Records broken, QB return to Minnesota ends in heavy defeat, Chiefs’ ‘doink for the division’ kick: NFL Week 14 Sunday review
Justin Jefferson (No. 18) and Jordan Addison (No. 3) both had big games in the Minnesota Vikings’ win over the Atlanta Falcons. Matt Krohn/USA TODAY Sports/Reuters CNN —
It was a memorable Sunday of NFL action in Week 14 with multiple players across the league hitting record-breaking marks.
There were also losses for some of those returning to familiar places and a last-second victory for the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Sunday also saw arguably the game of the season with the Los Angeles Rams beating the Buffalo Bills in this campaign’s highest scoring contest so far.
Here are the main storylines from Sunday’s action.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen scores a touchdown during his team’s 44-42 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Sunday, December 8. Allen became the first NFL quarterback to score three passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns in a single game. Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
Pittsburgh Steelers fans cheer during their team’s 27-14 victory over the Cleveland Browns in Pittsburgh on December 8. Matt Durisko/AP
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins talk after their game in Minneapolis on December 8. Cousins joined the Falcons in the offseason after six seasons with the Vikings; Sunday was his first time playing in Minneapolis since his departure. The Falcons lost 42-21. Matt Krohn/USA Today Sports/Reuters
Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane bobbles the ball during the Dolphins 32-26 win against the New York Jets in Miami Gardens, Florida, on December 8. David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell is sacked by Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David in Tampa on December 8. Nathan Ray Seebeck/USA Today Sports/Reuters
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs celebrates after a touchdown catch against the Green Bay Packers in Detroit on Thursday, December 5. The Lions clinched a spot in the playoffs with their 34-31 win. Duane Burleson/AP
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and head coach Sean McDermott make snow angels while being interviewed after the Bills defeated the San Francisco 49ers at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, on Sunday, December 1. Crews and volunteers assisted with removing snow from the field earlier in the day, however, the snow kept falling throughout the game. Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is hit by Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair during their game on December 1 in Jacksonville, Florida. Lawrence was ruled out with a concussion after taking the late hit. Al-Shaair was ejected from the game along with Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones for an ensuing fight. Tom DiPace/PACET via AP
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Shaquill Griffin celebrates with safety Camryn Bynum after intercepting a pass during their team’s 23-22 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Minneapolis on December 1. Abbie Parr/AP
Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo attempts to catch a pass in the end zone as Washington Commanders safety Jeremy Chinn defends in Landover, Maryland, on December 1. The Commanders won 42-19. Geoff Burke/USA Today Sports/Reuters
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers reacts during his team’s 26-21 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on December 1. Adam Hunger/AP
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes recovers his fumble during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on Friday, November 29. The Chiefs won 19-17 and became the first team to clinch a playoff spot this season. Jamie Squire/Getty Images
From left, Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery, quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, linebacker Al-Quadin Muhammad and running back Jahmyr Gibbs celebrate with turkey after the Lions defeated the Chicago Bears 23-20 in a Thanksgiving Day game in Detroit. Carlos Osorio/AP
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Carl Lawson sacks New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock in Arlington, Texas, on November 28. Jerome Miron/AP
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley carries the ball during the Eagles’ 37-20 victory over the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Sunday, November 24. Barkley rushed for an Eagles franchise-record 255 yards on just 26 carries. 255 rushing yards in a game is also the ninth-most ever recorded in a single game by one player. Brooke Sutton/Getty Images
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams wipes sweat from his face on the sideline during his team’s 30-27 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Chicago on November 24. Erin Hooley/AP
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson leaps over San Francisco 49ers cornerback Renardo Green at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on November 24. The Packers won 38-10. Patrick McDermott/Getty Images
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray catches a pass in front of Carolina Panthers safety Xavier Woods in Charlotte, North Carolina, on November 24. The Chiefs won 30-27. Grant Halverson/Getty Images
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Bo Richter celebrates after recovering a fumble on a Vikings punt in Chicago on November 24. Erin Hooley/AP
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Rakim Jarrett makes a catch during his team’s 30-7 victory over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on November 24. Adam Hunger/AP
Cleveland Browns defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo and safety Rodney McLeod Jr. make snow angels after beating the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-19 in Cleveland on Thursday, November 21. Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen slips past Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Nazeeh Johnson to score on a 26-yard run near the end of the game in Orchard Park, New York, on Sunday, November 17. The Bills beat the Chiefs 30-21, ending Kansas City’s 15-game win streak. Allen finished with 262 yards, one touchdown and one interception while adding 57 yards and a score on the ground. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens catches a pass in front of Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens during his team’s 18-16 victory in Pittsburgh on November 17. Matt Durisko/AP
New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill rushes for a fourth quarter touchdown against the Cleveland Browns in New Orleans on November 17. Hill scored three touchdowns during the Saints’ 35-15 win. Sean Gardner/Getty Images
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow walks off the field after his team lost to the Los Angeles Chargers 34-27 in Inglewood, California, on November 17. The Bengals are 4-7 this season with the loss. Sam Greene/USA Today Sports/Reuters
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley scores during his team’s 26-18 victory over the Washington Commanders in Philadelphia on Thursday, November 14. Matt Slocum/AP
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal (54) blocks a 35-yard field goal attempt from Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz in the last play of the game in Kansas City, Missouri, on Sunday, November 10. The Chiefs won 16-14 and remain undefeated this season. Sam Lutz/Kansas City Chiefs/AP
Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift carries the ball past New England Patriots cornerback Marco Wilson and linebacker Anfernee Jennings at Soldier Field in Chicago on November 10. The Bears lost 19-3. Michael Reaves/Getty Images
A New York Jets fan watches the second half of the Jets’ 31-6 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Arizona, on November 10. Ross D. Franklin/AP
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams celebrates with teammates after recovering a Dallas Cowboys fumble in Arlington, Texas, on November 10. The Eagles won 34-6. Julio Cortez/AP
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins celebrates after a touchdown during the Falcons’ 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans on November 10. Tyler Kaufman/AP
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase hauls in a fourth quarter touchdown, his third of the night, in the team’s 35-34 loss to the AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, November 7. Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins celebrates a touchdown with a dance from the hit movie “Remember the Titans”, during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Kansas City, Missouri, on Monday, November 4. The Chiefs survived a rain storm and an injury scare to quarterback Patrick Mahomes to defeat the Buccaneers 30-24 in overtime and improve to 8-0 on the season. Jay Biggerstaff/USA Today Sports/Reuters
Dallas Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson, linebacker Eric Kendricks, Atlanta Falcons guard Ryan Neuzil and running back Bijan Robinson dive for a loose ball in Atlanta on Sunday, November 3. The Falcons defeated the Cowboys 27-21. Danny Karnik/AP
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones celebrates a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Giants’ 27-22 loss to the Washington Commanders in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on November 3. Luke Hales/Getty Images
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs is tackled by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., left, and safety Camryn Bynum during the Vikings’ 21-13 victory in Minneapolis on November 3. Abbie Parr/AP
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels fakes a hand off to running back Austin Ekeler during the game against the New York Giants on November 3. Luke Hales/Getty Images
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley hurdles Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones in the second quarter of the Eagles’ 28-23 victory in Philadelphia on November 3. Elsa/Getty Images
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers celebrates a touchdown in Baltimore on November 3. Greg Fiume/Getty Images
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, left, and wide receiver Tim Patrick celebrate after St. Brown caught a touchdown pass during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on November 3. The Lions won 24-14. Tork Mason/USA Today Sports/Reuters
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson catches a pass for a touchdown as Houston Texans cornerback Kamari Lassiter defends at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Thursday, October 31. The Jets ended their five-game losing streak with the 21-13 win. Seth Wenig/AP
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary stiff arms Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. during the Steelers’ 26-18 win in Pittsburgh on Monday, October 28. Joe Sargent/Getty Images
Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown catches a Hail Mary pass that was tipped with no time left to beat the Chicago Bears 18-15 at Commanders Field in Landover, Maryland, on Sunday, October 27. Peter Casey/USA Today Sports/Reuters
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix scores a rushing touchdown in Denver on October 27. The Broncos beat the Carolina Panthers 28-14. C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown, left, and his identical twin brother, Philadelphia Eagles safety Sydney Brown, exchange jerseys after the game between their teams in Cincinnati on October 27. The Eagles won 37-17. Joseph Maiorana/USA Today Sports/Reuters
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa attempts a pass in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on October 27. The Dolphins lost 28-27. Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold reacts after being sacked for a safety in his own endzone by Los Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young in Inglewood, California, on Thursday, October 24. TV replays showed Young had grabbed Darnold’s face mask. After the game, lead official Tra Blake said the incident went unpenalized because none of his officiating crew had a clear look at it. The Rams won 30-20. Mark J. Terrill/AP
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert stiff arms Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. during the Chargers’ 17-15 loss in Glendale, Arizona, on Monday, October 21. Michael Owens/Getty Images
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Chris Conley and Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie vie for the ball on Sunday, October 20, in Santa Clara, California. Jed Jacobsohn/AP
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce is tackled by Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks on October 20 in Indianapolis. The Colts won 16-10. Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers on October 20 in Landover, Maryland. The Commanders won 40-7. Greg Fiume/Getty Images
Green Bay Packers kicker Brandon McManus celebrates with fans after kicking the game-winning field goal against the Houston Texans in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on October 20. The Packers won 24-22. Morry Gash/AP
Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss breaks up a pass to Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey in the second half of the Broncos’ 23-16 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Denver on Sunday, October 13. Ron Chenoy/USA Today Sports/Reuters
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch, center, celebrates an interception with his teammates during a game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, on October 13. The Lions trounced the Cowboys 47-9. Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs dives for a touchdown in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on October 13. The Packers beat the Arizona Cardinals 34-13. Patrick McDermott/Getty Images
Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II stands for the national anthem on October 13. AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post/Getty Images
Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson stops Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku in Philadelphia on October 13. The Eagles won 20-16. Matt Rourke/AP
Carolina Panthers linebacker Claudin Cherelus pressures Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins in Charlotte, North Carolina, on October 13. The Panthers lost 38-20. Grant Halverson/Getty Images
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams walks down the tunnel after his team beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 35-16 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on October 13. Williams completed 23 of his 29 pass attempts and throwing for 226 yards and four touchdowns. Zac Goodwin/PA Images/Getty Images
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel makes a catch during his team’s 36-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Seattle on Thursday, October 10. Samuel became the first wide receiver in NFL history with 20 touchdown receptions and 20 touchdown runs after scoring on a 76-yard touchdown catch. John Froschauer/AP
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Isaac Yiadom and safety Ji’Ayir Brown break up a touchdown pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf in Seattle on October 10. Steven Bisig/USA Today Sports/Reuters
New Orleans Saints linebacker Willie Gay Jr. signs autographs for a young Kansas City Chiefs fan before the start of the game between the teams in Kansas City, Missouri, on Monday, October 7. Gay played for the Chiefs for four seasons before signing with the Saints during the offseason. The Chiefs beat the Saints 26-13. Ed Zurga/AP
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence eats a cupcake to celebrate his birthday after his team beat the Indianapolis Colts 37-34 at home in Jacksonville, Florida, on October 6. It was the Jaguars’ first win of the season. David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman scores on a 49-yard touchdown reception during the Bills’ 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans in Houston on October 6. Eric Gay/AP
Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum celebrates after a play during a game against the New York Jets in London on Sunday, October 6. The Vikings extended their win streak with a 23-17 victory. Steve Luciano/AP
Green Bay Packers punter Daniel Whelan grabs a high snap during a game against the Los Angeles Rams in Inglewood, California, on October 6. The Packers won 24-19. Gregory Bull/AP
Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville, Florida, on October 6. Nathan Ray Seebeck/USA Today Sports/Reuters
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers walks off the field after his team’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London on October 6. Rodgers was intercepted three times. Zac Goodwin/PA Wire
Houston Texans kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn celebrates with teammates after kicking a 59-yard field goal on the last play of his team’s victory over the Buffalo Bills in Houston on October 6. Eric Gay/AP
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir runs for a touchdown after a blocked field goal during a game against the Arizona Cardinals in Santa Clara, California, on October 6. The Cardinals came back to narrowly upset the 49ers 24-23. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss celebrates after an interception in Denver on October 6. The Broncos beat the Las Vegas Raiders 34-18. Cooper Neill/Getty Images
Denver Broncos cornerback Tremon Smith celebrates as a field goal attempt by New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein misses in the fourth quarter in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on September 29. The Broncos won 10-9. Seth Wenig/AP
Carolina Panthers tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders fights off the tackle attempt by Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt in Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 29. The Bengals beat the Panthers 34-24. Grant Halverson/Getty Images
Houston Texans safety Eric Murray celebrates after sacking Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence during the Texans’ 24-20 victory in Houston on September 29. Eric Gay/AP
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle catches a touchdown pass in the end zone in Santa Clara, California, on September 29. The 49ers beat the New England Patriots 30-13. Jed Jacobsohn/AP
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton bobbles the ball as he runs against Dallas Cowboys linebacker Eric Kendricks during the Giants’ 20-15 loss to the Cowboys in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Thursday, September 26. Brad Penner/USA Today Sports/Reuters
Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills celebrates an interception during the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Orchard Park, New York, on Monday, September 23. This was his first career interception and latest milestone since he suffered from a cardiac arrest on the field in early 2023. Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III runs with the ball for a touchdown during the Steelers’ 20-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in Pittsburgh on Sunday, September 22. Brandon Sloter/Getty Images
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold throws the ball to tight end Johnny Mundt in Minneapolis on September 22. The Vikings beat the Houston Texans 34-7. Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
Kadeem Telfort of the Green Bay Packers takes a selfie with a fan after the Packers beat the Tennessee Titans 30-14 on the road in Nashville on September 22. John Amis/AP
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones lands in the end zone for a touchdown in Minneapolis on September 22. Stacy Bengs/AP
