Playoff picture as it stands:
AFC 1) Denver 13-3; 2) New England 13-3; 3) Jacksonville 12-4; 4) Pittsburgh 9-7; 5) Houston 11-5; 6) LA Chargers 11-5; 7) Buffalo 11-5. Bubble: Baltimore 8-8
NFC 1) Seattle 13-3; 2) Chicago 11-4; 3) Philadelphia 11-5; 4) Carolina 8-8; 5) San Francisco 11-4; 6) LA Rams 11-4; 7) Green Bay 9-6-1. Bubble: Tampa Bay 7-9
Buffalo drop to the seventh seed. Ouch.
And I will leave you with the big one between Chicago and San Francisco to come. I have a sneaky feeling the 49ers are going to to come away with a win to take the NFC race for the No 1 seed to the wire with a showdown next week with the Seahawks. We shall see, goodnight!
(11-5) Buffalo Bills 12-13 Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
The New England Patriots seal the AFC East title for the first time since 2019 after Buffalo’s last-gasp defeat.
EAGLES WIN!
Bills 12-13 Eagles, final score
The two-point try is NO GOOD! Josh Allen’s throw is incomplete. The Eagles survive scoring zero points in the second half. Khalil Shakir is open but Allen misses. They got so close. Tough loss for the Bills but the Eagles’ defensive performance for the most part was just too strong.
TOUCHDOWN! Bills 12-13 Eagles 0:07, 4th quarter
J Allen rush for one yard
Are they going to go for the two-point try?!
Updated
NO TOUCHDOWN! Bills 6-13 Eagles 0:18, 4th quarter
Dawson Knox makes the short grab and dives over but his elbow hits the turf a half-yard short.
Updated
Bills 6-13 Eagles 0:23, 4th quarter
Brandin Cooks. Brandin. Cooks. “A ridiculous throw and catch,” says Tom Brady. Yep. Josh Allen throws a high ball to the marauding receiver deep in the middle of the field. Cooks leaps and secures the ball using his helmet and body for 36 yards. How he hangs on is anyone’s guess. Next Josh Allen scrambles forward, takes a hit then fights to the three-yard line. 3rd down now.
Updated
Bills 6-13 Eagles 1:51, 4th quarter
Buffalo, on 3rd and 9, go for the screen pass but go nowhere. Pathetic play calling. Death or glory now on 4th down. Whaddaya got?! WHAT?!!!! Shavers catches the ball short of the sticks and he flips it to Ty Johnson who goes over the line for a 25-yard gain and new set of downs. Cojones to dial up the trick play with the game on the line.
Bills 6-13 Eagles 3:22, 4th quarter
Buffalo are flying as they rock Saquon Barkley behind the line of scrimmage. Greg Rousseau then knocks the running back down again. 3rd and 12 coming up. The Eagles have gone three and out three times in a row, is a fourth coming? Hurts throws one long to DeVonta Smith. The throw is on point but the receiver cannot hold on. Eagles punt again. They have 19 yards of offense in the second half. Is Josh Allen going to pull off another comeback?!
TOUCHDOWN! Bills 6-13 Eagles 5:09, 4th quarter
Ty Johnson is stuffed brining up 3rd down. They run the tush push agains the Eagles no less. Allen is rammed over the line by his big men. An easy touchdown for the QB’s 13th on the ground of the season. Mike Badgley misses the extra point after a great block on the line of scrimmage.
Updated
Bills 0-13 Eagles 6:09, 4th quarter
Spencer Brown is down for the Bills after being punched in the throat (by accident) by Jalen Carter. Buffalo are 2nd and 1 and about two yards shy of the touchdown. Can they finally get on the scoreboard?!
Josh Allen’s near miss on a scramble. Just shy of the score in the 3rd quarter that turned the ball over on downs.
Updated
Bills 0-13 Eagles 8:02, 4th quarter
James Cooks powers through the Eagles on 2nd down to put the Bills just shy then takes another hand off and moves the chains. About 30 yards to go now. This is a gotta have it drive. Ty Johnson takes it to the 25 on the next play.
Bills 0-13 Eagles 11:02, 4th quarter
Another punt in the monsoon bowl, this time for the Eagles, brings up the 12th of the game. Not one for the neutrals this. The complete drive chart this half reads: Punt, Punt, Punt, Punt, Downs, Punt, Punt, Punt.
Sexy.
Giants WIN!
(2-14) Las Vegas Raiders 10-34 New York Giants (3-13)
So the Raiders look very likely to have the top pick now in next year’s draft. They slump to a 10th defeat in succession. Which means they actually started the season quite well. Sort of. Ah yes, of course, they beat the AFC LEADING 13-3 New England Patriots 20-13. Makes sense.
Updated
SACK! Bills 0-13 Eagles 12:49, 4th quarter
Oooh. Philadelphia block out a touchdown as the defenders get in between the ball and James Cook after a pretty throw up the sideline. Then Josh Allen takes another huge sack after holding on to the ball far too long. No one is open so he buys time but is caught by Jalen Carter. Another punt for Buffalo. They can’t capitalise on brilliant field position.
A sea of ponchos.
Bills 0-13 Eagles 15:00, 4th quarter
Philadelphia punt after a quick three and out. Buffalo take over on Philadelphia’s 40-yard line.
