Cowboys score late to avoid upset by Texans
Cowboys 27, Texans 23
The Cowboys got a major challenge from the Texans in a battle of Lone Star NFL teams. Dallas needed an 11-play, 98yard drive to escape with the victory. Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott scored the winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter on a 2-yard run. Elliott finished with 81 total yards and the score. Houston hung around after forcing three turnovers in the game. Texans receiver Chris Moore hauled in 10 receptions for 124 yards.
Jaguars 36, Titans 22
Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence put together a strong effort against the Titans, throwing for 368 yards and three TDs. He connected with tight end Evan Engram all afternoon as the veteran hauled in 11 catches (on 15 targets) for 162 yards and two scores. The offense was enough to thwart another impressive effort from Tennessee running back Derrick Henry, who rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown for the AFC South leaders.
Ravens 16, Steelers 14
The Ravens relied on their rushing attack without star quarterback Lamar Jackson in the lineup. Baltimore rushed for 215 total yards and possessed the football for over 32 minutes of game action. Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins returned from injured reserve and rumbled for 120 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. The Steelers dropped to 5-8 overall. However, the pressing concern is the health of rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett. The talented signal-caller entered concussion protocol in the first quarter and didn’t return.
Bengals 23, Browns 10
The Bengals exacted a measure of revenge in the Battle of Ohio. Cincinnati continued its hot streak by winning its fifth consecutive game and improving to 9-4. The Bengals vaulted into a firstplace tie with the Ravens in the AFC North as well. Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase put together another 100-yard effort as he paced the Bengals offense. The Browns were held to 71 rushing yards. With the Bengals down a couple of receivers, quarterback Joe Burrow dialed up a flea flicker and found receiver Trenton Irwin for a 45-yard TD.
Chiefs 34, Broncos 28
The Chiefs survived a rally by the Broncos. Russell Wilson’s head hit the turf in the fourth quarter and was ruled out of the game with a concussion. Backup Brett Rypien threw a 7-yard TD pass to Jerry Jeudy, the wideout’s third score of the day, to put Denver within six. But a trade-off of interceptions and Patrick Mahomes’ clock management to chew up the final four minutes of the game secured the Chiefs’ win.
Panthers 30, Seahawks 24
The Panthers upset Seattle with a combined 223 yards rushing and forcing Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith to throw two interceptions. Carolina opened a 17-0 lead before the Seahawks clawed their way back. Smith threw for 264 yards and three TDs – two in the second quarter – but the Seattle offense was limited to 46 yards on the ground.