NFL Winners and Losers: Joe Burrow and the Bengals Survive; Lamar Jackson Keeps Vying for MVP

As the NFL season progresses toward its climax, Week 15 brought both exhilarating victories and devastating losses, pushing playoff hopes to the edge. The narrative of this week’s action revolves around two key figures: Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals, who demonstrated resilience in a crucial victory, and Lamar Jackson, whose MVP-caliber performance continues to shine even amid challenges. Here’s a breakdown of the major winners and losers from this week’s NFL action.

Winners

1. Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals: Survival in the AFC

Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals’ fearless quarterback, led his team to a hard-fought victory against the Tennessee Titans. In a matchup that was critical for both teams, the Bengals relied on Burrow’s poise, precision, and leadership to secure a narrow win, 23-20. The victory not only kept the Bengals firmly in the playoff race but also reinforced Burrow’s reputation as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks.

The game showcased the Bengals’ resilience after a tumultuous start to the season. Burrow, coming off an early injury that hampered his performance, has gradually regained his form and delivered yet another clutch performance. Burrow passed for 290 yards, including a game-winning touchdown to Tee Higgins, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. The Bengals’ offensive line, which has been under fire for much of the season, stepped up when it mattered most, providing Burrow with just enough time to work his magic.

On the defensive side, the Bengals were also up to the task. Despite the Titans’ aggressive running game, led by Derrick Henry, Cincinnati’s defense held firm, forcing key turnovers and keeping the Titans’ offense off balance. The Bengals’ win was vital not just for playoff positioning but also as a testament to the team’s resilience after a difficult start to the season.

With the win, the Bengals now sit in a favorable position in the AFC North. Their playoff destiny is still in their own hands, and as Burrow continues to return to his elite form, Cincinnati becomes a formidable force in the AFC.

2. Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens: MVP Vibes Continue

Lamar Jackson’s performance against the Cleveland Browns further solidified his MVP case. The Ravens walked away with a hard-fought 24-17 victory, and Jackson’s contributions were once again undeniable. He threw for 220 yards and two touchdowns while adding another 58 yards on the ground. His ability to keep plays alive with his legs continues to be one of his most dangerous attributes, and this week’s performance exemplified why he’s considered a legitimate MVP candidate.

Jackson’s playmaking ability was on full display as he executed pinpoint throws and showcased his electric scrambling ability. His dynamic dual-threat style remains a nightmare for defenses to contain, and against a tough Browns defense, Jackson showed that he’s capable of making key plays when the game is on the line.

Additionally, Jackson’s leadership in this game was palpable. Despite facing a tough Browns defense and being down at certain points, Lamar’s poise and calm in critical moments proved why he is one of the NFL’s most respected quarterbacks. His consistency and ability to lead his team to victories make him one of the front-runners in the MVP race this season.

The Ravens now hold a strong position in the AFC playoff picture, and with Jackson playing at such an elite level, they will be a force to reckon with in the postseason.

3. The Dallas Cowboys: A Dominant Statement Win

The Dallas Cowboys made a statement this week with an emphatic 38-10 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite injuries that have plagued the Eagles throughout the season, the Cowboys capitalized on every opportunity, demonstrating their overall strength as a team.

Dak Prescott was in peak form, throwing for over 350 yards and four touchdowns. Prescott’s chemistry with his receiving corps, including standout performances from CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup, was evident as they torched the Eagles’ defense for big plays. On the ground, Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard formed a formidable tandem, keeping the Eagles’ defense honest and controlling the tempo of the game.

Defensively, the Cowboys were relentless. Micah Parsons, one of the NFL’s top defensive players, continued to make his presence known, wreaking havoc on the Eagles’ offensive line and making life difficult for quarterback Jalen Hurts. The Cowboys’ pass rush was relentless, and their secondary did a great job of limiting big plays downfield.

With this victory, the Cowboys have solidified themselves as one of the top teams in the NFC. The win also sent a message to the rest of the league that Dallas is ready to compete for a Super Bowl.

