Sam Darnold showcased his skill with a remarkable performance, throwing for a career-high 377 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Minnesota Vikings to a narrow 27-25 victory over the Green Bay Packers. This win marked the Vikings' ninth consecutive triumph, positioning them just one win away from securing the NFC’s top seed in the playoffs. Darnold's touchdown passes went to Jalen Nailor, Jordan Addison, and Cam Akers, bringing his season total to 35, the fourth-highest in NFL history for a player's debut season with a team.
Meanwhile, the Packers struggled to find their rhythm, with Jordan Love managing only one touchdown pass to Malik Heath late in the game. This defeat left Green Bay with a concerning 0-5 record against the top three NFC teams this season, highlighting their struggles in high-pressure matchups. In another game, the Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC East title after a dominant 41-7 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, led by Saquon Barkley’s impressive 167 rushing yards and backup quarterback Kenny Pickett's contributions before his departure due to injury.
In Orchard Park, the Buffalo Bills secured the AFC’s No. 2 seed with a commanding 40-14 win over the New York Jets, where Josh Allen threw two touchdown passes and ran for another. The Bills capitalized on Jets turnovers, showcasing their defensive prowess while Allen matched Peyton Manning for the third-most two-TD games in a player’s first seven NFL seasons. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers also kept their playoff hopes alive with a 48-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers, fueled by Baker Mayfield’s five touchdown passes.
As the season nears its conclusion, teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders continued to fight for pride, with the Jaguars defeating the Titans and the Raiders overcoming the Saints. The Dolphins maintained their playoff aspirations with a win over the Browns, as Tyler Huntley stepped up in the absence of Tua Tagovailoa. The intensity of the final weeks of the NFL season is palpable as teams jostle for playoff positioning and draft prospects.
