and 3 from their own 8, Herbert threw incomplete. Only 1:17 remained, but the Chargers defense made a major stand.On 3rd and goal at the one, Mitchell lost a yard as the Chargers took their final timeout on defense. After pretending to go for it, Kyle Shanahan gave in to reality. Gould hit from 20. With one minute left the 49ers led by 6, but the missed extra point was looming large. The Chargers still had a chance to win. Yet one play after taking over at their own 23, the chance evaporated. Herbert went deep and was intercepted. 22-16 49ers

Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles was the Monday night game. The up and down Commanders took on the undefeated Eagles. The Commanders fumbled 2 minutes into the game to give the Eagles gift field position at the Washington 18. Jalen Hurts ran for 12 and then for a one yard touchdown to quickly make it 7-0 Eagles. Robinson gained 3 and 6 as the Commanders soon faced 3rd and 1 at their own 34. Robinson then gained 4 more. On 3rd and 4 from their own 44, Antonio Gibson gained just enough. On 3rd and 2 from the Philadelphia 44, Taylor Heinecke went to Terry McLaurin for 26 yards. Heinecke hit Dotson for 14. Gibson gained 4 and then ran for the one yard touchdown to cap the 13 play, 75 yard, 7 1/2 minute drive and make it 7-7. The Eagles took over at their own 22. Hurts hit AJ Brown for 7, Stoll for 11, and Zach Pascal for 10. On 3rd and 10 from the Washington 44, Hurts went to Smith for 11. On 2nd and 13 from the Washington 36, defensive pass interference on an incompletion meant a 30 yard gain. Hurts hit Dallas Goedert for a 6 yard touchdown and a 14-7 Eagles lead. 

After a touchback, the Commanders moved in the second quarter to a 3rd and 1 at the Washington 21. Robinson got stopped. Riverboat Ron Rivera was prepared to go for it, but it was gamesmanship. The defense failed to jump. After a delay of game penalty, Joey Slye hit a 44 yard field goal to cap the 12 play, 49 yard, 6 1/2 minute drive and get the Commanders within 14-10. Four plays later, an interception of Hurts set up the Commanders at their own 14. On 3rd and 1, Robinson gained 2. On 3rd and 6 from their own 29, Heinecke hit Samuel for 23. On 3rd and 5 from the Philadelphia 43, Heinecke went to Terry McLaurin for 18. On 3rd and 10 from the Philly 25, Heinecke hit McLaurin for 9. This time Riverboat Ron did gamble on 4th and 1 and Robinson gained 11, 2, and the one yard touchdown. The staggering 16 play, 86 yard, 7 minute drive had the Commanders with the surprising 17-14 lead with 1:39 left in the half. The Commanders got it back at their own 30 with one minute left and moved to the Philly 40 with 2 seconds left. Slye drilled a 58 yard field goal to make it 20-14 Commanders. In the third quarter the Commanders moved 66 yards in 14 plays and 8 1/2 minutes. On 3rd and goal at the 3 after an incompletion, Heinecke was sacked. Yet Slye hit from 32 as 16 unanswered points had the Commanders up 23-14 after three quarters. 

The Eagles took over at their own 20. Sanders ran for 6, 4 and 4. On 3rd and 6 from their own 34, Hurts went to Watkins for 16 and Goedert for 15. On 3rd and 1 from the Washington 26, Sanders gained 2, 6 and 7 as the third quarter ended. On the first play of the fourth quarter, the Eagles facing 1st and 10 at the Washington 11 saw Hurts hit Smith for the touchdown. The Eagles were within 23-21. The Commanders moved after a touchback to a 3rd and 3 at the Philadelphia 43. Heinecke then went deep and was intercepted. The Eagles moved from their own 7 to their own 31. A field goal would give them the lead and preserve their unbeaten season. Hurts hit Goedert, and he fumbled the ball away. The Commanders took over at the Philadelphia 34. They moved backward but Slye nailed a 55 yard field goal to make it 26-21 Commanders midway through the fourth quarter. With 6 minutes left came the play of the game. The Eagles were facing 1st and 20 from their own 27 after offensive holding. Hurts went deep to Watkins for a 50 yard gain. Yet Watkins then fumbled and the Commanders recovered. The Eagles got it back with 3:20 left at their own 20. A sack of Hurts meant 4th and 18 from their own 12. Kevin Sirianni opted to punt with 1:54 left. The key play of the game came with 1:45 left and the Commanders facing 3rd and 7 from midfield. Heinecke was sacked. The Eagles would get one more chance. Except they would not. Defensive unnecessary roughness on the sack meant a new set of downs for the Commanders and enraged the home crowd. By the times the Eagles got the ball back at their own 10, only 5 seconds remained.The hook and laterals were fumbled and recovered by the Commanders in the Philadelphia end zone. There would be no unbeaten team this year. The 1972 Dolphins popped the champagne corks. 32-21 Commanders

NFL 2022 Week 10 Prequel

Thursday, November 10, 2022, 8pm

Atlanta Falcons (-3) at Carolina Panthers — The Falcons lost a heartbreaker last week but have been competitive every week. The Panthers are in transition, and Steve Wilks fired several assistants after last week’s loss. Marcus Mariota is better than PJ Walker. Falcons cover

Sunday, November 13, 9:30am

Seattle Seahawks at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2 1/2) — The Seahawks have been playing very good football to maintain a lead in the NFC West. Tom Brady pulled a rabbit out of his hat to get the Buccaneers a win they desperately needed. This game will go a long way toward seeing whether they saved their season or delayed the decline. Go with the home field and the experience over a Seahawks team with heart. Buccaneers cover

1pm

Minnesota Vikings at Buffalo Bills (-7 1/2) — The Vikings are 7-1, but playing at Buffalo is a tough test. The Bills will be angry after a road loss to the Jets. The Bills have the better defense. Kirk Cousins is playing well, but Josh Allen is at an elite level. Allen may have injured his elbow last week. This will not be a cakewalk for the Bills, since the Vikings can run the ball. Bills win but fail to cover

Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears (-2 1/2) — The Lions won a shocker at home against Green Bay last week. Chicago is improving, but Justin Fields is now being overhyped just as strongly as he was cast off a couple weeks ago. Go with the home field, especially since the Detroit defense cannot stop anyone. Bears cover

Jacksonville Jaguars at Kansas City Chiefs (-9 1/2) — The Chiefs had a tough time last week, but Tennessee has a much tougher defense than the Jaguars. The Chiefs have too many weapons. This will not be close. Chiefs cover

Cleveland Browns at Miami Dolphins (-4) — Jacoby Brissett is competent, but Tua Tagovailoa has been playing very well. Nick Chubb can run the ball, but the Dolphins have the better defense. Dolphins win but fail to cover

Houston Texans at New York Giants (-6 1/2) — The Giants lost a road game at Seattle, but they are still much improved. The Texans may be the worst team in the league. The Giants do not win easily. Saquon Barkley can run, but a garbage touchdown for the Texans is possible. Giants win but fail to cover

