Here’s what we learnt from the past week of NFL action, which saw a few high-placed teams stumble.
Two first names means you’re a baller
Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles had five touchdowns on Sunday against the Raiders, taking four passes to the house from quick screens.
He also added a rushing score, coming close to a six-touchdown day, which would have been the first since 1965.
Charles, who also holds the top spot in NFL history for yards-per-carry, helped the Chiefs secure a playoff spot and will be a tough ask for whoever they visit in the Wild Card Round.
Two out of three ain’t bad
In 2012, three rookie quarterbacks led their teams to the playoffs.
This year, only two (Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson) have managed the feat, with RGIII being benched for health reasons and his team at 3-11.
Wilson has become one of only three quarterbacks to throw 50 touchdowns in his first two seasons, and Luck has become one of three quarterbacks to throw over 7,500 yards in his first two seasons.
This time, Garrett gets a pass
The Allas Cowboys (henceforth named as they have no ‘D’) blew a 26-3 lead to lose 27-26 to Green Bay on Sunday, with Tony Romo throwing two fatal interceptions in the fourth quarter.
Coach Jason Garrett often is blamed for Dallas losses, but the interceptions and other missed throws fall solely on Romo and poor decision-making.
Romo signed a big contract to start the season and is in no danger of losing his job, but if the Cowboys lose either of their last two games, they’re out of the playoffs – and Garrett is likely out of a job.
Dramatic finish to come
With only four of 12 playoff berths confirmed, the last two weeks will be intense for the 15 teams still in the hunt. The Patriots and Bengals lost their chance to confirm in Week 15, and will have to win out to ensure their spot.
The big games to come in week 16 are Saints at Panthers to decide the NFC South, and Bears at Eagles, which could confirm either team as NFC division winners.
Quick Hits
* Undrafted rookie Matt Asiata had three touchdowns on debut for the Vikings (Is AP just a system running back? Kidding!)
* Peyton Manning has 47 touchdowns, which already is fourth-best in history
* Alex Smith’s five touchdown passes travelled a combined 13 yards in the air
* The 763 points scored on Sunday was the most on any one day in NFL history
* There have been 56 pick sixes so far this year, which is actually down from this time last season (62)
* Calvin Johnson is the first player to have 5,000 yards in any three-season span (who’s betting Josh Gordon to match that?)
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