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NFL Week 14 large questions and takeaways: Vikings maintain rolling, Eagles grasp on

Week 14 of the NFL season started with a terrific Thursday evening matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers. The Lions got here out on prime with a 34-31 win.

On Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings coasted previous the Atlanta Falcons, quarterback Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers‘ upset try fell flat to the Philadelphia Eagles and the Miami Dolphins gained an extra time thriller over the New York Jets.

In the later video games, the Los Angeles Rams overpowered the Buffalo Bills, the Seattle Seahawks secured a sequence sweep over the Arizona Cardinals.

Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to all of the motion, answering lingering questions popping out of every sport and detailing every thing else you have to know for each staff. Let’s get to it.

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Seahawks

Where do the Seahawks rank within the NFC hierarchy? They’ll quickly discover out with house video games in opposition to the Packers and Vikings over the subsequent two weeks. But the query for the Seahawks is shifting from whether or not they’ll make the playoffs to how deep they will go. They now lead Arizona by two video games and maintain the tiebreaker, whereas the Rams — whom Seattle performs in Week 18 — are a sport behind. According to ESPN Analytics, the Seahawks’ odds at the moment are 64% to make the playoffs and 62% to win the NFC West. Winning the division might arrange a wild-card rematch at house versus both Green Bay or Minnesota.

Most shocking efficiency: Seattle’s run sport got here alive regardless of not having Kenneth Walker III. The Seahawks entered Sunday averaging 90.5 speeding yards per sport and 4.1 per carry, however even with out their greatest again, they exploded for 176 yards and averaged 5.7 yards per carry. Zach Charbonnet led the way in which with 134 yards and two touchdowns.

What we realized concerning the QB at this time: Geno Smith can maintain his endurance. Check-downs and different quick throws have been typically there, and he (24 of 30, 233 yards, one landing) repeatedly took them since they’d a lead and he did not have to pressure the ball downfield. Smith has 13 interceptions on the yr however none previously two. — Brady Henderson

Next sport: vs. Packers (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)


Cardinals

How do the Cardinals survive Kyler Murray‘s interceptions? They cannot appear to determine a manner. Sunday marked the primary time in Murray’s profession during which he threw a number of interceptions in consecutive video games, each of which have been losses. In order to counteract Murray’s picks, Arizona’s protection wanted to make a cease, which they could not do both time Sunday as Seattle scored two touchdowns. It’s one factor for Murray to throw a decide, which occurs, however when the opponent can capitalize on it, then that makes it tough for Arizona to bounce again.

Most shocking efficiency: It took till the 5:29 mark of the third quarter for tight finish Trey McBride to get his first catch of the sport. McBride was coming off a three-game stretch of 71, 133 and 96 yards, respectively. He ultimately completed with seven catches for 70 yards.

Early prediction for subsequent week: McBride will likely be concerned earlier within the sport. Yes, he had three targets earlier than his first catch in opposition to Sunday, however none of them hit. Murray will ensure that to get McBride a few catches early in opposition to the Patriots to set the tone. He makes issues occur when the ball is in his fingers. — Josh Weinfuss

Next sport: vs. Patriots (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

49ers

What does Sunday’s blowout win imply for the 49ers? Not as a lot as they’d like. For the primary time in a very long time, the Niners seemed just like the juggernaut many anticipated them to be getting into this season. While a snug win was much-needed, the 49ers did not acquire any floor within the NFC West given Seattle’s win over Arizona. Sunday’s victory additionally got here in opposition to a Bears staff in disarray, which makes it arduous to consider this can be a signal of a staff on the verge of a surge. If San Francisco can beat the Rams on Thursday, it will be a a lot better indicator that San Francisco can nonetheless make the playoffs.

Most shocking efficiency: Running again Isaac Guerendo. The rookie made probably the most of his first begin rather than the injured Christian McCaffrey (knee) and Jordan Mason (ankle). He had 78 speeding yards on 15 carries for 2 touchdowns and was a strong move risk with 50 yards on two receptions. A fourth-quarter foot damage put a damper on his day, however it was a promising opening act. The 49ers suppose Guerendo has a sprained foot, and he’ll bear an MRI on Monday.