New Orleans Saints (-2 1/2) at Pittsburgh Steelers — The Steelers are a mess. The Saints have a defense, Their offense has not played a complete game yet. Expect the Saints defense to feast on rookie Kenny Pickett. Saints cover

Denver Broncos at Tennessee Titans (-3) — Malik Willis had a rough game in place of the injured Ryan Tannehill. Denver has a very good defense but no offense. The Tennessee defense is tough and Derrick Henry runs hard. Titans cover

4pm

Indianapolis Colts at Las Vegas Raiders (-6) — The Colts fired Frank reich and replaced him with Jeff Saturday, who has never coached a game at any level. The Raiders have blown three leads of 17 or more points. At home, trust Derek Carr over Sam Ehlinger. The Raiders lack the killer instinct to close out games that should be easy on paper. Raiders win but fail to cover

Dallas Cowboys (-5) at Green Bay Packers — The Cowboys are very good. The Packers have lost five straight games. The Green Bay defense is not bad, but their offense is badly misfiring. Cowboys win but fail to cover

Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams (-3) — Neither of these teams is playing good football. Sean McVay is a better play-caller than Kliff Kingsbury. Aaron Donald is still elite. The Rams beat up Tom Brady for 59 minutes and collapsed in the final minute. kyler Murray is not Tom Brady. Rams cover

8pm

Los Angeles Chargers at San Francisco 49ers (-7) — The 49ers are playing solid defense. The Chargers consistently underachieve. Jimmy Garoppolo has more weapons than Justin Herbert. The spread is too high. 49ers win but fail to cover

Monday, November 14, 8pm

Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles (-10 1/2) — Taylor Heinecke is not playing badly, but the Eagles are undefeated for a reason. A division game in prime time means a garbage touchdown could beat the spread. Eagles win but fail to cover

NFL 2022 Week 9 Recap

Philadelphia Eagles at Houston Texans was the Thursday night game. The Eagles were supposed to be the best team in the league. The Texans were supposed to be the worst. Then the game kicked off. After an opening touchback, the Texans went right to work. Damien Pierce gained 11, 5 and 3. On 3rd and 5 from the Philadelphia 46, Davis Mills went to Rex Burkhead for 6. Mills then went deep to Philip Dorsett for 34. Mills went to Teagan Quitoriano for a 2 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Texans. The Eagles then began a mind-numbing drive from their own 9 yard line. Defensive pass interference added 8 yards. On 3rd and 6 from their own 21, Jalen Hurts went to Watkins for 23. On 3rd and 8 from their own 46, Hurts went to AJ Brown for 9, Kenneth Gainwell for 8, and Still for 13. On 3rd and 8 from the Houston 20, Hurts went to Dallas Goedert for 16. On 3rd and goal at the 3, Miles Sanders only gained one. Kevin Sirianni gambled on 4th and goal at the 2. This time Sanders got in to cap the 18 play, 91 yard, 8 minute drive and tie the game 7-7.

In the second quarter the Eagles took over at their own 21. Sanders ran for big gains of 13 and 25. Hurts went to Boston Scott for 15. On 3rd and 1 from the Houston 12, Hurts gained 2. On 3rd and goal at the 4, Gainwell got in to finish the 10 play, 79 yard, 5 1/2 minute drive and make it 14-7 Eagles. The Texans soon faced 3rd and 1 at their own 34. Pierce gained 3. On the next play Pierce broke free for a 36 yard gain. Mills went to Chris Moore for a 13 yard touchdown. With 37 seconds left in the half, the game was tied 14-14. After a touchback, the Eagles moved to the Houston 36 with 3 seconds left. Jake Elliott’s 54 yard field goal try was no good.

midway through the third quarter on 3rd and 6 from his own 24, Mills was intercepted. Gardner-Johnson returned the interception 25 yards to the Houston 17. Two plays later on 2nd and 10, Hurts went to Brown for the touchdown to make it 21-14 Eagles. The Texans after a touchback moved 63 yards in 12 plays and 7 minutes. On 3rd and 9 from the Philly 12, Mills threw incomplete. Kaimi Fairbairn hit the 30 yard field goal. The Texans only trailed 21-17 after three quarters. After a touchback, the Eagles began the fourth quarter with 2nd and 4 form their own 43. Hurts hit Dallas Goedert for gains of 17, 10 and 10. Sanders then ran for 12. Hurts hit Goedert for the touchdown. Kevin Sirianni pointlessly went for 2 and Hurts ran it in to give the Eagles breathing room up 12. The Texans moved from their own 38 to a 2nd and 10 at the Philadelphia 12 with 3 minutes left. mills was sacked. On 3rd and 19 Mills was intercepted. It was much tougher than expected, but the Eagles remained unbeaten at the midpoint of their season. 29-17 Eagles

Los Angeles Chargers at Atlanta Falcons — The Falcons actually led the NFC South. After a touchback, Mariota went to Cordarelle Patterson for 9. Patterson ran for 7 more. Tyler Allgeier ripped off a 44 yard gain. On 3rd and goal at the one, Patterson got in to make it 7-0 Falcons. The Falcons got it back at their own 19 to a 1st and 10 at the Chargers 12. A run lost a yard and a 3rd and 11 pass gained only 2. The 14 play, 73 yard, 8 1/2 minute drive ended with Younghoe Koo hitting a 29 yard field goal to make it 10-0 Falcons.

In the second quarter the Chargers faced 3rd and 15 from their own 12. Just in Herbert went deep to Palmer for 25. On 3rd and 6 from their own 41, Herbert hit Pamler for 10 and Austin Ekeler for 13. On 3rd and 9 from the Atlanta 35, Herbert hit Everett for 12. On 3rd and 2 from the Atlanta 15, Herbert hit Bandy for 4. Ekeler ran for 9 and then for the 2 yard touchdown. The 15 play, 83 yard, 8 1/2 minute drive had the Chargers within 10-7. The Chargers got it back at their own 37 with 2 1/2 minutes left in the half. On 3rd and 1, Ekeler gained 3. On 3rd and 5 from the Atlanta 46, Herbert hit Carter for 23. Sony Michel gained 12. Herbert hit Carter for 10 down to the one. Herbert hit Ekeler for the touchdown to put the Chargers up 14-10.

In the third quarter the Falcons moved from their 32 to a 2nd and 2 at the Chargers 11. Mariota hit London for 5, but London fumbled. Khalil Mack pick up the fumble for the Chargers defense and retuned it 44 yards to midfield. On 3rd and 8, Herbert was intercepted to give the Falcons the ball back at their own 47. Patterson had gains of 7, 6, 3, and on 3rd and 1 from the Chargers 28, 2. Huntley then tacked on gains of 9, 8 and 6. On 3rd and goal at the 3, Patterson got in as the Falcons led 17-14 after three quarters.

