A Week Full of Playoff Oppurtinty: NFL Week Thirteen Recap

With the playoffs looming, the opportunity to earn a spot emerges just as much as elimination. While a few teams are already focused on next year, plenty are still participating to see who can claim those last available postseason spots. It was a wacky week with plenty of ups and downs for teams, along with games that saw tons of points and some which saw only a few.

Here is everything that went down during week thirteen of the NFL:

Thursday Night Football

Seattle Seahawks 35 – Dallas Cowboys 41

The highest scoring game between these sides was played in their Thursday night matchup which concluded in Seattle losing its playoff spot. A combined 58 first downs were managed between the teams while nine touchdowns were scored. Each quarterback played stellar, as Dak Prescott tossed four touchdowns for Dallas while Geno Smith threw three for Seattle. An interception by Smith late in the third quarter was the only interception of the game, but did not have a large impact. Seattle gained its first lead of the game right before halftime, and held it until the final five minutes of the game.

A touchdown pass caught by Cowboys’ tight end Jake Ferguson returned the lead to Dallas, while a two point conversion extended its margin to three points. Kicker Brandon Aubrey sealed the deal for Dallas, slotting home his fourth field goal of the night with just under two minutes remaining. The Cowboy’s one advantage may have come in their usage of the game clock, holding the ball for nearly a third of the match. Not only did both sides earn an abundance of scoring, they combined for 257 penalty yards, as each team earned 10 flags. It was a hard fought game that ultimately saw the Cowboys earn a 9-3 start for the second year in a row. With three straight losses, Seattle’s schedule does not get any easier against San Francisco next week.

Sunday

Los Angeles Chargers 6 – New England Patriots 0

While Thursday offered the highest scoring game of the week, Sunday’s first matchup gave the lowest scoring game of the week and the season. The only scoring was earned by two second quarter field goals from Chargers’ kicker Cameron Dicker. Despite the low amount of scoring, there was only one turnover. That travesty bestowed the Patriots as running back Rhamondre Stevenson fumbled the ball on his team’s second drive of the game.

Each team earned a measly 13 first downs and failed to convert less than a third of its third downs. The game served a combined 15 punts between the sides, more first downs than each team earned. The Chargers earned their first win over the Patriots since 2008 after being defeated the last seven times. They still sit far away from a playoff spot, but a late season turnaround could be ignited next week as they host Denver. The Patriots have not been 2-10 since 1992, marking their worst season in 31 years.

Detroit Lions 33 – New Orleans Saints 28

The Lions were released from their cage early, as they began the game with a head of steam. Detroit looked dominant in the first quarter, scoring three touchdowns while Saints’ quarterback Drew Carr threw an interception. Carr had two turnovers, also fumbling the ball in the fourth quarter which led to a Lions’ touchdown drive. Despite the hot start from Detroit, the Saints earned more first downs than their opponents, but were hurt by Carr’s two turnovers. As it lessened Detroit’s lead to as much as three points, New Orleans looked right back in winning contention.

Running back Alvin Kamara led his Saints team with two touchdowns, while quarterback Taysom Hill also entered the game to score a rushing touchdown. Even with Narrowing the margin, the Saints were never able to catch up to their opponents. Jared Goff played exceptional for Detroit, tossing two touchdowns and 213 yards, while two different running backs got on the board for Detroit. The early start was enough for the Lions to earn their first win over New Orleans since 2016. They continue the chase for the top spot in the NFC against Chicago next week. The Saints have dropped out of the playoffs and will look to recover from its third straight loss.

Atlanta Falcons 13 – New York Jets 8

As the Jets have yet to defeat the Falcons since 2013, they lost their third straight to Atlanta and fifth straight this season. They led after the first quarter, but only by two points as their only scoring came from a safety. The rest of their eight points came from kicker Greg Zurlein who had a perfect day with two field goals. Neither of these recaptured the lead, as Atlanta bounced back with 10 points in the second quarter. Its quarterback Desmond Ridder threw a touchdown pass to tight end MyCole Pruitt while kicker Younghoe Koo knocked back his first of two field goals.

While they only earned 14 first downs, the Jets were hurt by three turnovers. An interception was tossed by quarterback Tim Boyle in the third quarter, while fumbles were caused by running back Dalvin Cook and fellow quarterback Trevor Siemian. Atlanta earned only one more first down than its opponents, and also less yardage. Its success came in a lack of turnovers, as not one was conceded. The Falcons have an even record, but lead their division and hold a playoff spot. They play Tampa Bay next week who looks to steal that spot along with the division lead.

