The NFL Thread

[BouncerGuy]

Goff breaks NFL record as Lions beat Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks were beaten for the first time this season as Jared Goff starred in a 42-29 victory for the Detroit Lions.

Goff completed all 18 of his pass attempts, the most in an NFL game without an incompletion, including two for touchdowns.

The quarterback also scored his first career receiving touchdown.

"It's good when the ball doesn't hit the ground," Goff told ESPN.

"I wasn't sure [of the record during the game]. I was trying to remember if I had any incomplete passes. I couldn't quite tell, but I knew I had a chance."

The result leaves both teams on 3-1 for the season.

For the Seahawks, Geno Smith had 395 passing yards and 38 completions from 56 attempts - all career highs - with one touchdown pass and one interception.

The Lions, playing at home at Ford Field, led 21-7 at half-time thanks to two scores from Jahmyr Gibbs and one from David Montgomery.

The Seahawks rallied to move within one score of Detroit, but Goff found Jameson Williams for a 70-yard touchdown to make it 35-20 going into the final quarter.

Kenneth Walker III went for a 21-yard touchdown run to reduce the deficit early in the fourth quarter, but Goff picked out Amon-Ra St. Brown in the end zone to seal the victory.

Earlier, it was St. Brown who passed to Goff on a trick play for the quarterback's own touchdown.

The Lions remain second in the NFC North behind the undefeated Minnesota Vikings. Despite the defeat, the Seahawks still top the NFC West.

The Vikings and Super Bowl champions the Kansas City Chiefs are the only teams in the NFL with a perfect 4-0 record.

In Monday's other game, the Tennessee Titans beat the Miami Dolphins 31-12 for their first win of the season.

Nick Folk kicked five field goals while Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears rushed for touchdowns at Hard Rock Stadium.

Titans quarterback Will Levis was replaced by Mason Rudolph in the first quarter after landing heavily on his shoulder and did not return.

Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley, deputising for the injured Tua Tagovailoa, went on a one-yard scoring run late in the game to end the Dolphins' run of 10 straight quarters without a touchdown.

The Titans stay third in AFC South ahead of the winless Jacksonville Jaguars. The Dolphins are bottom of AFC East on 1-3.

BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

NFL suspends Bills linebacker Miller for four games

Two-time Super Bowl champion Von Miller has received a four-game suspension without pay for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.

It comes after the Buffalo Bills linebacker turned himself into police in Dallas on 30 November 2023 after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Police accused Miller of assaulting his pregnant girlfriend.

No charges were filed against Miller and the 35-year-old has always maintained his innocence, saying the allegations were "100% false".

The eight-time Pro Bowler was allowed to play while an investigation was conducted.

During the Bills' training camp in July he told reporters, external that he considered the case closed.

Miller has appeared in all four Bills games this season and has recorded three sacks.

He will be eligible to return on 28 October following the Bills' week eight game against the Seattle Seahawks.


BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Vikings hold on to deny Rodgers & Jets comeback London win

The Minnesota Vikings held on to claim a 23-17 win in London and deny Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets a thrilling comeback victory.

The Vikings came into the game as one of just two unbeaten NFL teams - along with last season's Super Bowl winners the Kansas City Chiefs.

And they gave Rodgers, the Jets' legendary quarterback, a torrid time as they charged into a 17-0 lead in front of 61,139 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Jets gave themselves hope right before half-time, before Rodgers threatened to lead the Jets back as the rain began to fall in north London.

The NFL's four-time Most Valuable Player found Garrett Wilson for a touchdown to cut the score to 20-17 with six minutes left.

Minnesota added a field goal, giving the Jets just over three minutes to march up the field and claim a game-winning touchdown.

But with 49 seconds remaining and the Jets edging towards Minnesota's endzone, Rodgers was intercepted for the third time in the game, allowing the Vikings to improve their record to 5-0 while the Jets dropped to 2-3.

NFL London: Minnesota Vikings hold on for 23-17 win over Aaron Rodgers' New York Jets

The Minnesota Vikings hold on to claim a 23-17 win in London and deny Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets a comeback victory.

www.bbc.com

 

[JaDed]

Anyone into college football? Remarkable thing happened over the weekend, Top 5 college teams lost lol.

Texas A&M beat Missouri lol

 

[BouncerGuy]

Chiefs beat Saints to continue unbeaten NFL start

The Kansas City Chiefs maintained their winning start to the NFL season with a 26-13 home victory against the New Orleans Saints.

The Chiefs and the Minnesota Vikings are the only two sides with 5-0 records.

Kareem Hunt's five-yard rushing touchdown helped the reigning champions into a 10-0 lead and the boot of Harrison Butker, who kicked four field goals in the game, always kept them in front on the scoreboard.

Rashid Shaheed caught a 43-yard touchdown pass from Derek Carr, who also found Foster Moreau from six yards in the fourth quarter to reduce the Saints' deficit to three points.

However, Xavier Worthy's three-yard run into the end zone ensured they fell to a third defeat in five outings this season.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes did not throw a touchdown pass but completed 28 of his 39 attempts for 331 yards.

The Chiefs have a bye week before travelling to face the San Francisco 49ers on 20 October in a rematch of Super Bowl 58 in February, which they won in overtime.

BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Williams stars as Bears maul Jaguars in London

Chicago's rookie quarterback Caleb Williams put on a show in London as he led the Bears to a 35-16 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

Williams was the number one pick in this year's draft and crossed the Atlantic for the second of the season's London games - and just the sixth appearance of what promises to be a glittering NFL career.

A crowd of 61,182 flocked to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to see Williams go head-to-head with Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the number one pick of the 2021 draft.

And it was the 22-year-old Williams who came out on top, throwing four touchdown passes as the Bears tore to a third straight win, improving their overall record to 4-2.

Williams threw two touchdown passes to tight end Cole Kmet to give the Bears a 14-3 lead at half-time.

Then he threw two more on Chicago's first two possessions of the second half - both to Keenan Allen.

Lawrence, 25, replied by making two touchdown passes to Gabe Davis but the Jaguars never looked like mounting a fightback as they slipped to 1-5 for the season.

Williams, though, ended the day with some impressive figures. He made 23 of his 29 passes for a completion rate of 79.3% and 226 passing yards, plus added 56 rushing yards off just four carries.


BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Jackson shines and Detroit dominate Dallas

It was a Sunday of high scoring in week six of the NFL as Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson beat out Washington Commanders' young pretender Jayden Daniels in the feature game of the day.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hung 51 points on the New Orleans Saints and the Detroit Lions stuck 47 on a demoralised Dallas Cowboys outfit who got humiliated at home yet again.

CJ Stroud's Houston Texans are rolling along at 5-1 after a third straight win, while Jordan Love's Green Bay Packers are also warming up nicely on both sides of the ball.

