NFL Population, ESPN
Week 13 of the NFL season began on Thursday with a display of offensive power between the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks.
Across the NFL on Sunday, the Houston Texans‘ protection had a bulky while and put an finish to the Denver Broncos‘ five-game win streak, the Detroit Lions (9-3) are off to their best possible get started since 1962, and the Indianapolis Colts gained in extra time over the Tennessee Titans.
Our NFL Population newshounds reacted to the entire motion, answering lingering questions popping out of each and every duel and choosing out who — or what — is emerging and falling for each and every staff. Let’s get to it.
Bounce to a matchup:
SEA-DAL | DEN-HOU | IND-TEN | LAC-NE
DET-NO | ATL-NYJ | MIA-WSH
Colts
Can the Colts in finding some working duel consistency in Jonathan Taylor‘s absence? The Colts had one in every of their worst speeding performances of the season (55 yards), now not coincidentally of their first duel since famous person working again Jonathan Taylor suffered a thumb shock. Regardless of Zack Moss‘ standout appearing towards the Titans within the first matchup (a season-high 165 yards), Moss and the Colts struggled to get on target in working the ball on Sunday. Moss completed with 51 yards on 19 carries. Taylor may pass over a number of video games, and the Colts will want to identify a working duel to offset the inconsistency of quarterback Gardner Minshew.
Accumulation up then the win: WR Alec Pierce. He stuck 3 balls for 100 yards and a landing. Pierce scored on a 36-yarder, beating two defenders i’m sick the center of the garden on a deep shot.
Accumulation i’m sick then the win: CB Jaylon Jones. The rookie had a coarse while in protection, getting beat by means of DeAndre Hopkins on a 3-yard landing cross that connect the sport and suffering all through. Jones, in step with NFL After Gen Stats, gave up 4 catches on 4 objectives. — Stephen Holder
After duel: at Bengals (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Titans
What was once the associated fee for the Titans’ loss? The Titans suffered their first house lack of the season, and it was once pricey. Defensive take on Jeffery Simmons, tight finish Josh Whyle and punter Ryan Stonehouse all suffered knee accidents. Derrick Henry was once dominated out and is in concussion protocol. Dropping 4 key avid gamers doesn’t bode smartly for a tricky after time table establishing with a street duel towards the Dolphins prior to house video games towards the Texans and Seahawks.
Accumulation up then the loss: Crimson zone protection. The Colts controlled to get the ball within the 10-yard series 4 occasions and Tennessee saved them from scoring touchdowns each and every week.
Accumulation i’m sick then the loss: Particular groups. Tennessee had two punts banned, one in every of which was once returned for a landing, and the Titans ignored an difference level aim that may have given them a govern with 5:25 left within the fourth quarter. — Turron Davenport
After duel: at Dolphins (Monday, Dec. 11, 8:15 p.m. ET)
0:54
Pierce’s 55-yard catch units up Pittman’s game-winning OT TD for Colts
Gardner Minshew connects deep to Alec Pierce and later throws the game-winning landing to Michael Pittman Jr.
Texans
Can the protection proceed to ascend as they produce a run to the playoffs? The Texans’ protection stored the while with 3 interceptions, capped by means of a Jimmie Ward‘s after all zone with 9 seconds left to conserve the win. Despite the fact that veteran Ward sealed it, a few of their more youthful avid gamers performed bulky roles. The 2022 Refuse. 3 general decide, cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., completed with two interceptions, and the 2023 Refuse. 3 decide, defensive finish Will Anderson Jr., had two sacks and two tackles for loss. The children are clicking on the proper week, and that may be the residue between making the playoffs or now not.
Accumulation up then the win: Stingley. He added two cross breakups to proceed at the side of his two interceptions and after all is clicking then lacking half of the season as a result of shock. Stingley now has interceptions in 3 immediately video games since returning and has 4 general.
