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Welcome to Week 11 of the 2022 NFL season, per week that noticed an electrifying end to a New England Patriots–New York Jets sport that was lower than electrical for greater than 59 minutes.
The Patriots beat the Jets for a 14th consecutive time with a last-minute punt return whereas New York’s different workforce, the Giants, had been toppled by the all of a sudden sizzling Detroit Lions. The Philadelphia Eagles barely prevented the upset bug in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts whereas the Buffalo Payments ousted the Cleveland Browns in a house sport … in Detroit.
The Tennessee Titans kicked off Week 11 by defeating the Inexperienced Bay Packers at Lambeau Subject on Thursday evening.
The Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars are on a bye this week and can return to motion in Week 12.
Our NFL Nation reporters react with the most important takeaways and lingering questions off this week’s matchups and stay up for what’s subsequent. Video games are Sunday until famous. Let’s get to it.
Leap to a matchup:
TEN-GB | CHI-ATL | CLE-BUF
PHI-IND | NYJ-NE | LAR-NO
DET-NYG | CAR-BAL | WSH-HOU
Saints
What to know: The Saints determined to stay with Andy Dalton at quarterback this week after contemplating going again to Jameis Winston. Dalton responded with a three-touchdown sport, so he’ll preserve the beginning job — for now. He was helped by rookie Chris Olave, who had greater than 100 receiving yards, together with a 53-yard bomb from Dalton. Dalton wasn’t good and took too many sacks behind a patchwork offensive line however had a career-high passer score of 149.6. It was actually a rebound efficiency from the place the Saints have been the previous couple of weeks. The Saints will doubtless proceed to judge quarterback on a week-by-week foundation.
Do the Saints proceed their utilization of Taysom Hill? The Saints introduced in Hill as a quarterback greater than they’ve all season, rotating Dalton and Hill forwards and backwards by the play at instances in a type of a two-quarterback system. The Saints have been erratic with their utilization of Hill this season, generally counting on him closely and barely utilizing him at others (he had 4 speeding makes an attempt for 7 yards the final two video games). Hill tried three passes and ran the ball 9 instances for 52 yards in opposition to the Rams. Hill has had a minimum of 50 speeding yards in a sport 4 instances this season — and the Saints have received all 4 of these video games. — Katherine Terrell
Subsequent sport: at 49ers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Rams
What to know: The Rams’ season is all however over. Within the week main as much as this sport in opposition to the Saints, defensive coordinator Raheem Morris made it clear that the Rams had been operating out of time to show this season round. The loss to the Saints that dropped Los Angeles to 3-7. It could not have eradicated the Rams from playoff competition mathematically, however it will take an unimaginable comeback for this workforce to make the postseason. And that is not even bearing in mind quarterback Matthew Stafford‘s availability. Stafford, who simply cleared the concussion protocol Friday, was taken to the locker room within the second half and evaluated once more for a concussion.
Can the Rams’ operating sport maintain their Week 11 success? The Rams have struggled to maneuver the ball constantly on the bottom, however the operating sport grew to become much more vital Sunday with out vast receiver Cooper Kupp, particularly after Stafford left the sport. The Rams, who entered the sport averaging 68.1 speeding yards per sport, compiled 148 speeding yards on 30 carries. The Rams had been led by Cam Akers, with 14 carries for 61 yards, and if he can proceed to maneuver the ball properly on the bottom, that may give the passing sport some much-needed assist. — Sarah Barshop
Subsequent sport: at Chiefs (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Eagles
What to know: The lack of tight finish Dallas Goedert may be even greater than we thought. Apart from a late game-saving surge, Jalen Hurts and the offense struggled to get a lot happening offense within the absence of Goedert, who injured his shoulder in opposition to the Commanders and can miss a minimum of the subsequent three video games. The 2 tight ends who performed the vast majority of the snaps in his place — Jack Stoll and Grant Calcaterra — every had a drive-stalling penalty and mixed for one catch on 7 yards. The run blocking took a success in his absence, too. Hurts discovered a method to get it completed, speeding for the go-ahead TD late, however there is not any doubt his job acquired harder with out Goedert.
