Week 10 was one for the ages within the NFL, highlighted by six video games ending on area objectives with no time remaining for the primary time in NFL historical past, together with Monday evening’s wild Broncos win over the Payments.
This additionally units up a frantic playoff race within the AFC, the place 11 groups are .500 or higher and the No. 7 to No. 11 seeds are separated by a half-game within the convention. The NFC has a bit extra separation, however the South has three groups inside a sport of first place with eight weeks to play.
Even with the wild playoff races beginning to take form, the league is studying some issues about every workforce in mid-November. Here is one factor we discovered about every workforce that performed this week:
*Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins have been on a bye.
The lengthy tight finish drought is over: The Cardinals did not have a decent finish get 100 receiving yards in a sport since 1989. That drought ended Sunday because of Trey McBride, who ended up with eight catches for 131 yards within the win over the Falcons. That was the longest drought in NFL historical past as McBride continues his emergence because the No. 1 tight finish. Not a shock McBride was a dependable choice for Kyler Murray, who returned from a torn ACL, as he was focused 9 instances. McBride has 21 catches for 248 yards and a landing in his final three video games.
Bijan Robinson exists: The Falcons really used the No. 8 total choose to their benefit, as Robinson had 22 carries whereas Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson mixed for 12. Robinson even had a crimson zone landing after having simply 5 crimson zone carries on the yr. He completed with 95 speeding yards and a landing, being utilized the way in which many envisioned when he was drafted by Atlanta. The change of tempo was good from the 22 complete carries he had over the earlier two video games. With Atlanta’s uneven quarterback scenario, the Falcons need to force-feed Robinson to attain factors persistently.
They nonetheless cannot shield late leads: Does not matter what scheme — offensive coordinator or protection — the Ravens continued a repeated sample of dropping late leads and blowing video games. The Browns led for a grand complete of 40 seconds in Sunday’s win, a sport wherein Baltimore was up 15 factors within the third quarter and 14 factors within the fourth quarter. The Ravens have trailed for a complete of 28 minutes and 46 seconds this season, fewest by any workforce via 10 video games for the reason that 1998 Broncos (10-0) — and but Baltimore is 7-3. Baltimore has misplaced 9 video games when main by seven-plus factors within the fourth quarter, probably the most by any workforce in any three-year span in NFL historical past. The Ravens are an excellent workforce, however that is their id till confirmed in any other case.
Josh Allen nonetheless turns the ball over method an excessive amount of: For one cause for one more, Allen is careless with the soccer. The Payments quarterback considerably damages all of the optimistic performs he makes together with his interceptions and fumbles, which he had three mixed on Monday evening. Allen’s 14 giveaways lead the NFL, one yr after he led the league with 19. His 51 turnovers during the last three years are probably the most within the league, as opponents have scored 144 off them (additionally most in league). The Payments are 9-15 when Allen turns the ball over twice (or extra) in a sport. The answer is easy: shield the soccer.
What occurred to Miles Sanders: The Panthers’ free agent signing is a nonfactor for his new workforce, having simply two carries for -5 yards in Thursday’s loss to the Bears. Carolina’s offensive line performs a task, however Sanders had as many carries as Raheem Blackshear — the workforce’s third-string operating again. Sanders is in Yr 1 of a four-year, $25.6 million deal and he cannot get on the sphere, having 10 carries for 34 yards during the last three video games. After having 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns (4.9 yards per carry) for the Eagles in 2022, Sanders has 224 yards and one landing (3.2 yards per carry) with Carolina. No matter the issue is, Carolina has a nasty contract on its arms.
Montez Sweat makes an instantaneous impression: What every week it was for the Bears, as they proceed the Panthers’ journey towards having the worst document within the NFL (Chicago has Carolina’s first-round choose), whereas their commerce deadline acquisition already paid speedy dividends. Sweat led Chicago with seven pressures and notched three quarterback hits because the Bears go rush completed with 17 pressures and 9 quarterback hits towards a poor Panthers offensive line. Whether or not it was Carolina or not, Sweat has made Chicago’s go rush higher in his two video games, whereas notching 10 pressures himself. Chicago has 28 pressures in its final two video games after having 13 mixed within the earlier two. Sweat’s presence definitely helps.
