1 (1) Houston Texans (9-1) - The Texans are now 9-1 after a fortunate victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags pushed the Texans all the way but in the end Houston managed to find a way to get the win. A defeat looked on the cards until Garrett Graham caught touchdown passes with 5:39 and 1:34 left in the fourth quarter. After the teams shared field goals in overtime, Andre Johnson sealed the win for the Texans with a great catch and run into the end zone with just over two minutes left in the game. Matt Schaub had a huge game, throwing for 527 yards, 5 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. His leading receiver was Andre Johnston who caught 14 passes for 273 yards and a touchdown. Arian Foster was restricted to just 77 yards from 28 carries.
2 (2) Atlanta Falcons (9-1) - The Falcons have some how made it to 9-1 after Matt Ryan done everything he could to try and cost his side the game. Ryan threw 5 interceptions on Sunday but the Falcons were able to get out of the hole and squeezed home by a four point margin. Ryan threw for 301 yards but it was the 5 interceptions that will be the cause for concern. Roddy White was the leading receiver, catching 8 passes for 123 yards. Michael Turner had a disappointing game running for 46 yards from 15 carries but he did score the game winning touchdown with 6:40 left in the game.
3 (4) New England Patriots (7-3) - The Patriots picked up their fourth win in a row with a dominant victory over the Indianapolis Colts. The Pats are now 7-3 and their remaining schedule is relatively soft so they should be able to win the AFC East with a bit to spare. On Sunday the Pats had some help from their defense and special teams. The defense returned 2 interceptions for touchdowns and the special teams unit also returned a punt for a touchdown. The Pats offense is good enough on it's own without their other units picking up 21 points. Tom Brady threw for 331 yards and 3 touchdowns. His leading receiver was tight end, Rob Gronkowski who caught 7 passes for 137 yards and 2 touchdowns.
4 (3) Green Bay Packers (7-3) - The Packers picked up a win over divisional rivals, the Detroit Lions to go 7-3 for the season and take the lead in the NFC North. The Packers are level at 7-3 with the Chicago Bears but their win over the Bears in week 2 has them leading on the head to head. The teams are due to meet again in week 15, in a game that will go a long way toward deciding the seeding for the playoffs. The Green Bay defense forced 4 turnovers, taking one interception back for a touchdown and the offense done the rest. Aaron Rodgers threw for 236 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception. Randall Cobb was the best receiver, catching 9 passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. Jermichael Finley also had a good game, catching 3 passes for 66 yards and a touchdown.
5 (6) Baltimore Ravens (8-2) - The Ravens picked up a huge win in Pittsburgh to give themselves some daylight in the race to win the AFC North. The Steelers were without Ben Roethlisberger and the Ravens defense were able to force the Steelers to turn the ball over three times. The Ravens offense weren't great and managed just 200 yards of total offense. Joe Flacco completed 20 of his 32 passes for 164 yards. The Ravens were unable to get their ground game going and picked up just 2 yards per carry. The Ravens leading receiver was Anquan Boldin who caught 8 passes for 79 yards.
6 (10) San Francisco 49ers (7-2-1) - The San Francisco 49ers took a huge step on Monday night towards securing a bye in the first round of the playoffs by beating the Chicago Bears. The 49ers got off to a great start and the game was over by half-time. The 49ers ended up winning 32-7 and it was fully deserved. Backup quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, in for the injured Alex Smith, had a great game. He completed 16 of his 23 passes for 243 yards and 2 touchdowns. His leading receiver was Vernon Davis who caught 6 passes for 83 yards and a touchdown. The 49ers had a good day on the ground and their rushers combined for 123 yards at 4.2 yards per carry.
7 (8) Denver Broncos (7-3) - The Broncos are 7-3 now for the season after a comfortable win over divisional rivals, the San Diego Chargers. The Broncos are now three wins ahead of San Diego and won both games between the two so look almost guaranteed to win the AFC West. The Broncos have a real chance of getting one of the top two seeds and a bye in the first round of the playoffs. Peyton Manning threw for 270 yards, 3 touchdowns and an interception. Brandon Stokley was the leading receiver this week, catching 4 passes for 55 yards and a touchdown.