The Atlanta Falcons moved to 4-2 alongside the Pittsburgh Steelers as both took advantage of playing the struggling Carolina Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders respectively.

NFL results & week six recap: Lamar Jackson beats Jayden Daniels and Detroit Lions dominate Dallas Cowboys

Lamar Jackson wins his match-up with Jayden Daniels, the Detroit Lions dominate the Dallas Cowboys, and the Buccaneers score 51 points in New Orleans.

www.bbc.com

 

[BouncerGuy]

Jets slump to third successive loss against Bills

The Buffalo Bills piled further misery on the New York Jets with a 23-20 victory at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The Jets were playing for the first time since head coach Robert Saleh was dismissed, but interim coach Jeff Ulbrich was unable to steady the ship.

Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen threw for two touchdowns and ran another to help his side to victory after two successive defeats.

"We found a way to win," Allen told ESPN.

"We got sloppy in the second half, we've got to find a way to put more points on the board, but it was a team victory."

Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for 294 yards, with two touchdowns and an interception in a back-and-forth encounter.

Rodgers' efforts helped New York to a 10-7 lead after the first quarter but they trailed 20-17 at half-time, despite a stunning Hail Mary pass from the four-time NFL Most Valuable Player, which was claimed by Allen Lazard.

Greg Zuerlein kicked the Jets level in the third quarter, but Tyler Bass registered a field goal of his own with three minutes and 43 seconds remaining to deliver victory.

It is a third straight defeat for the Jets, who fall to third in the AFC East on 2-4, behind the Miami Dolphins and the Bills, who lead the division on 4-2.

BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Brady gets approval to buy Las Vegas Raiders stake

Seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady said he was "incredibly humbled and excited" that the NFL's team owners had approved his investment in the Las Vegas Raiders.

The former quarterback, who retired for the second time in February 2023 after 23 seasons in the NFL, will take a 5% stake in the Raiders.

"Throughout my NFL career, I've learned that at its core, football is a game of teamwork, resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence," Brady wrote in a statement.

"The Raiders franchise and the city of Las Vegas embody these same values, and I'm honoured to become part of that story."

Brady became a minority owner of English football club Birmingham City last year and is also part of the ownership group of the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces.

He needed 24 votes to get the go-ahead to buy into the Raiders, but NFL owners gave him a unanimous 32-0 approval at a meeting in Atlanta.

"I'm excited to contribute to the organisation in any way I can, honouring the Raiders' rich tradition while finding every possible opportunity to improve our offering to fans," added Brady.

"And most importantly, WIN football games."

Brady also works as a broadcaster on Fox's NFL coverage, and had restrictions placed on him in terms of access as his deal to buy into the Raiders went through - these will reportedly continue., external

The 47-year-old cannot attend in-person or online broadcast production meetings and is not allowed access to players, coaches or team facilities.

Brady can broadcast on games involving the Raiders but must follow NFL rules which ban criticism of other teams or officials.

"It's great that Tom Brady wants to invest in the NFL," said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

"He cares deeply about this game, he believes in its future, and I think that's just a signal about it."

BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

Saints hammered by Broncos for fifth straight loss

Javonte Williams rushed for two touchdowns as the Denver Broncos inflicted a fifth successive defeat on the New Orleans Saints.

Wil Lutz also kicked four field goals as the Broncos claimed a 33-10 away win - their fourth victory in their past five games.

It marked a successful return to Louisiana for Broncos coach Sean Payton, who spent 15 years in charge of the Saints and led them to their only Super Bowl title, in 2009, and nine play-off appearances.

It is a third defeat in 11 days for the Saints, whose season has gone awry after winning their opening two matches.

It was a day for reminding Saints fans of better times gone by, as Super Bowl-winning quarterback Drew Brees was honoured at half-time following his introduction to the Saints Hall of Fame on Thursday.

By that point, the Saints were already trailing 16-3 and never looked like recovering in the final two quarters, with the Broncos having led throughout the match.

On the Broncos' second possession, Lutz kicked a 46-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead. The Saints then fumbled the ball straight back to Denver, and Lutz kicked another three points, from 32 yards.

The Broncos then marched 86 yards in eight plays, and Williams ran in his first touchdown for a 13-0 lead midway through the second quarter, with both sides exchanging field goals before the break.

On the Broncos' first possession of the second half, Lutz kicked a 38-yard field goal before Williams' five-yard touchdown run increased the lead to 26-3 at the end of the third quarter.

Cody Barton returned Spencer Rattler's fumble 52 yards for a touchdown to complete the Broncos' scoring, with a touchdown from Cedrick Wilson Jr in the final minutes providing scant consolation for Saints.

BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Jaguars fight back to beat Patriots at Wembley

The Jacksonville Jaguars came from behind to ease the pressure on under-fire coach Doug Pederson with a 32-16 win over the New England Patriots in London.

The Jaguars came into the game at Wembley with a 1-5 record after suffering a dismal defeat across town at Tottenham last Sunday.

The Patriots were also 1-5 and a record London crowd of 86,651 watched the six-time Super Bowl winners race into a 10-0 lead in the last of this season's three NFL games in the UK.

But quarterback Trevor Lawrence led the Jags to a morale-boosting fightback, with touchdowns by Brian Thomas Jr and Tank Bigsby putting them in front.

Parker Washington then scored a stunning 96-yard punt return less than two minutes before half-time and the Jags added a two-point conversion to give themselves a 22-10 lead.

The Patriots are in the midst of a major rebuild after legendary coach Bill Belichick left at the end of last season, and scored their second touchdown in the fourth quarter.

But Bigsby ran in his second score at the death to ensure the Jags will return to the US in high spirits, with both Pederson and Lawrence saying they "needed to win".

"We needed to know what winning felt like again," said coach Pederson.

"We've worked hard these last 10 days and it's a nice way to finish this trip. Now we've got to carry this back and do it again."


BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

Jackson guides Ravens to fifth consecutive win

The Baltimore Ravens fought back from an early deficit to ease to their fifth successive victory with a 41-31 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Two-time Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson threw for 281 yards and five touchdowns as he enhanced his bid to retain that title this season.

The Bucs took an early 10-0 lead but the Ravens replied with 34 unanswered points, with 17 in both the second and third quarters.

The pick of Jackson's passes came when he found Rashod Bateman with a 49-yard throw in the third quarter, while Justice Hill, Mark Andrews and Derrick Henry also scored touchdowns.

Running back Henry rushed for 169 yards - the fourth time in the past five matches he has surpassed the 100-yard mark.

The win takes the Ravens to the top of the AFC North while the Bucs did not lose any ground in the NFC South because of the Atlanta Falcons' defeat to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Broncos wide receiver Reynolds victim of shooting

Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds was the victim of a shooting last week.

The 29-year-old was taken to hospital in the early hours of the morning on 18 October for minor injuries following the incident and then later released.