TOUCHDOWN! Raiders 10-34 Giants 3:40, 4th quarter
J Dart rush for two yards
The rookie QB hits a hat-trick of touchdowns to salt this one away. Las Vegas will be picking first in next year’s draft if they lose to Kansas City next week.
Bills 0-13 Eagles 1:34, 3rd quarter
On 3rd and Goal the Eagles stuff James Cook at the line of scrimmage. What do you do here? Go for it? Yep. Josh Allen takes the snap … evades the pass rush … dives for the line and is SHORT! He is so, so, so close. Maybe six inches shy after planting his hand in the turf to keep his run going. Zack Baun makes the touchdown-saving tackle.
Bills 0-13 Eagles 3:34, 3rd quarter
The rain continues to not limit the offenses at all as Josh Allen uncorks a 32-yard bomb to Tyrell Shavers. He holds on to the ball despite having a defender’s hand in his face. Unbelievable, Josh.
Bills 0-13 Eagles 4:44, 3rd quarter
The rain continues to stream down in Buffalo which is limiting the output of both offenses. Josh Allen airs on out on 3rd down. The receiver can’t make the grab but the refs call a pass interference on Quinyon Mitchell. Buffalo across midfield now.
Bills 0-13 Eagles 6:14, 3rd quarter
The Smith catch is overturned into an incompletion. It did look like he stabilised the ball with the ground. The Eagles punt it away.
Bills 0-13 Eagles 6:24, 3rd quarter
Unbelievable grab by DeVontaa Smith. He goes up HIGH in the pouring rain, but does he “survive the ground”? Would be a 17-yard gain if it is good moving the Eagles away from their own end zone.
Meanwhile, Geno Smith has left the field for the Raiders after taking another huge hit as he threw the interception. He had been sacked three times and had taken nine hits before exiting.
PICK! Raiders 10-27 Giants 12:41, 4th quarter
Geno Smith’s nightmare season just gets darker and darker as he throws another interception. The veteran QB is 20/28 for 176 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.
Updated
Bills 0-13 Eagles 6:28, 3rd quarter
3rd and 15: incomplete with pressure bearing down on Allen again. Another punt on the way for Buffalo. That is five boots by the Bills offense now. Philadelphia look to be returning to Super Bowl contention on the basis of the performance so far.
Bills 0-13 Eagles 7:15, 3rd quarter
Nice pick up on 3rd down by the Bills to move them across midfield. Dawson Knox makes the grab. Then Josh Allen is sacked four a fourth time. This time by Moro Ojomo. The Eagles are winning easily at the line of scrimmage.
Bills 0-13 Eagles 10:15, 3rd quarter
Buffalo are driving as James Cook picks up a 1st down with a 10-yard dash. Ray Davis then follows suit with a 12-yard gain on a short pass. Bills are on their 40-yard line.
TOUCHDOWN! Raiders 10-27 Giants 0:18, 3rd quarter
D Banks 95 yard kick-off return
Ooooh baby! What a return! Deonte Banks takes it the house for the 95-yard touchdown off the kick-off!!! He just runs straight through the Raiders untouched. Game off!
Early window roundup
Here you go, a nice summary of all the thrills and spills from the games already in the books.
TOUCHDOWN! Raiders 10-20 Giants 0:31, 3rd quarter
G Smith to T Lockett for four yards
On 3rd and Goal, the Giants blitz and one onrushing defender smashes Geno Smith as he releases the pass while the other batts the ball down. On the next the QB takes his revenge. Game on.
Bills 0-13 Eagles 13:25, 3rd quarter
Plastic v leather gloves is the chat coming from Tom Brady in the commentary box. Are we still talking football or something extra curricular? Meanwhile, a drop from Khalil Shakir as the wet ball slips by forces a Bills punt.
Updated
Bills 0-13 Eagles 14:52, 3rd quarter
Buffalo have a chance to reel Philadelphia in as they receive to start the second half. They need to make some serious adjustments on offense to overcome a fierce showing from the Eagles. Josh Allen has been sacked three times, has fumbled twice and has just 90 yards passing. Plenty of time for a comeback though. I hear he is rather good at them.
On the return Buffalo are called for holding. They have given away a lot of penalties so far. That would be the fifth by my count.
Bills 0-13 Eagles, half-time
As we stand New England will clinch the AFC East in what would be a first division title for the Patriots since 2019. Buffalo have won the past five.
Updated
It’s GOOD! Raiders 3-20 Giants 7:17, 3rd quarter
B Sauls 23 yard field goal
Jaxson Dart races the Giants into the red zone with a 17-yard scramble. He sees no one open, does it himself. Easy. Dart is 17/23 for 158 yards, no scores, no picks and has 48 yards on the ground with a rushing touchdown. On 3rd and Goal he drops back … the less said about that rubbish effort the better. Field goal.
Bills 0-13 Eagles, half-time
No comment to add on the football. Tom Brady’s all black outfit and single black leather glove look, however. What is going on there? Absolutely terrifying. Half expecting him to interrogate a rugged, slightly dusty archaeologist during the break.
It’s GOOD! Bills 0-13 Eagles 0:08, 2nd quarter
J Elliot 28 yard field goal
On 2nd down Hurts goes for Goedert and the touchdown. No dice. The throw is off the mark. Hurts slings it out to the tight end quickly who makes a couple of yards. Philadelphia settle for the field goal.