Eye-popping stat: The first half was probably the most lopsided half within the NFL this season, as San Francisco was up 24-0 at halftime. The 49ers posted 319 yards, probably the most by any staff within the opening half-hour this season. The Bears managed simply 4 yards, the fewest by any staff in 2024. The 315-yard margin was the very best by a 49ers staff in any half over the previous 40 seasons. — Nick Wagoner

Next sport: vs. Rams (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)


Bears

How did the Bears handle to look worse after firing coach Matt Eberflus? Chicago skilled no bump after firing Eberflus and selling Thomas Brown to interim coach. The Bears have been outgained by 315 yards, mustered one first down and have been shut out within the first half, which felt much like how issues transpired of their disastrous loss in Detroit. But in contrast to the Lions sport, Chicago mustered no actual comeback. Rookie receiver Rome Odunze was the lone shiny spot with two touchdowns within the Bears’ seventh straight loss, however his efforts have been for naught as this sport was mainly over at halftime.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Total domination. The 49ers hadn’t scored 5 touchdowns in a sport this season till Sunday. Chicago had the No. 1 pink zone protection and allowed San Francisco to transform on 5 journeys contained in the 20. The 49ers sacked quarterback Caleb Williams seven instances and restricted the Bears to three.2 yards per play.

Biggest gap within the sport plan: Why was George Kittle all the time large open? The Bears protection allowed eight performs of 20-plus yards, 4 of which have been catches by the 49ers tight finish. He grew to become the third tight finish to report a 100-yard sport on Chicago’s protection this season (T.J. Hockenson and Evan Engram), which is probably the most such performances by any staff by means of 14 weeks. — Courtney Cronin

Next sport: at Vikings (Monday, 8 p.m. ET)

Steelers

What’s the ceiling for the Steelers? With the win in opposition to the Browns, the Steelers emerged from a four-game divisional gauntlet with a two-game lead within the division. Though they’ve secured one other 10-win season, the Steelers have their sights set on a lot greater targets, like profitable their first playoff sport since 2016 and internet hosting their first playoff sport since 2020. They have a championship-caliber protection, main the NFL in takeaways — the Browns had three turnovers on Sunday — and holding opponents to fewer than 19 factors per sport. And the offense has proven a capability to regulate and thrive with Russell Wilson at quarterback.

What we realized concerning the QB at this time: Though he struggled in opposition to Cleveland’s move rush early, Wilson shook off a rocky first half to throw two third-quarter touchdowns. The Browns pressured Wilson on 39% of dropbacks within the first half, per ESPN Research, and went 1-of-6 for minus-1 passing yards below stress. In the second half, he went 3-of-5 for 61 yards below stress, together with one landing move.

Early prediction for subsequent week: After a gradual begin to his Steelers profession, large receiver Mike Williams will proceed the uptick in targets. Williams, who completed with three catches for 36 yards on 4 targets, benefitted from Pickens’ absence Sunday. Pickens, who was inactive after a hamstring damage late within the week, is prone to be again in opposition to the Eagles. But Williams confirmed his worth as a field-stretching goal. He had a one-handed, third-down snag within the third quarter. — Brooke Pryor

Next sport: at Eagles (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)


Browns

Will the Browns discover a approach to decrease their self-inflicted errors? When the Browns took a 7-3 lead within the first quarter, it seemed like Cleveland had the components to win its first regular-season sport in Pittsburgh since 2003. But that shortly evaporated with a number of miscues, from quarterback Jameis Winston‘s interception that led to Pittsburgh’s first landing to kicker Dustin Hopkins‘ two missed kicks. Cleveland is not headed to the postseason however limiting errors may very well be the distinction in pulling off one other upset in its subsequent 4 video games.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Collective collapse. All sides of the ball performed a task in giving up 24 straight factors after constructing a 7-3 lead. Winston continued his pattern of interceptions, the protection allowed a Steelers offense with out large receiver George Pickens to generate explosive passing performs and Hopkins’ misses ruined productive drives.

Early prediction for subsequent week: Tight finish David Njoku data a season-high in receiving yards. Njoku has obtained 10-plus targets within the Browns’ previous two video games. His season-high is 81 yards, and he’ll face a Chiefs protection that entered Week 14 permitting the second-most yards per try to tight ends (9.1). — Daniel Oyefusi

Next sport: vs. Chiefs (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Saints

Can the Saints’ offense regroup with out Taysom Hill (and presumably Derek Carr)? The Saints have scored 26.8 factors per sport with Hill within the lineup versus simply 15.2 with out him. Hill went on IR (ACL) this week and the Saints’ offense struggled in opposition to the Giants, notably within the run sport. They’ll have to determine learn how to succeed with out their do-everything participant, and doubtlessly with out Carr if he is out indefinitely with an damage.

