5hLiz Loza and Daniel Dopp
NFL 2023 Week 11: Largest questions, risers and takeaways
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NFL Nation, ESPNNov 20, 2023, 02:15 AM ET
Week 11 of the NFL season began Thursday night time with an AFC North matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens. However accidents overshadowed the Ravens’ win, as Bengals QB Joe Burrow suffered a season-ending wrist injury and Ravens TE Mark Andrews suffered a likely season-ending ankle injury.
On Sunday, one other AFC North battle (Steelers-Browns) led to a game-winning subject aim, whereas Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence had two passing touchdowns and two dashing touchdowns, the Lions staged a fourth-quarter comeback and the Chargers struggled in opposition to the Packers.
The 49ers dealt with the Buccaneers behind Brock Purdy‘s three-touchdown efficiency, the Rams earned a comeback win over the Seahawks, the Payments routed the Jets and the Broncos received their fourth straight to remain alive within the playoff hunt.
The Philadelphia Eagles closed out Week 11 with a win over the Kansas City Chiefs in a Tremendous Bowl LVII rematch.
Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to all of the motion, answering lingering questions popping out of every sport and selecting out who — or what — is rising and falling for each staff. Let’s get to it. Leap to a matchup: Have the Eagles solved their cross protection points? Philly entered Monday night time with the fifth-worst cross protection within the NFL (248.1 yards allowed per sport) however restricted Patrick Mahomes to 177 yards and helped shut out the Chiefs within the second half. Kansas Metropolis hasn’t been firing on all cylinders via the air, so saying the cross protection is cured is untimely, however the secondary is trending in the appropriate route now that newcomers Bradley Roby and Kevin Byard are settling into their roles.
Fill up after the win: WR DeVonta Smith. His 41-yard catch halfway via the fourth quarter arrange the go-ahead rating. Smith is approaching of late, posting a pair of 99-yard performances in his previous three video games.
Inventory down after the win: Rush protection. The unit ranked first within the NFL coming into the sport (66.3 YPG) however yielded a season-high 168 yards on the bottom, 121 of which got here within the first half. — Tim McManus
Subsequent sport: vs. Payments (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Can the Chiefs realistically get again to one thing resembling what they as soon as had been offensively? It is all the time potential, nevertheless it’s extra doubtless that after 10 video games that is who the Chiefs are this season. They have not been capable of repair their points with dropped passes, turnovers and penalties. They have not scored within the second half of their previous three video games, so their issues are getting worse as they get later in video games.
Fill up after the loss: Cornerback Trent McDuffie. Unleashed as a pass-rusher, McDuffie had three pressures and two sacks. He additionally wasn’t dangerous at his regular place with a pressured fumble and a cross damaged up.
Inventory down after the loss: Broad receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. He dropped a deep cross late within the sport that will have both put the Chiefs forward or set them up contained in the Eagles’ 5. He had no catches on three targets. — Adam Teicher
Subsequent sport: at Raiders (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET) What can the .500 mark really imply to this staff? Do not look now, however the Broncos — who began 1-5, misplaced by 50 to Miami and surrendered 31 factors to the Jets — have clawed their manner again to .500 at 5-5. It’s their first four-game win streak for the reason that first 4 video games of the 2016 season and it’s the first actual glimpse of any optimism they might really put themselves into the playoff dialog if they will proceed to construct on their resurrection. And for a locker room with no gamers left in it who performed within the Broncos’ final playoff sport — Tremendous Bowl 50 — it’s hard-earned confidence. They’ve lastly seen effort rewarded.
Fill up after the win: CB Ja’Quan McMillian. He spent virtually all of final season on the staff’s follow squad, however he has been a revelation at nickel nook this season. Inserted into the lineup 4 video games in the past, he has been a bodily tackler, dependable in protection and Sunday night time had his second interception of the season.