Arizona Cardinals 24 – Pittsburgh Steelers 10

As their playoff chances are near zero, the Cardinals received the opportunity to play spoiler in defeating the Steelers this weekend. Their offense was led by running back James Conner who scored two rushing touchdowns and earned 105 yards. Quarterback Kyler Murray also threw a touchdown for Arizona, while kicker Matt Prater scored his only field goal attempt. Steelers’ quarterback Kenny Pickett was forced to leave the game during the second quarter with an ankle injury. He was replaced by Mitchell Trubisky, who threw a touchdown on his team’s final drive, but hurt its chances with an earlier fumble.

That fumble led to a scoring drive for Arizona and Conner’s second touchdown. With an even amount of first downs and nearly even time of possession, Pittsburgh’s chances were hurt by losing 77 yards to nine penalties. Trubisky’s turnover also played a crucial role in its loss. This marks Arizona’s first win over Pittsburgh since 2007, just two years before the sides met in Super Bowl XLIII. After four straight losses to Pittsburgh, revenge could not have felt any sweeter. The Steelers will hope to bounce back and keep their playoff spot next week in hosting New England.

Indianapolis Colts 31 – Tennessee Titans 28 (OT)

It took an extra frame for the Colts to complete their season sweep over the Titans, but they did so for the first time since 2018. It was a back and forth game throughout as both teams finished with over 350 offensive yards. Titans’ running back Derrick Henry scored his first of two touchdowns on his teams’ first drive while quarterback Will Levis also completed a touchdown toss. For the Colts, quarterback Gardner Minshew completed two touchdown passes and threw 312 yards. The biggest play of the game may have been from Colts linebacker Grant Stuard, who returned a touchdown from a punt blocked by his team.

Each team fumbled the ball twice, with both quarterbacks earning one to their name. Both kickers were flawless as Nick Folk scored two field goals for the Titans and Matt Gay accomplished four for Indianapolis. Folk managed a field goal in overtime to put his team on top, but was outdone by Minshew’s second touchdown pass as he found running back Michael Pittman to finish the game. The only factor hurting the Titans may have been their 74 yards lost to penalties, as they earned more first and third downs than Indianapolis.

Miami Dolphins 45 – Washington Commanders 15

A convincing win over the Commanders moved the Miami Dolphins into first place of the AFC. They opened the gate with 31 first half points while only conceding one touchdown. That scoring opportunity was taken by Commanders’ quarterback Sam Howell, who failed to throw a touchdown but finished the day with two rushing touchdowns. He completed all of Washington’s scoring, as he also tossed a successful pass for a two-point conversion, but his lone interception was returned for a Dolphins’ touchdown. Kicker Joey Slye missed his one field goal for Washington, as his team only managed 11 first downs on the day.

As for Miami, its quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed two touchdown passes and 18 of 24 attempts. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill increased his chances of becoming the league MVP with catching two touchdowns and earning 157 receiving yards. Running back De’Von Achane returned for Miami and also scored a touchdown. Kicker Jason Sanders scored his only field goal attempt as his team earned 20 first downs and 160 more yards than its opponents. The Commanders have lost four games in a row and will have a bye next week to recover from a rough month.

Denver Broncos 17 – Houston Texans 22

After winning five games in a row, the Denver Broncos’ streak was put to a screeching halt during their visit to Houston. Despite earning more first downs than its opponents, Denver’s three turnovers played a key dividend between the two sides. All three were interceptions thrown by quarterback Russell Wilson, the first of which resulted in a Texans touchdown drive. He completed a passing and rushing touchdown, but ultimately hurt his team more than he helped it. The Broncos also failed to convert a single third down and were given 11 chances to do so.

They did make up for it by completing all three fourth down conversions, but lost plenty of scoring opportunities. Houston quarterback CJ Stroud may be starting to make a name for himself in Houston after tossing a touchdown and 274 yards. His team only completed 14 first downs and lost 81 yards to penalties, but found a way to hold the ball longer than its opponents. The Texans are on the cusp of a playoff spot as they leapfrog over Denver in the standings. They face the Jets next week with the hopes of claiming that last playoff spot.

Carolina Panthers 18 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21

Six of the last seven matchups between these sides have tilted Tampa Bay’s way as it kept its playoff hopes alive. Each side finished the game with 15 first downs while Tampa Bay had six third downs to Carolina’s three. The Panthers held the ball longer than their opponents, but came up short on their final drive. Quarterback Bryce Young failed to throw a touchdown for Carolina and instead tossed an interception on the last drive of the game. His team was within field goal range and a few more yards could have given it the opportunity to tie the game.

