Houston Texans 23 Cleveland Browns 7– J.J. Watt played some offense in the Texans victory as he caught one touchdown. He also put a lot of pressure on Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (330 passing yards, one touchdown and an interception). Hoyer passed for only 23 yards in the third quarter and 145 in the fourth. Hoyer is typically a better performer in the second half of games which makes this pitiful second half performance an anomaly.
It was Ryan Mallett’s first career start. He threw for 211 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
Pittsburgh Steelers 27 Tennessee Titans 24– Ben Roethlisberger threw for 207 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the Steelers Monday night win over the Titans. He was sacked five times. Antonio Brown continued to shine as he nine passes for 91 yards and one touchdown. He has 1,161 receiving yards this season. Brown will look to catch his 10th touchdown of the season in the next game.
Le’Veon Bell rushed for a career high 204 yards.
Cincinnati Bengals 27 New Orleans Saints 10– The Bengals bounced back from their Thursday night punishment as they took out their frustration on the Saints. Andy Dalton threw for 220 yards and three touchdowns.
The Saints are playing well below expectations this year. For some reason, the kings of the NFC South haven’t won on a consistent basis. Drew Brees threw for 255 yards and one touchdown.
The Baltimore Ravens were on a bye week.
AFC North Standings
1. Cincinnati 6-3-1
2. Pittsburgh Steelers 7-4
3. Baltimore Ravens 6-4
4. Cleveland Browns 6-4
AFC Playoff Picture
1. New England Patriots 8-2
2. Denver Broncos 7-3
3. Cincinnati Bengals 6-3-1
4. Indianapolis Colts 6-4
5. Kansas City Chiefs 7-3
6. Pittsburgh Steelers 7-4
Tightrope finish
The Ravens and Browns could put themselves in the playoff picture next week. The AFC North is still up for grabs and any of these four teams could be crowned AFC North champions at the end of the season.