Accumulation i’m sick then the win: 3rd-down offense. The Texans’ offense went 4-for-16 on 0.33 downs, which allowed the Broncos to hang out. — DJ Bien-Aime
After duel: at Jets (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Broncos
What does this loss ruthless for the Broncos’ playoff hopes? Then the comeback aim fell scale down when quarterback Russell Wilson threw an interception after all zone, the Broncos’ playoff hopes took a strike. They’re now 3-5 towards the AFC as they’re in the course of a crowded race for the wild-card spot. A win would have given the Broncos head-to-head wins over the Expenses, Browns and Texans, however Sunday’s loss now places the Texans able to be a bulky hurdle. The Broncos don’t essentially want to win out, however they’ll more than likely want some backup from alternative groups.
Accumulation up then the loss: WR Courtland Sutton. Let’s face it, his book has been up all season, however along with his 9th landing catch Sunday he has essentially the most landing receptions by means of a Broncos broad receiver since Eric Decker had 12 in 2014.
Accumulation i’m sick then the loss: Cross protection. The Broncos did proper the send some in the second one half of once they cranked up the cross scurry just a little, however Stroud had 27- and 52-yard completions in his first 4 cross makes an attempt on learn how to 153 yards passing (of his 274) within the opening quarter. — Jeff Legwold
After duel: at Chargers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
0:17
C.J. Stroud interacts with Nico Collins for a crimson zone TD
C.J. Stroud has plethora of week within the area as he dumps off a landing cross to Nico Collins, giving the Texans a 22-10 govern.
Falcons
What’s the then step for the offense? Atlanta had not up to 200 yards of offense (195) and averaged 3.1 yards according to play games then a 396-yard trip closing while. The Falcons’ offense has vacillated all through the 12 months, however the then step must be consistency. The wet statuses performed an element in nowadays’s duel, however for the Falcons to seal a playoff berth they’ll want extra offensively than they were given nowadays.
Accumulation up then the win: OLB Bud Dupree. The veteran had a stat-stuffing duel towards the Jets with seven tackles, two sacks, 3 tackles for loss and a pressured fumble — by means of a long way his maximum fruitful while of the season.
Accumulation i’m sick then the win: Within linebacker intensity. The Falcons had already positioned starter Troy Andersen on injured store previous this season and his substitute, Nate Landman, left Sunday’s duel with a knee shock, departure starter Kaden Elliss and Andre Smith Jr., who has bounced between the observe squad and energetic roster this season, because the staff’s primary linebackers. — Michael Rothstein
After duel: vs. Buccaneers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Jets
Does this loss put an finish to Aaron Rodgers‘ comeback bid? Rodgers mentioned it wouldn’t produce “a ton of sense” to go back from Achilles surgical operation to play games in a duel and not using a playoff implications. The unsightly loss to the Falcons — the Jets’ 5th immediately — didn’t mathematically get rid of them, nevertheless it undoubtedly felt find it irresistible. At 4-8, they’ve a microscopic anticipation for the postseason. The Jets are within the worst playground a staff may also be: Without a hope at quarterback. After while they might get started their fourth other quarterback, one thing they haven’t finished since 1989.
Accumulation up then the loss: WR Xavier Gipson. The rookie was once some of the few shining spots, completing with 5 catches for 77 yards — each profession highs. He introduced some power to the offense, now not that it ended in a lot at the scoreboard.
Accumulation i’m sick then the loss: QB Tim Boyle. The third-string journeyman was once changed by means of Trevor Siemian early within the fourth quarter then an unsightly interception on a deep ball to Garrett Wilson. In two begins (18 drives), Boyle led the offense to just one landing. — Affluent prosperous Cimini
After duel: vs. Texans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Lions
Are the Lions’ in-game lapses a reason for fear? Detroit jumped out to a 21-0 govern however allowed the Saints to get inside of a ranking in the second one half of. The Lions have gained 3 in their closing 4 video games, but in addition blew an early govern towards the Los Angeles Chargers in Future 10 and haven’t been in a position to persistently maintain leads over this four-game stretch. Their function is to be enjoying their best possible soccer in December, according to head schoolteacher Dan Campbell, however they nonetheless have paintings to do.
Accumulation up then the win: TE Sam LaPorta. Refuse level seems to be too bulky for the rookie tight finish then every other standout efficiency. He completed with a team-high 9 catches for 140 yards and a landing and now has seven video games with a minimum of 5 or extra receptions, which is connect for the second-most by means of a rookie tight lead to NFL historical past.
Accumulation i’m sick then the win: Protection. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn mentioned he would cope with probably the most unit’s contemporary struggles, which incorporated getting extra drive off the brink and proscribing explosive performs within the secondary. However on Sunday, they gave up 113 yards and 3 touchdowns at the farmland age permitting 267 passing yards to 3 other quarterbacks in Derek Carr, Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston. — Eric Woodyard
After duel: at Bears (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Saints
Will the Saints must produce a quarterback trade then while? Derek Carr has now left 3 video games because of accidents and was once indexed as being within the concussion protocol along with a shoulder shock Sunday, two problems he’s already had this season. Carr was once in concussion protocol in Future 10. Saints schoolteacher Dennis Allen has repeated that Carr is their establishing quarterback, however they may not have a decision on going with Jameis Winston then while if Carr’s accidents will conserve him out for a longer length.
Accumulation up then the loss: WR Chris Olave. Olave returned only one while then departure a duel with a concussion and had an impressive moment half of, hitting the 100-yard receiving mark (119 yards on 5 catches) for the second one immediately duel.
Accumulation i’m sick then the loss: Carr. Carr finished 15 immediately passes in the second one half of prior to departure with an shock, however he was once booed by means of Saints lovers and had every other gradual get started (2-of-7 with an interception) that in the long run proved extra for the staff to conquer in a loss. — Katherine Terrell
After duel: vs. Panthers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
0:16
Alvin Kamara units Saints franchise report with speeding TD
Alvin Kamara passes Mark Ingram for essentially the most touchdowns in Saints historical past with a speeding ranking within the fourth quarter.
Chargers
Is there reason why to be occupied with the offense? Protection have been the defect for the Chargers for many of this season, however in contemporary weeks, the paradigm has shifted. Now, scoring issues has been this staff’s largest factor. The Chargers scored 10 issues in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens closing while and 20 a while prior towards the Packers prior to scoring six on Sunday towards Unused England. There was blame to proceed round, from shaky offensive series coverage to questionable play games yelps by means of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
Accumulation up then the win: LB Khalil Mack. He had two sacks for the 0.33 immediately duel, giving him 15 at the season to fasten his profession imposing. Mack is a half-sack clear of 100 for his profession; he’d transform the 7th energetic participant to succeed in that mark.
Accumulation i’m sick then the win: The pass-catchers. The Chargers had 5 drops by means of 5 other receivers Sunday, two weeks then having six drops in a loss to the Packers in Future 11. — Kris Rhim
After duel: vs. Broncos (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Patriots
When will the Patriots ranking once more? This marks the primary week in franchise historical past the Patriots have been close out in more than one house video games in a season (they misplaced 34-0 to the Saints in Future 5). They have been close out in a single house duel from 1994 to 2022 (the primary 29 seasons of Robert Kraft’s possession). It’s additionally the primary week since 1993 they didn’t ranking a first-half level in back-to-back video games, and the primary week they’ve been close out more than one occasions in a season since 1992 (once they have been blanked 3 times).
Accumulation up then the loss: DT Davon Godchaux. Heavy defensive tackles don’t generally garner a lot of the highlight, however they’re generally on the center of the run protection, which was once finest, because the Patriots restricted the Chargers to 29 yards on 24 carries.
Accumulation i’m sick then the loss: Trent Brown/Mike Onwenu. The offensive tackles have been overwhelmed for sacks on back-to-back performs, which mirrored the Patriots’ general struggles in cross coverage Sunday. — Mike Reiss
After duel: at Steelers (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Dolphins
What are the choices at linebacker if Jerome Baker‘s knee shock is severe? Miami’s establishing center linebacker left Sunday’s duel with a knee shock and was once briefly taken to the store room and dominated out. In his stead, Duke Riley performed 57% of the staff’s defensive snaps and completed with a team-high six tackles. The veteran linebacker can defend sideline to sideline and will have to see an greater position If Baker misses week. Andrew Van Ginkel may additionally slide to center linebacker because the Dolphins develop at ease blending contemporary signee Jason Pierre-Paul into the rotation. It’s doubtlessly every other primary strike to a linebacker corps that simply misplaced Jaelan Phillips for the season closing while.