Bills 0-10 Eagles 0:33, 2nd quarter
Jalen Hurts is hit as he throws one, the ball comes out wobbling but the Eagles survive as it floats to AJ Brown on the sideline. He makes the 14-yard grab and Philadelphia are 30 yards from the end zone. DeVonta Smith than dashes through the middle of the field to put them in the red zone.
OK I really need some help here, is anyone watching on DAZN? What on Earth is this “man that was amazing” advert that comes up as the first spot after every break in play. It is some geezer in shades on a speedboat and it is absolutely baffling. Help!
SACK! Bills 0-10 Eagles 2:51, 2nd quarter
Woof! There are sacks and there are SACKS! Jalen Carter bulldozes through the line straight into AND over Josh Allen. On the next play Reed Blankenship nails Khalil Shakir with a vicious tackle. Bills punt.
It’s GOOD! Raiders 3-17 Giants, half time
B Sauls 32 yard field goal
It's GOOD! Bills 0-10 Eagles 5:03, 2nd quarter
J Elliot 47 yard field goal
Another 3rd down after AJ Brown just can’t hold on to what could have been a touchdown. The commentators also think it should have been PI on Buffalo. This time Hurts passes short of the sticks to Dallas Goedert who can’t make the line to gain.
Bills 0-7 Eagles 5:53, 2nd quarter
A defensive holding penalty gifts Philadelphia a 1st down. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni then loses his mind on the sideline wanting a roughness call on Jalen Hurts who is “hit” as he steps out of bounds. What actually happened is the QB jumps into the defender and flops to the ground pretending he was knocked down. Good grief.
Updated
Bills 0-7 Eagles 7:17, 2nd quarter
Another 3rd down quickly follows after the Eagles botch a handoff to Tank Bigsby. Hurts tripped giving the ball to the back then Bigsby instantly trips too. On the 3rd and long Hurts goes this way and that then scampers to his right and again hits the tight throw, this time to AJ Brown for the 1st down after a 19-yard gain.
Bills 0-7 Eagles 9:38, 2nd quarter
Eagles go play action. Hurts has a wide open DeVonta Smith. He throws it well short. 3rd down. Hurts drops back while this time threading a wonderful throw through zone coverage to Smith. Great throw under pressure for the 1st down.
Bills 0-7 Eagles 10:57, 2nd quarter
Oof clumsy from the Buffalo defender as he trips and head butts the Philadelphia return man. Britain Covey is going to be sore in the morning after taking a helmet straight to a knee cap. Penalty for fair catch interference. Philadelphia will take over at their 23-yard line.
Is it just me or is Jalen Hurts going for a circus strongman/lion tamer moustache with his grease paint tonight? Maybe just me.
Raiders 3-14 Giants 4:00, 2nd quarter
When it looks like Geno Smith pulls off a wicked throw on 3rd and long to give the Raiders a 1st down, the play is called back for offensive holding. Ouch. Punt.
TOUCHDOWN! Raiders 3-14 Giants 5:20, 2nd quarter
J Dart rush for 12 yards
The rookie gives the Giant a commanding lead. Looks like the Raiders might be on course for the No 1 pick. It makes sense considering how inept they have on offense all year.
Meanwhile, we cut to the sideline and Cam Skattebo is cheering on his teammates. That is great to see him smiling after a horrific dislocated ankle ended the rookie’s season in October.
TOUCHDOWN! Bills 0-7 Eagles 0:35, 1st quarter
J Hurts to D Goedert for one yard
Philadelphia make their big play count with an easy throw and catch to the tight end. Goedert makes no mistake this time after a drop earlier.
Updated
Bills 0-0 Eagles 1:44, 1st quarter
Philadelphia say anything you can do as Jalen Hurts finds AJ Brown for a chunky 27-yard gain. The Eagles are in the red zone. Rubbing my neck, think I might have a minor case of whiplash. Brown then takes them to just five yards out on the short pass.
Updated
Raiders 3-7 Giants 9:41, 2nd quarter
D Carlson 42 yard field goal
FUMBLE! Bills 0-0 Eagles 3:59, 1st quarter
And that massive play is for naught. Two plays later Josh Allen lets the ball slip after a sack, the Eagles scoop it up and race it across midfield. All change.
Bills 0-0 Eagles 4:09, 1st quarter
Brandin Cooks!!! The veteran speedster races up the middle of the field and Josh Allen finds him for a massive 50-yard gain. Allen takes a massive hit as he throws it too. Nails.
Bills 0-0 Eagles 6:08, 1st quarter
Great example of how bad the weather is just gone by as the ball slips through Dallas Goedert’s hands like a bar of soap. It can’t be overstated how hard the rain is coming down. Eagles punt.
Bills 0-0 Eagles 8:38, 1st quarter
The weather looks absolutely disgusting in Buffalo. The rain is coming down by the bucket.
TOUCHDOWN! Raiders 0-7 Giants 15:00, 2nd quarter
D Singletary rush for one yard
The G Men capitalise on the interception. The running back finishes off the drive at the goal line after breaking off a 29-yard dash on the preceding play.
Right with Raiders/Giants still scoreless we can return to the important stuff … or can we as Geno Smith is picked off. Smith has the most picks of any QB in the NFL this season as he gives away his 16th, he also only has 18 touchdown passes.