The Falcons got it back at their own 20 and moved to a 2nd and 6 at the Chargers 30. A run lost 2 yards and Mariota threw incomplete. With 12 1/2 minutes left in regulation, Koo’s 50 yard field goal try to extend the lead for the Falcons was wide no good. The Chargers from their own 40 held the ball for 14 plays and nearly 7 minutes. On 4th and 4 from the Atlanta 38, Brandon Staley went for it and Herbert hit Carter for 6. Yet on 2nd and goal at the 6, a completion lost 7 yards to kill the drive. Dicker hit from 31 to tie the game 17-17 with 5 1/2 minutes left in regulation.

The Chargers quickly forced a 3 and out and got it back at their own 32 with 4 1/2 minutes left. With 46 seconds left in the game, the Chargers had 3rd and 4 at the Atlanta 22. Then came the bizarre play of the year. Ekeler gained 2 yards and fumbled. Graham picked it up for the defense at the Altanta 17 and returned the fumble 19 yards to the Atlanta 36. Yet just when it looked like overtime was on the horizon, Graham fumbled the ball back on the return and Feller fell on it for the Chargers at the Altanta 43. After all of that, the Chargers retained possession. Herbert then went to Palmer for 22. With 3 seconds left, Dicker came in for the 37 yard field goal try to win it for the Chargers. The kick was good. 20-17 Chargers

Miami Dolphins at Chicago Bears — The Bears after a touchback quickly moved to a 1st and 10 at the Miami 20. A run went nowhere followed by an incompletion. A 3rd and 10 completion gained only 6. Cairo Santos hit the 32 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Bears. The Dolphins on 2nd and 8 from their own 27 saw Tua Tagovailoa hit Jalen Waddle for 17. On 3rd and 5 just shy of midfield, Tagovailoa went to Sherfield for 18. Defensive pass interference on an incompletion meant a 32 yard gain down to the one. Raheem Mostert got in to make it 7-3 Dolphins.

The Bears soon faced 3rd and 1 at their own 34. Ket took the direct snap and got the yard. Justin Fields went to newly acquired Chase Claypool for 12. On 3rd and 8 just shy of midfield, Fields ran for 12. On 3rd and 2 from the Miami 31, David Montgomery gained 3. On 3rd and 10 from the Miami 28, Fields went to Mooney for 10. On the first play of the second quarter, Fields went to Ket for a 18 yard touchdown. The staggering 16 play, 75 yard, 7 1/2 minute drive put the Bears up 10-7. The Dolphins soon faced 1st and 15 from their own 20, Tagovailoa went to Tyreek Hill for 25. Tagovailoa then went to Waddle for 26 and Wilson for 14. Tagovailoa went to Hill for a 3 yard touchdown to make it 14-10 Dolphins.

The Bears punted on 4th and 5 from their own 40 and the Dolphins blocked it. Van Ginkel picked up the blocked punt and raced 25 yards for a special teams touchdown to make it 21-10 Dolphins. After a touchback, Fields ran for 17 and again for 7. On 3rd and 1 from the Miami 36, Fields gained 2. On 3rd and 8 from the Miami 16, Fields went to Mooney for the touchdown. The Bears were only down 21-17. A key play occurred to end the half when Jason Sanders missed a 29 yard field goal try for the Dolphins.

After a third quarter touchback, the Dolphins struck quickly. Tagovailoa went to Hill for 22. Wilson ran for 28 and 7. Tagovailoa hit Waddle for an 18 yard touchdown to make it 28-17 Dolphins. 3 plays later on 3rd and 5 from their own 39, Fields ran for a 61 yard touchdown. Matt Ebeflus went for 2 and Fields hit Wesco for the success fun conversion. Just like that, the Bears were back in it down 28-25.

The Dolphins soon faced 3rd and 2 at their own 33. Tagovailoa hit Waddle for 12 and Hill for 20. On 3rd and 7 from the Chicago 31, Tagovailoa hit Hill for 18. On 3rd and 7 from the Chicago 10, Tagovailoa hit Jeff Wilson for the touchdown. The 11 play, 75 yard, 5 1/2 minute drive put the Dolphins up 35-25 with 6 minutes left in the third quarter. The Dolphins got it back at their own 45 and looked to put the game away. On 3rd and 2 from the Chicago 31, Tagovailoa fumbled the shotgun snap but retained possession for a 4 yard loss. Rather than try a 53 yard field goal, the kid coaching the Dolphins, Mike McDaniel, went for it. On 4th and 6, Tagovailoa threw incomplete.

The Bears got it back and started the fourth quarter with a critical 4th and 1 from their own 44. Matt Eberflus went for it and Fields gained 2. On 3rd and 1 from the Miami 45, Fields gained 14. Fields went to Cole Kmet for 10. Fields ran for 17 more. Fields hit Kmet for a 4 yard touchdown to get the Bears back within 3 with 11 1/2 minutes left in regulation. The Dolphins moved from their own 18 to a 4th and 1 at the Chicago 14 midway through the fourth quarter. Again, the kid mIKE mcDaniel got greedy and went for it. Tagovailoa threw incomplete and the Dolphins came up empty. The Bears got it back at their own 28 with 2 1/2 minutes left. On 2nd and 8 from their own 44, Fields was sacked for a 2 yard loss. Fields threw incomplete on 3rd and 10 to leave 90 seconds. On 4th and 10, Fields threw incomplete again as the Dolphins hung on to get to 6-3 on the year. 35-32 Dolphins

Carolina Panthers at Cincinnati Bengals — The Bengals began with 3rd and 2 at their own 18. Joe Burrow hit Hurst for 5, Tee Higgins for 9, Tyler Boyd for 15, and Joe Mixon for 35. Perine ran for 9. Mixon ran for 7 and then for the 2 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Bengals. The Bengals got it back at their own 29. Burrow hit Higgins for 11. On 2nd and 6 from the Carolina 43, Mixon gained 29. Taylor added 9 more. The second quarter began with Burrow running for a one yard touchdown to make it 14-0 Bengals.

The Bengals got it back at their own 41. Mixon ran for 13. burrow hit Irwin for 14. On 3rd and 4 from the Carolina 20, Burrow was sacked but the defense jumped offside. Mixon caught a pass from Burro for 8, ran for 4, and ran for a 3 yard touchdown to make it 21-0 Bengals. PJ Walker was quickly intercepted to give the Bengals another short field at the Carolina 42. Burrow hit Boyd for 14. Mixon ran for 20. On 3rd and goal at the one, Mixon got in to make it 28-0 Bengals with 3:45 left in the half. Another interception of Walker meant another short field for the Bengals at the Carolina 23 with 1:09 left. With 17 seconds left on 3rd and 15 from the Carolina 17, Burrow threw incomplete but the defense jumped offside. On 3rd and 10, Burrow hit Mixon for the 12 yard touchdown as the Bengals were mauling their opponent up 35-0. Baker Mayfield replaced PJ Walker at halftime, but there would be no comeback. Each team scored a third quarter touchdown and the Panthers got a couple of garbage touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Steve Wilks fired several assistants after the game. 42-21 Bengals

Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions — The Packers came in having lost 4 straight while the Lions lose games every year. This year the Lions score a ton of points but cannot stop anyone. The Lions moved from their own 38 to a 4th and 1 at the Green Bay 7. Dan Campbell went for it and Jared Goff threw incomplete. The Packers moved 88 yards in 13 plays and 6 1/2 minutes. On 1st and goal at the 5, Rodgers went to the end zone and was intercepted. The Packers got it back with a short field at the Detroit 48. On 3rd and 10, Rodgers went deep to Allen Lazard for 47 down to the one. Dillon got stopped, Rodgers threw incomplete, and Dillon got stopped again. Th second quarter began with Matt LaFleur going for it on 4th and goal at the one. Rodgers went to the end zone and again was intercepted for a touchback. The Packers got it back at their own one yard line and moved 61 yards in 12 plays and 7 1/2 minutes. LaFleur again went for it on 4th and 3 from the Detroit 38. Rodgers went deep to Lazard for 26, but Campbell challenged the catch. It was reversed to incomplete and another turnover on downs with 2 1/2 minutes left in a scoreless first half.

