Week 11 is officially in the books, and it did not disappoint. We saw records be broken, divisional matchups that delivered, and multiple walk-off field goals.
Panthers Keep Pounding
One of the game-winning field goals came from the Carolina Panthers, who quietly keep pounding their way up the standings. Now at 6-5, the Panthers somehow sit a half-game back of the Buccaneers. Behind Bryce Young, the team has won 5 of their last 6 games, and he is now coming off the best game of his career. On Sunday, Young threw for 448 yards and 3 TDs, while staying turnover-free.
Chiefs in Trouble
Forcing turnovers has not been an issue for the Denver Broncos, who were able to pick off Patrick Mahomes and extend their winning streak to 8 games on Sunday. During the streak, the Broncos have won 6 of those games by 4 points or less. On the other side, the Chiefs now sit at 5-5, in ninth place in the AFC, and face a serious uphill battle to make the playoffs. The Jaguars, who currently hold the last spot in the AFC playoffs, still play the Cardinals (3-7), the Jets (2-8), and the Titans (1-9) twice.
Bills Cooking with Cook
The Buffalo Bills, who are currently in the fifth seed in the AFC playoff picture, have an interesting trend going on with their running game. What if I told you that by looking at running back James Cook’s stats, you would be able to know if the team won or not? In games that the Bills get Cook going and going early, the Bills have won. In games where Cook never gets going, you guessed it, Buffalo struggles.
In 7 wins this year:
19.5 Rush / 111.3 Yds/G
3 Rec / 27 Rec Yds/g
8 Total TD’s
In 3 losses this year:
15 Rush / 63 Yds/G
2 Rec / 8 Rec Yds/G
0 Total TD’s
I am not saying he is the only key to success, but if I were Joe Brady (Bills OC), I would be getting Cook the ball early and often.