Bengals 20, Texans 6 — Houston Has a Finishing Problem
Houston produced 374 yards, but none of it mattered inside the red zone. The Texans finished 0-for-4 in scoring territory while Joe Burrow connected with Ja’Marr Chase for two touchdowns. Cincinnati won despite being outgained by 107 yards.
Packers 20, Jets 17 — OT — Green Bay Escapes
The Packers generated only 199 yards and converted just 1-of-9 third downs, but still found a way to win in overtime. The Jets controlled more of the game statistically, but Breece Hall was held to 29 rushing yards and New York failed to finish.
Saints 24, Ravens 17 — Shough Outduels Lamar
Tyler Shough completed 27 of 34 passes for 252 yards as New Orleans handed Baltimore its first loss. Lamar Jackson threw for 235 yards but committed the game’s only interception. The Saints won despite being outgained.
Vikings 9, Bears 3 — The High-Powered Offense Was a Fable
Chicago gained 297 yards but scored only three points. Caleb Williams threw for 138 yards with an interception, and the Bears went 0-for-3 in the red zone. Minnesota didn’t need much offense because Chicago repeatedly stopped itself.
Browns 23, Buccaneers 19 — Deshaun Watson Watch Continues
Watson completed 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns, delivering an efficient performance when Cleveland needed it. Tampa Bay outgained the Browns but went only 1-for-4 in the red zone. Production without execution equals a loss.
Patriots 20, Steelers 3 — New England Rebounds
The Patriots’ offense wasn’t spectacular, but their defense dominated Pittsburgh. The Steelers converted only 2-of-12 third downs and managed 235 total yards. New England’s defense and running game delivered exactly what the Patriots needed.
Panthers 34, Falcons 3 — Five-Turnover Beatdown
Carolina forced five turnovers without committing one. Bryce Young threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns while Cooper Rush finished with only 86 passing yards and two interceptions. This was the most complete performance of the day.
Raiders 26, Chargers 14 — Herbert and the Chargers Collapse
The Chargers slightly outgained Las Vegas but committed three turnovers. Kirk Cousins threw three touchdown passes, while Justin Herbert tossed two interceptions. Las Vegas won the game in the category that matters most: protecting the football.
Broncos 20, Jaguars 13 — Denver Controls the Game
Denver outgained Jacksonville 392–268 behind 288 passing yards from Bo Nix. The Broncos weren’t flawless, but they controlled the field and held Trevor Lawrence to 189 yards with an interception.
49ers 35, Dolphins 13 — Purdy Nearly Perfect
Brock Purdy completed 20 of 22 passes for 287 yards, threw two touchdowns and added another score on the ground. San Francisco went a perfect 5-for-5 in the red zone. That’s championship-level offensive execution.
Seahawks 31, Cardinals 7 — Seattle’s Defense Suffocates Arizona
Seattle held Arizona to 151 total yards and just 81 net passing yards. Drew Lock threw three touchdowns, all caught by Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who finished with 155 receiving yards. Seattle dominated both sides of the football.
Chiefs 33, Colts 30 — OT — Mahomes Wins the Shootout
Kansas City exploded for 523 yards as Patrick Mahomes threw for 382 yards and three touchdowns. Indianapolis kept answering, but the Chiefs eventually broke through in overtime. Kansas City’s defense remains a concern, but its offense looked dangerous again.
S³ Numbers of the Day
5:Carolina takeaways 20-of-22: Brock Purdy’s passing 81: Arizona’s net passing yards 0-for-4: Houston in the red zone 523: Kansas City’s total offense 155 yards and 3 TD:Jaxon Smith-Njigba
