NFL Week 13: What We Learned from Thanksgiving Day Tripleheader
The NFL’s Thanksgiving Day tripleheader provided plenty of excitement and drama, with three thrilling games that had a significant impact on the playoff race. Here’s what we learned from the holiday feast of football:
Buffalo Bills Flex Their Muscle
The Buffalo Bills continued their dominant run with a convincing 28-25 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Quarterback Josh Allen was sensational, throwing for 260 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 74 yards. Stefon Diggs was his usual reliable target, hauling in nine catches for 143 yards and a touchdown. The Bills’ defense was equally impressive, forcing three turnovers and limiting the Saints to just 25 points.
This win solidifies the Bills’ position as a Super Bowl contender. They are now 9-3 and control their own destiny in the AFC East. Allen has emerged as a legitimate MVP candidate, and the Bills’ offense is among the most potent in the league.
Dallas Cowboys Show Resilience
The Dallas Cowboys overcame a 14-point deficit to defeat the Las Vegas Raiders 36-33 in a thrilling overtime battle. Quarterback Dak Prescott was at his best, completing 31 of 46 passes for 375 yards and three touchdowns. Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 117 yards and a touchdown, while CeeDee Lamb had a breakout performance with eight catches for 137 yards.
The Cowboys’ win was a testament to their resilience and determination. They refused to give up, even when they were down by two scores. Prescott and Lamb played particularly well, and the defense made several key stops in overtime.
New England Patriots Keep Rolling
The New England Patriots continued their winning ways with a 23-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. Quarterback Mac Jones was efficient, throwing for 232 yards and a touchdown, while Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson combined for 126 rushing yards. The Patriots’ defense once again impressed, holding the Vikings’ high-powered offense to just 10 points.
This win moves the Patriots to 9-4 on the season. They are now in control of their own destiny in the AFC East and are a legitimate contender for the Super Bowl. Jones has shown significant improvement in his second season, and the Patriots’ defense continues to be one of the best in the league.
Thanksgiving Day Takeaways
In addition to the individual team performances, here are some key takeaways from the Thanksgiving Day tripleheader:
- The AFC East is wide open. The Bills, Patriots, and Miami Dolphins are all 9-3 and in contention for the division title. The Bills currently hold the tiebreaker over the Patriots, but the race is far from over.
- The Cowboys are a legitimate playoff contender. Prescott has been playing at a high level, and the Cowboys’ offense is one of the most explosive in the league. They have a tough remaining schedule, but they have the talent to make a run in the playoffs.
- The Vikings’ offense is struggling. Despite having Justin Jefferson, one of the best receivers in the league, the Vikings’ offense has been inconsistent. They have scored 10 or fewer points in two of their last three games.
- The Saints are in trouble. After starting the season 5-2, the Saints have now lost five of their last six games. Their defense has been particularly disappointing, allowing over 30 points per game during that stretch.
The NFL’s Thanksgiving Day tripleheader provided plenty of excitement and drama. The Bills, Cowboys, and Patriots all emerged victorious, while the Saints and Vikings suffered disappointing losses. The playoff race is heating up, and these three games had a significant impact on the standings.