Inventory down after the win: Broncos’ run protection. The Vikings, who had 72 yards dashing within the first quarter and 175 within the sport, repeatedly creased the Broncos’ base look, a lot because the Jets did for 234 dashing yards in Week 5. That does not bode effectively for the Broncos with some high quality dashing offenses like Cleveland and Detroit on the schedule within the coming weeks. — Jeff Legwold
Subsequent sport: vs. Browns (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Can the Vikings overcome turnover issues on the highway? The Vikings led for a lot of the sport, because of a protection that restricted the Broncos to 9 factors on three turnovers, together with two deep in Vikings territory. However the inertia of such a giant turnover deficit (minus-3) was an excessive amount of to beat. The Vikings have now misplaced 51 consecutive highway video games once they’ve had a minus-3 (or higher) turnover margin, and are 2-64 all-time in that situation. The final time they received such a sport was in Week 7 of the 1977 season. And it hasn’t simply been them. Previously 10 seasons, NFL groups are 7-208-1 in highway video games once they have a minus-3 turnover margin (or worse).
Fill up after the loss: Alexander Mattison and Ty Chandler. Vikings’ working backs rushed for extra yards Sunday night time (154) than they’d in any sport this season, albeit in opposition to a Broncos protection that entered the sport ranked final within the NFL in run cease win price.
Inventory down after the loss: Ability place gamers (for ball safety). Finally, this sport got here right down to a fumble by Mattison and a pair of turnovers — a fumble and interception — from quarterback Joshua Dobbs. — Kevin Seifert
Subsequent sport: vs. Bears (Monday, Nov. 27, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Can the Payments hold this offensive success going below interim offensive coordinator Joe Brady? That is actually the largest spark from the Payments’ offense since Week 4, which is precisely what coach Sean McDermott hoped to perform in shifting on from Ken Dorsey. Towards a Jets protection that has given the league’s high quarterbacks issues all season, the Payments put up 32 factors (probably the most allowed in a sport by the Jets since 2021) and turned the ball over solely as soon as (an interception on the finish of the primary half), ending a six-game streak of shedding the turnover margin. Fill up after the win: WR Khalil Shakir. The second-year receiver continues to step up in a giant manner and completed with three receptions for 115 yards, together with an 81-yard landing. This was his first profession 100-yard receiving sport, and he now has 288 receiving yards over his previous 4 video games after totaling 236 in his first 21 video games.
Inventory down after the win: Defensive backs. The Payments’ protection simply cannot catch a break from accidents this season, together with three starters on injured reserve. CB Dane Jackson and nickel nook Taron Johnson each had been dominated out throughout the sport due to head accidents, and security Taylor Rapp sustained a neck damage for which he was taken off the sphere in an ambulance. However a constructive on the cornerback place amid the accidents was trade-deadline acquisition Rasul Douglas, who had a fumble restoration and two interceptions in his third sport with the Payments. — Alaina Getzenberg
Subsequent sport: at Eagles (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Why would Aaron Rodgers need to come again to this? The injured quarterback, reportedly concentrating on a Dec. 24 return from Achilles surgical procedure, may need to contemplate sitting out the remainder of the season. Why rush again for meaningless soccer? At 4-6, losers of three straight, the Jets are out of competition. Their cross safety, additional weakened by an damage to left sort out Mekhi Becton (ankle), is an absolute mess. The Jets allowed six sacks and managed solely 155 complete yards. It was so dangerous that coach Robert Saleh pulled Zach Wilson in favor of Tim Boyle with 2:17 left within the third quarter. Wilson (7-of-15, 81 yards) was dreadful; he did not even full a cross to a large receiver. He might need a everlasting spot on the bench.
Fill up after the loss: P Thomas Morstead. You understand issues are dangerous when the punter delivers the offensive spotlight — an 18-yard completion on a pretend punt. The play sparked the Jets’ first landing in 41 drives.
Inventory down after the loss: The protection. After 9 video games of carrying the whole staff, the Jets’ extremely ranked protection lastly collapsed. It had no solutions for Payments QB Josh Allen, who handed for 275 yards and three touchdowns. — Wealthy Cimini
Subsequent sport: vs. Dolphins (Friday, 3:00 p.m. ET)
May the Rams really make a run for a playoff spot? They actually took a step in the appropriate route Sunday, beating Seattle for the second time this season. But when they do, they will want an improved offense to indicate up, particularly if extensive receiver Cooper Kupp misses time due to an ankle damage. The Rams are 4-6 however have some winnable video games developing, together with on the highway in opposition to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12. There’s nonetheless rather a lot that has to go proper for the Rams to make the playoffs, nevertheless it’s not not possible in a weak NFC. Fill up after the win: The protection. It stored the staff within the sport, holding Seattle to 4 subject targets after permitting an opening-drive landing. The Seahawks scored simply three factors within the second half.
