Week 11 of the NFL is officially in the books. We had some fun games and some games that were forgettable. Some took advantage of their opportunities this week, while others will rue their failures. As always there\’s winners and losers so let\’s jump into it.
Winner #1 Mahomes MVP Candidate
Sunday night against the Raiders was a statement game for the Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes. The Raiders played arguably their best game of the season. Led by their QB Derek Carr, the Raiders scored 31 points and took the lead with a minute and 43 seconds left to go in the game. It didn\’t matter as Mahomes showed why he\’s the favorite to win the MVP quickly driving his team down the field.
In a 7 play masterpiece, Mahomes went 75 yards in just over a minute to score the game-winning touchdown. He finished the game with 348 passing yards along with a pair of touchdowns. While other MVP candidates have faltered as the season has progressed, Mahomes has gotten better. He\’s the clear front runner for the award.
Loser #1 Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins came into this week a half a game out of first place. The first place Bills were on bye this week meaning a Dolphins win would move them into a tie. The Dolphins opponent? A Denver Broncos team that has been trailing by 20 points or more in each of their last four games.
Somehow the Dolphins saw their three-game winning streak snapped by a Broncos team that looked inspired. Dolphins Rookie QB Tua Tagovailoa looked befuddled all game long. This eventually led to his benching in favor of journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick. While Fitzpatrick did give the offense a boost his interception at the end of the game ultimately doomed them.
It\’s a massive missed opportunity given that Miami failed to put any pressure on the Bills. On the bright side, Miami\’s next two games are against the Jets and Bengals who have a combined record of 2-17-1.
Winner #2 Sean Payton
Saints head coach Sean Payton made the risky decision to start Taysom Hill over the more natural choice at QB Jameis Winston. Despite the rocky start, the gamble paid off as the Saints were able to beat the Atlanta Falcons.
Hill, who had only completed 10 passes in his career before this game, went 18-23 for 233 yards. He also had 10 carries for 2 touchdowns. The Saints defense kept Atlanta quiet all game allowing Hill to manage the game without having to do too much. Hill wasn\’t spectacular, but at this point of the season all Sean Payton cares about is getting the win.
Oh, and the win means the Saints now stand atop of the NFC conference. With seven teams making the playoffs this season, that number one seed is the only team that gets that valuable first-round bye.
Loser #2 Cincinnati Bengals
Sunday was a nightmare for the Bengals. Not only did they lose to Washington, but the face of the franchise Joe Burrow suffered a season ending injury. Adam Schefter from ESPN reported that Burrow suffered tears in his ACL, MCL, and PCL.
The usual timetable for that can range from 9 months to over a year. The injury itself is devastating, but the timing is even worse. The Bengals will have to go the rest of the season without their QB and maybe even the following season as well. The only bright spot is that the season is almost over Bengal fans.
Winner #3 Tennessee Titans
The Titans, losers in three of their last four games needed a statement win and they got it. Marching into Baltimore the Titans outlasted the Ravens in overtime for a much needed win.
The Titans were able to overcome a 21-10 deficit in the second half to take a 24-21 lead with over two minutes left to go. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson refused to back down and led a two minute drive that resulted in a game tying FG. In Overtime the Titans did what they do best. Give the ball to Derrick Henry as he rumbled his way into the endzone.
The win allows them to keep pace with the Colts, who also won this weekend, for first place in the division. This is especially important considering the two teams will face off next Sunday in what could be a potential decisive matchup.
Loser #3 Green Bay Packers
Remember when I said the Colts won? Yeah, that was against the Green Bay Packers who despite going into halftime up 28-14 found a way to lose this bizarre game.
The Packers came out of halftime flat and allowed the Colts to score 17 straight points. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers did work some late game magic and got his team in position to kick a FG which sent the game to overtime. But that\’s where the magic stopped as an unfortunate fumble from receiver Valdes-Scantling gave the Colts a golden opportunity.
An opportunity that they didn\’t waste. The loss drops the Packers to 7-3 which is still the best in their division. However, the loss allowed the Saints sole possession of the number 1 seed and the first round bye. It also allowed the Rams and Seahawks to pull level with them. The good news? They get to host the struggling Eagles next week.