Biggest gap within the sport plan: The run sport. The Saints had their beginning offensive line again, however they could not get something occurring the bottom, except an 8-yard landing run during which Kendre Miller was pushed into the top zone. Miller, Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams mixed for less than 81 yards, and Kamara averaged solely 2.6 yards per carry.

Early prediction for subsequent week: The Saints did not fare properly of their three video games with out Carr earlier within the season, they usually possible skilled some déjà vu after he collided with a teammate late within the fourth quarter and left the sport. He went to the locker room with a wrist damage and potential concussion; if he is out, the Saints might wrestle in opposition to the Commanders. — Katherine Terrell

Next sport: vs. Commanders (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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Derek Carr taken to locker room after falling arduous on wrist

Derek Carr scrambles and leaps, however he comes down arduous on his wrist and heads to the locker room.


Giants

How does the most recent loss have an effect on coach Brian Daboll’s future? This was the Giants’ eighth straight loss, and it appears they’re discovering new methods to lose, after their game-tying subject purpose try was blocked within the closing seconds. This all displays poorly on Daboll. As if it wasn’t sufficient, a airplane flew over MetLife Stadium previous to the sport with a banner directed at Giants proprietor John Mara that learn: “MR MARA ENOUGH — PLZ FIX THIS DUMPSTER FIRE.” The optics of this and a half-empty stadium aren’t good for Daboll and this regime. Sure, the Giants are extraordinarily short-handed, however such a embarrassment is what usually irks Mara.

Eye-popping stat: Quarterback Drew Lock had zero completions on his first eight move makes an attempt. Two of these eight passes have been drops, however it was nonetheless probably the most consecutive incompletions to start out a house sport because the Jets’ Ken O’Brien on Dec. 15, 1991, in opposition to the Patriots. It solely bought barely higher from there, as Lock went 6-of-19 for 52 yards within the first half.

Most shocking efficiency: Cornerback Tre Hawkins III‘s large day. The second-year cornerback has been buried on the depth chart all season. In reality, the Giants had recalled corners from the apply squad to play over Hawkins. He had the Giants’ first interception since Week 1, their first interception by a defensive again this season and was an asset in opposition to the run earlier than an damage within the fourth quarter. — Jordan Raanan

Next sport: vs. Ravens (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Eagles

Will gradual begins come again to chew the Eagles ultimately? Most possible, if they do not get it fastened between now and the playoffs. The Eagles have been shut out within the first quarter in 10 of their 13 video games this season, together with this Sunday. They have scored a league-low 17 factors within the opening body, which is unacceptable given the extent of expertise on the offensive facet of the ball. To their credit score, they make changes properly and have typically gone on to dominate video games. But a high-quality staff will ultimately make them pay.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Saquon’s report. Barkley set a brand new franchise mark for single-season speeding yards, shifting previous LeSean McCoy, who rushed for 1,607 yards in 2013. He took over first place halfway by means of the fourth quarter and completed the sport at 1,623 complete. Chants of “MVP” broke out as his achievement was introduced within the stadium. It was Barkley’s ninth 100-yard speeding sport this season, which can also be probably the most in Eagles historical past.

Biggest gap within the sport plan: Receiver A.J. Brown was not focused till the waning moments of the second quarter. After Barkley, Brown has been the staff’s prime offensive participant with 4 video games of 100-plus receiving yards. He broke open a few completely different instances early within the sport, however the ball didn’t come his manner. He confirmed some frustration consequently. — Tim McManus

Next sport: vs. Steelers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)


Panthers

Did Bryce Young lastly show he will be the Panthers’ franchise quarterback? Young did throw his first interception in 125 makes an attempt. The incontrovertible fact that that is being talked about reveals how properly he has been enjoying. More considerably, he went toe-to-toe in opposition to the NFL’s greatest protection in a hostile atmosphere. Young was a dropped landing catch by Xavier Legette away from getting the win. Stack that on prime of his efficiency the earlier 5 video games, and there isn’t any doubt the job needs to be his subsequent season.

