Week 13 of the NFL season began on Thursday with a present of offensive energy between the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks.
Across the NFL on Sunday, the Houston Texans’ protection had an enormous day and put an finish to the Denver Broncos’ five-game win streak, the Detroit Lions (9-3) are off to their greatest begin since 1962, and the Indianapolis Colts gained in extra time over the Tennessee Titans.
Within the late window, the San Francisco 49ers made an announcement with a lopsided win over the Philadelphia Eagles,and theLos Angeles Rams overpowered the Cleveland Browns’ protection. On Sunday evening, the Inexperienced Bay Packers pulled off an upset in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs.
Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to all of the motion, answering lingering questions popping out of every recreation and selecting out who — or what — is rising and falling for each group. Let’s get to it.
Soar to a matchup:
SEA-DAL | DEN-HOU | IND-TEN | LAC-NE
DET-NO | ATL-NYJ | MIA-WSH| ARI-PIT
CAR-TB| SF-PHI| CLE-LAR| KC-GB
Packers
Is it time to start out calling the Packers a playoff group? The Packers entered Week 13 with a forty five% probability to make the playoffs, in accordance with ESPN Analytics. They nonetheless would’ve been at 37% with a loss, however now they’re beginning to look an increasing number of like a playoff group. Their probabilities spiked to 66% after Sunday evening’s upset victory over the defending Tremendous Bowl champs. They usually haven’t got a recreation remaining over the ultimate 5 weeks in opposition to a group with a profitable document. Solely the Vikings (6-6) in Week 17 are even at .500. The best way Jordan Love, Christian Watson and the remainder of the offense are rolling, the trail seems doable.
Top off after the win: Keisean Nixon is not simply an All-Professional kick returner anymore. The Packers’ nickel cornerback picked off Patrick Mahomes with 5:14 left within the recreation proper after the Chiefs crossed midfield. It was Nixon’s first interception of the season and simply the second of his profession.
Inventory down after the win: LB Quay Walker. Third-and-18 must be as near computerized for a protection as something within the NFL, but it was hardly a shock when a scrambling Mahomes hit a wide-open Travis Kelce for 27 yards over the center partly as a result of Walker ran up, presumably as a result of he thought Mahomes would take off working. It helped arrange the Chiefs’ landing on the opening drive of the third quarter. — Rob Demovsky
Subsequent recreation: at Giants (Monday, Dec. 11, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Chiefs
Ought to the Chiefs be involved about their latest sluggish defensive begins? Completely. The Chiefs in Inexperienced Bay allowed a landing on every of the sport’s first two possessions for the second straight recreation. The Chiefs aren’t as offensively gifted as they have been in earlier seasons with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback. Then, a double-digit deficit early within the recreation was an inconvenience. With this 12 months’s group, it is harmful.
Top off after the loss: RB Isiah Pacheco. He rushed for 110 yards and a landing, though he additionally had a expensive late penalty on the Chiefs’ ultimate drive.
Inventory down after the loss: Go rush. The Chiefs entered the sport with 37 sacks however put Jordan Love on the bottom simply twice regardless of blitzing 18 instances in 38 dropbacks. — Adam Teicher
Subsequent recreation: vs. Payments (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Rams
What does the win imply for the Rams’ playoff probabilities? The Rams entered the sport with a 37% probability of constructing the playoffs, in accordance with ESPN Analytics. That rose to 47% with their victory over the Browns, the Rams’ third in a row. Now at 6-6, the Rams are tied with the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings, who entered the day because the Nos. 6 and seven seeds within the NFC playoff race. The Rams have one other robust take a look at subsequent week, as they journey to Baltimore to face the 9-3 Ravens, who might be coming off a bye week. After that, nevertheless, the Rams face only one group that at present has a profitable document of their ultimate 4 video games.
