I don’t think there is anything I can add to that absolutely crackers ending. Pittsburgh survive by the skin of their teeth. Mike Tomlin confirms a 19th season without a losing record. Ironman. Goodnight.
PITTSBURGH WIN!
OK so Goff scores the touchdown from the fumble but another offensive pass interference call chalks off another game-wining touchdown. They had two scores both ruled out. That is about as brutal as it gets for a way to be all but eliminated from the playoffs. The Lions are in complete disbelief. Pittsburgh meanwhile have strengthened their grip on the AFC North.
Lions 24-29 Steelers
Updated
Lions 24-29 Steelers 0:08, 4th quarter
Incomplete. Two plays left and 11 seconds. He rushes the play but knows he can’t be tackled or its game over. Stress. TeSlaa almost catches one for the win but can’t hold on. One final play. This is it. It all goes crazy after a hit on the goal line. Does Goff have a touchdown after retrieving a fumble?! What are the flags for? What is happening?!
Updated
Lions 24-29 Steelers 0:16, 4th quarter
This is getting ridiculous. The Lions have the game-winning score chalfked off for offensive pass interference then they flinch on the line and cough up another five yards. A touchdown is turned into needing 16 yards. Gibbs grabs seven back. Nine remain for the win. I can’t watch.
Updated
Lions 24-29 Steelers 0:48, 4th quarter
Amon-Ra you beauty. He picks up 24 yards with a bruising run between defenders. 12 yards to go now for the win.
Updated
Lions 24-39 Steelers 1:19, 4th quarter
And the Steelers cough up another penalty on the very next play. Alex Highsmith accidentally trips Jared Goff. Another 15 yards in Detroit’s pocket. They have about 38 to travel.
Updated
Lions 24-29 Steelers 1:24, 4th quarter
Detroit survive a review of the catch and they need two yards now to move the chains. Can they? No. Yes?!!! WHAT? The pass is incomplete but Kyle Dugger is pinged for pass interference. Unbelievable. The Lions breathe a HUGE sigh of relief.
Updated
Lions 24-29 Steelers 1:38, 4th quarter
Two minutes to save the season. We are already at 3rd down. Poor from Detroit. 13 yards to move the chains. Goff drops back and finds 12 of them. 4th down.
Updated
It's NO GOOD! Lions 24-29 Steelers 1:58, 4th quarter
Wow. Chris Boswell hits the post. The 37-yard kick is no good. The Lions can win it with a touchdown now. This is going down to the wire. Here we go!
Updated
Lions 24-29 Steelers 2:14, 4th quarter
Pittsburgh are 1st and 10 with about 35 yards to travel. Ouch the Lions are penalised for a hold on defense. In the red zone now on 3rd and 8.
Final scores
(3-12) Arizona Cardinals 19-26 Atlanta Falcons (6-9)
(12-3) Denver Broncos 20-34 Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4)
(10-5) Houston Texans 23-21 Las Vegas Raiders (2-13)
So Houston keep on track for the postseason while Denver slip in the race for the No 1 seed and Jacksonville open up a possibility for the No 1 seed. The Jags haven’t yet punched their ticket for the playoffs but they are all but in.
Updated
TOUCHDOWN! Lions 29-24 Steelers 4:11, 4th quarter
J Goff to J Gibbs for four yards
Game well and truly on in Detroit.
Broncos 20-34 Jaguars 0:41, 4th quarter
Strange they even threw the ball on that play on 3rd down. Why bother? Bryant has had his neck stabilised and is on the cart. All the Denver players are wishing him well. Hopefully he isn’t too badly hurt.
Lions 17-29 Steelers 4:19, 4th quarter
Detroit on goal to go after big chunk catches from Jahmyr Gibbs. Then Goff is almost picked on 1st and Goal. Calm down, Jared.
Broncos 20-34 Jaguars 0:41, 4th quarter
Pat Bryant is down after a monster hit into his ribs. There is being winded and there is being smashed in the gut from a leaping catch into a dead stop. That must have been so incredibly painful. He is still being tended to on the ground. Sad with the game over.
TOUCHDOWN! Lions 17-29 Steelers 6:41, 4th quarter
J Warren rush for 45 yards
Does anyone have deja vu? Warren runs another in for 45 yards. He is demolishing the Lions single-handedly. The running back has 143 yards on 14 carries with a pair of scores.
Broncos 20-34 Jaguars 2:00, 4th quarter
Denver turn it over on downs. Their last four possessions read fumble, field goal, interception, turnover on downs. This one is all but over leaving the Jags with a chance of the No 1 seed. The Jaguars find a 1st down at the two-minute warning. Almost over.
Updated
TOUCHDOWN! Lions 17-22 Steelers 8:39, 4th quarter
J Goff to K Raymond for 27 yards
Just what the doctor ordered for Detroit with their playoff hopes dangling by a thread. Pittsburgh can’t get tight now.
TOUCHDOWN! Texans 23-21 Raiders 5:24, 4th quarter
A Jeanty rush for 51 yards
Hopefully you started the rookie in your fantasy semi-final. Jeanty is having a breakout game here with two touchdowns, 128 rushing yards and 60 receiving yards.
Lions 10-22 Steelers 9:24, 4th quarter
Detroit are finally finding some offense after only recording 30 yards in the second half until this drive. The Lions are 2nd and 10 with 35 yards remaining.
Broncos 20-34 Jaguars 4:21, 4th quarter
Denver get the stop but not until Jacksonville bleed some clock. They will have to speed things up. Touchback on the punt.
