2024 3GML Season - Super Bowl LIX

Chiefs Outgun 49ers to Win Super Bowl LIX, 45-27

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs delivered an offensive masterclass, defeating the San Francisco 49ers 45-27 in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday night at Caesars Superdome.

Kansas City’s offense seemed straight out of a video game, moving the ball at will with Mahomes dissecting the 49ers' defense. Despite the lopsided scoreline, San Francisco fought valiantly, led by quarterback Jordan Love, who threw for 432 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions.

“This one hurts,” said Love after the game. “We fought hard all year, and I’m proud of what we accomplished, but it’s tough to come up short in a game like this.”

Rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey shined in the defeat, hauling in six passes for 151 yards and a touchdown. Tight end David Njoku contributed 118 yards and a score, while CeeDee Lamb, who faced constant double coverage, still managed 79 yards and a touchdown. Lamb’s postseason dominance earned him the Kyle Lauletta Award, given to the player exemplifying postseason excellence.

“CeeDee’s effort throughout the playoffs was incredible,” said 49ers GM CD. “He stepped up when it mattered most and showed why he’s one of the best in the league.”

The loss marks the end of an impressive season for the 49ers, who reached their second Super Bowl under GM CD and head coach Kyle Shanahan. While the defeat stings, the 49ers' future remains bright with Love and a young, talented roster poised for another run in the years to come.

“Tonight wasn’t our night,” Shanahan said, “but this team has the heart of a champion. We’ll be back.”

2024 3GML Season - Championship Round

49ers Dominate Packers to Secure Spot in Super Bowl

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers came out firing on all cylinders and never looked back, defeating the top-seeded Green Bay Packers 38-22 in the NFC Championship Game at Lambeau Field on Sunday.

The 49ers (13-7) set the tone early, scoring touchdowns on their first three drives to build a commanding 21-0 lead in the first quarter. Green Bay (14-5) struggled to respond, and the game was never closer than a two-score margin for the remainder of the contest.

CeeDee Lamb was the focal point of the San Francisco offense, catching 12 passes for 159 yards and consistently converting key downs. Running back Jaylen Wright contributed three rushing touchdowns despite a modest 31 yards on the ground, punching in critical red-zone opportunities.

“We knew we had to come out fast in a hostile environment, and our guys executed perfectly,” said 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. “This is a special team, and we’re not done yet.”

The Packers’ offense, led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, couldn’t find its rhythm until late. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson provided a bright spot with 80 yards, a touchdown, and a two-point conversion, but Green Bay’s efforts fell short in their bid for a comeback.

The loss ends the season for GM SD, who was aiming to lead the Packers to back-to-back Super Bowl titles. For GM CD, the win propels him to his third Super Bowl appearance and his first with the 49ers. He will now aim for his second championship, having previously won with the New England Patriots.

San Francisco will face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV in two weeks in what will be a matchup between two top offenses.

2024 3GML Season - Divisional Round

Packers Hold Off Seahawks in Divisional Round Shootout

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The top-seeded Green Bay Packers weathered a furious comeback by the 5th-seeded Seattle Seahawks to secure a thrilling 37-35 victory in the NFC Divisional Round on Saturday.

Green Bay (15-3) came out firing, scoring 28 points in a dominant first half behind a career performance from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa threw for 415 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, showcasing the precision that powered the Packers to the NFC’s top seed.

Wide receivers Rome Odunze and Justin Jefferson were unstoppable, with Odunze hauling in 122 yards and a touchdown, while Jefferson added 102 yards and a score. Running back Isiah Pacheco complemented the air attack with a bruising 120 yards on the ground and a touchdown.

Despite the early dominance, the Seahawks (11-8) stormed back in the second half, cutting the lead to two points late in the fourth quarter. Green Bay’s defense, however, held firm on Seattle’s final drive to seal the victory.

“Credit to Seattle—they didn’t quit, and they made us earn it,” said Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. “But this team knows how to finish, and that’s what we did today.”

The victory sets up a marquee NFC Championship matchup as Green Bay will host the 2nd-seeded San Francisco 49ers, a clash of two 3GML franchises with Super Bowl aspirations.

49ers Capitalize on Late Turnovers to Advance to NFC Championship

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The 2nd-seeded San Francisco 49ers pulled away late to defeat the 3rd-seeded New York Giants 37-20 in the NFC Divisional Round on Sunday, punching their ticket to the NFC Championship Game.