Top off after the win: WR Puka Nacua. The rookie had 4 receptions for 105 yards and a landing, changing into the sixth participant because the 1970 merger to achieve 1,000 receiving yards in his first 12 video games. He additionally had a 31-yard rush to arrange the Rams’ game-winning landing. Nacua left the sport twice within the first half on account of harm (cramping after which a rib harm), however he got here again to start out the second half.
Inventory down after the win: Ok Lucas Havrisik. His inventory continues to go down after one other missed kick, this one from 43 yards. Havrisik missed an additional level and 50-yard area objective in Week 12 in opposition to the Arizona Cardinals. — Sarah Barshop
Subsequent recreation: at Ravens (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Browns
Is Joe Flacco the reply now at QB? Actually, Flacco had a terrific recreation in his first outing this season earlier than a backbreaking, ill-advised interception downfield within the fourth quarter (his solely turnover, establishing a Rams landing). It is unclear if the Browns will flip again to rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson or roll with Flacco from right here on out. But when it is the latter, and Flacco can play this effectively going ahead, the Browns nonetheless could have a superb opportunity to make the playoffs, even with Sunday’s loss. On condition that he signed with Cleveland solely two weeks in the past, Flacco’s Browns debut was encouraging total.
Top off after the loss: WR Elijah Moore. The speedy Moore flashed an immediate rapport along with his former New York Jets teammate in Flacco, as Moore caught 4 passes for 83 yards in simply his most efficient efficiency of the season.
Inventory down after the loss: Go protection. The Browns’ go protection had been arguably one of the best within the NFL up to now however gave up three TD passes to Matthew Stafford and did not power a turnover minus injured Professional Bowl CB Denzel Ward. — Jake Trotter
Subsequent recreation: vs. Jaguars (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
49ers
Are the 49ers one of the best group within the NFL? Sure. A convincing sure. The Niners haven’t got one of the best document within the NFL, however nobody is taking part in higher. The Niners aren’t simply profitable video games in opposition to good groups comparable to Philadelphia, Jacksonville, Dallas and Seattle. They’re dismantling these groups. Sunday’s convincing win in Philadelphia undoubtedly felt good for the 49ers after what occurred in final season’s NFC Championship Recreation, nevertheless it means excess of some foolish measure of revenge for a recreation performed nearly a 12 months in the past. The 49ers at the moment are just one recreation again of the Eagles within the race for the NFC’s No. 1 seed and maintain the head-to-head tiebreaker. The Niners will possible have to win out to safe that spot, however the way in which they’re taking part in, there’s loads of motive to imagine they will do it.
Top off after the win: WR Deebo Samuel. Samuel had a lot to say about what occurred in January however backed it up after which some with 138 yards on seven touches from scrimmage and three touchdowns.
Inventory down after the win: LB Dre Greenlaw. Greenlaw’s ejection was in all probability pointless, however the penalty he acquired for slamming DeVonta Smith on the sideline is nothing new for an excellent participant who has developed a popularity with officers for pushing the road a bit too far once in a while. — Nick Wagoner
Subsequent recreation: vs. Seahawks (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Eagles
How do the Eagles regroup after this lopsided loss? A great begin can be including linebacker Shaquille Leonard, who’s deciding between signing with the Eagles and Cowboys. The center of the protection struggled in opposition to the Niners’ assault, with starters Nakobe Dean and Zach Cunningham sidelined with accidents. They usually’ll have to handle the pink zone offense. They’ve been higher in that space of late after some early stumbles, however a 2-for-4 effort Sunday was a key distinction within the recreation, as San Francisco went 4-for-4. The fixes should occur shortly with a visit to Dallas up subsequent.
Top off after the loss: WR A.J. Brown. He averaged solely 37 receiving yards over his earlier three video games however acquired again on monitor in opposition to the Niners, eclipsing the 100-yard receiving mark for the seventh time this season.