From his own 39, Goff hit Kennedy for 16 with defensive unnecessary roughness adding 15 more. Jamaal Williams ran for 5, 6, 5 and one. On 3rd and 4 from the Green Bay 13, Goff hit Dandre Swift for 12. Goff hit Shane Zylstra for a one yard touchdown with 15 seconds left. Dan Campbell went for a pointless 2 point conversion. Williams got in as the Lions led 8-0. The quarterbacks traded third quarter interceptions. The Packers took over at their own 46. Rodgers went to Lazard for 12. On 3rd and 8 from the Detroit 39, Rodgers only gained 7. Yet defensive illegal use of hands tacked on 5 more for a first down. Rodgers went to Lazard for a 20 yard touchdown. The 2 point try to tie the game failed as the Packers trailed 8-6.

The Lions soon faced 3rd and 15 from their own 25. Goff went deep incomplete but defensive holding kept the drive going. Williams gained 3, 6, and on 3rd and 1 form his own 39, 2 more. Williams carried it again for gains of 14, one and 3. On 3rd and 6 from the Green Bay 41, Goff went to St. Brown for 25. The fourth quarter began with the Lions facing 3rd and goal at the 3. Goff went to Mitchell for the touchdown to cap the 13 play, 70 yard, 5 minute drive as the Lions led 15-6. After a touchback, the Packers moved 68 yards in 14 plays and nearly 8 1/2 minutes. On 3rd and 3 from the Detroit 7, Rodgers threw incomplete. Needing 2 scores with 6 1/2 minutes left, Matt LaFleur opted for the field goal. Crosby hit from 25 to get the Packers within 6.

The Lions from their own 23 moved to a 3rd and 1 at the Green Bay 41. Williams lost 2 and Dan Campbell decided to gamble the entire game by going for it on 4th and 3. Goff threw incomplete as the clock hit the 2 minute warning. The Packers were only 57 yards away from a win. On 4th and 5, Rodgers went deep to Toure for a 32 yard gain. 3 straight Rodgers incompletions meant 4th and 10 at the Detroit 17 with 42 seconds to play. Rodgers threw a 4th straight incompletion as the Lions finally won a game with defense and the Packers lost their 5th straigtfor the first time since the 2008 season. 15-9 Lions

Las Vegas Raiders at Jacksonville Jaguars — The Raiders were coming off a humiliating shutout loss. Rather than establish the run, the Raiders came out throwing and quickly went 3 and out. The Jaguars easily moved from their 30 to a 3rd and 5 at the Raiders 26. A pitchout was fumbled and Maxx Crosby recovered for the Raiders. The Raiders soon faced 3rd and 9 from their own 30. Derek Carr went to Davante Adams for 11. On 1st and 20 from their own 31 after offensive holding, Carr went to Adams for 21. On 3rd and 20 from their own 42 after another offensive holding call and a pair of incompletions, Carr went to Adams for 16. On 4th and 4 from the Jacksonville 42, Josh McDaniels decided to go for it. Carr hit Adams for 11. Carr then went to Adams for a 25 yard touchdown to cap the 10 play, 71 yard, 5 1/2 minute drive and make it 7-0 Raiders.

The Raiders got it back at their own 45. Carr went to Hunter Renfrow for 14. On 3rd and 8 from the Jacksonville 39, Carr went to Mack Hollins for 13. The second quarter began with the Raiders facing 3rd and 11 at the Jags 27. Carr hit Abdullah for 8. This time Josh McDaniels was not gambling on 4th and 3. Daniel Carlson hit from 38 to make it 10-0 Raiders. The Raiders got it back at their own 31. Carr went to Foster Moreau for 30. Carr then faked two separate handoffs, looked like he was standing still, and went bombs away to a wide open Adams for a 38 yard touchdown and a 17-0 Raiders lead. Everything looked good on the scoreboard, but the Raiders still had not established the running game.

After a touchback, Travis Etienne gained 9 and 3. Trevor Lawrence went to former Raider Zee Jones for 23. On 3rd and 8 from the Raiders 39, Lawrence ran for 16. On 3rd and 1 from the Raiders 14, Etienne went straight up the gut for 13 and then for the last yard. The 10 play, 75 yard, 6 minute drive had the Jaguars within 17-7. After a touchback, Carr went to Adams for 9. Jacobs got a tough yard and then banged out a 12 yard run. At the 2 minute warning from midfield, Carr went to Adams for 11. Jacobs went off-tackle for 12 more. On 3rd and 3 from the Jacksonville 20, rather than hand it to Jacobs, Carr lined up in with a no back set. Carr went to the end zone. Defensive pass interference was not called as the ball fell incomplete. Carlson hit the 38 yard field goal. The Raiders led 20-7, but 45 seconds still remained in the half. Carr had 223 yards passing in the first half.

As expected, the Jaguars got right back in the game. On 3rd and 3 from their own 32, Lawrence scrambled for 24. Three straight 6 yard completions were enough. Riley Patterson hit from 44 to get the Jaguars within 20-10. The Jaguars got the ball with a jolt to start the third quarter as a 52 yard kickoff return by Jamaal Agnew had the Jaguars taking over at the Raiders 45. Kirk ran for 12. On 3rd and 1 from the Raiders 19, Etienne gained 5. On 1st and goal at the one, offensive holding moved the Jaguars back to the 11. It didn’t matter. Lawrence hit Kirk for a n easy 7 yard touchdown. Just like that, the Jaguars were back within 20-17. With light rain having come down at halftime, the Raiders were going to have to establish the run.

The Raiders from their 18 went to Jacobs, who banged ahead for gains of 8 and 15. Yet after Zamir White lost a yard, Josh McDaniels abandoned the run. After 4 straight scoring drives, the Raiders punted. A 17 point lead was about to completely evaporate as the Jaguars took over at their own 18. Lawrence hit Farrell for 15. On 3rd and 2 from their own 41, Lawrence hit Jones for 11. Lawrence hit Arnold for 19. On 3rd and 4 from the Raiders 21, Lawrence went to Kirk for 7. The fourth quarter began with the Jaguars facing 3rd and 1 at the Raiders 5. Etienne got the carry and easily got into the end zone. The Jaguars led 24-20. Once again, the Raiders had completely collapsed. Adams had 146 yard receiving by halftime but 0 yards in the third quarter. This time the Raiders still had a whole quarter to recover.