In a game that was tied 20-20 midway through the fourth quarter, the 49ers (12-7) delivered a string of defensive heroics to put the game out of reach. The turning point came on a critical Giants possession when 49ers defensive tackle Zach Allen strip-sacked Daniel Jones, scooped up the loose ball, and rumbled 27 yards for a game-changing touchdown.

“Zach’s play was incredible—it completely shifted the momentum,” said 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. “That’s the kind of play you dream about in big games.”

Following the fumble return, the Giants (11-8) unraveled. Jones threw interceptions on New York’s next two possessions, first a pick-six to linebacker Drue Tranquill and then another interception to cornerback Jaylon Johnson, sealing the Giants’ fate with three turnovers in as many drives.

Offensively, San Francisco was efficient, with quarterback Jordan Love throwing for 247 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Running back Jaylen Wright chipped in with 59 rushing yards.

With the win, the 49ers advance to the NFC Championship Game, where they will face the top-seeded Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The clash between two 3GML franchises promises to be a showdown for the ages.

2024 3GML Season - Wild Card Round

Texans Fall Short in Wild Card Thriller Against Chiefs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The 7th-seeded Houston Texans pushed the 2nd-seeded Kansas City Chiefs to the brink but ultimately fell 41-34 in a thrilling Wild Card showdown on Sunday.

Few gave the Texans (10-8) a chance against the powerhouse Chiefs, but rookie quarterback Drake Maye silenced the doubters with a spectacular performance. Maye threw for 328 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing the poise and talent that made him the second overall pick.

Houston carried a seven-point lead into the fourth quarter, but the Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, capitalized on two late drives to take control. The injury-depleted Texans fought valiantly but couldn't muster a final answer as time expired on their 2024 campaign.

“We didn’t come here to play close; we came to win,” said GM TH. “But I’m proud of this team. Drake showed today why he’s our guy, and this group never stopped fighting despite all the adversity we faced this season.”

While the loss ends Houston's season, the effort signals a bright future for a team built around its young QB.

49ers Dominate Eagles to Advance to Divisional Round

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The 2nd-seeded San Francisco 49ers left no doubt in their Wild Card matchup, dismantling the 7th-seeded Philadelphia Eagles 38-14 on Sunday.

Behind a stellar performance from 3GML MVP Jordan Love, the 49ers (11-7) rolled to 474 yards of total offense in a game that was decided early. Love carved up the Eagles’ defense, throwing for 349 yards and five touchdowns.

Wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and Diontae Johnson both eclipsed the 100-yard mark, with Lamb tallying 113 yards and a score, while Johnson added 100 yards and a touchdown of his own. The offensive outburst and a smothering defensive effort ensured the Niners’ victory never came into question.

“Jordan showed why he’s the MVP,” said head coach Kyle Shanahan. “When he’s on, this offense is tough to stop, and today was one of those days.”

With the win, the 49ers move on to the Divisional Round, where they will host the 3rd-seeded New York Giants in a battle of NFC powerhouses.

2024 3GML Season - Week 18

Texans Fall to Titans 29-24, Playoff Fate Uncertain

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Houston Texans dropped a crucial game to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, losing 29-24 at Nissan Stadium. The defeat leaves Houston (10-7) on the edge of the playoff picture, awaiting results from other games to determine their postseason fate.

The Texans offense struggled to find its usual rhythm, with quarterback Drake Maye throwing for 286 yards and a touchdown but also tossing two costly interceptions. Derrick Henry, who has been a consistent force for Houston this season, was held to 56 rushing yards but managed to punch in two touchdowns to keep the Texans within reach.

“It’s a tough one to swallow,” said Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans. “We fought hard, but we didn’t make the plays we needed to in critical moments. Now we just have to wait and see how things shake out.”

With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the Texans will anxiously await the outcomes of other Week 18 matchups to see if their 10-7 record is enough to secure a spot in the AFC playoffs.

Packers Eliminate Bears from Playoffs with 10-7 Victory

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — In a game that had no playoff implications for the Green Bay Packers but everything on the line for their rivals, the Packers secured a 10-7 win over the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on Sunday. The victory knocked the Bears out of playoff contention and served as a final regular-season tune-up for Green Bay (13-4), who already clinched the NFC's number one seed.