TOUCHDOWN! Texans 23-14 Raiders 7:41, 4th quarter
CJ Stroud to D Schultz for one yard
Broncos 20-34 Jaguars 5:51, 4th quarter
Trevor Lawrence is having a day. On a crucial 3rd down he goes for it and dives over the line for the 1st down. Lawrence is 23/35 for 279 yards, three touchdowns and no picks. He also has a rushing score.
PICK! Broncos 20-34 Jaguars 7:24, 4th quarter
Nix is intercepted putting the Jaguars on their 30-yard line. Ouch.
TOUCHDOWN! Lions 10-22 Steelers 12:23, 4th quarter
J Warren rush for 45 yards
Detroit are fading fast. Jaylen Warren houses a monster run for a big lead in the final quarter. Plenty of Lions there grasping at thin air as he scampers past.
Broncos 20-34 Jaguars 8:58, 4th quarter
One play and Denver are already over midfield. RJ Harvey takes a short pass and exchanges it for 32 yards.
Broncos 20-34 Jaguars 9:28, 4th quarter
And the comeback continues with Denver sacking Trevor Lawrence for the fourth time. Jags punt it away. Loads of time left for Nix and company.
Lions 10-15 Steelers 14:25, 4th quarter
Detroit in deep trouble as they go three and out and punt it away. A loss for the Lions and they are out of the playoffs.
Here is the story from Ford Field of DK Metcalf getting stuck in with a fan.
It’s GOOD! Lions 10-15 Steelers 14:57, 4th quarter
C Boswell 23 yard field goal
Pittsburgh fans might be a little deflated after the Steelers come away with a field goal. I count seven plays in the red zone with one score overturned for a penalty. That is not ideal when they would have had a two-score lead.
It’s GOOD! Broncos 20-34 Jaguars 10:44, 4th quarter
W Luts 21 yard field goal
Just too much heat on the fastball from Nix on 3rd down and Sutton can’t bring it in. It is an amazing effort from Nix to fire the ball through some bodies and find Sutton just a bit too hot.
Broncos 17-34 Jaguars 10:35, 4th quarter
Here the Broncos come! Bo Nix launches a rocket to Troy Franklin who holds on for the 49-yard gain. Denver are in the red zone just like that. Four yards to go.
TOUCHDOWN! Cardinals 16-26 Falcons 12:28, 4th quarter
K Cousins rush for one yard
It’s GOOD! Broncos 17-34 Jaguars 13:35, 4th quarter
C Little for 26 yards
Sublime from Riley Moss to spike what would have been a touchdown. Jakobi Myers was right there for the Jags but the cornerback snaps the door shut.
Broncos 17-31 Jaguars 13:41, 4th quarter
Maybe they’re not done yet. Lawrence takes another hit behind the line on 1st & Goal to move them back five yards. On 3rd down after an incompletion they take a timeout. Pressure.
Broncos 17-31 Jaguars 15:00, 4th quarter
Parker Washington has this secondary on toast. They just keep overcommiting and allowing the receiver to sprint past them as the missed tackles just keep stacking up. This is the strangest performance from the whole team. They’re at home, with the No 1 seed in their control and are all over the shop. Tough to see how they come back if the Jags finish this drive off. Five yards remain.
Lions 10-12 Steelers 4:29, 3rd quarter
Sorry to leave you hanging. They gambled and got it. Now they keep the ball moving to Detroit’s 30-yard line then bite off another 10 yards with a throw to Scotty Miller. In the red zone.
Broncos 17-31 Jaguars 2:01, 3rd quarter
Denver are officially melting down. Maybe they don’t have it? Bo Nix screws up a handoff and hands a fumble to Jacksonville. They are in instand field-goal range. Any points makes this a three-score game.
Lions 10-12 Steelers 7:00, 3rd quarter
Aaron Rodgers is not happy as his old friend MVS can’t hold on to a 50-yard bomb that would have been a touchdown. On 3rd and 9 at midfield Rodgers scrambles but is brought down short with two yards to go. Will they go for it?
SAFETY! Lions 10-12 Steelers 9:42, 3rd quarter
Goff takes a costly sack in the end zone and puts the Steelers on top.
TOUCHDOWN! Broncos 17-31 Jaguars 3:56, 3rd quarter
T Lawrence to T Etienne for 10 yards
Shock upon shock upon shock upon shock. The Jags are making absolute mincemeat of arguably the best passing defense in the NFL. Parker Washington turns a short pass up field into a monster 63-yard gain before Travis Etienne catches another short pass and romps home for the score.
TOUCHDOWN! Texans 13-14 Raiders 9:44, 3rd quarter
G Smith to A Jeanty for 60 yards
Vegas lead?! Now I’ve seen everything.
Updated
Here we go. Kenny Gainwell turned this frame into a touchdown. Absolutely insane. It hits his arm and he somehow snags it and just has the presence of mind to jump up straight away and run it in for the touchdown.
Updated
Lions 10-10 Steelers 11:08, 3rd quarter
Meanwhile on the field Jaylen Warren bursts through Detroit’s defensive line for 21 yards. Only 11 yards to go for Pittsburgh to take the lead.
Here is a link to the clip of Pittsburgh’s DK Metcalf punching a Lions fan. Weird.
