simmytbone
12-27-2014, 08:30 AM
Hey guys,
What a Week #16 it has been
The Steelers def. the Chiefs to clinch a Playoff Berth while the Patriots sweeps the New York Jets to clinch a Bye Week, but on the Season Finale of Monday Night Football, the Bengals def. the Broncos in Cincinnati to get a HUGE win to clinch a Playoff Berth and as a result of that, the Patriots are now the #1 team in the AFC Conference and they get Home Field Advantage
Meanwhile....
The Chargers and Texans got HUGE wins to keep their playoff hopes alive
Here are the stories:
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20141221_NE@NYJ
Pats edge Jets 17-16, clinch 1st-round playoff bye
By DENNIS WASZAK Jr. | AP Sports Writer
Dec. 21, 2014
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) Tom Brady and the Patriots will be resting at home for the start of the playoffs.
The only question left is whether the AFC's road to the Super Bowl will run through New England.
Jonas Gray scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 1-yard run early in the fourth quarter after New England intercepted Geno Smith, and the Patriots clinched a bye with a 17-16 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday.
New England has earned a bye in five straight seasons, the longest streak since the current playoff format began in 1990.
''We made plenty of good (plays) in the fourth quarter to come from behind, so that was great,'' Brady said. ''I'm glad it came out the way it did - makes for a better Christmas. It's always tough to get a win here.''
Brady threw a 3-yard TD pass to Rob Gronkowski for the Patriots (12-3), who could earn home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs if Denver loses to Cincinnati on Monday night.
With the Jets (3-12) leading 13-10 late in the third quarter, Smith's pass for Jace Amaro hung in the air for an easy interception by Jamie Collins - which led to Gray's score minutes later.
''Yeah, he underthrew it,'' Jets coach Rex Ryan said. ''Poor throw.''
Nick Folk had a 52-yard field goal attempt that could have given New York a lead with just over 5 minutes left. But Vince Wilfork partially blocked it.
''I penetrated a little bit and got a piece of it,'' Wilfork said.
Brady and the Patriots were then able to run out the clock for the win, sealed by Brandon Bolden's 17-yard run on third down with just under 2 minutes left.
''It's unfortunate,'' Ryan said. ''I really thought it was going to be our day.''
Brady finished 23 of 35 for 182 yards and was sacked four times, a modest showing while playing without wide receiver Julian Edelman (concussion) and running back LeGarrette Blount (shoulder).
Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis had a mostly quiet return to the Meadowlands, playing against his former team for the first time at MetLife Stadium since signing with New England - except for the fans booing him when he made a tackle.
The game could have marked the final home appearance by Ryan, whose future with the team is uncertain in his sixth season.
''I wasn't thinking about anything,'' Ryan said, ''other than I was just a little upset over this game.''
New York will miss the postseason for the fourth straight year, and Ryan and general manager John Idzik have come under heavy criticism by fans who have urged owner Woody Johnson to make changes. Several waved yellow ''penalty towels'' at MetLife Stadium with the words ''Fire Idzik!'' printed in green. This latest loss certainly didn't make the Jets' faithful - or Ryan and Idzik - feel any better.
''It's tough because through this all, he's been the rock,'' right guard Willie Colon said of Ryan. ''I honestly want to win for him, more than anybody.''
Gray squeaked into the end zone up the middle - a video review stood after Ryan insisted on the sideline that the running back's knee might have been down - to give the Patriots a 17-13 lead with 13:51 remaining.
''It was about making the critical plays,'' Brady said, ''and we found a way to do it.''
Marcus Williams' first NFL interception put the Jets in position to go ahead when Brady's pass tipped off Brandon LaFell and into his hands. But Dont'a Hightower sacked Smith on third-and-4 for a 10-yard loss, setting up Folk's long attempt with 5:26 remaining.
Jets center Nick Mangold injured his left ankle in the second quarter and was carted off the field. He said he had X-rays, which revealed no break, but was going for additional tests Monday. New York also played without wide receiver Percy Harvin in the second half after he injured a rib.
NOTES: The win was the Patriots' 250th in 368 total games under Robert Kraft, tying him with Chicago's George Halas for the fastest an owner has reached the milestone. ... Bill Belichick broke a tie with Curly Lambeau for fourth place in overall NFL victories with his 230th. ... Smith finished 17 of 27 for 210 yards. ... Jets LB David Harris finished with 10 total tackles, giving him 1,008 for his career. ... Jets DE Muhammad Wilkerson had a half-sack in his return after missing three games with turf toe.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20141221_KC@PIT
Steelers wrap up playoff berth, top Chiefs 20-12
By WILL GRAVES | AP Sports Writer
Dec. 21, 2014
PITTSBURGH (AP) The Pittsburgh Steelers spent two years rebuilding themselves on the fly, a necessary process that frequently looked more erratic than inspiring.
Consider the project nearly complete. The surging Steelers are heading back to January.
Ben Roethlisberger passed for 220 yards and a touchdown, Le'Veon Bell added a score and the Steelers locked up a postseason berth with a methodical 20-12 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
''It was such a sense of urgency this week, knowing what was at stake,'' defensive end Cam Heyward said. ''I just thought we answered the challenge.''
Pittsburgh (10-5) faces Cincinnati next week for the AFC North title. Either way, the Steelers are in the playoffs for the first time since Tim Tebow and Denver stunned the defending AFC champions in the wild card round three years ago.
