Week 9 of the NFL season kicked off Thursday with the New York Jets defeating the Houston Texans.
On Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens blew out the Denver Broncos, and Buffalo Payments gained a thriller over the Miami Dolphins.
Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to all of the motion, answering lingering questions popping out of every sport and detailing all the things else you’ll want to know for each group. Let’s get to it.
Leap to:
HOU-NYJ | DEN-BAL | DAL-ATL
LV-CIN | NO-CAR | LAC-CLE
WSH-NYG | MIA-BUF
Titans
Can the Titans’ No. 1 protection end the season that approach? No. The Titans’ protection was first within the NFL, permitting 265.4 whole offensive yards per sport coming into the week. They gave up 284 to the Patriots, tying a season-high 4 sacks. They did handle to generate two takeaways, however giving up an 11-play drive protecting 59 yards for a landing is one thing a high unit ought to be capable of stop. They did redeem themselves with an interception by Amani Hooker in time beyond regulation to seal the win.
Most stunning efficiency: The Titans’ defensive entrance was a menace to the Patriots. Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson attacked New England with blitzes from the linebackers and safeties, together with some well-executed stunts and twists up entrance all through the sport. Jeffery Simmons received certainly one of their sacks and his strain on rookie quarterback Drake Maye pressured a rushed throw that was intercepted. Arden Key’s strip sack arrange the go-ahead rating within the fourth quarter.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Fourth Quarter. The Titans common 1.7 factors within the fourth quarter — which ranks final within the NFL. However Tennessee discovered its solution to the top zone in opposition to the Patriots, ensuing within the first fourth-quarter landing since Week 4 in opposition to the Dolphins. The Patriots answered, although the Titans’ discipline aim in time beyond regulation was the distinction within the ultimate rating. — Turron Davenport
Subsequent sport: vs. Vikings (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Patriots
How does rookie QB Drake Maye reply heading into subsequent week’s sport in opposition to Caleb Williams and the Bears? Maye did some magical issues to ship the sport to time beyond regulation, however two pricey errors — a strip sack and an interception in time beyond regulation — supplied the last word studying expertise for the No. 3 general choose as he faces the No. 1 choose subsequent week. This was Maye’s fourth begin, and he hadn’t been in that sort of scenario earlier than. He answered the problem on the finish of regulation, scrambling to maintain a sensational ultimate play alive earlier than lofting a cross to Rhamondre Stevenson for a 5-yard landing. However his game-ending interception late in time beyond regulation, which hung up within the air, was underwhelming.
Eye-popping stat: The time to throw on Drake Maye’s game-tying landing cross was 11.82 seconds. That is the second-longest time to throw on any landing cross since NFL Subsequent Gen Stats monitoring started in 2016 (common season or playoffs). Jayden Daniels’ Hail Mary landing final week leads at 12.70 seconds. These are the one landing passes since monitoring started with a time to throw of 10 seconds or longer.
Greatest gap within the sport plan: No conventional working sport. Stevenson was restricted to 16 yards on 10 carries, and their finest speeding assault was Maye on unscripted scrambles. The teaching workers began rookie Layden Robinson at proper guard after he missed Week 8 with an ankle damage, which bumped Mike Onwenu out to proper deal with. The latter was a choice to second guess as Robinson was pulled late within the second quarter. — Mike Reiss
Subsequent sport: at Bears (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Payments
Can the Payments discover a solution for the gradual begins this season? They higher hope they’ll. After placing collectively a stable begin to the sport final week with a gap landing drive in opposition to the Seahawks, the Payments development of beginning slowly got here again in opposition to Miami. Buffalo trailed at halftime for the fifth time this season and Keon Coleman and James Cook dinner had dangerous drops within the first half. Then, within the second half, the Payments went on three straight landing drives. Some dangerous penalties did not assist, however discovering an offensive rhythm earlier is one thing that must be corrected to keep away from these late-game conditions sooner or later.