Reynolds was reportedly, external shot once in the left arm and once in the back of the head.

Denver Police confirmed two men were arrested shortly after the shooting and are being held under investigation for attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault.

Josh Reynolds: Denver Broncos confirm wide receiver was victim of shooting

Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds was the victim of a shooting a week ago, the NFL team confirm.

www.bbc.com

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Daniels' Hail Mary heroics, Browns stun Ravens & Chiefs stay perfect

The NFL served up a sensational Sunday in week eight with one of the biggest shocks of the season, some big scoring and a host of dramatic late finishes.

A change in quarterback helped the lowly Cleveland Browns stun the red-hot Baltimore Ravens, while the Arizona Cardinals and the Green Bay Packers both won with the last kick of their games.

Jayden Daniels stole the show against fellow rookie Caleb Williams with a stunning last-gasp "once in a lifetime" Hail Mary as the Washington Commanders defeated the Chicago Bears.

The Detroit Lions hit a half century, the Kansas City Chiefs remained unbeaten and the San Francisco 49ers piled more pressure on old rivals the Dallas Cowboys.

The Baltimore Ravens were huge favourites against the Browns in Cleveland - but new quarterback Jameis Winston inspired them to a huge 29-24 upset victory with a touchdown pass to Cedric Tillman just 59 seconds from the end.

The Browns, who improved to two wins and six defeats, have a quality defence, but $230m quarterback Deshaun Watson had led an anaemic offence that failed to score more than 18 points or get 300 yards of offence in a game all season.

After Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury last week, Winston managed to eclipse both those marks, passing for 334 yards and three touchdowns in his first NFL start since September 2022.

When Watson was injured last year, veteran Joe Flacco came off the couch and out of semi-retirement to lead the team to the play-offs. At 2-6 it is a long shot Winston can do the same but he has at least brought the team to life.

"You can look at the Browns’ record and say that’s a sorry team, but this is the NFL," said an upset Jackson after the Ravens slipped to 5-3.

NFL Results & Week 8 recap: Jayden Daniels' Hail Mary, Browns upset Ravens & Chiefs still unbeaten

Jayden Daniels' dramatic Hail Mary helps Washington sink Chicago, while the Cleveland Browns cause a huge upset but nobody seems able to beat Kansas City.

www.bbc.com

 

[BouncerGuy]

Austin stars as Steelers overcome Giants

The Pittsburgh Steelers made it three wins in a row after Calvin Austin III scored two touchdowns in a 26-18 win against the New York Giants on Monday.

The 25-year-old wide receiver scored the Steelers' first punt return touchdown in nearly five years during the third quarter.

The victory was tied up in the fourth quarter when quarterback Russell Wilson found Austin with his signature 'moon ball' throw.

"I try to give the guys a chance," Wilson said.

"They always do a good job of making me look halfway decent, and they have great plays.

"I've been definitely throwing it up to the moon for a long time, and let it come down and let them have a chance to make a great play."

With the scores locked at 9-9 at half-time, the Steelers went into the final quarter with a 16-9 lead.

Rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr got the Giants back in it with a 45-yard touchdown, but Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr sealed the win by intercepting on the Giants' final drive.

The win takes the Steelers to the top of the AFC North table, while the Giants are rooted to the bottom of the NFC East.

BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

Wilson acrobatics inspire Jets to comeback win

Garrett Wilson made two spectacular touchdown catches as the New York Jets ended their five-game losing run with a 21-13 comeback win over the Houston Texans.

Star quarterback Aaron Rodgers was also influential, completing 22 of 32 passes for 211 yards and three touchdown passes as the Jets won for the first time since September.

It was also the Jets' first victory under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, and moves them up to second in the AFC East.

The highlight was two acrobatic one-handed catches by Wilson in the third and fourth quarters.

His first take early in the third quarter levelled the scores. The second was even more impressive, Wilson leaping split-legged to meet Rodgers' 26-yard pass at the back of the end zone.

It was originally ruled an incomplete pass because Wilson did not get both feet down in the end zone, but the decision was reversed after a video review.

New York had trailed 7-0 at half-time following a sluggish opening. Rodgers completed just seven of 14 passing attempts for 32 yards - a first-half career low.

Rookie receiver Malachi Corley also had a touchdown ruled out after a video review showed his premature celebration caused him to drop the ball before the goal line.

Joe Mixon scored the only touchdown in reply for the Texans, who stay top of the AFC South despite a third defeat of the season.

BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

McAtamney makes Giants NFL debut after GAA switch

Former Derry Under-20 GAA player Jude McAtamney made his NFL debut for the New York Giants in their 27-22 loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday.

The 24-year-old from Swatragh was successful on both of his kick attempts, coming into the game for the first time with 12 minutes and 26 seconds remaining in the second quarter to add the extra point following Daniel Jones' touchdown throw to Chris Manhertz.

He would later strike a 31-yard field goal in the third quarter but, playing from behind, the 2-7 Giants would go for two-point conversions rather than attempt a kick after their next two touchdowns, failing to get into the end zone both times.

Prior to Sunday, McAtamney had spent the season on the Giants' practice squad, utilising the extra spot created by the International Player Pathway [IPP], but was elevated to the active roster for the week nine clash after previous kicker Greg Joseph was ruled out with an abdomen injury.

McAtamney is the first Irish-born placekicker to feature in a regular season NFL game since Dubliner Neil O'Donoghue represented the St Louis Cardinals during the 1985 season.

Dan Whelan, born in County Wicklow, has been the starting punter for the Green Bay Packers since the beginning of last season.

New York Giants: Former Derry Under-20s player Jude McAtamney makes his NFL debut for New York Giants

Former Derry Under-20 GAA player Jude McAtamney is making his NFL debut for the New York Giants against the Washington Commanders on Sunday.

www.bbc.com

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Russian drone attack on Kyiv damages buildings, power lines, Ukraine says

A Russian air attack on Kyiv damaged buildings, roads and several power lines in the city, the capital's military administration said early on Sunday, after the military said air defences were trying to repel a drone attack.

There were no injuries in the attack, which came in waves and approached the city from different directions, Serhiy Popko, the head of the Kyiv military administration, said on the Telegram messaging app.

Popko said there was no fire, amending the administration's earlier account that emergency crews had been dispatched to the site of a fire in the Shevchenkivskyi district that it said had been caused by the attack.

It was Russia's second drone attack on Kyiv in as many nights. According to preliminary information, all of the attack drones were destroyed, Popko added. It was not immediately clear how many drones were launched at Kyiv.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-drone-attack-kyiv-damages-buildings-power-lines-ukraine-says-2024-11-03/

 

[BouncerGuy]

Mahomes shrugs off injury as Chiefs win again

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes shook off a late injury scare as his side won 30-24 in overtime against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to continue their unbeaten start to the season.