4. The Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa’s Clutch Performance

Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins had a critical win against the New England Patriots in a game that could ultimately shape the playoff picture in the AFC East. Tua threw for 285 yards and two touchdowns, including a late-game scoring drive that put the Dolphins ahead for good.

Tagovailoa has continued to grow throughout the season, maturing as a quarterback who can lead his team in high-pressure situations. His connection with star wide receiver Tyreek Hill remains one of the most dangerous in the league, and in this contest, Hill’s performance was instrumental in breaking down the Patriots’ defense. The Dolphins’ offense, under Tua’s leadership, is one of the most explosive in the league, and they demonstrated that again this week with key plays that ultimately led to a 27-20 win.

The victory places the Dolphins in a favorable position in the AFC wild card race, and with Tagovailoa continuing to play at a high level, Miami is a team that could surprise a lot of people in the postseason.

Losers

1. The Philadelphia Eagles: A Disappointing Loss

The Philadelphia Eagles’ 38-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys is a tough pill to swallow. While the Cowboys were outstanding, the Eagles’ performance left much to be desired. The Eagles’ defense struggled to contain Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ high-powered offense. They were unable to put any pressure on Prescott, allowing him to pick apart the secondary.

Jalen Hurts, the Eagles’ young quarterback, had one of his worst games of the season, throwing for only 200 yards and an interception. He struggled with his accuracy and was unable to get into a rhythm, which made it difficult for the Eagles to mount any sort of offensive attack.

Philadelphia’s struggles are compounded by their already banged-up roster. The absence of key players, particularly on defense, has left the Eagles vulnerable, and the loss to a division rival is a blow to their playoff chances. While the Eagles are still in the hunt, they will need to rebound quickly and avoid further injuries if they want to remain in contention.

2. The Cleveland Browns: Another Missed Opportunity

The Cleveland Browns had a chance to keep their playoff hopes alive in a crucial game against the Baltimore Ravens. However, their 24-17 loss to their AFC North rivals was another missed opportunity for a team that has failed to put it all together this season.

Deshaun Watson, who was expected to provide the spark the Browns needed after his return from suspension, struggled throughout the game. He threw for just 175 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Watson’s inconsistency in the passing game continues to be a major concern, and the Browns were unable to sustain drives when they needed to.

Cleveland’s defense, which has been one of the team’s bright spots, couldn’t contain Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat ability. The Browns’ inability to execute in critical moments and make plays cost them a chance to stay in the playoff hunt.

With this loss, the Browns find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to the postseason, and their playoff hopes now depend on a series of unlikely events. Time is running out for them to turn things around.

3. The Arizona Cardinals: Declining in the NFC Playoff Race

The Arizona Cardinals’ 31-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings was yet another setback in a season that has seen its share of highs and lows. With the loss, the Cardinals are now in danger of falling out of the playoff picture altogether.

Kyler Murray continues to struggle with his consistency, and the team’s inability to execute on offense has become a recurring issue. Murray’s mobility was limited in this game, and he wasn’t able to extend plays or create opportunities with his legs like he typically does.

Defensively, the Cardinals had no answer for the Vikings’ explosive offense. Justin Jefferson had another stellar game, and the Vikings were able to control the clock with a balanced offensive attack.

The Cardinals are now in a perilous position and will need to win out to have any hope of making the playoffs. The loss to the Vikings was a reminder that the Cardinals still have many issues to address if they want to remain competitive in the NFC.

4. The Los Angeles Chargers: Playoff Hopes in Peril

The Los Angeles Chargers’ 27-17 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders was another blow to their playoff hopes. After a promising start to the season, the Chargers have once again found themselves on the edge of elimination. Justin Herbert, one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, continues to put up big numbers, but his efforts have not been enough to carry the team to victory.

In this game, Herbert threw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Raiders’ offense. The Chargers’ defense has been a major weakness throughout the season, and once again, they couldn’t contain the opposing team’s passing game.

With the loss, the Chargers’ playoff chances are in serious jeopardy. They will need to make a significant run to close the season if they want to make it to the postseason. The Chargers have the talent, but they must find a way to execute and improve on both sides of the ball.