Greatest gap within the sport plan: Discovering methods to strain the quarterback. The flexibility of this protection to generate strain is one thing to proceed to observe. Tua Tagovailoa was pressured on simply 17.2% of dropbacks, sacked as soon as and the Payments protection registered two quarterback hits. They elected to not blitz usually (10.3%), which allowed the Dolphins to place collectively lengthy drives — 5 of 9 or extra performs.
Early prediction for subsequent week: Continued position growth for working again Ray Davis. Why not? Davis has continued to show why he could be a dynamic a part of this offense alongside Cook dinner. Davis’ 63-yard receiving landing was the longest reception by a Payments working again since 2012 (C.J. Spiller) and he additionally averaged 5.0 yards on his 4 carries. — Alaina Getzenberg
Subsequent sport: at Colts (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
0:57
Tyler Bass drills game-winning 61-yard FG for the Payments
Payments followers erupt as Tyler Bass drills a game-winning 61-yard discipline aim in opposition to the Dolphins.
Dolphins
What are practical expectations for Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill shifting ahead? The NFL’s main receiving duo over the previous two seasons mixed for simply two targets within the first half Sunday, each of which went to Hill. Each gamers are on tempo to complete with fewer than 1,000 receiving yards for the primary time as teammates, and Miami is not forcing the difficulty with opposing defenses promoting out to cease its home-run hitting receivers. The Dolphins’ remaining schedule options six groups ranked sixteenth or higher in opposition to the cross. Till they face extra favorable coverages, it could be secure to imagine each gamers will proceed on this path.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Balanced assault. Whereas the Payments centered on taking away Hill and Waddle, the Dolphins turned to the opposite playmakers to maneuver the ball. 9 totally different gamers touched the ball, three gamers obtained no less than 5 targets and two gamers recorded no less than 10 carries.
Greatest gap within the sport plan: Defending the flats. The Payments lived on their quick passing sport, notably to the best flat space of the sector. Josh Allen accomplished 9-of-13 passes for 120 yards and a landing on out-breaking routes. He accomplished 20-of-32 passes for 175 yards and three touchdowns on passes of 5.0 air yards or fewer, in accordance with ESPN Analysis. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Subsequent sport: at Rams (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Commanders
Is quarterback Jayden Daniels a authentic MVP candidate? He needs to be, contemplating his significance to Washington’s offense. They’re 7-2 largely due to him. On Sunday, Daniels was not spectacular, however he made big-time throws and managed the sport at a excessive degree. Daniels accomplished 15-of-22 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns. Whereas others advantage robust consideration — Buffalo’s Josh Allen and Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson amongst them — Daniels warrants inclusion. He has 9 landing passes, solely two picks and 4 speeding scores as effectively. As tight finish Zach Ertz stated just lately: He doesn’t play like a rookie.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Not fairly. Although the Commanders’ offense scored 27 factors, the Giants dominated time of possession and stored shut with two fourth-quarter touchdowns. Of the Giants’ 13 touchdowns this season, six have come in opposition to Washington. Extra importantly, the Commanders have swept the sequence after being 3-8-1 versus the Giants up to now six years.
Greatest gap within the sport plan: The primary-half run protection. New York ran for 140 yards within the first half, gashing Washington up the center. The Commanders fared significantly better after halftime, permitting 24 yards on the bottom, partly due to the deal with play but in addition as a result of they pulled forward. Groups will proceed to check their rush protection. — John Keim
Subsequent sport: vs. Steelers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Giants
What does this loss imply for Daniel Jones’ future? The Giants need to no less than be eager about their quarterback place if they don’t seem to be prepared to throw the ball. That was the case within the first half when Jones went 4-of-6 for zero yards. They will flip to backup Drew Lock subsequent week in opposition to the league’s worst protection in Carolina. Or they’ll use the following two week, which features a bye, to regulate their offense. At this level, it appears inevitable if coach Brian Daboll does not have full confidence in his quarterback. Jones was higher within the second half, going 16-of-20 for 174 yards. He had passing and speeding touchdowns within the second half.