Inventory down after the loss: LB Nicholas Morrow. There’s loads of blame to unfold round on protection — DE Josh Sweat had a pair of expensive penalties, for instance — however Morrow yielded a 33-yard reception to Christian McCaffrey to arrange a third-quarter Niners rating, after which missed a sort out on Samuel’s 48-yard catch-and-run landing on the next sequence, which helped turned the tide absolutely in San Francisco’s favor. — Tim McManus
Subsequent recreation: at Cowboys (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Buccaneers
How does this win affect the Bucs’ standing within the NFC South? With the Buccaneers’ win over the Panthers and the Saints’ (5-7) loss to the Lions, they’re now tied for second place within the division. With a win over the Jets, the Falcons (6-6) moved into sole possession of first place. A win over the Falcons subsequent week in Atlanta would put Tampa Bay in a tie for first place, with New Orleans going through Carolina subsequent. The actual concern, although, is how way more their protection can take with accidents, though Antoine Winfield Jr.’s game-sealing interception with 2:21 to go confirmed there’s nonetheless life.
Top off after the win: WR Mike Evans. He hauled in seven catches for 162 yards — together with a 75-yard landing — to seize his tenth consecutive 1,000-yard season, tying him with Randy Moss for the second-most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons behind solely Jerry Rice.
Inventory down after the win: Inside linebacker depth. The Bucs have been down to at least one by the tip of the sport Sunday in J.J. Russell, with Ok.J. Britt leaving with a again harm after Lavonte David (groin), Devin White (foot) andSirVocea Dennis (sickness) have been all out and security Ryan Neal needed to play out of place. — Jenna Laine
Subsequent recreation: at Falcons (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Panthers
What’s subsequent now that they are formally eradicated from playoff competition? The precedence is to protectQBBryce Younger, who has been sacked no less than 4 instances in eight video games this season. Carolina is on tempo to surrender 66 sacks, simply shy of the group document (69). Placing Younger below heart as he was seven instances within the first quarter helped and arrange play-action with no sacks. Wanting doing extra of that, sitting Younger is the one technique to defend him. His well being for subsequent season is most essential.
Top off after the loss: RB Chuba Hubbard. The Panthers dedicated to the run recreation below interim coach Steve Tabor, and the working again responded with 104 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries.
Inventory down after the loss: CB Troy Hill. The cornerback was in for Jaycee Horn — who was on an obvious pitch depend in his first recreation again since struggling a hamstring harm in Week 1 — and gave up a 75-yard landing go to Mike Evans on the primary play after Carolina took a 10-7 lead. — David Newton
Subsequent recreation: at Saints (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Cardinals
How will a win propel the Cardinals by means of the bye and into the house stretch? This was the proper approach for Arizona to move into its bye: not only a win, however a convincing win, behind a powerful displaying for quarterback Kyler Murray, over a group within the playoff hunt. Now the Cardinals can relaxation for many of the week and are available again for the ultimate 4 video games in opposition to the 49ers, Bears, Eagles and Seahawks. This was Arizona’s third win of the season, and its remaining schedule could yield only one extra win (presumably two), however figuring out it might win in a setting like Pittsburgh, below situations on Sunday that included two climate delays, will give this group extra confidence heading into the ultimate stretch.
Top off after the win:RBJames Conner. Conner had fairly a return to Pittsburgh. He completed with 105 yards — his second 100-yard outing within the Cardinals’ previous three video games — and two touchdowns within the stadium the place he performed his school soccer and began his NFL profession.
