NFL - Week Fifteen Preview

The AFC East division could be clinched this weekend when the New England Patriots, who are 11-2 and winners of ten straight games, host the Buffalo Bills (9-4) and will be looking to sweep them for the first time since quarterback Tom Brady was still taking the snaps.

The Bills had a big win against Cincinnati last week and the Patriots are coming off the bye, so whoever can get the early jump and keep the momentum from slipping away in this game will be in good shape. The Patriots stunned the Bills back in October on a Sunday night game and have been riding that wave ever since. The key will be the Pats keeping Bills quarterback Josh Allen under wraps while continuing to mix it up on offense and protect QB Drake Maye, who has been outstanding this season. Look for another tight game, but this time the Bills get it done and keep the Patriots from celebrating. 

In Seattle, all eyes will be on Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers? Yes, that is correct as the team was in desperation mode and signed the 44-year old quarterback out of retirement to the practice squad after losing not only the game in Jacksonville last week, but also starting QB Daniel Jones (Achilles injury) as well as backup Riley Leonard (knee injury) who may not be available for the game against the Seahawks, who are 10-3 and rolling with a strong defense. On paper, the Seahawks should dominate an injury ravaged Colts team and that will likely be the case. 

Two other games on Sunday will have a big impact on the AFC West race, where the Denver Broncos (11-2) host the Green Bay Packers (9-3-1) in an afternoon game. The Broncos have won ten games in a row and many of them have come right down to the final minutes to decide. The Packers have won four in a row and lead the NFC North division and will look to keep it going against a strong Broncos defense, which leads the NFL with 55 quarterback sacks. Green Bay QB Jordan Love has been on a roll in recent weeks, leading the offense to better numbers after scoring just 13 points or less in back-to-back home losses in early November. The Broncos have to protect QB Bo Nix from the Packers pass rush specialist Micah Parsons. This game is a toss up. 

Meanwhile in Kansas City, the Chiefs (6-7) will face the Los Angeles Chargers (9-4) and try to stay alive in the AFC playoff chase. The Chiefs have not missed the playoffs since the 2014 season and quarterback Patrick Mahomes and company are coming off a punishing loss at home against Houston last Sunday evening. The Chargers are looking to make it six wins in seven games in this tilt while also keeping QB Justin Herbert (injured left hand) on the playing field. Herbert played a gutsy game in a 22-19 win at home against the Philadelphia Eagles last Monday night, throwing a scoring pass and rushing for 66 yards while being sacked seven times. The Chiefs lost the season opener to the Chargers and a loss in this game would pretty much eliminate them from playoff contention. Expect a close game and the team with the football at the end of this one will have a chance to win.

The Detroit Lions (8-5) face the Los Angeles Rams (10-3) in a road game on Sunday and will be trying to stay in the NFC North race, where the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears running are neck and neck for first place. The Lions offense got back on track in a 44-30 pasting of the Dallas Cowboys a week ago with running back Jahmyr Gibbs scoring three touchdowns. The Rams blew out Arizona, 45-17 and QB Matthew Stafford had three more touchdown passes, giving him 35 this season to just four interceptions thrown. The 17-year veteran QB would love to stick it to his former team while keeping the Rams atop the NFC West race, where the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers are right there with them. This game is yet another one that could go down to the wire and considered to be a toss up. 

The rest of the games for Week Fifteen are featured in the capsule previews and the Heftyinfo picks follow up. 

Atlanta (4-9) at Tampa Bay (7-6) - Thursday night game in Florida and the Buccaneers are in a battle for first place in the NFC South division. The Falcons are just playing out the schedule. 

Cleveland (3-10) at Chicago (9-4) - It is expected to be very cold with below zero wind chills in the Windy City on Sunday and the Bears need this one. Take the Bears. 

Baltimore (6-7) at Cincinnati (4-9) - The Ravens will look to avenge an embarrassing loss to Cincy just two weeks ago. The Bengals must win out and get help to make the playoffs. 

Arizona (3-10) at Houston (8-5) - The Texans will be looking for their sixth straight win in this one and should get it. 

N.Y. Jets (3-10) at Jacksonville (9-4) - Jaguars have no excuse to lose this one at home. The Jets continue to be a mess. 

Washington (3-10) at N.Y. Giants (2-11) - Can the Giants stop their seven game losing streak against a very injury depleted Commanders team? Yes! 

Las Vegas (2-11) at Philadelphia (8-5) - Eagles get it back on track in this one. 

Carolina (7-6) at New Orleans (3-10) - The Saints will be at home and going for the season sweep against the Panthers in this one. Are the Panthers contenders or pretenders for the NFC playoffs? 

Tennessee (2-11) at San Francisco (9-4) - 49ers roll ! 

Minnesota (5-8) at Dallas (6-6-1) - Can the Vikings play spoiler to the Cowboys playoff hopes? 

Miami (6-7) at Pittsburgh (7-6) - The Steelers should get the win in this Monday night game, but the Dolphins have won four in a row. For what it's worth . . . many years ago (in 2007) these two teams played a 3-0 MNF game (won by the Steelers) in a monsoon in Pittsburgh where a punt literally got stuck in the mud when it landed. 

The Heftyinfo picks for Week Fifteen    . . . . . . . . . . . . .        (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS) 

Tampa Bay over Atlanta 

Chicago over Cleveland 

Baltimore over Cincinnati 

Houston over Arizona 

Jacksonville over N.Y. Jets 

Kansas City over L.A. Chargers 

Buffalo over New England 

N.Y. Giants over Washington 

Philadelphia over Las Vegas 

Green Bay over Denver 

L.A. Rams over Detroit 

New Orleans over Carolina 

Seattle over Indianapolis 

SAN FRANCISCO over Tennessee 

Dallas over Minnesota 

Pittsburgh over Miami 

 

Last Week's Record - 9-5 

SEASON RECORD - 135-72-1 

Lock of the Week Record - 12 -2  

NFL - Week Fourteen Recap

So many games with playoff implications on the line this past weekend and when all was said and done, there is a little more separation of the contenders and pretenders. 

