Dolphins 11, Jets 6: A Week 18 sport with Skylar Thompson and Joe Flacco enjoying quarterback, in which one in all the groups has no likelihood to make the playoffs, went precisely such as you would anticipate. Both offenses struggled to maneuver the ball save for a handful of particular performs right here and there, like Jets receiver Garrett Wilson’s 36-yard tackle-breaking extravaganza late in the second quarter. The Dolphins squeaked by in the finish, although, and snagged the A.F.C.’s last wild-card berth.
Falcons 30, Buccaneers 17: In phrases of playoff implications, this sport meant nothing. Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady began the sport, however he ultimately stepped apart and took a seat on the bench — although not till after he broke the N.F.L.’s single-season completion report. The Falcons had nothing to play for both, however they at the least noticed some flashes from their younger gamers on offense. Running again Tyler Allgeier ran laborious, quarterback Desmond Ridder as soon as once more improved on his earlier efficiency, and receiver Drake London snagged a tricky 50-50 ball down the discipline in the second half.
(*18*) 10, Saints 7: Neither crew might make the playoffs, and it confirmed. (*18*) quarterback Sam Darnold struggled mightily, ending the sport 5 of 15 for 43 yards, two interceptions and no touchdowns. Darnold was fortunate to have the run sport supporting him, in addition to a protection that remained stout. The Saints’ offense moved the ball effectively till third downs, once they transformed on simply 4 of 13 alternatives.
Steelers 28, Browns 14: There’s no fixed in the N.F.L. like Pittsburgh Coach Mike Tomlin ending a season at or above .500. Sadly for the Steelers, a 9-8 report wasn’t sufficient to get them into the playoffs this yr, although Tomlin’s crew nonetheless fought valiantly on Sunday. Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett made a number of impressed performs outdoors the pocket, although he was inconsistent general. The Pittsburgh pass-rushing unit stepped up, sacking Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson seven occasions and utterly derailing any likelihood he had at getting right into a rhythm.
Texans 32, Colts 31: The Texans enthusiastically threw away the first general choose in the 2023 draft with this win. A fumble-filled brawl between two bottom-feeders, the sport was determined by two miraculous Davis Mills throws and a gutsy 2-point conversion. Mills transformed on a late fourth-and-18 and launched a ball on a fourth-and-20 into the finish zone for what might have been the game-tying rating. The Texans didn’t need additional time, although, forgoing the further level and for the 2-point try, and so they took the lead proper then and there with 50 seconds to go.
Vikings 29, Bears 13: The Bears began Nathan Peterman at quarterback, briefly gave the keys over to backup Tim Boyle, then let Peterman play once more. That’s about all there may be to learn about how lifeless and sloppy this sport was. The Vikings additionally performed just one half of actual soccer, resting their starters after easing their means right into a 16-6 lead, thanks largely to quarterback Kirk Cousins and the passing sport. Most vital, the Bears’ loss secured them the No. 1 general choose in the 2023 draft.
Saturday
Kansas City 31, Raiders 13: Kansas City cruised proper by way of Las Vegas to complete the common season. Its entrance seven, led by the star defensive deal with Chris Jones, had an uncharacteristically nice day towards the run. To decelerate Raiders working again Josh Jacobs, Kansas City loaded the field, a method that resulted in a variety of lengthy down-and-distance performs for Las Vegas quarterback Jarrett Stidham. That defensive efficiency paired with quarterback Patrick Mahomes’s common offensive greatness made for a simple affair.
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