Inventory down after the win:The offensive line. A bunch that gave up two sacks early within the recreation struggled to decelerate the Steelers’ go rush, which was in a position to get to Murray with relative ease within the first half. — Josh Weinfuss
Subsequent recreation: vs. 49ers (Sunday, Dec. 17, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Steelers
Was the offensive surge in Week 12 actual or a mirage? It actually appeared extra just like the latter than the previous in Sunday’s loss to a three-win Cardinals group. The great vibes and momentum from a 400-yard outing and a win in Cincinnati seven days earlier have been washed away, drowned out by two prolonged extreme climate delays, 9 penalties and poor execution on each side of the ball. When the Steelers did transfer the ball, they could not flip yards into factors, scoring a landing on simply considered one of three journeys to the pink zone, whereas the Cardinals scored on all three of theirs. Making issues worse, beginning guard Isaac Seumalo left early with a shoulder harm, whereas QBKenny Pickett was knocked out halfway by means of the second quarter and completed the sport on the sideline carrying a boot on his proper ankle — hardly one thing the Steelers can afford with a Thursday evening recreation in opposition to the Patriots on the horizon.
Top off after the loss:WRGeorge Pickens. The Steelers acquired him concerned early, concentrating on him thrice on the primary drive of the sport. Although they weren’t constant in going again to him, Pickens nonetheless completed with 4 catches for 86 yards on 5 targets.
Inventory down after the loss: Third-down protection. The Steelers allowed a season-high 10 third-down conversions, together with performs of 21, 19, 17 and 15 yards within the first half. An pointless roughness penalty in opposition to Elandon Roberts additionally gave the Cardinals an early third-down conversion. — Brooke Pryor
Subsequent recreation: vs. Patriots (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Colts
Can the Colts discover some running-game consistency in Jonathan Taylor’s absence? The Colts had considered one of their worst speeding performances of the season (55 yards), not coincidentally of their first recreation since Taylor suffered a thumb harm. Regardless of Zack Moss’ standout displaying in opposition to the Titans within the first matchup (a season-high 165 yards), he and the Colts struggled to get on monitor working the ball Sunday. Moss completed with 51 yards on 19 carries. Taylor might miss a number of video games, and the Colts might want to set up a working recreation to offset the inconsistency of quarterback Gardner Minshew.
Top off after the win: WR Alec Pierce. He caught three balls for 100 yards and a landing. Pierce scored on a 36-yarder, beating two defenders down the center of the sector on a deep shot.
Inventory down after the win:CBJaylon Jones. The rookie had a tough day in protection, struggling all through and getting beat by DeAndre Hopkins on a 3-yard landing go that tied the sport. Jones, in accordance with NFL Subsequent Gen Stats, gave up 4 catches on 4 targets. — Stephen Holder
Subsequent recreation: at Bengals (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Titans
What was the value for the Titans’ loss? The Titans suffered their first dwelling lack of the season, and it was expensive. Defensive sort out Jeffery Simmons, tight finish Josh Whyle and punter Ryan Stonehouse all suffered knee accidents. Derrick Henry was dominated out and is within the concussion protocol. Shedding 4 key gamers does not bode effectively for a troublesome upcoming schedule, beginning with a highway recreation in opposition to the Dolphins earlier than dwelling video games in opposition to the Texans and Seahawks.
Top off after the loss:The pink zone protection. The Colts managed to get the ball contained in the 10-yard line 4 instances and Tennessee stored them from scoring touchdowns every time.
Inventory down after the loss: Particular groups. Tennessee had two punts blocked, considered one of which was returned for a landing, and the Titans missed an additional level try that will have given them a lead with 5:25 left within the fourth quarter. — Turron Davenport
Subsequent recreation: at Dolphins (Monday, Dec. 11, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Texans
Can the protection proceed to ascend because the Texans make a playoff run? The Texans’ protection saved the day with three interceptions, capped by a Jimmie Ward’s in the long run zone with 9 seconds left to safe the win. Although the veteran sealed it, a few of their youthful gamers performed huge roles. The Texans’ 2022 No. 3 total choose, cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., completed with two interceptions, and their 2023 No. 3 choose, defensive finish Will Anderson Jr., had two sacks and two tackles for loss. The children are clicking on the proper time, and that might be the distinction between making the playoffs or not.
