Vikings, Patriots Extend Win Streak on the Road
Two of the hottest teams in the NFL continued on that way on Sunday with impressive road victories, including the Minnesota Vikings getting past the Atlanta Falcons for a 14-9 win. Case Keenum threw for two touchdowns, as the Vikings extended their win streak to eight games and moved in to the top spot in the NFC. Keenum did not turn the ball over and found Kyle Rudolph and Jerick McKinnon in the end zone, helping end the Falcons' three-game win streak. Atlanta was held without a touchdown for the first time since December 13th, 2015, when they were shut out, 38-0, against the Carolina Panthers. Matt Ryan finished 16-of-29 for 173 yards, while Julio Jones was held to just two catches for 24 yards in the Falcons' fifth loss of the season. They dropped a game behind the Seattle Seahawks for the final Wild Card spot in the NFC. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots did not have the normal production from Tom Brady, but they were still able to win their eighth straight, 23-3, over the Buffalo Bills. Rex Burkhead ran in for two third-quarter touchdowns, while Stephen Gostkowski made field goals of 50, 31, and 39 yards to keep the Patriots at a perfect 6-0 on the road. Brady threw for just 258 yards and an interception, but the Pats won their 14th straight road game, and improved to 30-5 against the Bills since Bill Belichick was hired in 2000. The Pats now sit in double-digit victories for the 15th straight season and are inching close to their ninth straight AFC East title, but one unfortunate moment came from their star tight end, Rob Gronkowski. The big man was pushed off of by Bills defensive back Tre'Davious White, which Gronk responded to by driving his shoulder in to his back well after the play. There is most likely a fine and/or suspension on the way for the star.
Seahawks Snap Eagles' Win Streak on SNF
The Seattle Seahawks always rise up to their competition, no matter what their record is, as they won another quality game on Sunday night. Russell Wilson threw for three touchdowns to help his team snap the Philadelphia Eagles' nine-game win streak with a 24-10 victory. Wilson's latest touchdown pass sealed the game as he found J.D. McKissic in the end zone to make it a two-possession game with 7:29 left in the fourth quarter. The mobile quarterback finished 20-of-31 for 227 yards, while also finding Tyler Lockett and Jimmy Graham for scoring passes. The Seahawks defense was also able to hold the Eagles to just 10 points after they came into play averaging 31.9 points per game. Carson Wentz was just 29-of-45 for 348 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the Eagles' second loss of the year, both of which have come on the road. Nelson Agholor had seven catches for 141 yards, but the Eagles could not capitalize on seven drives that was on the Seahawks' side of the field. The win keeps Seattle a game behind the Los Angeles Rams for the top spot in the NFC West at 8-4 as they move on to visit the up-start Jacksonville Jaguars. The Eagles will look to regain the top spot in the NFC from the Vikings, but it doesn't get easier when they visit the Rams next week.
Saints Take Sole Possession of First in South From Panthers
The New Orleans Saints bounced back in the best way after their win streak ended last week in Los Angeles, and that's by defeating the Carolina Panthers, 31-21, at home to take the top spot in the NFC South. Alvin Kamara ran for two touchdowns, while Drew Brees threw for 269 yards and a touchdown in the Saints' ninth win of the year. They improved to 5-1 on their home field and never trailed in the game after Kamara's fourth-quarter score. The Saints rookie finished with 122 yards from scrimmage and became the Saints' first rookie with touchdowns in six straight games in their 51 years of existence. He is three touchdowns away from breaking the franchise rookie mark for touchdowns. Mark Ingram added 85 yards on the ground and a touchdown, helping the Saints take a one-game lead on the 8-4 Panthers. Cam Newton threw for 184 yards and two touchdowns, one to Christian McCaffrey, and another to Devin Funchess in the loss. Newton also ran for 51 yards, while Jonathan Stewart had a rushing touchdown, but that was not enough to keep the Panthers' four-game win streak alive. New Orleans will battle the Atlanta Falcons in a Thursday night showdown this week, while the Panthers play host to the Minnesota Vikings.
