As we approach the festive period, the football season is beginning to heat up. We’re now thirteen weeks into the schedule, with teams slowly learning their fate.
Some sides’ play-off berths are already guaranteed, but for others, the race will continue, while the minnows of the league continue to tank in order to get a higher draft pick for the 2018 campaign.
Let’s take a look back on all the action through another exciting week of NFL football.
Washington Redskins 14-38 Dallas Cowboys
How ‘bout them Cowboys?! Dallas moved to 6-6 on the year, keeping slim play-off hopes alive. Dak Prescott’s struggles continued in this one, throwing for just 102 yards.
Washington lost the turnover battle 4-0, pretty much gifting the game to their opponent. They sit at 5-7, with their hopes of making the post-season all-but over.
San Francisco 49ers 15-14 Chicago Bears
Niners fans finally were able to witness Jimmy Garoppolo playing for their team, and he didn’t disappoint. San Francisco picked up their first road win of the season in Chicago, with ‘Jimmy G’ throwing for almost 300 yards.
The Bears’ rookie quarterback Mitchell Trubisky threw one TD, but it wasn’t enough to out-score a tough San Fran defence who caused two fumbles.
Denver Broncos 9-35 Miami Dolphins
Yes, you did read that score line correctly. What’s going on out in Denver at the moment? Their usual tough defence is giving up yards (and scores) for fun at the moment and Miami took full advantage.
Jay Cutler threw two TDs, with the Dolphins also scoring just their second rushing TD of the season so far. For Denver, Trevor Siemian just couldn’t get it going. The Fins move to 5-7, while the Broncos sit at a disappointing 3-9.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-26 Green Bay Packers
There may be hope for Green Bay yet… They sit at 6-6 on the year with The Browns up next. Then, the week after that, Aaron Rodgers may well take to the field.
Let’s be honest here, Brett Hundley was not good. Luckily for Packers fans, the Jameis Winston-led Buccaneers couldn’t do enough to get the W.
Kansas City Chiefs 31-38 New York Jets
Don’t say it too loudly, but the Jets have looked pretty good with Josh McCown under centre. Sure, he’s never going to be the next Tom Brady, but he’s a useful back-up option to have, and NY more than deserved their victory to move to 5-7.
As for Kansas City, well, their woes continue. Over the first five weeks, the Chiefs looked like the best team in the NFL. Now they may well miss the post-season, what a huge disappointment that would be for Alex Smith and co…
Indianapolis Colts 10-30 Jacksonville Jaguars
The UK's adopted-team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, just keep on winning at the moment. Their defence is looking monstrous, making another two INTs during this particular ball-game. On top of that, Blake Bortles is looking like a half-decent QB at present.
As for Indianapolis, they need Andrew Luck to be back at 100% next season. They also could do with a new Head Coach because Chuck Pagano just isn’t good enough.
Detroit Lions 20-44 Baltimore Ravens
After a slow start, Baltimore seem to be heating up at just the right time, and there are a whole host of teams who wouldn’t like to face them in the play-offs; I’m looking at you, Tom Brady.
As for Detroit, their season also hangs in the balance at 6-6. However, Matt Stafford needs to start leading this team. That’s why they’ve paid him big bucks, and they should be looking at making the play-offs at the very least.
New England 23-3 Buffalo Bills
Standard. Tom Brady always finds a way to win, and although he didn’t throw any TDs, the Patriots came through to move to 10-2 on the year. Rob Gronkowski led the game in receiving yards, but it was an off-ball incident that marred his game, as he took a cheap shot at CB Tre-Davious White.
For the Bills, their QB issues rumble on, with three different guys playing at least a snap in that position during the game! Sitting at 6-6, they could still force their way into the play-offs.
Houston Texans 13-24 Tennessee Titans
I think it’s fair to say that the Texans’ season was over the moment DeShaun Watson went down with a season-ending injury. They’ve struggled massively since, particularly away from home (1-5 on the road).
The Titans on the other hand, they are going from strength-to-strength. Marcus Mariota can get it done with his hands and legs, scoring one passing and one rushing TD in this one. Sitting at 8-4, they’re looking great.
Minnesota Vikings 14-9 Atlanta Falcons
Trust in Case Keenum. He’s guided his side to 10-2 in a tough division, although his place in the team is by no means guaranteed with Teddy Bridgewater breathing down his neck.
Atlanta, although sitting at 7-5, don’t look anywhere near as menacing as they did last year during their Super Bowl run. Matty Ice hasn’t been the same MVP-level QB this year, and it’s hurting his team.
Cleveland Browns 10-19 Los Angeles Chargers
At this point, I feel sorry for Cleveland football fans. They’re 0-12 on the year, with rookie DeShone Kizer struggling. It was great to see Josh Gordon back on the field, and I hope his struggles are behind him.
The LA Chargers have turned things around wonderfully after starting out 0-4. They’re now my favourites to win their division, with Phillip Rivers leading them to the Promised Land.
New York Giants 17-24 Oakland Raiders
Geno Smith broke Eli Manning’s 210-game starting streak this weekend, and things went just as you’d expect. The Big Blue lost (again), and since then Head Coach Ben McAdoo has been fired.
Oakland sit 6-6 on the season with their play-off hopes well and truly alive. If their offence can begin playing like they are capable of, the Raiders could well be sleepers to make the Super Bowl.
Carolina Panthers 21- 31 New Orleans Saints
Cam Newton’s Panthers played well in New Orleans, but not well enough. The former MVP winning QB threw two TDs on the day, but it wasn’t enough to get by a Saints side who are improving week-on-week.
Drew Brees is playing the best football of his life, and nobody expected that at the start of this season, particularly after losing Brandin Cooks to New England. Winning this NFC South battle leaves them in control of their destiny. I fancy them to wrap this division up now.
Los Angeles Rams 32-16 Arizona Cardinals
The Rams are now 9-3, and looking unbeatable. Who’d have thought LA would have the deadliest, most potent attack in all of football? Jared Goff is ballin’ out at present, and it’s a joy to watch.
Arizona’s season is done. They sit at 5-7, and with Blaine Gabbert starting at QB, I don’t expect them to tack on many wins during the remainder of this season.
Philadelphia Eagles 10-24 Seattle Seahawks
Philly finally lost one after their incredible win streak ends at 10 games. Carson Wentz still looked mightily impressive though, making some unbelievable throws down the stretch to give The Eagles at least a chance.
Unfortunately for Eagles fans, the QB on the other side of the field is just as ridiculous. Russell Wilson is my MVP vote right now. He’s the only reason Seattle has a shot at making the post-season.
Pittsburgh Steelers 23-20 Cincinatti Bengals
The Bengals started out like a house on fire, with Andy Dalton propelling his team to a two score lead. However, Big Ben roared back and led Pittsburgh to yet another victory.
This one was a feisty contest, with Ryan Shazier leaving due to a severe back injury. There was also a huge hit on Vontaze Burfict, by wide-reciever Juju Smith. Check out the video below.
