NFL Week 15: Philadelphia on restart, Jaguars and Texans on a walk

Patriots – Bills (31-35): Josh Allen upsets New England

Chiefs – Chargers (13-16): Patrick Mahomes injured, Chiefs eliminated

Seahawks – Colts (18-16): Philip Rivers, back to hell

Rams – Lions (41-34): The Stafford-Nacua duo sends Los Angeles to the playoffs

Philadelphia Eagles (9-5) – Las Vegas Raiders (2-12) : 31-0

The Eagles had to bounce back from three straight losses against the worst team in the league, the Las Vegas Raiders. The mission was accomplished without flinching, in a one-sided game in which Philadelphia’s quarterbacks played for only three quarters. Nick Sirianni took advantage of the fourth quarter to do a team review.

All the stars were able to contribute, from Jalen Hurts (12/15, 175 yards, 3 TDs) to Saquon Barkley (92 yards, 1 TD) to AJ Brown (41 yards, 1 TD). Not forgetting Dallas Goedert (70 yards, 2 TDs) in great shape despite a bad drop. The Eagles’ offense has finally regained its confidence, even if it will need to be confirmed against a better opponent. Surprisingly, Kenny Pickett (15/25, 64 yards, 1 INT) isn’t the answer and Brock Bowers (28 yards) is very much on his own. The Raiders had 75 yards of total offense in the game.

In defense, Philadelphia played an almost perfect game, with a gala Nakobe Dean and constant pressure on the line. For the Raiders, everything needs to be rebuilt, while the Eagles are still leading the NFC East. Victor Roullier

Cincinnati Bengals (4-10) – Baltimore Ravens (7-7) : 00-24

It’s all set for the Bengals. Including this last hope of securing a surprise playoff spot. Today’s loss against the Ravens hurts an already complicated season. The Bengals did not score a point in the game. Even the special connection between Joe Burrow (25/39, 225 yards, O TD, 2 Int) and Ja’Marr Chase (10 receptions, 132 yards) failed to work wonders. To the point of questioning whether Zac Taylor’s hours in Cincinnati are numbered.

However, the opposition at first sight seemed balanced. After clearly dominating the first Thanksgiving clash, the Bengals welcomed Baltimore into their den. And the beginning of the meeting, completely sleepy in attack, suggested an uncertain result. It wasn’t until halftime that, back-to-back, the Ravens finally got inspired with Lamar Jackson (8/12, 150 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int, 2 carries, 26 yards) being able to score two straight touchdowns before heading back to the locker room.

The second half only confirmed the difficulties of the locals. As the Bengals finally approached the end zone to score their first touchdown of the game, Burrow was easily intercepted by Kyle Van Noy. Alohi Gilman recovers the ball and rushes home the score with a pick six. A disaster for Cincinnati and additional hope of winning the division title for the Ravens. Yann Rivallan

Chicago Bears (10-4) – Cleveland Browns (3-11) : 31-3

It was in freezing air (-13 degrees Celsius at the start) that the Bears faced the Browns. It was clear that there was no match between the two teams and that was due to a great performance from Chicago on both sides of the ball. Caleb Williams (17/28, 242 yards, 2 TDs) and D’Andre Swift (18 carries, 98 yards, 2 TDs) were terrific, and if that wasn’t enough, the defense was also effective.

Chicago had the pressure to win as the top of the standings is tight in the NFC. But Ben Johnson’s men literally suffocated Shedeur Sanders (18/35, 177 yards, 3 INTs) and company. The Browns never seemed to find a rhythm and were beaten in all areas of the game. The result is almost anecdotal given the impression given. The only consolation for Cleveland, Myles Garrett is just one unit away from breaking the record for most sacks recorded by a quarterback in a season. Nelson Caignard

Houston Texans (9-5) – Arizona Cardinals (3-11) : 40-20

The Cardinals must change. Change coaches, players… pretty much everything. Overachieve in all areas of the game, the first 5 minutes being a perfect example. A disastrous punt return defense followed with a punt that was too easy for Nico Collins (3 catches, 85 yards, 2 touchdowns). The Cardinals’ kick return is a mess. The gap is already too big.

Fortunately, it’s Trey McBride (12 receptions, 134 yards, 2 touchdowns) continuing his historic season. He set two new NFL records in this game: most consecutive games with at least 5 receptions (16). And he becomes the first tight end in history has caught 100 balls in two consecutive seasons. The tree that hides the forest.

