Over in Germany, the New York Giants (2–8) and Carolina Panthers (3–7) set the sport of football back 100 years, with the Panthers winning an offensively challenged contest in overtime.
However, the 1 p.m. slate was solid. The Pittsburgh Steelers (7–2) came off their bye week to defeat the Washington Commanders (7–3) in a heart-stopper, with Pittsburgh winning 28–27 on a Mike Williams touchdown grab. Elsewhere, the Kansas City Chiefs (9–0) remained unbeaten against the Denver Broncos (5–5), blocking a field goal on the game’s final play.
In the late window, Aaron Rodgers led his New York Jets (3–7) into the desert for a tilt with the Arizona Cardinals (6–4), and got smoked by Kyler Murray and a smothering defense. With the victory, the Cardinals remain a half-game up on the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC West.
Finally, Sunday night gave us the Houston Texans (6–4) and Detroit Lions (8–1) in a wild affair that saw seven interceptions, including five by Jared Goff, before a game-winning, 52-yard kick by Jake Bates to seal the game on the final snap.
SUNDAY
Lions 26, Texans 23
My take: Detroit (8–1) had no business winning Sunday night, but found a a way despite five interceptions from Jared Goff. Houston (6–4) couldn’t take advantage of multiple gifts, with the offensive line once again being a huge problem. C.J. Stroud threw two interceptions and was sacked four times, while the rushing attack went for 56 yards on 2.0 yards per attempt. For the Lions, it’s further evidence that they have a huge margin for error, even against good teams. As for Houston, it’s an indictment of the Texans as a title contender.
Stock up: Detroit’s defense should get recognized as a tough unit. Even without Aidan Hutchinson, it allowed only 248 yards and 16 first downs despite the offense giving the ball away time and again. This was a signature performance from a defense about to get Za’Darius Smith off the edge.
Stock down: Houston’s notion of being a contender. The Texans are a good team, but if the Chiefs, Bills or Ravens picked off Goff five times, there’s no way the game is close, let alone a Lions win. Houston is a quality team, but it’s not ready for the big dogs.
Up Next: Jaguars at Lions, 1 p.m. ET Nov. 17; Texans at Cowboys, 8:15 p.m. ET Nov. 18
Chiefs 16, Broncos 14
My take: Kansas City (9–0) has flirted with defeat the past two weeks, but survived in both cases. The Chiefs beat the Buccaneers six days ago in overtime before pulling off their biggest stunner to date, blocking a potential game-winning, 35-yard field goal by Wil Lutz on the final play. Linebacker Leo Chenal broke in to ruin Bo Nix’s day after Denver (5–5) saw its rookie quarterback throw for 215 yards and two touchdowns. As for the Chiefs, the defense held Denver to 260 total yards while Patrick Mahomes was uneven, throwing for 266 yards while missing two easy touchdown tosses.
Stock up: Even in defeat, it has to be Nix. The Broncos should be thrilled about the development of their rookie quarterback, who went into Arrowhead Stadium and went throw for throw with Mahomes. He needs to be better against pressure, but Nix is showing real chops.
Stock down: Kansas City should consider bringing Donovan Smith back. When left tackle Wanya Morris left with a knee injury, backup rookie Kingsley Suamataia was a disaster. Mahomes was sacked four times and hit on nine occasions. Not nearly good enough up front on the blindside edge.
Up Next: Falcons at Broncos, 4:05 p.m. ET Nov. 17; Chiefs at Bills, 4:25 p.m. ET Nov. 17
Steelers 28, Commanders 27
My take: All hail Russell Wilson. Many thought Pittsburgh (7–2) might regret inserting Wilson into the lineup, and yet he’s posted three consecutive wins including Sunday, where he beat Washington (7–3) on the strength of three touchdown passes. Wilson wasn’t great, only completing half of his 28 attempts, but he made big plays, highlighted by three pass plays of at least 25 yards. As for the Commanders, the loss falls on the defense for allowing 28 points and 7-of-16 third-down conversions.
Stock up: This is why the Steelers traded a fifth-round pick for Mike Williams. Williams only had one catch, but it came at a crucial moment. The 32-yard touchdown reception put Pittsburgh ahead to stay, and helped it maintain first place in the AFC North.
Stock down: Washington needs to get more out of its ground attack when Jayden Daniels isn’t cruising all over creation. The Commanders ran for 60 yards on 2.7 yards per attempt, with Daniels gaining just five yards on three runs.
Up Next: Ravens at Steelers, 1 p.m. ET Nov. 17; Commanders at Eagles, 8:15 p.m. ET Nov. 14
Bills 30, Colts 20
My take: Buffalo (8–2) faced a potential trap game in Indianapolis (4–6) and survived it despite Josh Allen throwing a pair of interceptions. Even with those, Allen threw for 280 yards while the Bills picked off Joe Flacco three times. Buffalo was also able to run for 136 yards, with James Cook leading the way by gaining 80 yards and scoring a touchdown. For the Bills, it’s now about finding a way to knock off the unbeaten Chiefs, who survived on a miracle field-goal block in Kansas City.
