Payments have Josh Allen drawback, Patrick Mahomes MVP and extra

The Buffalo Payments misplaced for the second straight week, and whereas there are just a few points to deal with, the largest is Josh Allen needing to do all of it.

The Buffalo Payments have gained 3,817 yards this season. Josh Allen has accounted for 3,209 of them.

For these mathematically challenged, Allen is answerable for 84.1 % of Buffalo’s offense. By way of general workforce yardage, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is an in depth second at an alarming 82.7 %. After Mahomes comes Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson, at 75.7 and 75.2 % for his or her Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens, respectively.

Allen is being requested to do every thing for the Payments, and it’s beginning to overwhelm him.

After a scorching begin, Allen has develop into more and more reckless and decreasingly efficient. The Payments’ celebrity has thrown 10 interceptions, probably the most within the league. Over the previous 10 quarters, Allen has had seven turnovers. Relatedly, Buffalo is 1-2 over its final three video games.

Regardless of having a top quality operating again in Devin Singletary, Buffalo depends on Allen to offer offense in each capability. Alongside Jackson, he’s the one quarterback main his workforce in speeding, amassing 476 floor yards.

That is the largest obstacle to the Payments lastly profitable their first Tremendous Bowl.

For the reason that AFL-NFL merger in 1970, solely eight groups have reached the postseason with their quarterback main the offense in speeding yardage (extremely, the Eagles doing it 5 occasions).

Of them, none reached even the convention title sport.

The lesson is even the most effective groups want greater than a singular celebrity propelling them to greatness. It takes a band, not solely the singer. Buffalo has the last word weapon in Allen, however when requested to fireplace repeatedly, the chances of a malfunction enhance.

During the last three video games, the malfunctions are short-circuiting the workforce.

Early within the season, Buffalo’s protection was a machine, in a position to preserve Allen in advantageous conditions. Now, the accidents are piling up and manufacturing is declining.

Security Micah Hyde is out for the yr. His associate, Jordan Energy, is week-to-week with an elbow damage. Edge rusher Greg Rousseau has the identical timeline with an ankle ailment. Star linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano have been taking part in harm over the previous few video games. Star nook Tre’Davious White nonetheless hasn’t returned from a torn ACL suffered final Thanksgiving.

With Buffalo’s protection hurting, Allen has wanted to make extra performs below strain. Sadly for the Payments, it’s not occurring. Over the previous three weeks, Buffalo has been outscored 43-12 in second halves and time beyond regulation.

To rediscover themselves, the Payments must develop round Allen. They need to discover a run sport rooted in Singletary, rookie James Cook dinner, and the newly-acquired Nyheim Hines. They need to get more healthy on protection, permitting the offense to play at much less of a break-neck tempo, and forgiving the unit for just a few punts.

If not, and Allen is regularly requested to be Buffalo’s fixed epicenter, historical past says the Payments will likely be quick for January.

Energy rankings

High 10 remaining regular-season matchups

1. Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys, Week 16
2. Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Payments, Week 16
3. Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals, Week 18
4. San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks, Week 15 (TNF)
5. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs at Cincinnati Bengals, Week 13
6. Buffalo Payments at Cincinnati Bengals, Week 17 (MNF)
7. Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants, Week 14
8. Miami Dolphins at San Francisco 49ers, Week 14
9. Buffalo Payments at New England Patriots, Week 13 (TNF)
10. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers, Week 11 (SNF)

Quotable

“I imply other than my legs feeling like moist noodles. That was about it.”

– Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt on how he felt returning after two months away

Pittsburgh beat the New Orleans Saints, 20-10, and obtained again its greatest participant in Watt, who missed the final seven video games with a pectoral damage. Watt solely had 4 tackles and a QB hit, however his presence will likely be more and more felt within the coming weeks.

At 3-6, the Steelers aren’t within the playoff image, however their enhanced protection may play spoiler over the following few months.

Podcast

Random stat

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady holds the all-time report for highway postseason victories with 11, together with eight with the New England Patriots.

Nevertheless, you may be shocked at who sits tied in second. Whereas Dallas Cowboys legend Roger Staubach is one half of the equation with eight such wins, present New York Jets backup Joe Flacco is the opposite half, incomes every victory with the Baltimore Ravens.

Data realized this week

1. Two performs ought to give Packers hope after win over Cowboys

Aaron Rodgers confirmed he’s not emotionally executed but. It was on show in time beyond regulation.

On third and 1 at Inexperienced Bay’s 44-yard line, Rodgers whipped a bullet to receiver Allen Lazard, who caught a fast slant and raced 36 yards to the Dallas 20. Rodgers was celebrating on his means down the sphere. The following play noticed a handoff to operating again Aaron Jones. When Jones reduce and ran left, he discovered Rodgers as a lead blocker, throwing himself right into a defender. Afterwards, the reigning two-time MVP flexed, then watched kicker Mason Crosby nail a game-winning area aim.