The Detroit Lions smoked the Dallas Cowboys, 44-30 on Thursday night for the home win to improve to 8-5 as running back Jahmyr Gibbs (pictured left) scored three touchdowns while David Montgomery added a 35-yard rushing touchdown and QB Jared Goff (309 passing yards) threw a 12-yard TD pass to Isaac TeSlaa for a 27-9 lead early in the third quarter. The Cowboys (6-6-1) battled back to close to within 30-27 with 9:52 remaining in the game when Dak Prescott (376 passing yards, one TD, two INT) connected with WR Ryan Flournoy for a 42-yard touchdown pass. But Gibbs scored twice on the ground to seal the win as both teams gained over 400 yards in total offense. In addition, the Lions defense forced three turnovers and had five sacks, including three by defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) picked up a huge road win in Baltimore, 27-22 to take over sole possession of first place in the AFC North division and quarterback Aaron Rodgers (284 passing yards) ran for a touchdown and also threw for another while running back Kenneth Gainwell scored a rushing touchdown and Chris Boswell made two field goals. The Ravens (6-7) looked to take the lead late in the game but an apparent touchdown pass from QB Lamar Jackson (219 passing yards, one TD, one INT and one rushing TD) to tight end Isaiah Likely was overturned. Baltimore outgained the Steelers by a 420-318 margin in yards, but fell short in this game. 

On Sunday night in Kansas City, the Chiefs playoff hopes took a serious hit when they lost, 20-10 to the Houston Texans (8-5), who ran their winning streak to five games. The key to the game was twice in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs (6-7) were stopped twice in their own territory on fourth down. The Texans took advantage as running back Dare Ogunwobale scored on a five-yard run with 6:56 left in the game for a 17-10 lead and then the Houston defense, which intercepted Patrick Mahomes three times, sealed the game with the third pick that led to a 28-yard field goal by Ka'imi Fairbairn. Kansas City had won the AFC West division nine straight seasons, but this loss assured they will not win it this year. 

In Green Bay, the Packers and Chicago Bears locked up in a battle for first place in the NFC North division that saw the Packers (9-3-1) hang on to beat the Bears, 28-21 thanks to an interception by Keisean Nixon in the end zone on a fourth down play with only 27 seconds remaining in the game. Packers QB Jordan Love had three TD passes along with 234 passing yards and one interception while running back Josh Jacobs scored on a two-yard run with 3:32 left to play to make the difference. The Bears (9-4) saw their five game win streak snapped as QB Caleb Williams had two scoring passes and the crucial interception thrown in defeat. 

 

Bills QB Josh Allen dashed through the snow for a 40-yard touchdown run.

The Buffalo Bills (9-4) overcame an eleven point deficit and toppled the visiting Cincinnati Bengals, 39-34 in snowy conditions as QB Josh Allen (251 passing yards) threw for three touchdowns and ran 40 yards for another score and defensive back Christian Benford took back an interception 63 yards for the go ahead (32-28) touchdown with 5:25 left in the game. The Bengals (4-9) jumped out to a 14-3 lead and maintained that edge into the fourth quarter as QB Joe Burrow (284 passing yards, four TD, two INT) connected with Mike Gesicki on a 12-yard pass for his third scoring strike and a 28-18 lead with 8:44 remaining. The Bills scored 21 unanswered points in the next 4:30 to grab a 39-28 lead with Allen running and passing for scores and the "pick six" by Benford in between. The Bills gained 416 yards in offense, including 183 rushing yards. 

The Denver Broncos (11-2) laid claim to the top spot in the AFC playoff chase with a 24-17 road win against the Las Vegas Raiders (2-11) to run their winning streak to ten games. Broncos QB Bo Nix and running back RJ Harvey each had a rushing score and Marvin Mims, Jr. returned a punt 48 yards for another touchdown to pace the victory. Las Vegas QB Geno Smith tossed a 15-yard TD pass to tight end Brock Bowers before leaving the game with hand and shoulder injuries. Backup QB Kenny Pickett had a TD pass on 8-of-11 passing as the Raiders lost for the seventh consecutive time. 

The AFC South division has the Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4) alone in first place as they defeated the reeling Indianapolis Colts, 36-19 in Jacksonville.  The Jaguars jumped out to a 28-10 lead as RB Travis Etienne scored two rushing touchdowns while QB Trevor Lawrence passed for two scores along with 244 passing yards. The Colts dropped to 8-5 and lost starting QB Daniel Jones to an Achilles injury in the first half while Jonathan Taylor and Riley Leonard each scored on the ground in the setback. 

New Orleans (3-10) surprised the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 24-20 behind two rushing scores by QB Tyler Shough, including a 13-yard run with 8:26 left in the fourth quarter. The Buccaneers (7-6) had a brief 17-14 lead when running back Sean Tucker scored on a one-yard run. Saints kicker Charlie Smyth drilled a 30-yard field goal to it up at 17-17 heading to the final quarter. Bucs QB Baker Mayfield had a TD pass and also one interception in the loss. 