Mahomes threw for 291 yards and three touchdowns without an interception while running back Kareem Hunt claimed a two-yard game-winning touchdown to take the Chiefs, playing at home, to 8-0.

Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl winner, had rolled his ankle in a win over the Las Vegas Raiders last week and was left limping again after escaping pressure to send a touchdown pass to Samaje Perine that pulled the Chiefs level at 17-17 early in the fourth quarter.

The 29-year-old needed help to get to the sideline, but after treatment he returned to hit DeAndre Hopkins with a five-yard touchdown pass that put the reigning Super Bowl champions 24-17 up with four minutes and 17 seconds remaining.

Tampa Bay responded when quarterback Baker Mayfield controlled the game, leading to a touchdown from Ryan Miller and when the Bucs opted not to go for a two-point conversion and the lead, the extra-point kick tied it at 24-24.

Kansas City's final drive in regulation failed to yield anything, but they got the ball to start overtime with Mahomes guiding them to the game-winning score as the Bucs suffered a fourth defeat in their past five games.

Mahomes downplayed his ankle injury after the game, saying he expected to be ready when the Chiefs host the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

"You always fear the worst," he said. "But as I got some time it started feeling better. We've got a short week, but we'll rehab it up and I'll be ready to go next week."

BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

Jackson leads Ravens to comeback win over Bengals

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson took control late on as his team fought back from a 14-point deficit to beat the Cincinnati Bengals 35-34 in Maryland.

The Ravens trailed 21-7 in the third quarter, but Jackson threw three touchdown passes in the fourth to lead them to victory - including a game-winning five-yard pass to wide receiver Rashod Bateman with just under two minutes remaining.

Jackson, the NFL's reigning Most Valuable Player, struggled in the first half as the Bengals limited him to just 71 yards and one touchdown.

But the 27-year-old found his rhythm after the half-time break, adding 219 yards and three touchdowns.

The Bengals had a chance to win the game in the final moments after receiver Ja'Marr Chase reduced the deficit to one-point with a five-yard touchdown.

But quarterback Joe Burrow failed to find Tanner Hudson with his pass on a two-point conversion with 38 seconds left, allowing the Ravens to see out the game.

The Ravens' 28 second-half points were the most scored by any team after the half-time break so far this season. They move to a 7-3 record while the Bengals are now 4-6.

BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

Dolphins end losing run with win over Rams

The Miami Dolphins ended a three-game losing streak and kept their faint play-off hopes alive with a 23-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams.

Tua Tagovailoa passed for 207 yards and completed 20 of 28 passes as the Dolphins improved to three wins and six defeats for the season.

Tyreek Hill and Malik Washington scored touchdowns and Jason Sanders kicked three field goals, including two from 50 yards, to seal the win at the SoFi Stadium in California.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 32 of 46 passes for 293 yards but did not throw a touchdown pass as their three-game winning streak came to an end.

The Dolphins stay second behind runaway leaders the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East, but still harbour hopes of landing the final wildcard qualification spot with seven games remaining.

“When we're playing our best ball, we can still beat anybody,” said Dolphins defensive tackle Calais Campbell.

“We've just got to continue to believe, continue to fight. The margin for error is zero. So it's one game, but we've got to keep it going.

"For us to go where we want to go, we've got to keep fighting and believe.”

BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Bills end Chiefs' unbeaten run and Lions hit 50

The Kansas City Chiefs' long unbeaten run finally came to an end at the hands of the Buffalo Bills in one of a number of statement wins in the NFL on Sunday.

After 15 straight wins the defending Super Bowl champions were outplayed in Buffalo as the Bills deservedly ran out 30-21 winners.

The Pittsburgh Steelers were also big winners as they beat arch rivals Baltimore despite not scoring a touchdown.

The Detroit Lions scored a half century against lowly Jacksonville as they continue to look the stand out side in the NFC, while the Green Bay Packers defeated Chicago on the last play of the game.

Right from intercepting Patrick Mahomes' first pass of the game, Buffalo looked the better side as they moved just a game behind their big rivals in the race for the AFC play-offs top seed.

Mahomes kept the Chiefs in it with three touchdown passes, but just as they threatened yet another escapology act Bills quarterback Josh Allen took the game into his own hands and settled it with a barnstorming 26-yard touchdown run.

That makes four straight regular season wins over the Chiefs for Buffalo, who have lost three play-off meetings between the sides in the past four years.

This was a more controlled and complete performance than usual by the Bills, without Allen having to do everything by himself and a sixth successive victory takes them to nine wins and two losses.

It was also a rare convincing defeat of Kansas City - their first by more than a score since October 2021 - as they finish the weekend 9-1.

Buffalo kept Mahomes' offence to a season-low 259 yards and scored 30 points against a Chiefs defence that had gone 30 games without conceding that many.

NFL Results & Week 11 recap: Bills end Chiefs run, Steelers beat Ravens & Lions run riot

The Kansas City Chiefs lose their first game of the season at the Buffalo Bills while the Pittsburgh Steelers beat arch rivals the Baltimore Ravens and the Detroit Lions hit a half century.

www.bbc.com

 

[BouncerGuy]

Mixon inspires Texans win over Cowboys

Houston Texans beat the Dallas Cowboys 34-10 on Monday Night Football to seize control of the AFC South.

Joe Mixon rushed for 109 yards and three touchdowns to inspire his side to a first franchise victory at Dallas' AT&T Stadium.

The Texans raced into a 14-0 lead before the defence stepped up and sacked Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush five times, intercepted him once and scored a touchdown on a strip sack.

Quarterback CJ Stroud had an underwhelming evening, completing 23 of 34 passes for no touchdowns and one interception.

Houston conceded nine penalties for 69 yards, which allowed the Cowboys to stay in the game, but ended a two-game losing streak to improve to 7-4 at the top of the AFC South, two wins ahead of the Indianapolis Colts.

Dallas have lost five games in a row and have slipped to 3-7, all but ending their play-off hopes.

The Texans' next two opponents are divisional rivals the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars, both of whom have won just two games this season.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys will travel to the Washington Commanders before hosting the New York Giants.

BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

Browns seal comeback win over Steelers in blizzard

The Cleveland Browns overcame blizzard conditions to secure a dramatic 24-19 comeback win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Ohio.

The Steelers had looked on course for victory when touchdowns from Jaylen Warren and Calvin Austin helped them fight back from 18-6 down in the fourth quarter to lead 19-18.

But the Browns hit back immediately as Jameis Winston led a nine-play, 45-yard drive that ended with Nick Chubb barging into the end zone for his second touchdown of the match.

Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson attempted a Hail Mary with the final play but it was ruled incomplete.

The match began in dry conditions before a snow storm moved in and got progressively worse as the contest went on, with the players struggling to keep their footing.

