Week 16 provided some clarity for teams’ playoff hopes, for better or worse—that and more in today’s NFL Notes.
Cowboys Play Spoiler on SNF
The Dallas Cowboys edged the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-24 on Sunday night, thanks to a game-sealing strip-and-recovery by DaRon Bland in the final moments. The win marked the Cowboys’ fourth victory in five games, improving their record to 7-8, though they were eliminated from playoff contention earlier in the day.
Dallas started strong with a 10-0 lead and maintained their advantage despite Tampa Bay’s late rally. CeeDee Lamb led the offense with 105 receiving yards, while Jalen Tolbert and Ezekiel Elliott added touchdowns. Brandon Aubrey contributed four field goals, and Cooper Rush effectively spread the ball around. The Cowboys’ defense shined with four sacks and two key turnovers: a highlight-reel interception by Jourdan Lewis and Bland’s clutch strip-and-recovery on Tampa Bay’s final drive.
The Buccaneers (8-7) had a chance to win late, but Bland’s takeaway ended their hopes. The loss snapped Tampa Bay’s four-game win streak and left them tied with Atlanta atop the NFC South, with the Falcons holding the tiebreaker.
Bills Narrowly Top Patriots
The Buffalo Bills defeated the New England Patriots 24-21 on Sunday, keeping their hopes alive for the AFC’s top seed. The AFC East-champion Bills (12-3) need to win their final two games, and the Kansas City Chiefs (14-1) need to lose both of theirs to secure home-field advantage and the lone playoff bye. Despite trailing 14-0 early, the Bills rallied with 24 unanswered points, including a pivotal fumble recovery touchdown by Taron Johnson in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Josh Allen, an MVP candidate, had a quieter game compared to recent performances, completing 16-of-29 passes for 154 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Running back James Cook made fantasy owners happy with both a rushing and receiving touchdown.
The Patriots (3-12) leaned on a ball-control offense to limit Buffalo’s time of possession in the first half but were undone by three costly second-half turnovers. The loss keeps New England in contention for a top draft pick, currently holding the No. 2 overall spot with a chance at the first pick.
Looking ahead, the Bills will host the New York Jets in Week 17, while the Patriots face the playoff-chasing Los Angeles Chargers.
Sep 29, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) passes the ball against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesBengals Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
The Cincinnati Bengals kept their playoff hopes alive with a decisive 24-6 victory over the Cleveland Browns in an AFC North showdown at Paycor Stadium. Quarterback Joe Burrow continued his MVP-caliber season, completing 23 of 30 passes for 252 yards and three touchdowns, including a highlight 2-yard connection to Tee Higgins while falling to the turf.
Running back Chase Brown contributed 91 rushing yards, and Ja’Marr Chase, the NFL’s leading receiver, added six catches for 97 yards and a touchdown.
The Bengals improved to 7-8, remaining in the playoff hunt despite a season marked by struggles against strong opponents. While Cincinnati is 7-1 against teams with losing records, they have yet to beat a winning record (0-7). Upcoming games against the Broncos and Steelers will determine if they can compete with higher-caliber teams and keep their postseason dreams alive.
For Cleveland, the loss dropped them to 3-12, keeping them in contention for a top-five draft pick. Despite the defeat, Browns defensive end Myles Garrett reached a career milestone, becoming the youngest player in NFL history to record 100 sacks.
Dec 10, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) celebrates after the Browns beat the Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY SportsCommanders Ride Daniels’ 5 Touchdown Performance to Victory
In a thrilling NFC East clash, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels led the Washington Commanders to a dramatic 36-33 comeback victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Daniels threw five touchdown passes, including a game-winning nine-yard strike to Jamison Crowder with six seconds left, capping a 22-point fourth-quarter rally. He finished with 258 passing yards, five touchdowns, and a team-high 81 rushing yards, becoming the first rookie in franchise history to throw five touchdowns in a game.
The Eagles, who built a commanding 21-point first quarter fueled by Saquon Barkley’s 150 rushing yards and two touchdowns, faltered after losing quarterback Jalen Hurts to a concussion in the first quarter. Backup Kenny Pickett couldn’t maintain the momentum and a critical drop by DeVonta Smith in the fourth quarter set up Washington’s final scoring drive. Philadelphia also lost safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to an ejection, after which Washington capitalized with three scores on their last four drives.
The loss snapped Philadelphia’s 10-game winning streak, leaving them at 12-3 and delaying their NFC East title hopes while hurting their bid for the NFC’s top seed as the Detroit Lions moved to 13-2. Meanwhile, Washington improved to 10-5, solidifying their playoff chances and staying in the division race. Head coach Dan Quinn became the first in franchise history to win 10 games in his debut season.
Nov 3, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) looks to pass during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesRams Keep NFC West Title Hopes Alive
The Los Angeles Rams overcame a sluggish start to defeat the New York Jets 19-9, maintaining their lead in the NFC West. Trailing 9-6 at halftime, the Rams scored 13 unanswered points in the second half. Matthew Stafford’s 11-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Higbee in the fourth quarter gave Los Angeles the lead, and kicker Joshua Karty added two field goals, including a 38-yarder to tie the game earlier.
Rams running back Kyren Williams was a standout with 122 rushing yards and the team’s lone first-half touchdown. Meanwhile, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers connected with Davante Adams for New York’s only touchdown in the first quarter. Despite Rodgers throwing for 256 yards, the Jets (4-11) couldn’t maintain their early momentum.
The Rams (9-6) now face pivotal divisional matchups against the Cardinals and Seahawks to close out the season, while the Jets head to Buffalo to take on the AFC East-leading Bills.
Dec 8, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) celebrates after scoring on a 19-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesPanthers Close the Postseason Door on the Cardinals
The Carolina Panthers secured their first win since Week 10 with a thrilling 36-30 overtime victory over the Arizona Cardinals, eliminating Arizona from playoff contention. Carolina jumped to a 17-point first-half lead, but Arizona clawed back, forcing overtime with a 58-yard field goal from Chad Ryland as time expired.
In overtime, the Cardinals’ hopes ended after a Kyler Murray sack on third-and-10. Three plays later, Chuba Hubbard sealed the game with a 21-yard rushing touchdown. Hubbard shined with 152 rushing yards and two scores, while rookie quarterback Bryce Young continued to improve, throwing for 158 yards and two touchdowns and adding 68 rushing yards with a score.
The win moves the Panthers to 4-11, while the Cardinals’ playoff hopes officially end.
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