Inventory down after the win: Third-down offense. The Rams’ offense went 2-for-9 on third down (and 0-for-1 on fourth down). — Sarah Barshop
Subsequent sport: at Cardinals (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Will Geno Smith miss any time due to his elbow damage? Smith returned for the ultimate drive after hurting his elbow late within the third quarter and obtained Seattle in place for the profitable subject aim that Jason Myers missed. Some with the Seahawks have been desperate to see what they’ve in quarterback Drew Lock after just one temporary look in his season and a half with Seattle. However nobody wished to see it below these circumstances — an damage to Smith in a decent sport and proper earlier than a brutal four-game stretch that features two in opposition to the 49ers and one apiece in opposition to the Cowboys and Eagles. Smith was having a robust sport earlier than he went down, then practically led the Seahawks on a miraculous game-winning drive. Lock completed 2-of-6 for 3 yards and a decide. Smith, who missed two full possessions, went 22-of-34 for 233 yards and a landing.
Fill up after the loss: WR DK Metcalf. With Tyler Lockett on an obvious snap rely due to a hamstring damage, Metcalf led the Seahawks with 94 yards and a landing on 5 catches (9 targets). He hauled in a 21-yard catch over the center, hanging on via contact, to arrange Myers’ closing kick. That was Metcalf’s thirty eighth profession TD, passing Joey Galloway for fifth most in staff historical past.
Inventory down after the loss: Workforce self-discipline. The Seahawks dedicated 12 penalties for 130 yards. The yardage was probably the most within the NFL this season and Seattle’s most since 2018, in line with ESPN Stats & Info. — Brady Henderson
Subsequent sport: vs. 49ers (Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
How prepared are the 49ers for what may very well be a season-defining three-game stretch? The Niners appear to have moved previous October’s three-game shedding streak, however enterprise is about to choose up with video games at Seattle on Thursday night time, at Philadelphia in Week 13 and residential in opposition to Seattle in Week 14. San Francisco’s NFC West division and playoff seeding hopes will largely be formed by that sequence. The 49ers are coming off a pair of convincing victories sparked by excellent play from quarterback Brock Purdy wherein they’ve regarded extra just like the staff that surged to a 5-0 begin. However they’re nonetheless exhibiting some warts, similar to run protection, penalties and offensive purple zone woes. They will have to wash that stuff up shortly to get the place they need to go.
Fill up after the win: WR Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk has been productive all season however appears to be rounding into type at time, with a career-best 156 yards on 5 catches with one landing Sunday. Inventory down after the win: Pink zone offense. The Niners had been fourth within the league in purple zone effectivity within the first six weeks however have transformed simply 6-of-14 probabilities since Week 7, a 42% conversion price that ranks twenty sixth within the NFL. They went 2-for-4 Sunday. — Nick Wagoner
Subsequent sport: at Seahawks (Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Do the Bucs have sufficient to make a push within the NFC South? The Bucs’ protection on Sunday surrendered 413 complete yards on protection, with 293 via the air, however managed to attain twice on offense and make a sport of it within the second half after falling behind 27-7. Quarterback Baker Mayfield turned the ball over twice — on a misplaced fumble and a purple zone interception — in order that was a step backward. However Mayfield fought laborious to make it considerably aggressive on the finish and accomplished 29-of-45 passes for 245 yards with a landing and an interception. With the Saints and Falcons each on a bye week, the Bucs’ 4-6 report drops them to a tie with the Falcons for second place. The Bucs are in place to make a run, however accidents are a priority. The Bucs had 4 starters (CBs Jamel Dean and Carlton Davis III, LB Lavonte David and OT Tristan Wirfs) depart Sunday’s sport due to accidents.