"I've never played in anything like this before," Winston told ESPN. "We are so grateful to the staff for providing hand warmers and clear scrapers so we were able to go out there and do the best we can."

The defeat means the Steelers slip to 8-3 for the season but remain ahead of the Baltimore Ravens at the top of the AFC North. The Browns stay bottom after improving to 3-8.

BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

New York Giants release quarterback Jones

The New York Giants have "mutually agreed" to terminate the contract of quarterback Daniel Jones, less than two years after he signed a $160m extension with the NFL franchise.

Jones, a first-round draft pick in 2019, lost his place as the Giants' starting quarterback earlier this week.

The Giants have won just two of their 10 games this season and have lost their past five.

"Daniel came to see me this morning and asked if we would release him," Giants president John Mara said.

"We mutually agreed that would be best for him and for the team. Daniel has been a great representative of our organisation, first class in every way. His handling of this situation yesterday exemplifies just that.

"We are all disappointed in how things have worked out. We hold Daniel in high regard and have a great appreciation for him. We wish him nothing but the best in the future."

Coach Brian Daboll announced that former undrafted free agent Tommy DeVito had been promoted to starting quarterback on Monday.

Jones, 27, joined the Giants in 2019 and was rewarded with a $160m, four-year contract in 2023 - two years of which were guaranteed.

At the time it made him one of the top-10 best-paid quarterbacks in the NFL.

He is ranked 32nd among all qualified quarterbacks in passer rating this season and has seven interceptions and just eight touchdowns in 2024.


BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

MVP Jackson leads Ravens to victory at Chargers

Quarterback Lamar Jackson starred as Baltimore Ravens sealed a 30-23 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers in the latest edition of the 'Harbaugh Bowl'.

Jackson got the Ravens on the board when he ran in a touchdown, before throwing for a further two.

It is the third time siblings John and Jim Harbaugh, who coach the Ravens and the Chargers respectively, have met in the NFL, with the former undefeated.

"This is a big win. Proud for our guys," John Harbaugh said.

"I just told him [Jim] you are a great coach and you have a great team and I love you."

In the previous two meetings, John led the Ravens to victory over Jim's San Francisco 49ers in a 2011 regular-season game before delivering on the big stage in the 2013 Super Bowl.

"It's pretty cool I'm part of history," Jackson said of the winning.

"We finished off the game the correct way. We started off slow - we've got to fix that and I believe we'll be where we want to be."

Jackson, the 2023 NFL Most Valuable Player, threw for 177 yards, while running back Derrick Henry ran 140 yards to spearhead Baltimore's attack.

"We just got in sync, hit the ground running, made the plays, went with what we know," said Jackson.

"Henry gets one carry and went for what he knows. That man, he can't be stopped."

The Ravens have won eight of their 12 games this season and sit second in the AFC North, while the Chargers are second in the AFC West with seven wins and four defeats.

BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

Lions deny Bears on Thanksgiving for 10th straight win

The Detroit Lions won a 10th straight game and ended their wait for a Thanksgiving victory by withstanding a Chicago Bears fightback to triumph 23-20.

Detroit have hosted a game on Thanksgiving every year since 1934, but this was their first win on the American holiday since 2016.

The Lions, who have matched their franchise record after winning 11 of their 12 games this season, led 16-0 at the halfway stage and 23-7 after the third quarter.

Chicago made it a three-point game with five minutes and 36 seconds remaining, but poor clock management in the visitors' last possession allowed Detroit to hold on.

Jared Goff connected with Sam LaPorta for two touchdowns and passed for 221 yards as the Lions outgained the Bears 279-53 in a one-sided first half.

Although Chicago rallied to set up a tense finale, the Bears could not find the points required in the closing stages, failing to use their final timeout as their losing run extended to six games.

The Lions' 10-game win streak matched the team's 90-year record from their first season in Detroit in 1934.

Elsewhere, the Green Bay Packers made it three wins in a row with a dominant 30-17 victory against the Miami Dolphins in Florida.

Packers quarterback Jordan Love completed 21 of his 28 passes for 274 yards, including two for touchdowns.

The victory moved the Packers to 9-3 for the season but that is only good enough for third in the competitive NFC North, which the Lions lead on 11-1 with the Minnesota Vikings second on 9-2.

In the NFC East, the Dallas Cowboys earned their first home win in nearly a year with a 27-20 victory against the New York Giants.

It was the Cowboys' first victory at the AT&T stadium since beating the Lions on 30 December 2023 - 334 days ago.

BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Chiefs hold off late Raiders rally to clinch play-off spot

The Kansas City Chiefs, the defending Super Bowl champions, came out on top in a dramatic finish to beat the Las Vegas Raiders 19-17 and become the first team to clinch an NFL play-off spot.

Trailing by two points, with 15 seconds left and in field goal range, the Raiders lost possession after a mix-up saw center Jackson Powers-Johnson snap the ball early, resulting in a Chiefs fumble recovery that sealed the win.

It is the Chiefs' 14th straight victory in one-possession games - the longest run in NFL history.

Led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs were in control, leading 16-3 with three minutes of the third quarter left in the NFL's annual 'Black Friday' game at Arrowhead.

But the Raiders, with Aidan O'Connell back at quarterback following a thumb injury, fought back and looked set to kick a field goal to seal a narrow victory before their last-gasp calamity.

Instead, Kansas City are now 11-1 and well placed for a challenge for a third-straight Super Bowl title.

The struggling Raiders are 2-10.


BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Allen stars in the snow as Bills book play-off place

Josh Allen had a record night in the snow as the Buffalo Bills clinched the AFC East title and a play-off spot with five games to spare.

It was misery in the Buffalo blizzard for the San Francisco 49ers though, who joined the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens in suffering huge body blows on Sunday.

The Bengals lost a wild shootout against the Pittsburgh Steelers which gives them a huge mountain to climb to make the play-offs, while the Ravens felt the full force of the red-hot Philadelphia Eagles.

There were two one-point games and a frantic overtime finish while Aaron Rodgers' job may be on the line after another poor outing for the New York Jets.

NFL results and week 13 recap: Josh Allen stars as Buffalo clinch division and Eagles beat Ravens

Josh Allen makes NFL history as the Buffalo Bills clinch the AFC East, while the Philadelphia Eagles earn a statement win at the Baltimore Ravens.

www.bbc.com

 

[BouncerGuy]

Broncos run in two interceptions to beat Browns

The Denver Broncos strengthened their grip on an NFL play-off spot as they came from behind to beat the Cleveland Browns 41-32.

Browns quarterback Jameis Winston threw for a franchise-record 497 yards and four touchdowns while team-mate Jerry Jeudy had 235 receiving yards against his former team.

But it was not enough as Winston also threw three interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns, including Ja'Quan McMillian's game-clinching score with less than two minutes remaining.

