Questions off every game: Colts and Vikings win late, concern growing around Cousins

Eye-popping stat: Quarterback C.J. Stroud was pressured on solely 21.1% of his dropbacks and held the ball for roughly three seconds on common. That was a season-low for Stroud, who was underneath strain on 41% of his dropbacks coming into Week 13.

Most stunning efficiency: Tight finish Dalton Schultz. He had 5 catches for 61 yards and a landing, his second-highest receiving yards this season and his first landing on the 12 months. With out Stefon Diggs, Stroud wants Schultz as one other dependable choice within the passing recreation. — DJ Bien-Aime

Subsequent recreation: vs. Dolphins (Dec. 15, 1 p.m. ET)

Jaguars

Have we seen the final of Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence this season? Lawrence was already coping with a sprained left AC joint and had missed the crew’s earlier two video games, so the concussion he suffered on the late hit by Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair complicates issues additional. It is also unsure at this level if the hit aggravated that harm. At 2-10, the Jaguars’ season is over, and the crew has to determine if it is definitely worth the threat to run the battered franchise quarterback on the market once more.

Greatest gap within the recreation plan: There have been two unhealthy protection busts that resulted in broad open Texans receivers. The primary did not harm as a result of Jags cornerback Ronald Darby made up floor on Texans broad receiver Tank Dell to pressure an incompletion. The second did — tight finish Dalton Schultz had no person inside 15 yards of him and walked in for a 22-yard landing.

Most stunning efficiency: The Jaguars wanted broad receiver Parker Washington to step up with Christian Kirk (collarbone) out for the 12 months and the second-year slot receiver lastly did. He tied his career-high with six catches and had the primary 100-yard recreation of his profession (103). He additionally had a landing and a 2-point conversion. Earlier than Sunday, Washington had simply 9 catches within the three video games since Kirk’s Week 8 harm. — Mike DiRocco

Subsequent recreation: at Titans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Commanders

What helped the offense bounce again? The Commanders had struggled within the earlier two weeks — in losses to Philadelphia and Dallas. A giant concern was the run recreation. In three straight losses, Washington’s operating backs averaged 3.3 yards per carry with solely three runs for greater than 10 yards. On Sunday, the Commanders’ backs rushed for 229 yards with Brian Robinson Jr. recording 16 carries for 103 yards and a landing. Washington’s backs had six carries for 10 or extra yards. It added as much as tying a season-high in factors.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Desperately wanted. After three consecutive losses, Washington was 2.5 video games behind the Eagles within the NFC East race — and its lead within the wild-card race was right down to half a recreation. The Commanders, on a bye subsequent week, have winnable video games in opposition to New Orleans, Atlanta and Dallas arising.

What we discovered concerning the QB at present: Washington’s offense is best when Jayden Daniels can use his legs. He completed with 34 yards speeding; Washington is 8-2 when Daniels rushes for 33 or extra yards. It additionally helped that he concerned receiver Terry McLaurin early within the recreation — they linked for 2 landing passes within the first quarter. — John Keim

Subsequent recreation: at Saints (Dec. 15, 1 p.m. ET)

Titans

What occurred to the Titans’ run protection? Defensive sort out Jeffery Simmons boldly proclaimed “No one runs on the Titans” in September. That assertion could not have been farther from the reality Sunday when the Commanders gained 267 yards and three touchdowns on the bottom. Tennessee’s run protection was averaging 106 speeding yards allowed per recreation getting into this week, however its defensive entrance constantly allowed holes to open for Washington’s operating backs. Poor pursuit angles did not assistance on the again finish, both. Jacksonville is among the many backside 10 speeding groups within the league, so subsequent week is an efficient alternative to bounce again.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Sluggish begin. The Titans’ longest play within the first quarter was six yards. The Commanders had 10 performs go for extra yards than that. Washington scored touchdowns on its first 4 drives of the sport. Tennessee allowed 21 factors within the first quarter, which is essentially the most it had allowed within the first quarter of a recreation since 2012 in opposition to the Bears (28).