Fill up after the loss: OLB Yaya Diaby. The rookie may nonetheless be restricted within the variety of precise pass-rush strikes he has exterior of his bull rush, however pound for pound, he is exhibiting he is one of many staff’s most bodily highly effective linebackers. Diaby sacked Purdy twice Sunday and has 4 sacks in his previous 4 video games.
Inventory down after the loss: The cross protection. Like final week, the Bucs continued to play extra man protection than zone, which ought to play to the staff’s strengths. However Dean surrendered a 77-yard landing and Davis a 37-yard completion — each to Aiyuk — and linebacker Devin White was out of place on a 4-yard landing cross to working again Christian McCaffrey. — Jenna Laine
Subsequent sport: at Colts (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
What does Aaron Jones damage imply for the long run? Jones’ left knee damage — and his reaction to it while being carted off the field — might have each short-term and long-term ramifications. For now, it means AJ Dillon will get the prospect to make one other bid for the beginning working again job. Dillon, who can be a free agent this offseason, did not precisely benefit from his alternative on Sunday with simply 61 complete yards on 18 touches. The shoulder damage to No. 3 working again Emanuel Wilson additional complicates issues. For the long run, it might affect Jones’ future. He’ll flip 29 subsequent month and has already taken pay cuts to return to Inexperienced Bay.
Fill up after the win: WRs Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks. Reed scored on a 32-yard end-around and completed with three rushes for 46 yards and 4 catches for 46 yards, whereas Wicks caught three passes for 91 yards, together with a 35-yard catch and run to arrange the go-ahead landing within the fourth quarter. Inventory down after the win: S Dallin Leavitt. The Packers’ particular teamer confirmed precisely how to not begin a sport. He was referred to as for holding on the opening kickoff return then grew to become so animated in protest that he additionally drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that pressured the Packers to start out at their 8-yard line on a possession that ended with a failed fourth-down attempt on the 50. — Rob Demovsky
Subsequent sport: at Lions (Thursday, 12:30 p.m. ET)
Will the Chargers keep on with Brandon Staley? The Chargers have big-name gamers: Justin Herbert, Keenan Allen, Derwin James Jr. and Khalil Mack, to call a couple of. However that expertise hasn’t become wins in three seasons below Staley. As an alternative, Staley, employed for his defensive prowess, has fielded a protection that constantly ranks among the many worst within the league. Sunday was one other instance, as quarterback Jordan Love had the perfect sport of his profession (322 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions). The Chargers have fired just one coach at midseason: Kevin Gilbride in 1998. With the Chargers sitting at 4-6, their playoff likelihood is slim. May Staley be the second?
Fill up after the loss: LB Khalil Mack. The Chargers exterior linebacker was disruptive all through the sport, securing two sacks, forcing a fumble and main the staff with seven quarterback pressures. His two sacks moved him to 11 on the season, his most since 2018.
Inventory down after the loss: The purple zone offense. The Chargers got here into this sport scoring a landing on 72% of their purple zone drives, the second-best price within the NFL. On Sunday, they had been 0-for-3 within the purple zone, together with a dropped cross in the long run zone by extensive receiver Keenan Allen. — Kris Rhim
Subsequent sport: vs. Ravens (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Ought to the Lions be frightened about their NFC North lead? The Lions have been favored all season to win their first divisional crown since 1993, and whereas that aim appeared weak at occasions Sunday with 4 turnovers, the Lions discovered a method to win. They nonetheless have 4 divisional video games, together with one vs. the Packers, two in opposition to the Vikings and yet another in opposition to Chicago. The Lions’ path will not be simple if they do not clear it up on either side of the ball going ahead. Nonetheless, Detroit is the one staff this season to win after trailing by no less than 10 with 4 minutes remaining. Groups had been 0-83 earlier than Sunday.
Fill up after the win: RB Jahmyr Gibbs. The No. 12 general decide continues to develop extra snug with every sport. He has scored a dashing landing (5 complete) in his previous 4 video games, tying Kevin Jones (2004) and Barry Sanders (1989) for the longest streak by a Detroit rookie.