TOUCHDOWN! Broncos 17-24 Jaguars 7:44, 3rd quarter
T Lawrence rush for one yard
Denver just keep overplaying. They blitz and Lawrence beats it for a chunk play then in the red zone are called on for pass interference. A yard to go. Lawrence skips in and Denver fans are very loudly booing. They are not used to seeing an opponent score so easily and are pissed off about a slightly soft PI call. Ah and the broadcast ruins the moment by playing Limp Bizkit.
Updated
Broncos 17-17 Jaguars 10:31, 3rd quarter
That fierce Broncos pass rush gets a little too fierce as the defender drills Trevor Lawrence into the turf. 15-yard penalty for roughing the passer and it moves the Jags across midfield.
It may not be the big news from Detroit now but another look at TeSlaa’s catch won’t hurt, will it?
TOUCHDOWN! Broncos 17-17 Jaguars 13:01, 3rd quarter
RJ Harvey 38 yard rush
Unreal. RJ Harvey just refuses to go down. He gets hit three times on that sprint out to the left. He spins one tackle then dives through another to hit the pylon. What a play.
Half-times (ish)
Arizona Cardinals 16-16 Atlanta Falcons
Denver Broncos 10-17 Jacksonville Jaguars
Detroit Lions 10-10 Pittsburgh Steelers
Houston Texans 13-7 Las Vegas Raiders
Lots of close games. Broncos are back out on offense for the second half while the Steelers have 11 seconds … and SCORE! Incredible play. They go for the long bomb and Kenneth Gainwell makes a miracle catch as he hits the deck, the ball just hits his arm an inch off the ground, bounces up and he brings it in. He then pops up and scampers in for the 45-yard score as no defender was on hand to touch him.
Updated
Lions 10-3 Steelers 0:41, 2nd quarter
Another 3rd down is converted gain with a 12-yard strike from Rodgers to Adam Thielen. They need to be a bit quicker to get into field goal range. Still 30 or so yards away.
Lions 10-3 Steelers 1:01, 2nd quarter
Woah. DK Metcalf has punched a Lions fan in the face who is leaning over the barrier. It is going poorly for Pittsburgh and that is only going to make things worse. 3rd and 10 for the Steelers straight away. They pick up the 1st with a short pass that Pat Freiermuth runs past the sticks.
TOUCHDOWN! Cardinals 16-16 Falcons 0:25, 2nd quarter
K Cousins to K Pitss for five yards
TOUCHDOWN! Lions 10-3 Steelers 1:55, 2nd quarter
J Goff to I TeSlaa for 20 yards
Fantastic throw from Goff to find his tight end jumping sky high between two defenders in the end zone. He is battered by both as he makes the catch and hangs on for the score. Amazing.
It’s GOOD! Broncos 10-17 Jaguars, half-time
C Little 47 yard field goal
Large from Little to give them the touchdown lead. Chasing doesn’t faze the Broncos but that was a little bit of a limp ending to the half for Sean Payton’s team.
Broncos 10-14 Jaguars 0:07, 2nd quarter
Jakobi Myers has transformed this offense. He catches an absolute bullet for 10 yards from Trevor Lawrence to put the Jags in field goal range. Then Brian Thomas adds another nine to make Cam Little’s kick a little shorter.
Updated
Lions 3-3 Steelers 3:03, 2nd quarter
OK here we go. Detroit race over midfield and then some after a catch from Jahmyr Gibbs for 13 yards. 35 to go for the score.
Broncos 10-14 Jaguars 1:41, 2nd quarter
Punts are raining down across the NFL. Denver boot one away after a drop from Pat Bryant. Not a perfect throw but the rookie maybe should have held on. The Jags are deep in their own area but still have plenty of time to extend the lead.
Lions 3-3 Steelers 4:02, 2nd quarter
Pittsburgh are stopped early again. On 3rd and 4 Rodgers drops back but is sacked by Aidan Hutchinson again. Both offensive lines are being decked, neither offense can get anything going. Another punt coming.
Lions 3-3 Steelers 6:37, 2nd quarter
Talking of offensive fluency or lackthereof, Detroit are 3 and 15 in the blink of an eye. Only 10 yards from their own end zone Goff can only throw it very short of the sticks. Punt.
Lions 3-3 Steelers 7:54, 2nd quarter
Pittsburgh punt again. They are struggling to find the offensive fluency that battered Miami last week. Aaron Rodgers just 7/12 for 45 yards so far. Lions take over next.
TOUCHDOWN! Texans 7-7 Raiders 12:25, 2nd quarter
G Smith to B Bowers for seven yards
TOUCHDOWN! Broncos 10-14 Jaguars 4:33, 2nd quarter
T Lawrence to B Strange for three yards
Brilliant throw from Lawrence to allow Brenton Strange to bounce his defender out to his right then reach to his left-hand side and catch the easy ball. Smart play from the tight end.
Updated
Broncos 10-7 Jaguars 5:15, 2nd quarter
Woah! Travis Etienne busts a long one up the right sideline and is oh so close to being home free but for a brilliant ankle tackle that brings the running back down two yards shy. 1st and Goal for the Jags.
It’s GOOD! Lions 3-3 Steelers 10:52, 2nd quarter
J Bates 36 yard field goal
Three quick, fairly botched plays, and the kicking team is out. On 3rd down Jameson Williams and Jared Goff just are not on the same page after the receiver cuts back for the ball. It just flips into the air off his hands. Credit to Pittsburgh’s inconsistent defense, they seem to have their tails up and are on their game.