Eye-popping stat: The Titans had been penalized 11 occasions within the first half and fell right into a 28-0 gap earlier than lastly getting on the board within the second quarter. That is essentially the most since 2011, when the 49ers had 11 accepted penalties within the first half in opposition to the Lions. The Titans had been penalized a complete of 12 occasions for 93 yards. — Turron Davenport

Subsequent recreation: vs. Jaguars (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Seahawks

What modifications could possibly be coming to Seattle’s particular groups? The Seahawks received regardless of a nightmarish first half from their particular groups, which misplaced two fumbles on kickoffs, allowed a 99-yard kickoff return for a landing and had a PAT blocked. The Jets scored a landing after cornerback Dee Williams coughed the ball up, yet one more miscue on prime of his two muffed punts earlier this season. It is a thriller as to why particular groups coach Jay Harbaugh hasn’t benched Williams provided that the undrafted rookie is not offering practically sufficient within the return recreation to make up for his gaffes. The great from Seattle’s particular groups was two lengthy discipline objectives by Jason Myers and a blocked PAT.

Early prediction for subsequent week: Defensive sort out Byron Murphy II will probably be used as a fullback. They have to do one thing completely different in short-yardage conditions, a season-long concern that harm them once more versus the Jets. They got here away empty-handed regardless of operating 5 performs from the 1-yard-line within the third quarter. Murphy, the rookie first-round choose, performed some fullback in school.

Eye-popping stat: Leonard Williams’ 92-yard pick-six was the longest by a defensive lineman in NFL historical past, per ESPN Analysis. That topped Grant Wistrom’s 91-yard rating in 1999, when the previous Seahawk was nonetheless with the Rams. Williams additionally had two sacks, three tackles for loss and blocked a PAT. — Brady Henderson

Subsequent recreation: at Cardinals (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)

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Jets

How did quarterback Aaron Rodgers fare in his first ‘wholesome’ recreation since September? Not effectively. Rodgers, not listed on the harm report for the primary time since Week 4, did not silence those that imagine he is washed up. He was dreadful for a lot of the sport, failing for the fifth time to drag out a possible win on the ultimate possession. His worst sequence got here within the second quarter when he missed a wide-open Garrett Wilson ultimately zone and threw a pick-six on the subsequent play. Rodgers has gone three straight video games with underneath 200 passing yards and 34 straight underneath 300 yards. He turns 41 on Monday, and he is enjoying prefer it.

Greatest gap within the recreation plan: A complete lack of self-discipline. The Jets gave away the sport within the fourth quarter, committing eight of their 12 penalties — their most in a fourth quarter since 2013. It was a complete meltdown, persevering with a season-long pattern. Gamers similar to Rodgers, Wilson, Davante Adams and Quinnen Williams — a few of their finest gamers — had been among the many responsible events.

Most stunning efficiency: Operating again Kene Nwangwu went from the follow squad to the tip zone in a 24-hour span. Elevated on Saturday, the previous Minnesota Vikings draft choose scored on a 99-yard kickoff return, which was the Jets’ first since 2021. He additionally grew to become the primary participant since 2019 with a kick-return landing and a compelled fumble in the identical recreation. — Wealthy Cimini

Subsequent recreation: at Dolphins (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Steelers

Did the Steelers repair their offensive woes? After weeks of a boom-or-bust offense quarterbacked by Russell Wilson, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith opted for a safer, extra environment friendly scheme predicated on establishing the run and a fast passing recreation. And it labored. With well-executed screens and early Najee Harris touches — plus a handful of Wilson’s moon balls — the Steelers discovered an offensive steadiness that had lengthy escaped them. However will it stick? Subsequent week’s rematch with the Browns — who held the Steelers to 19 factors in Week 12 — will probably be a vital measuring stick.

