NFL Roundup: Week 15
Patriots vs. 49ers
It was almost a comeback, but the 49ers were able to stay strong against New England’s late offensive surge to erase a 31-3 deficit. By the fourth quarter, the game was all tied up at 31-31 thanks to touchdowns from Danny Woodhead, Aaron Hernandez, and Tom Brady.
Despite the loss and some seriously sloppy play, Brady made quite the impact, making a tackle in the first quarter just yards from the end zone to deny the 49ers another touchdown celebration. While the Pats made sure it wasn’t a blowout, a loss is a loss, and a touchdown and field goal from San Francisco late in the fourth quarter sealed New England’s fourth loss of the season. For the 49ers, the win means at least a wild card berth, but they have the chance to clinch the AFC West title with a win next Sunday against Seattle. The Pats have already clinched the AFC East with a shot at a first-round bye.
Dolphins vs. Jaguars
Miami walked away with a 24-3 victory over the struggling Jaguars Sunday. (Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports)
Miami had no trouble against the Jacksonville Jaguars, holding them to just three points allowed in the first quarter in a 24-3 win. Three field goals from Dan Carpenter and two touchdowns later, the Dolphins advanced to 6-8 while the struggling Jaguars fell to 2-12.
Bills vs. Seahawks
The Bills took a thrashing in a 50-17 loss to the Seahawks. (Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports)
Seattle showed Buffalo why they’re vying for a spot atop the AFC West Sunday when they shut the Bills down, 50-17. Rookie quarterback Russell Wilson rushed for three touchdowns and threw one more, combining with former Buffalo Bill Marshawn Lynch for a total of 200 rushing yards.
The Bills were officially eliminated from any playoff hopes and will not finish with a record above .500 for the eighth consecutive season.
Giants vs. Falcons
Manning didn't have much to smile about after being shut out. (Josh D. Weiss-USA TODAY Sports)
You don’t hear this often in football, but the New York Giants were shut out Sunday, 34-0. Four touchdowns and two field goals gave the Falcons the 34-point jump on New York, who just couldn’t find the end zone.
It was the first shutout loss for the Giants in 16 years. Now, the Giants no longer have possession of a home-field playoff game. The way luck would have it, the Redskins and Cowboys both won to put the teams in a three-way tie. Washington holds the advantage with a 3-2 division record, giving them the tie-breaker win. Now, the Giants are left in the same place they’ve been so many seasons before – losing in Week 15 and along with that losing playoff contention.