OK now we can get back to Christmas leftovers, I have moved on to the last bowl of trifle. The second-last consumed for breakfast this morning. Do our American cousins have a trifle equivalent or indeed eat trifle? If not they should. It is absolutely magnificent.
Drake Maye looks like the cat that got the cream at MetLife Stadium. He had an unbelievable day going 19/21 for 256 yards and five touchdowns while sitting out the majority of the second half. The second-year QB is still very much in the conversation for the NFL’s MVP award.
Full time
(8-8) Carolina Panthers 10-27 Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
(6-10) Cincinnati Bengals 37-14 Arizona Cardinals (3-13)
(4-12) Cleveland Browns 13-6 Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)
(8-8) Indianapolis Colts 17-23 Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
(7-9) Miami Dolphins 20-17 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
(3-13) New York Jets 10-42 New England Patriots (13-3)
(3-13) Tennessee Titans 26-34 New Orleans Saints (6-10)
So the big takeaways are Pittsburgh’s loss means they have a playoff with Baltimore for the AFC North next week. If the offense play this poorly (which is likely without DK Metcalf) then the Ravens will wipe the floor with them.
Next defeats for the Panthers and Bucs mean they too will be in a loser goes home game for the NFC South. Elsewhere the Seahawks and Patriots keep pace for the No 1 seeds in the NFC and AFC respectively. The Jaguars also still have a shot at the No 1 seed in the AFC if the Patriots and Broncos lose next week and the Jags win. Big ifs, but stranger things.
Colts 17-23 Jaguars, final score
OK they give the hail mary to the young QB at midfield. Riley Leonard launches one into the end zone and the Jaguars pick it off. Game over. Impressive throw though. Huge arm.
It’s GOOD! Colts 17-23 Jaguars 0:18, 4th quarter
C Little 53 yard field goal
Philip Rivers has 18 seconds to win this one with zero timeouts. Hmmmm …
9pm preamble
(2-13) Las Vegas Raiders v New York Giants (2-13)
(11-4) Buffalo Bills v Philadelphia Eagles (10-5)
Next up we have these two bangers. Exciting for rather different reasons. The Bills have to beat the Eagles to avoid handing the AFC East to the Patriots. And the Raiders and Giants are duking it out for the No 1 pick in next year’s draft. Whoever loses takes a solo lead in the race to the bottom. Get your popcorn ready. Mine is currently being prepared by Chef Mic. Ding!
We are still playing in Tennessee who are trailing 36-24 after a strong comeback from New Orleans. The Saints were trailing 20-10 and are comfortably on top. The Jaguars are 20-17 up and are driving with under two minutes to play so these look like they are going the way of the Saints and Jags.
Key event
Final scores Bengals 37-14 Cardinals, Browns 13-6 Steelers, Panthers 10-27 Seahawks, Jets 10-42 Patriots, Dolphins 20-17 Buccaneers, Panthers 10-27 Seahawks
Turnover on Downs! Browns 13-6 Steelers 0:17, 4th quarter
4th and Goal. Rodgers drops back and the pass is incomplete. Game over. Pittsburgh are in a playoff with Baltimore next week for the AFC North.
Browns 13-6 Steelers 0:21, 4th quarter
3rd and Goal. Rodgers again goes to MVS and is on a totally different page. What a complete waste of two plays.
Browns 13-6 Steelers 0:29, 4th quarter
2nd & Goal. Rodgers is almost PICKED OFF! MVS runs a random route and gets nowhere near the ball.
Browns 13-6 Steelers 0:32, 4th quarter
You won’t believe it. The Steelers are finally finding life on offense. Aaron Rodgers hits Pat Freiermuth on back-to-back passes for gains of 29 and 11 yards. Pittsburgh are 10 yards out.
TOUCHDOWN! Panthers 10-27 Seahawks 2:31, 4th quarter
Z Charbonnet rush for one yard
Should be game over in Carolina. Impressive from Seattle but you have to come back to that poke in the eye on JSN. The Panthers should have had a drive to tie it up but instead went 20-10 behind.
TOUCHDOWN! Bengals 37-14 Cardinals 1:51, 4th quarter
J Brissett to T McBride for 18 yards
Love a garbage time score, don’t you? The tight end’s excellent season continues with his 11th touchdown.
It’s GOOD! Browns 10-6 Steelers 1:40, 4th quarter
A Szmyt 33 yard field goal
On 3rd down the Steelers burn their second timeout with Cleveland just running it on every play. Pittsburgh need a Browns field goal for a chance to take this to overtime. And they get it. The first points of the second half come with under two minutes left. Ugly.
Updated
TOUCHDOWN! Titans 26-27 Saints 6:22, 4th quarter
T Shough to K Austin for 10 yards
New Orleans take a late lead for the first time in the contest. Timing.
It’s GOOD! Colts 17-20 Jaguars 6:58, 4th quarter
C Little 42 yard field goal
Jags take the lead after picking off Philip Rivers.
Browns 10-6 Steelers 1:58, 4th quarter
Nine punts have rendered this contest rather inert. That said this drive is huge for the Steelers. On play one they go for a long pass. It is completely off target. 2nd down the crowd is phenomenally loud. Again Rodgers throws it away quickly when he is about to be sacked by Myles Garrett. Huge 3rd down now. Rodgers drops back and is almost sacked but the ball comes down incomplete again. Going for it on 4th down. A lazy pass is deflected. Turnover on downs. So grim from Pittsburgh.