Eye-popping stat: Jones had zero yards passing within the first half. That is not a misprint. He was 4-of-6 passing for zero yards, however with a landing. It was his first residence landing cross in 672 days, relationship again to 2022 Week 17. In response to ESPN Analysis, Jones grew to become the primary participant since no less than 1978 to have a passing landing and 0 passing yards in a half (minimal 5 cross makes an attempt). It is exhausting to win that approach in at this time’s NFL.
Greatest gap within the sport plan: The Giants’ cross rush was lacking in motion. particularly within the first half. Daniels was pressured on two of 13 dropbacks (15%) within the first half, per ESPN Analysis. The Giants entered Sunday pressuring opposing quarterbacks at a 35% clip. It is typically the power of the group. They did not have a sack on this contest. — Jordan Raanan
Subsequent sport: at Panthers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
0:29
Theo Johnson makes nice leaping seize for a 35-yard Giants TD
Daniel Jones connects with a wide-open Theo Johnson, who retains his toes and finds the top zone.
Chargers
Ought to the Chargers be involved about their cross safety? The Browns sacked Justin Herbert six occasions Sunday, all of which got here within the first half. It was probably the most Herbert had been sacked in a sport in his profession and the sixth straight sport he was sacked a number of occasions. The Chargers’ offensive line was imagined to be this group’s robust go well with, however they appeared mediocre Sunday. The Browns’ edge rushers dominated All-Professional deal with Rashawn Slater and first-round choose Joe Alt, in addition to the inside offensive line.
Most stunning efficiency: Large receiver Quentin Johnston. He had the most effective sport of his profession Sunday, ending with 4 catches for 118 receiving yards. Johnston’s high play got here on a 66-yard receiving landing within the second quarter, the place he sprinted by Professional Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward for his fourth landing of the 12 months.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Defensive dominance. After scoring a season-high 29 factors in a win over the Baltimore Ravens in quarterback Jameis Winston’s first begin, the Chargers held the Browns to a season-low of 10 factors. Cleveland’s lone landing got here with 44 seconds left within the sport and most of L.A.’s defensive starters out. The Chargers secured three interceptions, sacked Winston six occasions and blocked a discipline aim. — Kris Rhim
Subsequent sport: vs. Titans (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Browns
What does this Bengals win imply within the huge image? Not a ton. The Bengals did what they wanted to do to keep away from falling to 3-6 on the season. However Sunday’s win nonetheless does not give Cincinnati a win over a group with a profitable report. The Raiders suffered a number of accidents and ultimately went to backup quarterback Desmond Ridder. A win is a win, certain. However matchups in opposition to the Ravens, Chargers and Steelers within the subsequent three weeks can be higher litmus assessments of the place the Bengals stand.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Palate cleanser. A comparatively dominant victory erased the style of a deflating Week 8 loss to the Eagles. Cincinnati wanted a powerful efficiency in opposition to a foul group to start out constructing in-season momentum, particularly with a showdown in opposition to the Ravens looming on a brief week.
Eye-popping stat: Quarterback Joe Burrow scrambled for a complete of 66.6 yards on his 5 landing passes, in accordance with NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. Two of these touchdowns featured scrambles of 20 or extra yards: his first rating to Chase Brown and a landing to Drew Pattern within the third quarter. — Ben Child
Subsequent sport: at Saints (45613, 1 p.m. ET)
Panthers
Does Bryce Younger get a 3rd straight begin? Heck yeah. As many occasions as coach Dave Canales has stated Andy Dalton provides Carolina the most effective likelihood to win, Younger engineered his first game-winning landing drive. He confirmed glimpses of why he was drafted No. 1. He 100% deserves to start out in Germany. He threw with confidence (16-of-26 for 171 yards). His choose ought to have been an enormous catch by Xavier Legette. Have been it not for conservative playcalling, the numbers can be higher.
Most stunning efficiency: Crimson zone protection. Carolina allowed pink zone touchdowns 71.4% of the time coming into the day. That was trimmed to 50%, which is not nice however is a large enchancment from the 94% within the first 5 video games of the 12 months. Forcing two pink zone discipline targets early stored this one shut sufficient to win.