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott sits on the field after a play during the team’s 28-25 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Arlington, Texas, on September 22. Cooper Neill/Getty Images
New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard runs past New England Patriots cornerback Alex Austin for a touchdown in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Thursday, September 19. The Jets won 24-3. Brad Penner/USA Today Sports/Reuters
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney scores a touchdown during the team’s 22-21 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia on Monday, September 16. Matt Slocum/AP
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes runs the ball against Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dax Hill during the Chiefs’ 26-25 victory in Kansas City, Missouri, on Sunday, September 15. The defending Super Bowl champs moved to 2-0 on the season. Jay Biggerstaff/USA Today Sports/Reuters
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. catches a pass over Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum and linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. during a game in Minneapolis on September 15. The Vikings would go on to win the game 24-17. Abbie Parr/AP
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara runs the ball during the Saints’ 44-19 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, on September 15. Kamara had four touchdowns in the game. Tim Heitman/USA Today Sports/Reuters
Miami Dolphins players attend to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after he took a hit to the head in the second half of a game against the Buffalo Bills in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Thursday, September 12. Tagovailoa was later ruled out with a concussion. Jasen Vinlove/USA Today Sports/Reuters
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and teammates wait in a tunnel before a game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, California, on Monday, September 9. This is the first game back for Rodgers since tearing his Achilles tendon last year after his first game of the season. Godofredo A. Vásquez/AP
Los Angeles Chargers players and Las Vegas Raiders players clash after a play during the second half of their game in Inglewood, California, on Sunday, September 8. Caroline Brehman/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott celebrates after a touchdown during the Cowboys’ 33-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland on September 8. Hours before the game, Prescott agreed to a record four-year, $240 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in the NFL. Ken Blaze/USA Today Sports/Reuters
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. breaks a tackle from Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker K.J. Britt in Tampa, Florida, on September 8. The Buccaneers beat the Commanders 37-20. Nathan Ray Seebeck/USA Today Sports/Reuters
Miami Dolphins wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle celebrate a touchdown during a 20-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Miami Gardens, Florida, on September 8. Hill was detained for a short time by police after a traffic incident earlier in the day. Miami-Dade Police Department Director Stephanie V. Daniels said Sunday that an investigation has begun into the incident and one of the officers involved is being placed on administrative duties. Al Diaz/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service/Getty Images
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields signals during the second half of a game against the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta on September 8. The Steelers defeated the Falcons 18-10. Danny Karnik/AP
Tennessee Titans tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo, right, and Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson tumble in the end zone in Chicago on September 8. Okonkwo made the catch for a touchdown, but the Titans ultimately fell 24-17 to the Bears. David Banks/USA Today Sports/Reuters
Rhamondre Stevenson of the New England Patriots runs the ball against Cincinnati Bengals defenders in Cincinnati on September 8. The Patriots beat the Bengals 16-10. Jason Mowry/Getty Images
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, center, celebrates his interception return for a touchdown during the Vikings’ 28-6 victory over the New York Giants in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on September 8. Vincent Carchietta/USA Today Sports/Reuters
Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars players pray together at the end of the game in Miami Gardens, Florida, on September 8. Rebecca Blackwell/AP
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir, top, dives for the end zone for a touchdown as Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Justin Jones is unable to make the tackle in Orchard Park, New York, on September 8. The Bills won 34-28. Matt Slocum/AP
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love walks off the field after taking a hit in the final seconds of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles in São Paulo early Saturday, September 7. The Eagles won 34-29. Brooke Sutton/Getty Images
Brazilian and American flags are presented on the field at Neo Química Arena – also known as Corinthians Arena – in São Paulo ahead of the game between the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, September 6. It was the first NFL game in South America. Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports/Reuters
Grammy Award-winning singer Taylor Swift cheers on boyfriend Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs during the game against the Baltimore Ravens in Kansas City, Missouri, on Thursday, September 5. Reed Hoffmann/AP
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely catches a pass with his toe out of bounds as time expires at the end of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 5. The Chiefs won 27-20. Ed Zurga/AP
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes scrambles during the game against the Baltimore Ravens in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 5. Jay Biggerstaff/USA Today Sports/Reuters
Fans enter Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, ahead of the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens on September 5. Charlie Riedel/AP The best photos from the 2024 NFL season Prev Next Justin Jefferson reaches historic mark as Kirk Cousins’ return to Minnesota ends in heavy defeat
Justin Jefferson hit a historic mark during the Minnesota Vikings’ big victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday as Kirk Cousins’ return to U.S. Bank Stadium went sourly.