Biggest gap within the sport plan: Not accounting for quarterback Jalen Hurts within the run sport. The league’s worst run protection (permitting 166.9 yards per sport) did an honest job of holding down Saquon Barkley, the league’s main rusher. But it gave up too many large runs to Hurts, who had six rushes for 58 yards.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Close once more. For the third straight week, the Panthers have been in it till the top. And it was the second time in three weeks that it got here in opposition to a prime staff (Week 12 vs. Kansas City). This reveals how far coach Dave Canales and his employees have come because the begin of the season, when Carolina went 1-7. — David Newton

Next sport: vs. Cowboys (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Vikings

Are the Vikings actually going to let Sam Darnold depart after the season? That’s been the guess ever since Darnold signed a one-year, $10 million contract in March, however it’s getting tougher to make that assumption. It made sense that rookie J.J. McCarthy would take over because the starter in 2025 as soon as he recovered from his knee damage. Darnold, nevertheless, has pushed his sport to a brand new degree currently, culminating with a career-best 5 landing passes in opposition to the quarterback he changed in Minnesota. He is on tempo for a 4,000-yard, 36-touchdown season at age 27. At the very least, the Vikings are going to have a way more tough set of conversations round their 2025 quarterback room than they have been planning.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Fantasy soccer. Vikings receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison mixed to catch 15 passes for 265 yards and all 5 of Darnold’s landing passes, changing into the second set of teammates in franchise historical past to every have 100 receiving yards and a number of scores in a sport. The others have been Hassan Jones and Steve Jordan in 1986.

Most shocking efficiency: Kickoff unit. The Vikings entered the sport with the NFL’s third-highest touchback fee (85.3%), however a uncommon quick kickoff Sunday proved to be a sport changer when linebacker Brian Asamoah II compelled a fumble halfway by means of the fourth quarter. — Kevin Seifert

Next sport: vs. Bears (Monday, 8 p.m. ET)

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Jordan Addison dives in for his third TD of the sport

Sam Darnold finds Jordan Addison who will get his third landing of the sport for the Vikings vs. the Falcons.


Falcons

Will the Falcons bench Kirk Cousins after throwing two extra interceptions? It appears unlikely. This sport was all the time going to be a troublesome one for the Falcons to win on the street, and Cousins performed higher than his four-interception efficiency final week. As lengthy as Atlanta stays within the playoff image — and the NFC South continues to be up for grabs — rookie Michael Penix Jr. will in all probability stay on the bench. But this has change into a official week-to-week query.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Beat themselves. Down a single rating within the fourth quarter, large receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III fumbled the kickoff return, which led to a Vikings landing. The Falcons additionally had probably the most penalty yards of any NFL staff in a sport this season (127). Plus, the Cousins interceptions.

Biggest gap within the sport plan: The Falcons protection was as soon as very efficient in limiting explosive performs. It wanted to try this Sunday in opposition to a staff with big-play large receivers. Instead, quarterback Sam Darnold threw for 5 touchdowns. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison had catches of 52 and 49 yards, respectively. — Marc Raimondi

Next sport: at Raiders (Monday, 8 p.m. ET)

Dolphins

Is this season over? Technically no. The Dolphins possible have to win out and get a bit of assist so as to make their third straight playoff look, however their efficiency Sunday impressed little confidence that they will have the opportunity to take action. Three of their 4 remaining video games are on the street, and their house sport is in opposition to a mercurial 49ers staff. Miami continues to be alive, with a 13.8% probability on the playoffs (unbiased of different outcomes, per ESPN Analytics), however it must play like its again is in opposition to the wall.

Describe the sport in two phrases: No urgency. In a get-right spot in opposition to a listless Jets staff, the Dolphins have been pushed round for 4 quarters, permitting practically 7.0 yards per play whereas changing simply 1-of-9 third-down makes an attempt. They managed to win due to some extra time heroics from Tua Tagovailoa and Jonnu Smith, however this didn’t appear to be a staff with its season on the road.

Eye-popping stat: Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey allowed 131 yards and 5 catches on seven targets as the closest defender in protection, in line with NFL Next Gen Stats. In his protection, a big portion of these yards got here on a 42-yard Garrett Wilson catch, throughout which Ramsey fell down. But it was a tough exhibiting for the perennial Pro Bowler. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Next sport: at Texans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)


Jets

Will the spiraling Jets win one other sport? Led by Aaron Rodgers‘ first 300-yard efficiency in 35 video games, the Jets performed one in every of their greatest offensive video games of the season — they usually nonetheless managed to choke away a late lead. This was their fourth straight loss, formally eliminating them from playoff competition. Late breakdowns on offense, protection and particular groups resulted in one other gut-wrenching defeat. Good groups know learn how to win shut video games. The Jets are 0-7 in video games determined by six or fewer factors. Case closed.