Top off after the win:Stingley. He added two go breakups to go together with his two interceptions and eventually is clicking after lacking half the season due to harm. Stingley now has interceptions in three straight video games since returning and has 4 complete.
Inventory down after the win: The third-down offense. The Texans’ offense went 4-for-16 on third downs, which allowed the Broncos to hold round. — DJ Bien-Aime
Subsequent recreation: at Jets (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Broncos
What does this loss imply for the Broncos’ playoff hopes? After their comeback try fell quick when quarterback Russell Wilson threw an interception in the long run zone, the Broncos’ playoff hopes took a success. They’re now 3-5 in opposition to AFC opponents and in the midst of a crowded race for the wild-card spot. A win would have given the Broncos head-to-head wins over the Payments, Browns and Texans, however Sunday’s loss now places the Texans able to be an enormous hurdle. The Broncos do not essentially have to win out, however they will in all probability want some assist from different groups.
Top off after the loss: WR Courtland Sutton. His inventory has been up all season, however along with his ninth landing catch Sunday, he has essentially the most TD receptions by a Broncos vast receiver since Eric Decker (12) in 2014.
Inventory down after the loss:The go protection. The Broncos did proper the ship to some extent within the second half after they cranked up the go rush a bit, however Stroud had 27- and 52-yard completions in his first 4 go makes an attempt on the way in which to 153 yards passing (of 274 complete) within the opening quarter. — Jeff Legwold
Subsequent recreation: at Chargers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Falcons
What is the subsequent step for the offense? Atlanta had fewer than 200 yards of offense (195) and averaged 3.1 yards per play after a 396-yard outing final week. The Falcons’ offense has vacillated all through the season, however the subsequent step must be consistency. The wet situations performed a job, however for the Falcons to seal a playoff berth, they will want extra offensively than they acquired Sunday.
Top off after the win: OLB Bud Dupree. The veteran had a stat-stuffing recreation in opposition to the Jets with seven tackles, two sacks, three tackles for loss and a compelled fumble — by far his most efficient day of the season.
Inventory down after the win:Inside linebacker depth. The Falcons had already positioned starter Troy Andersen on injured reserve earlier this season, and his alternative, Nate Landman, left the sport with a knee harm, leaving starter Kaden Elliss and Andre Smith Jr., who has bounced between the observe squad and energetic roster this season, as the primary linebackers. — Michael Rothstein
Subsequent recreation: vs. Buccaneers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Jets
Does this loss put an finish to Aaron Rodgers’ comeback bid? Rodgers stated it would not make “a ton of sense” to return from Achilles surgical procedure to play in a recreation with no playoff implications. The ugly loss to the Falcons — the Jets’ fifth straight loss — did not mathematically remove them, nevertheless it actually felt that approach. At 4-8, they’ve a microscopic probability for the postseason. The Jets are within the worst place a group might be: with no hope at quarterback. Subsequent week they might begin their fourth completely different quarterback, one thing they have not finished since 1989.
Top off after the loss: WR Xavier Gipson. The rookie was one of many few brilliant spots, ending with 5 catches for 77 yards — each profession highs. He introduced some vitality to the offense, not that it resulted in a lot on the scoreboard.
Inventory down after the loss: QB Tim Boyle. The third-string journeyman was changed by Trevor Siemian early within the fourth quarter after an unsightly interception on a deep ball to Garrett Wilson. In two begins (18 drives), Boyle led the offense to just one landing. — Wealthy Cimini
Subsequent recreation: vs. Texans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Lions
Are the Lions’ in-game lapses a trigger for concern? Detroit jumped out to a 21-0 lead however allowed the Saints to get inside a rating within the second half. The Lions have gained three of their previous 4 video games, but in addition blew an early lead in opposition to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10 and have not been in a position to constantly maintain leads over this four-game stretch. Their objective is to be taking part in their greatest soccer in December, per coach Dan Campbell, however they nonetheless have work to do.
