Tag: NFL

After the first week of voting for the 2025 Pro Bowl Games, reigning league MVP Lamar Jackson has emerged as the top vote-getter with 44,681 fan votes. Jackson’s tally places him nearly 4,000 votes ahead of his Ravens teammate Derrick Henry, who holds second place. Eagles running back Saquon Barkley closely follows in third, showcasing a tight race among top offensive players.

In the fourth spot is Bills quarterback Josh Allen, a strong contender for the league MVP title, further highlighting his exceptional season. Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs completes the top five, reinforcing his impact on the field. The voting reflects significant fan support for standout performances from across the league.

Team-wise, the Lions, Ravens, Chiefs, Vikings, and Steelers have garnered the most fan votes, underscoring the popularity of players from these franchises. Fans will have the opportunity to continue voting until the deadline on Monday, December 23, to influence the final roster selections.

Key Voting Details

• Top Teams by Votes: Lions, Ravens, Chiefs, Vikings, Steelers.
• Voting Deadline: Fans can vote until Monday, December 23.

Offensive Players Leading Votes by Position

Defensive Players Leading Votes by Position

Special Teams Players Leading Votes by Position

Harrison Butker made NFL history by becoming the most accurate kicker in league history despite being on injured reserve. Entering Week 13, Butker ranked third on the all-time accuracy list, but his competitors, Justin Tucker and Eddy Pineiro, faltered during their games, allowing Butker to ascend to the top spot. Notably, Butker hasn’t played since November 10, making his rise even more remarkable.

The dramatic shift unfolded during Sunday’s games, where both Tucker and Pineiro missed crucial kicks. At the start of the day, Pineiro led the all-time list with an accuracy rate of 89.74%, followed by Tucker at 89.37%, and Butker at 89.21%. Pineiro’s two misses in the first half of Carolina’s loss to Tampa Bay caused his accuracy rate to drop, allowing Tucker to briefly take the lead by halftime.

Tucker’s strong first half for Baltimore gave him the top spot, with an updated accuracy rate of 89.42%, while Butker remained second at 89.21%. Pineiro fell to third at 88.43%. However, the third quarter proved disastrous for Tucker, as he missed two field goals—one from 47 yards and another from 53 yards—leading to another reshuffle in the rankings.

By the end of the third quarter, Butker reclaimed the title as the NFL’s most accurate kicker without even stepping onto the field. The updated standings showed Butker at 89.21%, Tucker at 89.03%, and Pineiro trailing at 88.43%. Tucker’s struggles continued, as he missed a career-high three kicks, including an extra point, in Baltimore’s narrow 24-19 loss to Philadelphia.

The final standings after both games solidified Butker’s position at the top with an 89.21% accuracy rate. Tucker’s missteps left him at 89.03%, and Pineiro managed to slightly improve to 88.52% after a fourth-quarter field goal. The day marked a rare and chaotic reshuffling, with three different kickers holding the accuracy crown at various points.

Butker, still on injured reserve until at least Week 15, is poised to hold the record for the foreseeable future. For Tucker to reclaim the title, he would need to make his next eight consecutive field goals, while Pineiro would need to hit seven without a miss. For now, Butker’s precision keeps him atop the NFL’s all-time accuracy leaderboard.

During the Week 13 edition of Fox NFL Sunday, Terry Bradshaw, Rob Gronkowski, and Michael Strahan engaged in a lively debate about who deserves this season’s NFL MVP award. The discussion occurred ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles’ matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, and each analyst presented their case for a different player. Gronkowski supported Lamar Jackson, the reigning two-time MVP, while Bradshaw championed Derrick Henry, and Strahan favored Saquon Barkley. The conversation highlighted the diverse criteria and perspectives regarding the league’s most prestigious individual award.

Rob Gronkowski advocated for Lamar Jackson, citing his electrifying performances as the most entertaining quarterback in the league. Gronkowski praised Jackson’s ability to consistently create jaw-dropping plays, emphasizing his league-leading passing yards despite Baltimore’s run-first offensive system. Gronkowski’s admiration extended to Jackson’s dual-threat capabilities and his knack for making defenders miss. As a former teammate of Tom Brady, Gronkowski noted that Jackson embodies the qualities of an MVP, showcasing an unmatched style of play.

