In an action-packed weekend of NFL games, several teams battled hard to avoid costly defeats while others solidified their playoff positions. The games featured dramatic comebacks, standout individual performances, and key injury updates, underscoring the intensity of the season as the playoff race intensifies.
One of the most thrilling contests saw the Dallas Cowboys mount a remarkable comeback against the Philadelphia Eagles. Trailing by 21 points, the Cowboys, led by quarterback Dak Prescott, rallied to snatch a last-second victory with a 42-yard field goal from Brandon Aubrey as time expired. This win extended Prescott’s impressive home winning streak against NFC East opponents to 19 games and marked the Cowboys’ first home game since the passing of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland. Despite the loss, the Eagles remain in strong position to repeat as NFC East champions, although their offense faltered after building a commanding 21-0 lead early in the second quarter. This defeat marked Philadelphia’s first loss after leading by at least 21 points since 1999, highlighting the Cowboys’ resilience in overcoming a three-touchdown deficit for the first time since 2014.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs pulled off a thrilling overtime victory against the Indianapolis Colts, keeping their playoff hopes alive. Patrick Mahomes delivered a season-high 352 passing yards, while running back Kareem Hunt contributed 104 yards and a touchdown. Kicker Harrison Butker was pivotal, scoring five field goals, including the game-winning 27-yarder with under two minutes left in overtime. Wide receiver Rashee Rice was instrumental as well, hauling in eight catches for 141 yards, including critical receptions during the Chiefs’ tying touchdown drive and overtime possessions. The Chiefs’ defense stepped up late, forcing the Colts into four consecutive three-and-outs, highlighting their ability to stifle one of the league’s most potent offenses.
The Detroit Lions avoided back-to-back losses for the first time in over three years with a dramatic overtime win against the New York Giants. Jahmyr Gibbs was the star, rushing for a 69-yard touchdown on the first play of overtime and finishing with a career-best 264 yards from scrimmage and three total touchdowns. The Lions trailed by double digits multiple times but managed to rally, buoyed by a clutch 59-yard field goal from Jake Bates late in regulation. The Giants had an opportunity to extend the game but turned the ball over on downs after a sack by Aidan Hutchinson. The victory was especially significant for Detroit, as they entered the game outside the playoff picture and demonstrated renewed fighting spirit.
In Cleveland, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders made his first NFL start, guiding the Browns to their first road win of the season against the struggling Las Vegas Raiders. Sanders displayed poise, completing 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards with one touchdown and one interception. His standout moment came late in the fourth quarter when he connected on a 66-yard screen pass touchdown to running back Dylan Sampson. However, the Browns’ defense was the dominant force, recording 10 sacks and completely disrupting the Raiders’ offensive rhythm, which has been an ongoing issue for Las Vegas this season.
The Los Angeles Rams maintained their status as the top seed in the NFC with a comfortable victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football. MVP candidate Matthew Stafford delivered another strong performance, throwing for 273 yards and three touchdowns without any interceptions. The win dropped Tampa Bay to a three-game losing streak, leaving them tied with the Carolina Panthers atop the NFC South with a 6-5 record. The Buccaneers also suffered a scare as starting quarterback Baker Mayfield exited the game in the first half with a shoulder sprain and was replaced by Teddy Bridgewater. Mayfield is set for an MRI to assess the injury’s severity.
In Chicago, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams led the Bears to a solid win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, avoiding the challenge of facing Aaron Rodgers, who missed the game due to a broken wrist. Rodgers had a dominant 25-5 career record against the Bears, but his absence helped Chicago secure their eighth win in nine games to improve to 8-3. Williams threw three touchdown passes, and unlike the previous three weeks where the Bears rallied late, this time they managed to hold onto their lead. The Steelers fell to 6-5, ending in a tie for first place in the AFC North with the Baltimore Ravens.
The New England Patriots continued their impressive run, extending their winning