The logic was followed as the two franchises of the day follow opposite trends. The Texans have won 6 in a row and look well on their way to punching their ticket to the playoffs. Despite an offensive line still in its infancy, DeMeco Ryans (HC) is still doing an outstanding job with his defense. CJ Stroud is having an MVP second half of the season and is making all of his teammates better. This week it’s Dalton Schultz (TE) reaping the rewards (8 receptions, 76 yards, 1 touchdown). The scarecrow of the AFL advances with less and less smooth steps. Cyprien Delmas

Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4) – New York Jets (3-11) : 48-20

Home health walk for the Jags. Against the Jets diving deep in the standings, the Floridians didn’t have to force it as the gap between the two teams is deep.

Trevor Lawrence took care of his stats with an XXL game: 20/32, 330 yards, 5 touchdowns. And even a sixth rushing touchdown. He also finished as the leading rusher on his team (51 yards). On the passing side, the ball will be distributed to no less than 8 different receivers. Special mention to Travis Etienne, author of a hat trick (32 yards rushing, 3 receptions, 73 yards receiving, 3 touchdowns). Very easy.

Up front, poor Brady Cook (22/33, 176 yards, 1 touchdown, 3 interceptions) looked more like a Cook than a Brady. No more defense, still no attack. Absolutely nothing to eat. Depressive. We’re just looking forward to next season on the Gang Green side. Mark Orfila

New York Giants (2-12) – Washington Commanders (4-10) : 21-29

The Giants are heading straight for the first pick in the Draft after this new loss, their 8th in a row. And they did everything to get it. The symbol of this is the last minute of the first half. The Giants concede 10 points, with a field goal and a punt return by Jaylin Lane. Jaxson Dart (20/36, 246 yards, 2 TD, INT) also throws an interception. Mistakes to which are added 2 missed field goals by YoungHoe Koo.

The commanders are not asking for that much, but they also did everything they could to not achieve this victory. The fault is Marcus Mariota (10/19, 211 yards, TD), who drops the ball 5 minutes from time. Then Jeremy McNichols who gives the Giants one last shot. Unfortunately, Dart can’t find Wan’Dale Robinson (5 REC, 54 yds, TD) for a first down, ending the game.

There is still more individual satisfaction on the part of the Giants. Despite the layoff, Jaxson Dart had a good game overall despite another stint in the blue tent, which led to Jameis Winston popping up for 2 touchdowns. Tyrone Tracy (15 carries, 70 yards, TD – 3 REC, 27 yards, TD) scores twice. But above all, it was another rookie who shined, Abdul Carter, who had a sack and 2 forced fumbles. On the Commanders side, we can still see the awakening of Jacory Croskey-Meritt (18 carries, 96 yards, TD), who scores his first touchdown since early October. veil

New Orleans Saints (4-10) – Carolina Panthers (7-7) : 20-17

After losing to the Buccaneers on Thursday, the Panthers had a golden opportunity to take control of the NFC South division. It is a total failure. For the second time this season, the Saints defeated the Panthers in a game that came down to the last second.

While the Panthers had a 7-point lead with less than three minutes to go, the Saints with a very good Tyler Shough (24/32, 272 late, 1 TD) were able to find the resources to win with a last-second field goal. Despite a non-existent running game, the Saints were able to rely on Chris Olave (85 yards, 1 TD) and a stout defense to win.

Bryce Young wasn’t bad (15/24, 161 yards, 1 TD), but he didn’t know how to step up when needed. Jalen Coker’s missed fumble and a foul on the defense with 12 seconds left illustrated a disappointing and avoidable loss for Carolina.

Five sacks and a good running game weren’t enough to make the difference. The Saints can be proud of having played cleanly, if not spectacularly. Enough in this meeting for a symbolic victory. The Panthers will have to do better against the Buccaneers to win the division. – Victor Roullier

San Francisco 49ers (10-4) – Tennessee Titans (2-12) : 24-37

Holding the ball for 37 minutes, the 49ers made it easy on Sunday night to overcome the Titans (37-24). If the Titans are showing progress, the bar was still too high.

San Francisco set the tone early with a 6-minute scoring streak (7-0) by Jauan Jennings. A touchdown by Christian McCaffrey and a field goal allowed the 49ers to take the lead in the first half. But the lead is narrower than expected (17-10) because the Titans are waiting. Cam Ward (18/24, 170 yards, 2TD) produced some great sequences like this 34-yard pass to Gunnar Helm and the touchdown. Tennessee might have even hoped for better without a missed field goal before halftime.

But the locals got the second after returning from the locker room. After another Jennings touchdown, the 49ers hit the nail on the head with a 95-yard, 9-minute drive! In the end Brock Purdy (23/30, 295 yards, 3TD) finds George Kittle (8 rec, 88 yards, 1TD) for the touchdown (31-10). A 14-0 that the Titans can’t follow. Tennessee will close the gap with a surprise hit by Jeffery Simmons and Tony Pollard (14 rushes, 104 yards, 1TD), but the locals will defend themselves with 2 extra field goals (37-24). – Raphael Masmejean