What we discovered concerning the QB at present: Wilson can alter to the sport plan. He needs to air it out, however he averaged 3.2 air yards per try within the first half. Of his 257 first-half passing yards, 191 had been picked up by receivers after the catch. A part of Wilson’s undoing in Denver was deviating from the sport plan, however he confirmed Sunday that he can keep on schedule.

Describe the sport in two phrases: All fuel. Not solely did the offense transfer the ball at will, however the Steelers protection compelled three turnovers, together with a fourth-quarter scoop-and-score by rookie Payton Wilson. — Brooke Pryor

Subsequent recreation: vs. Browns (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Bengals

Is it time to shift to developmental mode? Hearth up these mock drafts! At 4-8, the Bengals’ playoff hopes are at 4.9%, in response to ESPN’s FPI. And after quarterback Joe Burrow mentioned he did not need to take into account the outlook for 2025 and past till later within the season, that is perhaps one of the best use of the crew’s time for the remaining 5 video games of the common season. Sunday’s loss punctuates a disappointing 12 months for a crew that began the season with Tremendous Bowl aspirations.

Greatest gap within the recreation plan: Zone protection. The Bengals had no reply for Russell Wilson, which isn’t one thing that has been mentioned usually this season. At one level, Wilson was 22-of-25 passing for 312 yards and three touchdowns in opposition to zone protection. There will probably be a variety of soul trying to find Cincinnati’s protection the remainder of the best way.

What we discovered concerning the QB at present: As issues at present stand, the Bengals aren’t constructed effectively sufficient round Burrow, who has had one of the best season of his profession. The offense simply could not maintain tempo with a protection that was torched too usually, which has been the case all year long. Cincinnati has to take a tough have a look at its roster, at minimal, if it needs to maximise Burrow’s championship window. — Ben Child

Subsequent recreation: at Cowboys (Monday, Dec. 9, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Vikings

What occurred to the Vikings’ offense? Minnesota did not have 100 yards of offense till late within the third quarter and completed with 272, its second-lowest complete of the season. However quarterback Sam Darnold caught hearth within the fourth quarter, and he threw the primary go-ahead landing go within the closing two minutes of a recreation in his profession. All advised, the Vikings scored 17 factors within the closing 16:17 of the sport.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Stepped up. That is what the Vikings’ protection did after showing to be worn down by the methodical Cardinals offense. Regardless of being on the sector for a whopping 76 performs Sunday, the Vikes held Arizona with no web yard or a primary down on its closing possession.

Most stunning efficiency: Operating again Aaron Jones fumbled twice, shedding one, and likewise dropped a positive landing go within the fourth quarter earlier than catching the go-ahead rating with 1:13 remaining. Often dependable, Jones has now tied his profession document for many fumbles (5) and most fumbles misplaced (three) in a full season. — Kevin Seifert

Subsequent recreation: vs. Falcons (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Cardinals

What value the Cardinals after giving up a 13-point lead? Sunday would’ve been a proverbial stroll within the park for the Cardinals had they been capable of rating a landing on any of their three journeys to the purple zone within the first half. Arizona kicked discipline objectives from the 13-yard line twice and from the 6 as soon as. Its three-point halftime lead may have been seven or extra had it transformed one or two of these journeys into touchdowns.

Early prediction for subsequent week: Vast receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. will parlay his 60-yard, one-touchdown afternoon this Sunday into his third 100-yard recreation of the season. He’s due for one more one and confirmed once more versus the Vikings that he could make the large performs, securing his seventh landing catch of his profession.

Most stunning efficiency: Tight finish Trey McBride. He caught all 12 of his targets for 96 yards, tying for his third-best yardage output of the season. He continued to show he’s an elite playmaker for Arizona, with seven of his catches going for first downs. — Josh Weinfuss

Subsequent recreation: vs. Seahawks (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)

Colts

What does coach Shane Steichen’s 2-point determination say concerning the season? Steichen’s determination to go for 2 factors following what may have been a game-tying additional level suggests he is aware of the Colts haven’t any margin for error as they chase a postseason berth. Indianapolis entered the sport with a 25% shot at making the playoffs, per ESPN Analytics, and risking a loss in additional time — with a protection that struggled all day — may have been dangerous. Steichen is an aggressive coach, however this may need been essentially the most aggressive name he has made in two seasons. The Colts’ playoff hopes improved to 31% with the win.

