Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears
CHICAGO - The Green Bay Packers used defense and special teams to beat their rival Chicago 36-6 Sunday at Soldier Field. The Bears, who are in full rebuild mode and starting a backup quarterback didn't present much of a challenge to the NFC North leading Packers (8-4-1).
The Bears (2-11) stating PJ Walker struggled to move the ball all day. This allowed Green Bay to have excellent field position and use a balanced run and pass game to put things away early. Even though they probably didn't need the extra points, the defense gave them some with Patrick Surtain collecting his league leading 8th interception and taking it back for a touchdown.
Green Bay maintains a comfortable division lead and will look to rest up before the final stretch next week on their bye.
Cleveland Browns @ Houston Texans
HOUSTON - The Houston Texans spoiled quarterback Deshaun Watson's return to the Browns from suspension with a 26-23 win. Houston (9-3), the current AFC one seed, looked awful offensively all game. As usual though, the defense was superb and kept the Texans in the game early.
With not much going well for Houston and the Browns (7-5) up 16-12 in the 4th quarter, things changed quickly with the Texans defense taking matters in to their own hands. Cornerback Mike Hilton intercepted Watson and took it back for a touchdown giving Houston the lead. On the very next possession, Watson was sacked by Azeez Ojulari causing a fumble. The ball was scooped up and ran back by Melvin Ingram for another Texan TD, putting the game out of reach.
"Some times your offense wins game, sometimes it's the defense," Hilton said. "It's a team effort here."
Houston will look to get their offense clicking again next week as they take on the other team from Texas, the Cowboys.
Miami Dolphins @ San Francisco 49ers
SANTA CLARA - Down multiple starters and battling torrential rain, the San Francisco 49ers found a way to get the 24-17 win over the visiting Miami Dolphins (6-6). Justin Fields once again ran the Niners (9-3) to victory with 139 yards on the ground. It was Fields’ 8th 100 yard rushing game this season, bringing his season total to 1193 yards.
San Francisco has a comfortable three game lead in their division, but is fighting the injury bug in their locker room. The cushion may be needed as they limp across the finish line. Their goal now is to win the division and get healthy in time for a home playoff game.
All their injuries to the defense will be tested next week at they host Tom Brady and that Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