Lions 0-3 Steelers 10:52, 2nd quarter
Amon-Ra St Brown is wide open on the left sideline and he has an easy run into some fresh air for a 20-yard gain. Lions into the red zone.
Updated
It’s GOOD! Broncos 10-7 Jaguars 9:10, 2nd quarter
W Lutz 54 yard field goal
Denver take the lead. Can Jacksonville survive another tussle with the Broncos pass rush?
TOUCHDOWN! Cardinals 13-10 Falcons 11:56, 2nd quarter
K Cousins to B Robinson for 13 yards
Lions 0-3 Steelers 13:30, 2nd quarter
Pittsburgh have to punt and give up a silly unnecessary roughness penalty to boot. Detroit will take over at their 33-yard line.
Updated
Broncos 7-7 Jaguars 11:57, 2nd quarter
The pass rush is definitely the real deal. They sack Lawrence for the third time already today and record their 61st sack of the season. Ridiculous. Punt coming from the Jags.
I’ve got mail.
Richard Woods writes: “Thank you for your weekly commentaries. I’m really enjoying them. I’m looking forward to the Broncos and Jaguars,. Are the Broncos the real deal? The Jaguars might well be the team to answer that question one way or the other. Did you see the Commanders and Eagles game? Not especially exciting but a most excellent stramash near the end resulting in the field being littered with flags and three players ejected. Excellent family entertainment.”
I think the Broncos are the real deal. They are knocking on the door at 3 and 5 with 15 to go … and TOUCHDOWN! See, told you, Richard. The Broncos tie it up 7-7.
B Nix to C Sutton for 15 yards
Lions 0-3 Steelers 2:07, 1st quarter
Advantage Steelers. The Lions get tricky and get close but still without a cigar bringing up 4th and Goal with three yards remaining. Goff rolls out and thinks he has a window but it is just too tight and Amon-Ra St Brown can’t hold on in the end zone. Turnover on downs!
Lions 0-3 Steelers 3:36, 1st quarter
Detroit roll into the red zone after a 17-yard rumble from David Montgomery. Goff then finds his tight end Firsker to put them on 1st and Goal. Four yards remain.
TOUCHDOWN! Broncos 0-7 Jaguars 0:07, 1st quarter
T Lawrence to P Washington for 12 yards
The Jags are in the red zone against the best red zone defense in the NFL. Lawrence dances this way and that and evades the sack but throws it away. On 2nd down they pick up seven with a short pass. Denver would be very happy with a field goal here … TOUCHDOWN! Magic pass into a tight window. Parker Washington makes the grab under extreme duress on 3rd down.
Updated
PICK SIX! Texans 7-0 Raiders 10:43, 1st quarter
D Stingley interception for 31 yards
Houston’s brutal passing defense make their mark early.
It’s GOOD! Lions 0-3 Steelers 9:21, 1st quarter
C Boswell 59 yard field goal
Pittsburgh on the board with a monster field goal made with ease.
Updated
Lions 0-0 Steelers 9:30, 1st quarter
Aidan Hutchinson sacks Aaron Rodgers to put Pittsburgh at 3rd and 14 just a smidge over midfield. Another pass is tipped and falls incomplete.
Elsewhere we are still scoreless in Denver and Houston.
Updated
Lions 0-0 Steelers 7:51, 1st quarter
Aaron Rodgers a little off the pace to start with two incompletions. A short run pulls up 3rd and 5 for Pittsburgh. Rodgers hits his big tight end Darnell Washington for 18 yards.
TOUCHDOWN! Cardinals 10-0 Falcons 7:51, 1st quarter
J Brissett to M Wilson rush for 32 yards
Pass was initially ruled incomplete then reversed after a challenge from Arizona.
Updated
Lions 0-0 Steelers 13:11, 1st quarter
We are underway in Detroit. Advantage Pittsburgh early after a huge sack of Jared Goff. The Lions call play action but are battered at the line of scrimmage. Joey Porter Jr gets the sack and the Lions punt.
9pm preamble
Better late than never …
And it just gets spicier and spicier as we head into the late window with a set of four games featuring a pair of potential bangers from now (home teams listed first):
(3-11) Arizona Cardinals v Atlanta Falcons (5-9)
(12-2) Denver Broncos v Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4)
(8-6) Detroit Lions v Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6)
(9-5) Houston Texans v Las Vegas Raiders (2-12)
The current AFC No 1 seeded Denver Broncos face another Super Bowl hopeful in the Jacksonville Jaguars. Denver already have their seat at the postseason table but Jacksonville can still grab the No 1 seed from them if they can steal a win today. But before we get carried away the Jags can firstly make sure of a playoff spot with an upset of the Broncos and either a Texans loss to the Raiders (very unlikely) or a Colts loss (or tie) to the 49ers on Monday.
Then we have the Lions hosting the Steelers with lots at stake for both. Detroit are fighting for their lives on the bubble and a defeat today all but ends their season. The stakes aren’t quite so high for Pittsburgh but a victory would be another small step to making sure of a spot on the dancefloor.
However what a win really does for Pittsburgh is confirm another season for Mike Tomlin without a losing record. The superb head coach will rack up a 19th and extend his record of the most successive winning seasons to start a head coaching career. It feels like only yesterday ...