Top off after the win: TE Sam LaPorta. No stage seems to be too huge for the rookie tight finish after one other standout efficiency. He completed with a team-high 9 catches for 140 yards and a landing and now has seven video games with no less than 5 receptions, which is tied for the second-most by a rookie tight finish in NFL historical past.
Inventory down after the win: Protection. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn stated he would deal with among the unit’s wants, which included getting extra stress off the sting and limiting explosive performs within the secondary. However on Sunday, they gave up 113 yards and three touchdowns on the bottom whereas permitting 249 mixed passing yards to a few quarterbacks in Derek Carr, Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston. — Eric Woodyard
Subsequent recreation: at Bears (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Saints
Will the Saints should make a quarterback change subsequent week? Derek Carr has now left three video games due to accidents and was within the concussion protocol along with sustaining a shoulder harm Sunday, two points he has confronted earlier this season. (Carr was additionally within the concussion protocol in Week 10.) Saints coach Dennis Allen has repeated that Carr is their beginning quarterback, however they may should go together with Jameis Winston subsequent week if Carr’s accidents maintain him out for an prolonged interval.
Top off after the loss: WR Chris Olave. Olave returned only one week after leaving a recreation with a concussion and had an impressive second half, hitting the 100-yard receiving mark (119 yards on 5 catches) for the second straight recreation.
Inventory down after the loss: Carr. He accomplished 15 straight passes within the second half earlier than leaving with an harm, however he was booed by Saints followers and had one other sluggish begin (2-of-7 with an interception) that in the end proved an excessive amount of for the group to beat. — Katherine Terrell
Subsequent recreation: vs. Panthers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Chargers
Is there motive to be involved with the offense? Protection had been the issue for the Chargers for many of this season, however in latest weeks, the paradigm has shifted. Now, scoring factors has been this group’s greatest difficulty. The Chargers scored 10 factors in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens final week and 20 per week prior in opposition to the Packers earlier than scoring six on Sunday in opposition to New England. There was blame to go round, from shaky offensive line safety to questionable play calls by offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
Top off after the win:LBKhalil Mack. He had two sacks for the third straight recreation, giving him 15 on the season to tie his profession excessive. Mack is a half-sack away from 100 for his profession; he’d change into the seventh energetic participant to achieve that mark.
Inventory down after the win: The pass-catchers. The Chargers had 5 drops by 5 completely different receivers Sunday, two weeks after having six drops in a loss to the Packers in Week 11. — Kris Rhim
Subsequent recreation: vs. Broncos (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Patriots
When will the Patriots rating once more? This marks the primary time in franchise historical past the Patriots have been shut out in a number of dwelling video games in a season (they misplaced 34-0 to the Saints in Week 5). They have been shut out in a single dwelling recreation from 1994 to 2022 (the primary 29 seasons of Robert Kraft’s possession). It is also the primary time since 1993 they did not rating a first-half level in back-to-back video games, and the primary time they have been shut out a number of instances in a season since 1992 (after they have been blanked thrice).
Top off after the loss:DTDavon Godchaux. Large defensive tackles do not often garner a lot of the highlight, however they’re often on the coronary heart of the run protection, which was wonderful, because the Patriots restricted the Chargers to 29 yards on 24 carries.
Inventory down after the loss: Trent Brown/Mike Onwenu. The offensive tackles have been overwhelmed for sacks on back-to-back performs, which mirrored the Patriots’ total struggles in go safety Sunday. — Mike Reiss
Subsequent recreation: at Steelers (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Dolphins
What are the choices at linebacker if Jerome Baker’s knee harm is severe? Miami’s beginning center linebacker left Sunday’s recreation with a knee harm and was shortly taken to the locker room and dominated out. In his stead, Duke Riley performed 57% of the group’s defensive snaps and completed with a team-high six tackles. The veteran linebacker can cowl sideline to sideline and may see an elevated position If Baker misses time. Andrew Van Ginkel might additionally slide to center linebacker because the Dolphins develop comfy mixing latest signee Jason Pierre-Paul into the rotation. It is doubtlessly one other main hit to a linebacker corps that simply misplaced Jaelan Phillips for the season final week.
