Another thrilling week of NFL action is in the books, and Week 11 certainly didn’t disappoint. From the Steelers’ gritty victory over their bitter rivals to the Lions’ offensive onslaught, there was no shortage of drama and excitement. Let’s dive into the biggest stories and takeaways from Sunday’s slate.
Steelers Make AFC North Statement
In a classic AFC North battle, the Pittsburgh Steelers emerged victorious over the Baltimore Ravens in an 18-16 slugfest. While it wasn’t always pretty, Mike Tomlin’s squad showcased their trademark resilience and physicality.
Rookie linebacker Payton Wilson came up with a game-changing interception, wrestling the ball away from Ravens running back Justice Hill. This turnover proved crucial, as the Steelers converted it into points on their ensuing drive.
The win keeps Pittsburgh firmly in the driver’s seat of the division, dropping Baltimore’s chances of claiming the crown to just 37%, according to ESPN Analytics. If the Steelers can continue to grind out tough victories like this one, they’ll be a force to be reckoned with come January.
Lions Offense Erupts for 52 Points
The Detroit Lions put on an absolute clinic against the overmatched Jacksonville Jaguars, hanging a whopping 52 points on the scoreboard. It marked the first time in franchise history that the Lions have scored 50+ points in multiple games in a single season.
“We’ve got a lot of weapons, a lot of guys who can make plays,” quarterback Jared Goff said after the game. “When we’re clicking like this, we’re tough to stop.”
– Jared Goff, Lions QB
Goff led the charge, tossing four touchdowns and rushing for another. The veteran signal-caller became the first quarterback in NFL history to post multiple games with a perfect 158.3 passer rating and 400+ passing yards.
Detroit’s offensive explosion is a testament to the depth and resilience of this squad. Even with injuries to key players like DPoY candidate Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions continue to find ways to light up the scoreboard and dominate at home.
Dolphins Surge Continues
Don’t look now, but the Miami Dolphins are quietly building momentum in the AFC playoff race. After a convincing 34-19 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, Brian Flores’ team has now won four straight games since the return of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
“We’re finally starting to play the way we know we can,” Tagovailoa said in his post-game press conference. “It’s all about stacking wins and taking it one week at a time.”
– Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins QB
Miami’s offense has come alive during this streak, ranking 8th in the NFL in expected points added over the past four weeks. If they can string together a couple more victories, the Dolphins will be right back in the thick of the playoff conversation.
Keep an eye on rookie running back De’Von Achane, who appears to be taking hold of the starting job. After a 17-carry, 73-yard performance against the Raiders, Achane could be poised for a breakout down the stretch.
Other Key Results and Storylines
- The Colts earned a last-second 28-27 win over the Jets, with Anthony Richardson leading a game-winning drive in his return.
- Saints back-to-back victories have them trending upwards after a slow start.
- Eagles hold off Commanders to maintain NFC East lead and position for top seed.
With seven weeks remaining in the regular season, the NFL playoff picture is beginning to take shape. But if Week 11 taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected in this league. The only certainty? More exhilarating football awaits as teams jockey for position down the home stretch.