The Packers' defense was the star of the game, with cornerback Christian Gonzalez intercepting rookie quarterback Caleb Williams twice, including a key pick in the fourth quarter to snuff out a potential game-tying drive.

The Bears managed a lone touchdown in the second quarter but struggled to move the ball consistently against Green Bay’s stingy defense.

“Anytime you can beat the Bears, it’s a good day,” said Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. “But our focus now is on the playoffs. We’ve got bigger goals ahead.”

The Packers now turn their attention to the postseason, while the Bears head into the offseason wondering what could have been.

Chargers Close Season with 27-17 Win Over Raiders

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Los Angeles Chargers ended their 2024 campaign on a high note, defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 27-17 on Sunday to secure a winning record at 9-8.

The Chargers dominated on the ground, with Najee Harris, Will Levis, and fullback Hunter Luepke each rushing for a touchdown. 

“This was a great way to finish,” said Chargers head coach Bobby Slowik. “We showed resilience this season, and now it’s about building on this momentum for next year.”

For GM CD, the win closes a season of ups and downs. With a strong foundation in place, the Chargers aim to bolster their roster through free agency and the draft to make a stronger playoff push in 2025.

49ers Fall to Cardinals but Clinch NFC West, Secure No. 2 Seed

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers closed out the regular season with a 35-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday but still clinched the NFC West and secured the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.

Jordan Love continued his strong campaign, throwing for 237 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Love connected with CeeDee Lamb and rookie David Nkoju for scores, making a final push for 3GML MVP honors.

Despite the defeat, San Francisco (10-7) capped a successful regular season highlighted by their dominance in divisional play, finishing 5-1 in the NFC West.

“Not the way we wanted to end the season, but we’re ready for what’s ahead,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said. “We’ve earned the right to play at home, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

The 49ers will host the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round next weekend, aiming to kick off their postseason run on a high note.

2024 3GML Season - Week 17

Texans Dominate Ravens 44-7 to Stay in Playoff Hunt

HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Texans delivered a statement win on Sunday, dismantling the Baltimore Ravens 44-7 at NRG Stadium to move one step closer to securing a playoff spot.

The Texans (10-6) erupted for 560 yards of total offense in a game they controlled from start to finish. Derrick Henry spearheaded the attack, rushing for 168 yards and three touchdowns, bullying the Ravens’ defense on every carry. Quarterback Drake Maye added to the dominant performance, throwing for 398 yards and a touchdown while also scoring on the ground.

Houston’s defense matched the offensive fireworks, stifling the Ravens and ensuring they never found their footing. Baltimore managed just one score and struggled to sustain drives against a motivated Texans squad.

The win keeps Houston firmly in the AFC playoff picture, with one game remaining to solidify their postseason berth.

Chargers Eliminated from Playoff Contention with 23-20 Loss to Patriots

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The Los Angeles Chargers’ playoff hopes came to an end on Sunday with a 23-20 loss to the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.

In a disappointing season under first-year GM BD, the Chargers (8-8) were unable to overcome inconsistent play and fell short in a must-win game. 

New England relied on a balanced attack, controlling the tempo and capitalizing on key mistakes from Los Angeles. While the Chargers’ defense kept the game close, their inability to convert on crucial possessions proved costly.

GM BD now faces an offseason full of tough decisions, starting with the quarterback position, as the team looks to bounce back in 2025. "We didn’t meet expectations, plain and simple," BD said after the game. "We have a lot of work to do, and it starts with figuring out what direction we want to take moving forward."

Packers Defeat Vikings 34-27, Stay in Hunt for NFC Top Seed

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers kept their pursuit of the NFC’s top seed alive with a 34-27 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday at Lambeau Field.

Wide receiver Justin Jefferson continued his stellar season, catching seven passes for 103 yards, while running back Isiah Pacheco, stepping in for the injured David Montgomery, delivered an impressive performance. Pacheco rushed for 85 yards and two touchdowns, helping the Packers (12-4) maintain their offensive balance.

With the win, the Packers move one step closer to securing home-field advantage in the playoffs, adding to the high stakes of their remaining schedule. “We’re focused on finishing strong,” said head coach Matt LaFleur. “We know what’s at stake, and this team is ready for the challenge.”