The Raiders held the ball for 5 minutes and moved from their 18 to a 1st and 10 at the Jacksonville 45. At that point the drive died. A good punt by AJ Cole pinned the Jaguars at their own 9 yard line. The Raiders defense got a stop and the offense got the ball back at their own 27 midway through the fourth quarter. Rather than try and establish the run, 3 straight short passes netted 3 total yards. The Raiders punted the ball away again with 6 1/2 minutes left. The Jaguars moved from their own 18 to a 3rd and 1 at the Raiders 23. Etienne got the carry and got stopped. On 4th and 1, Doug Pederson opted for the field goal. Patterson’s 41 yard try doinked off the right upright no good.

There was 3:08 to play. The Raiders were at their own 31. They had ages of time. An 8 yard completion from Carr to Renfrow meant 2nd and 2. There was plenty of time to run the ball and move the chains. Instead a pair of Carr incompletions meant 4th and 2 with 2 1/2 minutes left. From his own 39, Carr threw incomplete. Even if they got the ball back, only 20 seconds would remain. At this point the Raiders needed a miracle. They got one. On 3rd and 7 from the Raiders 36, Etienne gained only 6. Yet instead of the clock ticking down to 20 seconds, offensive holding stopped the clock. It was a gift. After pretending to go for it and failing to draw the defense offside, Doug Pederson opted for the field goal. Patterson hit from 48 to put the Jaguars up by 7, but the Raiders after a touchback had a full minute to work with.

It didn’t matter. A pair of incompletions was followed by Carr getting sacked. The hook and laterals on 4th and 17 failed. For the third time in a single season, the Raiders had blown a lead of at least 17 points. The Jaguars snapped their 5 game losing streak. After a monster first half, Carr was anemic in the second half and Adams was practically shut out. Jacobs was not given enough opportunities. The secondary is still awful. The defense gave up 20 unanswered points. The Raiders are bad and getting worse, with Josh McDaniels being the main problem. 27-20 Jaguars

Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots — This once instant classic was now just an important conference game. After a scoreless first quarter, Nick Folk hit field goals of 43 and 49 in the second quarter to make it 6-0 Patriots. Midway through the second quarter, the Colts punted and the Patriots blocked it to take over at the Indianapolis 2 yard line. Jones hit Ramondre Stevenson for a 3 yard touchdown to make it 13-0 Patriots. Chase McLaughlin missed a 39 yard field goal to end an awful first half for the Colts. A Patriots fumble in the third quarter did lead to McLaughlin hitting from 40, but that was it. Folk hit from 43 in the third quarter and from 28 in the fourth quarter to make it 19-3 Patriots. Neither team reached the end zone due to their offense. Special teams gifted the Patriots their first end zone trip. New England’s defense got the last touchdown with 4 minutes left when Jones returned an interception of Sam Ehlinger 17 yards to the house. Ehlinger was sacked 9 times. In a shocking move, owner Jim Irsay fired Frank Reich the Monday after the game. An even bigger shock: Former Colts center Jeff Saturday, who has never coached a pro or college game, was named interim coach. 26-3 Patriots

Buffalo Bills at New York Jets — A big AFC East matchup saw the 6-1 Bills at the 5-3 Jets. Both teams have good defenses, and they played like it. Josh Allen shook off an early interception as the Bills got it back at their own 33. Allen went to Stefan Diggs for 13. On 3rd and 5 from the Jets 48, Allen hit Singletary for 11. On 3rd and 5 from the Jets 32, Allen gained 7. On 3rd and 10 from the Jets 12, Allen ran for 11. Allen got the last yard to cap the 14 play, 67 yard, 7 1/2 yard drive to make it 7-0 Bills. The Jets moved from their own 16 to a 2nd and 5 at the Buffalo 37. A run went nowhere and a completion on 3rd and 5 gained only 2. Greg Zuerlein hit a 53 yard field goal to get the Jets within 7-3. In the second quarter the Bills took over at their own 7. On 3rd and 3, Allen hit Diggs for 7 and again for gains of 14 and 17. On 3rd and 2 from the Jets 36, Allen got around the end for the first down and the touchdown as the 93 yard drive had the Bills up 14-3.

The Jets soon faced 3rd and 1 from their own 34 and Wilson got the tough yard. Wilson then went to non-relative Wilson for 24. On 3rd and 1 from the Buffalo 32, Robinson got stopped as the clock hit the 2 minute warning. Robert Saleh went for it on 4th and 1 and Wilson hit Uzomah for 5. Carter caught a pass for 10 from Wilson and then ran for the 6 yard touchdown himself. The 13 play, 75 yard 6 minute drive had the Jets within 14-10. On the last play of the half, Tyler Bass came in for a 55 yard field goal try for the Bills. His kick was blocked. The Jets began the third quarter at their own 20 and moved 52 yards in 14 plays and 8 1/2 minutes. On 4th and 1 from his own 48, Robert Saleh gambled on a fake punt. Davis took the snap up the middle and got 2 yards. Yet on 3rd and 6 from the Buffalo 18, Wilson was sacked by Von Miller and fumbled. The Bills recovered at their own 29. Allen was sacked and then on 2nd and 17 was intercepted. Gardner returned the interception 16 yards to the Buffalo 19. On 3rd and 3, Wilson gained 5 and then hit Robinson for a 7 yard touchdown. With 4 minutes left in the third quarter, the Jets led 17-14.

After a touchback, the Bills held the ball for 12 plays and 5 1/2 minutes. Early in the fourth quarter on 2nd and 9 from the Jets 33, Allen threw incomplete twice. Bass nailed a 51 yard field goal for a 17-17 game. Midway through the fourth quarter the Jets were pinned at their own 4 yard line. Robinson ripped off gains of 9, 7 and 16. At the 2 minute warning, the Jets had 1st and goal at the 6. The Bills took their timeouts on defense. On 3rd and goal at the 2, Wilson was sacked. Zuerlein hit the 28 yard field goal to give the Jets the 3 point lead, but the Bills after a touchback still had 1:43 to work with. On 2nd and 2 from his own 33, Allen was sacked and fumbled. The Bills retained possession after a big loss. With 33 seconds left on 4th and 21 from their own 14, Allen went bombs away to Davis. The coverage was good but the ball was perfectly thrown. It went through Davis’s hands incomplete. The Bills are 6-2 while the Jets are 6-3 after the big division win. 20-17 Jets

Minnesota Vikings at Washington Commanders — Kirk Cousins brought a 6-1 team to DC to face off against his old team. The Vikings began facing 3rd and 5 from their own 27. Cousins went to TJ Hockensen for 19. On 3rd and 1 from the Washington 45, Cousins went to Justin Jefferson for 17, 16, and for a 9 yard touchdown. The Vikings led 7-0 off the bat, but after that the Washington defense clamped down. The Commanders had been stifled the entire first half but took over at their own 37 with 2:44 left in the half. With one minute left the Commanders had 1st and 10 at the Minnesota 26. Taylor Heinecke threw 3 straight incompletions. Joey Slye hit the 44 yard field goal. A 45 yard second half kickoff return set up the Commanders at their own 48. Two plays later Heinecke went deep to Samuel for a 49 yard touchdown to make it 10-7 Commanders. Late in the third quarter the Commanders had 3rd and 2 at their own 30. Heinecke went to Samuel for 14. On 3rd and 1 from the Minnesota 47, Rodgers gained 24. On 3rd and 10 from the Minnesota 23, Heinecke was sacked but a defensive facemask meant a 12 yard gain. The fourth quarter began with Heniecke hitting Dax Milne for a 6 yard touchdown to have the Commanders up 17-7 and smelling upset.