It’s GOOD! Panthers 10-20 Seahawks 5:37, 4th quarter
J Myers 30 yard field goal
Carolina’s defense stand strong. Seattle try and draw them offsides too but no dice. Two-score game now.
Browns 10-6 Steelers 2:16, 4th quarter
Can I double shock you? Cleveland have punted.
Panthers 10-17 Seahawks 6:02, 4th quarter
Seattle pick up a huge 1st down on 3rd and long as Darnold hits Smith-Njigba for an 11-yard gain. They then hook up again on a beautiful bit of play action, the QB wheels around and just evades the defender to unleash a fastball straight into JSN’s grasp for 17 yards. About 10 yards to go for the score.
Browns 10-6 Steelers 4:54, 4th quarter
Can I shock you? Pittsburgh have punted.
Panthers 10-17 Seahawks 9:46, 4th quarter
Carolina are roaring back as they sack Darnold. The QB evades one defender but in doing so runs into the arms of DJ Wonnum. Seattle then pick up a delay of game penalty amid the wild noise in Carolina. The fans know this is crucial with Tampa Bay losing. 21 yards for Seattle to get a massive 1st down. Oh MY!!! A defender pokes Jaxson Smith-Njigba in the eye and gives away the personal foul! 1st down Seattle. Unreal. That would have been a punt and now Seattle have the ball across midfield.
Browns 10-6 Steelers 7:41, 4th quarter
Can Aaron Rodgers do anything with his rum bunch of receivers? Hasn’t so far: 17/27 for 110 yards, no scores, no picks. Gross.
Browns 10-6 Steelers 7:41, 4th quarter
Pittsburgh pressure Sanders on 2nd down and almost find a huge sack. They quickly bring down Dylan Sampson to bring up a big 3rd down. The Steelers get the stop and the Browns are punting. AGAIN!
TOUCHDOWN! Jets 10-42 Patriots 14:51, 4th quarter
B Hall rush for 59 yards
Wow. Bit of complacency potentially from New England. Not that it will hurt them here.
Panthers 10-17 Seahawks 13:47, 3rd quarter
B Young rush for 11 yards
The quarterback takes it on himself to slash into the end zone. Seattle throw a blanket over his receivers and he says “sod it” and sprints home. Nice.
Browns 10-6 Steelers 9:44, 4th quarter
On 3rd down Rodgers throws one away just to avoid a sack from Myles Garrett. Is that playing for a Pittsburgh win? Not sure. The Steelers punt AGAIN.
Fourth-quarter scores
Carolina Panthers 3-17 Seattle Seahawks
Cincinnati Bengals 37-7 Arizona Cardinals
Cleveland Browns 10-6 Pittsburgh Steelers
Indianapolis Colts 17-17 Jacksonville Jaguars
Miami Dolphins 20-10 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
New York Jets 3-42 New England Patriots
Tennessee Titans 23-20 New Orleans Saints
15 minutes remain and Tampa Bay will be thrilled with Seattle taking over in Carolina. If the Panthers win and the Bucs lose the NFC South title would go the former’s way but it looks like we are going to a decider next week between these two rivals.
Meanwhile, Joshua Dobbs is in for Drake Maye for the Patriots.
Updated
PICK! Browns 10-6 Steelers 12:11, 4th quarter
Shedeur Sanders throws up a long pass to Jerry Jeudy and Kyle Dugger picks it off! New life for the Steelers who take over at their 34-yard line.
TOUCHDOWN! Bengals 37-7 Cardinals 1:38, 3rd quarter
C Brown rush for one yard
The mauling continues.
Browns 10-6 Steelers 12:53, 4th quarter
In all the chaos in Carolina I have completely taken my eye off Cleveland. Turns out nothing has happened. The drive chart since half-time reads: Punt, Punt, Missed field goal for Pittsburgh.
TOUCHDOWN! Colts 17-14 Jaguars 5:58, 3rd quarter
P Rivers to M Alie-Cox for five yards
Old man Rivers puts the Colts ahead again! Class proving to be permanent for the 44-year-old who is 13/23 for 107 yards and one touchdown.
TOUCHDOWN! Panthers 3-17 Seahawks 5:32, 3rd quarter
S Darnold to AJ Barner for 17 yards
Seattle punish Carolina’s error again as Darnold fakes the hand off, wheels around and hits his tight end AJ Barner for the score. Not a defender in sight. Easy as you like. The Panthers in deep trouble.
PICK! Panthers 3-10 Seahawks 7:29, 3rd quarter
Remember what I said about Seattle’s defense? Julian Love jumps the route to take the pick. Seahawks driving inside the 30-yard line.
TOUCHDOWN! Bengals 30-7 Cardinals 7:33, 3rd quarter
C Brown rush for six yards
TOUCHDOWN! Jets 3-42 Patriots 8:16, 3rd quarter
D Maye to E Chism for 10 yards
Maye with five touchdown passes now. Maybe time to put the backup in with the playoffs calling.
Updated
TOUCHDOWN! Panthers 3-10 Seahawks 8:45, 3rd quarter
Z Charbonnet rush for two yards
The running back smashes in at the third time of asking to give Seattle the lead. They capitalise on the fumble and the excellent field position. Interesting to see if Carolina can find anything now against Seattle’s suffocating defense.