49ers Stumble in 26-3 Loss to Lions, Eye NFC West Title Next Week

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers suffered a significant setback on Sunday, managing only a field goal in a 26-3 loss to the Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium.

San Francisco’s (10-6) high-powered offense, led by quarterback Jordan Love, struggled to find rhythm throughout the game. The Lions controlled the game from start to finish behind a balanced attack and a strong defensive performance that stifled the 49ers' usual explosiveness. .

Despite the loss, the 49ers remain in control of their destiny in the NFC West. Sitting at 5-0 in division play, San Francisco can clinch the title with a win over the Arizona Cardinals next week.

“We didn’t execute today, plain and simple,” said head coach Kyle Shanahan. “But everything we’ve worked for this season is still right in front of us. We’ll regroup and be ready for Arizona.”

2024 3GML Season - Week 16

Chargers Roll Past Broncos 38-14 for Second Straight Win

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Will Levis and the Los Angeles Chargers delivered an offensive showcase on Sunday, cruising to a 38-14 victory over the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium.

Levis had one of his best outings of the season, throwing for 331 yards and three touchdowns, with one interception. Najee Harris added to the offensive explosion, scoring twice on the ground to cap a well-rounded effort by the Chargers (8-7).

“This was the kind of football we know we can play,” said Levis. “Everyone was locked in, and we made the most of our opportunities.”

Defensively, Los Angeles limited the Broncos to 189 total yards. Josey Jewell and Haason Reddick both played pivotal roles, with Reddick registering one and a half sacks and Jewell adding twelve tackles.

“Our defense came to play, and that was huge,” said Chargers head coach Bobby Slowik. “This is the kind of complementary football we’ve been striving for all season.”

The Chargers have now won two straight after a rocky stretch and remain in contention for a playoff berth. They’ll look to continue their push next week against the New England Patriots.

Packers Clinch NFC North with 28-16 Win Over Saints

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers secured the NFC North crown with a 28-16 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at Lambeau Field.

Tua Tagovailoa led a balanced Packers offense, throwing for 199 yards and a touchdown while adding 34 yards and two scores on the ground. His dual-threat ability kept the Saints’ defense off-balance and powered Green Bay (11-4) to their 11th win of the season.

“It feels great to lock up the division,” said Tagovailoa. “We’ve got bigger goals, but this was an important step, and everyone contributed.”

The Packers' defense played a pivotal role in the win, intercepting Saints quarterback Tyrod Taylor three times. Jerome Baker picked off Taylor twice, while Jordan Battle added a third interception to thwart New Orleans. The relentless pressure from Green Bay's defensive front ensured the Saints could never establish a rhythm offensively.

“Everyone did their job, and when we needed big plays, we made them,” said Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. “Clinching the division at home is always special.”

With the division title secured, the Packers now turn their attention to playoff positioning in the final weeks of the season.

Chiefs Roll Past Injury-Plagued Texans, 32-10

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs capitalized on a depleted Houston Texans roster, cruising to a 32-10 victory Sunday.

Josh Jacobs dominated the ground game, rushing for 148 yards and a touchdown, while the Chiefs defense stifled Houston's struggling offense. The Texans (9-6) couldn’t overcome their mounting injuries, falling behind early and never recovering.

With the loss, the Texans are left clinging to a playoff spot, hoping to get in to the dance where anything can happen.

Big Second Half Fuels 49ers to 38-20 Victory Over Dolphins

MIAMI (AP) — A dominant second-half performance propelled the San Francisco 49ers to a 38-20 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Tied 17-17 at halftime, the 49ers (10-5) took complete control, outscoring the Dolphins by 21-3 in the final two quarters to secure a critical win in their playoff push.

Jordan Love led the way for San Francisco, throwing for 371 yards and four touchdowns in one of his best performances of the season. Love connected with several key targets, keeping the Miami defense on its heels throughout the game.

The victory bolsters San Francisco's playoff hopes, as they continue to gain momentum heading into the final weeks of the regular season.

2024 3GML Season - Week 15

Packers Fall to Seahawks, 21-14, in Seattle

SEATTLE (AP) — The Green Bay Packers came up short on Sunday, losing 21-14 to the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. The defeat drops the Packers to 10-4, delaying their opportunity to clinch the NFC North title.

Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown was the lone bright spot for Green Bay, hauling in nine catches for 132 yards and a touchdown. Despite his performance, the Packers struggled to find consistency on offense, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa throwing for 305 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.

Seattle relied on a balanced attack orchestrated by quarterback Geno Smith. Smith threw for 332 yards, spreading the ball around to eight different receivers. Running back Kenneth Walker III added 88 rushing yards and a score, helping the Seahawks control the pace of the game.

“This one stings,” said Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. “We had opportunities, but we didn’t execute when it mattered most.”

The Packers' defense, which had been a strength all season, struggled to get off the field on critical downs. The Seahawks converted 7 of 13 third-down attempts, keeping drives alive and keeping Green Bay’s offense on the sideline.

Despite the loss, Green Bay remains in control of the NFC North, but the margin for error is shrinking. “We’ve got to regroup,” said Tagovailoa. “We know what’s at stake, and we’ve got to be better next week.”

The Packers will look to rebound as they return home to face the New Orleans Saints, hoping to clinch the division title with a win.

49ers Roll Past Rams, 35-9, in Santa Clara

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers flexed their offensive muscle on Sunday, cruising to a dominant 35-9 victory over the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s Stadium.

Rookie running back Jaylen Wright led the way, rushing for 134 yards and three touchdowns. Wright's performance helped San Francisco (9-5) control the game from start to finish, as the team amassed 440 yards of total offense.

Quarterback Jordan Love efficiently guided the offense, throwing for 273 yards and two touchdowns, spreading the ball to multiple targets in a well-balanced attack.

“Our line was tremendous today,” said head coach Kyle Shanahan. “Jaylen [Wright] found the holes, and Jordan [Love] made the plays we needed through the air. It was a full team effort.”

An interesting wrinkle popped up when rookie receiver Ladd McConkey who was listed as inactive someone snuck onto the field for a series in the first quarter.  McConkey's helmet was taken away and he was later seen tied to the bench in the second quarter.  Yet, once again, the rookie from Georgia mysteriously found himself in the game in the 3rd quarter prompting Shanahan to ask security to escort him to the locker room.

"Ladd just really wanted to play," said Shanahan.  "I don't know how our internal checks and rotations failed, but we'll be looking into that.  I apologize to the Rams organization for this.  At the end of the day, I love that he wanted to play.  Better than a guy making the decision to not play even when healthy."

The win moves the 49ers to 9-5 and keeps them firmly in the playoff hunt. They will travel to Miami next week to face the Dolphins, looking to maintain their momentum as the postseason nears.

Chargers Edge Buccaneers, 29-21, to Snap Skid

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Chargers snapped their losing streak Sunday, holding off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 29-21 at SoFi Stadium. Quarterback Will Levis threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns, delivering a much-needed boost to a Chargers team fighting to stay in the playoff race.

“It felt good to finally put together a complete game,” said Levis. “The offense was clicking, and the defense came up with some huge plays when it mattered.”

The Chargers’ defense forced two critical turnovers, including interceptions by linebacker Josey Jewell and cornerback Mike Hilton, both coming in the second half. 

Tampa Bay rallied in the fourth quarter with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield to Mike Evans, cutting the lead to 29-21. However, the Chargers’ defense held strong, stopping the Buccaneers on their final drive to secure the victory.

“We made the plays we needed to,” said Chargers head coach Bobby Slowik. “It wasn’t perfect, but we executed in the big moments, and that’s what counts.”

With the win, the Chargers improve to 7-7, keeping their slim playoff hopes alive. They’ll face a critical divisional showdown next week against the Denver Broncos.

Texans Edge Dolphins 26-24 Behind Derrick Henry's Dominance

HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Texans leaned on a monster performance from Derrick Henry to slip past the Miami Dolphins 26-24 on Sunday at NRG Stadium. Henry powered the Texans’ offense with 140 rushing yards, a touchdown, and 38 receiving yards, leading a unit that amassed 494 total yards.

“This was Derrick’s game,” said Texans quarterback Drake Maye. “He set the tone, kept the chains moving, and made life a lot easier for all of us.”

