The home stretch is here, and teams are fighting for a chance at postseason play, and with the playoffs starting to shape up, games matter. Some games are more important than others; the following games were some of the most crucial in Week 11.
The Buccaneers (6-4) and Bills (7-3) game on November 16th was one of the more crucial games for teams who are fighting to make the playoffs. The game ended with the Bills winning 44-32 over the Buccaneers. Both teams are in the playoff run, fighting for a spot, and this game is critical because both teams are coming off losses in the previous week, with the Bills’ shocking loss to the Dolphins and the powerhouse Patriots beating the Buccaneers. Josh Allen showed out, totalling three passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns with 317 passing yards and two interceptions, helping his MVP candidate case and a great sign for the Bills’ playoff hopes, according to ESPN. According to the NFL, the Bills bumped up to a 93% chance to make the playoffs, and Tampa Bay fell to an 85% chance.
The Jaguars and Chargers’ game on the 16th of November was a rout in favor of the Jaguars. The final score of this game was 35- 6, bringing the Jaguars to 6-4 on the season and the Chargers to 7-4. This game mattered for both because the Chargers need to keep the fire going with their three-game win streak going, and the Jaguars need a confidence booster after they missed a 19-point lead in the loss last week against the Texans, and they definitely got it after they amounted to zero turnovers in the game. With this win, the Jaguars now have a 64% chance of making the playoffs, and the Chargers still are in the mix with a 60% chance of making the playoffs following the loss.
The Lions and Eagles’ game was a crucial match for the Lions to win, as it would help them get a spot in the playoffs. The Eagles are looking to build confidence with wins before the playoffs, and the Lions are seeking a chance at postseason play, which this win will help them do. The Lions lost in a low-scoring game on a controversial call on third and eight with about 1 minute and 50 seconds left. The Lions had a solid defensive performance, but their offense was off in this contest, scoring a touchdown with a missed extra point and a field goal. However, the Eagles also suffered from a lack of scoring, only scoring a touchdown with three field goals. Keep in mind that the wind was a factor in this game, which was at 12 to 25mph inside Lincoln Financial Field, impacting kicking and the passing game for both sides, according to Delaware Online. The Eagles have been good all season, and with this win, they have over a 99% chance to make the playoffs this year and are competing for the number one spot in the NFC with a 41% chance at securing the first round bye. The Lions are still in contention for making the playoffs at a 74% chance, sitting just outside the teams that will make it if the season ended today.
The NFL playoffs are only 8 weeks away, and spots can and will be won or lost in these upcoming games. The last eight games were crucial to determine who would make the playoffs. Only three wildcard spots are given out for each conference; many teams will try to do anything it takes to win. Some teams fighting for a wildcard are the Bills, Ravens, Jaguars, Texans, Chargers, and Chiefs for the AFC. The NFC wildcard contenders include the Packers, Lions, Panthers, Seahawks, and 49ers.