That group was on the tail end of a stretch that saw Pittsburgh put together three Super Bowl appearances in six years. This group is decidedly younger. The Steelers won their third straight and are 7-2 since an October loss at Cleveland left them at 3-3.
Those days suddenly seem long ago. Pittsburgh kept the Chiefs in check behind a resurgent pass rush energized by the return of James Harrison. The 36-year-old linebacker missed last week's win over Atlanta with a knee problem. He returned to pick up 1.5 of Pittsburgh's season-high six sacks.
''We're headed in the right direction,'' Harrison said.
The Chiefs? Not so much. Alex Smith passed for a season-high 311 yards, but Kansas City lost for the fourth time in five games. The Chiefs need to beat San Diego next week and get some help to make it back to the playoffs for a second straight year under Andy Reid.
Moving the ball wasn't a problem. The Chiefs outgained the NFL's top-ranked offense 327-288 but couldn't seem to get the one momentum-turning play that mattered. Kansas City came in second in the NFL in red zone touchdown percentage only to see six drives into Pittsburgh territory end with four field goals by Cairo Santos, Jamaal Charles' fumble and a fourth-down gamble late in the first half that fizzled.
''There are so many little things that happened,'' Smith said. ''They're not big things, but just little stuff that gets magnified.''
That's the case this time of year. And the Steelers, after a brief foray into 8-8 mediocrity in 2012 and 2013, are back playing their best football when the temperature drops. A roster that's undergone a youth movement since a Super Bowl loss to Green Bay four years ago is growing up quickly, though with a few familiar faces leading the way.
The Steelers' win also eliminated the Dolphins from the playoffs as the crowded AFC field thins. Pittsburgh heads into the final weekend of the regular season with a postseason spot assured. The only question now is the destination.
Roethlisberger wasn't as dynamic as he's been at times this season but led a pair of long touchdown drives. The second ended with a 3-yard strike to Antonio Brown that gave Pittsburgh a 17-6 lead late in the third quarter. Roethlisberger briefly went to the locker room with a right knee injury but returned after a Kansas City field goal to guide a 12-play, 70-yard march that ended with Shaun Suisham's 23-yarder with 4:04 remaining to all but clinch it.
A team that struggled closing out opponents early in the year has won three straight, with each one featuring a dominant finishing kick.
''You can see us cutting down the mistakes,'' Bell said.
Instead, the Chiefs flinched, though not for lack of imagination. Kansas City put together a successful fake field goal in the first half that extended a drive but didn't lead to the end zone. Trailing 10-6 late in the half, the Chiefs drove to the Pittsburgh 12 and faced fourth-and-inches with 27 seconds to go.
Rather than opt for a chip-shot field goal that would have trimmed the deficit to a point, the Chiefs went for it. Charles was drilled by Lawrence Timmons behind the line of scrimmage, and when Will Allen piled on, the Steelers had the ball and the momentum with a postseason berth just 30 minutes away.
''When your back is to the wall, it shows what you're about and what you stand for,'' Timmons said. ''That was huge for us.''
NOTES: Brown finished with seven receptions for 72 yards. He now has 122 catches on the season, the third-highest single-season total in league history. ... Charles was held to 29 yards rushing on nine carries, his second-lowest total of the season. ... Pittsburgh has won six straight games in December.
Meanwhile....
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20141220_SD@SF
Novak's 40-yard FG lifts Chargers past 49ers
By JANIE McCAULEY | AP Sports Writer
Dec. 21, 2014
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) Philip Rivers looked at the 21-point deficit on the scoreboard at halftime and even he wondered whether the San Diego Chargers had it in them to come back. The season depended on it, so Rivers took charge.
He prevailed through a balky back and a sore chest to keep San Diego's slim playoff chances alive, rallying his team to tie it in the final minute and setting up Nick Novak's 40-yard field goal nearly 5 minutes into overtime in a 38-35 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night.
''Obviously, an unbelievable finish,'' coach Mike McCoy said. ''We had about as bad a first half as we could possibly play. ...You saw a lot of emotion on the sideline throughout that second half - the excitement, the energy, the way we play football.''
Rivers found playmakers in Antonio Gates and Eddie Royal when two of San Diego's offensive stars were down with injuries.
He completed his fourth touchdown pass of the day with a tying 11-yard TD pass to Malcom Floyd with 29 seconds left in regulation after completing a pair of fourth-and-longs as the Chargers (9-6) forced overtime.
Phil Dawson's 60-yard field goal attempt for San Francisco as regulation ended fell way short. Quinton Patton then fumbled in overtime to set up San Diego's winning drive.
''What a comeback. It's one of the greatest I've been a part of, and it keeps us alive,'' Novak said. ''To kick the game-winner, do-or-die kick ... loved being in that moment.''
On a night nearly everything clicked for the home team until the waning moments, Rivers made plays without wide receiver Keenan Allen and running back Ryan Mathews.
He shined with the season on the line. The Chargers came in needing to win out and get some help after beginning the week tied with Kansas City and Buffalo, one game out of the final wild-card berth. San Diego ends the season at Kansas City next Sunday.
Rivers converted fourth-and-8 and fourth-and-10 on the key final San Diego drive of the fourth quarter.
''We just got going and fell into a rhythm,'' Rivers said. ''At halftime, we didn't know if we could come all the way back, but we were going to fight. That's who we are.''