Top off after the win: WR Tyreek Hill. He had landing catches of 78 and 60 yards within the first half and completed with 157 yards on 5 receptions.
Inventory down after the win: LT Terron Armstead. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was not sacked, so this has little to do with Armstead’s play and extra to do with the truth that he left the sport with an harm for the second straight week. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Subsequent recreation: vs. Titans (Monday, Dec. 11, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Commanders
Has Sam Howell taken a step again? The Commanders have confronted groups with explosive offenses and good defenses prior to now two video games — Dallas and Miami — and it has impacted Howell. He has thrown a pick-six in three consecutive video games and tossed one landing to 5 interceptions in that point. It isn’t all his fault, however the passing recreation has not labored. The receivers and line have struggled. But when Howell does not end robust, whoever coaches right here subsequent 12 months has a call to make.
Top off after the loss: WR Curtis Samuel. It is tough to select anybody out after one other blowout loss, however Samuel caught 4 passes for 65 yards, together with a 33-yarder on a wheel route through which he fooled the linebacker with a double transfer.
Inventory down after the loss: Coach Ron Rivera. He took over because the defensive playcaller this week, nevertheless it did not make a distinction, as Miami scored 24 factors and registered 247 yards of offense within the first half. At 4-9 and having misplaced 9 of the previous 11 video games, Rivera’s time in Washington is coming to a detailed. — John Keim
Subsequent recreation: at Rams (Sunday, Dec. 17, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Thursday
Cowboys
Are the Cowboys prepared for his or her rematch with the Eagles subsequent week? They haven’t misplaced since strolling out of Lincoln Monetary Subject on Nov. 5 with a 28-23 defeat. They left that recreation with some confidence and have gained 4 straight. Coach Mike McCarthy thinks beating Seattle after falling behind at homefor the primary time this season might be a profit, saying: “We’re the place we should be proper now.”
Top off after the win: TE Jake Ferguson. The second-year participant has stepped into the position beforehand occupied by Jason Witten and Dalton Schultz as Dak Prescott’s prime tight finish goal. He caught six passes for 77 yards and the game-winning landing with 4:37 to play. When Prescott wants an enormous play, he isn’t afraid to go to Ferguson.
Inventory down after the win: The third-down protection. The Cowboys allowed the Seahawks to transform 9 of 14 third-down makes an attempt, essentially the most this season. That is after permitting seven third-down conversions on Thanksgiving in opposition to Washington. In addition they didn’t register a sack againstGeno Smith. If there is a brilliant spot, Seattle was 0-for-3 on fourth down. — Todd Archer
Subsequent recreation: vs. Eagles (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Seahawks
Is the Seahawks’ offense fastened? Geno Smith & Co. acquired out of their funk in an enormous approach thanks largely to an emphasis on getting the ball out shortly. Smith’s common time earlier than throws was 2.54 seconds, significantly quicker than his 2.91-second common in Weeks 1-12. He wasn’t sacked and threw for 334 yards. Seattle went 9-of-14 on third down. Their run recreation is lacking Kenneth Walker III, however faster throws seems to be an efficient template for his or her passing recreation going ahead.
Top off after the loss:WRDK Metcalf. In maybe one of the best recreation of his profession, Metcalf caught six of eight targets for 134 yards and three touchdowns, matching the variety of scores he had this season getting into Thursday evening.
Inventory down after the loss: The protection at each stage. Some questionable penalties have been an element, however Seattle allowed 411 complete yards and gave up scores on eight of Dallas’ 9 possessions earlier than the ultimate kneel-downs. — Brady Henderson
Subsequent recreation: at 49ers (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)