The Chiefs aren't just broken—they're done
Kansas City beat Tennessee 26-9, but the scoreline is meaningless. The Chiefs are operating with a third-string quarterback because Gardner Minshew went down with an ACL the same week Patrick Mahomes blew out his ACL. Chris Oladokun (11-of-16, 111 yards) got actual playing time for the first time and managed to be competent. That's not a compliment. That's rock bottom.
The entire AFC West should be circling this matchup every single week. The Chiefs have no Patrick Mahomes, no backup, and you're looking at a franchise waiting for next season to start. This isn't a team fighting for something. This is a team going through the motions until January ends. Tennessee's Cam Ward looked better than anyone the Chiefs could put on the field, and that tells you everything.
The Dolphins are a cautionary tale about organizational dysfunction
Miami lost 45-21 to Cincinnati, and calling it a loss is generous. The Bengals scored 28 consecutive points in the second half and the Dolphins just accepted it. Quinn Ewers, the rookie, started his first game and got absolutely exposed. First quarter? Clean. Ten-of-twelve, 109 yards. Third quarter? Catastrophic. Multiple interceptions, including one to Barrett Carter and another to Jalen Davis on a sublime play. A completed pass to Greg Dulcich that turned into a fumble. A fourth-down conversion they couldn't get with a yard to go.
But here's what kills you: every mistake got immediately punished. Chase Brown (12 carries, 66 yards, and 4 receptions for 43 yards and 2 touchdowns) was running wild. Joe Burrow wasn't even trying hard. The Bengals got so comfortable they pulled Burrow and brought in Joe Flacco with ten minutes left. That's not a game. That's an execution.
The Dolphins were already out of the playoffs before Sunday. Now they're just embarrassing themselves on national television.
Bijan Robinson is becoming the Falcons' entire offense
Atlanta beat Arizona 26-19, and Bijan Robinson was the difference. Sixteen carries for 76 yards on the ground, seven receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown. He created danger out of nothing. He made Cardinals defenders look like they were chasing ghosts. This kid is a complete back—he can beat you running, he can beat you catching. He's what the Falcons have been missing, and now they've finally realized it.
Kirk Cousins was fine (21-of-35, 197 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception), but let's be honest: the game was carried by the runningback. This is what happens when you build around your best player instead of trying to force a narrative around someone else. The Falcons are still a mess of a franchise, but at least they found something in Robinson.
The Chargers are reminding people they belong in the playoffs
Los Angeles beat Dallas 34-17, and Justin Herbert was sensational. Twenty-three-of-29, 300 yards, 2 touchdowns passing, and 44 yards with another touchdown on the ground. He managed the game, got his weapons involved, and didn't make mistakes. George Pickens (7 receptions, 130 yards, 1 TD) and Quentin Johnston (4 receptions, 101 yards, 1 TD) both had splash plays. Omarion Hampton (16 carries, 85 yards, 1 TD) moved the football on the ground.
The Chargers took a rough first half, adjusted defensively, and controlled the second half. That's what playoff teams do. They're waiting on Houston and Indianapolis to stumble. If those teams lose, LA gets in.
The rest of the chaos
The Bills barely beat the Browns 23-20. James Cook was the difference (134 yards, 2 touchdowns), and Josh Allen just limited mistakes. The Vikings beat the Giants 16-13 for their third straight win, but J.J. McCarthy got hurt early. The Bengals proved the Dolphins are genuinely one of the worst-run organizations in football. Arizona is in freefall with their seventh straight loss. The Saints beat the Jets 29-6 because the Jets are legitimately the worst offensive team in the league.