The 49ers blew just their second game when leading by 21 or more at halftime and lost their fourth straight game under embattled coach Jim Harbaugh. They lost 42-41 to Minnesota on Oct. 24, 1965, after leading 35-14 at halftime.
Colin Kaepernick ran 90 yards for a touchdown and Frank Gore had a 52-yard touchdown run as the Niners (7-8) grabbed early momentum.
''Right now there's not much to say,'' Harbaugh said. ''That's a tough one.''
Rivers threw touchdown passes of 21 and 1 yard to Antonio Gates and another to Eddie Royal, but also was hurt by three interceptions. On one of those, Antoine Bethea had a 49-yard return for his first career touchdown. A defense minus recently released starting lineman Ray McDonald never let Rivers find a rhythm.
The 31-year-old Gore finished with 158 yards and he needs 38 yards in the final game next weekend against Arizona for a fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season and eighth in his 10 NFL seasons. His scoring run was his longest since a 64-yarder on Nov. 1, 2009, at Indianapolis. It also was the longest TD run allowed by San Diego since 2010 before Kaepernick topped it.
Gore had more yards in this game than in his previous four games combined, and New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez was in attendance wearing the running back's red No. 21 jersey.
Rookie Bruce Ellington caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from Kaepernick early in the second quarter that put the Niners up 21-0, then ran for a 1-yard score late in the half before leaving with a hamstring injury.
Rivers, 33 for 54 for 356 yards, sat out Wednesday's practice with chest and back injuries.
''We've got the best quarterback in the league,'' Floyd said. ''We had faith in us.''
Harbaugh, who is facing a constant swirl of speculation about his future - like a report alma mater Michigan has made him a six-year offer to coach the Wolverines - has said there's still plenty to play for, like a winning season despite the disappointment following three straight trips to the NFC championship game.
Four players sustained concussions or head injuries - 49ers safety Eric Reid and San Diego cornerback Shareece Wright with concussions and San Francisco cornerback Leon McFadden and linebacker Aldon being evaluated for head injuries.
NOTES: San Diego CB Steve Williams suffered a knee injury and C Chris Watt hurt an ankle. ... 49ers RT Anthony Davis returned for the first time since Nov. 9 after missing four games with a concussion. ... 49ers CB Perrish Cox made his fifth interception, moving him into a tie for third place in the NFC. ... 49ers S Bubba Ventrone and WR Brandon Lloyd suffered groin injuries.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20141221_BAL@HOU
Foster, defense lead Texans over Ravens 25-13
By KRISTIE RIEKEN | AP Sports Writer
Dec. 21, 2014
HOUSTON (AP) A week ago, Case Keenum was perched in a tree with a bow in his hands looking for a white-tailed deer to shoot.
On Sunday he was starting in the NFL again, leading the Houston Texans to a 25-13 win over the Baltimore Ravens to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
Running back Arian Foster threw for a touchdown, Randy Bullock made a franchise-record six field goals and Houston's defense dominated.
With three quarterbacks hurt, the Texans looked to Keenum, who got his first win in nine NFL starts. Keenum went 0-8 last season before being released by the Texans in training camp. They signed the former record-setting University of Houston star off the St. Louis practice squad Monday after both Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tom Savage were injured last Sunday with Ryan Mallett already out for the season.
''I'm not the best with words, and I couldn't put it into words,'' Keenum said. ''Arian said he was going to punch me if I cried. When you don't win, it makes winning very, very sweet.''
The Ravens (9-6) now need some help next week to get into the postseason after Joe Flacco threw a season-high three interceptions and the offense struggled all day.
''They did a good job creating a lot of disruption up front, making me feel uncomfortable, and it just threw things off,'' Flacco said.
Houston (8-7) remains in the hunt a year after going 2-14 but needs several teams to lose next week.
''Nothing is guaranteed, but at least our last game means something, and that's a big thing for this organization,'' coach Bill O'Brien said.
Foster ran for 96 yards. But his highlight came when he took a pitch from Keenum and, with a defender in his face, threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to C.J. Fiedorowicz to make it 16-0 in the second quarter.
''I feel like I have a good arm,'' Foster said. ''So I've been lobbying since I've been in the NFL. They finally called it.''
Keenum threw for 185 yards with an interception in his first start since last Dec. 15.
''Kid played great,'' Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. ''Keenum came in, and it's pretty amazing what he did as far as handling the offense.''
Flacco had thrown just one interception in his last five games before Sunday's struggles in an offense led by former Texans coach Gary Kubiak, who was fired last year in his eighth season in Houston. Flacco was 21 of 50 for 195 yards with two touchdowns in the second half.
''Joe was under duress all day,'' Harbaugh said.
J.J. Watt, who had eight tackles and a sack, was hit in the nose midway through the fourth quarter and had blood running down his face into his mouth for a few plays before trainers tended to the injury. He has 17 1/2 sacks this season and a franchise-record 54 in his career.
He said after the game that it felt as though he got hit in the face with a sledgehammer.
''I got a couple of stitches,'' he said. ''I'm not 100 percent sure how it happened.''
Flacco connected with Torrey Smith for his second score on a 20-yard touchdown pass with six minutes left. But Watt took Flacco down in the backfield on the 2-point try to leave Baltimore behind 25-13.
Houston's defense stifled the Ravens in the first half, allowing just 31 yards to set a franchise best for a half. The previous low was 41 yards gained by San Diego in the second half in 2007.
