Week 14 in the NFL: unexpected players come to the rescue

Week 14 in the NFL showcased some awesome plays from some surprising players! Even if they aren’t the most well-known names, that didn’t hold them back from delivering stellar performances and getting the job done.

Highlights from Sunday 

The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams, 37-31. This win keeps Baltimore a the top of the AFC Conference with a 10-3 record. This victory was capped off with a 76-yard punt return touchdown from wide receiver Tylan Wallace. It is the fourth overtime-time punt-return touchdown in NFL history. The Rams fall to 6-7.

The Buffalo Bills headed to Kansas City to face off with the Chiefs in a must-win matchup. Both teams have high-level offenses led by Pro Bowl quarterbacks Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes. This game would be decided by a 39-yard field goal from fourth-year placekicker Tyler Bass. The Bills keep their playoff hopes alive after defeating the Chiefs 20-17.

The Minnesota Vikings headed west for Las Vegas to play the Raiders. It would take 58 minutes before saw the only points in the game. Vikings placekicker Greg Joseph hit a 36-yard field goal in the fourth quarter giving Minnesota a 3-0 lead. Three Points was enough for the Vikings as they beat the Raiders 3-0. This defensive battle was led by undrafted rookie free agent Ivan Pace Jr . The inside linebacker had 13 tackles, one sack and one interception. Minnesota advances to 7-6 in the season holding onto their Wild Card spot in the NFC and Vegas falls to 5-8 and last in AFC West.

Former first-overall selection Baker Mayfield and fourth-round pick Cade Otton connect for a game-winning touchdown with 31 seconds left in the game. The late-game heroics were plenty for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as they beat AFC South rival Atlanta Falcons 29-25. The Falcons and Buccaneers swap places in the NFC South. Buccaneers are now in first and the Falcons are now second. They will face off again in week 16 in Tampa Bay.  

The New York Giants stop the Green Bay Packers winning streak on Monday night. The Giants team was led by backup rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito and journeyman placekicker. DeVito passed for 158 yards and a touchdown. While Bullock nailed a 37-yard field goal with two seconds left securing the Giants third consecutive win in the season. The game’s final score was 24-22 Giants. 

The second game in the Monday night doubleheader featured the 9-3 Dolphins and the 4-8 Titans. Dolphins are first in their Division and the Titans are last. The game also took place in Miami as all the odds were against Tennessee. The game was in the hands of Miami all game. They lead by 14 points with less than 3 minutes remaining. Rookie quarterback Will Levis took the Titans downfield and tossed a touchdown to DeAndre Hopkins cutting the score 21-27. The Dolphin’s possession would end abruptly giving the Titans the ball back. Running back Derrick Henry would score his second touchdown of the night and give the Titans the lead 28-27. The defense would make one final stop and complete the upset.

A few weeks ago the Cincinnati Bengals season seemed to be over. Franchise quarterback Joe Burrow went out with a season-ending injury and the season was placed in the hands of career backup Jake Browning. Since then the Bengals have won two in a row with Browning as the leader. The latest win was this past Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. Browning was sensational passing for 275 yards and two touchdowns. The Bengals beat down the Colts 34-14. These wins keep the Bengal’s playoff hopes alive. While the Colts slide down in the Wild Card standings. 

After signing with the Cleveland Browns on November 20th veteran quarterback Joe Flacco led the team to a victory in Jacksonville against the Jaguars 31-27. The 38-year-old passed for 311 yards and three touchdowns. The Browns are 8-5 and are in the playoff mix.