Houston (9-5) took control early, with Henry capping a methodical 12-play drive in the first quarter with a bruising 5-yard touchdown run. The Dolphins (8-6) stayed in the fight behind Brock Purdy, who threw for 270 yards and three touchdowns, including a 74-yard strike to Tyreek Hill that brought Miami within two points late in the fourth quarter.

Houston’s defense bent but didn’t break on Miami’s final drive, forcing an incompletion on fourth down to seal the victory.

“We needed this one,” said Texans head coach David Shaw. “Our guys executed and played with heart. Derrick was unstoppable, and the offensive line deserves a ton of credit for that.”

With the win, Houston keeps pace in the AFC playoff hunt and moves to 9-5 heading into the final stretch of the season. They’ll face the Kansas City Chiefs next week in another pivotal AFC matchup.

2024 3GML Season - Week 14

Packers’ Defense Shines in 13-3 Win Over Lions

DETROIT (AP) — The Green Bay Packers leaned on their defense to take down the Detroit Lions 13-3 on Sunday at Ford Field, inching closer to clinching the NFC North title.

In a game dominated by defensive play, the only touchdown came courtesy of cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who picked off Jared Goff in the second quarter and returned it 69 yards for a score. 

"That’s what we needed today," said Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. "We didn’t have our best stuff offensively, but our defense stepped up in a big way.”

Green Bay (10-3) managed just two field goals on offense, with new kicker Randy Bullock connecting from 30 and 36 yards. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw for 145 yards but was unable to find the end zone against a stingy Lions defense.

Detroit (7-6) struggled even more on offense, amassing just 212 total yards.  Jared Goff finished the day with 156 passing yards and an interception, as the Packers' relentless pressure kept him off balance.

"This one’s on me," said Goff. "I’ve got to be better, especially when our defense is giving us chances.”

With the win, Green Bay is now just one victory away from clinching the NFC North title, a feat they could achieve as early as next week. Meanwhile, the Lions’ playoff hopes took a hit as they face a critical stretch in the closing weeks of the season.

Bears Stun 49ers in San Francisco, 27-24

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The Chicago Bears pulled off a shocking upset on Sunday, edging the San Francisco 49ers 27-24 at Levi’s Stadium. A strong performance by 49ers quarterback Jordan Love wasn’t enough to overcome a resilient Bears team that made key plays in crunch time.

Love was sensational for most of the game, throwing for 360 yards and two touchdowns while adding another score on the ground. However, his heroics were overshadowed by a crucial fourth-quarter sack that derailed San Francisco’s final drive and sealed their defeat.

"Jordan played lights out for us," said 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. 

The 49ers (8-5) led 21-20 headed into the fourth quarter. However, Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams responded with a 68-yard drive, capped by a D'Andre Swift touchdown run to put the Bears ahead for good with under two minutes to play.

The loss dents the 49ers’ hopes of securing home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs. Meanwhile, the Bears celebrated a victory in what has been a up and down season, showcasing a glimpse of their potential against one of the league’s top teams.

Chargers Fall to Chiefs, 31-29, as Playoff Hopes Fade

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Los Angeles Chargers let another opportunity slip away on Sunday, falling 31-29 to the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The loss drops the Chargers to 6-7 on the season, pushing their playoff aspirations to the brink.

Los Angeles had a chance to seize control late in the game. Trailing by two, quarterback Will Levis led the Chargers into Kansas City territory in the final minutes. However, a critical sack by Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis derailed the drive, forcing a fourth-and-long situation that the Chargers couldn’t convert.

"We had the chance to win, but we didn’t execute in key moments," said Chargers head coach Bobby Slowik. "It’s frustrating, but we’re not giving up on this season.”

The Chiefs (9-4) all but locked up the AFC West with the win, their dominance in the division continuing. The Chargers, meanwhile, face long odds to make the playoffs. They likely need to win at least three of their final four games and receive help from other results around the league.

"We’ve got to take it one game at a time and control what we can," said Levis. "It’s not over until it’s over.”

With their backs against the wall, the Chargers will look to regroup next week as they try to salvage a season that began with so much promise.

2024 3GML Season - Week 13

Controversial Call Lifts Dolphins Over Packers in Green Bay

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Miami Dolphins escaped Lambeau Field with a 29-27 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, thanks to a dramatic, last-second defensive pass interference call that left the home crowd stunned.

