Despite their excellent record, the Vikings continued to doubt them. That was before the Bills fell in Game of the Year in overtime. There is no other possible conclusion: they are indeed legitimate, the mallows!
• Also read: Dramatic Viking victory
• Also read: Midseason surprises and disappointments in the NFL
With a 33-30 win, the Vikings (8-1) won their seventh game of the season by eight points or fewer. Beyond victory, they gained credibility.
It was one thing for the heartiest team in the NFL to sign such victories in extremis against teams like the Commanders, Lions or Saints. It’s another to prank the Bills in Buffalo’s hostile environment.
Every week since the start of the season, the Vikings have had a knack for making life difficult for themselves, but they play their best football in the fourth quarter.
They trailed the Bills 27-10 in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter they retained the upper hand with 13 points to almost three. That’s what’s been crucial since the start of the season. They scored 83 points versus just 40 in the last 15 minutes of play.
Masterful Jefferson
When the Vikings traded receiver Stefon Diggs to the Bills, it was a huge blow to fans. The first-round pick in return was none other than Justin Jefferson, who was phenomenal in Buffalo.
The spectacular number 18 caught 10 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown. His acrobatic one-handed catch on the fourth down and 18 yards from the end of the game is probably game of the year.
Worst of all, the Vikings couldn’t score points after that memorable game because Kirk Cousins was stopped just a millimeter from bases on a quarterback sneak.
Bill’s mistake
Vikings hopes seemed dead, but the Bills went back on offense with their backs to the wall and a poor rally between quarterback Josh Allen and center Mitch Morse led to a Vikings defensive touchdown when Eric Kendricks regained the ball.
The Bills then took to the field to equalize the mark of a field goal and forced overtime.
After a Vikings field goal in overtime, the Bills advanced 52 yards with the ball at the Vikings 20 line, but Allen’s pass was intercepted by Patrick Peterson to end a wild cascade of unlikely plays by both sides. For the veteran cornerback, it was a second end zone interception in this epic duel.
This defeat leaves a bitter aftertaste for the Bills (6:3). This team, which many observers are watching at the Super Bowl, suddenly slips to third place in its division, behind the Dolphins (7-3) and the Jets (6-3), both of whom beat Buffalo this season.
Various questions
It’s hard to criticize Josh Allen for everything he brings, but there’s no denying that his decision-making over the past few weeks has been far from optimal. We almost see his debut quarterback having immense brain spasms trying to do anything at all times.
He finished the game with 330 yards through the air, but his two interceptions were a turning point, as was his fumbling in his end zone.
He was still the leader of his team with 84 yards rushing, but he exposes himself so much with his physical style. It’s his trademark, but at this rate his body will break down. He was already injured in the elbow and his presence was uncertain. Let’s assume this match didn’t speed up his recovery.
For the Vikings, Kirk Cousins has never been so well surrounded. He’ll never erase the stubborn doubts about him, but he’s far from alone in this well-managed, tenacious and explosive team. It’s time to believe it, the Vikings are “real”.
WINNER
The leaders
Their win, combined with the Bills’ loss, leaves the Chiefs alone at the top of the American conference. Patrick Mahomes returned to his eternal routine: 331 yards, four touchdown passes.
the dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa was outstanding (25 for 32, 285 yards, three touchdowns) and newcomer Jeff Wilson Jr. (119 yards, one touchdown) is a nice addition in the backfield. The currently toughest offensive in the league.
Saquon Barkley
A hard day’s work for the Giants running back with 35 carries for 152 yards and a touchdown. He continues to carry the attack on his shoulders.
Jeff Saturday
Despite what has been said about Jeff Saturday’s odd attitude as a head coach with no experience with the Colts, he won his first game. It was just a game against the Raiders, so no need to get carried away, but hats off anyway!
Christian Watson
The Packers rookie receiver has been pretty much invisible this season when not on the sidelines. He blew up against the Cowboys with three touchdowns. There’s hope for the Packers offense!
LOSER
The Broncos
Another defeat and the hole keeps growing. Russell Wilson was the victim of six quarterback sacks and completed only 50% of his 42 passes. The offensive converted just four of their 17 attempts into third downs.
Andy Dalton
The quarterback added two interceptions to his tally, bringing his total to seven in as many starts. What do the Saints gain by playing him? Your stubbornness is regrettable.
Josh McDaniels
After another embarrassing loss to the Colts that went nowhere, the seat under the Raiders head coach’s rear end continues to heat up. Despite the addition of Davante Adams, how could this team fall behind at this point?
The Aries
Not only does the loss keep the Rams out of the playoffs, but also receiver Cooper Kupp was injured. Knowing he’s the only productive player in this attack is disastrous.
Mike McCarthy
The Cowboys were on the Packers 35 line in overtime, but instead of betting on a field goal, they went for fourth and missed. Difficult decision by driver Mike McCarthy to justify.
5 games of the week
1. Long live Germany!
The NFL presented a first game between the Buccaneers and the Seahawks in Munich. It was quite a party in Germany! The audience seemed cheered by his chants. The Germans didn’t have great game to eat, but the Seahawks’ late awakening brought a modicum of excitement. Rookie rusher Rachaad White took charge with 105 rushing yards and shone in the final streak that saw the Bucs beat the clock.
2. BACK TO MATT RYAN
In his first game in charge of the Colts, Jeff Saturday made a big move that paid off by bringing Matt Ryan back to quarterback. In the last two games, the young Sam Ehlinger did not develop a spark. Ryan completed 21 of 28 passes for 222 yards and a touchdown. On the Colts’ final offensive sequence, a rare run in his case allowed him to gain 39 yards en route to the winning touchdown on a pass to Parris Campbell.
3. DEADLY POCKET
Once again, Bears quarterback Justin Fields was nothing short of electric against the Lions, despite his team losing. With 147 yards rushing and two touchdowns as well as two assists, which are good for the majors, he carried the attack of the Bears. In a final attempt to win, he escaped the pressure with a fourth penalty and eight yards from goal, but Julian Okwara eventually joined him for the fatal sack. Fields just need to learn to draw quickly.
4. A NEW WEAPON
The Chiefs had the upper hand against the Jaguars and added a new weapon to their already intimidating arsenal. At the close of trading they secured the catcher Kadarius Toney. Last year he was the Giants’ first-round pick, he was injured many times and his attitude was lacking, but his explosiveness was never in doubt. He scored his first touchdown in the NFL, gaining a total of 57 yards through the air and 33 rushing.
5. MITCHELL SAYS NO
In a defensive duel between the Broncos and the Titans, a defensive play was needed to settle the debate. Cornerback Terrance Mitchell did it. The Broncos were at the Titans 25 line when Russell Wilson threw a faulty pass to Courtland Sutton. Rather, it was Mitchell who snapped up his offer. Nice personal rematch for the latter, who was fired from the Patriots earlier in the season and then hired by the Titans.