Washington Football Team @ SAN FRANCISCO 49ers
SAN FRANCISCO - In a game that turned on a dime, the San Francisco 49ers (9-3-1) battled from behind to score 22 unanswered points and beat the Washington Football Team 22-14. Things looked bleak early as the WFT raced out to a 14-0 lead and were in the redone ready to score again. That's when safety Marcus Williams made the play of the game and intercepted former Texans quarterback Cam Newton.
"Right place, right time. We were giving up way too many yards early so I'm glad I could turn things around for us." Williams said.
Even though the turnover didn't result in points, it kept Washington off the board and allowed the offense to warm up. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has looked a little shaky of late, but settled in during the second half. Add a JC Jackson pick six into the mix and you had just enough for a Niners victory.
San Francisco will try to stay in the hunt for the number one seed as they head to Dallas next week to take on the Cowboys.
GREEN BAY PACKERS @ Detroit Lions
DETROIT - The Green Bay Packers bounced back from their disappointing overtime loss last week to defeat the Detroit Lions 24-20. Detroit (4-9, 2-3 NFC North) was riding the momentum of a three-game winning streak, but came up just short in the end.
The Packer defense had a field day, racking up nine total sacks including four by Harold Landry. Landry has been stellar all year for this Green Bay unit and now has 16 total on the year. "I feel like everything is clicking. I have seven in the last two games, so I want to build on that heading into the playoffs." Landry said after the game.
On offense, quarterback Aaron Rodgers was on fire most of the game throwing for 257 yards and ending up with three total TDs (two passing and one rushing). Rodgers has narrowed or eliminated the gap in MVP voting with his late season purge. The latest Vegas odds have him neck and neck with San Francisco quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. "Winning back to back MVP awards would mean a lot, especially at my age." Rodgers said when asked about the race.
Green Bay (8-4-1, 3-2) looks to be headed for a wild card spot at this point as Minnesota may be too far away to catch. The Packers will continue their campaign next week as they host the Carolina Panthers.
HOUSTON TEXANS @ Chicago Bears
CHICAGO - Don't look now, but the Houston Texans have a winning streak. The Texans bested the Chicago Bears 21-14 in Chicago Sunday. Houston (4-9) now finds themselves only two games back in the weak AFC South which is remarkable considering two weeks ago the conversation was about the number one overall pick.
The Houston defense was once again the story as the rag tag unit stymied the Bears (5-8) offense most of the afternoon. Defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson continued his strong year and was very disruptive to the running attack on multiple occasions. "I'm glad coach gave me a chance. I feel great." Johnson said about his impact role.
The defensive backs unit stepped up as well Sunday. Tied 7-7, Chicago had the ball and looked ready to score when Bobby McCain intercepted a Mitch Trubisky pass and returned it 94 yards to the house. McCain has been arguably the best player on the entire Texans roster all year and it's plays like these that make Houston fans excited for the future.
The Texans will get a chance to inch closer in the division as they take on the AFC South leading 6-7 Colts next week.