Two of the hottest teams in the NFL continued on that way on Sunday with impressive road victories, including the Minnesota Vikings getting past the Atlanta Falcons for a 14-9 win. Case Keenum threw for two touchdowns, as the Vikings extended their win streak to eight games and moved in to the top spot in the NFC. Keenum did not turn the ball over and found Kyle Rudolph and Jerick McKinnon in the end zone, helping end the Falcons' three-game win streak. Atlanta was held without a touchdown for the first time since December 13th, 2015, when they were shut out, 38-0, against the Carolina Panthers. Matt Ryan finished 16-of-29 for 173 yards, while Julio Jones was held to just two catches for 24 yards in the Falcons' fifth loss of the season. They dropped a game behind the Seattle Seahawks for the final Wild Card spot in the NFC. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots did not have the normal production from Tom Brady, but they were still able to win their eighth straight, 23-3, over the Buffalo Bills. Rex Burkhead ran in for two third-quarter touchdowns, while Stephen Gostkowski made field goals of 50, 31, and 39 yards to keep the Patriots at a perfect 6-0 on the road. Brady threw for just 258 yards and an interception, but the Pats won their 14th straight road game, and improved to 30-5 against the Bills since Bill Belichick was hired in 2000. The Pats now sit in double-digit victories for the 15th straight season and are inching close to their ninth straight AFC East title, but one unfortunate moment came from their star tight end, Rob Gronkowski. The big man was pushed off of by Bills defensive back Tre'Davious White, which Gronk responded to by driving his shoulder in to his back well after the play. There is most likely a fine and/or suspension on the way for the star.
Seahawks Snap Eagles' Win Streak on SNF
The Seattle Seahawks always rise up to their competition, no matter what their record is, as they won another quality game on Sunday night. Russell Wilson threw for three touchdowns to help his team snap the Philadelphia Eagles' nine-game win streak with a 24-10 victory. Wilson's latest touchdown pass sealed the game as he found J.D. McKissic in the end zone to make it a two-possession game with 7:29 left in the fourth quarter. The mobile quarterback finished 20-of-31 for 227 yards, while also finding Tyler Lockett and Jimmy Graham for scoring passes. The Seahawks defense was also able to hold the Eagles to just 10 points after they came into play averaging 31.9 points per game. Carson Wentz was just 29-of-45 for 348 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the Eagles' second loss of the year, both of which have come on the road. Nelson Agholor had seven catches for 141 yards, but the Eagles could not capitalize on seven drives that was on the Seahawks' side of the field. The win keeps Seattle a game behind the Los Angeles Rams for the top spot in the NFC West at 8-4 as they move on to visit the up-start Jacksonville Jaguars. The Eagles will look to regain the top spot in the NFC from the Vikings, but it doesn't get easier when they visit the Rams next week.
Saints Take Sole Possession of First in South From Panthers
The New Orleans Saints bounced back in the best way after their win streak ended last week in Los Angeles, and that's by defeating the Carolina Panthers, 31-21, at home to take the top spot in the NFC South. Alvin Kamara ran for two touchdowns, while Drew Brees threw for 269 yards and a touchdown in the Saints' ninth win of the year. They improved to 5-1 on their home field and never trailed in the game after Kamara's fourth-quarter score. The Saints rookie finished with 122 yards from scrimmage and became the Saints' first rookie with touchdowns in six straight games in their 51 years of existence. He is three touchdowns away from breaking the franchise rookie mark for touchdowns. Mark Ingram added 85 yards on the ground and a touchdown, helping the Saints take a one-game lead on the 8-4 Panthers. Cam Newton threw for 184 yards and two touchdowns, one to Christian McCaffrey, and another to Devin Funchess in the loss. Newton also ran for 51 yards, while Jonathan Stewart had a rushing touchdown, but that was not enough to keep the Panthers' four-game win streak alive. New Orleans will battle the Atlanta Falcons in a Thursday night showdown this week, while the Panthers play host to the Minnesota Vikings.