Flacco's second interception gave Houston the ball inside the 20 in the second quarter. Foster's TD throw came next.
It was the first touchdown pass by a running back in the NFL this season and the first time a Texans player other than a quarterback had thrown for a score since Jabar Gaffney and James Allen both did it in Houston's inaugural season in 2002.
NOTES: Andre Johnson had six receptions for 65 yards to make him the 10th player in NFL history to reach 1,000 career receptions (1,002). He passed Hines Ward for ninth-most in NFL history. ... The Ravens finished with just 33 yards rushing.
and finally....
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20141222_DEN@CIN
Bengals beat Broncos 37-28 to reach playoffs
By JOE KAY | AP Sports Writer
Dec. 23, 2014
CINCINNATI (AP) With everything on the line, the Bengals picked off Peyton Manning in the closing minutes - twice, no less - and ran themselves right back into the playoffs.
One breakthrough win gave them a chance for another.
Dre Kirkpatrick returned Manning's third interception of the game for a touchdown in the closing minutes on Monday night, completing a rain-soaked rally for a 37-28 victory over the Denver Broncos and a spot in the playoffs.
The Bengals (10-4-1) secured a playoff berth for the fourth consecutive season, a franchise record. They'll play in Pittsburgh next Sunday night, with the winner taking the AFC North title.
And then, Cincinnati will get yet another chance to break one of the longest playoff droughts in NFL history - no postseason victory since the 1990 season. First, they go to Pittsburgh to determine when and where they'll play.
''Well, we have another hump day next week,'' coach Marvin Lewis said.
Kirkpatrick's 30-yard return with 2:41 left capped a game of big plays - long runs, big kick returns and two interceptions run back for scores. With 67 seconds left, Kirkpatrick picked off Manning again to clinch it.
''I'm not saying I knew he was going to do that,'' Kirkpatrick said. ''The guy changes plays. He's a first-ballot Hall of Famer. When he came back to my side, I was waiting for the ball.''
Manning rallied the Broncos (11-4) to three touchdowns in the third quarter and a lead, but finished with a season-high four interceptions. The loss handed New England home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
''I shouldn't have thrown it,'' said Manning, who was 28 of 44 for 311 yards with two touchdowns. ''Four interceptions, you're not going to beat many good football teams.''
The AFC West champions failed in their attempt to clinch a first-round bye and came away with more questions about Manning, who was limited in practice during the week because of a strained right thigh.
Denver scored 21 points in the third quarter, with Manning throwing a pair of touchdowns to Emmanuel Sanders. With a chance to pull off his 51st game-winning drive in a heavy rain, Manning threw a sideline pass directly to Kirkpatrick, who ran it back untouched.
Manning had been 8-0 career against the Bengals with 20 touchdown passes and only five interceptions. He nearly matched that total in one game.
Demaryius Thomas had seven catches for 115 yards, setting a club record with his ninth 100-yard game of the season.
Andy Dalton settled down after a huge early mistake - an overthrown pass that Aqib Talib returned for a touchdown - and rookie Jeremy Hill led a dominating running game that finished with 207 yards overall. Hill had an 85-yard touchdown run with 147 overall, going over 1,000 for the season.
Hill played a starring role in the Bengals' playoff drive.
''I know a lot of guys are never fortunate enough to make the playoffs,'' said Hill, a second-round pick from LSU. ''In college, I wanted to play for a national championship but never got the chance.''
The Monday night win was a breakthrough for the Bengals, who had been blown out in their two prime-time games this season and came in 18-41 all-time at night. They have one more left in Pittsburgh next Sunday.
The dominant running game immensely helped Dalton, who is 3-6 all-time in prime time. He started badly again on Monday, overthrowing A.J. Green for an interception that Talib returned 33 yards for a touchdown. Dalton finished 17 of 26 for 146 yards with two touchdowns and the one interception.
''You can't let one bad play hurt you more than just that one bad play,'' Dalton said.
Green was hit in the right upper arm on the interception and was in and out of the game the rest of the way. He was held without a catch for only the second time in his career.
NOTES: Broncos safety T.J. Ward left in the fourth quarter with a neck injury. He'll be reevaluated in Denver. ... C.J. Anderson ran for 83 yards, also putting him over 1,000 for the season. ... Thomas joined Marvin Harrison and Jerry Rice as the only players with three straight seasons of 1,400 yards receiving and 10 touchdown catches. ... Eric Winston made his first start at right tackle for the Bengals, who signed him Dec. 2. ... Hill is the third rookie in NFL history with four games of at least 140 yards rushing, joining Eric Dickerson (1983) and Curtis Martin (1995), according to STATS.
credit: cbssports.com
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014122001/2014/REG16/chargers@49ers
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014122102/2014/REG16/ravens@texans
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014122106/2014/REG16/chiefs@steelers
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014122105/2014/REG16/patriots@jets
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014122200/2014/REG16/broncos@bengals
Well guys, the Broncos lost to the Bengals, which means that the #2 Seed is still up for grabs
The Broncos and the Colts have both struggled and they are looking to sweep their divisions, but they both got their works cut out as the Colts head to Tennessee to take on the Titans and the Broncos will host the Oakland Raiders who got a win in Oakland against the Buffalo Bills and eliminated them from the Playoffs
also, the Chargers, the Chiefs, the Texans and the Ravens are the only teams that are lookin' to clinch a Playoff Berth
Who will clinch a Wild Card? and who will clinch #2? Will it be the Broncos, the Bengals or the Steelers?
That's the Question!
What a Week #16 it has been
The Steelers def. the Chiefs to clinch a Playoff Berth while the Patriots sweeps the New York Jets to clinch a Bye Week, but on the Season Finale of Monday Night Football, the Bengals def. the Broncos in Cincinnati to get a HUGE win to clinch a Playoff Berth and as a result of that, the Patriots are now the #1 team in the AFC Conference and they get Home Field Advantage
Meanwhile....
The Chargers and Texans got HUGE wins to keep their playoff hopes alive
Here are the stories:
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20141221_NE@NYJ
Pats edge Jets 17-16, clinch 1st-round playoff bye
By DENNIS WASZAK Jr. | AP Sports Writer
Dec. 21, 2014
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) Tom Brady and the Patriots will be resting at home for the start of the playoffs.
The only question left is whether the AFC's road to the Super Bowl will run through New England.
Jonas Gray scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 1-yard run early in the fourth quarter after New England intercepted Geno Smith, and the Patriots clinched a bye with a 17-16 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday.
New England has earned a bye in five straight seasons, the longest streak since the current playoff format began in 1990.
''We made plenty of good (plays) in the fourth quarter to come from behind, so that was great,'' Brady said. ''I'm glad it came out the way it did - makes for a better Christmas. It's always tough to get a win here.''
Brady threw a 3-yard TD pass to Rob Gronkowski for the Patriots (12-3), who could earn home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs if Denver loses to Cincinnati on Monday night.
With the Jets (3-12) leading 13-10 late in the third quarter, Smith's pass for Jace Amaro hung in the air for an easy interception by Jamie Collins - which led to Gray's score minutes later.
''Yeah, he underthrew it,'' Jets coach Rex Ryan said. ''Poor throw.''
Nick Folk had a 52-yard field goal attempt that could have given New York a lead with just over 5 minutes left. But Vince Wilfork partially blocked it.
''I penetrated a little bit and got a piece of it,'' Wilfork said.
Brady and the Patriots were then able to run out the clock for the win, sealed by Brandon Bolden's 17-yard run on third down with just under 2 minutes left.
''It's unfortunate,'' Ryan said. ''I really thought it was going to be our day.''
Brady finished 23 of 35 for 182 yards and was sacked four times, a modest showing while playing without wide receiver Julian Edelman (concussion) and running back LeGarrette Blount (shoulder).
Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis had a mostly quiet return to the Meadowlands, playing against his former team for the first time at MetLife Stadium since signing with New England - except for the fans booing him when he made a tackle.
The game could have marked the final home appearance by Ryan, whose future with the team is uncertain in his sixth season.
''I wasn't thinking about anything,'' Ryan said, ''other than I was just a little upset over this game.''
New York will miss the postseason for the fourth straight year, and Ryan and general manager John Idzik have come under heavy criticism by fans who have urged owner Woody Johnson to make changes. Several waved yellow ''penalty towels'' at MetLife Stadium with the words ''Fire Idzik!'' printed in green. This latest loss certainly didn't make the Jets' faithful - or Ryan and Idzik - feel any better.
''It's tough because through this all, he's been the rock,'' right guard Willie Colon said of Ryan. ''I honestly want to win for him, more than anybody.''
Gray squeaked into the end zone up the middle - a video review stood after Ryan insisted on the sideline that the running back's knee might have been down - to give the Patriots a 17-13 lead with 13:51 remaining.
''It was about making the critical plays,'' Brady said, ''and we found a way to do it.''
Marcus Williams' first NFL interception put the Jets in position to go ahead when Brady's pass tipped off Brandon LaFell and into his hands. But Dont'a Hightower sacked Smith on third-and-4 for a 10-yard loss, setting up Folk's long attempt with 5:26 remaining.
Jets center Nick Mangold injured his left ankle in the second quarter and was carted off the field. He said he had X-rays, which revealed no break, but was going for additional tests Monday. New York also played without wide receiver Percy Harvin in the second half after he injured a rib.
NOTES: The win was the Patriots' 250th in 368 total games under Robert Kraft, tying him with Chicago's George Halas for the fastest an owner has reached the milestone. ... Bill Belichick broke a tie with Curly Lambeau for fourth place in overall NFL victories with his 230th. ... Smith finished 17 of 27 for 210 yards. ... Jets LB David Harris finished with 10 total tackles, giving him 1,008 for his career. ... Jets DE Muhammad Wilkerson had a half-sack in his return after missing three games with turf toe.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20141221_KC@PIT
Steelers wrap up playoff berth, top Chiefs 20-12
By WILL GRAVES | AP Sports Writer
Dec. 21, 2014
PITTSBURGH (AP) The Pittsburgh Steelers spent two years rebuilding themselves on the fly, a necessary process that frequently looked more erratic than inspiring.
Consider the project nearly complete. The surging Steelers are heading back to January.
Ben Roethlisberger passed for 220 yards and a touchdown, Le'Veon Bell added a score and the Steelers locked up a postseason berth with a methodical 20-12 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
''It was such a sense of urgency this week, knowing what was at stake,'' defensive end Cam Heyward said. ''I just thought we answered the challenge.''
Pittsburgh (10-5) faces Cincinnati next week for the AFC North title. Either way, the Steelers are in the playoffs for the first time since Tim Tebow and Denver stunned the defending AFC champions in the wild card round three years ago.