Eye-popping stat: Ja’Tavion Sanders generated probably the most receiving yards over anticipated in a sport by a rookie tight finish this season (+50). His 87 receiving yards had been greater than main broad receivers Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette had mixed (69). — David Newton
Subsequent sport: vs. Giants (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
0:27
Chuba Hubbard runs by way of Saints’ protection for 2nd TD of sport
Chuba Hubbard breaks free and scores a 16-yard landing to place the Panthers up over the Saints late within the fourth quarter.
Saints
Do the Saints transfer on from Dennis Allen? The Saints have now misplaced seven straight, their longest dropping streak since 1999, which resulted in coach Mike Ditka getting fired on the finish of the 12 months. With a disgruntled fanbase and little hope of the playoffs at this level, the Saints in all probability should contemplate main modifications. Additionally they may very well be with out their high receiver Chris Olave for an prolonged time frame, as he sustained his second concussion of the season within the first quarter and was taken to an area hospital.
Most stunning efficiency: CB Shemar-Jean Charles. The 26-year-old made his first profession begin after being signed to the lively roster Saturday. Whereas he gave up an early landing and an enormous play late, he had a powerful interception within the fourth quarter, knocking the ball out of the Xavier Legette’s palms and into his personal for his first profession choose.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Melting down. The protection gave up a late landing, the offense could not rating constantly, and the damage listing grew longer. The Saints have not proven any indicators of enchancment throughout their seven-game dropping streak and have made errors on either side of the ball. They’ve had penalties at key occasions, questionable playcalls and time-management points. — Katherine Terrell
Subsequent sport: vs. Falcons (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Bengals
What does this Bengals win imply within the greater image? Not a ton. The Bengals did what they wanted to so as to keep away from a 3-6 gap. However Sunday’s win nonetheless does not give Cincinnati a win over a group with a profitable report. The Raiders suffered a number of accidents and ultimately went to backup quarterback Desmond Ridder. A win is a win, certain. However matchups in opposition to the Ravens, Chargers and Steelers within the subsequent three weeks can be higher litmus assessments to see the place the Bengals stands.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Palate cleanser. A comparatively dominant victory erased the style of a deflating Week 8 loss to the Eagles. Cincinnati wanted a powerful efficiency in opposition to a foul group to start out constructing in-season momentum, particularly with a showdown in opposition to the Ravens looming on a brief week.
Eye-popping stat: Quarterback Joe Burrow scrambled for a complete of 66.6 yards on his 5 landing passes, in accordance with NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. Two of these touchdowns featured scrambles of 20 or extra yards: his first rating to Chase Brown and a landing to Drew Pattern within the third quarter. — Ben Child
Subsequent sport: at Ravens (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Raiders
Ought to the Raiders commerce away their big-name gamers earlier than the deadline? Is determined by how a lot job safety basic supervisor Tom Telesco feels he has, plus what can he get in return for a full rebuild. The Raiders have misplaced 5 straight video games for the primary time since 2018 and the bye couldn’t come at a greater time. Proprietor Mark Davis has already stated defensive finish Maxx Crosby is untouchable, so what different commerce chips would possibly the Raiders have? Large receiver Jakobi Meyers? Cornerback Nate Hobbs? Left deal with Kolton Miller? Las Vegas in all probability does not get something greater than a fourth-round choose for any of them, so they might doubtlessly package deal the picks to maneuver up.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Painful day. Each Hobbs and Miller left the sport within the second quarter with ankle accidents. So did Miller’s substitute at left deal with, Andrus Peat, and left guard Cody Whitehair. Tight finish Harrison Bryant sustained an ankle damage within the third quarter. That does not account for the painful play of quarterback Gardner Minshew, who misplaced one other fumble and was benched in favor of Desmond Ridder late within the third quarter.