Most shocking efficiency: No Breece Hall, no downside. The Jets turned to their rookie operating backs, Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis, they usually delivered as twin threats. They mixed for 83 yards from scrimmage, with Davis scoring for the second straight week after being a nonfactor for the primary 11 video games. The future appears to be like shiny at operating again.

What we realized concerning the QB at this time: Like a snowbird, Rodgers discovered consolation within the heat climate. The 41-year-old quarterback performed his greatest sport since September. Finally wholesome, he moved properly and linked on three passes of 30-plus yards — a rarity this season. He discovered a pleasant groove with Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams, however the mojo disappeared late within the sport. — Rich Cimini

Next sport: at Jaguars (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Buccaneers

What stalled the Bucs’ momentum after leaping out to an early lead? Starting within the second quarter, the Raiders have been capable of disrupt quarterback Baker Mayfield‘s passes to the flats and out routes. He notably struggled with their zone coverages. Mayfield was 7-of-13 for 84 yards, two touchdowns and an interception on passes for five or fewer air yards, in line with ESPN Research. His 54% completion share on these throws is tied for his lowest with the Bucs. With at this time’s victory and the Falcons’ loss, the Bucs now have a 71% probability to make the playoffs, says ESPN Research.

Biggest gap within the sport plan: Stopping the operating sport. The Raiders got here into this sport averaging simply 3.7 yards per carry — lifeless final within the NFL. Yet operating again Sincere McCormick averaged 5.2 yards per carry, with explicit success on the perimeter.

Most shocking efficiency: Rookie large receiver Jalen McMillan led the Bucs with two landing catches after his final landing got here in Week 1. The Bucs have very a lot wanted receivers exterior of Evans to step up, and McMillan did. Sterling Shepard helped too (4 catches for 63 yards). — Jenna Laine

Next sport: at Chargers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

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Jalen McMillan high-steps into finish zone for 2nd TD of the sport

Jalen McMillan takes the display screen move and cruises into the top zone to offer Tampa Bay an even bigger lead late within the fourth quarter.


Raiders

Is this now quarterback Desmond Ridder‘s staff? By default. Unless the Raiders elevate apply squad quarterback Carter Bradley, who has been with the staff since April, Ridder is the lone signal-caller standing. With Gardner Minshew on IR with a broken collarbone and Aidan O’Connell‘s left leg in an air solid after a sideline push, Ridder is auditioning for the remainder of this season and past. He handed for 101 yards and accomplished 12 of 18 passes.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Slow begin. The Raiders trailed 14-0 earlier than their offense took their fourth snap. That’s not a recipe for achievement. Three first-half takeaways by the protection stored Las Vegas inside putting vary. The staff trailed by simply 4 factors at halftime and have been to obtain the ball to start out the second half, which appeared promising. Alas, the gradual begin was an excessive amount of to beat.

Most shocking efficiency: Running again Sincere McCormick, who has principally been a apply squad participant, is wanting extra like RB1 for a rebuilding Raiders offense. McCormick, making the most of accidents to Alexander Mattison and Zamir White, rushed for a career-best 78 yards on 15 carries. — Paul Gutierrez

Next sport: vs. Falcons (Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET)

Jaguars

Does this show that coach Doug Pederson hasn’t misplaced the locker room? One week after losing quarterback Trevor Lawrence possible for the season and occurring the street in opposition to one of many NFL’s worst groups, some puzzled simply how motivated the Jaguars can be in opposition to the Titans. But the gritty efficiency — rallying from a 6-0 deficit with 10 factors within the fourth quarter — ought to finish the query about whether or not Pederson has misplaced the locker room. There’s nothing at stake for the Jaguars apart from making an attempt to complete a misplaced season on a constructive be aware. That was apparently sufficient Sunday.

Biggest gap within the sport plan: Wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. lastly bought concerned within the third quarter, and the offense lastly produced factors. Thomas did not get his first catch till 4:24 remaining within the third quarter (he had no catches on three targets till that time), and he touched the ball on 4 consecutive performs. He’s the offense’s greatest participant and must be concerned early.