Inventory down after the win: QB Jared Goff. He struggled to take care of strain from the Bears’ protection, throwing three interceptions in a sport for simply the third time in his profession and the primary time since 2019, when he was nonetheless a member of the Los Angeles Rams. It wasn’t the best efficiency for Goff to say the least, however he did finish the fourth quarter robust. — Eric Woodyard Subsequent sport: vs. Packers (Thursday, 12:30 p.m. ET)
What did we find out about Justin Fields in his return from damage? Fields was terrific in his first sport since dislocating his proper thumb on Oct. 15. He completed 16-of-23 for 169 yards and a landing. He was as dominant together with his deep ball — a 39-yard TD strike to DJ Moore that was his greatest throw of the season — as he was together with his legs (14 of his 18 dashing makes an attempt for 104 yards had been designed runs). However the Bears’ failure to attain off a number of first-half turnovers and conservative decision-making within the fourth quarter spoiled Fields’ comeback.
Fill up after the loss: CB Tyrique Stevenson. After an up-and-down begin to his rookie season, the 23-year-old nook notched two takeaways, together with his first NFL interception. Stevenson pressured a fumble on a third-quarter kickoff that allowed Chicago to regain the lead.
Inventory down after the loss: CB Jaylon Johnson. The Bears cornerback, who’s taking part in for a brand new contract, dropped an interception one play earlier than Detroit’s first landing and was a step behind on one other cross within the fourth quarter. If Johnson needs to command a top-of-market contract within the offseason, he wants to come back away with these game-altering performs. — Courtney Cronin
Subsequent sport: at Vikings (Monday, Nov. 27, 8:15 p.m. ET)
What’s extra prone to stick — the Dolphins’ offensive efficiency over their previous two video games, or their defensive efficiency? Miami’s protection has been trending up for weeks, forcing turnovers in 4 straight video games. It is a good factor, too, as a result of the Dolphins have been inefficient on the opposite facet of the ball. Sunday’s sport featured three turnovers, a missed subject aim and a turnover on downs. They eclipsed 400 yards of offense for the fifth time this season however had been held to only 20 factors and did not rating a landing within the second half. Miami’s offense is extra prone to get again on observe than its protection is to fall off, nevertheless it was a disappointing efficiency Sunday for the 14-point favorites.
Fill up after the win: CB Jalen Ramsey. Miami’s marquee offseason acquisition recorded his second and third interceptions in his third sport again — together with the game-clincher with 22 seconds left. He allowed simply two catches for 23 yards on seven targets.
Inventory down after the win: The dashing assault. Rookie sensation De’Von Achane performed simply three snaps earlier than leaving with a knee damage, and Miami averaged solely 3.5 yards per carry. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Subsequent sport: at Jets (Friday, 3 p.m. ET) How will the Raiders react to the adversity of their first loss below interim coach Antonio Pierce after a pair of feel-good wins? The Raiders will not need to dig deep to rise up with the Chiefs coming to city, not with so many dangerous emotions between the long-time rivals. However they can’t rely merely on feelings in dealing with the defending Tremendous Bowl champions, who’ve received 14 of their previous 16 conferences. The Raiders want their offensive proficiency to match their defensive depth to have an opportunity in opposition to the Chiefs.
Fill up after the loss: The protection. With three takeaways — fumble recoveries by security Marcus Epps and cornerback Nate Hobbs and an interception by security Isaiah Pola-Mao — and a fourth-down cease, the protection stored the sport inside hanging distance for the Raiders regardless of giving up 422 yards.
Inventory down after the loss: The offense. It resembled a unit headed by a first-time playcaller (Bo Hardegree) below the route of an interim coach with a rookie quarterback (Aidan O’Connell) below middle. The offense did not get a primary down within the second or third quarters and performed conservatively, virtually as if it was taking part in to not lose — except for the 46-yard landing cross to Davante Adams within the first-quarter. — Paul Gutierrez
Subsequent sport: vs. Chiefs (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
How ought to Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud really feel after profitable regardless of throwing three interceptions? Stroud can be pleased they received, however not together with his turnovers. The Texans racked up 421 yards in opposition to the Cardinals. However Stroud, who had two interceptions all season, completed with three Sunday. All three had been tight-window throws, and two had been within the purple zone, taking potential factors off the board. The turnovers allowed the Cardinals to hold round and have a shot to win the sport, despite the fact that the Texans outgained the Cardinals by 100 yards.