Sluggish begins proceed to hang-out the workforce: Cincinnati was enjoying from behind once more thanks to a different sluggish begin by the offense. The Bengals scored a landing on their first possession, then ran 19 performs for simply 38 yards on their subsequent 5 possessions (not counting kneel-downs). Cincinnati trailed 20-7 earlier than it bought its offense collectively as Houston scored 20 straight factors. The Bengals are twentieth in first-half scoring (10.2) and twenty sixth in first-half yards per sport (147.3). Even with a wholesome Joe Burrow, the sluggish begins are an issue. They’re going to want a quick begin Thursday in Baltimore.
Deshaun Watson lives as much as his contract: The ultimate stat line will not present it, however Cleveland’s comeback will probably be remembered because of how Watson carried out within the second half. Overcoming a pick-six on his first try within the first half, Watson performed like a $230 million quarterback within the Browns’ comeback. He was 14 of 14 for 136 yards with a landing within the second half for a 130.6 score (9.6 yards per try). Watson went 7 of seven for 88 yards and a landing within the fourth quarter, an ideal 158.3 score. The Browns pulled off their first AFC North win ever when trailing by 14 factors, which would not have been potential with out Watson’s efficiency.
CeeDee Lamb is principally unstoppable: The Cowboys offense has been crimson sizzling of late, particularly since placing up 49 factors and 640 yards towards the Giants on Sunday (in a sport which Dallas clearly overmatched New York). Lamb often is the hottest participant within the NFL proper now, having 34 catches for 500 yards and three touchdowns within the final three video games, changing into the primary participant ever with 10 catches and 150 receiving yards in three straight video games. He is the primary participant since Lionel James in 1985 with 10 catches, 150 receiving yards, a receiving landing and a speeding landing in a sport. The Giants are unhealthy, however Lamb has been enjoying like this for a month. He is that good in Yr 4.
The protection is crimson sizzling throughout win streak: Misplaced within the midst of Denver’s three-game win streak is how nicely the protection has performed, the identical unit that gave up 70 factors towards the Dolphins in Week 3. Denver has allowed simply 16.0 factors during the last three video games, first within the NFL. The Broncos have additionally allowed simply 331.3 yards and have 10 takeaways of their final three video games. This was a protection that allowed 33.3 factors per sport and 440.3 yards per sport within the first six video games. The unit additionally had simply six takeaways in that stretch. This protection definitely has had two personalities in 2023.
Jahmyr Gibbs is changing into the No. 1 RB: The Lions have their bell cow in David Montgomery, but Gibbs showcased how good he may be in Montgomery’s absence. Gibbs had 36 carries for 229 yards, averaging 6.4 yards per carry within the two video games Montgomery missed with a rib harm. Gibbs ended up getting 17 touches to Montgomery’s 12 in Sunday’s win, having 112 yards from scrimmage (77 speeding yards, 35 receiving yards). Montgomery had the 75-yard landing run, however Gibbs is changing into greater than the complement to him. Gibbs earned the function as No.1 operating again if the Lions select to take action going ahead (50 carries, 306 yards, 6.1 yards per carry final three video games).
The Christian Watson connection simply is not there: For no matter cause, Jordan Love and Watson simply aren’t on the identical web page. Love focused Watson two instances in the long run zone on Sunday and was intercepted twice, each when the Packers have been trailing 23-19 late within the fourth quarter. Watson isn’t having an excellent yr (simply 14 catches for 236 yards and a landing in six video games), as he and Love have not related. 5 of Love’s interceptions this yr have been when he focused Watson. The Packers have eight video games to determine easy methods to make Watson a playmaker once more.
Noah Brown is the newest pass-catching weapon in an excellent offense: C.J. Stroud makes the entire thing go, however his main wideout on Sunday was a participant who had simply 425 yards in his first 4 seasons. Brown (who had 555 receiving yards final season), had seven catches for 172 yards to guide Houston, every week after six catches for 153 yards and a rating. In his final two video games, Brown has 13 catches for 325 yards and a landing (25.0 yards per catch). He leads the NFL with 20.2 yards per catch, being the big-play menace in an offense that already has Nico Collins and Tank Dell. That is a scary trio in Houston.