What we realized concerning the QB at this time: Quarterback Mac Jones threw two interceptions however confirmed the flexibility to bounce again within the fourth quarter, when he led the Jaguars to 10 factors. That included a 31-yard hookup with Thomas on a damaged play during which Jones needed to scramble out of hassle. Jones had managed simply 13 factors mixed in his first two begins, so that is progress in his audition for an opportunity to compete for a beginning spot someplace in 2025. — Mike DiRocco

Next sport: vs. Jets (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)


Titans

Can the Titans protection work out learn how to get to quarterbacks? The Titans protection completed with two sacks and Arden Key bought a stress to pressure an interception by Mac Jones. But for a lot of the day, the Titans couldn’t end the deal on Jones, giving him time to finish long-developing performs on crucial drives. Quarterbacks have managed to increase performs by eluding the move rush and getting the ball to receivers downfield all season. It will not get any simpler subsequent week when quarterback Joe Burrow and the Bengals come to city. The Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase connection yielded a league-high 13 touchdowns getting into this week.

Most shocking efficiency: Reese crammed in admirably after accidents stored Jerome Baker and Kenneth Murray Jr. out of the lineup. Reese was principally used on particular groups and had performed simply seven defensive snaps all season. But he performed like his helmet was on hearth. The second-year linebacker cashed in with an interception and a deal with for a loss on a double reverse.

Biggest gap within the sport plan: Third-down protection. The Titans uncharacteristically performed plenty of off-coverage, costing them in opposition to Jacksonville. The Jaguars transformed six of their 13 third-down alternatives. Four of the conversions got here in opposition to off protection, together with a 31-yard play by Brian Thomas Jr. late within the fourth quarter that led to the Jaguars’ first lead of the day. — Turron Davenport

Next sport: vs. Bengals (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Lions

Will the defensive accidents catch as much as the Lions? The damage bug has continued to chew the Lions as defensive lineman Alim McNeill was dominated out forward of the second half with a concussion. For now, Detroit has been capable of preserve with 11 straight victories, however solely time will inform if defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn can proceed to regulate. Entering the sport, the Lions’ protection was already short-handed with 13 defensive gamers on the injured reserve record. No different staff within the league had greater than seven defensive gamers on injured reserve, per ESPN Research, and the Lions additionally dominated out defensive linemen DJ Reader (shoulder), Josh Paschal (knee) and Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring) earlier than kickoff.

Most shocking efficiency: Lions kicker Jake Bates. Bates was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for November earlier within the day and responded together with his third game-winning kick of the season. With the sport knotted at 31, he nailed a walk-off 35-yarder after sport winners at Houston in Week 10 and at Minnesota in Week 7.

Eye-popping stat: Lions operating again Jahmyr Gibbs ran 19.83 yards to lose 1 complete yard on the Lions’ fourth-and-1 play late within the third quarter, per NFL Next Gen Stats. Green Bay would benefit from that, as operating again Josh Jacobs capped off a four-play drive with a 4-yard landing to offer the Packers a 28-24 edge. — Eric Woodyard

Next sport: vs. Bills (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)


Packers

What makes the Packers suppose a 3rd sport vs. the Lions will likely be any completely different? The Packers need one other shot on the Lions, however maybe after what occurred within the two losses to them this season, there’s cause to suppose it will be simply one other idiot’s errand. Sure, the second assembly was a tooth-and-nail sport, however did anybody actually suppose the Packers have been going to provide you with the defensive cease they wanted on the finish? The Packers’ greatest path by means of the NFC may be avoiding the Lions.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Frustrated once more. From the pregame shouting match between coach Matt LaFleur and a Lions fan to a different gradual begin on offense to an incapability to cease Detroit on fourth down (it transformed 4-of-5 possibilities) to griping about penalties and non-penalties, the Packers have been left exasperated.

Early prediction for subsequent week: The Packers will attempt to get Jayden Reed extra concerned. He is one in every of their greatest receivers this season, however he dropped his solely goal of the sport and performed half of the offensive snaps. Since his 113-yard sport in opposition to the Bears in Week 9, he has simply 73 receiving yards mixed previously 4 video games. — Rob Demovsky

Next sport: at Seahawks (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)

Ella Bennet
Ella Bennet
Ella Bennet brings a fresh perspective to the world of journalism, combining her youthful energy with a keen eye for detail. Her passion for storytelling and commitment to delivering reliable information make her a trusted voice in the industry. Whether she’s unraveling complex issues or highlighting inspiring stories, her writing resonates with readers, drawing them in with clarity and depth.
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