Has the frenzy protection discovered some solutions? It did not look good early, with Jonathan Taylor rumbling for 49 yards and a landing on the opening possession, however the protection settled in from there, holding Taylor to only 35 yards the remainder of the best way. Newly-signed defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Linval Joseph performed vital snaps. Joseph, particularly, appeared to make an influence on the bottom and even mixed with Suh for a sack. It was a good bounce-back effort after being gashed by the run every of the final two weeks. — Tim McManus
Subsequent sport: vs. Packers (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Colts
What to know: The Colts’ protection continues to be underrated. The Colts restricted the Eagles to 315 yards, properly beneath their season common of 376.9 yards. The Eagles additionally struggled to transform 40% of their third downs, an space the place they rank fourth within the league. The Colts have been within the high 10 in defensive anticipated factors added for a lot of the season, getting into Week 11 ranked tenth leaguewide (13.21). The issue on Sunday, because it has been all season, is an offense that can’t produce sufficient factors for the protection’s efforts to matter.
Is the offense making tangible progress? Some. We’re seeing higher manufacturing within the operating sport and the Colts have actually reduce on the turnovers. However the Colts are nonetheless struggling the place it issues most: Indianapolis entered the sport averaging 15.7 factors per sport and completed this one proper on common regardless of having so many prime alternatives to attain. The Colts settled for discipline objectives all through this sport due to most of the identical errors they’ve made all season. Adverse performs and ill-timed penalties had been killers, and the Colts aren’t adequate offensively to beat them. — Stephen Holder
Subsequent sport: vs. Steelers (Monday, Nov. 28, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Ravens
What to know: The Ravens protection all of a sudden seems extra championship-caliber than Lamar Jackson and the offense. After a shaky begin to the season, the Baltimore protection is beginning to hit its stride. The Ravens shut down Baker Mayfield and did not permit an offensive landing for the primary time for the reason that 2020 regular-season finale. Actually, Baltimore has solely given up one offensive landing prior to now two video games. The Ravens protection put the sport away within the fourth quarter, forcing the primary of three turnovers when cornerback Marcus Peters induced a fumble deep in Carolina territory to arrange the Ravens’ solely landing. It marked the twelfth straight sport through which Baltimore has produced a takeaway, the longest lively streak within the league.
How a lot time will left sort out Ronnie Stanley miss with an ankle damage? Stanley is without doubt one of the few Ravens gamers not named Lamar Jackson that they will afford to lose for a major interval. The previous first-team All-Professional limped off the sphere with 4 minutes left within the third quarter after a sacked Jackson rolled into the again of Stanley’s left ankle. This is similar ankle that Stanley broke in 2020 and wanted two years to recuperate from. Patrick Mekari, who began two video games at left sort out earlier this yr, will substitute Stanley, however he is not the identical caliber of blocker. Jackson and the Baltimore offense is at its greatest when the offensive line is dominating up entrance. This could possibly be a troublesome blow if Stanley’s damage is critical. — Jamison Hensley
Subsequent sport: at Jaguars (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Panthers
What to know: Overlook the ultimate rating. Interim coach Steve Wilks ought to be the front-runner for the full-time job until proprietor David Tepper is ready on hiring an offensive specialist. The job his protection did on quarterback Lamar Jackson and a Ravens workforce favored by 12.5 factors exhibits the affect of Wilks, a defensive specialist. The upset was in play till vast receiver Shi Smith fumbled on the Carolina 31 halfway via the fourth quarter to arrange Baltimore’s solely landing. Give Wilks time to construct offensively round a franchise quarterback and there’s a likelihood for a fast turnaround. The 2 instances Carolina reached the Tremendous Bowl (2003, 2015) got here just a few years after possession employed defensive-minded coaches in John Fox (2002) and Ron Rivera (2011).
Did Baker Mayfield do sufficient to earn one other begin subsequent week? Probably not. Mayfield did not make any massive errors till a late interception, which was problem No. 1 for the day. He additionally did not do something particular (21-of-33 passing, 196 yards, two interceptions) to recommend, with a 3-8 file, the Panthers should not have a look at Sam Darnold subsequent week in opposition to Denver. Carolina needs to see what Darnold can do in case it decides he may assist convey alongside a rookie quarterback in 2023. Dealing with a Denver workforce that has struggled offensively could be the proper time to do that and provides the employees time to judge after their bye the next week. There is no different method to put this, however the gamble on Mayfield has been a failure for him and the group. — David Newton
Subsequent sport: vs. Broncos (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Lions
What to know: After a 1-6 begin, the Lions have received three video games in a row, transferring into second place within the NFC North and on the perimeter of the playoff hunt. Yeah, you learn that proper. The three-game win streak hasn’t occurred since 2017, after they put collectively a powerful three-game stretch throughout Weeks Sep 11. The Lions have additionally scored a minimum of 24 factors in seven of their 10 video games this season, and so they did it with a powerful speeding assault in opposition to the Giants.