Updated
TOUCHDOWN! Colts 10-14 Jaguars 7:26, 3rd quarter
T Lawrence rush for six yards
The quarterback is doing it by himself as he rushes for his second score and puts the Jags ahead for the first time.
TOUCHDOWN! Titans 20-17 Saints 10:34, 3rd quarter
T Shough to C Olave for 19 yards
FUMBLE! Panthers 3-3 Seahawks 11:55, 3rd quarter
What is happening?! On the very next play Bryce Young hands it off to Chuba Hubbard who fumbles! Seattle run it in for a touchdown but the score is ruled out as DeMarcus Lawrence is ruled down by contact.
Updated
PICK! Panthers 3-3 Seahawks 12:06, 3rd quarter
Oh, Sam. A risky pass into the end zone is punished by an interception. He overthrows his receiver straight into the arms of Mike Jackson. But is the defender’s foot out of play? The refs say no despite it looking like his foot was out of bounds.
That play was set up by beautiful feet from Zach Charbonnet gets Seattle in the red zone. The running back finds the edge and cuts back sharply through the gap to find a 29-yard gain.
Browns 10-6 Steelers 12:08, 3rd quarter
Hilarious play to start the half as Aaron Rodgers takes a hit and pops the ball into the air but it miraculously falls into Jonnu Smith’s hands. They then fumble again on the next play and recover it again this time Valdes-Scantling coughs it up. Next Rodgers throws a bad ball and that is three and out. Punt.
Half-time
Carolina Panthers 3-3 Seattle Seahawks
Cincinnati Bengals 23-7 Arizona Cardinals
Cleveland Browns 10-6 Pittsburgh Steelers
Indianapolis Colts 10-7 Jacksonville Jaguars
Miami Dolphins 17-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
New York Jets 3-35 New England Patriots
Tennessee Titans 20-10 New Orleans Saints
A defensive classic is brewing in Carolina. Seattle have 41 yards passing to Carolina’s 16 yards through the air. Whichever defense tires first could give the game away.
TOUCHDOWN! Titans 20-10 Saints 0:13, 2nd quarter
C Ward to E Ayomanor for seven yards
TOUCHDOWN! Jets 3-35 Patriots 0:31, 2nd quarter
D Maye to H Henry for 13 yards
What a half for the second-year QB. Maye is 17/19 for 229 yards and four touchdowns. Massive numbers.
Panthers 3-3 Seahawks, half-time
Chaos is still raining down in Carolina as Seattle completely fluff their drive. They get lucky with what looked like an incompletion being called a catch so they were in field goal range. They rush the 4th and 1 play so the refs don’t review the play but then don’t get the yard they need for the 1st down. Confused? Yep, me too.
It’s GOOD! Browns 10-6 Steelers, half-time
C Boswell 40 yard field goal
Pittsburgh will be unhappy with how the half has gone but get a vital set of three points. They will take over on offense in the second half so have a shot at coming out and taking a lead now.
Panthers 3-3 Seahawks 1:18, 2nd quarter
The Panthers are so unlucky as an interception of Sam Darnold is ruled out after a Seattle player punches the ball out of a lineman’s grasp. Quite hard to fathom the presence of mind to knock it out just as the defender was about to hit the turf.
Browns 10-3 Steelers 0:22, 2nd quarter
Aaron Rodgers is fuming after he tries to take over the play calling but comes up against some friction from his overlords. He is in the right after catching the Browns with too many men on the field. The Steelers are moving with about 30 yards to go for the score.
TOUCHDOWN! Bengals 23-7 Cardinals 1:15, 2nd quarter
J Burrow to J Chase for eight yards
Joe Burrow is laying on another clinic: 16/20 for 176 yards and two touchdowns. Last week Burrow went 25/32 for 309 yards and four scores. On fire.
TOUCHDOWN! Titans 13-10 Saints 3:51, 2nd quarter
C Young fumble recovery for 33 yards
The defensive end rocks Cam Ward and romps home with the scoop and score.
It’s GOOD! Panthers 3-3 Seahawks 3:47, 2nd quarter
R Fitzgerald 35 yard field goal
Seattle’s defense holds firm again and forces a field goal from Carolina despite superb field position for the Panthers. Bend but do not break.
Browns 10-3 Steelers 2:14, 2nd quarter
Oh no! Nick Herbig lets an interception go straight through his mitts. Such an easy chance to pick off Sanders, it just slips straight through. Been watching too much of the Ashes probably.
Panthers 0-3 Seahawks 4:34, 2nd quarter
The ruling on the field is upheld and the Panthers recover the fumble just about and takeover in the red zone!
Updated
TOUCHDOWN! Dolphins 17-7 Buccaneers 1:43, 2nd quarter
Q Ewers to G Dulcich for 11 yards
The rookie QB is having a day so far with 144 yards on 10/14 passes and two touchdowns. Tampa will want a response before the half.
TOUCHDOWN! Jets 3-28 Patriots 3:01, 2nd quarter
D Maye to S Diggs for three yards
Lol.
Panthers 0-3 Seahawks 7:00, 2nd quarter
Absolute carnage in Carolina. Sam Darnold is hit and possibly fumbles as he releases the pass. Then a defender picks it up and fumbles himself. THEN Christian Rozeboom picks it up again for the Panthers. The refs are reviewing to see if it is actually an incomplete pass from Darnold.