The Seattle Seahawks (10-3) continued to roll on with a 37-9 thumping against the host Atlanta Falcons (4-9) that got kick started in the second half thanks to a 100-yard kickoff return for touchdown by Rashid Shaheed. The game was tied 6-6 at the half and then Seahawks completely took control by scoring 17 points in the third quarter and another 14 points in the fourth as quarterback Sam Darnold (249 passing yards, three TD, one INT) threw two scoring passes to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who had seven receptions for 92 yards in the rout. The Falcons managed just three field goals and had three turnovers in defeat. 

Keeping pace with the Seahawks in the NFC West division, the Los Angeles Rams (10-3) smashed the Arizona Cardinals, 45-17 behind three TD passes from QB Matthew Stafford (281 passing yards) while WR Puka Nacua (seven receptions for 167 yards) and RB Blake Corum (128 rushing yards on 12 carries) both scored two touchdowns to lead the rout as they gained 530 yards in offense, including 249 rushing yards. The Cardinals fell to 3-10 this season as QB Jacoby Brissett had two touchdown passes and one interception along with 271 yards in the loss, giving them two five-game losing streaks this season. 

Minnesota won at home, 31-0 against the Washington Commanders (3-10) who lost quarterback Jayden Daniels to the same elbow injury that kept him out for several weeks. The Vikings (5-8) snapped a four game losing streak as J.J. McCarthy had three scoring passes and RB Jordan Mason added a rushing touchdown while the defense limited Washington to just 206 total yards and forced three turnovers, including two interceptions. 

The Miami Dolphins (6-7) won their fourth consecutive game with a 34-10 decision on the road against the New York Jets as four different players scored a touchdown and the Dolphins defense limited the Jets (3-10) to only 207 yards in total offense while intercepting three passes. Miami rushed for 239 yards, including 107 yards (on 24 carries) for Jaylen Wright. The Jets only touchdown came on a 78-yard punt return by Isaiah Williams. 

In snowy Cleveland, the Tennessee Titans (2-11) snapped a seven game losing streak with a 31-29 win against the Browns (3-10), who eschewed two extra point kicks in favor of a two-point attempt, that both failed, in the final quarter. Titans RB Tony Pollard (161 yards on 25 carries) had two long scoring runs (65 and 32 yards) and rookie QB Cam Ward threw two touchdown passes to pace the offense. Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders had three TD passes (along with 364 passing yards, one interception) and one scoring run in the loss.  

What an exciting, yet sloppy game on Monday Night Football between the host Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles as the Chargers (9-4) came away with a 22-19 win in overtime. Both teams combined for eight turnovers as the Eagles (8-5) lost their third straight game with QB Jalen Hurts losing a fumble and he was intercepted four times, including to end the game when Chargers defensive back Tony Jefferson came up with the pick off a deflection at the L.A. two-yard line. Eagles RB Saquon Barkley scored on a 52-yard run while going for 122 yards on 20 carries and kicker Jake Elliott made four field goals. Chargers QB Justin Herbert played with a broken left hand and had a four-yard TD pass to running back Omarion Hampton in the first quarter. Herbert also rushed for 66 yards while being sacked seven times. Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker made five field goals, including a 54-yard boot in the OT session as well as a 46-yard effort with eight seconds remaining to send the game into overtime. 

  

WEEK FOURTEEN RESULTS 

Detroit 44, Dallas 30  

Minnesota 31, Washington 0  

Jacksonville 36, Indianapolis 19 

Seattle 37, Atlanta 9 

Tennessee 31, Cleveland 29

New Orleans 24, Tampa Bay 20 

Miami 34, N.Y. Jets 10 

Pittsburgh 27, Baltimore 22 

Buffalo 39, Cincinnati 34  

Denver 24, Las Vegas 17

L.A. Rams 45, Arizona 17

Green Bay 28, Chicago 21

Houston 20, Kansas City 10 

L.A. Chargers 22, Philadelphia 19 (OT)  

 

 

NFL - Week Fourteen Preview

There are some big games on the slate this weekend around the NFL as far as playoff contending teams are concerned. The Dallas Cowboys take on the Detroit Lions on Thursday night in Motown and both teams need this win as both are in the thick of the NFC playoff chase with just five games left in the season. 

Dallas (6-5-1) has won three straight games and the defense has shown improvement in that span. The offense continues to hum, especially the passing game and if quarterback Dak Prescott can avoid turnovers, the Cowboys will be in good shape. Wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens have been outstanding this season and Prescott will look to continue that trend. The Lions (7-5) lost last week against Green Bay and could be without top wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle injury) for the game. The Lions offense will look to mix it up with running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery and quarterback Jared Goff still has Jameson Williams as a main target in the passing game. This game could be a shootout and perhaps the Lions (at home) will get it right this week. 

On Sunday night, the Kansas City Chiefs (6-6) take on the visiting Houston Texans (7-5), winners of four in a row and with a defense that is currently playing out of their minds, holding opponents to 16.3 points per game. The Chiefs offense has been so-so this season because the running game has lagged behind Patrick Mahomes and the passing attack. Neither team has been knocking it out of the park on offense in the past month or so meaning this game could be a low scoring affair. If the Chiefs don't get the win in this one, they could be staying home this January as in missing the playoffs. The good news is they almost never lose to the Texans, so they have that going for them heading into this huge game. 

The Chicago Bears (9-3) have won five consecutive games and this Sunday travel up the road to Green Bay to face the Packers (8-3-1) in battle for first place in the NFC North division. Chicago leads the NFL in takeaways on defense (25) and would do well  to keep it going against the Packers, who put up 31 points on Thanksgiving Day to beat the Detroit Lions. Getting to QB Jordan Love will be the key for the Bears to have a successful day in Cheeseland. The Packers defense is led by Micah Parsons, who has been ramping it up lately and has 12 1/2 sacks. The Bears will win if QB Caleb Williams doesn't make mistakes with the football and the defense does its thing. Green Bay wins if their defense wins the turnover battle. This game will likely go down to the final possession with the Packers sneaking away with the victory. 

The Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars are both 8-4 this year and this AFC South game will be  played in Florida, where the Colts have struggled in recent years. The Colts need QB Daniel Jones to play within his limits and not turn the football over while the same could be said of Jags quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who tends to try to do too much and that leads to interceptions. Jacksonville has won three in a row (and four of five) while the Colts have dropped three of their last four games, including two close games to Kansas City and Houston. Expect a battle with the game going down to the wire, but the Jaguars get the win at home. 

In Baltimore, the Ravens (6-6) face the reeling Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6), who have lost three of the last four games. Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin has been under intense fire this season and a win in this game would do good to quell the naysayers calling for him to be fired. Meanwhile, Ravens coach John Harbaugh has been under fire to a certain degree in 2025 as they have struggled with numerous injuries that nearly derailed their season with a 1-5 start. Five wins in succession helped big time, but then last week they looked terrible in a home loss against Cincinnati. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson needs to get off the schnide and play his style of football if the Ravens want to win this game. Call this one a toss up. 

The Monday Night Football game in Los Angeles features a pair of 8-4 teams as the Chargers take on the Philadelphia Eagles, who have dropped two straight games and now have the surging Dallas Cowboys nipping at their heels in the NFC North race. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts will look to get the offense in gear after putting up just 15 points in last week's loss to Chicago and it would do wonders if running back Saquon Barkley could have his second 100-yard rushing game this season in this one. The Chargers have a real gauntlet of games down the stretch and will hope to have QB Justin Herbert (left non-throwing hand injury) ready to go in this game. Both teams have offenses that can be hit-and-miss at times, so whoever has it clicking better on Monday night will win this game.   

The remaining schedule for Week Fourteen is featured with the capsule previews and the Heftyinfo picks for the games follows up. 

Seattle (9-3) at Atlanta (4-8) - Can the Falcons pull of the upset at home? On any given Sunday . . . but not this time. 

Cincinnati (4-8) at Buffalo (8-4) - Take the Bills at home in this game, but the Bengals and quarterback Joe Burrow will make it a battle. 

Tennessee (1-11) at Cleveland (3-9) - The stinker game of the week . . . take the Browns at home. 

Washington (3-9) at Minnesota (4-8) - Hard to believe both of these teams were in the playoffs last year. 

Miami (5-7) at N.Y. Jets (3-9) - Jets rate a slight edge in frigid New York in December against Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa, who almost never wins football games in cold weather. Toss up in this game. 

New Orleans (2-10) at Tampa Bay (7-5) - If the Buccaneers don't get the win at home in this game, they don't deserve to make the playoffs. 

Denver (10-2) at Las Vegas (2-10) - The Raiders are terrible, but usually play the Broncos tough, so Broncos QB Bo Nix and company better be ready. 

L.A. Rams (9-3) at Arizona (3-9) - The Cardinals are terrible, but usually play the Rams tough, so Rams QB Matthew Stafford and company better be ready. 

The Heftyinfo picks for Week Fourteen   . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)  

Detroit over Dallas 

Seattle over Atlanta 

Buffalo over Cincinnati 

Cleveland over Tennessee 

Minnesota over Washington 

Miami over N.Y. Jets 

Tampa Bay over New Orleans 

Jacksonville over Indianapolis 

Baltimore over Pittsburgh 

Denver over Las Vegas 

Green Bay over Chicago 

L.A. Rams over Arizona 

KANSAS CITY over Houston 

Philadelphia over L.A. Chargers  

 

Last Week's Record - 11-5 

SEASON RECORD - 126-67-1 

Lock of the Week Record - 12-1 

 

NFL - Week Thirteen Recap

Panthers QB Bryce Young threw for three scores in big win over the Rams. 

The Sunday action saw the Carolina Panthers (7-6) shock the Los Angeles Rams, 31-28 behind three touchdown passes from quarterback Bryce Young (206 passing yards) and a "pick six" interception return 48 yards for a score by Mike Jackson that made the difference and stopped the Rams six-game winning streak. The Rams (9-3) got a pair of scoring passes from QB Matthew Stafford, who had 243 passing yards, but was intercepted twice and also lost a fumble in the loss. The win for Carolina kept them right with Tampa Bay in the NFC South division race for first place. 

 

In Pittsburgh, the Buffalo Bills (8-4) bounced back from a disappointing loss (to Houston) and beat the Steelers, 26-7 behind a scoring pass and an eight-yard touchdown run from quarterback Josh Allen along with a defensive score when Christian Benford put the Bills ahead, 10-7 in the third quarter with a scoop and score 17-yard fumble return. The Bills had the football for nearly 42 minutes and gouged the Pittsburgh defense for 249 rushing yards in the win. Meanwhile, the Steelers gained only 166 yards in total offense as they fell to 6-6 this season. 

The San Francisco 49ers improved to 9-4 with a blowout win in Cleveland, 26-8 as quarterback Brock Purdy passed and ran for touchdowns while Christian McCaffrey rushed for another score. The Browns dropped to 3-9 as QB Shedeur Sanders threw a 34-yard TD pass to Harold Fannin, Jr. for a brief 8-7 lead in the second quarter. 

The Houston Texans (7-5) continued to roll in a 20-16 road victory against the Indianapolis Colts (8-4), who dropped their third game in the last four. Texans wide receiver Niko Collins scored a rushing touchdown and Nick Chubb also rushed for a score to pace the offense. Colts QB Daniel Jones threw for two touchdowns, but it wasn't enough in this game.   