Jefferson had 132 receiving yards and two touchdowns as the Vikings won 42-21 to improve to 11-2, handing the Falcons their fourth straight defeat.
Thanks to his big outing, Jefferson surpassed 7,000 career receiving yards and became the first player in NFL history to reach the milestone within his first five seasons in the league.
The historic achievement highlights Jefferson’s impact since entering the league in 2020, although his two-score performance did end a run of six weeks without a touchdown for the 25-year-old.
Second-year receiver Jordan Addison led the scoring for Minnesota, finishing with 133 yards and three touchdowns off eight receptions.
Jefferson had two touchdowns in the win over the Falcons. Matt Krohn/USA TODAY Sports/Reuters
As a result, Jefferson and Addison are the second duo in Vikings history to each have at least 100 yards and two touchdowns receiving in the same game and just the fifth duo to have 130-plus receiving yards and two-plus receiving touchdowns in a game during the Super Bowl era.
The pair of star wide receivers made life easier for quarterback Sam Darnold, who threw for 347 passing yards and five touchdowns, while running back Aaron Jones rushed for another score.
Afterwards, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke about the improvement he’s seen from Darnold this year, in particular after the team’s narrow win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 10 when the 27-year-old threw three interceptions.
“I think there can be incredible growth in moments where maybe on the outside, it seemed leaving Jacksonville like there’s something really wrong,” O’Connell told reporters. “They didn’t score a touchdown.
“What it was, in my opinion, was an incredible growth moment for him to just come back the next week and start stacking some things that are leading into a layered kind of success type approach, which is what happened to a lot of quarterbacks in this league, especially the ones that their trajectory over the course of a season or their career is pointing sky-high.”
While the Vikings offense warmed up as the game progressed, their defense put the clamps on Falcons quarterback Cousins, who was playing in Minnesota for the first time since leaving in the offseason.
Cousins – who spent six seasons in Minnesota before moving to Atlanta – threw two interceptions, including a brilliant one-handed catch from Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy, as his mid-season slump continued and the Falcons’ winless run went on.
Cousins has no touchdown passes and eight interceptions across his last four games. Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
Atlanta trailed by a point midway through the third quarter before Minnesota’s offensive explosion and Cousins’ turnovers halted any hopes of a Falcons victory on the road.
Cousins said afterwards that he believes the Falcons have the ability to get their season back on track.
“I think you just play your schedule and you begin to feel like it’s a week-to-week league,” the 36-year-old told reporters. “When you are playing well, you usually aren’t as good as people are telling you when they’re patting you on the back, and if you are in a rut, you’re usually not as bad as people kind of leaving you for dead.
“The reality is usually somewhere in the middle. We just have to keep playing and see where the dust settles when we get to January.”
Other records broken across league
Outside of Jefferson’s historic mark, there were several other noteworthy records broken across Sunday’s games.
In what was a largely underwhelming defeat for the Las Vegas Raiders at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there was a moment to celebrate for rookie tight end Brock Bowers as he set a new record for the most receptions by a tight end in their first season in the NFL.
Bowers’ third catch of the 28-13 loss was his 87th this season, taking him past the previous record of 86 set by Sam LaPorta of the Detroit Lions set last year.
While the 2024 season has been a largely forgettable one for the Raiders, Bowers has offered a ray of optimism.