Terry Bradshaw countered by making a case for Derrick Henry, emphasizing the running back’s unique combination of size, speed, and power. Bradshaw noted that Henry’s impact on Baltimore’s offense has been transformative since his offseason arrival, comparing him to Saquon Barkley but pointing out Henry’s contributions to a team with a less dominant offensive line. Bradshaw highlighted Henry’s ability to execute Baltimore’s game plan effectively, contributing to their strong performances despite four losses.

Michael Strahan, meanwhile, argued that Saquon Barkley should be the MVP, citing his pivotal role in revitalizing the Philadelphia Eagles after a difficult season. Strahan emphasized Barkley’s contributions to the Eagles’ 9-2 record, particularly his league-leading yards from scrimmage and rushing. He credited Barkley with carrying the team and making a significant impact on an offense that struggled in previous years. Barkley’s strong showing against the Ravens, where he recorded over 100 rushing yards, further bolstered Strahan’s argument.

The debate underscored the tight competition for the MVP award, with analysts divided on the criteria for the honor. Barkley’s impressive stats and the Eagles’ turnaround make him a strong contender, though quarterbacks like Josh Allen still lead betting odds. No running back has won MVP since Adrian Peterson in 2012, adding intrigue to the possibility of either Henry or Barkley breaking that trend. As the season progresses, performances in crucial games will likely determine who ultimately takes home the MVP trophy.

The Kansas City Chiefs narrowly escaped with a 19-17 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders, but the win highlighted ongoing struggles with their offensive line. After experimenting unsuccessfully with Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris at left tackle, the Chiefs made a crucial change late in the game, shifting All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney to tackle and bringing Mike Caliendo into the guard position. While this adjustment helped solidify the line temporarily, it underscored a season-long issue with protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

To address the problem, the Chiefs recently signed former Pro Bowl left tackle D.J. Humphries, though he is still acclimating to the team and recovering from a major ACL injury. Ideally, Humphries would start next week against the Chargers, but realistically, the team may need more time to integrate him. Until then, Kansas City could face tough decisions about whether to rely on Morris again or keep Thuney at tackle, despite the disruption this causes to the offensive line.

The protection issues have been glaring. Mahomes, who previously went 113 starts without being sacked five times in a game, has faced such pressure in consecutive weeks. Penalties and poor blocking have further hindered an offense already adapting to numerous injuries. Despite these struggles, the Chiefs have found ways to win close games, compiling an 11-1 record and clinching a postseason bye, thanks in part to their resilience in one-possession contests.

Offensively, the passing game is finding its rhythm as DeAndre Hopkins becomes a bigger factor. His impact was evident against the Raiders, as his presence opened opportunities for others like Travis Kelce. However, the running game remains ineffective, with Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt failing to produce consistent gains. Meanwhile, on defense, Chris Jones broke a sack drought with two critical takedowns, but the secondary continues to struggle following Jaylen Watson’s season-ending injury.

The Chiefs’ performance against the Raiders also highlighted key areas needing improvement. The team’s secondary, particularly Nazeeh Johnson, Chamarri Conner, and Bryan Cook, has been inconsistent, which could pose challenges against stronger passing offenses. However, Kansas City avoided any new injuries in the game, a small but important victory as they prepare for the final stretch of the regular season.

Looking ahead, the Chiefs have extra preparation time before facing the Chargers, whom they’ve beaten six consecutive times. This break offers a crucial opportunity to refine their game plan and address pressing issues, particularly along the offensive line, as they aim to carry momentum into the playoffs and prove their championship credentials.

The Cincinnati Bengals fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a high-scoring 44-38 game, marking their third straight loss and effectively ending their playoff aspirations. Defensive struggles overshadowed Joe Burrow’s efforts, as the Bengals allowed 34 points for the third consecutive game, tying a franchise record. While Cam Taylor-Britt provided a bright spot with a pick-six, Orlando Brown Jr.’s injury-affected performance further hurt the team. Despite post-bye week adjustments, the defense remained a glaring weakness.

The numbers paint a grim picture, with the Bengals conceding 34 or more points in six games this season. Joe Burrow’s offensive achievements have been remarkable, but the lack of defensive support has left fans and analysts disheartened. The team’s inability to capitalize on Burrow’s contributions underscores the need for a more balanced approach, as their current strategies fail to address glaring vulnerabilities.

The game highlighted persistent defensive issues, including missed tackles and breakdowns in coverage. These recurring problems may lead to significant changes in the coaching staff, particularly on the defensive side. With their playoff hopes extinguished, the Bengals must address structural weaknesses that have plagued their performance throughout the season.

Looking forward, the Bengals will shift their focus to player development and an in-depth evaluation of their shortcomings. Organizational changes, including potential adjustments to the coaching staff and defensive roster, seem inevitable. A complete overhaul of their defensive strategy will be essential for the team to rebuild and contend in future seasons.

The NFL MVP race heated up significantly as Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills made a compelling case for the award during the team’s dominant 35-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Allen delivered an electrifying performance that included several historical milestones, making his MVP bid hard to ignore. One of the most unique moments came when Allen threw a touchdown pass to himself—a rarity in the NFL. The play involved Amari Cooper pitching the ball back to Allen, who ran it in for the score. Remarkably, Allen became only the fourth player in NFL history to achieve this feat, earning both a touchdown pass and reception in the process.

Allen’s night was made even more memorable by achieving what no quarterback had accomplished since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970: recording a passing touchdown, a receiving touchdown, and a rushing touchdown in a single game. This trifecta of scoring methods highlighted his versatility and cemented his place in NFL lore. Moreover, Allen joined Tony Canadeo as the only quarterback in NFL history to register at least two passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown, and one receiving touchdown in the same game—a feat not seen since 1943.

The Bills’ win also placed them in elite company historically, as they became the fourth NFL team to defeat both previous Super Bowl participants in consecutive games. This victory followed their Week 11 triumph over the Kansas City Chiefs before a bye week. Allen’s standout performance and the team’s strong record underscore why he and the Bills are considered serious contenders this season.

Elsewhere in the NFL, Week 13 was notable for an array of statistical oddities and milestones. For instance, Leonard Williams of the Jets set a record with a 92-yard pick-six, the longest by any player weighing 300 pounds or more. Aaron Rodgers, on the other hand, suffered his first-ever loss in a home game where his team held a lead of 14 points or more. These moments added to the dramatic twists of a week packed with historic outcomes.

Several teams and players continued to rewrite NFL history books during Week 13. Trey McBride of the Cardinals became the first tight end to record at least 12 receptions in consecutive games, while Jayden Daniels of the Commanders joined an exclusive group of rookie quarterbacks with multiple passing and rushing touchdowns in consecutive games. Additionally, Joe Burrow of the Bengals endured a rough streak, becoming only the second quarterback to throw for 300+ yards and three touchdowns in three consecutive games yet lose all three.

The week also saw unique team achievements and struggles. Washington snapped a seven-year streak without a December home win, while the Bengals became one of only five teams in NFL history to lose multiple games in a season despite scoring 38 points or more. These statistical anomalies and individual accomplishments reflect a thrilling week in the NFL, one that further solidifies Josh Allen’s MVP-caliber season.

The Los Angeles Rams staged an impressive comeback to defeat the New Orleans Saints 21-14, marking the first time in Sean McVay’s tenure that the team was shut out in the first half of a regular-season game. Despite a slow start, the Rams’ offense came alive in the second half. Kyren Williams opened the scoring for Los Angeles with a 4-yard touchdown run, putting the Rams ahead 7-6. The offense continued to click with Matthew Stafford connecting on key touchdown passes, propelling the team to a much-needed victory.

Matthew Stafford and the Rams found their rhythm in the fourth quarter, starting with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Demarcus Robinson that extended the lead to 14-6. However, the Saints responded with a dramatic 28-yard touchdown from Derek Carr to Marquez Valdes-Scantling, followed by a two-point conversion to tie the game. Undeterred, the Rams answered back with Stafford delivering a decisive 7-yard touchdown pass to Puka Nacua, giving Los Angeles a lead they would not relinquish.

The Rams’ defense played a critical role in securing the win. With the Saints threatening late in the game, rookie edge rusher Jared Verse disrupted Derek Carr on a pivotal fourth-and-3 play at the Rams’ 9-yard line, forcing an incomplete pass. On the ensuing drive, Kyren Williams sealed the victory with an 11-yard run. Stafford finished with 183 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Williams excelled with 104 rushing yards and a touchdown.

New Orleans had bright spots despite the loss. Alvin Kamara led the Saints’ ground game with 112 yards on 23 carries, and Carr completed 24-of-37 passes for 184 yards and a touchdown. However, the Saints were hampered by a missed field goal and the late-game injury to Taysom Hill, who was carted off with a knee injury. Their efforts fell short against a surging Rams offense and a stifling defense in the final minutes.

The win was a historic one for Sean McVay, as he became the Rams’ all-time leader in regular-season victories, surpassing John Robinson. Now at 6-6, the Rams will look to continue their momentum against the Buffalo Bills next week. Meanwhile, the 4-8 Saints aim to regroup as they head to face the struggling 2-10 New York Giants on the road.

Sunday’s game between the Seahawks and Jets was a chaotic affair, packed with unusual moments within just the first half. The game began disastrously for the Seahawks, with two turnovers on kick returns and a muffed punt, which Seattle managed to recover. A 99-yard kick return touchdown by the Jets and a blocked extra point by Leonard Williams added to the mayhem. These plays resulted in a 14-point Jets lead, setting the tone for a first half that would be anything but ordinary. The climax of this chaos was Williams intercepting an Aaron Rodgers pass and sprinting 92 yards for a pick-six, a remarkable moment for the defensive lineman.

The Seahawks regrouped after Williams’ touchdown, playing steady defense for the remainder of the game and holding the Jets scoreless in the second half. They scored 19 unanswered points, overcoming their initial mistakes to secure a 26-21 victory. Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald commended his team’s resilience and ability to stay focused amid the chaos. Despite the uncharacteristic events, the team stuck to their plan, eventually closing out the game with composure. Macdonald described the first half as a “crazy sequence of events,” but emphasized the importance of perseverance and teamwork in such situations.

The game settled somewhat in the second half, but oddities continued. The Seahawks struggled to capitalize on first-and-goal opportunities but managed to score on a subsequent drive aided by Jets penalties and a gutsy fourth-and-6 conversion. Injuries, such as punter Michael Dickson’s, added to the challenges, forcing Seattle to make unconventional plays. Safety Julian Love, who forced a pivotal third-quarter fumble, noted that the game was one of the most chaotic he had ever played, featuring everything from turnovers to highlight-reel catches.

Leonard Williams emerged as the standout player, contributing a pick-six, two sacks, and a blocked extra point. He described the game as “funky” and acknowledged the sloppiness on both sides. Nevertheless, he praised the Seahawks for their grit and determination. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and quarterback Geno Smith also highlighted the team’s resilience and ability to respond to adversity. Geno Smith noted a crucial fourth-and-6 play, calling it emblematic of the team’s focus on the “next play” mentality.

With this win, the Seahawks improved to a 7-5 record, gaining a crucial edge in the NFC West standings. Players and coaches alike emphasized the significance of playing meaningful football in December. Geno Smith reflected on the team’s growth and their potential to play their best football during the critical stretch of the season. The win showcased Seattle’s ability to adapt and find ways to overcome setbacks, positioning them as a contender heading into the final weeks of the regular season.

The Indianapolis Colts narrowly defeated the New England Patriots 25-24 in a dramatic game at Gillette Stadium. The win preserved the Colts’ slim playoff hopes, as they improved to 6-7 on the season. Trailing by seven points with just over five minutes left, the Colts orchestrated a 19-play, 80-yard drive that culminated in a touchdown pass from Anthony Richardson to Alec Pierce and a successful two-point conversion run by Richardson with only 12 seconds remaining. This marked the Colts’ second game-winning drive in the final minute in three games.

The Colts opened the game with a strong offensive drive that resulted in a touchdown, but their defense struggled throughout the contest. The Patriots, who entered the game as one of the worst offensive teams in the league, had their best performance of the season, amassing 422 total yards, including 200 rushing yards and 222 passing yards. New England’s offensive resurgence was aided by the Colts’ inability to consistently stop them, but Indianapolis managed to hold the Patriots to 2-of-6 in the red zone, forcing them to settle for field goals that ultimately kept the game within reach.

Offensive line adjustments for the Colts proved effective, despite significant personnel changes. The unit allowed no sacks and only two quarterback hits, providing Richardson with the protection he needed to lead the team. The Colts also generated 144 rushing yards, their best performance in over a month. Jonathan Taylor led the ground game with 96 yards and a touchdown, while Richardson added 48 yards and another score, showcasing the team’s balanced attack.

Despite the win, the game highlighted lingering issues for the Colts, particularly on defense and with offensive execution in critical moments. Richardson threw an interception late in the game, and several dropped passes nearly derailed the comeback effort. The team’s red-zone efficiency and lack of composure under pressure left them vulnerable, and the defense’s inability to contain New England’s offense remains a cause for concern moving forward.

The victory sends the Colts into their bye week with a chance to regroup and address their shortcomings. With slim playoff aspirations still alive, they will need to tighten their defensive play and build on the offensive cohesion demonstrated late in this game to remain competitive in the AFC playoff race.