Stock up: Taron Johnson was a second-team All-Pro last year, and he’s only getting better. The superstar slot corner had a pick-six to start the scoring and then registered a sack later on. He’s the best player on Buffalo’s defense by a wide margin.
Stock down: Shane Steichen has another decision to make. The Colts are now two games under .500 and Joe Flacco has been terrible over the past two weeks, throwing two touchdowns and four interceptions over that span. Time to go back to Anthony Richardson?
Up Next: Chiefs at Bills, 4:25 p.m. ET Nov. 17; Colts at Jets, 1 p.m. ET Nov. 17
Eagles 34, Cowboys 6
My take: How bad was Dallas (3–6) on Sunday? The Cowboys intercepted Jalen Hurts in the end zone, recovered a fumble inside the Eagles’ 10-yard line, and still lost by four scores. Philadelphia (7–2) did whatever it wanted to take the NFC East lead, holding the Cowboys to 146 yards, including just 49 passing yards on 1.69 yards per attempt. Although the Eagles have had their problems with consistency this season, few teams are more talented. That talent is beginning to help them separate as the season continues.
Stock up: The Philadelphia defense caused five turnovers, including recovering four fumbles. It was a dominant performance even when accounting for the lack of Dak Prescott on the other side. If the Eagles can continue ascending on that side of the ball, they’re a contender.
Stock down: Jerry Jones can’t be exonerated from this mess. He did nothing to improve the team this offseason, and now the Cowboys are headed toward a winter where a coaching search will be conducted, and the roster will be heavily scrutinized. The team has become an embarrassment.
Up Next: Commanders at Eagles, 8:15 p.m. ET Nov. 14; Texans at Cowboys, 8:15 p.m. ET Nov. 18
Vikings 12, Jaguars 7
My take: Well, that wasn’t a Picasso. But for Minnesota (7–2) it was a beautiful result for a team desperate to keep pace in the NFC North. Sam Darnold threw three interceptions but was bailed out by a terrific defensive showing, which saw Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones throw two interceptions on 22 attempts. Aaron Jones also did his part to keep Minnesota moving, going for 88 yards on 17 carries in victory.
Stock up: Both defenses deserve credit. The Jaguars have been awful throughout the season and yet held Justin Jefferson to five catches on nine targets for 48 yards. Meanwhile, Jacksonville mustered only 143 yards compared to 402 for the Vikings.
Stock down: Everything about the quarterback play was awful. The Vikings ultimately got away with Darnold’s struggles, but it was terrible football. As for Jones, it was to be expected, coming off the bench to face Brian Flores’s defense.
Up Next: Vikings at Titans, 1 p.m. ET Nov. 17; Jaguars at Lions, 1 p.m. ET Nov. 17
Cardinals 31, Jets 6
My take: It might be time to take Arizona (6–4) seriously in the NFC. The Cardinals were expected to have a good offense, but the defense is what’s truly shocking. Over its current four-game winning streak, Arizona has allowed only a touchdown in one of those contests. Outside of safety Budda Baker, there’s not a big name on the unit, and it’s becoming one of the tougher defenses to play against. As for New York (3–7), everyone in the Tri-State area should consider selling their televisions, making a few bucks and improving their mental health.
Stock up: Kyler Murray is playing the best football of his career. Against a respectable defense, Murray carved up the Jets, completing 22-of-24 passes for 266 yards and a touchdown. He has great weapons led by Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride, and Murray isn’t wasting the moment.
Stock down: Everyone involved with the Jets. Aaron Rodgers threw for 84 yards on 4.2 yards per attempt before fourth-quarter garbage time. The defense allowed 7.1 yards per play and four red-zone conversions in five trips. It’s a collective failure that starts with the owner Woody Johnson.
Up Next: Colts at Jets, 1 p.m. ET Nov. 17; BYE
49ers 23, Buccaneers 20
My take: Brock Purdy had a huge day for San Francisco (5–4), which got over .500 for its second consecutive win. In his season debut, Christian McCaffrey touched the ball 19 times for 107 yards, showcasing his trademark versatility. Tampa Bay (4–6) was vastly outplayed for much of the afternoon, being outgained 413–215. However, the Buccaneers were in the game because the Niners went 1-of-3 in the red zone, while also winning the turnover battle.
Stock up: San Francisco’s offense still isn’t perfect, but things looked much better. Purdy threw for 353 yards and two touchdowns, Jauan Jennings came back from injury to catch seven passes for 93 yards, and rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall caught a 46-yard score as part of a 73-yard day.
Stock down: Without Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, the Buccaneers don’t have enough on the outside. Against the Niners, Baker Mayfield threw for 116 yards while the leading wideout was Ryan Miller, who caught one pass for 11 yards.
Up Next: Seahawks at 49ers, 4:05 p.m. ET Nov. 17; BYE
Chargers 27, Titans 17
My take: Los Angeles (6–3) played smart Sunday. The Chargers only threw the ball 18 times, made sure to avoid turnovers and ran the ball for 145 yards and two touchdowns in an easy win over Tennessee (2–7). Justin Herbert averaged 9.1 yards per attempt and found Quentin Johnston for a third-quarter touchdown, but otherwise managed the contest. Will Levis didn’t play poorly, but was sacked seven times despite a rushing attack which garnered 6.3 yards per rush.