Fill up after the win: CB Derek Stingley Jr. He had an interception and cross breakup in his second sport again after a hamstring damage.
Inventory down after the win: The purple zone offense. The Texans went 1-for-4, highlighted by Stroud’s two interceptions. — DJ Bien-Aime
Subsequent sport: vs. Jaguars (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET) What’s an inexpensive end for the Cardinals? The Cardinals might realistically be two extra wins this season — subsequent week in opposition to the Rams after which on Christmas Eve in opposition to the Bears. That may give them 4 on the season. With video games in opposition to the 49ers, Seahawks and Steelers left, and Kyler Murray below middle, Arizona might doubtlessly steal one other one, possibly two. However after shedding to the Texans, a 4-13 report appears life like.
Fill up after the loss: DT Leki Fotu. Earlier than he left the sport with a hand damage, Fotu had a sack, 4 tackles, two tackles for loss and a quarterback hit.
Inventory down after the loss: CB Marco Wilson. He was focused 11 occasions and gave up eight passes for a complete of 145 yards — a median of 18.1 per catch — and two touchdowns. — Josh Weinfuss
Subsequent sport: vs. Rams (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
What does this win imply for the Giants? This could calm issues down a bit after New York misplaced the earlier two video games by 56 factors and had a number of sideline incidents. The strain was on Brian Daboll and the Giants to keep away from splintering. This helps. Not solely did they win however they did it behind Tommy DeVito, who threw for 246 yards and three touchdowns regardless of being sacked 9 occasions. It does put the Giants at the moment out of the coveted high two picks in subsequent 12 months’s draft, nonetheless.
Fill up after the win: The protection. Wink Martindale’s unit pressured 5 turnovers and acquired robust performances from its greatest gamers (Dexter Lawrence II, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Bobby Okereke and Xavier McKinney). Significantly better after two straight duds.
Inventory down after the win: The working sport. The Giants rushed for 0 yards till the ultimate play of the third quarter. Saquon Barkley had minus-2 yards till that 36-yard acquire. This staff wants extra consistency from Barkley and the working assault. — Jordan Raanan
Subsequent sport: vs. Patriots (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Is that this the tip for Ron Rivera? Washington has misplaced seven of its previous 9 video games and has proven no motive to assume it might end robust to save lots of his job. Proprietor Josh Harris has stated he wished to provide everybody the season to totally consider the scenario. However Washington has not progressed. The Commanders are 1-4 at house, regardless of all being sellouts, and have misplaced twice to the Giants and as soon as to the Bears, who entered Sunday with 5 mixed wins. Fill up after the loss: The cross rush. Washington sacked DeVito 9 occasions, one shy of the franchise report, as seven gamers posted no less than one sack apiece. Not dangerous for a staff that traded its high two defensive ends — Chase Young and Montez Sweat — on the commerce deadline.
Inventory down after the loss: The cross protection. Washington’s secondary continued its poor play by permitting DeVito (246 passing yards) to throw massive completions on third-and-long, in addition to three landing passes. — John Keim
Subsequent sport: at Cowboys (Thursday, 4:30 p.m. ET)
Can this model of the Browns make the playoffs? No Nick Chubb. And no Deshaun Watson. Nonetheless, these Browns proceed to seek out methods to win video games. The Browns’ protection as soon as once more was magnificent, giving the offense an opportunity to stage the game-winning drive. Rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson made the performs when he wanted to down the stretch, regardless of a tough second half. And particular groups, particularly kicker Dustin Hopkins, was clutch, with the game-winning subject aim. At 7-3, these Browns simply hold barreling forward for the postseason. This positively appears like a playoff staff.
Fill up after the win: QB Thompson-Robinson. DTR did not mild up the stat sheet, however his 4 completions on the ultimate drive proved to be the distinction.