Greatest gap within the recreation plan: The Colts wanted to be extra aggressive on protection. Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye confirmed the self-discipline required to take the fast, quick passes in opposition to the Colts’ zone protection. New England didn’t punt till 5:43 remained within the recreation, and the Colts additionally made rare use of blitzes, which creates different questions.

What we discovered concerning the QB at present: Anthony Richardson has proven in two of his previous three video games that he can present up large within the fourth quarter. He has now led game-winning drives in opposition to the Jets and Patriots. And in each of these video games, his highly effective operating was an element — a game-winning TD run in opposition to New York and a 2-point conversion run in opposition to New England. — Stephen Holder

Subsequent recreation: at Broncos (Dec. 15, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Patriots

Did the Patriots squander their finest likelihood to win a recreation the remainder of the season? It is a heartbreaking end result for the Patriots, who had an opportunity to match final season’s win complete (4) and as an alternative could not cease the Colts on a 19-play drive that resulted in a game-winning landing and 2-point conversion with 12 seconds remaining. Now they go into their bye earlier than street video games in opposition to the Cardinals and Payments. Then, they’ve dwelling video games in opposition to the Chargers and Payments. So sure, this was completely their most winnable recreation the remainder of the best way.

Greatest gap within the recreation plan: Purple zone offense. The Patriots scored simply two touchdowns in six journeys contained in the 20-yard line, which included an interception when a tight-window goal-line throw bounced off of veteran tight finish Hunter Henry. Joey Slye additionally missed a 25-yard discipline aim.

Eye-popping stat: Drake Maye’s 41-yard run within the first quarter is the second longest by a Patriots quarterback over the previous 25 seasons, trailing solely Cam Newton’s 49-yard run in opposition to the Jets in Week 17 of 2021. He reached a pace of 19.4 mph, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats, which is his second-fastest scramble this season. — Mike Reiss

Subsequent recreation: at Cardinals (Dec. 15, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Chargers

Ought to the Chargers be involved about their offensive line? Getting into Sunday, Atlanta’s 10 sacks had been seven fewer than the next-closest crew’s (the Panthers). However in opposition to the Chargers, the Falcons dominated the Chargers’ offensive line, sacking quarterback Justin Herbert 5 occasions. That is the second-most sacks he is taken in a recreation this season. Herbert has been sacked 9 occasions over the previous two video games, which is a degree of concern for Los Angeles because it tries to make a push for the AFC playoffs.

Greatest gap within the recreation plan: Speeding offense. With operating again J.Okay. Dobbins (MCL sprain) on injured reserve, the Chargers’ speeding offense stalled and was ineffective Sunday. Operating backs Gus Edwards and Kimani Vidal mixed for simply 52 yards, and Hassan Haskins fumbled on his solely carry of the sport.

Most stunning efficiency: Cornerback Tarheeb Nonetheless. The fifth-round rookie completed with two interceptions, together with one he returned for a 61-yard landing. Nonetheless grew to become the primary Chargers rookie with a number of interceptions in a recreation since cornerback John Hendy, who did it in 1985. He has three interceptions in complete. — Kris Rhim

Subsequent recreation: at Chiefs (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)

Falcons

Can quarterback Kirk Cousins rebound from three straight poor performances to guide the Falcons to the playoffs? Atlanta went into its bye nervous a couple of protection that gave up 38 factors to the Broncos in Week 11. Now, the large concern is at quarterback. Cousins had 4 interceptions Sunday — his most in 10 years — and has not thrown a landing go since Week 9. The NFC South title that when appeared like a lock may slip away. Cousins and the Falcons’ teaching workers want to determine what is going on unsuitable earlier than it is too late.