Tampa Bay’s offense saw two rushing touchdowns from two different players, running back Rachaad White and wide receiver Chris Godwin. Its quarterback Baker Mayfield tossed a touchdown in the first quarter, but an interception in the second quarter. Carolina was unable to make use of Tampa Bay’s only turnover of the game. A win moves the Buccaneers just one game back from their division leading Falcons. They will make a trip to Atlanta next week with the hopes of stealing the division lead.

Cleveland Browns 19 – Los Angeles Rams 35

Both sides earned 20 first downs in a game that was closer on paper than the score may show. Quarterback injuries forced backup Joe Flacco to start his first game for Cleveland this season. His efforts showed two touchdown passes and 254 yards completed, but a crucial late interception. That was the only turnover of the game, and it led to a late Los Angeles touchdown drive. Another late touchdown and a safety gave the Rams a commanding lead in the game’s closing minutes.

Their quarterback Matthew Stafford played excellent, tossing three touchdowns and completing 279 yards. Rookie receiver Puka Nacua led the Rams in receiving with 105 yards and a touchdown. Cleveland held the ball for almost 10 more minutes than the Rams but failed to convert on nine third downs and were unable to accomplish both fourth down attempts. With a win, the Rams have defeated the Browns four times straight, and have not lost to Cleveland since 2007. Los Angeles sits on the cusp of a playoff position as it battles the Ravens next week.

San Francisco 49ers 42 – Philadelphia Eagles 19

The 49ers proved to the world that the Eagles are not as invincible as they seem with a convincing victory over the top team in the NFC. Despite leading at the end of the first quarter after two field goals from kicker Jake Elliot, the Eagles were unable to score with the same velocity as their opponents. San Francisco only earned one more first down than its opponent but achieved 120 more offensive yards. Its quarterback Brock Purdy played lights out, having four touchdown passes and 314 yards.

Rushing touchdowns were also brought in by running back Christian McCaffrey and receiver Deebo Samuel. Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts threw for 292 yards and a touchdown, but failed to find a teammate on 19 pass attempts. San Francisco completed eight of its 11 third downs and completed the only fourth attempt it took. Meanwhile, Philadelphia failed to convert on seven third downs. After losing the game which sent its opponents to the Super Bowl, San Francisco earned revenge in a big way. It has a chance to pour salt in Philadelphia’s wound with a victory over Seattle in week 14.

Kansas City Chiefs 19 – Green Bay Packers 27

In a span of 56 years, these sides have played one another 15 times, while the Chiefs hold the series lead. Green Bay helped its case immensely with a win this weekend, as it moved into the final playoff spot in the NFC. Earning its third win in a row did not come easy, but its quarterback Jordan Love stepped up big time. He threw three touchdowns while completing 25 of 36 attempts and tossing 267 yards. As for the Chiefs, their quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw a touchdown and 210 yards, but tossed a crucial late interception.

Two field goals from Packers’ kicker Anders Carlson in the final quarter helped give his team just enough of an edge to hold the victory. The Packers held the ball one minute longer than the Chiefs who earned one more first down than Green Bay. Kansas City’s only fourth down attempt came on its last drive, which it failed to complete, as the victory was handed to Green Bay. The Packers will look to hold on to its newly earned playoff spot in defeating the Giants next week as they have now won three in a row.

Monday Night Football

Cincinnati Bengals 34 – Jacksonville Jaguars 31 (OT)

After quarterback Jake Browning displayed a stellar performance for Cincinnati, his team went on to defeat Jacksonville for the third time straight. The final game of the week may have been the most exciting as these two sides went back and forth between each quarter. Browning threw a touchdown and completed 32 of 37 attempts while Jaguars’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence tossed two touchdowns and 258 yards. Lawrence exited the game in the final quarter with an ankle injury, and was replaced by C.J. Beathard. He completed nine of 10 attempts, but was unable to help his team succeed in overtime.

The only interception of the game was thrown by quarterback Tyler Boyd, who replaced Browning for one singular drive in the third quarter. Despite winning the toss, Jacksonville was unable to score on its lone overtime drive. Instead, the game was put away by Bengals’ kicker Evan McPherson who slotted home his second field goal of the game. The Jaguars helped the ball just nine seconds longer than Cincinnati and earned four less first downs. A win for the Bengals keeps their playoff hopes alive. They have a chance to reclaim their spot in defeating the Colts next week, who currently hold the last playoff position in the AFC.

Teams on bye: