Justin Jefferson (18), Jordan Addison (3) and the Vikings secured a key win over the Seahawks on Sunday. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings almost couldn’t be doing this more quietly. Justin Jefferson was brilliant, with 10 catches for 144 yards and two touchdowns as the Vikings beat the Seahawks 27-24 to keep pace with the Lions in the NFC North and for the top seed in the NFC playoffs at 13-2. Minnesota hosts the Packers next week before that Week 18 trip to Detroit, which could wind up being between the top two teams in the NFC with the No. 1 seed on the line.
In Miami, the Dolphins kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Jason Sanders hit five field goals and De’Von Achane rushed for 121 yards, including a 50-yard touchdown to dash to seal the win. The Dolphins need some help, but close with the Browns and the Jets, and will likely be favored in both of those games.
The New England Patriots jumped out to a 14-0 lead in Buffalo, but the Bills stampeded back — led by a pair of James Cook touchdowns — for a 24-21 win. Buffalo scored 24 straight points at one point in the game. The Bills are still alive for the No. 1 seed in the AFC, but would need two Kansas City losses and two wins of their own to get the top seed. The Bills close at home against the Jets (Week 17) and at New England (Week 18), and the Chiefs — who beat the Texans on Saturday — close at the Steelers on Christmas Day and then at Denver in Week 18.
To close Sunday afternoon in Week 16, the Raiders topped the Jaguars 19-14. Brock Bowers became the first rookie tight end in NFL history to reach 100 receptions on the year. He’s got 101 with two games to go, and the single-season NFL receptions record for a tight end belongs to Zach Ertz, who had 116 with the Eagles back in 2018.
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Dolphins keep playoff hopes alive with win over 49ers
Raiders top Jaguars in Vegas
De’Von Achane puts Miami up two scores with less than 90 seconds to play
While its unlikley, the 49ers have more of a shot than if he’d taken a knee or slid, but the 50-yard touchdown run puts Miami up 29-17. That number is important to some…as the game’s total was 44.5, per BetMGM.
Brock Bowers adding some nice, round numbers to a legendary rookie year for a tight end
Purdy picked off late!
Kader Kohou snagged it, but San Francisco has three timeouts, but Miami has the control of the game and can salt it away with a first down.
Miami leads 22-17 after Jason Sanders’ fifth field goal of the game
He’s been nickel and diming for the Miami offense all day, and has done the bulk of the scoring, and now the Dolphins’s defense has to keep San Francisco out of the end zone.
Miami Dolphins place kicker Jason Sanders (7) kicks at field goal during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Vikings comeback for win in Seattle to keep pace for No. 1 seed in NFC
The late interception seals the deal for Minnesota who improves to 13-2, and if they win out, they’ll be the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Ameer Abdullah puts the Raiders back in front
Las Vegas is up 19-14 after missing a two-point try, following this Ameer Abdullah touchdown:
But that wouldn’t have been possible without this AMAZING escape by Aidan O’Connell
49ers cut into Dolphins’ lead
Eric Saubert on the receiving end of this one. George Kittle has been GREAT today — seven catches, 97 yards — so its no wonder Miami may not have been keyed in on the 49ers’ No. 2 tight end, and its a one possession game in Miami Gardens.
Darnold to Jefferson AGAIN for the answer in Seattle, and now Minnesota leads!
The Vikings just won’t go quietly into the Seattle night, with a clear path to the No. 1 seed now that Philly has dropped another one. Jefferson is up to 10 catches for 144 yards and now two touchdowns tonight.
The wheels have just come off the wagon for New England
Make that 24-straight points for the Bills after this fumble recovery in the end zone, and Buffalo is now up double-digits as the fourth quarter winds down.
Seahawks go back ahead late in the 4th quarter
AJ Barner is the recipient of Geno Smith’s 3rd touchdown pass of the game, and Seattle is going blow-for-blow with Minnesota and looking every bit the part of a playoff team. Can they hold on in the final four minutes for a win to keep their playoff hopes in tact?
Jason Sanders adds to busy day with fourth field gaol for Miami
And Miami now leads 19-10 over the 49ers. The Dolphins need the win to stay connected in the AFC playoff hunt, and while they’ll need help, a win today — with Cleveland and the Jets to close the season — the Dolphins would at least have a shot to control what they can control with a favorable schedule.
Bills grab another turnover
This time it stops a Patriots’ scoring opportunity. Cam Lewis on the pick, and Buffalo has a chance to add to their lead.
Bills take 17-14 lead
Buffalo’s Tyler Bass hits from 50 yards, and the Bills are on top for the first time tonight
Buffalo forces a fumble and is back in business with a chance to take the lead
Dorian Williams scooped up the Rhamondre Stevenson fumble, and after going down 14-0 early, The Bills are in position to take the lead for the first time today.
James Cook gets in the end zone again as Buffalo ties it up
This time on a 3rd down pass from Josh Allen from four yards. The Bills need a win to stay alive for a shot at the No. 1 seed in the AFC. A loss today would wrap up the top-seed — and with it, the all-important first round bye — in the AFC playoffs.
Brian Thomas secures rookie recieving triple crown in Jacksonville
Seahawks tie game with field goal to open second half
Its 17-all in Seattle right now and the offenses are cooking. The two teams have combined for nearly 400 yards of total offense already and its still early in the third quarter.
Tyreek from Tua for the three-yard Touchdown and Miami takes the lead
Miami jumps ahead late in the second quarter with Tua Tagovailoa’s 100th career touchdown pass, joining Dan Marino (420), Bob Griese (192) and Ryan Tannehill (123) as the only Dolphins quarterbacks to reach that milestone.