8 (5) Chicago Bears (7-3) - The Bears have dropped to 7-3 after back to back defeats. This week they suffered a heavy loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The Bears were without quarterback, Jay Cutler. The 49ers were also without their quarterback and started the game with Colin Kaepernick under center. The Bears were hoping their defense would lead them to a win but it wasn't to be and the 49ers got the better of them. Cutler's replacement, Jason Campbell had a poor game, throwing for 107 yards, a touchdown and 2 interceptions. The running game wasn't much better and picked up just 85 yards from 28 runs.
9 (7) Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) - The Steelers lost their first home game of the year to divisional rivals, the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers were without Ben Roethlisberger and his backup, Byron Leftwich wasn't able to do a good enough job in his absence. Leftwich completed 18 of his 39 passes for 201 yards and was also intercepted. Emmanuel Sanders was his leading receiver, catching 3 passes for 82 yards. The Steelers had a good day on the ground and their rushers ran for 134 yards. The Steelers might have won but turned the ball over three times which was the difference between the teams.
10 (9) New York Giants (6-4) - The Giants were on a bye this week and they will have had plenty to work on. They started 6-2 but lost their last two and have been looking sluggish for a while now. Right now, I'm putting it down to them being burnt out a little due to the late bye week. I expect a reaction this week but they do face a difficult task as they host the Green Bay Packers.
11 (15) New Orleans Saints (5-5) - The Saints are now back at .500 after their 0-4 start and look like a team with every chance of reaching the playoffs. To do it they will have to negotiate a tough schedule as five of their last six opponents will also believe they can make the post season. The Saints are 5-1 in their last six and will need to be at their best to complete one of the best comebacks in NFL history. Drew Brees led the offense as usual and ended the game with 219 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Saints receivers were led by Marques Colston and Lance Moore. Colston caught 4 passes for 69 yards and Moore caught 2 passes for 53 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Saints had a good day on the ground and their rushers combined for 153 yards from 28 carries.
12 (12) Seattle Seahawks (6-4) - The Seahawks were on a bye this week and will be feeling happy with their first ten games. At 6-4 they are right in the playoff race and they are 5-0 at home. The remaining schedule isn't too bad and at least four more wins would be a fair enough target.
13 (13) Minnesota Vikings (6-4) - The Vikings were on a bye this week and it came at a good time for them. They have a very difficult schedule in the last six weeks and if nothing else, they will be going into it fresh. They start off with a trip to Chicago to face the Bears on Sunday in a must win game for them.
14 (14) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4) - The Bucs are now 6-4 after coming from eleven points behind in the fourth quarter to tie the game before winning it in overtime. The Bucs are right in the race for a playoff place but they will have to do it the hard way as they have a tough schedule remaining. Josh Freeman had a mixed day, throwing for 248 yards, 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. His leading receiver was Vincent Jackson who caught 6 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown. Doug Martin had another big game and picked up 161 yards from scrimmage.
15 (11) Indianapolis Colts (6-4) - The Colts were brought back down to earth after a crushing defeat in Foxboro to the New England Patriots. The Colts started well and led after the first quarter. They were still in the game at half-time and were just seven points behind. The second half was all New England though and the Pats outscored the Colts 35-7. Andrew Luck had a mixed game. He threw for 334 yards and 2 touchdowns but he was also responsible for 3 interceptions and a lost fumble. Vick Ballard had a good day on the ground, rushing for 72 yards. The receivers were led by TY Hilton who caught 6 passes for 100 yards and 2 touchdowns.
16 (16) Dallas Cowboys (5-5) - Dallas were poor but they got the job done on Sunday in their overtime victory over the Cleveland Browns. The Cowboys were behind for most of the game and the only times they ever led were for a five minute period in the fourth quarter and when the game ended after Dan Bailey's overtime field goal. At 5-5 the Cowboys are still in the mix for a playoff spot but they will have to be better than this. Tony Romo had a good game, throwing for 313 yards and a touchdown. His best receiver was Dez Bryant. Bryant caught 12 passes for 145 yards and a touchdown.
17 (18) Cincinnati Bengals (5-5) - The Bengals seem to have rediscovered their early season form and picked up their second win in a row with a comfortable victory in Kansas City. At 5-5 the Bengals are still in the hunt but they face a difficult task to reach the playoffs and still have divisional games to play against the Ravens and the Steelers. Quarterback, Andy Dalton had a good day, throwing for 230 yards and 2 touchdowns. His main receiver was once again AJ Green. Green caught 6 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown. BenJarvus Green-Ellis had his best game of the season, rushing for 101 yards and a touchdown.