Greatest gap within the sport plan: Defending the center of the sector. It is a copycat league, so every week after the Chiefs plundered the Raiders simply past the road of scrimmage, the Bengals did the identical … loads. Quarterback Joe Burrow sliced and diced there within the first half, finishing 12 of 14 passes for 119 yards and a landing on throws between the numbers. It continued within the second half. — Paul Gutierrez
Subsequent sport: at Dolphins (45613, 1 p.m. ET)
Falcons
How can the Falcons get by if Drake London misses time? The receiver got here into Sunday’s sport tied for fourth within the league in receptions (48) and tied for third in landing catches (5). London caught one other landing Sunday, however then he left the sport with a hip damage and did not return. London can be a key blocker on working performs, which makes the loss even harder. Atlanta was already skinny at broad receiver, so possibly the Falcons will look to make a commerce earlier than Tuesday’s deadline if London is out for a bit.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Sorely wanted. The Falcons have been getting boastful within the NFC South, going 4-0 in opposition to their division with wins over the struggling Panthers and Saints. In opposition to everybody else, Atlanta was 1-3. The Cowboys aren’t elite, however this was a needed, definitive victory for the Falcons, who’ve gained 5 of their previous six video games.
Most stunning efficiency: The Falcons’ cross rush entered the sport with a league-low six sacks. On Sunday, that they had three in opposition to quarterback Dak Prescott, with Arnold Ebiketie, Grady Jarrett and Kaden Elliss all attending to him. Jarrett leads the group with 2.5 sacks. For Ebiketie and Elliss, it was the primary time both of them had a sack this season. — Marc Raimondi
Subsequent sport: at Saints (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Cowboys
What ought to the Cowboys now do on the deadline? At 3-5, the Cowboys have as many losses as that they had in every of the previous three seasons. And so they’re undecided on the severity of Dak Prescott’s hamstring damage, which pressured him out of the sport late within the third quarter. The Cowboys have loads of wants — broad receiver, defensive position, offensive line and working again — however there hasn’t been a sign that proprietor and basic supervisor Jerry Jones will go “all-in,” like he stated he would throughout the offseason. Would they commerce certainly one of their core gamers? Jones has constantly stated he likes the roster, so that’s in all probability a no.
Eye-popping stat: Within the first half, Prescott averaged 2.2 common air yards per goal, the bottom price within the first half of a sport in his profession and the second-lowest in any half of his profession. With none safety, even in opposition to a poor Falcons cross rush, the Cowboys needed to get the ball out of Prescott’s palms in a rush. Not even that would stop him from sustaining his damage.
Describe the sport in two phrases: All fallacious. The Cowboys entered the sport with out Ezekiel Elliott (disciplinary causes), Micah Parsons (ankle) and DaRon Bland (foot). Then they misplaced Prescott. CeeDee Lamb appeared to injure his proper shoulder too, although he caught a late TD after getting damage. Maybe Parsons and Bland play subsequent week, but when Prescott is out for a protracted interval, this season is as doomed as 2015. That is when Tony Romo suffered two collarbone accidents and the group completed 4-12. — Todd Archer
Subsequent sport: vs. Eagles (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
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Dak Prescott leaves sport with hamstring damage
Dak Prescott is in seen ache after throwing a cross and is dominated out and changed by Cooper Rush.
Ravens
What does the Ravens’ rout of the Broncos say about them? Baltimore is the toughest group within the NFL to foretell. In profitable six of their previous seven video games, the Ravens have crushed three groups with profitable information — the Payments, Commanders and Broncos — by a mixed rating of 106-43. However this is identical Baltimore group that has misplaced to 2 last-place groups within the Raiders and Browns. It comes right down to the much-criticized Ravens protection. When Baltimore holds groups to 25 or fewer factors, the Ravens are 4-0.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Excellent day. After lacking two practices this week with again and knee accidents, Jackson recorded an ideal 158.3 passer ranking by finishing 16 of 19 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns. This was Jackson’s fourth profession sport with an ideal passer ranking, which ties Ben Roethlisberger for probably the most by any participant in NFL historical past (minimal 10 cross makes an attempt), in accordance with ESPN Analysis.