Jacksonville (8-4) moved into a first place tie with Indianapolis in the AFC South with a 25-3 road win against the Tennessee Titans (1-11) as the defense limited the Titans to only 188 total yards in offense while getting two fumble recoveries. Jags QB Trevor Lawrence had two scoring passes to help the winning effort. 

 

The Seattle Seahawks (9-3) rolled past the visiting Minnesota Vikings, 26-0 as the defense forced five turnovers, including intercepting Vikings QB Max Brosmer four times, one of which was taken back 85 yards by Ernest Jones IV (pictured right) for a touchdown to help build a 13-0 halftime lead. The only offensive touchdown for Seattle came on a 17-yard scoring run by Zach Charbonnet while Jason Myers kicked four field goals. The Vikings (4-8) managed to gain just 162 yards in offense and lost their fourth straight game. 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5) outlasted the visiting Arizona Cardinals, 20-17 with QB Baker Mayfield throwing a TD pass and RB Bucky Irving scoring on a 13-yard run. The Cardinals (3-9) were eliminated from playoff contention as QB Jacoby Brissett (301 passing yards, two TD, one INT) threw for a pair of touchdowns after the Bucs took a 17-3 lead in the third quarter. 

The Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) used a balanced offensive attack in a 31-14 home win against the Las Vegas Raiders (2-10) with QB Justin Herbert throwing for two touchdowns and running backs Kimani Vidal (126 yards on 25 carries) and Jaret Patterson each scoring a rushing touchdown. The Chargers totaled 341 yards, including 192 yards on the ground. The Raiders two scores came on scoring passes from QB Geno Smith to tight end Brock Bowers as they gained just 156 total yards while losing for the sixth consecutive time. It was also revealed following the game that (Chargers quarterback Justin) Herbert suffered an injury to his non throwing hand and could possibly be out for next week. 

In Miami, the Dolphins (5-7) won their fourth straight game as they defeated the visiting New Orleans Saints, 21-17 as running back De'Von Achane (134 yards on 22 carries) scored on a 29-yard run and Riley Patterson made four field goals to lead the way. The Saints (2-10) closed to within 19-17 with 1:17 remaining in the game when QB Tyler Shough (239 passing yards, two TD, one INT) threw a 15-yard TD pass to Devaughn Vele, but the two-point conversion pass was intercepted by Minkah Fitzpatrick and taken back for two points for the Dolphins to make the difference. 

The New York Jets (3-9) squeaked past the visiting Atlanta Falcons, 27-24 when Nick Folk made a 56-yard field goal as time expired. The game went back and forth with the Falcons (4-8) leading 17-14 in the fourth quarter before Folk tied it up with a 32-yard field goal. The Falcons took a 24-17 lead on a nine-yard TD pass from Kirk Cousins to David Sills. The Jets tied the game with 1:53 left to play on a ten-yard scoring run by QB Tyrod Taylor. The Jets defense then stood tall and forced a punt to set up the finish.  

The Sunday night game went into overtime and the Denver Broncos (10-2) came away with a 27-26 victory for their ninth consecutive win as they stopped the Washington Commanders (3-9) from a two-point conversion attempt to end the game. Broncos QB Bo Nix passed for 321 yards along with a touchdown and an interception and running back RJ Harvey scored two rushing touchdowns, including a five-yard scoring run in the OT session for a 27-20 lead. Washington had tied the game 20-20 to force the OT on a pair of field goals by Jake Moody in the fourth quarter. Commanders QB Marcus Mariota had a pair of TD passes and one pick thrown along with 294 passing yards in the loss. 

The New England Patriots improved to 11-2 by smashing the New York Giants on Monday Night Football, 33-15 as they jumped out to a 17-0 lead after the first quarter. Marcus Jones took a punt back 94 yards for a touchdown and Drake Maye (282 passing yards) threw the first of his two touchdown passes (three yards  to Kayshon Boutte) before the Giants (2-11) got on the scoreboard. A 30-yard TD pass from Jaxson Dart to Darius Slayton cut the deficit to 17-7 before Maye threw a 33-yard scoring strike to Kyle Williams and Andy Borregales (four field goals in the game) booted two short field goals to make it 30-7 at halftime. 

 

WEEK THIRTEEN RESULTS 

Green Bay 31, Detroit 24

Dallas 31, Kansas City 28 

Cincinnati 32, Baltimore 14 

Chicago 24, Philadelphia 15  

Carolina 31, L.A. Rams 28  

San Francisco 26, Cleveland 8 

Tampa Bay 20, Arizona 17  

Miami 21, New Orleans 17 

Houston 20, Indianapolis 16 

Jacksonville 25, Tennessee 3  

N.Y. Jets 27, Atlanta 24  

Seattle 26, Minnesota 0

L.A. Chargers 31, Las Vegas 14 

Buffalo 26, Pittsburgh 7 

Denver 27, Washington 26 (OT) 

New England 33, N.Y. Giants 15  

 

NFL - Week Thirteen Recap (Thanksgiving Day and Friday games)

Bears running back D'Andre Swift scores the first TD in the game on Friday. 

The "Black Friday" game in Philadelphia showed the Chicago Bears (9-3) are for real as they beat the Eagles, 24-15 with a strong running game (281 rushing yards) that saw both D'Andre Swift (125 rushing yards on 18 carries) and Kyle Monangai (130 yards on 22 carries) score rushing touchdowns while QB Caleb Williams hit tight end Cole Kmet with a 28-yard scoring pass with 6:19 left in the fourth quarter to seal the win. The Eagles (8-4) never led in this one as QB Jalen Hurts threw for two scores (and also one interception) along with 230 passing yards in the loss.  