Maybe these two snapshots are solely that, misplaced to a forgettable season. Or, possibly they’re half of a bigger turning level for Inexperienced Bay, because it desperately tries to revive its marketing campaign.

Moreover, the Packers lastly devoted themselves to their true id. In opposition to Dallas, Inexperienced Bay head coach Matt LaFleur referred to as 37 runs towards 22 passes. It labored superbly, with Rodgers throwing for 11.2 yards per try whereas the speeding assault produced 207 yards on 5.3 yards per carry.

Inexperienced Bay has a protracted highway again, however Rodgers seems invested, and the formulation has been discovered.

2. Niners apply clamps to Herbert, Chargers in second half

Nice groups modify at halftime. The San Francisco 49ers placed on a clinic Sunday night time.

Trailing 16-10 on the break towards the Los Angeles Chargers, the Niners out-gained Los Angeles 198-57 over the ultimate half-hour, rallying to win 22-16. San Francisco ran for 111 yards over that stretch, whereas defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans’ unit restricted Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert to 35 yards and an interception on 7-of-13 passing.

With the win, San Francisco pulls inside a half-game of the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC West lead.

For the Niners, the trail now turns into simpler. After taking part in 5 highway video games over its first 9 contests, San Francisco will play both at dwelling or a impartial website for the following 4 weeks, with solely two remaining affairs at hostile stadiums.

As for the Chargers, they’re now two video games behind the Chiefs within the AFC West with a Week 2 rematch towards Patrick Mahomes and Co. subsequent Sunday night time. Even with a win, Los Angeles is probably going taking a look at combating for a wild card berth within the crowded AFC. Once more.

3. Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins are placing NFL on discover

In case you don’t worry the Miami Dolphins offense, it’s one in all two causes. You both don’t watch soccer, otherwise you’re a Dolphins fan.

On Sunday, Miami earned a 39-17 thrashing of the Cleveland Browns. Tagovailoa threw for 285 yards and three scores, whereas the Dolphins rolled up an informal 491 whole yards. The Dolphins are actually 7-3 and main the AFC East, solely a half-game again for the convention’s greatest report. And subsequent week? The Houston Texans come to South Seaside.

Whereas a lot of the credit score has been given to receiver Tyreek Hill, Tagovailoa deserves a bevy of reward. The Browns restricted Hill to solely 44 yards, and but Tagovailoa sprayed the ball round, with seven receivers having a number of receptions.

With first-year head coach Mike McDaniel calling performs, Miami has constantly stored groups off-balance and below siege. To that time, McDaniel’s potential to scheme the run sport is offering Tagovailoa time behind a suspect entrance. The Dolphins rushed for 195 yards and two touchdowns towards Cleveland, constantly placing them forward of the sticks. The outcome was two quarterback hits and 0 sacks.

Everyone is aware of the Payments and Chiefs are terrific. Be careful for Miami.

4. Patrick Mahomes takes maintain of MVP race with one other high sport

Patrick Mahomes is the NFL MVP as we barrel towards Thanksgiving.

Sure, Jalen Hurts has an argument. Sure, Tagovailoa has been phenomenal. These are the opposite candidates rounding out the highest three. However Mahomes is on tempo to shatter the single-season passing report, and won’t want all 17 video games.

On Sunday, Mahomes threw for 331 yards (9.5 YPA) with 4 touchdowns and one interception in a 27-17 win for the Chiefs over the Jacksonville Jaguars. For the yr, the ’19 MVP has amassed 2,936 passing yards and 25 touchdowns towards seven picks.

The 17-game tempo: 5,545 yards, 47 TDs, 13 INTs

For these questioning, Peyton Manning set the present mark with the ’13 Denver Broncos with 5,477 yards.

Moreover, Mahomes and the Chiefs are atop the AFC standings with a 7-2 mark. In addition they have two extra primetime video games, giving Mahomes an opportunity to additional showcase to the nation.

There are nonetheless eight video games remaining, however Mahomes is undeniably within the lead for extra {hardware}.

5. Eagles should preserve profitable with strain from NFC contenders

The Philadelphia Eagles are 8-0. A loss on Monday night time, even to the middling Washington Commanders, would usually be waved off with little concern.

Nevertheless, with the NFC protecting the strain on, the Eagles should sustain their profitable methods.

After seeing the Giants and Vikings win, Philadelphia should win or solely lead the NFC East by one sport whereas falling right into a tie for the convention’s high seed (albeit holding the tiebreaker). Whereas the schedule is favorable for the Eagles, additionally they have three video games remaining with New York (2x) and Dallas. In brief, each win is vital for a Philadelphia workforce attempting to earn the bye.

Finally, solely a idiot would chastise the Eagles for shedding their first sport in November, however the influence would stay important.

Two cents

Justin Fields isn’t solely an ascending star, he’s must-watch tv.