Full time
(8-7) Carolina Panthers 23-20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8)
(3-12) Cleveland Browns 20-23 Buffalo Bills (11-4)
(6-8-1) Dallas Cowboys 17-34 Los Angeles Chargers (11-4)
(6-9) Miami Dolphins 21-45 Cincinnati Bengals (5-10)
(5-10) New Orleans Saints 29-6 New York Jets (3-12)
(2-13) New York Giants 13-16 Minnesota Vikings (7-8)
(3-12) Tennessee Titans 26-9 Kansas City Chiefs (6-9)
Big news outside of Buffalo, LA and Carolina marching closer to the postseason is Tennessee jumping out of the No 1 pick after Cam Ward beat up on the bruised Chiefs. The Giants and Raiders are alone on just two wins for the top draft choice next year.
Oh contraire Sky Sports!!! “No one would have predicted Carolina winning the division.” Oh, wouldn’t they?
“The Panthers’ last crown came 10 years ago when they monstered the league with a 15-1 record. No such dominance will be forthcoming from them or their rivals, none of whom have shown any significant signs of improvement in the offseason, so this division is there for the taking. If Young can keep his run of form going from the backend of last season then the Panthers could spring a huge surprise.” Graham Searles in the Guardian’s big season preview.
They have a great chance now.
Panthers WIN!
Panthers 23-20 Buccaneers, final score
Oh, Baker! They are closing in on field goal territorty and Mayfield throws it one way and Mike Evans runs the other. The ball is going into dead space only there is a defender sat right in it’s path. Lanthan Ransom picks it off. CAROLINA LIVE!!! They are all alone at the top of the NFC South on 8-7
Final scores: Dolphins 21-45 Bengals, Cowboys 17-34 Chargers, Bills 23-20 Browns
The Chargers and Bills get their jobs done so now a loss for the Colts or Texans locks them into the playoffs.
Panthers 23-20 Buccaneers 1:17, 4th quarter
90 yards becomes 75 or so after Baker Mayfield scrambles for 27 yards. Great start but the Panthers quickly bring up a 3rd down and 4 near midfield. Cade Otton takes the pass and moves the chains on the next play.
Panthers 23-20 Buccaneers 2:00, 4th quarter
Shocker to start the comeback drive from Tampa. John Bullock in a moment of madness head butts an opponent and concedes a 10-yard penalty back toward their own end zone. 90 yards to travel for the win with two minutes remaining. Pressure!!
Browns 20-23 Bills 1:55, 4th quarter
Meanwhile as I watch Carolina take the lead I have missed the Bills turning it over on downs. Cleveladn are back out there on offense on their own 10-yard line. Sanders is rocked by a massive hit and they punt from the end zone. Bills take over at midfield.
Updated
It's GOOD! Panthers 23-20 Buccaneers 2:25, 4th quarter
R Fitzgerald 48 yard field goal
So Carolina have the all-important lead to keep their playoff hopes alive. But there is so very much clock for Baker Mayfield and the Bucs to work with. Overtime anyone?
TOUCHDOWN! Dolphins 21-45 Bengals 3:43, 4th quarter
J Wright rush for three yards
Miami finally score after the Cincinnati onslaught. Slightly too little, too late however.
TOUCHDOWN! Cowboys 34-17 Chargers 4:51, 4th quarter
O Hampton rush for five yards
Panthers 20-20 Buccaneers 2:29, 4th quarter
We are still dead level in Carolina. Tampa take the timeout with the Panthers on 3rd and 7 in field goal range with 33 yards to go to the end zone. If they force the field goal then Tampa will feel good about taking the ball and winning it.
Browns 20-23 Bills 4:52, 4th quarter
Buffalo force a quick three and out. The Browns are going for it at midfield though on 4th and 2. Oh no, no, no, no, no, no. Sanders rolls out and is sacked. THROW IT AWAY. He does not and the Bills take 14 yards back from Cleveland. Allen takes over on their 30-yard line. That one play could decide the game.
I’m binning off the scorelines for BIG PUNT news … Carolina and Cleveland get the stops and will be accepting punts. Both have a shot at taking the lead midway through the final quarter.
Updated
Panthers 20-20 Buccaneers 5:02, 4th quarter
Big 3rd and 12 on the way for Tampa around midfield. Mayfield drops back, the blitz comes and they bring him down. The Panthers are winning easily at the line of scrimmage. BUT!!! The Bucs didn’t get the snap off so they back to 3rd and 15. The Panthers will be gutted if Mayfield picks up the 1st now.
TOUCHDOWN! Titans 23-9 Chiefs 11:56, 4th quarter
T Spears rush for four yards
Titans looking good for just their third win of the season. Turns out Patrick Mahomes is a big loss for Kanas City.
It’s GOOD! Browns 20-23 Bills 8:45, 4th quarter
A Szmyt 41 yard field goal
Oh Cleveland, you were doing so well. They settle for the boot after stalling in the red zone. Still positive though, just three points in it.
TOUCHDOWN! Dolphins 14-45 Bengals 13:32, 4th quarter
J Burrow to M Gesicki for 17 yards
The Bengals are showing absolutely no mercy. Four touchdowns without replay in this half now. Burrow has it on a string and is 25/32 for 309 yards, four touchdowns and no picks.
Browns 17-23 Bills 12:01, 4th quarter
Cleveland move into Buffalo territory with a huge 26-yard gain on a screen pass. They beat the pass rush perfectly as Trayveon Williams runs into clear air.
Fourth quarter scores
Carolina Panthers 20-20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cleveland Browns 17-23 Buffalo Bills
Dallas Cowboys 17-24 Los Angeles Chargers
Miami Dolphins 14-38 Cincinnati Bengals
New Orleans Saints 16-6 New York Jets
New York Giants 13-13 Minnesota Vikings
Tennessee Titans 16-9 Kansas City Chiefs
Better late than never as we are a few minutes into the final quarters! But here they are … lots of close games and … Miami being absolutely thrashed.