That improved Denver's record to 8-5 and the Broncos - who have not reached the play-offs since winning the Super Bowl at end of the 2015 season - occupy the seventh and final play-off spot in the AFC Conference.

Cleveland are now 3-9, with Winston having a 2-3 record since the 30-year-old stepped in for injured starter Deshaun Watson.

Monday's defeat was reminiscent of Winston's mixed year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019. That season he led the NFL in passing yards (5,109) and was second for touchdown passes (33) but also led the league in interceptions (30).

"I know I'm better than this," he said. "I'm just praying for the Lord to deliver me from pick-sixes. That's not me."

Winston threw his first pick-six to Nik Bonitto although David Njoku swiftly claimed his second touchdown for visitors Cleveland to cut the deficit to 21-17 at half-time.

Denver's rookie quarterback Bo Nix then found Marvin Mims Jr from his own endzone and he ran in a 93-yard touchdown, and on the very next play Winston replied by finding Jeudy for a 70-yard score.

A Nick Chubb touchdown edged the Browns into a 32-31 lead with less than nine minutes remaining, but the Broncos went back in front with a Wil Lutz field goal with 2:54 left, before McMillian's 44-yard pick-six sealed victory.

BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

NFL ends inquiry into Watson sexual assault claim

The NFL has ended its investigation into the latest sexual assault allegation made against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.

The 29-year-old was under investigation after the filing of a civil lawsuit in September from a woman in Texas, seeking $1m (£764,000) in damages for an incident that allegedly occurred while the pair were on a date in October 2020.

Watson denied the allegation and the lawsuit was settled confidentially.

The NFL subsequently conducted its own investigation but announced on Saturday it would take no formal action against Watson.

"There was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy," a league spokesperson told the Associated Press., external "The matter is closed."

Watson's lawyer Rusty Hardin told the Washington Post: "We are delighted to put this issue behind us so that Deshaun can concentrate on recovering from his injury and preparing for next season."

Watson was suspended by the NFL for the first 11 matches of the 2022 season after 24 civil lawsuits were filed against him during his time with the Houston Texans.

He faced multiple accusations from women of sexual assault and misconduct during massage sessions between March 2020 and March 2021.

The NFL fined Watson $5m (£3.9m) under its personal conduct policy and he was suspended without pay.

Watson denied the allegations, and two grand juries ruled there was not enough evidence to charge him.

He later reached confidential settlements with 23 of the 24 women in the summer of 2022.

Watson has not played since October after sustaining a season-ending Achilles injury.

He has featured just 19 times for the Browns since his move in 2022, because of suspensions and injuries.

BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

Bengals pounce on Cowboys blunder to clinch late win

The Cincinnati Bengals capitalised on a late Dallas Cowboys blunder to end their three-game NFL losing streak and win 27-20 in Texas on Monday.

With less than two minutes to play and the score 20-20, the Cowboys deflected a punt but Amani Oruwariye touched the ball to make it live, before it was recovered by the Bengals.

Three plays later, quarterback Joe Burrow found receiver Ja'Marr Chase for a 40-yard, game-winning touchdown.

Cincinnati held off a late Cowboys final drive to deny Dallas a third straight win.

The win extends Cincinnati's record to 5-8 and keeps them mathematically in contention for a play-off spot, although the likelihood is unlikely because they would need other results to go their way.

"We needed a break. We haven't got many this year. It was nice to get that one, nice to come out of this with a win," said Burrow.

The Cowboys, who were missing key quarterback Dak Prescott through injury, also have a 5-8 record with a slim chance of qualifying for the play-offs.

BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

NFL to play first regular-season game in Berlin

The NFL will play its first regular-season game in Berlin in 2025, making it five confirmed international games for next season.

The game will be staged at Berlin's Olympic Stadium and will be the fifth to be played in Germany since the NFL's international series expanded from the UK to mainland Europe in 2022.

The NFL's initial commitment to Germany included games in Munich and Frankfurt - one game was held in Munich in 2022 and 2024, with two in Frankfurt in 2023.

But the league has now made a "multi-year commitment" to playing games in the German capital.

Berlin's Olympic Stadium hosted five pre-season games from 1990-1994 and hosted Berlin Thunder of the now-defunct NFL Europe from 2003 to 2007.

"Germany has a rich tradition of American football and the NFL has a deep history with the city of Berlin," said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

The NFL has already confirmed it will play a game in Spain for the first time next year - at Real Madrid's Bernabeu stadium - and there will again be three games in London.

The current season began with the NFL's first game in Brazil and Goodell has said the league is "shooting for" eight international games in 2025, with Brazil, Mexico and Ireland potential hosts for the other three games.

The NFL estimates it now has almost 20 million fans in Germany and, as part of the new partnership, will work with local authorities to develop flag football, which will make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.

"This long-term partnership with the NFL will continue to boost Berlin as a global sports metropolis, as well as excite fans at the Olympic Stadium," said Iris Spranger, Berlin's senator for the interior and sports.

"The 2025 NFL Berlin game means worldwide visibility, numerous international guests, increased tourism and high economic value across the city."


BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

NFL legend Belichick returns to game in college role

Legendary American football coach Bill Belichick has returned to the game after a year out but not as a coach in the NFL.

The 72-year-old, who won a record six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, has become head coach of the University of North Carolina.

After ending his 24-year spell with the Patriots at the end of last season, Belichick was interviewed by the NFL's Atlanta Falcons but not offered a role.

Instead he fulfilled a number of broadcasting roles this season before accepting a three-year deal with the Tar Heels, worth a reported $30m (£23.5m).

Belichick's father, Steve Belichick, was an assistant coach at the University of North Carolina from 1953-55. Bill Belichick takes over a Tar Heels program that has not won a conference title since 1980.

Belichick said in a statement released by North Carolina, "I am excited for the opportunity. I grew up around college football with my dad and treasured those times.

"I have always wanted to coach in college and now I look forward to building the football program in Chapel Hill."

This is Belichick's first coaching job in the college game having spent his entire career in the NFL, beginning in 1975 as a special assistant with the Baltimore Colts, who have since relocated to Indianapolis.

He won two Super Bowls as defensive coordinator with the New York Giants before becoming the Cleveland Browns head coach from 1991-1995.

Curiously, Belichick also had two brief stints as head coach of the New York Jets totalling just seven days, the second of which in 2000 ended as his introductory news conference turned into a resignation announcement.

He left to take charge of the Patriots, spearheading the greatest dynasty in NFL history as a New England team led by quarterback Tom Brady won six Super Bowls in an 18-year span.

Belichick has the most Super Bowl wins by a head coach, while the Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers share the team record.

BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

Rams beat San Francisco to boost NFL play-off hopes

The Los Angeles Rams overcame the San Francisco 49ers 12-6 in a rain-affected game to boost their NFL play-off hopes.