The 21-year-old leads the NFL in receptions and, if that pace continues, would become the first ever rookie tight end to achieve that feat at the end of the season.
At his current rate, he is also on track to become the third rookie tight end to surpass 1,000 receiving yards after Kyle Pitts in 2021 and Mike Ditka in 1961.
Bowers was taken by the Raiders with the No. 13 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Nathan Ray Seebeck/USA TODAY Sports/Reuters
Elsewhere, Saquon Barkley’s outstanding debut season in Philadelphia saw him reach another milestone as he broke the Eagles’ single-season rushing record during their narrow victory over the Carolina Panthers.
The 27-year-old had 124 yards in the 22-16 win, meaning he now has 1,623 yards on the ground this season to take him past LeSean McCoy’s previous record of 1,607 set in 2013.
“I think it’s pretty cool, the most important thing was getting a win, and we got the win,” Barkley said afterwards. “Being a fan of Shady (McCoy) growing up and seeing the spectacular things he was able to do with the ball in his hands and to be mentioned with him definitely means a lot.
“Gotta give credit to the guys up front. They’ve made my job a lot easier so far this year. Hopefully, it will continue.”
Barkley’s big game was vital in the Eagles’ winning their ninth game in a row, although Carolina could have snatched a late victory if rookie receiver Xavier Legette hadn’t dropped a pass in the final seconds of the game at Lincoln Financial Field.
Barkley (center) leads the league in rushing through Week 14. Matt Slocum/AP Chiefs use ‘doink for the division’ field goal to beat Chargers
Like many of the Kansas City Chiefs’ 12 wins this season, Sunday’s victory over the Los Angeles Chargers wasn’t a classic. But at the end, they once against found a way to win.
After a tight affair at Arrowhead Stadium, a 31-yard field goal as time expired from Matthew Wright bounced off the upright and through the goalposts to give the Chiefs a 19-17 victory.
The so-called “Doink for the Division” kick from Wright – who had been signed earlier in the week – clinched the AFC West division for the reigning Super Bowl champions as they improved to 12-1.
“I’m just glad it went in,” Wright said during a postgame interview on NBC. “I wish it went right down the middle, but three is three.”
It is the ninth year in a row that Kansas City has won the division, the second longest run ever of consecutive division victories behind the 11-year run from the New England Patriots during Bill Belichick and Tom Brady’s time with the team.
Wright (No. 49) kicked the game-winning field goal to beat the Chargers. Jay Biggerstaff/USA TODAY Sports/Reuters
The game-winning kick from Wright was his fourth field goal of the game against the Chargers and capped off another tight win for the Chiefs.
The first half saw a combined eight punts for the two teams with the Chiefs leading 13-0 at the break.
Two touchdowns in the third quarter – a three-yard run from Gus Edwards and four-yard reception from Quentin Johnston – closed the gap.
A 37-yard field goal from Cameron Dicker gave the Chargers a one-point lead with 4:35 remaining. But as has become tradition, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs were able to manufacture a drive and worked the remainder of the clock to set up Wright to win the game.
The Chiefs are now 10-0 this season in one-possession games.
“We keep the ratings, baby. Keep the ratings,” defensive lineman Chris Jones said. “Getting prepared for later on in the playoffs when every game is going to be tight. Every game is going to be similar atmosphere to this. Very tight, very close. Maybe come down to a field goal to win the game and we know how to close.”
Between their victory and the Bills’ loss to the Rams earlier in the day, the Chiefs now hold a two-game lead atop the AFC conference and lead the race for the No. 1 seed and the first-round bye that comes with it.
“We won the division, it’s the first step,” Mahomes told NBC afterwards. “We’ve got a lot more goals that we want to go for.”
Full Week 14 Sunday results
Away vs. home (winners in bold)
New York Jets 26-32 OT Miami Dolphins
Atlanta Falcons 21-42 Minnesota Vikings
New Orleans Saints 14-11 New York Giants
Carolina Panthers 16-22 Philadelphia Eagles
Cleveland Browns 14-27 Pittsburgh Steelers
Las Vegas Raiders 13-28 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jacksonville Jaguars 10-6 Tennessee Titans
Seattle Seahawks 30-18 Arizona Cardinals
Buffalo Bills 42-44 Los Angeles Rams
Chicago Bears 13-38 San Francisco 49ers
Los Angeles Chargers 17-19 Kansas City Chiefs