Three Thanksgiving Day games took place and all three "favorites" lost as the Detroit Lions fell at home to the Green Bay Packers (8-3-1) by a 31-24 final score as Packers quarterback Jordan Love threw four touchdown passes and had 234 passing yards. Packers DE/LB Mich Parsons had 2 1/2 sacks  and the Lions (7-5) never led in this game as QB Jared Goff was sacked three times while throwing two TD passes along with 256 passing yards in defeat. 

In Dallas, the Cowboys prevailed against the Kansas City Chiefs, 31-28 to get to 6-5-1 for the season as QB Dak Prescott had a pair of scoring passes along with 320 passing yards and one interception while Malik Davis ran 43 yards for another touchdown. Kicker Brandon Aubrey added three field goals and the defense did enough to thwart any comebacks by the Chiefs (6-6) as Patrick Mahomes was sacked three times while passing for 261 yards and four touchdowns. Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice had eight receptions for 92 yards and two scores while Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb (seven receptions, 112 yards) caught a TD pass to help the 'Pokes win their third consecutive game. 

The night cap game in Baltimore was all Cincinnati Bengals (4-8) as they toppled the Ravens, 32-14 with the return of injured starting quarterback Joe Burrow, who threw a pair of touchdown passes and had 261 passing yards while Evan McPherson kicked six field goals to provide the difference in the final score. The Ravens (6-6) took an early 7-3 lead when running back Derrick Henry raced 28 yards for a touchdown, but that was about it as QB Lamar Jackson was intercepted once and fumbled the ball away twice as they turned it over five times. 

WEEK THIRTEEN RESULTS 

Green Bay 31, Detroit 24 

Dallas 31, Kansas City 28 

Cincinnati 32, Baltimore 14  

Chicago 24, Philadelphia 15

 

 

 

NFL - Week Thirteen Preview

 

No turkeys on the menu this Thanksgiving with three games featuring the annual game in Detroit between the host Lions (7-4), who will face the Green Bay Packers (7-3-1) in a huge battle in the NFC North division that has both teams looking up at the first place Chicago Bears, who play the Eagles on Friday in Philadelphia. The Lions have been up and down in 2025 and so have the Packers, who are struggling to score points in recent weeks. This game could turn into a shootout and perhaps go into overtime. Hold that pumpkin pie for now. 

The Dallas Cowboys (5-5-1), who have played every Thanksgiving Day game since the 1978 season, will host the Kansas City Chiefs (6-5) in a battle that could be considered an "elimination game" as both teams have multiple opponents ahead of them in the conference playoff races. The Chiefs hung tough for a big win against the Indianapolis Colts last week and now face a resurgent Dallas defense that has been less generous in giving up yardage and points since a trade with the New York Jets for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Kansas City will look to pressure Cowboys QB Dak Prescott into forcing the ball out too soon to his receiving duo of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, who is having a huge season. 

Thursday night will have the surging Baltimore Ravens, who at 6-5 have won five in a row and share first place in the AFC North division with the Pittsburgh Steelers, taking on the Cincinnati Bengals (3-8) in Charm City. The Ravens are looking to become just the fifth team ever in NFL history to make the playoffs after starting the season with a 1-5 record. The Bengals will have starting quarterback Joe Burrow returning from a severe toe injury suffered back in Week Two that required surgery. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson has been less than stellar since his return from a hamstring injury and needs to get the offense humming against one of the worst defenses in the NFL. This one will be a treat to watch as the holiday winds down. 

On Friday, the Chicago Bears (8-3) take on the Philadelphia Eagles (8-3) in a game between two first place teams. The Bears have definitely been a surprise this season, but the Eagles have been there and done that as they look to defend their Super Bowl title and are coming off a very disappointing loss in Dallas last Sunday. They blew a 21 point lead and gave the Cowboys new hope for their seemingly slim playoff chances. The Bears have won four consecutive games and their defense leads the league in takeaways through the first eleven games. Philadelphia has been up and down in 2025, but still has a sizeable lead in their division. 

On Sunday, two games stand out as the Buffalo Bills (7-4) host the slumping Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5), who once upon a time this season, had a big lead in their division only to see the Baltimore Ravens come storming back with five straight victories while they have lost four of their last five games. Also, starting QB Aaron Rodgers has been nursing a fractured left wrist injury and missed last week's loss to the Chicago Bears. The Bills have been struggling as well after a hot start and are looking at a tall task to win their AFC East division again this season. Better balance on offense for Buffalo is needed and QB Josh Allen cannot turn the football over if they are going to win this game. 

The Houston Texans are 6-5 and will take on the leaders in the AFC South this weekend on the road when they face the Indianapolis Colts (8-3) in what will be a tough game. The Texans, Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars (7-4) are in a log jam in the division race and this is the first of two times they play each other over the final six games, including the season finale in Houston. Indianapolis lost a heart breaker in Kansas City last week, blowing an eleven point lead in the final quarter before losing, 23-20 in overtime. Colts QB Daniel Jones has come under fire in  recent weeks for the amount of turnovers, so this will be a big test facing a rugged Houston defense that leads the AFC in scoring defense. 

The rest of the NFL action (all 32 teams are playing this week) is featured in the capsule style format and the Heftyinfo picks will follow up. 

 
L.A. Rams (9-2) at Carolina (6-6) -  The Rams are on fire and look to be the odds on favorite for the Super Bowl, but there are still six games left to play. The Panthers need this one to keep pace with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South race. 

San Francisco (8-4) at Cleveland (3-8) - The 49ers should get the win, but that Browns defense gets after opposing quarterbacks, especially Myles Garrett, who leads the NFL with an astounding 18 sacks in eleven games. 