With the game tied at 6-6 in the fourth quarter, rookie kicker Joshua Karty drilled a 27-yard field goal to put the Rams ahead by three.

Karty then capped off a final drive with his fourth field goal with 18 seconds remaining.

"This team can win a variety of ways," said Rams coach Sean McVay.

Neither side scored a touchdown at a sodden Levi's Stadium in California on Thursday - the first game without a touchdown of the 2024 season.

McVay added: "I thought the defence came up big, time in and time out."

San Francisco opened the scoring in the first quarter with a 53-yard field goal from Jake Moody, before he added to his tally early in the third to give the 49ers a 6-3 advantage.

But with the game level halfway through the third quarter, Niners wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who had recently complained on social media that he was not getting the ball enough, ended up dropping it in a key play, leading to boos from the home crowd.

The defeat was an eighth in 14 games for last season's beaten Super Bowl finalists, a further blow for their already slim play-off chances.

While San Francisco struggle, the Rams hold an 8-6 record for their campaign so far.

BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

Allen stars in Bills epic & Mahomes limps out of Chiefs win

Josh Allen produced another sensational display in another Buffalo Bills epic on Sunday, while the Kansas City Chiefs' latest victory may have come at a huge cost.

The defending champions enjoyed their biggest win of the season but saw star quarterback Patrick Mahomes limp out of the game with a worrying ankle injury.

Buffalo have no such worries over their own superstar Allen, who again showed why he is the Most Valuable Player favourite as the Bills ended the Detroit Lions' 11-game winning run in another high-scoring thriller.

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost at the Philadelphia Eagles but still secured their spot in the play-offs, as did the Houston Texans, while the Minnesota Vikings joined them without even playing.

Allen's Buffalo the great entertainers

Just a week after losing 44-42 at the Rams, Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills came out on top this time in another blockbuster - edging the Lions 48-42 in Detroit.

Billed as a potential Super Bowl preview, the top two scorers in the NFL put on a show worthy of the big game, with their two banged-up defences unable to shackle Allen or Lions quarterback Jared Goff.

Goff threw five touchdowns but was always playing from behind after Allen's two quick rushing scores early on - as the Bills equalled an NFL record with eight straight games scoring 30 points or more.

They are also just the second team to score and concede 40 points in back-to-back games.

If this fixture is repeated in the Super Bowl it would be some spectacle, but both sides need to solve some defensive issues if they are to make it to New Orleans in February.

Mahomes a big injury worry for Chiefs

The 11-3 Bills are the only team to beat the 13-1 Chiefs and will now fancy pipping them to the AFC top seed after the champions saw Patrick Mahomes limp out late in their 21-7 victory at the Cleveland Browns.

The Chiefs have won 10 games this season by one score, six of those coming on the final play of the game, so this was their most comfortable victory of the campaign.

"I feel like I could have finished the game in different circumstances," Mahomes said after the Chiefs opted to send back-up Carson Wentz in to finish the game.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed Mahomes' ankle was not broken, but the timing is tough with the Chiefs playing on Saturday, 21 December against Houston and then in a Christmas Day visit to Pittsburgh.

With home advantage and a crucial bye week at stake in their race with the Bills, there will be a lot riding on further medical tests on Mahomes' ankle on Monday.

Steelers make play-offs despite loss to Eagles

The Pittsburgh Steelers have now lost 11 straight games in Philadelphia as the Eagles won the latest battle for Pennsylvania 27-13 - and a team record 10th straight victory of the season.

Jalen Hurts finally got the Eagles' passing attack moving a week after receivers AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith's public criticism, with opposition quarterback Russell Wilson having all the production problems this week.

The Steelers did secure a play-off place despite the defeat, but their top spot in the AFC North is under threat after the Baltimore Ravens dominated the New York Giants 35-14 to close the gap.

Lamar Jackson threw five touchdown passes before next week's huge showdown against the Steelers in Baltimore - with Pittsburgh also sweating over defensive star TJ Watt who injured his ankle against the Eagles.

The Houston Texans won a second straight AFC South title after beating the Dolphins 20-12 - in a game overshadowed by a serious injury to Miami receiver Grant DuBose, who was driven off on a stretcher in a neck brace after 10 minutes of treatment following a blow to the head.

Head coach Mike McDaniel said DuBose would remain in hospital overnight after "some positive feedback" on his head and neck injuries.

Packers pick off Seahawks in Seattle

Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers impressed with a comprehensive 30-13 win in Seattle, which saw the Seahawks lose top spot in the NFC West and drop out of the play-off places altogether.

At 10-4, only five teams in the entire NFL have a better record than the Packers, but two of those are in Green Bay's division - so a wildcard looks their most likely route to the play-offs.

The Packers helped one of their rivals out, with the Minnesota Vikings bagging a play-off spot before their Monday night game thanks to Seattle losing.

The divisional system is helping out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who improved to just 8-6 with a 40-17 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers and that is good enough to top the weaker NFC South.

Commanders survive late Saints surge

The Washington Commanders led 20-7 in the fourth quarter but had to survive a late onslaught at the New Orleans Saints, with back-up quarterback Spencer Rattler throwing a touchdown pass as time expired.

Trailing by a point, interim head coach Darren Rizzi went for a two-point conversion and instant win instead of settling for overtime, but the try just failed, allowing Washington to escape 20-19.

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was left red faced when he casually dropped the ball after scoring a touchdown - only for a video replay to spot he did so just inches before the line.

That cost the Colts dearly as they went on to lose 31-13 at the Denver Broncos.

Joe Burrow threw another three touchdown passes as the Cincinnati Bengals beat the Tennessee Titans 37-27 in a game filled with mistakes.

The two teams combined for 10 turnovers and 26 penalties in a coach's nightmare of a game.

Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams rolled back the years as the New York Jets beat the slumping Jacksonville Jaguars 32-25 - with Adams becoming the 12th player with 100 receiving touchdowns in NFL history.

The Jets are already out of play-off contention but Rodgers and Adams gave a glimpse of what they could possibly do next season if both stay with the team.

Micah Parsons inspired the Dallas Cowboys to a comfortable win at the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals ended a three-game losing run by beating the New England Patriots.

NFL results - week 15

• Buffalo Bills 48-42 Detroit Lions
• Indianapolis Colts 13-31 Denver Broncos
• Pittsburgh Steelers 13-27 Philadelphia Eagles
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers 40-17 Los Angeles Chargers
• New England Patriots 17-30 Arizona Cardinals
• Kansas City Chiefs 21-7 Cleveland Browns
• Cincinnati Bengals 37-27 Tennessee Titans
• Washington Commanders 20-19 New Orleans Saints
• Baltimore Ravens 35-14 New York Giants
• Dallas Cowboys 30-14 Carolina Panthers
• New York Jets 32-25 Jacksonville Jaguars
• Miami Dolphins 12-20 Houston Texans
• Green Bay Packers 30-13 Seattle Seahawks
• Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings (01:00 GMT Tuesday)
• Atlanta Falcons @ Las Vegas Raiders (01:30 GMT Tuesday)

BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

Chargers beat Broncos to leave both on play-off brink

The Los Angeles Chargers claimed a 34-27 win over the Denver Broncos to close in on a spot in the NFL play-offs.

