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Week 11 in the NFL has concluded and that can mean just one thing – our weekly highlights. As ever, we were treated to a vast array of games, including two divisional rivalries from the AFC and NFC North respectively. The bout between the Rams and Chiefs however, was definitely the game of the week. But just who came out on top?
Saints sink the Eagles
The Eagles travelled to New Orleans in an absolute must win scenario against the Saints. Unfortunately, they were absolutely embarrassed as the Saints emerged victorious, 48-7.
Drew Brees produced another offensive clinic with 363 passing yards and 3 TD’s on the day. Additionally, Mark Ingram saw his workload increased as he rushed for 103 yards and 2 TD’s on 16 carries.
On the other hand, the Eagles were atrocious. Defensively they couldn’t force a stop, and then when they did have the ball Carson Wentz was ineffective. He compiled just 156 passing yards, whilst throwing 3 interceptions.
The defeat puts their record at 4-6. With that in mind, their playoff hopes appear to be doomed, especially considering they have had so many injuries this year.
Panthers punished in Detroit
The Detroit Lions simply had to win this pivotal matchup against the Carolina Panthers to keep their playoff hopes alive. And that they did, as they stole a win, 20-19.
Matthew Stafford was at times inaccurate, however, he did amass 220 passing yards and 1 TD. Whilst setting up 2 FG attempts for Matt Prater. Kerryon Johnson was excellent in the run game until he was ruled out with an injury as he ran in a TD and rushed for 87 yards on 15 carries.
Similarly, Cam Newton had a great day statistically. He compiled 357 passing yards and 3 TD’s, but was limited in the run game with just 2 carries for 2 yards. He was at fault for the loss to some degree after missing a wide open Jarius White for the game-clinching 2-point conversion.
It must also be noted that Graham Gano missed a FG and PAT earlier in the game, and that is likely why Ron Rivera elected to go for it with just under 2 minutes remaining.
Manning near perfection
Giants QB, Eli Manning had a surprising performance this week.
In an incredibly close encounter with the Buccaneers, Manning completed 17 of 18 throws (94%) for 231 yards and 2 touchdowns in a near immaculate performance.
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Despite the game being largely back-and-fourth, Manning led the team to a 38-35 victory which provides some breathing room for his career in New York. Whatever is left of it.
Vikings compromised in Chicago
An enormous NFC North clash featured the Minnesota Vikings taking on the Chicago Bears. The latter reaped the rewards of home field advantage however, winning, 25-20.
The game spiralled into a defensive affair with both teams garnering 3 turnovers each. For the Bears, Adrian Amos picked off Kirk Cousins, whilst Khalil Mack forced a fumble to add to his collection. Furthermore, Eddie Jackson converted an interception into a pick-six, which completely altered the dynamic of the game.
The Vikings’ turnovers came from Anthony Harris who caught 2, as well as Jaleel Johnson’s forced fumble. They would be in vain however, as Kirk Cousins was wasteful with his multiple possessions of the football.
Mitchell Trubisky completed 70% of his throws, gaining 208 all purpose yards and 2 TD’s in the process.
The Bears are now 1.5 games ahead of the Vikings in first place, who fell to 5-4-1 on the season and require a victory against the Packers in the late game of week 12.
Baltimore beat the Bengals
The second divisional rivalry saw the Ravens host the Bengals in a tantalising AFC North battle. Once again, the home team were victorious, this time by a score of, 24-21.
Lamar Jackson was awarded his first start and he made great use of it. In spite of throwing an interception, he accumulated 150 passing yards and was effective running the ball with an additional 117 yards on 27 attempts. Moreover, Gus Edwards had a career best day with 17 carries for 115 yards and a touchdown.
For the Bengals, Andy Dalton connected on just 53% of his throws, but did contribute 211 yards and 2 TD passes. He also set up the game winning field goal for Randy Bullock, although he failed to convert it and the game was put beyond any reasonable doubt.
The Ravens and Bengals are now locked in at 5-5, with both franchises desperately chasing the Pittsburgh Steelers in first place.
Greatest game of All Time
The third highest scoring game in NFL history took place on Monday night as the Chiefs locked horns with the Rams in LA. This may have been the greatest regular season game of all time, as the Los Angeles Rams ran out eventual winners, 54-41.
Rams QB Jared Goff was insanely good throwing 3 TD passes and 413 yards in the game.
He was also helped considerably by the defence who forced 5 turnovers. Two of which began with Aaron Donald forcing a strip sack. With the first being converted into a TD by Samson Ebukam. The aforementioned Ebukam later produced a pick-six off of one of Patrick Mahomes’ 3 interceptions in the game.
For the Chiefs, Mahomes contributed 478 passing yards and an incredible 6 touchdowns, yet gave the ball away too often. Including the final INT to end the game caught by no-less than former Chief, Marcus Peters. On the other hand, Tyreek Hill was once again unreal as he notched 215 receiving yards and 2 TD’s on just 10 receptions.
Despite the outcome of the match, it won’t effect the standings in any way. However, it will certainly go down as one of the greatest games in NFL history. And rightly so!