New Orleans (2-9) at Miami (4-7) - Suddenly, the Dolphins are winning games and that should continue in this one against a bad Saints team. 

Atlanta (4-7) at N.Y. Jets (2-9) - Who cares? 

Arizona (3-8) at Tampa Bay (6-5) - The slumping Buccaneers need a "get right" game and this one vs. the Cardinals should do. However, Bucs starting QB Baker Mayfield is injured and could miss this one against a plucky Cards team that plays hard. 

Jacksonville (7-4) at Tennessee (1-10) - The Jaguars are looking to keep the momentum going against a Titans team that has taken many lumps this season. 

Minnesota (4-7) at Seattle (8-3) - You think Seahawks QB Sam Darnold doesn't want to stick it to his former team after they let him go following a career season? 

Las Vegas (2-9) at L.A. Chargers (7-4) - Chargers roll in this one. 

Denver (9-2) at Washington (3-8) - This Sunday night game could be another blowout (like last week) if Denver's offense shows up to play. The Commanders are still battling too many injuries. 

N.Y. Giants (2-10) at New England (10-2) - The Monday Night Football game featuring the only team already eliminated from the playoffs race taking on the most improved team from a year ago. Take the Patriots. 

The Heftyinfo picks for Week Thirteen   . . . . . . . . . . . . .        (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS) 

Thanksgiving Day Games  

Detroit over Green Bay 

Kansas City over Dallas 

Baltimore over Cincinnati 

Friday Game 

Philadelphia over Chicago 

Sunday Games 

L.A. Rams over Carolina 

San Francisco over Cleveland 

Houston over Indianapolis 

Miami over New Orleans 

N.Y. Jets over Atlanta 

Tampa Bay over Arizona 

Jacksonville over Tennessee 

Seattle over Minnesota 

L.A. CHARGERS over Las Vegas 

Buffalo over Pittsburgh 

Denver over Washington 

Monday Night Game 

New England over N.Y. Giants  

 

Last Week's Record - 9-5 

SEASON RECORD - 115-62-1 

Lock of the Week Record - 11-1 

 

NFL - Week Twelve Recap

Cowboys players celebrate huge comeback win against the Eagles. 

The Philadelphia Eagles (8-3) blew a 21-point lead in Dallas and eventually lost, 24-21 as Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey made a 42-yard field goal as time ran out for the improbable victory that improved the 'Pokes to 5-5-1 this season. The Eagles had a 21-0 lead when QB Jalen Hurts (289 passing yards, one TD and two rushing touchdowns) scored on a one-yard run early in the second quarter. But Dallas began the big comeback when QB Dak Prescott (354 passing yards, two TD, one INT) threw a scoring pass to WR George Pickens (nine receptions, 146 yards) to trim the deficit to 21-7 at halftime. The Cowboys dominated the second half, shutting down the Eagles (penalized 14 times for 96 yards) while piling up 473 yards in total offense as Prescott threw another TD pass and ran eight yards for another score early in the final quarter to tie the game at 21-21. The game winning drive went 49 yards in nine plays to keep the Cowboys playoff hopes alive. 

The Kansas City Chiefs showed they still have it as they rallied from an 11-point, fourth quarter deficit to defeat the Indianapolis Colts, 23-20 in overtime, thanks to a Harrison Butker's 26-yard field goal. The win improved Kansas City to 6-5 this season as running back Kareem Hunt (104 rushing yards on 30 carries) scored on a two-yard run and the two-point conversion was successful to get to within 20-17 midway through the fourth quarter. The Chiefs forced the OT session when Butker made the third of his four field goals from 25 yards away as time expired. The Colts (8-3) had a 14-3 lead when QB Daniel Jones (181 passing yards) threw his second TD pass in the game. The Chiefs outgained the Colts, 494-255 in total yards and the Colts managed only ten first downs in the loss. 

The Chicago Bears (8-3) won their fourth straight game with a thrilling 31-28 decision at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5), who with the loss, dropped into a tie for first place in the AFC North with Baltimore. The Bears got three TD passes from QB Caleb Williams (239 passing yards) and RB Kyle Monangai scored a rushing touchdown along with a 47-yard field goal by kicker Cairo Santos to make the difference. The Steelers were without starting QB Aaron Rodgers (wrist injury) and reserve Mason Rudolph passed for 171 yards and had a TD pass and one interception while the defense scored once on a sack (T.J. Watt) and fumble recovery (Nick Herbig) in the end zone while running back Jaylen Warren scored a rushing touchdown in the loss. 

The Baltimore Ravens beat the visiting New York Jets, 23-10 for their fifth straight win to improve to 6-5 and move into a first place tie with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North division. Ravens RB Derrick Henry scored twice on the ground and had 64 rushing yards while the defense had three sacks and forced two turnovers. The Jets (2-9) scored on a 13-yard TD pass from QB Tyrod Taylor (222 passing yards, one TD, one INT) to John Metchie III for a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. But then Henry did his thing for the Ravens and kicker Tyler Loop drilled three field goals to help lead the way. 

In Cincinnati, the New England Patriots (10-2) won their ninth consecutive game with a 26-20 decision as QB Drake Maye passed for 294 yards and one TD while Marcus Jones took back an interception 33 yards for a score and kicker Andy Borregales kicked four field goals. The Bengals (3-8) jumped out to a 10-0 lead with Geno Stone getting a "pick six" 32-yard interception and the first of two long field goals (54 and 63 yards) by Evan McPherson. Bengals QB Joe Flacco threw a 17-yard scoring pass to Mitchell Tinsley with 4:40 left in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 23-20 but the Patriots added another field goal and the defense held off a late Cincinnati drive to finish the game. 