Panthers 0-3 Seahawks 7:00, 2nd quarter
Carolina are facing their fifth 4th down already today and go for it. Tetairoa McMillan just can’t hold on to a one-handed grab and the Panthers turn it over on downs.
Seattle are absolutely swarming on defense. Bryce Young … wait for it … is averaging 1.6 yards per play through the air so far. Blegh.
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Browns 10-3 Steelers 8:25, 2nd quarter
Marquez Valdes-Scantling shows what the Steelers are missing without DK Metcalf as the receiver misses what could have been a huge gain on a good throw from Rodgers. Rodgers goes back to the sideline with a perfect throw on 3rd down to Adam Thielen and it is his turn to drop it this time. No Metcalf, no juice. Punt.
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Browns 10-3 Steelers 9:15, 2nd quarter
Jaylen Warren moves the Steelers up to midfield with a 15-yard dash then picks up another five on 1st down.
TOUCHDOWN! Colts 10-7 Jaguars 5:39, 2nd quarter
T Lawrence rush for four yards
The QB scrambles in to get the Jags going against their rivals. Great play on 3rd down to get the score.
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TOUCHDOWN! Titans 13-0 Saints 12:57, 2nd quarter
C Ward to C Okwonko for 43 yards
The rookie QB’s good finish to the season continues.
TOUCHDOWN! Bengals 13-7 Cardinals 11:44, 2nd quarter
J Brissett to M Wilson for 38 yards
TOUCHDOWN! Jets 0-21 Patriots 14:55, 2nd quarter
D Maye to R Stevenson for 22 yards
New England on pace for a 84-0 win. Time to bench Drake Maye? Certainly not but the Pats could and still win this one surely.
It’s GOOD! Browns 10-3 Steelers 14:55, 2nd quarter
C Boswell 44 yard field goal
The Steelers appear to be seriously struggling to move the ball without the threat of DK Metcalf. Logical but still frustrating for Pittsburgh fans who will not want a playoff with the Ravens next week for the AFC North.
Panthers 0-3 Seahawks 0:56, 1st quarter
Seattle are out on offense again after a Carolina punt. Rashid Shaheed picks up eight yards but looks to have picked up an injury after the catch.
TOUCHDOWN! Colts 10-0 Jaguars 12:49, 2nd quarter
J Taylor rush for three yards
Another upset is in the works!
TOUCHDOWN! Bengals 13-0 Cardinals 14:48, 2nd quarter
S Perine rush for one yard
Excellent news for my fantasy football team as my opponent has Chase Brown! Big smiles in the Chinchillas locker room as Perine rumbles in.
Browns 10-0 Steelers 1:15, 1st quarter
At midfield the big tight end Darnell Washington brings the Steelers to 3rd and short. They get tricksy on the next play as Connor Heward gets the direct snap. He finds the edge and rips off 29 yards.
Browns 10-0 Steelers 3:49, 1st quarter
Tony Romo is calling out the refs for a bad call after an offensive pass interference call wipes out a long gain for Pittsburgh. On the resulting 3rd and 16 the Steelers pick up 11 yards and should be punting … BUT … the Browns are dinged for taunting. 1st down Pittsburgh. Very silly.
It’s GOOD! Panthers 0-3 Seahawks 3:23, 1st quarter
J Myers 48 yard field goal
Seattle on 3rd and long finds Smith-Njigba but its well short of the sticks. A welcome spark on the scoreboard after four punts to start this one.
Panthers 0-0 Seahawks 5:23, 1st quarter
Seattle are across midfield and on 3rd and short Carolina get in a muddle and cough up a 1st down on an encroachment penalty. Sam Darnold drops back and has a running back open in the middle of the field but he throws it into a defender’s helmet. This is already getting tense.
TOUCHDOWN! Jets 0-14 Patriots 5:06, 1st quarter
R Stevenson rush for one yard
Yikes.
TOUCHDOWN! Dolphins 7-7 Buccaneers 4:29, 1st quarter
Q Ewers to T Wease for 63 yards
Play of the day? Maybe. Game on? Yes, sir.
TOUCHDOWN! Browns 10-0 Steelers 5:11, 1st quarter
S Sanders to H Fannin for 28 yards
Wow. Fantastic deep arcing throw finds the tight end in space and he beats the defender on the inside and rolls into the end zone for the score. Cleveland’s home hold over Pittsburgh appears to be holding as they take a commanding early lead.
Panthers 0-0 Seahawks 8:38, 1st quarter
Carolina need five yards on 3rd down and call a swing pass to Chuba Hubbard. The conservative play gets what it deserves with the running back brought down sharply. Punt again. Boooo.
TOUCHDOWN! Dolphins 0-7 Buccaneers 5:28, 1st quarter
B Mayfield to C Godwin for five yards
Panthers 0-0 Seahawks 10:40, 1st quarter
Darnold puts Seattle way behind the sticks with an intentional grounding penalty and the Seahawks have to punt. Carolina pressure forces the mistake from the sometimes nervy QB.
Browns 3-0 Steelers 8:32, 1st quarter
Omens are good so far for the Browns to pick up a fourth after forcing an easy three and out. Pittsburgh punt it away.