18 (17) Detroit Lions (4-6) - The Lions have slipped to 4-6 after a tough home loss to the Green Bay Packers. The Lions have a tough schedule and I can't see how they can get enough wins to challenge for the playoffs. Five of their six opponents have winning records and the Lions would do well to reach seven or eight wins. They ran the Packers close on Sunday but ultimately it was the four turnovers that cost them the game. Matthew Stafford threw for 266 yards, a touchdown and 2 interceptions. Calvin Johnson had another huge day, catching 5 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown. Mikel LeShoure had a good game on the ground, rushing for 84 yards and a touchdown.
19 (20) Tennessee Titans (4-6) - The Titans were on their bye week this week and it came at a bad time for them. The Titans had their biggest win of the year in week 10, winning 37-3 in Miami and would have wanted to build momentum after that result. This week they travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jags in a game they have a great chance if winning.
20 (19) San Diego Chargers (4-6) - San Diego lost in their must win game in Denver. With that loss goes any chance of the Chargers reaching the playoffs and almost guarantees that the Broncos will win the division. The Chargers are 0-5 against teams at .500 or better. On Sunday, they kept the score respectable without ever looking like winning. Philip Rivers threw for 258 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Danario Alexander led the receivers, catching 7 passes for 96 yards and 2 touchdowns. The running game was restricted to just 2.3 yards per carry.
21 (26) Buffalo Bills (4-6) - The Bills picked up a much needed win in a scrappy encounter against the Miami Dolphins. The Bills defense done a great job of closing down Miami and restricted their offense to 184 yards. The Bills got off to a great start when Leodis McKelvin returned a punt for a touchdown at the end of Miami's first possession. The Bills were able to move the ball up the field but were unable to get into the end zone and had to rely on four Rian Lindell field goals to win the game. Ryan Fitzpatrick had a solid game for the Bills, completing 17 of his 27 passes for 168 yards. His leading receiver was Steve Johnson. Johnson caught 6 passes for 79 yards. Bills running-back, CJ Spiller was impressive, rushing for 91 yards.
22 (28) New York Jets (4-6) - I have been making a habit of going on a weekly rant about how bad a quarterback Mark Sanchez is, so credit where it's due, Sanchez got it done this week. My opinion of him hasn't changed and I don't think he's good enough to be a starter in the NFL but he had a good game this week. He completed 15 of his 20 passes for 178 yards and a touchdown. His main target was Chaz Schilens, who caught 4 passes for 48 yards and a touchdown. Bilal Powell ran for 42 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Jets defense had a good day too and forced 3 turnovers.
23 (24) Washington Redskins (4-6) - The Redskins picked up their biggest win of the season with an easy win over the Philadelphia Eagles. The Redskins are now 4-6 and look to be too far back to have a run at the playoffs but they will be happy with their season and in particular the form of rookies Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris. On Sunday RG3 and Morris combined for 160 yards on the ground. RG3 also completed 14 of his 15 passes for 200 yards and 4 touchdowns.
24 (21) Miami Dolphins (4-6) - Miami were very disappointing on Thursday Night Football and fell to 4-6 after a loss to the Buffalo Bills. That defeat killed off any chance they had of the playoffs and it looks like New England will be the AFC East's sole representatives in the playoffs. The Dolphins offense was very poor and they never looked like winning the game. The Dolphins were restricted to 184 yards of total offense. Ryan Tannehill threw for 141 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Miami's running game was restricted to just 2.5 yards per carry. Miami's touchdown was caught by Davone Bess. Bess ended the game with 6 catches for 50 yards and the touchdown.
25 (23) Arizona Cardinals (4-6) - Arizona had their chances to win this one but were unable to take their opportunity and fell short. They led 13-0 from early on and then led 19-16 in the fourth quarter. Their defense had 6 turnovers but their passing game was dreadful and they were unable to do enough to get across the line. John Skelton and Ryan Lindley combined for just 70 passing yards, 29 of which were wiped out by sacks. LaRod Stephens-Howling tried to carry the Cardinals offense by himself and ran for 127 yards and a touchdown. If some of his team mates had stepped up and helped him the win was there for the Cards but he had no support and the Cardinals have now lost six in a row.
