The Kansas City Chiefs remain undeterred on their way to their third NFL title in a row. The Cleveland Browns had their 13th win of the season, but also an injury to Patrick Mahomes.
The star quarterback wasn’t able to completely convince this time either with a pass rate of only 50 percent (19 of 38), but he did manage to get two touchdown passes to Juju Smith-Schuster and Noah Gray. In addition, unlike his counterpart Jameis Winston, who threw three interceptions, Mahomes did not allow himself to lose the ball. The 29-year-old had to be substituted in the final quarter with an ankle injury.
The Chiefs (Super Bowl champions in 2023 and 2024) were already qualified for the playoffs and are now on the verge of securing the coveted first place in the AFC. This would give Mahomes’ team continuous home advantage in the playoffs up to the possible final.
Jackson ensures the next Ravens spectacle
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens confirmed once again why they are considered the most spectacular team in the NFL. MVP favorite Lamar Jackson excelled in the 35:14 win against the New York Giants with five touchdowns and 21 of 25 throw attempts for 290 yards, and he also ran for 65 yards. With a record of 9:5 wins, the Ravens still have to fight for their place in the playoffs.
The Washington Commanders have also come closer to the playoffs for the championship with the German-American offensive tackle Brandon Coleman. Led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels (two touchdowns), the Commanders narrowly won against the New Orleans Saints 20:19, but also recorded their ninth win of the season in the NFC.
They are still leading the Detroit Lions with star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (12:1 wins), who will play in the top game against the Buffalo Bills (10:3) on Monday night.
49ers and Rams ensure season premiere
At the start of the game day, the Thursday Night Game was the first game of the season without a touchdown – after which the path to the playoffs for the San Francisco 49ers is getting further and further. By a 6:12 in the key game against Los Angeles Rams the team shifted quarterback Brock Purdy in tight NFC West down to last place.
Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers
The Rams are now 8:6 wins and moved to the top spot Seattle Seahawks (8:5) approach, followed by the Arizona Cardinals (6:7) and the 49ers (6:8). In the remaining three main round games – the final one is against Arizona – San Francisco urgently needs victories.
Rams kicker Joshua Karty scored four Field goals. The 49ers went without a touchdown in a game for the first time since the 2019/20 season. Purdy’s only Interception 5:20 minutes left put the Rams on the road to victory.