Green Bay (9-3) appeared to have sealed the win when cornerback Christian Gonzalez intercepted a Hail Mary attempt by Miami quarterback Brock Purdy as time expired. However, the officials flagged Green Bay for defensive pass interference on the play, giving the Dolphins (8-4) one final chance from the Packers’ 1-yard line. Miami kicker Jason Sanders nailed a chip-shot field goal as time expired to complete the stunning finish.

“I’m proud of the way we fought to the end,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said. “Sometimes, you just need one break to go your way.”

The Packers had taken a 27-26 lead with under a minute left on a 6-yard touchdown pass from Tua Tagovailoa to Justin Jefferson, capping off a late-game comeback. Jefferson continued his stellar season, finishing with 73 yards and that touchdown on the day.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur expressed frustration with the late penalty. “It’s tough to swallow. Our guy made a play on the ball. That’s what you teach — to fight to the end. I don’t know what else we’re supposed to do there.”

The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for Green Bay, who still sits atop the NFC North. Miami, meanwhile, kept pace in a tight AFC playoff picture.

Chargers' Offensive Struggles Continue in Loss to Falcons

ATLANTA (AP) — The Los Angeles Chargers’ offense sputtered to one of its worst performances of the season, totaling just 128 yards in a 26-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Los Angeles (6-6) managed only 13 first downs and consistently failed to sustain drives against a stingy Falcons defense. Will Levis struggled under center, completing just 21 passes for 132 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. The running game was equally ineffective, with Christian McCaffrey limited to 54 yards on 14 carries.

“Right now, we’re searching for answers,” said Chargers head coach Bobby Slowik. “We’re running out of time, but I still believe in this group.”

Atlanta controlled the game with a balanced attack, racking up 363 total yards. Bijan Robinson rushed for 84 yards, while Kirk Cousins added 292 yards through the air. The Falcons’ defense also made its mark, sacking Levis six times and forcing two turnovers.

Los Angeles now finds itself in a precarious position in the AFC playoff race, with time running out to salvage a season plagued by offensive inconsistencies.

Injury-Ravaged Texans Struggle in 26-6 Loss to Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Houston Texans’ mounting injuries finally caught up with them Sunday in a 26-6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field.

Houston (8-5) was without several key contributors on both sides of the ball, including linebacker Logan Wilson, whose season-ending injury was confirmed earlier in the week. The Texans’ defense, which has been the backbone of their success, struggled to contain Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence, who threw for 200 yards and a touchdown.

The offense wasn’t much better. Forced to line up tight ends at wide receiver due to injuries to their receiving corps, the Texans failed to move the ball consistently. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye was held to 256 passing yards, no touchdowns and an interception, while the running game mustered a mere 41 yards.

“This is the NFL. Nobody feels sorry for you,” said Texans head coach David Shaw. “We have to figure out how to make it work with the guys we have.”

Jacksonville (8-4) capitalized on Houston’s struggles, leaning on Travis Etienne Jr., who rushed for 107 yards and a touchdown, to control the tempo. The Jaguars' defense also had a strong showing, forcing two turnovers and holding the Texans to 3-for-12 on third down conversions.

The Texans will need to regroup quickly as they head into their late bye. The question remains whether their depleted roster can withstand the final stretch of the season.

Josh Allen Dismantles 49ers in 37-24 Bills Victory

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Josh Allen put on a clinic Sunday, torching the San Francisco 49ers for 376 yards and three touchdowns as the Buffalo Bills secured a decisive 37-24 victory at Levi’s Stadium.

Allen spread the ball effectively, carving up the 49ers' defense with precision. Wide receiver Keon Coleman led the charge with nine catches for 156 yards and two touchdowns. 

"Josh was locked in from the start," said Bills head coach Sean McDermott. "He made great decisions and executed exactly how we needed him to.”

The 49ers (8-4) struggled to keep pace, as quarterback Jordan Love endured a rough outing. Love was sacked five times, often holding onto the ball too long, and finished with 209 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception. His lone bright spot was a 31-yard touchdown connection with CeeDee Lamb in the third quarter.

"We couldn’t protect Jordan, plain and simple," said 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. "When you're in 3rd-and-long all day, it’s hard to establish anything.”

The loss tightens the NFC West race as the 49ers look to bounce back next week. Meanwhile, the Bills solidified their playoff push with a signature win against one of the NFC’s top teams.