That group was on the tail end of a stretch that saw Pittsburgh put together three Super Bowl appearances in six years. This group is decidedly younger. The Steelers won their third straight and are 7-2 since an October loss at Cleveland left them at 3-3.
Those days suddenly seem long ago. Pittsburgh kept the Chiefs in check behind a resurgent pass rush energized by the return of James Harrison. The 36-year-old linebacker missed last week's win over Atlanta with a knee problem. He returned to pick up 1.5 of Pittsburgh's season-high six sacks.
''We're headed in the right direction,'' Harrison said.
The Chiefs? Not so much. Alex Smith passed for a season-high 311 yards, but Kansas City lost for the fourth time in five games. The Chiefs need to beat San Diego next week and get some help to make it back to the playoffs for a second straight year under Andy Reid.
Moving the ball wasn't a problem. The Chiefs outgained the NFL's top-ranked offense 327-288 but couldn't seem to get the one momentum-turning play that mattered. Kansas City came in second in the NFL in red zone touchdown percentage only to see six drives into Pittsburgh territory end with four field goals by Cairo Santos, Jamaal Charles' fumble and a fourth-down gamble late in the first half that fizzled.
''There are so many little things that happened,'' Smith said. ''They're not big things, but just little stuff that gets magnified.''
That's the case this time of year. And the Steelers, after a brief foray into 8-8 mediocrity in 2012 and 2013, are back playing their best football when the temperature drops. A roster that's undergone a youth movement since a Super Bowl loss to Green Bay four years ago is growing up quickly, though with a few familiar faces leading the way.
The Steelers' win also eliminated the Dolphins from the playoffs as the crowded AFC field thins. Pittsburgh heads into the final weekend of the regular season with a postseason spot assured. The only question now is the destination.
Roethlisberger wasn't as dynamic as he's been at times this season but led a pair of long touchdown drives. The second ended with a 3-yard strike to Antonio Brown that gave Pittsburgh a 17-6 lead late in the third quarter. Roethlisberger briefly went to the locker room with a right knee injury but returned after a Kansas City field goal to guide a 12-play, 70-yard march that ended with Shaun Suisham's 23-yarder with 4:04 remaining to all but clinch it.
A team that struggled closing out opponents early in the year has won three straight, with each one featuring a dominant finishing kick.
''You can see us cutting down the mistakes,'' Bell said.
Instead, the Chiefs flinched, though not for lack of imagination. Kansas City put together a successful fake field goal in the first half that extended a drive but didn't lead to the end zone. Trailing 10-6 late in the half, the Chiefs drove to the Pittsburgh 12 and faced fourth-and-inches with 27 seconds to go.
Rather than opt for a chip-shot field goal that would have trimmed the deficit to a point, the Chiefs went for it. Charles was drilled by Lawrence Timmons behind the line of scrimmage, and when Will Allen piled on, the Steelers had the ball and the momentum with a postseason berth just 30 minutes away.
''When your back is to the wall, it shows what you're about and what you stand for,'' Timmons said. ''That was huge for us.''
NOTES: Brown finished with seven receptions for 72 yards. He now has 122 catches on the season, the third-highest single-season total in league history. ... Charles was held to 29 yards rushing on nine carries, his second-lowest total of the season. ... Pittsburgh has won six straight games in December.
Meanwhile....
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20141220_SD@SF
Novak's 40-yard FG lifts Chargers past 49ers
By JANIE McCAULEY | AP Sports Writer
Dec. 21, 2014
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) Philip Rivers looked at the 21-point deficit on the scoreboard at halftime and even he wondered whether the San Diego Chargers had it in them to come back. The season depended on it, so Rivers took charge.
He prevailed through a balky back and a sore chest to keep San Diego's slim playoff chances alive, rallying his team to tie it in the final minute and setting up Nick Novak's 40-yard field goal nearly 5 minutes into overtime in a 38-35 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night.
''Obviously, an unbelievable finish,'' coach Mike McCoy said. ''We had about as bad a first half as we could possibly play. ...You saw a lot of emotion on the sideline throughout that second half - the excitement, the energy, the way we play football.''
Rivers found playmakers in Antonio Gates and Eddie Royal when two of San Diego's offensive stars were down with injuries.
He completed his fourth touchdown pass of the day with a tying 11-yard TD pass to Malcom Floyd with 29 seconds left in regulation after completing a pair of fourth-and-longs as the Chargers (9-6) forced overtime.
Phil Dawson's 60-yard field goal attempt for San Francisco as regulation ended fell way short. Quinton Patton then fumbled in overtime to set up San Diego's winning drive.
''What a comeback. It's one of the greatest I've been a part of, and it keeps us alive,'' Novak said. ''To kick the game-winner, do-or-die kick ... loved being in that moment.''
On a night nearly everything clicked for the home team until the waning moments, Rivers made plays without wide receiver Keenan Allen and running back Ryan Mathews.
He shined with the season on the line. The Chargers came in needing to win out and get some help after beginning the week tied with Kansas City and Buffalo, one game out of the final wild-card berth. San Diego ends the season at Kansas City next Sunday.
Rivers converted fourth-and-8 and fourth-and-10 on the key final San Diego drive of the fourth quarter.
''We just got going and fell into a rhythm,'' Rivers said. ''At halftime, we didn't know if we could come all the way back, but we were going to fight. That's who we are.''