How does the emergence of operating again Jamaal Williams have an effect on D’Andre Swift going ahead? After reaching the tip zone thrice in opposition to the Giants, Williams has formally taken over the NFL’s high spot for essentially the most whole speeding touchdowns with 12 on the season. Though Swift is essentially the most thrilling offensive risk — when wholesome — Williams has confirmed to be essentially the most reliable. So, do not anticipate the touches to extend for Williams or dip for Swift, who additionally scored a landing in opposition to the Giants. The state of affairs will stay the identical as they have been via Week 11, with Williams being featured because the lead again as Swift continues to push via his nagging shoulder and ankle damage. — Eric Woodyard
Subsequent sport: vs. Payments (Thursday, 12:30 p.m. ET)
Giants
What to know: This was the sloppiness the Giants — and quarterback Daniel Jones – prevented of their first 9 video games. They performed poorly, turned it over and could not run, which is one thing operating again Saquon Barkley had been capable of overcome this season with the roster’s total lack of expertise/depth. Jones had gone 153 move makes an attempt and six-plus video games with out an interception. He threw two in a blowout loss at residence in a winnable sport in opposition to a shedding workforce. The Giants’ beat-up protection additionally could not preserve Jamaal Williams (three speeding TDs) and Detroit out of the tip zone.
How massive of a blow is that this to their playoff dream? This was a disappointing loss, particularly contemplating the best way the Giants performed and the accidents. CBs Adoree’ Jackson (knee) and Fabian Moreau (ribs), WR Wan’Dale Robinson (knee), C Jon Feliciano (neck), RT Tyre Phillips (neck) and S Jason Pinnock (jaw) all left the sport early. Now, they’ve to show round and play in 4 days on Thanksgiving in Dallas. Nonetheless, they’re 7-3. That’s not unhealthy, contemplating preseason expectations. The schedule will get harder, however New York nonetheless has winnable video games remaining. They actually solely want two or three extra wins to make the postseason. That is nonetheless attainable. — Jordan Raanan
Subsequent sport: at Cowboys (Thursday, 4:30 p.m. ET)
Payments
What to know: After weeks of Payments coach Sean McDermott acknowledging the offense ought to be extra balanced, the offense truly was balanced Sunday (32 operating performs to 27 passing makes an attempt), permitting them to place away the Browns — one thing they weren’t capable of do in shedding their previous two video games. Whereas the Cleveland run protection has struggled this season, rookie James Prepare dinner completed with a career-high 86 yards on 11 carries and Devin Singletary has three speeding touchdowns within the final two video games. The success on the bottom went a good distance within the win, with greater than 100 speeding yards coming within the second half.
Are Josh Allen‘s first-half accuracy points a priority going ahead? Sure, there is not any approach round it. Allen performed higher late within the sport, starting with a 11-play landing drive on the finish of the primary half. However he began the sport with a few of his worst soccer of the season, beginning 4-of-10 for 27 yards — searching of sync and inaccurate. Receiver Stefon Diggs did not have a goal till his landing catch on the finish of the primary half regardless of being vast open on a number of performs. The Payments and Allen have stated his proper elbow damage will not be impacting his play. Both approach, the offense should discover a method to get in sync faster and extra constantly. — Alaina Getzenberg
Subsequent sport: at Lions (Thursday, 12:30 p.m. ET)
Browns
What to know: The Browns principally dominated the primary half. At one level, that they had virtually as many first downs (10) as Buffalo had whole yards (12). Ultimately, it nonetheless did not matter. The Payments clawed again to guide on the half, then cruised via the second half. The Browns could not cease the run but once more (Buffalo rushed for 169 yards) whereas their particular groups stay an entire fiasco. The fading Browns now have only one win since Sept. 22.
What’s occurred to Nick Chubb and Cleveland’s vaunted floor sport? Save for a meaningless late 33-yard TD final weekend in Miami, Chubb has simply 49 yards on 24 carries his final two video games. He’s constantly going through a loaded field. And the Browns have been unable to constantly capitalize via the air. The outcome has been convincing back-to-back losses. — Jake Trotter
Subsequent sport: vs. Buccaneers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Commanders
What to know: Washington’s defensive position has turn into what the workforce hoped: one of many NFL’s greatest. It is a massive cause why they’ve received 5 of their final six video games. The Commanders’ entrance utilized constant stress on quarterback Davis Mills, sacking him 5 instances. Additionally they helped maintain operating again Dameon Pierce to eight yards on 10 carries, by far his worst displaying of the season. The entrance has labored much more in unison this season than in 2021, making a distinction on stunts. Defensive tackles Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen have shaped among the best inside tandems within the league. The Commanders have depth — and nonetheless do not have finish Chase Younger on the sphere.
