It wasn’t easy, but the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Houston Texans 30-24 in overtime on Sunday afternoon at NRG Stadium.
The winners of that duel secured their ticket to the playoffs, which are now guaranteed to end the regular season at the top of the American’s West section.
In overtime, the Chiefs’ offensive (11-3) got the ball first, but couldn’t use it. The defense remedied this, however, by forcing and retrieving a breakaway on the Texans’ first-ever offensive game (1-12-1).
Running back Jerick McKinnon got a golden opportunity and cleared the 26 yards that separated him from the number zone, ending hostilities.
Patrick Mahomes was not left out. The Kansas City quarterback threw two touchdown passes and also registered a middle finger with his legs.
The “Jags” surprise the cowboys
Unlike the Chiefs, the Dallas Cowboys were unable to secure their spot in the postseason tournament. The Texas team was upset in overtime against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field, 40-34.
The crowd favorite prevailed on a return interception for a touchdown by safety Rayshawn Jenkins in overtime.
However, Zay Jones’ brilliant performance deserves special mention. The Jaguars wide receiver (6-8) caught six relays for 109 yards and three majors.
With the Cowboys (10-4), Dak Prescott threw three touchdown passes, but he saw two of his relays end up in the hands of a rival.
The Lions series continues
At MetLife Stadium, the Detroit Lions achieved their third straight win by defeating the New York Jets 20-17.
It was also the sixth win for head coach Dan Campbell’s team in their last seven games.
The Lions (7-7), four points down and just over four minutes into the game, reclaimed the lead with a 51-yard throw from Jared Goff to Brock Wright for a major.
The New Yorkers then had a chance to equalize, but kicker Greg Zuerlein missed a long 58-yard attempt. The Jets (7-7) have also turned to Zack Wilson to lead their offense and it’s due to an injury to Mike White. The second overall pick in the 2021 draft lost its starting spot last November.
In summary
At Bank of America Stadium, the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-8) scored three quick touchdowns in a 24-16 win over the Carolina Panthers (5-9).
Despite a quarterback change, the Atlanta Falcons (5-9) couldn’t break their deadlock. With Desmond Ridder behind center, the Georgia team went down 21-18 to the New Orleans Saints in the Superdome.
At Soldier Field, quarterback Jalen Hurts crossed the goal line three times with the ball in hand, and the Philadelphia Eagles (13-1) defeated the Chicago Bears (3-11) 25-20.