The 49ers blew just their second game when leading by 21 or more at halftime and lost their fourth straight game under embattled coach Jim Harbaugh. They lost 42-41 to Minnesota on Oct. 24, 1965, after leading 35-14 at halftime.
Colin Kaepernick ran 90 yards for a touchdown and Frank Gore had a 52-yard touchdown run as the Niners (7-8) grabbed early momentum.
''Right now there's not much to say,'' Harbaugh said. ''That's a tough one.''
Rivers threw touchdown passes of 21 and 1 yard to Antonio Gates and another to Eddie Royal, but also was hurt by three interceptions. On one of those, Antoine Bethea had a 49-yard return for his first career touchdown. A defense minus recently released starting lineman Ray McDonald never let Rivers find a rhythm.
The 31-year-old Gore finished with 158 yards and he needs 38 yards in the final game next weekend against Arizona for a fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season and eighth in his 10 NFL seasons. His scoring run was his longest since a 64-yarder on Nov. 1, 2009, at Indianapolis. It also was the longest TD run allowed by San Diego since 2010 before Kaepernick topped it.
Gore had more yards in this game than in his previous four games combined, and New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez was in attendance wearing the running back's red No. 21 jersey.
Rookie Bruce Ellington caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from Kaepernick early in the second quarter that put the Niners up 21-0, then ran for a 1-yard score late in the half before leaving with a hamstring injury.
Rivers, 33 for 54 for 356 yards, sat out Wednesday's practice with chest and back injuries.
''We've got the best quarterback in the league,'' Floyd said. ''We had faith in us.''
Harbaugh, who is facing a constant swirl of speculation about his future - like a report alma mater Michigan has made him a six-year offer to coach the Wolverines - has said there's still plenty to play for, like a winning season despite the disappointment following three straight trips to the NFC championship game.
Four players sustained concussions or head injuries - 49ers safety Eric Reid and San Diego cornerback Shareece Wright with concussions and San Francisco cornerback Leon McFadden and linebacker Aldon being evaluated for head injuries.
NOTES: San Diego CB Steve Williams suffered a knee injury and C Chris Watt hurt an ankle. ... 49ers RT Anthony Davis returned for the first time since Nov. 9 after missing four games with a concussion. ... 49ers CB Perrish Cox made his fifth interception, moving him into a tie for third place in the NFC. ... 49ers S Bubba Ventrone and WR Brandon Lloyd suffered groin injuries.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20141221_BAL@HOU
Foster, defense lead Texans over Ravens 25-13
By KRISTIE RIEKEN | AP Sports Writer
Dec. 21, 2014
HOUSTON (AP) A week ago, Case Keenum was perched in a tree with a bow in his hands looking for a white-tailed deer to shoot.
On Sunday he was starting in the NFL again, leading the Houston Texans to a 25-13 win over the Baltimore Ravens to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
Running back Arian Foster threw for a touchdown, Randy Bullock made a franchise-record six field goals and Houston's defense dominated.
With three quarterbacks hurt, the Texans looked to Keenum, who got his first win in nine NFL starts. Keenum went 0-8 last season before being released by the Texans in training camp. They signed the former record-setting University of Houston star off the St. Louis practice squad Monday after both Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tom Savage were injured last Sunday with Ryan Mallett already out for the season.
''I'm not the best with words, and I couldn't put it into words,'' Keenum said. ''Arian said he was going to punch me if I cried. When you don't win, it makes winning very, very sweet.''
The Ravens (9-6) now need some help next week to get into the postseason after Joe Flacco threw a season-high three interceptions and the offense struggled all day.
''They did a good job creating a lot of disruption up front, making me feel uncomfortable, and it just threw things off,'' Flacco said.
Houston (8-7) remains in the hunt a year after going 2-14 but needs several teams to lose next week.
''Nothing is guaranteed, but at least our last game means something, and that's a big thing for this organization,'' coach Bill O'Brien said.
Foster ran for 96 yards. But his highlight came when he took a pitch from Keenum and, with a defender in his face, threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to C.J. Fiedorowicz to make it 16-0 in the second quarter.
''I feel like I have a good arm,'' Foster said. ''So I've been lobbying since I've been in the NFL. They finally called it.''
Keenum threw for 185 yards with an interception in his first start since last Dec. 15.
''Kid played great,'' Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. ''Keenum came in, and it's pretty amazing what he did as far as handling the offense.''
Flacco had thrown just one interception in his last five games before Sunday's struggles in an offense led by former Texans coach Gary Kubiak, who was fired last year in his eighth season in Houston. Flacco was 21 of 50 for 195 yards with two touchdowns in the second half.
''Joe was under duress all day,'' Harbaugh said.
J.J. Watt, who had eight tackles and a sack, was hit in the nose midway through the fourth quarter and had blood running down his face into his mouth for a few plays before trainers tended to the injury. He has 17 1/2 sacks this season and a franchise-record 54 in his career.
He said after the game that it felt as though he got hit in the face with a sledgehammer.
''I got a couple of stitches,'' he said. ''I'm not 100 percent sure how it happened.''
Flacco connected with Torrey Smith for his second score on a 20-yard touchdown pass with six minutes left. But Watt took Flacco down in the backfield on the 2-point try to leave Baltimore behind 25-13.
Houston's defense stifled the Ravens in the first half, allowing just 31 yards to set a franchise best for a half. The previous low was 41 yards gained by San Diego in the second half in 2007.
Flacco's second interception gave Houston the ball inside the 20 in the second quarter. Foster's TD throw came next.
