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Terence’s Rundown: Week 11 NFL Wrap Up

Terence Hatchett

Photo: Carolina Panthers

Week 11 was filled with surprising results and a shaking up in the standings. Throughout much of the season the Buffalo Bills were the favorites in the AFC East, now after a loss to the Colts, the New England Patriots are in first place and are in play for the #1 seed. Kansas City, despite all of its flaws, are also 7-4 and in play for the #1 seed in the AFC. The reason why the #1 seed is still in play in the AFC is because the Titans were stunned at home by the Houston Texans. On the NFC side the teams fighting for the wild card spots made a lot of noise on Sunday. Minnesota, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington all won – putting themselves in position to stay alive in the NFC wildcard race, while the Panthers suffered a disappointing loss.

Washington vs Carolina:

Ron Rivera’s team spoiled Cam Newton’s homecoming on Sunday by dominating the line of scrimmage. Washington ran for 190 yards, while Taylor Heinicke threw for 3 TDs. Cam Newton played well – completing 21-27 of his passes for 189 yards and 2 touchdowns and running for another TD. Carolina was stopped on 4th down twice late in the game. First, Matt Rhule burned a timeout after being stopped on 3rd down and went for it, but the throw was short of the sticks. In my opinion, the coach should decide what he is going to do on 4th down before the play on 3rd down is called. Burning a timeout in that situation is inexcusable. On the next 4th down play the offensive line collapsed and Cam couldn’t get a throw off as he was sacked. The Panthers are only 2-4 at home and have been swept by the NFC East this season. 

Colts vs Bills:

The Colts dominated the Bills in the trenches as Jonathan Taylor ran for 185 yards and four touchdowns. Indy forced four Buffalo turnovers and didn’t need much from Carson Wentz to secure this win. The Colts have won 5 out of their last 6 games and are right back in the mix of the AFC playoff picture. The Bills have now lost their lead in the AFC East and still play New England twice.

Packers vs Vikings:

Photo: Minnesota Vikings

In a shootout, the Vikings had the ball last and were able to kick a game-winning field goal to beat Green Bay 34-31. Kirk Cousins almost gave the game away – nearly throwing an interception, but the play was ruled incomplete and Cousins took his team down the field for a win after Aaron Rodgers tied the game with a 75-yard bomb to Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Cousins threw for 341 and three touchdowns while Rodgers threw for 385 yards and four touchdowns. The Vikings moved to 5-5 with the win, while the Packers lost the #1 seed in the NFC.

Dallas vs Kansas City:

After a 3-4 start, the Chiefs have won four straight after a 19-9 win over the Cowboys. Dallas was already without Amari Cooper and lost Ceedee Lamb to a concussion. Without those weapons the Cowboys offense struggled and didn’t even reach the end zone. Chris Jones sacked Dak Prescott three and a half times and the Chiefs’ pressure forced two interceptions. The Cowboys are battered right now with Tyron Smith, Lamb and Cooper out, and Zeke Elliot’s questionable status after tweaking his ankle during this game. Dallas doesn’t have much time to ice up as they play the Raiders on Thanksgiving Day.

Steelers vs Chargers:

This was a wild one! The Chargers entered the 4th quarter with a 27-10 lead, but needed a 53-yard Justin Herbert TD pass to beat the Steelers 41-37. Austin Ekeler scored four touchdowns for the Chargers, who generated 533 yards of offense. Herbert threw for 382 yards and was the Chargers leading rusher with 90 yards. The win keeps the Chargers in the mix in the AFC West race. The Steelers’ loss currently puts them on the outside looking in of the last wildcard spot, but there is still a lot of football left to be played.

AFC Playoff Picture:

  1. Tennessee Titans 8-3
  2. Baltimore Ravens 7-3
  3. New England Patriots 7-4
  4. Kansas City Chiefs 7-4
  5. Cincinnati Bengals 6-4
  6. LA Chargers 6-4
  7. Buffalo Bills 6-4

Outside looking in: Steelers 5-4-1, Colts and Browns are 6-5, Raiders and Broncos are 5-5

NFC Playoff Picture:

  1. Arizona Cardinals 9-2
  2. Green Bay Packers 8-3
  3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7-3
  4. Dallas Cowboys 7-3
  5. LA Rams 7-3
  6. Minnesota Vikings 5-5
  7. New Orleans Saints 5-5

Outside looking in: San Francisco 5-5, Eagles and Panthers are 5-6

Week 12 games to watch: