The Write Zone

Let’s see; the Bills were overthrown, the Panthers beat the Cowboys last second, and Chargers had another narrow escape. Just that should make this week exciting, but the other games were equally thrilling in their own ways.

Denver Broncos 13 – 11 New York Jets

The Denver Broncos narrowly defeated the New York Jets 13–11 in a tense, defensive showdown. Both teams struggled to find offensive rhythm early, with multiple stalled drives and punts. The Broncos’ defense was especially impressive, limiting the Jets’ star receivers and forcing a critical turnover in the fourth quarter. Quarterback play was steady but unspectacular, as Denver leaned on a mix of short passes and methodical runs. A late field goal from the Broncos’ kicker ultimately decided the game, securing a hard-fought victory that will give the team confidence heading into tougher matchups.

Arizona Cardinals 27 – 31 Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts managed a 31–27 win over the Arizona Cardinals in a game that featured multiple lead changes and momentum swings. Arizona’s offense showed flashes of brilliance, with their quarterback connecting on several deep passes, but turnovers at crucial moments prevented them from taking control. The Colts executed perfectly in the closing minutes, driving downfield with a mix of precision passing and timely rushing plays. A touchdown pass in the final minute secured the win and kept Indianapolis in playoff contention, while the Cardinals will be left to ponder what could have been in a game they nearly stole.

New England Patriots 25 – 19 New Orleans Saints

The New England Patriots earned a hard-fought 25–19 victory over the New Orleans Saints, exploiting defensive lapses and capitalizing on turnovers. New England’s offense maintained balance, mixing short passes, deep throws, and a consistent running game to keep the Saints’ defense guessing. New Orleans moved the ball effectively at times but struggled in the red zone, failing to convert key third downs. The Patriots’ defense was opportunistic, forcing critical stops that allowed their offense to control the clock and maintain a lead throughout the second half.

Los Angeles Rams 17 – 3 Baltimore Ravens

The Rams blew out the Ravens 17–3 in a game defined by defensive excellence. The Rams defense held strong against Cooper Rush as he tried to play as well as Lamar Jackson- shocker, it failed. The Rams were explosive, and proved that they are a danger to the NFL, with both their passing and rushing plays effective and game changing.

Cleveland Browns 9 – 23 Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Cleveland Browns 23–9 behind a combination of strong defense and steady offensive play. The Steelers’ defensive line disrupted Cleveland’s running game and pressured the quarterback, leading to several key turnovers. Offensively, Pittsburgh was efficient, relying on short passes, safe runs, and a reliable kicking game to build a lead that the Browns could not overcome. Despite a few sparks of life from Cleveland, they struggled to sustain drives, and the Steelers maintained control throughout, earning a convincing win on their home turf.

Seattle Seahawks 20 – 12 Jacksonville Jaguars

The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 20–12 in a game defined by strong defensive play and controlled offensive execution. Seattle’s running game dominated time of possession, keeping the Jaguars’ high-powered offense off the field. The Seahawks’ secondary made crucial stops and forced turnovers at critical moments, allowing their offense to convert opportunities into points. Jacksonville fought hard but could not sustain momentum, and Seattle’s disciplined approach in the second half ultimately secured the victory.

Los Angeles Chargers 29 – 27 Miami Dolphins

The Los Angeles Chargers edged out the Miami Dolphins 29–27 in a thriller that had fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. Both teams traded scores throughout the game, with impressive plays from Miami’s rushing attack and explosive passing from the Chargers. In the final minutes, Los Angeles executed a perfectly timed drive, capped by a touchdown and a clutch field goal to seal the win. Miami’s late attempts to respond fell just short, making this one of the most entertaining games of the week.

Dallas Cowboys 27 – 30 Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers stunned the Dallas Cowboys 30–27 in a back-and-forth matchup that came down to the final possession. Dallas led at several points, but Carolina’s quarterback orchestrated a late fourth-quarter drive, converting critical third downs to set up the game-winning score. The Cowboys had opportunities to respond, including a final drive in the last minute, but Carolina’s defense held firm. The win was a statement for the Panthers, proving they can compete with elite teams even on the road.

Tennessee Titans 10 – 20 Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders dominated the Tennessee Titans 20–10 with a combination of aggressive defense and efficient offense. The Raiders pressured the Titans’ quarterback consistently, forcing hurried throws and disrupting their rhythm. Offensively, Las Vegas executed sustained drives with smart passing and timely runs, building a lead that Tennessee could not overcome. The Titans showed glimpses of competitiveness, but turnovers and missed opportunities kept them from closing the gap, resulting in a decisive Raiders win.

San Francisco 49ers 19 – 30 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 30–19 in a game that showcased their explosive offense. Tampa Bay accumulated 594 total yards, moving the ball efficiently both on the ground and through the air. The 49ers kept it close in the first half, but Tampa Bay pulled away in the second half with big plays and sustained drives. San Francisco struggled to slow down the Buccaneers’ offense and was unable to generate enough scoring opportunities to mount a comeback, leading to a convincing win for Tampa Bay.

Cincinnati Bengals 18 – 27 Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 27–18 behind a strong all-around performance. Rookie Matthew Golden emerged as a star, recording 86 receiving yards and providing key first-down conversions. Green Bay’s defense limited the Bengals’ big plays, forcing them into difficult third-down situations. Cincinnati’s offense had moments of brilliance but was inconsistent, and the Packers capitalized on turnovers and sustained drives to secure a comfortable home victory.

Detroit Lions 17 – 30 Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs cruised past the Detroit Lions 30–17, with Patrick Mahomes throwing four touchdown passes in a near-perfect offensive performance. The Chiefs executed at a high level, minimizing penalties and turnovers while controlling the tempo of the game. Detroit’s defense struggled to contain Kansas City’s speed and playmaking ability, and despite a few late scores, the Lions were never able to threaten the outcome. The win reinforced the Chiefs’ status as one of the league’s most dominant teams.

Buffalo Bills 14 – 24 Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons secured a 24–14 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football. Bijan Robinson had a standout performance, rushing for 170 yards and a touchdown, while the Falcons’ defense made key plays, including a pivotal interception by DeAngelo Malone. Atlanta maintained control throughout the second half, converting scoring opportunities and limiting the Bills’ ability to respond. Buffalo showed flashes of their explosive offense, but mistakes at critical moments prevented them from closing the gap.

Chicago Bears 25 – 24 Washington Commanders

The Chicago Bears narrowly defeated the Washington Commanders 25–24 in a thrilling finish. New kicker Jake Moody delivered the game-winning field goal after a late turnover gave the Bears a final opportunity. The game was back-and-forth, with momentum swinging multiple times. Washington mounted several late drives to retake the lead, but Chicago’s defense held firm in the final moments, giving the Bears a dramatic and morale-boosting victory.

See you at the next snap,

Tatum