Chargers Snap Losing Streak, Defeat Ravens 35-17 at SoFi Stadium
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Chargers ended a three-game skid with a commanding 35-17 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday at SoFi Stadium. Quarterback Will Levis turned in a stellar performance, throwing for 243 yards and four touchdowns in what many are calling his best outing of the season.
The Chargers (6-5) leaned heavily on their revamped offensive game plan under a newly adjusted coaching staff. Christian McCaffrey was pivotal in the victory, rushing 26 times for 116 yards and adding four catches for 44 yards, including a touchdown. His versatility helped Los Angeles dominate time of possession and keep the Ravens’ defense off balance.
“It feels great to get back in the win column,” Levis said. “The changes we made this week were big, and it showed in how we played. Everyone stepped up, and we played a complete game.”
The Chargers’ defense played a complementary role, limiting the Ravens to 17 points. Despite Lamar Jackson’s efforts, Los Angeles’ defense kept Baltimore’s running game in check.
The game remained close early, but Levis connected with wide receiver Romeo Doubs for a touchdown early in the second half to put the contest out of reach.
The Chargers will look to carry this momentum into next week as they fight to stay in the thick of the AFC playoff race.
Texans Roll Past Titans 47-28 Behind Drake Maye’s Career Day
HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Texans put on an offensive clinic Sunday, dismantling the Tennessee Titans 47-28 at NRG Stadium. Quarterback Drake Maye delivered a performance for the ages, throwing for 375 yards and five touchdowns, as Houston dismantled the Titans in dominant fashion.
Maye spread the ball efficiently, but it was newly acquired wide receiver Kendrick Bourne who stole the spotlight. Bourne, acquired in a midseason trade, hauled in three of Maye’s touchdown passes and racked up 110 yards, providing an instant spark to the Texans’ offense.
“Kendrick’s been a huge addition for us,” Maye said. “He runs great routes, and it feels like he’s been in this system for years. Today, everything clicked.”
The Texans (8-4) scored on their opening drive and never looked back, rolling up 456 yards of total offense. Derrick Henry added 84 rushing yards to complement Houston’s aerial attack, keeping the Titans’ defense on its heels.
Defensively, Houston did enough to keep Tennessee at bay, forcing two turnovers and keeping pressure on quarterback Justin Herbert. The Titans found some rhythm in the second half, but by then, the Texans had built an insurmountable lead.
“We’re starting to play complementary football,” Texans coach David Shaw said. “Drake was exceptional, and the rest of the team followed his lead. We’ve still got work to do, but today was a big step forward.”
Houston will look to build on this momentum as they continue their push toward a playoff spot in the crowded AFC race.
Tua, Jefferson Lead Packers Past 49ers in 3GML Showdown
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — In a clash of 3GML heavyweights, the Green Bay Packers edged the San Francisco 49ers 18-17 on Sunday at Lambeau Field, thanks to a pair of game-changing throws by Tua Tagovailoa and a stellar performance from Justin Jefferson.
The 49ers (8-3) dominated the trenches for much of the afternoon, with rookie defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton wreaking havoc and keeping the Packers’ offense off balance. But Green Bay (9-2) made the most of its limited opportunities. Tagovailoa connected with Jefferson on two pivotal plays: a 40-yard strike late in the third quarter and a 76-yard touchdown bomb with less than a minute to play that sealed the victory.
“Tua made the plays when we needed them,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “We struggled all day, but he and Justin showed why they’re elite players.”
Jefferson finished the game with 139 yards and two touchdowns on six catches, proving once again to be the centerpiece of Green Bay’s offensive attack.
Despite their dominance in the trenches, the 49ers’ inability to capitalize on Green Bay’s mistakes proved costly. The Niners front four consistently disrupted the Packers’ backfield, but the offense failed to generate points in crucial moments. Jordan Love threw for 204 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception but couldn't keep the offense on the field long enough to come away with more points.
“We did everything but finish,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said.
The win sets up Green Bay for a potential tie breaker in future playoff seeding as both teams are hunting the number one seed in the NFC.