A key play in the game came 3 plays later with the Vikings facing 3rd and 11 from their own 24. Cousins was intercepted by Juste, who returned it 38 yards for a defensive touchdown. Yet the 24-7 Commanders romp was not to be as defensive pass interference nullified the interception and gave the Vikings 14 more yards. On 3rd and 7 from his own 41, Cousins went deep to Jefferson for 47. The drive then died. Needing 2 scores, Greg Joseph hit a 25 yard field goal to get the Vikings within 17-10. The Commanders took over at their own 25. On 2nd and 11 from their own 30 midway through the fourth quarter, Heinecke was intercepted by Smith. Smith returned the interception 35 yards to the Washington 12. On 2nd and 10, Cousins went to Dalvin Cook for the touchdown. Just like that, the game was tied 17-17. The Vikings got it back with 6:12 left at their own 46 and bled most of the clock. Cousins went to Hockensen for 10. On 3rd and 1 from the Washington 31, Jefferson gained 10. On 3rd and 4 from the Washington 15, Cousins hit Hockensen for 9. With 1:52 left on 4th and goal at the 4, Joseph hit the 22 yard field goal to give the Vikings the lead. Yet a completely unnecessary roughness penalty on the Commanders on the kick caused Kevin O’Connell to take the points off the board. This let the Vikings take the clock down to 12 seconds. From 28, Joseph was good again. Last week the Commanders overcame a 9 point fourth quarter deficit. This time the Commanders blew a 10 point fourth quarter lead as the Vikings got to 7-1 the hard way. 20-17 Vikings

Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals — The Seahawks came in a surprising 5-3 atop the NFC West after an emotional home win over the Giants. The Seahawks moved from their own 35 to a 2nd and 6 at the Arizona 31. Kenneth Walker got stopped and Geno Smith threw incomplete on 3rd and 6. Jason Myers hit a 49 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Seahawks. The Cardinals soon faced 3rd and 5 from their own 22. Kyler Murray ran for 21 and Zach Ertz for 14. James Conner gained 11. On 3rd and 2 from the Seattle 22, Murray went to Deandre Hopkins for the touchdown to make it 7-3 Cardinals.

The Seahawks soon faced 3rd and 3 from their own 28. Smith hit Fant for 12. On the first play of the second quarter, Smith went to Fant for 18 more. Walker gained 3, 15 and 8. On 3rd and goal at the 4, Smith went to DK Metcalf for the touchdown to make it 10-7 Seahawks. A field position game had the seahawks get it back with excellent position at the Arizona 44. Yet on 4th and 2 from the Arizona 36, Pete Carroll went for it and a completion by Smith lost 4 yards. In the last 3 minutes of the half, the Cardinals moved from their own 3 yard line to a 2nd and 4 at the Seattle 20. Murray threw incomplete twice. With 25 seconds left, Kliff Kingsbury went for it on 4th and 4. Murray gained 9 but fumbled and the Seahawks recovered.

In the third quarter the Seahawks began a drive at their own 40 yard line. One play later, disaster struck as Smith was intercepted by Zaven Collins, who returned the interception 30 yards for a defensive touchdown and a 14-10 Cardinals lead. The Seahawks soon faced 3rd and 3 at their own 32. Smith went to Will Dissly for 5. On 3rd and 12 from their own 35, Smith went to Tyler Lockett for 12 with 15 more tacked on for defensive unnecessary roughness. Smith then went to DIssly for 13. On 3rd and 1 from the Arizona 16, Walker gained 3. On 3rd and 6 from the Arizona 9, Smith hit Lockett for the touchdown. The fourth lead change of the game had the Seahawks up 17-14 late in the third quarter after the 13 play, 75 yard, 6 1/2 minute drive.

The Seahawks got it back at their own 19. Smith hit Parkinson for 10. On 3rd and 1 from their own 42, Walker gained 4. On 3rd and 7 just shy of midfield, Smith ran for gains of 18 and 12. On 3rd and 2 from the Arizona 13, Walker gained 12 and then got the last yard. Midway through the fourth quarter, the Seahawks after the 13 play, 81 yard, 7 minute drive had some breathing room up 24-14. The Cardinals soon faced 3r and 2 at their own 33. Conner gained 5. Murray hit Moore for gains of 6 and 10. On 3rd and 5 from the Seattle 41, Conner gained 14. Murray went to Moore for 11. On 3rd and 2 at the Seattle 8, a fumbled snap out of the shotgun lost yards. Yet the Seattle defense jumped offside for an Arizona first down. Murray hit Ertz for a 6 yard touchdown. The 14 play, 75 yard drive had the Cardinals within 24-21 with 3 1/2 minutes left in regulation. The Seahawk took over at their own 15 and a short pass from Smith to Fant went for 51 yards. Walker did the rest, running for 8, 4, 12 and the 5 yard touchdown with 2:14 to play to ice the game. The 6-3 Seahawks have Pete Carroll getting younger by the week. 31-21 Seahawks

Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Two years ago the Buccaneers won it all. Last year the Rams beat the Buccaneers in a playoff thriller en route to winning it all. This was supposed to be an epic matchup but instead became a battle of two sub-500 teams that can’t get their offenses on track. Tom Brady and Matthew Stafford could not get a shootout going, so the teams played a defensive slugfest. The Buccaneers early on had great field position at their own 44. They moved to a 3rd and 2 at the Rams 3. Leonard fournette got the carry and gained only one yard. Todd Bowles was not in a gambling mood. Ryan Succop hit the 20 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Buccaneers after the 12 play, 54 yard, 6 1/2 minute drive.

Late in the first quarter the Rams took over at their own 9 yard line. They began the second quarter facing 3rd and 3 at their own 27. Stafford hit Allen Robinson for 5. The Rams offense had been bottled up most of the game, but one big play changed things. On 2nd and 11 from their own 31, Stafford found Cooper Kupp, who split the seams for a 69 yard touchdown to make it 7-3 Rams. With 3 minutes left in the half, Succop came in for a 52 yard field goal try. His kick was blocked. Yet the Rams went 3 and out to give the Buccaneers the ball back at their own 10 with 2 minutes left. Defensive pass interference added 32 yards. Succop hit from 38 to get the Buccaneers within 7-6.