It was the first touchdown pass by a running back in the NFL this season and the first time a Texans player other than a quarterback had thrown for a score since Jabar Gaffney and James Allen both did it in Houston's inaugural season in 2002.
NOTES: Andre Johnson had six receptions for 65 yards to make him the 10th player in NFL history to reach 1,000 career receptions (1,002). He passed Hines Ward for ninth-most in NFL history. ... The Ravens finished with just 33 yards rushing.
and finally....
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20141222_DEN@CIN
Bengals beat Broncos 37-28 to reach playoffs
By JOE KAY | AP Sports Writer
Dec. 23, 2014
CINCINNATI (AP) With everything on the line, the Bengals picked off Peyton Manning in the closing minutes - twice, no less - and ran themselves right back into the playoffs.
One breakthrough win gave them a chance for another.
Dre Kirkpatrick returned Manning's third interception of the game for a touchdown in the closing minutes on Monday night, completing a rain-soaked rally for a 37-28 victory over the Denver Broncos and a spot in the playoffs.
The Bengals (10-4-1) secured a playoff berth for the fourth consecutive season, a franchise record. They'll play in Pittsburgh next Sunday night, with the winner taking the AFC North title.
And then, Cincinnati will get yet another chance to break one of the longest playoff droughts in NFL history - no postseason victory since the 1990 season. First, they go to Pittsburgh to determine when and where they'll play.
''Well, we have another hump day next week,'' coach Marvin Lewis said.
Kirkpatrick's 30-yard return with 2:41 left capped a game of big plays - long runs, big kick returns and two interceptions run back for scores. With 67 seconds left, Kirkpatrick picked off Manning again to clinch it.
''I'm not saying I knew he was going to do that,'' Kirkpatrick said. ''The guy changes plays. He's a first-ballot Hall of Famer. When he came back to my side, I was waiting for the ball.''
Manning rallied the Broncos (11-4) to three touchdowns in the third quarter and a lead, but finished with a season-high four interceptions. The loss handed New England home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
''I shouldn't have thrown it,'' said Manning, who was 28 of 44 for 311 yards with two touchdowns. ''Four interceptions, you're not going to beat many good football teams.''
The AFC West champions failed in their attempt to clinch a first-round bye and came away with more questions about Manning, who was limited in practice during the week because of a strained right thigh.
Denver scored 21 points in the third quarter, with Manning throwing a pair of touchdowns to Emmanuel Sanders. With a chance to pull off his 51st game-winning drive in a heavy rain, Manning threw a sideline pass directly to Kirkpatrick, who ran it back untouched.
Manning had been 8-0 career against the Bengals with 20 touchdown passes and only five interceptions. He nearly matched that total in one game.
Demaryius Thomas had seven catches for 115 yards, setting a club record with his ninth 100-yard game of the season.
Andy Dalton settled down after a huge early mistake - an overthrown pass that Aqib Talib returned for a touchdown - and rookie Jeremy Hill led a dominating running game that finished with 207 yards overall. Hill had an 85-yard touchdown run with 147 overall, going over 1,000 for the season.
Hill played a starring role in the Bengals' playoff drive.
''I know a lot of guys are never fortunate enough to make the playoffs,'' said Hill, a second-round pick from LSU. ''In college, I wanted to play for a national championship but never got the chance.''
The Monday night win was a breakthrough for the Bengals, who had been blown out in their two prime-time games this season and came in 18-41 all-time at night. They have one more left in Pittsburgh next Sunday.
The dominant running game immensely helped Dalton, who is 3-6 all-time in prime time. He started badly again on Monday, overthrowing A.J. Green for an interception that Talib returned 33 yards for a touchdown. Dalton finished 17 of 26 for 146 yards with two touchdowns and the one interception.
''You can't let one bad play hurt you more than just that one bad play,'' Dalton said.
Green was hit in the right upper arm on the interception and was in and out of the game the rest of the way. He was held without a catch for only the second time in his career.
NOTES: Broncos safety T.J. Ward left in the fourth quarter with a neck injury. He'll be reevaluated in Denver. ... C.J. Anderson ran for 83 yards, also putting him over 1,000 for the season. ... Thomas joined Marvin Harrison and Jerry Rice as the only players with three straight seasons of 1,400 yards receiving and 10 touchdown catches. ... Eric Winston made his first start at right tackle for the Bengals, who signed him Dec. 2. ... Hill is the third rookie in NFL history with four games of at least 140 yards rushing, joining Eric Dickerson (1983) and Curtis Martin (1995), according to STATS.
credit: cbssports.com
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http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014122102/2014/REG16/ravens@texans
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014122106/2014/REG16/chiefs@steelers
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014122105/2014/REG16/patriots@jets
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014122200/2014/REG16/broncos@bengals
Well guys, the Broncos lost to the Bengals, which means that the #2 Seed is still up for grabs
The Broncos and the Colts have both struggled and they are looking to sweep their divisions, but they both got their works cut out as the Colts head to Tennessee to take on the Titans and the Broncos will host the Oakland Raiders who got a win in Oakland against the Buffalo Bills and eliminated them from the Playoffs
also, the Chargers, the Chiefs, the Texans and the Ravens are the only teams that are lookin' to clinch a Playoff Berth
Who will clinch a Wild Card? and who will clinch #2? Will it be the Broncos, the Bengals or the Steelers?
That's the Question!