Cowboys dominate Vikes; Bills win
Cowboys 40, Vikings 3
In what was anticipated as a matchup of the NFC’s elite, the Cowboys steamrolled the Vikings in Minneapolis, handing them their second loss of the season. The game marked the return of Ezekiel Elliott, who missed the last two matchups with a knee injury. The Pro Bowler had 15 carries for 42 yards and two touchdowns. Kicker Brett Maher made four field goals, including two 60yard scores. He now has four 60-yard field goals in his career, the most in NFL history. The Vikings were held to 183 yards of offense and the Dallas defense thrashed Kirk Cousins, sacking him seven times.
Bills 31, Browns 23
The Bills overcame a stressful week to defeat the Browns in a game moved to Detroit because of a snowstorm in Buffalo. The Bills relied on standout kicker Tyler Bass, who made six field goals, including a 56-yarder. The Browns got a strong effort from quarterback Jacoby Brissett. The talented backup completed 28 of 41 passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns. However, the Bills held the Browns backfield in check. Running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt were held to 51 yards on 19 carries. Bills receiver Stefon Diggs hauled in a 5yard TD from Josh Allen in the second quarter that gave Buffalo an early lead.
Patriots 10, Jets 3
The Patriots won their 14th consecutive game against the Jets in grand fashion. Late in the fourth quarter, Patriots rookie defensive back Marcus Jones scored a game-winning 84-yard punt return for a touchdown. It was the lone score in a defensive struggle between both teams. The Jets were held to 103 total yards and averaged 2.1 yards per play. Jones raced past the Jets special teams unit as he headed to the end zone for his first NFL touchdown.
Ravens 13, Panthers 3
The Ravens scored 10 unanswered
points in the fourth quarter to defeat the Panthers. Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson led the way with 240 total yards and a rushing touchdown. The Ravens forced three turnovers and sacked Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield four times. Carolina was held to 36 rushing yards.
Bengals 37, Steelers 30
The Bengals outscored their AFC North rival 20-10 in the second half, avenging their Week 1 loss to the Steelers. Despite losing running back Joe Mixon to a concussion, Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow went 24 of 39 for 355 yards for four touchdowns – three of them to Samaje Perine – and two interceptions. Najee Harris, who has struggled with his own injuries, had two scores on the ground for the Steelers.
Falcons 27, Bears 24
Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson set an NFL record with his ninth career kickoff return touchdown, a 103-yarder. The play led to the Falcons scoring 17 unanswered points en route to victory. Patterson passed Leon Washington and Joshua Cribbs in the record books. Bears quarterback Justin Fields accounted for 238 total yards and two TDs (one rushing) in his return to Atlanta.
Lions 31, Giants 18
The Lions won their third consecutive game against the Giants with running back Jamaal Williams scoring three touchdowns to lead the way. Conversely, Giants superstar Saquon Barkley was held in check with 22 yards on 15 carries. Daniel Jones also threw two interceptions in the upset loss, including one by Lions rookie defensive back Kerby Joseph in the third quarter. It was Joseph’s third interception in three weeks. In a tight NFC playoff race, the Lions are sitting at 4-6 and right in the mix.
Commanders 23, Texans 10
The Commanders won their fourth consecutive road game against the Texans to improve to 6-5. Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke completed 15 of 27 passes for 191 yards. However, it was the Washington defense that set the tone as cornerback Kendall Fuller scored a 37-yard interception return in the first quarter. The Texans dynamic rushing attack was grounded. Texans rookie Dameon Pierce was limited to 8 rushing yards on 10 carries.
Saints 27, Rams 20
The defending Super Bowl champion Rams continued their disappointing start to the 2022 season. It was a difficult performance that was compounded by starting quarterback Matthew Stafford being evaluated with a head injury. The Saints pulled out the victory behind quarterback Andy Dalton. The journeyman signal-caller completed 21 of 25 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns. The Saints outscored the Rams 17-6 in the second half to improve to 4-7. Saints receiver Chris Olave hauled in a 53-yard reception in the third quarter. He finished with five catches for 102 yards and a touchdown.
Raiders 22, Broncos 16
The Broncos had their third overtime game of the season. For the Raiders, this matchup was their second. Denver took an early 10-0 lead, but Daniel Carlson made three field goals, including a career-long 57-yard score in the fourth quarter for the Raiders. Las Vegas quarterback Derek Carr found his college teammate-receiver Davante Adams for two touchdown passes as the Raiders notched their third win of the season, two of which have come at the hands of their AFC West rivals. In the extra period, Carr marched his team down the field, capping off the winning drive with a 35-yard touchdown pass to Adams.