Quarterback Justin Herbert passed for 284 yards and two touchdowns, both in the final quarter, as the Chargers came back from a 24-13 deficit late in the third.

Gus Edwards added two rushing touchdowns to help the hosts claim their first win in three games and halt a four-game winning streak for the Broncos.

Both teams now have a 9-6 record with two games left in the regular season and sit in the final two play-off spots in the AFC Conference.

They will clinch a place in the post-season if both the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts fail to win on Sunday.

Bo Nix had 263 passing yards and two touchdown passes for the Broncos, who have not reached the play-offs since winning the Super Bowl in 2016.

Both those touchdowns came in the second quarter, helping Denver into a 21-10 lead, before the Chargers made it 21-13 at half-time with the first successful fair-catch free-kick field goal in 46 years.

The Chargers then fought back, with Edwards getting into the end zone from five yards while Herbert made a 19-yard touchdown pass to Derius Davis before tossing the ball to Hassan Haskins, who ran it in for a 34-yard score.

What is a fair-catch free-kick field goal?

A team may attempt a fair-catch field goal if it makes a fair catch when the clock expires at the end of either half.

Usually a kick returner catches a punt deep in their own territory and if they signal for a fair catch - meaning they cannot be tackled - the ball becomes dead the moment they catch it and they cannot run the ball back.

In Thursday's game, Denver were hit with a 15-yard penalty for interference on Derius Davis as he made a fair catch, which moved the Chargers into field-goal range.

Cameron Dicker then converted from 57 yards for his second field goal of the game, adding three points to the Chargers' total.

He was the first to even attempt a fair-catch free-kick field goal since 2019.

BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

Packers rout Saints to clinch play-off spot

Jordan Love starred as the Green Bay Packers routed the New Orleans Saints 34-0 to secure their spot in the NFL play-offs.

The 26-year-old quarterback threw for 182 yards and a touchdown as the Packers earned their place in the play-offs for the fifth time in six seasons.

The result was the first shutout of the campaign as the in-form Packers won their ninth match in 11 games.

"The goal is the Super Bowl. That's the first step right there making the play-offs," said Love.

"This was a big-time game to clinch that spot. I'm proud of the way we came out here and handled business."

In a dominant performance, the Packers possessed the ball for 37 minutes and 13 seconds of the 60-minute game, and had 404 total yards in comparison to the Saints 196.

The Packers improved to 11 wins and four defeats with the Saints dropping to 5-10 having already been ruled out of play-off contention.

Green Bay, who are looking to reach their first Super Bowl since 2011, join fellow NFC Conference sides the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles in the play-offs.

BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

Mahomes, Jackson, Beyonce star on Christmas Day in NFL

The Kansas City Chiefs locked up the AFC top seed and the Baltimore Ravens crushed the Houston Texans as two of the NFL's biggest names starred on Christmas Day.

Patrick Mahomes threw three touchdown passes as the Chiefs beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-10 to ensure they have a first-round bye and home advantage in the play-offs as they look to win a historic third straight Super Bowl.

Lamar Jackson then further pressed his claims to win a second consecutive MVP award and third overall with another all-action display in Baltimore's emphatic 31-2 victory in Houston.

Jackson threw two touchdown passes and ran in one himself as he broke Michael Vick's NFL quarterback rushing record on a night of headline performances on and off the pitch.

Beyonce performed a half-time show in Houston to rival those usually seen at the Super Bowl, featuring a Post Malone cameo and ending with her hit Texas Hold 'Em.

It was all part of the big show element, marking the NFL's first year of Christmas Day games being streamed globally on Netflix.

Hence why two of the best teams and two of the biggest NFL stars were chosen - and they responded in style.

Chiefs turn it on to clinch top spot

No team has ever won three straight Super Bowls, but the Chiefs powered into pole position in Pittsburgh by going 15-1 and ensuring they get all the trappings of being top seed in the AFC for the fourth time in seven years.

The defending champions had plenty of doubters after scraping narrow wins for much of the season, but they emerged from a punishing three games in 11 days with three wins and looking stronger than they have all season.

Mahomes and Travis Kelce are finding top gear in a much improved passing attack and the impressive Chiefs defence, even without star man Chris Jones, sacked Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson five times in yet another stifling display.

It was the perfect Christmas for Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, who celebrated by dressing as Santa after the game. He can now rest his star players for their final game of the regular season, when they face the Denver Broncos, before also having a bye week to prepare for their latest play-off charge.

And that is a big worry to the rest of the NFL.

"Getting the number one seed is important," said Mahomes. "It's like winning a play-off game."

Record night for MVP contender Jackson

Pittsburgh's defeat opened the door for Baltimore to take charge of the AFC North, which they did emphatically thanks to Jackson's efforts and a large dose of running back Derrick Henry.

Jackson's 48-yard touchdown run was the highlight, where he reached a career-best speed of 21.25mph to leave the Houston defence for dead - despite joking "I was jogging" after the game.

His 87 yards gave Jackson 6,110 yards in his career, eclipsing Michael Vick's previous record of 6,109 set over 13 seasons. Jackson has been a starter for just seven years.

The quarterback's playmaking ability with his arm and his foot speed is complemented by the bruising running style of Henry - who had 147 yards and a team record 16th touchdown.

"It's just another phenomenal performance," said head coach John Harbaugh of Jackson. "It's just kind of what he does every week."

The 11-5 Ravens have the top offence in the NFL and, like the Chiefs, are hitting stride at the right time, with their defence keeping the Texans at bay.

Unlike the Chiefs, the Ravens will need to go full strength in their final game against the Cleveland Browns to make sure they win their division and get at least one home play-off game.

NFL Week 17 schedule & results

(All kick-off times GMT)

• Kansas City Chiefs 29-10 Pittsburgh Steelers
• Baltimore Ravens 31-2 Houston Texans
• Seattle Seahawks at Chicago Bears (Friday 01:15)
• Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots (Saturday 18:00)
• Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals (Saturday 21:30)

Sunday schedule

• Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams
• Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
• Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Las Vegas Raiders at New Orleans Saints
• Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars
• New York Jets at Buffalo Bills
• Indianapolis Colts at New York Giants
• Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns
• Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
• Atlanta Falcons at Washington Commanders

Monday Night Football

• Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers (Tuesday 01:15)

BBC