Zaire Franklin might make his first Professional Bowl: Franklin has emerged right into a tackling machine for the Colts, all the time discovering his method towards the soccer. He completed with 15 tackles in Sunday’s win over the Patriots, together with a pressured fumble on Hunter Henry contained in the Patriots’ personal territory within the first half that would have been a game-changing play. Recent off 167 tackles the yr prior, Franklin leads the NFL with 117 via Week 10. With 1.5 sacks and two pressured fumbles, the Professional Bowl committee could also be calling subsequent month.
Offensive turnovers cannot be overcome: The Jaguars had a five-game win streak that was spectacular, even when they dedicated eight turnovers in these 5 video games. These turnover woes continued in Sunday’s loss to the 49ers, because the Jaguars had a season-high 4 giveaways. Trevor Lawrence had two interceptions and a fumble whereas Christian Kirk additionally had a fumble, giving Jacksonville 9 giveaways within the final three video games. The protection did not have a takeaway, so the offense could not be bailed out. Hastily the Jaguars are minus-1 in turnover ratio, regardless of being tied for the league lead with 18 takeaways. The issue? They’ve the third-most giveaways — a significant challenge for a contending workforce.
Teaching change has made a distinction: The opponents have not been nice (Giants and Jets), however the Raiders are 2-0 within the Antonio Pierce period. Pierce has motivated this workforce again to .500 and a dark-horse contender for a playoff spot. The Raiders are literally 9-5 with interim head coaches during the last three years and 12-18 with precise full-time head coaches. The in-season firings really appear to work for the Raiders, making the upcoming matchups with the Dolphins and Chiefs much more intriguing.
Justin Herbert cannot catch a break: Even when the Chargers offense is clicking and Herbert is enjoying nicely, Herbert cannot win video games. Sunday’s loss definitely wasn’t Herbert’s fault as he threw for 323 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Chargers scored 27-plus factors and Herbert misplaced for the eleventh time, probably the most for any quarterback for the reason that merger. In Herbert’s 59 profession begins, the Chargers have scored 1,502 factors and allowed 1,502. The Chargers scored a landing on each considered one of their possessions within the closing 40 minutes — and misplaced (the primary workforce in NFL historical past to perform that doubtful feat). It doesn’t matter what Herbert does to guide his workforce to a win, it isn’t sufficient. That is on the group.
Undefeated with out Justin Jefferson: In one of many oddest developments of the yr, the Vikings have gained each single sport Jefferson hasn’t performed. Minnesota is on a five-game successful streak, all of which Jefferson has been out. Jefferson did not return on Sunday, but the Vikings put up 388 yards of offense and have averaged 353.8 yards per sport with out him (362.4 yards per sport with him). Why are the Vikings successful with out Jefferson? They allowed below 20 factors in 4 of these 5 video games in comparison with simply as soon as within the first 5. The protection is holding opponents whereas the offense stays on par — therefore the workforce successful video games.
Time to run the ball extra: As poor because the Patriots are on offense, Invoice O’Brien had the best concept together with his run sport on Sunday. Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott mixed for 33 carries and 152 yards because the Patriots had 167 speeding yards within the sport. New England solely mustered six factors, however the Patriots have been no less than within the sport. Regardless of if the quarterback is Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe, the Patriots in all probability ought to go along with a 60-40 run-pass ratio. It is their solely likelihood to compete.
They’re what they’re below Dennis Allen: New Orleans has a .500 document via 10 video games and it should not be shocking within the least. Allen cannot management unhealthy throws and dropped passes, however his protection allowed 388 yards and 27 factors to a Vikings workforce that had a quarterback who had every week to sport plan for (and hasn’t been on the workforce for 2 weeks). This was one other disappointing efficiency from a protection that has allowed 23 factors and 364.2 yards per sport during the last 4 video games. Inconsistency defines this Saints workforce, beginning with the pinnacle coach. They’re .500 for a cause.
Offense is a misplaced trigger: This simply appears like a damaged document, however how can a workforce rating factors when it has a third-string quarterback behind a horrible offensive line. Tommy DeVito simply is not a beginning quarterback and the play-calling for him was abysmal, therefore why New York punted or turned the ball over on downs every time within the first half. The Giants had run 21 performs and had simply 27 yards earlier than closing the half, which is even worse than what they’ve proven all yr. This falls on Brian Daboll and his game-planning. Daboll does not have a lot to work with, however 1.3 yards per play is abysmal for an NFL team.