Most stunning efficiency: The Falcons’ go rush, the worst within the NFL, got here to play Sunday. Atlanta had 5 sacks, its most since Week 16 of 2023. It got here into the sport with a league-worst 10 sacks and had a mixed 5 prior to now six video games. Linebacker Arnold Ebiketie had a breakout recreation with a pair of sacks.

Greatest gap within the recreation plan: It was a predominant level throughout the bye week that the Falcons turn out to be extra environment friendly within the purple zone. That didn’t come to fruition. Atlanta was 1-of-4 contained in the 20, together with a missed discipline aim by Younghoe Koo and a expensive fourth-quarter interception by Cousins. Koo is now 50% on discipline objectives since Week 7. — Marc Raimondi

Subsequent recreation: at Vikings (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Chiefs

Ought to the Chiefs be involved about their incapacity to complete off the Raiders and (final week) the Panthers? In a phrase, sure. It is one factor to should go deep into the fourth quarter to outlast two of the NFL’s worst groups. However the Chiefs had sizable leads on each. They led the Raiders by 13 factors late within the third quarter, this after holding a 14-point edge in opposition to the Panthers within the first half. This does not bode effectively for the playoffs, when the competitors will get a lot more durable.

Early prediction for subsequent week: Newly signed D.J. Humphries will begin at left sort out subsequent week in opposition to the Chargers. Wanya Morris, who began in opposition to the Raiders, performed so poorly that he was benched. Rookie Kingsley Suamataia, who started the season because the beginning left sort out, is not an choice. He, too, was benched earlier within the season.

Eye-popping stat: Patrick Mahomes’ second-quarter landing go to Justin Watson had a completion chance of 26.6%, in response to Subsequent Gen Stats. That is his lowest completion chance on a landing go since 2021, a fourth-quarter TD to Darrel Williams in Week 10 in opposition to the Raiders (22%). — Adam Teicher

Subsequent recreation: vs. Chargers (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)

Raiders

Are the Raiders the worst crew in soccer? Not after the scare they threw into the two-time defending Tremendous Bowl champs. Raiders coach Antonio Pierce bought tongues wagging when he acknowledged the narrative that the Black Friday recreation was “one of the best crew in soccer in opposition to the worst crew in soccer.” And sure, the Raiders, having misplaced their eighth straight recreation, are tied with the Giants for the worst document within the NFL at 2-10. And in case you are what your document says you might be, effectively, that ought to settle the talk, proper? But, few staffs may win with the Raiders’ injury-plagued roster and QB struggles. Las Vegas, heading to Tampa Bay, is enjoying for greater than pleasure with elite abilities in defensive finish Maxx Crosby, tight finish Brock Bowers and punter AJ Cole.

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Describe the sport in two phrases: Not sufficient. The Chiefs had been just too deep and too good for the weary and injured Raiders, who had been recreation however simply didn’t have sufficient to drag off a second consecutive vacation week upset in Kansas Metropolis.

What we discovered concerning the QB at present: Aidan O’Connell is who we thought he was. Making his first look since breaking the thumb on his proper (passing) hand Oct. 20, O’Connell was snug within the pocket and throwing deep but additionally displayed his trademark lack of mobility. He handed for 340 yards, finishing 23 of 35 passes, however took 3 sacks, together with one which knocked the Raiders out of discipline aim vary. He outplayed Mahomes, although, on this present day. — Paul Gutierrez

Subsequent recreation: at Buccaneers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Packers

