The last slate of NFL games, before the traditional Thanksgiving tripleheader, that all football fans are oh so thankful for, is officially in the books. Many questions remain unanswered as to the superior teams. With both No. 1 seeds losing in the same week, more questions remain as the season hits the home stretch, which only adds to the excitement of the final two months of NFL football.
Five TDS
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor carried his team almost single-handedly in their convincing win against the Buffalo Bills. His stat line at the game’s end was 185 yards rushing and four touchdowns on the ground on 32 carries. He also accounted for a receiving touchdown. Taylor took over the lead in rushing yards, eclipsing the injured Derrick Henry. In addition, he took over the top spot in total touchdowns.
How Does This Keep Happening
The No. 1 seed in the AFC, the Tennessee Titans lost a home game to the Houston Texans on Sunday. It was their first loss since their overtime loss to the New York Jets. In between those losses they defeated the likes of the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, the Los Angeles Rams, and the Colts. With a date with the New England Patriots next on their schedule, they need to keep this loss a speed bump on their way to the postseason and secure the top spot.
Just Like Old Times
Sunday’s games looked like a throwback to a time not that long ago. First, there was Cam Newton‘s first game back in Carolina since returning to the Panthers, against his former Panthers coach Ron Rivera. Second, there was the third straight start for veteran signal-caller Colt McCoy for the Arizona Cardinals. Lastly, the New York Jets started former Super Bowl winning quarterback Joe Flacco against the Miami Dolphins.
No Lamar, No Problem
The Baltimore Ravens were without former MVP Lamar Jackson for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears due to a non-covid related illness. Tyler Huntley made his first career start in storied Soldier Field. While his play wasn’t lights out, he limited his mistakes only throwing one interception. He kept his team in the game and led them on a game-winning drive late.
Another Nail Biter
The Minnesota Vikings have been involved in more close games than any other team. Most of their games have come down to a winning score as time expired or in overtime, with the Vikings not always coming out on the winning end. Sunday against the first-place Green Bay Packers was no different. Kirk Cousins drove his team into position for the game-winning field goal. Greg Joseph‘s attempt was good.
Tom Terrific Once Again
Behind yet another 300-yard, two-touchdown performance on Monday Night Football, Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers avenged last week’s loss to the Washington Football Team led by Taylor Heinicke. The New York Giants were the unfortunate opponent this week. Unfortunate to not only play a superior team, on paper but a superior team who was upset a week ago.
Bounce Back
The Cincinnati Bengals were fresh off their bye week which couldn’t come soon enough after they had dropped their last two games to the Jets and the Cleveland Browns leading into their off week. Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, the team got back to their early season dominance. The Bengals 32-13 win was led by their defense and by a two-touchdown performance by running back Joe Mixon.
Flying High
The Philadelphia Eagles were led by three rushing touchdowns by quarterback Jalen Hurts on Sunday. The defense for the Eagles put together a dominating performance against Trevor Siemian and the New Orleans Saints, including forcing a pair of interceptions. The Eagles are continuing to keep pace with the first-place Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East division race.
Speaking of…
The Cowboys on Sunday met a rejuvenated Chiefs defense. Dallas’s defense stood its ground against Patrick Mahomes and company. Unfortunately, the few bends were capitalized on by the Chiefs in the 19-9 win, in favor of the defending two-time AFC champs. The Chiefs are once again the top team in the AFC West, where just a few weeks ago they were the last-place team. The Cowboys themselves remain in the tops spot in their division, despite the loss.
Not Again
Recent memories of Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots matchups immediately resonate with the Super Bowl. When the Falcons led 28-3 and ultimately lost to the Brady-led Patriots. The Falcons have seemed to be feeling it ever since. Thursday night was no different. The Falcons couldn’t do much of anything against the Patriots. The result this time was a 25-0 win by New England.
Check us out on our socials:
Twitter: @PTSTNews and @TalkPrimeTime
Facebook Page: Prime Time Sports Talk
Join our Facebook Group: Prime Time Sports Talk
Instagram: @primetimesportstalk
Follow Joe Heller on Twitter @JerseyJoe317
Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images