NFL Update: Josh Jacobs Walk-Off TD, AFC Title Contenders, Justin Jefferson Breaks Another Record

NFL Update: Josh Jacobs Walk-Off TD, AFC Title Contenders, Justin Jefferson Breaks Another Record

Vince Kim

Raiders Josh Jacobs Ends 300-yard game with walk-off TD in OT

Weaving through the right side of the O-line, Las Vegas Raiders RB Josh Jacobs burst for a huge 86-yard TD run to end the game in OT against the Seattle Seahawks. Jacobs capped the win with 303 total scrimmage yards, including 229 rushing yards. In doing so, he became the fourth player in the Super Bowl Era to finish a game with 300+ all-purpose yards and recorded the fourth-longest OT TD from scrimmage in NFL history. 

Jacobs’ 300-yard performance has given new hope for the Raiders team, especially QB Derek Carr who cried in a press conference after the Raiders recorded their seventh loss of the season in just nine games. As of Week 12, they are now on a 2-game winning streak and hope to continue this run against the Chargers(6-5) and Rams(3-8) in the coming weeks.

NFL Playoff Picture: Updated AFC standings after Bengals beat Chiefs in Week 13

AFC Title Showdown: Bengals, Chiefs, Bills

Last season, the Cincinnati Bengals made their first trip to the Super Bowl in 33 years, only to be stopped by the mighty LA Rams led by Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp. After a rocky start to this season, the Bengals are not just back in the playoff picture but may become conference champions.

While currently holding the No.5 seed in the AFC, they are just one game behind the top seed. In addition, this year’s offense has been much more efficient than that of last year, as QB Joe Burrow has wreaked havoc on several teams. And coming off a win against the Kansas City Chiefs(No. 1) in Week 13, the Bengals are enjoying all advantages of winning another conference championship.

Still, it’s too early to conclude the Bengals will win the AFC. The Chiefs are led by MVP favorite, S-rank QB Patrick Mahomes who has steamrolled through the Chargers’ and Jaguars’ defenses to strengthen the team’s case as AFC title contenders. 

In the AFC East, the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins trail just behind. Although QB Josh Allen recently suffered an elbow injury that has noticeably affected his performance, Buffalo’s formidable forces on both ends of the field will likely carry the team to another playoff spot. Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa, who has continued pocketing TDs to star wideout Tyreek Hill, has transformed Miami into a dominant offensive threat to be reckoned with as well.

Minnesota Vikings: Justin Jefferson Sets New WR Record

Vikings’ Justin Jefferson Breaks Franchise Record For Most Reception Yards in a Game

On Thanksgiving, Justin Jefferson surpassed legendary wideout Randy Moss’ NFL record for the most receiving yards across the first three seasons, becoming one of just three players to receive over 4,000 yards across the first three seasons. Jefferson believed his job was not finished.

On Sunday against the Detroit Lions, the 23-year-old wide receiver caught 11 receptions for 223 receiving yards, the most receiving yards by a Viking in franchise history. Whether it be his flashy dance moves or glue hands, Jefferson has dominated the league since being drafted in 2020. 

Despite his unbelievable performance and QB Kirk Cousins’ 400+ yard game, the Vikings were unable to stop Jared Goff and the Lions, losing 23-34 and failing to clinch the NFC North this week. The Vikings only need one win to clinch the division and are just two games behind the Philadelphia Eagles(No. 1).