In the third quarter the Rams took over at their own 25 and moved 67 yards in 11 plays and nearly 5 minutes. Yet on 2nd and 7 from the Tampa 8, Stafford threw incomplete twice. Matt Gay hit from 26 to make it 10-6 Rams. With 4 minutes left in the third quarter of a defensive boneblack, Todd Bowles gambled on 4th and 2 from the Rams 45. Brady was sacked. The Rams took over at the Tampa 47. Stafford hit Kupp for 34. Yet on 1st and goal at the 10, a run went nowhere and Stafford was sacked. Again the red zone proved frustrating. Gay hit from 35 as the Rams led 13-6 after three quarters. In the fourth quarter the Buccaneers moved from their own 38 to a 1st and 10 at the Rams 37. Brady threw incomplete twice and 3rd and 10 a completion to Otton for 9 was wiped out by offensive holding. A 3rd and 20 completion gained 15. Succop hit from 50 to get the Buccaneers within 13-9 midway through the fourth quarter.

Sean McVay is an offensive wizard, but in a game where his defense was playing lights out, he took this game back to the stone age and simply tried to run out the clock. The Rams went 3 and out and the Buccaneers took over at their own 41. McVay’s strategy appeared to backfire when the Buccaneers moved to a 2nd and goal at the 6 with 2:06 to play. Brady went to the back of the end zone and a perfectly thrown ball was dropped. Another incompletion meant 4th and goal at the 6 with 1:57 left. Brady threw incomplete and the Rams celebrated. Yet the game was not over. The Buccaneers took their timeouts on defense and McVay again ran it 3 straight times. On 3rd and 5, Henderson gained only one yard. The Buccaneers got the ball back at their own 40 with 44 seconds left.

Brady immediately went to Cade Otton over the middle for 28 yards. Brady went to Miller for 14 and again for 7. Brady threw incomplete, but defensive pass interference meant 1st and goal at the one with 16 seconds left. The Rms defense had bent all game, and with little help from their offense, finally broke. Brady hit Otton for the touchdown with 9 seconds left. Late in the game, Brady became the first ever NFL quarterback to have over 100,000 yards passing. This total includes the regular season and the postseason. Drew Brees is a distant second place with a little over 85,000 passing yards. Both of these teams have plenty to fix on offense, but on this day, Brady did it again. 16-13 Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans at Kansas City Chiefs was the Sunday night game. The Chiefs win with Walrus Andy Reid’s glamorous offense. The Titans win with hard running from Derrick Henry and Mike Vrabel’s brutal defense. The Chiefs took over at their own 26 and moved to a 1st and goal at the 8. Yet an incompletion allowed by offensive holding killed the drive. The 15 play, 69 yard, over 8 minute drive culminated with a 23 yard Harrison Butker field goal to make it 3-0 Chiefs. The Titans took over at their own 18. On their first play from scrimmage, Malik Willis hit Okonkwo for a 48 yard gain. Yet from the Chiefs 34, a false start pushed the Titans out of field goal range. The Chiefs got it back at their own 21. Patrick Mahomes went to Travis Kelce for 23. On 3rd and 7 from their own 47, Mahomes went to Watson for 31. Mahomes hit Toney for 10 and Juju Smith-Schuster for 9. The second quarter began with the Chiefs facing 3rd and 5 from the Tennessee 7 after a false start. Mahomes went to Mecole Hardman for the touchdown. The extra point was no good but the Chiefs led 9-0.

The Titans took over at their own 26. Willis went to Austin Hooper for 16. Willis ran for 17. Derrick Henry gained 24. On 3rd and 5 from the Chiefs 8, Willis threw incomplete but the defense jumped offside. On 3rd and 1 from the Chiefs 4, Henry got in for the touchdown to get the Titans within 9-7. The Titans got it back at their own 21. Henry broke free for a 56 yard gain. Willis hit Hooper for 18. Henry ran for a one yard touchdown to put the Titans up 14-9. With 1:52 left in the half, the Chiefs were pinned at their own 2 yard line. They moved to a 3rd and 1 at midfield with 34 seconds left. Mahomes was sacked. A third quarter interception of Mahomes gave the Titans a short field at the chiefs 34. Yet on 3rd and 5, Willis only gained 3. Randy Bullock hit a 44 yard field goal to make it 17-9 Titans. The Chiefs moved from their own 16 to a 2nd and 8 at the Tennessee 29. Mahomes threw incomplete twice. Butker’s 47 yard field goal try was just wide no good. After three quarters, Mahoems had thrown 40 passes, completing 27 of them. Willis had thrown only 8 passes, completing 4 of them. Yet the Titans led.

As Mahomes has shown so many times in his short career, you can only contain him for so long. With 10 minutes left in regulation the Chiefs were pinned at their own 7. Mahomes hit Smith-Schuster for 12, Hardman for 6, and Gray for 13. On 3rd and 17 from from his own 31, Mahomes was flushed out and scrambled for a 20 yard gain. Mahoems then went to Marques Valdez-Scantling for 12, Smith-Schuster for 11, and McKinnon for 11. On 3rd and 9 from the Tennessee 14, Mahomes scrambled all the way for the touchdown. The 2 point conversion try featured plenty of drama. Mahomes threw incomplete, but penalties on both teams meant a redo. Mahomes threw incomplete again, but this time a defensive holding penalty meant a 3rd try from the one. Mahomes scrambled around and got to the corner himself for the successful conversion. The 13 play, 93 yard, 7 minute drive tied the game 17-17 with 3 minutes left in regulation.

The Titans went 3 and out and the Chiefs got it back with 1:47 left at their own 36. On 3rd and 1 from their own 45, Burton got stopped cold. Mike Vrabel called a timeout on defense, and it almost came back to bite him. Walrus Andy Reid gambled on 4th and 1. Clyde Edwards-Helaire got a very tough 2 yards. Yet on 1st and 10 from their own 47, Mahomes threw 3 straight incompletions. The Titans got it back at their own 30 with 35 seconds left. Willis then threw 3 straight incompletions as well. A rocket punt was nearly blocked. Hardman returned it 22 years. The Chiefs had it at their own 40 but only 5 seconds remained. A quick pass over the middle was dropped incomplete, leaving 3 seconds. Mahomes went to Hardman for a 33 yard gain but the clock ran out. This fine, fine football game was headed to overtime.

