Winners
Miami Dolphins
In rookie QB Tua Tagovailoa’s second career NFL start, the Dolphins went into Arizona and defeated former number one pick Kyler Murray and the high powered Cardinals offense by a score of 34-31. This game was a thriller and left NFL fans begging for overtime, until Cardinals kicker Zane Gonzalez embarrassingly missed a game-tying 49 yard field goal that essentially clinched a Dolphins victory. Miami is now (5-3) on the season and in sole possession of second place in the AFC East. Head coach Brian Flores certainly has the team going in the right direction for the first time in decades.
New Orleans Saints
Drew Brees did not look 41 and Tom Brady looked every bit of 43 as the Saints dominated the Buccaneers in Tampa 38-3. Brees carved up the vaunted Tampa Bay defense and the Saints completely shut down Brady and spoiled the season debut of for all-pro WR Antonio Brown. It was the Saints best performance of the season by far and New Orleans now owns a two game lead over the Bucs for first place in the NFC South; do not count out the Saints as Super Bowl contenders.
Baltimore Ravens
After a heartbreaking loss to their bitter rivals (the Steelers) in week 8, reigning MVP Lamar Jackson and the Ravens bounced back by going on the road and shutting down the Colts, defeating them by a score of 24-10. The Ravens ball-hawking defense forced multiple turnovers and completely controlled the game in impressive fashion. Although Jackson struggled early on against a stout Colts defense, he managed to engineer enough points that propelled his squad to an important road victory.
Buffalo Bills
QB Josh Allen lit up an awful Seahawks pass defense in route to a statement win at home by a score of 44-34. Buffalo defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier came up with an excellent game plan, forcing leading MVP candidate Russell Wilson to commit four turnovers, with each one quelling Seattle’s hope to make a comeback. Allen looked like he was an elite quarterback after not looking very sharp the prior few weeks and Bills fans are feeling great after their team’s best win of the season.
Losers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After hearing all week that they were now the favorites to win the Super Bowl this season, Tom Brady played the worst game of his career as the Saints absolutely demolished the Bucs in primetime. Brady threw three interceptions despite having the most offensive weapons in the NFL and former all-pro WR Antonio Brown had a minimal impact, catching only three passes for 31 yards. The Bucs defense also played atrocious, allowing 38 points and making Drew Brees look like he was ten years younger.
Arizona Cardinals
QB Kyler Murray played a spectacular game, but head coach Kliff Kingsbury arguably cost his team the game on Sunday against the Dolphins. Down three points with nearly two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Cardinals had a chance to convert on a 4th and 1 in Miami territory. Murray and the Arizona rushing attack had been dominating the Dolphins defense all game, but Kingsbury decided to play it conservative by attempting a potential tying field goal. Kicker Zane Gonzalez ended up missing the kick and Miami then ran the clock out to get the win. If Kingsbury didn’t take the ball out of Murray’s hands, Arizona seemed they were well on their way to score the game winning touchdown; a tough loss for Cardinals fans to say the least.
Detroit Lions
After piling together a couple impressive wins this season, the Lions seem to be falling apart after losing to the Vikings and failing to stop Dalvin Cook and the most predictable offense in the league. Detroit seems poised to miss the postseason once again, living up to their reputation as severe underachievers. Head coach Matt Patricia’s job may be in jeopardy after this season as nothing has really changed with the Lions during his tenure.
Indianapolis Colts
Philip Rivers and the Colts seemingly had the Ravens right where they wanted them; at home and coming off of a grueling loss to the Steelers the week before.. but instead of capitalizing on this and getting a statement victory, the Ravens defense had other plans. Rivers and the Colts offense couldn’t get anything going and turned the ball over multiple times. It was a disappointing loss to say the least that left many around the NFL wondering if the Colts are anything more than just a wild card team.
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