Browns 17-23 Bills 11:34, 4th quarter
Buffalo are in a tricky spot. They turn it over on downs after Allen overthrows his receiver. Can Cleveland tie it up?
It’s GOOD! Panthers 20-20 Buccaneers 11:24, 4th quarter
C McLaughlin 50 yard field goal
Tampa level it up after Carolina force a field goal try. They sack Baker Mayfield for a nine-yard loss on 3rd down.
TOUCHDOWN! Dolphins 14-38 Bengals 2:25, 3rd quarter
J Burrow to C Brown for five yards
There is still more than two minutes to go in the third quarter and Cinci score their third touchdown without reply. The Dolphins are up the creek and stranded on the shoreline. Call it off ref. Brown the hat-trick hero!
Browns 17-23 Bills 15:00, 4th quarter
Is anyone else playing on offense for the Bills? Allen hits Cook with a short pass and the running back chases up field for 15 yards to midfield.
TOUCHDOWN! Saints 16-6 Jets 0:41, 3rd quarter
T Shough to C Olave for 23 yards
New Orleans in complete control here.
Panthers 20-17 Buccaneers 15:00, 4th quarter
Tampa are off to the races before Baker Mayfield takes the field after a dazzling kick return takes them into Carolina territory and on to their 45-yard line. Keldon Johnson could have had a score there. Still, top work.
TOUCHDOWN! Browns 17-23 Bills 1:34, 3rd quarter
H Fannin rush for one yard
Cleveland are fighting hard in this one. The tight end does Cleveland’s version of the tush push. It works a treat. Game on!
TOUCHDOWN! Panthers 20-17 Buccaneers 0:08, 3rd quarter
Unbelievable, Bryce! He scrambles around in the pocket and is so close to being sacked but just ducks and dives through defenders then gets the pass off to Ja’Tavion Sanders. Carolina retake the lead. It’s heating up.
Panthers 13-17 Buccaneers 1:45, 3rd quarter
Wow. Tetairoa McMillan makes a wonder grab on the sideline to move the Panthers into the red zone. He barely sees it coming as Young threw it well before he turned around but he still hangs on … just for 11 yards. Bryce Young then barrels ahead on scramble and moves the chains again. They are just 10 yards out now.
TOUCHDOWN! Dolphins 14-31 Bengals 8:32, 3rd quarter
C Brown rush for 12 yards
Miami appear to have not only mothballed the starting quarterback but the entire team as they give up a second touchdown to start the third quarter. Chase Brown is having a field day out there as he doubles up his touchdown tally.
It’s GOOD! Browns 10-23 Bills 9:34, 3rd quarter
M Badgley field goal for 41 yards
The money badger strikes again. Buffalo settle for the boot after another pick from Shedeur Sanders. The rookie QB started well with a score but is now 12/18 for 109 yards, one score and two interceptions.
TOUCHDOWN! Titans 16-6 Chiefs 10:24, 3rd quarter
C Ward to C Dike for one yard
The Titans are playing themselves out of the No 1 pick and rookie QB Cam Ward will likely be very happy about that.
TOUCHDOWN! Panthers 13-17 Buccaneers 6:41, 3rd quarter
And they do on the very next play. Sean Tucker walks in untouched out to the left of the field. Carolina fans are booing the refs for the PI call.
Panthers 13-10 Buccaneers 6:46, 3rd quarter
Another 3rd down for the Bucs in the red zone as Mayfield drops back and finds Rachaad White wide open in the middle of the field. He scampers up to the one-yard line. Mayfield goes back to his mate Mike Evans in man coverage but the receiver can’t haul it in. They fake the handoff and he overthrows Evans again but pass interference is called. Back to 1st down with one yard to go. They’ll score eventually.
TOUCHDOWN! Dolphins 24-14 Bengals 9:45, 3rd quarter
J Burrow to C Brown for nine yards
Cini extend their lead with a rapid 3-minute drive from good field position.
Panthers 13-10 Buccaneers 9:13, 3rd quarter
Bucky Irving keeps the chains moving with a powerful short run. Mayfield throws a short ball that picks up a couple of yards Irving takes them to 3rd and 4. Mayfield hits Chris Godwin right on the sideline for another 1st down. Methodical and easily done.
Panthers 13-10 Buccaneers 12:55, 3rd quarter
Baker Mayfield has come out pumped up as he breaks off a 23-yard run to put the Bucs across midfield and on to the 35-yard line.
Browns 10-20 Bills 12:45, 3rd quarter
Buffalo are forced to punt after a quick three and out. C’mon Cleveland let’s get off to a fast start and put some pressure on the Bills.
It’s GOOD! Cowboys 17-24 Chargers 11:51, 3rd quarter
C Dicker 37 yard field goal
LA are in the red zone. Meanwhile Dak Prescott is trying to whip up the crowd distract the Chargers. It may have worked as Justin Herbert is sacked he runs into the nose tackle and they have to settle for the field goal. Bit dissapointing after that long gain.
Cowboys 17-21 Chargers 13:26, 3rd quarter
And I was just enjoying my break. Didn’t quite have the feet up though thankfully. They are back out there in Dallas with LA on the ball. And my, oh my! Justin Herbert drops back and sails one into the arms of Quentin Johnston on the sideline for a 50-yard gain. He has an absolute cannon for an arm. The Cowboys secondary had nothing there.