The Chiefs won the coin toss. On 2nd and 11 from their own 24, Mahomes went to Kelce for 18. On 3rd and 1 just just shy of midfield, Mahomes rolled out to his right, and with a man of his face, threw a desperation pass to Noah Gray. Gray made a juggling catch for a 27 yard gain. On 3rd and 1 from the Tennessee 13, Mahomes threw incomplete. A field goal would not end the game. Andy Reid decided to go for it. Mahomes hit Smith-Schuster for a 2 yard gain. Yet 3 straight incompletions meant a field goal try. From 28 yards out Butker was good. The 13 play, 64 yard drive took 6 minutes, but the Titans would get a chance with the ball and a full 4 minutes to work with. Yet consecutive sacks of Willis had the Titans down to one last gasp facing 4th and 26 from their own 9 yard line. Willis threw incomplete. A playoff rematch would be much anticipated. 20-17 Chiefs, OT

Baltimore Ravens at New Orleans Saints was the Monday night game. In the first quarter the Ravens took over at their own 24. On 3rd and 1 from their own 33, Picard gained 2. Lamar Jackson went deep to non-relative Jackson for 16. On 3rd and 8 from the Saints 47, Jackson hit Proche for 10. On 3rd and 1 from the Saints 28, Jackson ran for 4, Jackson then went to Isaiah Likely for a 24 yard touchdown to cap the 11 play, 76 yard, 7 minute drive and make it 7-0 Ravens. In the second quarter the Ravens faced 3rd and 8 at their own 21. Jackson went to Oliver for 19. On 3rd and 2 from his own 48, Jackson ran for 16 and hit Proche for 12. Jackson went to Kenyan Drake for 11 down to the one. Drake got in to finish the 12 play, 81 yard, 7 minute drive and make it 14-0 Ravens at the 2 minute warning. after that the field goal kickers took over. Wil Lutz hit from 33 to get the Saints on the board. After a third quarter touchback, the Ravens moved to a 3rd and 8 at the Saints 14. Jackson threw incomplete. Justin Tucker hit from 32 to make it 17-3 Ravens. After a touchback, the Saints moved 56 yards in 12 plays and 7 minutes. Yet on 3rd and 4 from the Baltimore 10, Dalton was sacked. Lutz hit from 37 to get the Saints within 17-6. Tucker hit from 41 in the fourth quarter to make it 20-6 Ravens. After a touchback, Dalton was immediately intercepted. The Ravens took over at the Saints 17. Drake ran for 9, 5, and then the 3 yard touchdown to make it 27-6 Ravens. The Saints managed one late touchdown but got no closer. 27-13 Ravens

NFL 2022 Week 9 Prequel

Thursday, November 3, 2022, 8pm

Philadelphia Eagles (-13) (at) Houston Texans — The best team in the league takes on the worst team in the league. The spread is still too high for a road team on prime time. The Texans have been competitive. They played Tennessee tough last week. Jalen Hurts is playing great, and is far superior to Davis Mills. Yet Mills is competent enough and the defense is stingy enough to prevent a total blowout. Eagles win but fail to cover

Sunday, November 6, 1pm

Los Angeles Chargers (-3) at Atlanta Falcons — Why are the Chargers favored? Every year they look good on paper. Every year they underachieve. The Falcons are overachieving. Marcus Mariota is playing well. Yes, Justin Herbert is great. He lacks a good arch leading him. This could be as crazy as Atlanta’s win last week. Upset special, Falcons win outright

Miami Dolphins at Chicago Bears (-4 1/2) — This is not 1985. Justin Fields has not proven himself yet. Tua Tagovailoa has. The Dolphins have the better defense. They will force turnovers. Upset special, Dolphins win outright

Carolina Panthers at Cincinnati Bengals (-8) — The Panthers have gotten much better in the two weeks since steve Wilks took over. Yet the Bengals are at home looking to rebound after a humiliating prime time road loss at Cleveland. PJ Walker is no Joe Burrow, but he is competent. A garbage touchdown is highly possible. Bengals win but fail to cover

Green Bay Packers (-3) at Detroit Lions — The Packers have lost four straight, but the Lions cannot stop anyone. The Lions put up a bunch of points and then the defense melts down. If it comes down to a Hail Mary, trust Rodgers. Lions fans are still scarred from that one. A Detroit win here could finish off Green Bay, but until the Lions beat the Packers, they do not get the benefit of the doubt. Packers cover

Las Vegas Raiders (-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars — Both teams are awful with only two wins on the season. The Jaguars are well-coached by Doug Pederson and will improve. Josh McDaniels refuses to use Josh Jacobs when it matters. If the Raiders unleash Jacobs, they win. If McDaniels gets in his own way, the Raiders lose. The Raiders secondary is still awful. McDaniels may let Jacobs run wild so McDaniels can save his own job. This is the very last time to give the Raiders the benefit of the doubt. Raiders cover

Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots (-5 1/2) — The Colts blew a 9 point fourth quarter lead last week to lose in the final seconds. The Patriots gutted out a win at the Jets. Trust Mac Jones and Raimondre Stevenson over sam Ehlinger until Ehlinger gets more seasoning. Jonathan Taylor has not gotten going this year after a brilliant 2021. Patriots win but fail to cover

Buffalo Bills (-13) at New York Jets — The Jets are not as good as the hype, but they do not belong on the scrap heap either. They are improved, just not at the elite level Buffalo is at. Both teams have a good defense. Josh Allen is far better than Zach Wilson. The spread is too high given the Jets defense. Bills win but fail to cover

Minnesota Vikings (-3 1/2) at Washington Commanders — Kirk Cousins gets a chance to beat his old team. The Commanders showed guts and heart under Taylor Heinecke by overcoming a 9 point fourth quarter deficit last week. Yet the Vikings are 6-1 for a reason. Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen are a great receiving tandem, and Dalvin Cook is running hard. Pick your poison. This will not be a blowout, but the Vikings have the talent win by at least four points. Vikings cover

4pm

Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals (-2) — The Seahawks shockingly lead tDe NFC West at 5-3 and got a huge emotional home win over the Giants. The Cardinals are improved with Deandre Hopkins back. Kyler Murray can scramble and gene Smith has been far more competent than effective. Pete Carroll is a better coach than Kliff Kingsbury. A letdown is certainly possible, but Carroll knows how to keep his players focused. Upset special, Seahawks win outright

Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3) — The Rams blew a 27-3 lead before winning a dramatic playoff game 30-27 at Tampa last year on the final play. Both teams have regressed. The Buccaneers are 3-5, and the Rams just got humiliated at home again, this time by rival San Francisco. The Rams still have more healthy playmakers. Brady will be burning for revenge. This is the very last time this year to give Brady the benefit of the doubt. He has been so good for so long that it is hard to believe he has a bad team. Buccaneers cover

8pm

Tennessee Titans at Kansas City Chiefs (-11) — The Chiefs have an explosive offense that is back in gear after some early struggles. The Titans win ugly with smash mouth and defense. Walrus Andy Reid wants to out-scheme you on offense. Mike Vrabel wants to punch you in the mouth on defense. If the Chiefs get rolling early, it will be tough to establish Derrick Henry. Ryan Tannehill cannot go toe to toe with Patrick Mahomes. A blowout is possible, but if the Titans can handle the early emotions of the home crowd, they can make the game competitive enough. Chiefs win but fail to cover

Monday, November 7, 8pm

Baltimore Ravens (-3) at New Orleans Saints — The Saints have a very good defense that has frustrated everyone from Derek Carr to Tom Brady. Yet even with Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill, the offense does not do that much. Lamar Jackson is ridiculous. If any team can contain him, Dennis Allen’s defense has a shot. The Ravens have blown several double digit fourth quarter leads this year. Yet the team seems to has gelled. The Saints pitched a shutout last week, but John Harbaugh will commit to the run. Ravens cover