Stock up: Jim Harbaugh deserves ample credit. The Chargers were a mess for years under Brandon Staley, with no culture and zero signature wins. While Los Angeles hasn’t beaten a great group of teams this year, Los Angeles doesn’t beat itself and has an identity. It’s all working.
Stock down: Tennessee’s offensive line has to be better at some point. The Titans have invested multiple first-round picks in that unit, including Peter Skoronski and JC Latham, and nothing has worked. The Chargers lived in the backfield with seven sacks and nine quarterback hits.
Up Next: Vikings at Titans, 1 p.m. ET Nov. 17; Bengals at Chargers, 8:20 p.m. ET Nov. 17
Patriots 19, Bears 3
My take: It might be time to sell Chicago (4–5) stock. The Bears have lost three consecutive games, including one game on a Hail Mary, and another without competing against the Cardinals. On Sunday, New England (3–7) came into Soldier Field and bullied the Bears all over the field, constantly disrupting Caleb Williams and holding Chicago without a touchdown. It’s the low point for a team, which has had many over the past decade.
Stock up: Jerod Mayo deserves credit. Mayo doesn’t have much talent on either side of the ball, and he’s getting the Patriots to play hard. While New England isn’t going to win more than a few more games the rest of the season, it’s showing some fight.
Stock down: The Bears have real questions to ask about their offense. Williams went 16-of-30 for 120 yards on 4.0 yards per attempt. He was also sacked nine times by a defense without a true star pass rusher. It’s a disaster for coordinator Shane Waldron.
Up Next: Rams at Patriots, 1 p.m. ET Nov. 17; Packers at Bears, 1 p.m. ET Nov. 17
Saints 20, Falcons 17
My take: New Orleans (3–7) finally snapped its seven-game losing streak, and did so with interim coach Darren Rizzi on the sideline. The Saints took out their biggest rivals, beating Atlanta (6–4) behind Derek Carr’s 269 yards passing and two touchdowns. The Falcons moved the ball throughout with 468 total yards, but the defense gave up too many big plays, including 109 yards and two touchdowns to Saints receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Stock up: Atlanta has very little to feel good about, but the rushing attack was potent. Bijan Robinson ran for 116 yards and two touchdowns as part of an 181-yard rushing day by the Falcons. Going forward, that’s the path for the Falcons to win.
Stock down: Atlanta’s front has had a tough time getting pressure all season, and it happened again Sunday. Carr wasn’t sacked and got hit only once, while the front seven notched a paltry two tackles for loss.
Up Next: Falcons at Broncos, 4:05 p.m. ET Nov. 17; Browns at Saints, 1 p.m. ET Nov. 17
Panthers 20, Giants 17, OT
My take: The best news coming out of this game? Both teams are now headed for a bye week. Daniel Jones was atrocious, going 22-of-37 for 190 yards with two interceptions. Bryce Young also struggled, going for 126 yards on 5.0 yards per attempt. Going forward, Carolina needs to see if it can get more from Young, while the Giants must do the decent thing and play Drew Lock over Jones the rest of the way. In both cities, it’s all about the future.
Stock up: Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Chubba Hubbard showed up. The young runners combined for 256 yards and two touchdowns, proving to be the engines of their respective offenses. In lost seasons for both teams, those two are bright spots.
Stock down: It’s time to bench Jones. It’s over. It’s been over. The Giants were the only people who didn’t understand giving him an extension after the 2022 season was a mistake, and it’s proven out to be a major one. Through nine games this year, Jones has thrown eight touchdowns against seven interceptions.
Up Next: BYE; BYE
THURSDAY
Ravens 35, Bengals 34
My take: Another instant classic between Baltimore (7–3) and Cincinnati (4–6), and another brutal loss for the Bengals. Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson put on one of the best shows in recent prime-time history, combining to throw for 718 yards and eight touchdowns. Yet, it wasn’t enough for Burrow, as the Ravens overcame a 14-point, third-quarter deficit to sweep the season series from their AFC North rivals. The Bengals still have a chance to make the postseason but their defense must improve, as the unit ranks 26th in points per game against.
Stock up: Ja’Marr Chase sat out the entire summer and preseason in hopes of a new deal, didn’t get it, and now has been ripping up the league. After Thursday night’s 11-catch, 264-yard, three-touchdown performance, he leads the NFL with 981 receiving yards despite Tee Higgins being sidelined for a good chunk of the year. Chase is showing he deserves to be the highest-paid receiver in football.
Stock down: We mentioned the Bengals’ defense above, but let’s not overlook Baltimore’s defense. The Ravens entered Sunday allowing a league-worst 294.9 passing yards per game, which is more than five teams are giving up in total yards. If that doesn’t change, Jackson will need a superhuman postseason for any shot at the Super Bowl.
This article was originally published on www.si.com as NFL Week 10 Recap: Who’s Up, Who’s Down, What’s Next for Every Team.