26 (22) St Louis Rams (3-6-1) - The Rams drop to 3-6-1 after a heavy defeat to the New York Jets. At 3-6-1, the Rams look done for the year. Their remaining schedule is tough and sees them take on three teams with winning records. On Sunday, turnovers were the killer and the Rams gave the ball away three times. Sam Bradford had a rough day, completing just over half of his passes for 170 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception. He also fumbled the ball, which led to a turnover. Steven Jackson had a decent game, rushing for 81 yards from just 13 carries. Jackson should have saw more carries but the coach disagreed and as it was the Rams lost by a comfortable margin.
27 (27) Oakland Raiders (3-7) - Oakland suffered a heavy defeat to the New Orleans Saints. The Raiders are now 3-7 and look like they are done for the year. They have a soft schedule from here on but I just don't think they are a good enough team to get the wins they require. Carson Palmer had another mixed day, throwing for 312 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. The star player for the Raiders was Marcel Reece who led the team in both rushing and receiving. Reece ran for 103 yards and caught 4 passes for 90 yards.
28 (29) Cleveland Browns (2-8) - The Browns will be absolutely gutted to have lost a game that they looked like winning for large periods. They took a 13-0 lead in the first half and didn't relinquish that lead until midway through the fourth quarter. Even then, they showed great courage to go up the field and take the lead again with just over one minute left. It wasn't to be though and the Cowboys got back up the field and Dan Bailey kicked a field goal to tie the game at the end of the fourth. As if that wasn't enough, he went on to kick the game winning field goal in overtime. The Browns can be proud of their efforts and if they can carry that form into their last six games, they can definitely get more wins on the board. Brandon Weeden had a decent game, throwing for 210 yards and 2 touchdowns. Fellow rookie, Trent Richardson led the rushers, picking up 95 yards.
29 (30) Carolina Panthers (2-8) - The Panthers drop to 2-8 after throwing away an eleven point lead in the last four minutes of Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Panthers should have had the game won but ended up losing it in overtime. Cam Newton threw for 252 yards and a touchdown. His leading receiver was Brandon LaFell, who caught 5 passes for 93 yards. The Panthers running game was poor and ended up averaging just 2.9 yards per carry.
30 (32) Jacksonville Jaguars (1-9) - The Jags suffered a heartbreaking loss on Sunday to the Houston Texans. A fourth quarter touchdown from Justin Blackmon put them fourteen points ahead and it looked like they would get the win. Two Houston touchdowns in the final 5:39 took the game to overtime and after the Texans scored a field goal on the opening drive, the Jags went straight up the field and kicked a field goal of their own to keep the game alive. The game looked to be heading towards a tie until Matt Schaub found Andre Johnson for the game winning touchdown. Chad Henne came in for Blaine Gabbert early on and had a great game. Henne threw for 354 yards and a touchdown. Jalen Parmele staked his claim to be the running-back in Maurice Jones-Drew's absence and ran for 80 yards. However, the star of the show for the Jags was rookie receiver, Justin Blackmon who caught 7 passes for 236 yards and a touchdown.
31 (31) Kansas City Chiefs (1-9) - Kansas took one step forward last week in a good performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers but they undid all that good work this week and took several steps backwards in their defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals. The Chiefs took an early lead but from then on it was all Cincinnati. The defense gave up over 400 yards and the offense could only manage 284 yards. The Chiefs had another turnover to take their total to 31 for the season. The best performers on the day for the Chiefs were Jamaal Charles and Tony Moeaki. Charles ran for 87 yards and Moeaki caught 4 passes for 73 yards. On current form, the Chiefs look like favourites for the number 1 draft pick but they have a few winnable games on their schedule and if they avoid turnovers they might just get another win or two.
32 (25) Philadelphia Eagles (3-7) - I think I've said all I can about the Eagles and as a fan I don't see why I should go to the bother of writing about them, when the players won't go to the bother of putting in the effort on a Sunday. I genuinely think the Eagles are the worst team in the NFL right now and considering their three victories were all quite lucky and by a combined total of four points, I don't think I'd face many arguments. For anyone who wants more thoughts on the Eagles, please get a thesaurus and look up the words; horrid, garbage and crap.
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