Most stunning efficiency: Large receiver Zay Flowers. He grew to become the primary Ravens participant to whole 100 yards receiving and two landing catches in the identical sport since Hollywood Brown in 2019. Flowers is also the primary participant this 12 months to report 100 receiving yards in opposition to a Broncos protection that was ranked No. 4 in cross protection earlier than Sunday. Flowers has been on a tear with 4 100-yard receiving video games up to now 5 weeks. — Jamison Hensley
Subsequent sport: vs. Bengals (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Broncos
Are the Broncos actually not able to struggle up in weight class? The Broncos entered Sunday’s sport with a three-game stretch — at Baltimore, at Kansas Metropolis and in opposition to Atlanta — to indicate how prepared they’re to be within the playoff dialog. Contemplate the primary take a look at to be a sturdy “F.” Their early fourth-down gambles did not work and the Broncos had no reply for quarterback Lamar Jackson’s capability to seek out their weak spots. The Broncos’ offense discovered few huge performs in opposition to a Ravens’ protection that had surrendered a protracted listing earlier than Sunday. They should threaten opposing defenses much more within the coming weeks, deal with exponentially higher and shorten the listing of errors. In any other case, the following two weeks will look just like this week.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Dangerous reminiscences. The Broncos protection had executed the heavy lifting to get the group to 5-3, however in a sea of missed tackles, they appeared somewhat an excessive amount of just like the group’s protection early in 2023. The Ravens discovered backup security Devon Key in protection again and again, they stored Flowers away from Pat Surtain II (the Broncos wished to match up Surtain with Flowers no less than within the pink zone) and Jackson was by no means below a lot duress.
Greatest gap within the sport plan: The Broncos haven’t been a big-play offense all season, however the Ravens had surrendered 46 explosive performs coming into this sport (runs of no less than 10 yards or cross performs of no less than 20). The Broncos had a 33-yard completion to Courtland Sutton and a 34-yard completion to Javonte Williams on a scramble. However past that, it was extra of the identical — low influence throws and missed alternatives. — Jeff Legwold
Subsequent sport: at Chiefs (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Jets
Can the offense maintain what it confirmed within the second half? The Jets had three consecutive landing drives of 70-plus yards, one thing they hadn’t executed in a single sport since 2016. QB Aaron Rodgers caught fireplace after a “horrible” first half (his phrase), with WRs Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams making huge performs. Sure, they’ll hold it going as a result of their subsequent two opponents (the Cardinals and Colts) had been ranked twenty seventh and twenty eighth in yards allowed, respectively, at the beginning of Week 9. The Jets cleaned up some points of their operation and eventually resembled what they had been anticipated to be. Now they need to hope their injury-plagued offensive line can get wholesome.
Eye-popping stat: 14%. That was the completion likelihood on Rodgers’ third-and-19 landing cross to Wilson from the Houston 26, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. Wilson made the play of the Jets’ season, a one-handed, acrobatic catch at the back of the top zone. It may very well be a turning level for the Jets if they’ll work their approach again into competition.
Most stunning efficiency: Edge rusher Haason Reddick. In his second sport, he performed loads (and effectively) for somebody who sat out six months of offseason exercises, coaching camp and video games due to a holdout. He performed 42 of 75 snaps, recorded eight quarterback pressures and was on the sector for 5 of the Jets’ eight sacks. There isn’t a doubt that he provides some juice to the cross rush. — Wealthy Cimini
Subsequent sport: at Cardinals (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Can the Texans snap out of their offensive funk? Prior to now three video games, the Texans’ offense has averaged solely 19 factors per sport, contributing to a 1-2 report throughout that stretch. The cross blocking is on the root of their lack of ability to attain, as quarterback C.J. Stroud has been sacked 14 occasions since Week 7. If Houston cannot repair this drawback, a group that had Tremendous Bowl aspirations will come up effectively in need of that aim. Describe the sport in two phrases: No safety. Stroud was sacked eight occasions, and no quarterback can survive that sort of barrage. If it continues, ultimately Stroud’s play will tail off, or at worst, he’ll undergo an damage that may sideline him. Eye-popping stat: Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. was focused eight occasions in opposition to the Jets however allowed solely 22 receiving yards and registered a cross deflection. — DJ Bien-Aime Subsequent sport: vs. Lions (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Texans