Even in a 31-30 loss to the Detroit Lions — the primary highway win for head coach Dan Campbell in his tenure — Fields largely shined. Whereas we will’t ignore his ill-advised pick-six to former Ohio State teammate Jeff Okudah, Fields in any other case posted 147 speeding yards and two touchdowns together with 167 passing yards and two further scores.

Fields is throwing to an underwhelming group, with solely tight finish Cole Kmet and receiver Darnell Mooney notching multiple catch. The Bears wrestle to dam as properly, typically leaving Fields to fend off just a few rushers earlier than turning a loss into a pleasant revenue. Over the previous six weeks, few have been higher at elevating their workforce.

Over stated stretch, Fields has totaled 1,620 yards and 15 touchdowns. The Bears are 1-5.

Chicago has myriad issues to resolve. For the primary time since Sid Luckman, the quarterback isn’t one in all them.

Contained in the league

Josh McDaniels would possibly get to outlive this mess in Las Vegas, however he shouldn’t.

The Raiders are 2-7 after shedding to the woeful Indianapolis Colts at dwelling this weekend, giving interim head coach Jeff Saturday an inconceivable victory. After investing a complete of $489 million this offseason in contracts for quarterback Derek Carr, edge rushers Chandler Jones and Maxx Crosby, receivers Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow, and tight finish Darren Waller, solely the Houston Texans have fewer wins.

Moreover, it’s one factor to lose. It’s one other factor to embarrass. Sunday’s loss to the Colts falls into the latter class. Proprietor Mark Davis needs to be livid with this season, and melting down towards Indianapolis to the boos of a house crowd is just rising the fad felt by Raiders Nation.

After the loss, Carr had a tearful press convention the place he lamented the shortage of coronary heart from a few of his teammates. He’s been round for nearly a decade, and nary a postseason win.

Carr is a stable quarterback and an incredible chief. He’s lengthy been the Raiders’ mouthpiece by way of powerful occasions. He’s clearly fed up. And whereas he professed his love for the teaching workers, any workforce with out guys purchased in and shedding like that is concerning the coaches initially.

Many across the league imagine McDaniels will get one other shot in ’23, however he doesn’t deserve it.

BetSided‘s greatest guess

Bengals -4.5 at Steelers

The Steelers are again! Or are they?

Regardless of Mike Tomlin’s unimaginable report vs. the unfold as a house underdog (17-3-3), together with their resounding victory over the Saints in Week 10, all of the early motion has gone in direction of the Bengals. Relying on the place you look, the 4.5 to 5-point spread is the largest point spread the Bengals have ever had in Pittsburgh, and simply the third time in historical past Cincinnati has even been favored in Pittsburgh.

Cincinnati’s greatest sport of the yr got here in Week 9 main into their bye, largely due to how significantly better they protected Joe Burrow, and opening up Joe Mixon’s position within the offense for 5 whole touchdowns. If they will preserve T.J. Watt at bay and never should cope with Minkah Fitzpatrick, the Steelers will likely be outmatched on each side of the ball.

– Ben Heisler 

Historical past lesson

Town of St. Louis had soccer for many years earlier than the Rams confirmed up however by no means noticed a postseason sport earlier than its personal eyes.

The Cardinals moved from Chicago to St. Louis previous to the 1960 season however regardless of taking part in 28 seasons within the Gateway to the West, solely made three playoff appearances and every sport was on the highway.

In ’95, the Rams relocated from Los Angeles and made the postseason because the NFC’s high seed in 1999. After beating the Vikings and Buccaneers at dwelling, Kurt Warner and Co. dispatched the Titans in Tremendous Bowl XXXIV.

Parting shot

Al Michaels may barely disguise his contempt concerning the basic sport between the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers throughout final week’s Amazon telecast.

Michaels has broadcasted a hideous slate this yr after coming over from NBC. This truth hasn’t been misplaced on the viewers of Thursday Evening Soccer, who’ve largely tuned out in latest weeks.

According to Sports Media Watch, the Panthers-Falcons sport did a paltry 3.3 score, the bottom mark for TNF in two years. Moreover, it’s the fourth time in six weeks the collection has collected its worst variety of the season.

However whereas followers proceed screaming for higher matchups, there’s little the NFL can do.

In contrast to Sundays and Mondays, there’s no possible flexing choice for the schedule. Moreover, any workforce taking part in on a brief week greater than as soon as would have a major aggressive drawback, making it a necessity to have every workforce showcased solely as soon as.

After all, the NFL can’t love the rankings but in addition isn’t worrying concerning the collection’ viability. Amazon is within the first season of its 11-year, $11 billion pact with the league for Thursday nights. And whereas the rankings are sagging, it’s doubtless the numbers will enhance long-term as extra followers subscribe to Amazon Prime and stream the video games from dwelling.

Nonetheless, the product has been terrible this season, and followers are exhibiting their displeasure.