Browns 3-0 Steelers 9:13, 1st quarter
Aaron Rodgers has trotted out on to the field and he tosses to Jaylen Warren who fumbles!!! Thankfully a teammate dives on to it. Meanwhile Tony Romo in the booth dishes out the nugget that Pittsburgh have lost their last three in Cleveland. Surprising.
TOUCHDOWN! Bengals 7-0 Cardinals 9:17, 1st quarter
J Burrow to J Chase for 13 yards
Panthers 0-0 Seahawks 12:51, 1st quarter
After a Carolina punt they almost pick off Sam Darnold on their first play then the QB throws one in the dirt. On 3 & 10 the crowd get loud but Darnold hits his favourite target Jaxson Smith-Njigba for 13 yards and the 1st down. Phew.
It’s GOOD! Browns 3-0 Steelers 10:48, 1st quarter
A Szmyt 50 yard field goal
Cleveland on the board after some decent play by Shadeur Sanders to move them into range.
TOUCHDOWN! Jets 0-7 Patriots 10:42, 1st quarter
D Maye to A Hooper for two yards
The beginning of what could be a very long day for New York.
Panthers 0-0 Seahawks 14:47, 1st quarter
Rough start for the Panthers as the tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders is injured on the opening play. Looks like a serious one to a knee. Might be done for the day.
The Panthers are taking over on offense in Charlotte while Cleveland are doing the same in Ohio. Hereeeeeee … we .. go!
Is anybody else still tucking into Christmas leftovers? In a bit of shameless cross-promotion I am just chowing down on Felicity Cloake’s perfect turkey curry and it is absolutely delicious. Exactly what I need to spice up seven hours of raw, uncut NFL action. Cheers, Felicity!
Some other encounters that should provide some sparks are rivalry games between the Jets and Patriots and Colts and Jaguars. The 44-year-old Philip Rivers is aiming for a first win against Jacksonville after two defeats to keep Indy’s playoff hopes on life support. It might be tough going against Trevor Lawrence’s team that are thriving on a six-game winning streak. Oliver Connolly has more here …
Then the Patriots need to beat the Jets to keep pace with the Broncos at the top of the AFC and can clinch the AFC East if they are victorious and the Bills lose to the Eagles later.
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And now we return to the eternal question: is there anything more boring than talking about your own fantasy football team? It is certainly right up there and yet here we go. The Chinchillas have made it to the championship game and the head coach (Me) needs your help. I have been playing in this dynasty league for nine seasons and I even beat my own brother to get to a first final. Massive. So what do you think I should do? Go ahead with the set lineup or bin off Rashid Shaheed for Juwan Johnson? Or something else that’ll win me the strap? Help me football world, you’re my only hope.
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Elsewhere, we have a battle with playoff dreams on the line between the Seahawks and Panthers. The Seahawks need to win to stay ahead of the 49ers at the top of the NFC while the Panthers can clinch the NFC South with a win and a Buccaneers loss to the Dolphins. If Miami’s horrific 45-21 loss to Cincinnati last week is anything to go by then Tampa Bay should return to winning ways and force a title decider against Carolina next week regardless of the result in Charlotte.
The big injury news comes from Seattle who will be without two key pieces. Starting left tackle Charles Cross and safety Coby Bryant miss out. Josh Jones stays in for Cross after performing well and not allowing a sack last week against the Rams. Ty Okada replaces Byrant in the secondary who also did well in the second half against the Rams. Okada did well earlier in the season replacing Julian Love when he snagged his first career interception against the Commanders.
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Preamble
Hello and happy holidays! I hope you all had a merry Christmas and are looking forward to a happy new year. Not to bring you all down to Earth with an almighty bump but after this week 17 slate we have but one more regular season Sunday left to savour. But what a year we have had full of upsets, fallen giants, rising stars and that epic Bills/Bengals blizzard game. Hopefully we still have some twists and turns left today with Pittsburgh aiming to seal a playoff spot with a win over Cleveland, Seattle trying to move closer to locking up the NFC’s No 1 seed and more in seven matches starting at 12pm CST/1pm EST/6pm GMT (home teams listed first):
(8-7) Carolina Panthers v Seattle Seahawks (12-3)
(5-10) Cincinnati Bengals v Arizona Cardinals (3-12)
(3-12) Cleveland Browns v Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6)
(8-7) Indianapolis Colts v Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4)
(6-9) Miami Dolphins v Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8)
(3-12) New York Jets v New England Patriots (12-3)
(3-12) Tennessee Titans v New Orleans Saints (5-10)
Can Cleveland stop division rivals Pittsburgh sealing the AFC North? They are going to be up against it considering their offense is 31st in EPA per play and averages one measly passing touchdown per game. The Steelers may not be spectacular in stopping an opponent but the experience of veterans such as Alex Highsmith and Cam Heyward should cause rookie quarterback Shadeur Sanders an almighty headache. Meanwhile the Browns are also without their impressive rookie running back Quinshon Judkins who has been sent to injured reserve after having surgery to repair a dislocated right ankle and fractured right fibula. Pittsburgh have a big miss of their own in star receiver DK Metcalf out through suspension after throwing a punch at a Lions fan last week.
When it rains it pours in Ohio. However, Myles Garrett still leads Cleveland’s defense and needs a single sack to break the regular season record of 22.5. Entering the history books by taking down future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers could just give Garrett and the Browns the vengeful juice they need to finish another bitterly painful season on a high.