Simply how good are the Commanders? After wanting unhealthy within the first 5 video games, they’ve turn into a authentic playoff risk. The Commanders have now received 5 of their final six video games, enjoying a lot smarter and extra disciplined soccer with a give attention to the run sport and protection. On this stretch, Washington is plus-7 in turnover margin. And, after committing a mixed 39 penalties in a single four-game stretch, they’ve dedicated a mixed 18 within the final 4. In a convention stuffed with parity, that is all it takes. They might get to 7-5 by beating Atlanta at residence this week, organising two consecutive video games in opposition to the Giants, separated by a bye week. December could possibly be enjoyable for the Commanders. — John Keim
Subsequent sport: vs. Falcons (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Texans
What to know: The Texans’ offense is damaged. The unit hasn’t proven to produce other choices when rookie operating again Dameon Pierce is not producing. Pierce completed with solely 8 speeding yards, and the Texans struggled. They could not lean on their passing assault, as quarterback Davis Mills completed with 169 yards. Mills’ second move of the sport was intercepted and returned for a landing by cornerback Kendall Fuller, and people offensive woes carried via the remainder of the primary half, because the Texans solely had one first down and nil factors with a complete of 21 yards — a season low. The tip of the sport wasn’t a lot better as they completed with 10 factors and a complete of 148 yards.
Is it time to bench Mills? Sunday’s loss in opposition to the Commanders was Mills’ worst sport of the yr, as he registered a passer score of 46.2, his lowest of the season. The previous third-round choose was sacked 5 instances, however a pair had been as a result of Mills held the ball too lengthy. The common time to sack was 4.85 seconds, in line with Subsequent Gen Stats. He threw two interceptions on the day additionally. The Texans might need to rethink their beginning quarterback transferring ahead. — DJ Bien-Aime
Subsequent sport: at Dolphins (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Falcons
What to know: After two video games when the Falcons could not get a lot happening offense, quarterback Marcus Mariota managed the offense with ease and moved the ball properly, gaining 28 yards with a speeding landing and 131 passing yards, together with a 2-yard landing move to receiver Drake London. After per week when Mariota and the offense confronted a number of questions, it was a efficiency Atlanta wanted to each discover some rhythm and in addition preserve tempo within the NFC South. It was an environment friendly day for the Falcons, who averaged 5.7 yards per play and had 30 rushes and 20 passes earlier than kneel downs.
How do the Falcons substitute Kyle Pitts if he is out for any size of time? We do not know a lot but about Pitts’ proper knee damage after he left within the third quarter following a success from Eddie Jackson simply above the knee. Whereas Pitts hasn’t had the best yr, the eye paid to him has been important for Atlanta. Changing him would doubtless be a mix of Parker Hesse, Anthony Firkser and MyCole Pruitt to begin. Maybe Feleipe Franks may see extra time if he returns from a calf damage. But when Pitts is out for any time period, it will be a blow to a Falcons offense that depends on the eye he attracts and the blocking he gives as a dual-purpose tight finish. — Michael Rothstein
Subsequent sport: at Commanders (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Bears
What to know: The Bears’ offense fell again to earth. Chicago had a first-rate alternative to flip the script on its incapacity to win shut video games, trailing 27-24 with 1:47 left and the ball at their very own 25. However quarterback Justin Fields was intercepted on a move thrown too excessive to operating again David Montgomery, who tipped the ball into the grip of security Jaylinn Hawkins, sealing the sport. There have been back-to-back quarterback runs earlier than the choose when Fields was clearly feeling discomfort and gained simply 5 yards. Regardless of scoring a minimum of 24 factors of their final 4 video games, the end result has been the identical every time.