Inventory down after the win: Massive performs on offense. The Browns aren’t going to outscore anybody going ahead, however they nonetheless have a components to win video games. — Jake Trotter
Subsequent sport: at Broncos (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Can the Steelers capitalize on season-altering accidents to the remainder of the AFC North? The Steelers scoff at the concept that they’re profitable with smoke and mirrors, nevertheless it’s laborious to discover a constant rhyme or motive why they’re within the AFC playoff image when the offense is being outgained each week. And whereas the protection saved the day of their final two video games, they could not discover the magic for the third week in a row. The primary-half Steelers had been nothing in need of abysmal, and the offense stunk it up within the fourth quarter, too. Although the offense sputtered exterior of Jaylen Warren ‘s large 74-yard landing, the protection regrouped at halftime and was a way more stout unit within the second half. However as has been the case all season, the protection did not get any assist from its offense. The Steelers pressured 5 second-half punts and had an interception. However after a fast three-and-out on a Diontae Johnson drop and two dangerous throws from Kenny Pickett gave the Browns the ball again with 1:38 to go, Browns rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson led Cleveland on a game-winning drive.
Fill up after the loss: Warren. Contemporary off his first 100-yard sport, Warren obtained the majority of his yardage on a 74-yard landing run to open the second half. Then within the fourth quarter, he had a 21-yard carry to place the Steelers in subject aim vary to tie the sport. Inventory down after the loss:Pickett. Via three quarters, Pickett was 8-of-16 for 53 yards, after going 12-of-18 for 118 yards via the identical level per week in the past. The Browns’ protection was throughout Pickett from the Steelers’ opening snap, however Pickett, who performed his worst sport of the season, exacerbated its affect by throwing too many errant passes at essential occasions and holding on to the ball too lengthy. — Brooke Pryor
Subsequent sport: at Bengals (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Will the Cowboys be 9-3 after house video games the following two weeks? They’d higher be. That is the 14th time they have been 7-3 or higher since 1989, and so they made the playoffs 12 of the earlier 13 occasions. The Cowboys host Washington and Seattle earlier than taking over Philadelphia. The Cowboys already want some assist from the 8-1 Eagles to remain within the division race. They needn’t give the Eagles any assist of their very own with losses to the Commanders or Seahawks.
Fill up after the win: CB DaRon Bland. The cornerback returned his fourth interception for a landing this season to tie an NFL mark shared by Eric Allen, Ken Houston and Jim Kearney.
Inventory down after the win: Line of defense. The defensive entrance was not at its greatest in opposition to the run. That is all the time going to be a priority for the Dallas protection, so permitting two runners to have greater than 50 yards is regarding, particularly with higher working groups developing in Philadelphia, Miami and Detroit. — Todd Archer
Subsequent sport: vs. Commanders (Thursday, 4:30 p.m. ET)
Are the Panthers beginning to discover their identification offensively? It regarded constructive when quarterback Bryce Young engineered a affected person and balanced 17-play, 70-yard third-quarter drive that resulted in Carolina’s first landing for the reason that third quarter in opposition to Indianapolis two video games in the past. Utilizing lots of 12 personnel (1 RB, 2 TE, 2 WR), it was spectacular. Then, instantly after a Dallas offensive landing, Younger threw his third pick-six of the season. So the identification stays inconsistent.
Fill up after the loss: RB Miles Sanders. The working again misplaced the beginning job to Chuba Hubbard a month in the past however confirmed glimpses of what the Panthers hoped he can be — once they gave him a four-year, $25 million deal throughout the offseason — together with his best outing (11 carries for 50 yards) since Week 1.
Inventory down after the loss: LBBrian Burns. The Professional Bowl exterior linebacker did not have a sack for the second straight sport and has just one in his previous 4, doubtless driving his price ticket down as negotiations for a brand new deal stay on maintain. — David Newton Subsequent sport: at Titans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Is Trevor Lawrence rolling once more? Lawrence threw two touchdowns and ran for 2 extra — turning into the primary participant in franchise historical past to try this in a sport — however extra importantly, he confirmed that he is now not bothered by his strained left knee. The Jaguars rolled him out, which they hadn’t executed since he obtained damage on Oct. 15. He additionally pushed off his left leg when he dove for his first dashing landing with no concern. Sunday marked Lawrence’s fourth-best passer score of his profession (119.5) one week after ending together with his third lowest (48.8).
Fill up after the win: WR Calvin Ridley. He caught a pair of touchdowns and ended up together with his third 100-yard receiving sport of the season. His first-quarter TD catch snapped a streak of 5 video games with out one, which was the longest of his profession.