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Buffalo are destroying Cleveland on the ground. They have 16 total carries for 133 yards at 8.3 yards per pop. James Cook has 100 of them on nine carries and two touchdowns. Meanwhile Josh Allen has only thrown the ball seven times.
Half-time
Carolina Panthers 13-10 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cleveland Browns 10-20 Buffalo Bills
Dallas Cowboys 17-21 Los Angeles Chargers
Miami Dolphins 14-17 Cincinnati Bengals
New Orleans Saints 9-6 New York Jets
New York Giants 10-13 Minnesota Vikings
Tennessee Titans 9-6 Kansas City Chiefs
In a gigantic turn up for the books all of our games are actually in for half-time at the same time. The Panthers are the big story so far as they took control at the whistle. Tampa Bay started strong but have fallen off a cliff. Pressure is on Carolina to win to keep their playoff hopes alive. They are handling it so far.
TOUCHDOWN! Giants 10-13 Vikings 0:17, 2nd quarter
The Giants sack JJ McCarthy and the QB fumbles to Tyler Nubin who gets the 27-yard scoop and score.
TOUCHDOWN! Panthers 13-10 Buccaneers 0:07, 2nd quarter
B Young to T McMillan for 22 yards
Who needs a field goal? Dave Canales beats the blitz by calling the deep pass and TMac finishes it off with an easy catch from the gorgeous arcing pass into the end zone. That is the Carolina that beat the Rams a few weeks ago. Aggressive and perfectly executed.
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TOUCHDOWN! Titans 9-3 Chiefs 1:36, 2nd quarter
C Ward to C Okonkwo for seven yards
Panthers 6-10 Buccaneers 0:26, 2nd quarter
Carolina are moving into field goal range. Tampa allowing underneath throws that keep the chains moving.
Browns 10-20 Bills 1:00, 2nd quarter
Josh Allen getting all in a muddle as he tries desperately to evade Myles Garrett and almost falls into his own end zone to give away a safety. He just manages to hold the ball out so he is marked down at the one-yard line. Lucky and bizarre in equal measure. Just throw it away, Josh. 3rd and 23 on the way. Ha!
TOUCHDOWN! Dolphins 14-17 Bengals 1:24, 2nd quarter
S Perine rush for four yards
The lesser-spotted backup rusher drives up the gut and Miami break apart leaving a lane and handing Cincinnati the lead.
TOUCHDOWN! Cowboys 17-21 Chargers 7:51, 2nd quarter
J Herbert rush for one yard
We have a shootout developing in Dallas as the quarterback keeps it and dives over to give LA back the lead.
Panthers 6-10 Buccaneers 1:20, 2nd quarter
Tampa go three and out quickly. After the touchdown drive the Bucs have been struggling to move the ball. Baker Mayfield is averaging 4.1 yards per play.
TOUCHDOWN! Giants 3-13 Vikings 2:01, 2nd quarter
JJ McCarthy rush for 12 yards
Browns 10-20 Bills 1:47, 2nd quarter
The Browns catch a break after Quinshon Judkins fumbles and the Bills run it back for the touchdown. But! But Judkins is ruled down by contact on the review. Phew. Buffalo would have been close to home and dry already with a scoop and score.
It’s GOOD! Panthers 6-10 Buccaneers 2:06, 2nd quarter
R Fitzgerald 41 yard field goal
Two incompletions from Bryce Young force the Panthers to boot it as they fail to capitalise on great field position from a punt return.
TOUCHDOWN! Browns 10-20 Bills 2:23, 2nd quarter
J Cook rush for three yards
Buffalo’s running game continues to demolish Cleveland as they take out a commanding lead.
TOUCHDOWN! Cowboys 17-14 Chargers 8:08, 2nd quarter
D Prescott to G Pickens for 38 yards
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It’s GOOD! Browns 10-13 Bills 5:38, 2nd quarter
A Szmyt 24 yard field goal
TOUCHDOWN! Cowboys 7-14 Chargers 9:45, 2nd quarter
J Herbert to L McConkey for 25 yards
TOUCHDOWN! Browns 7-13 Bills 12:51, 2nd quarter
T Johnson rush for two yards
Buffalo are 1st and Goal as they pound the ball down Cleveland’s throats. Run after run after run from Cook and Allen then Johnson just keeps them rolling straight into the end zone for the score and the lead. Money Badger hits a post and misses the extra point.
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Browns 7-7 Bills 1:29, 1st quarter
Josh Allen continues to do Josh Allen things. He scrambles to his right and directs traffic, buys time and finds Ray Davis for a 1st down. They are in Browns territory.
Panthers 3-7 Buccaneers 0:26, 1st quarter
Panthers punt it back to the Bucs giving Baker Mayfield a crack at extending the lead.
TOUCHDOWN! Dolphins 7-7 Bengals 2:35, 1st quarter
D Achane rush for 48 yards
Miami level it up after the little speedster races away to the left and in for the score.
PICK! Browns 7-7 Bills 2:55, 1st quarter
Former Cleveland Brown Jordan Poyer picks off Sanders after the catch is bobbled high into the sky by Quinshon Judkins. A promising drive stopped drive, very unlucky.
Browns 7-7 Bills 3:57, 1st quarter
The Browns are moving again into Bills territory after an 18-yard pass then a 14-yard rush from Malachi Corley. A holding penalty from Buffalo’s CJ Epenesa then pushes Cleveland to the 30-yard line. Strong stuff.