Precisely how good are the Packers? We’re about to seek out out after they go to Detroit to face the NFC North-leading Lions on Thursday night time, however the final time the 2 groups met it was a serious mismatch, with the Lions leaping out to a 24-3 lead and by no means actually trying again. Even when the Packers cannot catch Detroit or the Vikings — they nonetheless should go to Minnesota in Week 17 — they seem like a harmful crew. This a lot we all know: The NFC North now has three groups with no less than 9 wins: Detroit (11-1), Minnesota (9-2) and Inexperienced Bay (9-3). It is the primary division to have three nine-win groups by Week 13 because the AFC East in 1985.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Jacobs once more. Every week after Josh Jacobs dominated the 49ers on the bottom, the operating again confirmed he can do it as a receiver out of the backfield, too. Whereas he was held to 43 yards speeding on 19 carries (with a 1-yard landing), he caught 4 passes for 74 yards — together with a 49-yard catch-and-run on a dump-off go that wound up because the longest reception of his profession. The Packers may maintain driving Jacobs so far as he can take them.

What we discovered concerning the QB at present: Perhaps Jordan Love has fastened his interception points. It was his second straight recreation with no choose after throwing no less than one in his first eight video games of the season, and in contrast to the earlier recreation in opposition to the 49ers when he was practically picked off a number of occasions, this time Love didn’t put the ball in hurt’s method. He completed 21-of-28 for 274 yards and two touchdowns. — Rob Demovsky

Subsequent recreation: at Lions (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Dolphins

What does this loss do to the Dolphins’ playoff possibilities? It definitely would not assist, however they are not mathematically out of the operating simply but. The aim after a 2-6 begin ought to have been to return to a .500 document as rapidly as potential; Miami may nonetheless achieve this with wins in opposition to the New York Jets and Houston Texans over the subsequent two weeks. The Dolphins will doubtless should win their closing three video games of the season in opposition to the San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns and Jets — none of whom is enjoying effectively. Playoffs are nonetheless potential, however this season is on life assist.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Get up. The Dolphins sleepwalked by the primary half and had been completely crushed down by a Packers crew that got here able to play. Miami outscored Inexperienced Bay 14-6 within the second half, nevertheless it was far too little, far too late.

Eye-popping stat: In line with NFL Subsequent Gen Stats, the Dolphins missed 20 tackles, straight resulting in 132 further yards for Inexperienced Bay — which completed with 388 yards of offense. Miami appeared unwilling to sort out a bodily Packers crew for a lot of the recreation, and it confirmed on the stat sheet. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Subsequent recreation: vs. Jets (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Cowboys

Has the Cowboys’ protection taken a flip for the higher? After a sluggish begin in Mike Zimmer’s first 12 months as defensive coordinator, the unit has put collectively a few of its finest work lately. The Giants should not precisely one of the best of measuring sticks, beginning their third quarterback of the 12 months, Drew Lock, on Thursday, however there are constructive indicators. The Cowboys had two extra takeaways, together with a pick-six by DeMarvion Overshown. After New York gained 70 yards on its first drive, it bought simply 33 yards on its subsequent 21 performs within the first half. The true take a look at for the protection, nonetheless, comes Dec. 9 in opposition to the Cincinnati Bengals with Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

What we discovered concerning the QB at present: 4 days after an environment friendly efficiency in opposition to Washington, Cooper Rush was extra erratic, particularly within the second quarter, when he accomplished simply 5 of 14 passes for 52 yards. He rebounded with a third-quarter landing go, however a misplaced fumble was overturned due to replay and he had a botched handoff with Rico Dowdle that he was capable of get well. However Rush didn’t give the ball away for a second straight recreation, which is what issues most to Mike McCarthy.

Most stunning efficiency: It has been trending on this route lately, however the Cowboys had their first operating again go for greater than 100 yards since Week 3 final 12 months as Rico Dowdle picked up 112 yards, a profession excessive, on 22 carries. He additionally scored his first speeding landing of the season and had a season-long 22-yard run within the first half. The final time a Cowboys operating again went for greater than 100 yards was Tony Pollard in opposition to Arizona in 2023. The 26-game span was the longest 100-yard recreation drought in franchise historical past. — Todd Archer

Subsequent recreation: vs. Bengals (Monday, Dec. 9, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Giants

How sizzling is the seat getting for Brian Daboll after seven straight losses and a second straight blowout? Scorching. It would not matter if proprietor John Mara gave him vote of confidence final month. The Giants have not received since. They usually aren’t simply shedding (seven straight now), they’re getting embarrassed, this time on nationwide TV. Daboll is operating out of excuses. It is not Daniel Jones’ fault. The outcomes had been comparable — or worse — with Tommy DeVito, after which with Drew Lock on this one. Daboll and the Giants are 8-21 because the begin of final season.