One thing has to alter within the offense: Depend 11 quarters that the Jets have not scored an offensive landing, which included Sunday evening’s loss to the Raiders. The Jets solely have eight offensive touchdowns this season — the fewest within the NFL — as Zach Wilson had his eighth profession begin with no offensive touchdowns (most by a quarterback in his first three seasons since Joey Harrington). Wilson has simply 19 passing touchdowns in 30 profession begins, tied for the fewest in that span since Alex Smith. The Jets had only one offensive drive that ended contained in the Raiders’ 20-yard line, showcasing their offensive ineptitude. One thing has to alter on that facet of the ball.
The run sport is a factor once more: Despite the fact that the Steelers nonetheless proceed to get outgained in complete yards, their offense seems to look competent because of getting the ball to Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. The pair mixed for 183 yards on 31 carries in Sunday’s win, a median of 5.9 yards per carry. Each Harris and Warren recorded a speeding landing, because the Steelers scored on every of their first two possessions of the sport. The Steelers have averaged 185.5 speeding yards of their final two video games, each wins. The offense remains to be a conundrum within the passing sport, however the path to victory is Harris and Warren behind the revamped offensive line. Pittsburgh is 2-0 in consequence.
Chase Younger makes speedy impression: Did not take lengthy for Younger to depart his mark on the defensive position, one which had 16 pressures, 5 sacks, and 10 quarterback hits in Sunday’s dominant victory over the Jaguars. Younger had 4 pressures and a half-sack in his debut, ending with a 16.0% stress price. He was considered one of three 49ers with four-plus pressures and no less than a half-sack within the sport, with Nick Bosa and Javon Hargrave the others. Bosa and Hargrave mixed for 3 sacks and eight pressures, every having a stress price over 14.5%. One sport and Younger has made a monster impression on the go rush, therefore why San Francisco traded for him.
Geno Smith is again in an enormous method: As soon as there was some discuss of whether or not Smith’s job was in jeopardy, however the Seahawks quarterback battled adversity together with his finest sport of the yr. Smith accomplished 31 of 47 passes for 369 yards and two touchdowns (103.9 score), main Seattle to a second-half comeback towards Washington. Smith was 11 of 15 within the fourth quarter, ending with 115 yards and a landing (116.8 score) and 15 of 20 for 217 yards and two touchdowns within the second half (143.1 score). This was the identical Smith who had 4 touchdowns and 4 interceptions in his final three video games. When the Seahawks wanted an enormous sport out of Smith, they bought one.
Protection rose to event after worst efficiency of yr: Many questions lingered surrounding the Buccaneers protection after giving up a median of 31.5 factors during the last two video games, together with 39 factors and 5 landing passes to rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud in Week 9. The protection responded towards a Titans offense that severely struggled with its rookie quarterback, Wil Levis, holding Tennessee to 209 yards and 6 factors. Derrick Henry was additionally held to 24 yards. The Buccaneers run protection has allowed solely 95 speeding yards within the final two video games, persevering with its power in that space. Backside line, the Buccaneers wanted a robust defensive efficiency — for Todd Bowles’ sake.
The tip for Mike Vrabel seems to be close to: Vrabel has overachieved with Tennessee for a very long time, but the magic seems to be sporting off because the Titans are set to enter a rebuild. The offense continues to wrestle within the crimson zone (0-for-2) and the safety for the quarterback continues to worsen. Tennessee scored simply six factors and had simply 209 yards of offense in Sunday’s loss, the fourth time the Titans have been held to below 300 yards in 9 video games. The Titans are 3-13 previously 16 video games after being 48-27 within the 75 video games prior with Vrabel. With the rebuild on the horizon, the tip could also be close to.
Sam Howell is showcasing his clutch skill: Howell did not win the sport for the Commanders, however he definitely did his finest to steal a victory in Seattle. Howell was 8 of 13 for 109 yards with two landing passes within the fourth quarter (127.9 score), main the Commanders to these landing passes on consecutive possessions. His greatest throw was the strike to Dyami Brown for a 35-yard landing with 52 seconds left on third-and-10, trailing 26-19. That is the kind of throw franchise quarterbacks make. Howell leads the NFL in passing yards (2,783) and has 17 landing passes via 10 video games. He is is the Commanders’ finest quarterback in years.