Inventory down after the win: The purple zone offense. The Jaguars got here into the sport with the fourth-worst purple zone offense (44%) and went 1-for-3 within the first half. It is an space that coach Doug Pederson pegged as a significant concern for the second half of the season. — Mike DiRocco
Subsequent sport: at Texans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Will the Titans win a highway sport this season? The Titans’ offense has been lifeless on the highway this season. The protection has executed significantly better, particularly in relation to impacting the quarterback and creating turnovers. However in complete, the Titans have been outscored 140-70. With their closing two highway video games in opposition to the Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans, it’s extremely potential the Titans will go 0-8 on the highway.
Fill up after the loss: P Ryan Stonehouse. Stonehouse punted 4 occasions for a 53.5-yard common.
Inventory down after the loss: The secondary. Lawrence and the Jaguars’ offense performed a simple sport of pitch-and-catch because the receivers ran extensive open in opposition to the Titans’ zone protection and beat them at occasions in man as effectively. — Turron Davenport
Subsequent sport: vs. Panthers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET) Who fills the void left by Mark Andrews‘ doubtless season-ending damage? The apparent candidate is Isaiah Likely, who will change Andrews as Baltimore’s beginning tight finish, however he has been a nonfactor as a receiver (9 catches in 11 video games) and had no catches Thursday on 21 routes. The participant who may gain advantage probably the most is WR Odell Beckham Jr. Within the closing three quarters, he was focused on six of Lamar Jackson’s 18 passes and completed with 116 yards, topping 100 yards for the primary time in 39 video games.
Fill up after the win: RB Gus Edwards. He has scored 9 touchdowns over the previous 5 video games, which is probably the most receiving and dashing touchdowns in a five-game span in staff historical past.
Inventory down after the win: RB Justice Hill. With the emergence of rookie Keaton Mitchell, Hill has dropped to grow to be the staff’s No. 3 working again and acquired a season-low one stick with it 17 snaps. — Jamison Hensley
Subsequent sport: at Chargers (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Can the Bengals win with out Joe Burrow? There is a perception within the locker room that backup QB Jake Browning can lead an effective offense with Burrow out for the season with a wrist damage. Browning had weeks of high quality reps in coaching camp whereas Burrow dealt together with his strained proper calf and was 8-of-14 for 68 yards and a landing Thursday. Afterward, WR Tyler Boyd stated groups have received with backups, and they should discover a method to place themselves as greatest as potential with out Burrow.
Fill up after the loss: TE Tanner Hudson. The previous follow squad receiver led the Bengals in catches (4) and receiving yards (49) Thursday. In his first 4 video games of the season, he had 14 catches for 126 yards.
Inventory down after the loss: The surface cornerbacks. DJ Turner and Cam Taylor-Britt allowed a mixed plus-35.8% completion proportion over expectation as the closest defender, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. — Ben Child
Subsequent sport: vs. Steelers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
CIN-BAL | PIT-CLE | CHI-DET
LAC-GB | LV-MIA | NYG-WSH
DAL-CAR | TEN-JAX | ARI-HOU
TB-SF | SEA-LAR | NYJ-BUF | MIN-DEN
Philadelphia 21, Kansas City 17
Eagles
Chiefs
Denver 21, Minnesota 20
Vikings
Buffalo 32, N.Y. Jets 6
Payments
Jets
L.A. Rams 17, Seattle 16
Rams
Seahawks
San Francisco 27, Tampa Bay 14
49ers
Buccaneers
Green Bay 23, L.A. Chargers 20
Packers
Chargers
Detroit 31, Chicago 26
Lions
Bears
Miami 20, Las Vegas 13
Dolphins
Raiders
Houston 21, Arizona 16
Texans
Cardinals
N.Y. Giants 31, Washington 19
Giants
Commanders
Cleveland 13, Pittsburgh 10
Browns
Steelers
Dallas 33, Carolina 10
Cowboys
Panthers
Jacksonville 34, Tennessee 14
Jaguars
Titans
Thursday
Baltimore 34, Cincinnati 20
Ravens
Bengals
