San Francisco @ Seattle:
This was a very costly game for the 49ers as they likely lost Jordan Mason for the next couple of weeks with a shoulder injury. Luckily, rookie RB Isaac Guerrendo looked good in mop-up duty, including a 76-yard run at the end of the game. It was great to finally see Deebo Samuel get back in the end zone, as he also had three receptions for 102 yards.
It really feels like DK Metcalf is losing patience with Geno Smith. Smith had 52 pass attempts for 312 yards and a touchdown, but he threw 2 INTs at the worst times. Even worse, Seattle could not run the ball at all against San Francisco, only getting 20 carries for 52 yards. They need to establish Kenneth Walker every game.
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 28: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars on a pass play during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at TIAA Bank Field on November 28, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Falcons defeated the Jaguars 21 to 14. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
Chicago @ Jacksonville:
I know that Caleb Williams threw four touchdowns, and I also know that he ran for 56 yards, but I’m telling you he did that because the Jaguars gave up and played little to no defense. If he plays a better team, he will struggle. The good news for Chicago was that D’Andre Swift ran for 91 yards and a touchdown and also caught four passes. Cole Kmet had five receptions for 70 yards and two touchdowns, and Keenan Allen found the end zone with two touchdowns as well. If the Bears are going to continue to play at a high level, Allen needs to be involved.
I would argue that Doug Pederson and his entire staff need to be fired after next week’s game against New England in London. This team looks like it’s given up, Trevor Lawrence looks clueless, and the defense is just not playing hard. There were a lot of bad football displays this weekend, but Jacksonville might have been the worst. Travis Etienne is obviously hurt, so I am not sure that he suits up against the New England Patriots.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 13: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans drops back and looks to pass during an NFL wild-card playoff football game between the Houston Texans and the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium on January 13, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Houston @ New England:
I gave out the Joe Mixon anytime touchdown on the radio on Saturday morning, but I’m upset at myself because I wish I had played him in DFS, too. Mixon had two touchdowns (one rushing and one receiving). Stefon Diggs also had 77 yards and a touchdown, and Tank Dell had 57 yards and a touchdown to lead the Texans passing game.
Drake Maye got his first career start and threw for 243 yards and three touchdowns, but he also had two interceptions. However, there were glimmers of hope as he was able to find Demario Douglas for 92 yards and a touchdown and he also threw to Hunter Henry for three receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown. There’s a lot of upside during garbage time with Maye so Patriots fans just need to be patient.
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 06: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders rushes against the Cleveland Browns at Northwest Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Washington @ Baltimore:
This game was way more competitive than I was expecting. Jayden Daniels threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns and kept the Commanders in the game until the very end. They were only able to muster 52 rushing yards on 18 carries, but that was mainly because Brian Robinson was out this week. Terry McLaurin had two touchdown receptions, and Zach Ertz led the Commanders with 68 yards. Noan Brown was once again the WR2.
Lamar Jackson threw for 323 yards and a touchdown and also ran for 40 yards in the victory. Derrick Henry was phenomenal rushing for 132 yards and two touchdowns, but I think the player of the game for the Ravens was Zay Flowers, who had 9 receptions for 132 yards, including a 44-yard catch early in the game, which set the tone. Another piece of good news for Baltimore was that Mark Andrews finally found the end zone, getting 3 receptions for 66 yards. Maybe this will be the sign of good things to come for Andrews.