Accumulation up then the win: WR Tyreek Hill. He had landing catches of 78 and 60 yards within the first half of and completed with 157 yards on 5 receptions.
Accumulation i’m sick then the win: LT Terron Armstead. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was once now not sacked, so this has negligible to do with Armstead’s play games and extra to do with the truth that he left the sport with an shock for the second one immediately while. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
After duel: vs. Titans (Monday, Dec. 11, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Commanders
Has Sam Howell taken a step again? The Commanders have confronted groups with explosive offenses and excellent defenses within the era two video games — Dallas and Miami — and it has impacted Howell. He has thrown a pick-six in 3 consecutive video games and tossed one landing to 5 interceptions in that week. It’s now not all his fault, however the passing duel has now not labored. The receivers and series have struggled. But when Howell doesn’t end robust, whoever coaches right here then 12 months has a call to produce.
Accumulation up then the loss: WR Curtis Samuel. It’s tricky to pick out somebody out then every other blowout loss, however Samuel stuck 4 passes for 65 yards, together with a 33-yarder on a wheel course through which he fooled the linebacker with a double journey.
Accumulation i’m sick then the loss: Schoolteacher Ron Rivera. He took over because the defensive playcaller this while, nevertheless it didn’t produce a residue, as Miami scored 24 issues and registered 247 yards of offense within the first half of. At 4-9 and having misplaced 9 of the era 11 video games, Rivera’s week in Washington is coming to a alike. — John Keim
After duel: at Rams (Sunday, Dec. 17, 4:05 p.m. ET)
0:24
De’Von Achane rushes in for second TD of the sport
De’Von Achane ratings his moment speeding landing of the second one half of towards the Commanders.
Thursday
Cowboys
Are the Cowboys in a position for his or her rematch with the Eagles then while? They’ve now not misplaced since strolling out of Lincoln Monetary Farmland on Nov. 5 with a 28-23 defeat. They left that duel with some self belief and feature gained 4 immediately. Schoolteacher Mike McCarthy thinks beating Seattle then falling in the back of at house for the primary week this season will probably be a receive advantages, pronouncing: “We’re where we need to be right now.”
Accumulation up then the win: TE Jake Ferguson. The second one-year participant has stepped into the position prior to now engaged by means of Jason Witten and Dalton Schultz as Dak Prescott‘s supremacy tight finish goal. He stuck six passes for 77 yards and the game-winning landing with 4:37 to play games. When Prescott wishes a bulky play games, he isn’t afraid to proceed to Ferguson.
Accumulation i’m sick then the win: The third-down protection. The Cowboys allowed the Seahawks to transform 9 of 14 third-down makes an attempt, essentially the most this season. That’s then permitting seven third-down conversions on Thanksgiving towards Washington. In addition they didn’t sign in a sack towards Geno Smith. If there’s a shining spot, Seattle was once 0-for-3 on fourth i’m sick. — Todd Archer
After duel: vs. Eagles (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Seahawks
Is the Seahawks’ offense mounted? Geno Smith & Co. were given out in their funk in a bulky approach thank you in massive phase to an emphasis on getting the ball out briefly. Smith’s moderate week prior to throws was once 2.54 seconds, significantly quicker than his 2.91-second moderate in Weeks 1-12. He wasn’t sacked and threw for 334 yards. Seattle went 9-of-14 on 0.33 i’m sick. Their run duel is lacking Kenneth Walker III, however sooner throws seems to be an efficient template for his or her passing duel in the future.
Accumulation up then the loss: WR DK Metcalf. In most likely the most efficient duel of his profession, Metcalf stuck six of 8 objectives for 134 yards and 3 touchdowns, homogeneous the collection of ratings he had this season coming into Thursday night time.
Accumulation i’m sick then the loss: The protection at each and every degree. Some questionable consequences have been an element, however Seattle allowed 411 general yards and gave up ratings on 8 of Dallas’ 9 possessions prior to the general kneel-downs. — Brady Henderson
After duel: at 49ers (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
