Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ San Francisco 49ers
SANTA CLARA - Tampa Bay's defense proved too much an obstacle for the San Francisco 49ers Sunday as the Buccaneers ground their way to a 23-13 victory. That, combined with a 49ers (9-4) defense which was running on reserves and couldn't get the stops they needed, led to a long afternoon.
Vita Vea was a game wrecker for Tampa and the normal rush attach from Justin Fields and company was neutralized as a result. The loss was a tough one for the Niners as the playoff picture starts to become clearer. San Francisco was in the hunt for the one seed, but will need a little more help down the stretch now. On the bright side, the division feels like it's all but wrapped up with both Los Angeles and Arizona losing their quarterbacks for the season.
The quest to get back on track begins next week as the 49ers travel to take on division rival Seattle.
Houston Texans @ Dallas Cowboys
DALLAS - In a stunner, the Houston Texans walloped the Dallas Cowboys 35-23. In what was billed as a marquee matchup, the Texans left little doubt who was the better team. While the score was close in the end, the game was not, as the Cowboys scored a couple late garbage-time touchdowns to make it respectable. With the win, Houston moves to 10-3 and stays in contention for number seed in the AFC.
In the game, Jerome Baker scored two defensive touchdowns on scoop and scores.
"Right place, right time man," Baker said. "Love helping my team win."
Houston will try to keep rolling next week against the Kansas City Chiefs.