What we discovered concerning the QB at present: It isn’t Lock’s fault. He made some errors, however he additionally by no means actually stood an opportunity. Lock took 13 quarterback hits and 6 sacks whereas throwing for 172 yards with an interception and a fumble, to associate with 57 rush yards and a landing on the bottom. The outcomes with Lock regarded just like these with Jones and DeVito. The Giants’ issues go effectively past simply the quarterback.

Eye-popping stat: 0 INTs in 11 video games. The protection’s 11 video games with no choose units an NFL document. Its solely interception this season got here by rookie linebacker Darius Muasau on a tipped ball in Week 1. It is nearly arduous to think about {that a} ball hasn’t clanked off a receiver and fallen by chance right into a defensive again’s arms this season. — Jordan Raanan

Subsequent recreation: vs. Saints (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Lions

Will the Lions goal tight finish Sam LaPorta extra going ahead? It will depend on the matchup and state of affairs. With so many offensive weapons in Detroit, it is nearly choose your poison. LaPorta did not attain his second receiving landing this season till Week 8 versus the Tennessee Titans. Nevertheless, he linked with Goff for 2 touchdowns versus the Bears. LaPorta has 15 receiving touchdowns over the previous two seasons. That is essentially the most by any tight finish over that span, per ESPN Analysis.

Most stunning efficiency: The Lions’ operating recreation. Thursday was first time this season Detroit failed to attain a speeding landing. The Lions had scored one in 25 straight video games — together with the playoffs — which is the longest streak in NFL historical past. Operating backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery mixed for 175 speeding yards in opposition to Chicago.

Early prediction for subsequent week: Lions kicker Jake Bates will not miss a discipline aim. Towards the Bears, Bates missed a 45-yarder within the fourth quarter. The Lions had been the one crew within the NFL to not miss a discipline aim this season, as Bates was 19-for-19 to start out his profession, together with recreation winners at Week 7 in Minnesota and Week 10 at Houston. — Eric Woodyard

Subsequent recreation: vs. Packers (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Bears

Can Bears coach Matt Eberflus survive this loss? Eberflus defended the Bears’ disastrous clock administration that led to their sixth straight loss and solidified his 5-19 document in one-score video games, which is the worst by any coach with no less than 20 such video games in NFL historical past. Whether or not it is a tipped Hail Mary, blocked game-winning discipline aim try, shedding on a discipline aim in additional time or letting a timeout go to waste in Detroit, the Bears proceed to seek out confounding methods to get crushed. Late-game selections proceed to squander quarterback Caleb Williams’ efforts to place his crew in place to win, which in the end falls on the top coach. (Word: Eberflus was fired Friday, with offensive coordinator Thomas Brown elevated to interim head coach).

Describe the sport in two phrases: Livid comeback. The Bears turned a first-half shutout and 16-point deficit right into a three-point recreation that they had been in place to tie or win outright within the closing 36 seconds. Williams led the Bears on three landing drives within the second half because the Chicago protection held the Lions to 1 landing after permitting practically 6 yards per play within the first half.

What we discovered concerning the QB at present: Within the second half, Williams transformed in practically each class he struggled with within the first half. He was 8-for-11 on passes outdoors of the numbers (0-for-7 in first half), 4-for-7 on passes with no less than 15 air yards (0-for-6 in first half), 5-for-8 on third down (0-for-6) and 3-for-5 on throws when pressured (0-for-3). The quarterback set a single-season rookie franchise document at 15 landing passes. — Courtney Cronin

Subsequent recreation: at 49ers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)