Is all of the operating taking a toll on Fields? There have been moments within the second half when Fields was seen stretching out a hamstring and appeared like he was enjoying via ache. This got here after he ran 14 instances within the first half, essentially the most rushes by a quarterback in a primary half since a minimum of 2000. He completed with a team-high 18 carries for 85 yards and a TD. He was additionally sacked 4 instances. The Bears want to search out methods to protect Fields, whose left shoulder was being examined after the sport. — Courtney Cronin
Subsequent sport: at Jets (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Patriots
What to know: The protection and particular groups led the best way, which is the best way it should be for the Patriots to have any hope in a crowded AFC. Marcus Jones‘ electrifying 84-yard punt return for a landing with 5 seconds remaining in regulation was the distinction in a defensive slugfest. This is without doubt one of the causes the Patriots chosen Jones within the third spherical of the draft out of the College of Houston; he is an electrifying punt returner. On a windy day through which constant offense was exhausting to come back by, it was the play of the day.
With such a battle for the passing offense, is there any hope for a turnaround? Quarterback Mac Jones performed turnover-free soccer, which was one of the notable positives of the day for the workforce. Additionally, RBs Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson had been efficient. However all the pieces within the passing sport appears so exhausting for the Patriots, which stays a priority coming off their bye. And now they’ve a fast turnaround with a Thanksgiving evening sport on the Vikings. — Mike Reiss
Subsequent sport: at Vikings (Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Jets
What to know: The Jets might by no means beat the Patriots. No, critically. They performed a near-flawless defensive sport, however choked it away by permitting an 84-yard punt return for a landing by Marcus Jones with 5 seconds left — the primary punt-return TD this season within the NFL. It was the Jets’ 14th straight loss to the Patriots and it value them a shot at first place within the AFC East. Now they’re in final place. This may occasionally have been essentially the most gut-wrenching of all their losses to the Patriots, who at all times discover a method to one-up the Jets. In the event that they miss the playoffs, this would be the play that haunts them for years.
What occurred to Zach Wilson? Wilson, coming off his greatest sport of the season (a win over the Payments), was fully outplayed by Mac Jones. Rattled by the Patriots’ robust protection, and maybe the windy circumstances, Wilson missed too many open receivers and took 4 sacks. He accomplished solely 9 of twenty-two passes for 77 yards. You’ll be able to’t win within the NFL with six first downs and 103 whole yards. Wilson, who poked critics final week by saying nobody exterior the Jets’ constructing is aware of what they’re speaking about, has to lift his play or else the Jets will fade away regardless of an elite protection. — Wealthy Cimini
Subsequent sport: vs. Bears (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Titans
What to know: The Titans have discovered stability on offense. Operating again Dontrell Hilliard continues to be a matchup nightmare and now has 4 receiving touchdowns this season. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill completed the day with 333 passing yards and two landing passes, posting his greatest efficiency of the yr. Rookie Treylon Burks had a profession day, and his 51-yard catch put away the sport. Groups will proceed to give attention to stopping operating again Derrick Henry, however the Titans confirmed that devoting many of the sources to cease the speeding assault will come at a value.
Can the move sport proceed to have an effect on the offense? After going the primary eight video games with out having a 100-yard receiving efficiency, the Titans have now posted two in a row. This week it was Burks, who was focused eight instances and caught seven passes for 111 yards. Robert Woods‘ timing with Tannehill resulted in six receptions for 69 yards — with three of them leading to a primary down. Tight finish Chigoziem Okonkwo‘s 31-yard reception boosted his 20.1 yards per catch common, and fellow tight finish Austin Hooper had two landing receptions. If Tennessee can proceed this momentum, it will be a troublesome workforce to cease. — Turron Davenport
Subsequent sport: vs. Bengals (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Packers
What to know: Now we all know: Final week’s win over the Cowboys was the exception. An outlier. If it was something different, the Packers wouldn’t have bombed out in opposition to the Titans. Had they misplaced in aggressive vogue, it will be attainable to say in any other case. However Packers receiver Randall Cobb put this season into perspective when he stated, “You lose one other one, and also you may as properly say we’re in all probability out [of the playoffs].” Which may not mathematically get rid of them, but it surely may break no matter spirit that they had left.
When will it’s time to play backup QB Jordan Love? It isn’t now, in line with coach Matt LaFleur. “You guys know the way my mindset is,” he stated. “It is on daily basis, and it is one sport and that is the mentality. I’ve a tough time simply processing that every other approach.” In fact, LaFleur has by no means been on this place. In his first three seasons, his hardest name late within the season was whether or not to relaxation starters for the playoffs, to not discover out what younger gamers can do. However in some unspecified time in the future, if the Packers are eradicated from postseason competition earlier than the regular-season finale, it is one thing he’ll have to contemplate. — Rob Demovsky
Subsequent sport: at Eagles (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