TOUCHDOWN! Cowboys 7-7 Chargers 6:43, 1st quarter
J Herbert to Q Johnston for 23 yards
Beautiful throw to Johnston on the sideline who tip toes in for the score.
TOUCHDOWN! Dolphins 0-7 Bengals 4:01, 1st quarter
J Burrow to T Higgins for nine yards
TOUCHDOWN! Panthers 3-7 Buccaneers 6:29, 1st quarter
B Mayfield to M Evans for one yard
Bucky Irving smashes through the Panthers defensive line and almost scores but for a touchdown saving tackle. On the next play, who else? Baker Mayfield hits his old friend Mike Evans. The giant receiver is one-on-one and we know what that means. The ball is going his way and he hangs on for the score.
Panthers 3-0 Buccaneers 5:04, 1st quarter
Tampa are moving the ball deep into Carolina territory but the Panthers force a big 3rd down. Nine yards to get and Jalen McMillan juggles the short pass but hangs on. He had three bites at the cherry and manages to bring it in for the 1st down.
TOUCHDOWN! Browns 7-7 Bills 7:47, 1st quarter
J Cook rush for 44 yards
Well they were off to a slow start. The running back quickens matters with a mazy run through to the left then back across the field to avoid two free defenders. They just can’t quite bring him down and Cook levels it up.
TOUCHDOWN! Cowboys 7-0 Chargers 10:20, 1st quarter
D Prescott to R Flournoy for five yards
Our AFC playoff-bound teams are off to a slow start.
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Browns 7-0 Bills 10:09, 1st quarter
Josh Allen is jogging out for Buffalo. He rolls out, fakes to throw and picks up six yards on the ground. That’s our Josh.
It’s GOOD! Panthers 3-0 Buccaneers 10:30, 1st quarter
R Fitzgerald 27 yard field goal
Tampa stiffen up on defense and get the stop. Carolina take the narrow lead.
TOUCHDOWN! Browns 7-0 Bills 10:42, 1st quarter
S Sanders to H Fannin for 13 yards
Cracking start for Cleveland who march down the field in eight plays. Some lovely chunk plays behind Sanders’ arm.
Panthers 0-0 Buccaneers 13:20, 1st quarter
Carolina are making light work of Tampa’s stodgy defense. Three passes and a 25-yard run from Jimmy Horn put them in the red zone.
Here we go! Kick-offs on the way with the Browns and Panthers on offense in their respective games.
Did anyone catch Chicago v Green Bay last night? If you missed it enjoy the highlights. What a comeback from the Bears, talk about drama! Chicago now just have to beat either the 49ers or Lions to win the NFC North. Easy.
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Elsewhere we have two teams amid the eliminated chaff aiming to flex their muscles and punch their ticket for the postseason.
A win for the LA Chargers and a loss for the Colts to the 49ers on Monday or a loss for the Texans to the Raiders later confirms LA’s spot while the scenario is exactly the same for the Buffalo Bills. A win then a loss for the Colts or Texans locks them into the playoffs too. Bills fans will also be watching the Chargers score as a loss and a win over the Browns gives Buffalo the No 5 seed heading into week 17.
Tonight’s matchup between the Patriots and Ravens has no bearing on the direct of the AFC East title. If New England lose to either Miami or New York Jets to close the season and Buffalo win all three of their remaining games then the Bills take the crown. A defeat for the Patriots to the Ravens only helps should they lose one game to either the Browns, Eagles or Jets.
Now all the boring stuff is out of the way, who is excited to watch Cleveland’s pulverising pass rusher Josh Garrett take on Buffalo’s quarterback extraordinaire Josh Allen? Yep, me too. Garrett needs only one sack of Allen to earn 22.5 for the year and break the NFL regular-season record.
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Preamble
Happy holidays football fans, may week 16 be merry and bright for you all! And good luck to all in your fantasy playoff semi-finals … if you made it that is! Now, on we march to the harsh reality of the NFL in deepest December. There are playoffs places, seedings and stragglers still to sort out and eliminate, we begin in the early window of seven games starting at 12pm CST/1pm EST/6pm GMT (home teams listed first):
(7-7) Carolina Panthers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7)
(3-11) Cleveland Browns v Buffalo Bills (10-4)
(6-7-1) Dallas Cowboys v Los Angeles Chargers (10-4)
(6-8) Miami Dolphins v Cincinnati Bengals (4-10)
(4-10) New Orleans Saints v New York Jets (3-11)
(2-12) New York Giants v Minnesota Vikings (6-8)
(2-12) Tennessee Titans v Kansas City Chiefs (6-8)
There is high drama occurring in the ever-iffy NFC South. Carolina and Tampa Bay are locked at the division’s summit with seven wins and seven losses each. Only the odds of making the postseason are far from even between these rivals.
The Bucs hold the tie-breaker at present with a better record against common opponents (5-5 v Carolina’s 4-6) so a win against the Panthers would further improve their standing while pushing their chances of clinching the title to 95% (per NFL.com). Thus Carolina only have a 5% shot if they lose today. That slim shot requires the Bucs to lose their next game to the eliminated Dolphins and lose to the Panthers at home when they play again in week 18 while Carolina would have to beat mighty Seattle next week as well.
So far, so complicated. What it means to say realistically is that this is a win or go home game for Carolina. Victory keeps their season alive. Keep pounding!
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