 

The Detroit Lions (7-4) stormed back from a double digit deficit to beat the visiting New York Giants, 34-27 in overtime as running back Jahmyr Gibbs (pictured right) scored on a 69-yard run to give his team the win. Gibbs rushed for 219 yards (on just 15 carries) and scored three times (two rushing, one receiving) while QB Jared Goff passed for two touchdowns along with one interception and 279 passing yards. The Giants (2-10) had a 27-17 lead in the fourth quarter following a great trick play that saw QB Jameis Winston (366 passing yards, two TD, one INT) catch a 33-yard TD pass from Gunner Olszewski before the Lions mounted the comeback to force the overtime. Gibbs scored on a 49-yard run with 10:50 left to trim the deficit to 27-24 and later, kicker Jake Bates nailed a 59-yard field goal with 28 seconds remaining to tie the game. 

The Houston Texans defeated the visiting Buffalo Bills, 23-19 on Thursday night as their defense dominated, especially in the second half, sacking Bills quarterback Josh Allen (253 passing yards, two interceptions) eight times and intercepting two passes (both by Calen Bullock), including on fourth-and-six from Texans 22-yard line with 20 seconds left in the game. The Texans (6-5) had a 20-16 lead at halftime over Buffalo (7-4) and increased their lead to 23-16 on Ka'imi Fairbairn's third field goal in the game while the Bills managed only one field goal in the second half. Texans QB Davis Mills had two touchdown passes along with 153 passing yards to help in the winning effort. Bills running back James Cook rushed for 116 yards and scored the Bills only offensive touchdown while Ray Davis took a kickoff back 97 yards for a score in the loss. 

In Green Bay, the Packers improved to 7-3-1 with a 23-6 win against the Minnesota Vikings (4-7), who gained only 145 yards in total offense, which included a paltry 52 passing yards as J.J. McCarthy was sacked five times and threw two interceptions while the Vikings had three turnovers in the loss. Packers RB Emanuel Wilson (107 rushing yards) rushed for two touchdowns and Brandon McManus made three field goals to provide the difference in the final score. 

The Seattle Seahawks (8-3) knocked off the host Tennessee Titans, 30-24 with QB Sam Darnold throwing a pair of TD passes to WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (eight receptions for 167 yards) while passing for 244 yards and Zach Charbonnet scoring on a five-yard run. The Titans fell to 1-10 this season as rookie QB Cam Ward had 256 passing yards and one scoring pass and one rushing touchdown in the loss. 

The Jacksonville Jaguars (7-4) and Arizona Cardinals went back and forth in a thriller that saw the visiting Jaguars win it, 27-24 in overtime as Cam Little kicked a 52-yard field goal and then the Jags defense stood firm to seal the win. Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence (256 passing yards) had three TD passes and three interceptions thrown in the win while Arizona (3-8) scored once on defense (Walter Nolen III seven-yard fumble return) and also on a TD run By Bam Knight and a 39-yard TD pass from QB Jacoby Brissett to WR Greg Dortch before a 29-yard field goal by Chad Ryland with three seconds left sent it to overtime. 

In Las Vegas, Cleveland Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders (209 passing yards, one TD, one INT) made his first NFL start and threw a 66-yard TD pass to Dylan Sampson and fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins had two rushing touchdowns as the Browns (3-8) beat the Raiders, 24-10. The Browns defense had TEN quarterback sacks, including three by NFL leader Myles Garrett. The Raiders (2-9) only touchdown came on a five-yard scoring pass from QB Geno Smith to Ashton Jeanty late in the fourth quarter. 

The Atlanta Falcons (4-7) knocked off the host New Orleans Saints, 24-10 and snapped their five game losing streak as QB Kirk Cousins threw two scoring passes and Zane Gonzalez kicked three field goals to lead the way. The Saints (2-9) scored on a 49-yard interception return by Justin Reid, but the offense struggled and allowed five sacks while turning the ball over twice in the setback. 

On Sunday Night Football, the host Los Angeles Rams improved to an NFC best 9-2 record as they throttled the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 34-7 with QB Matthew Stafford throwing for 273 yards with three touchdowns and defensive back Cobie Durant had a 50-yard interception return for touchdown to pace the rout. The Buccaneers (6-5) dropped their fourth game in the last five and QB Baker Mayfield left the game with a shoulder injury as the team gained just 193 yards in offense. 

A sloppy game on Monday Night Football as the San Francisco 49ers knocked off the visiting Carolina Panthers, 20-9 and improved to 8-4 with running back Christian McCaffrey scoring a 12-yard rushing touchdown and QB Brock Purdy (193 passing yards, one TD, three INT) throwing a 12-yard scoring pass to WR Jauan Jennings. The Panthers (6-6) turned the football over twice in the loss with QB Bryce Young (169 passing yards, one TD, two INT) throwing a a 29-yard TD pass to WR Tetairoa McMillan.

 

WEEK TWELVE RESULTS 

Houston 23, Buffalo 19  

Chicago 31, Pittsburgh 28 

Green Bay 23, Minnesota 6  

Baltimore 23, N.Y. Jets 10  

Detroit 34, N.Y. Giants 27 (OT) 

New England 26, Cincinnati 20

Kansas City 23, Indianapolis 20 (OT) 

Seattle 30, Tennessee 24 

Jacksonville 27, Arizona 24 (OT)

Cleveland 24, Las Vegas 10

Atlanta 24, New Orleans 10 

Dallas 24, Philadelphia 21 

L.A. Rams 34, Tampa Bay 7   

San Francisco 20, Carolina 9