nfl roundup Sunday’s other games

Seahawks 35, Cardinals 6

GLENDALE, ARIZ.

Russell Wilson threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, Seattle set a franchise record with 596 yards of offense and the streaking Seahawks closed in on another NFC West title with a romp over the Cardinals. Seattle (11-4) moved into a tie with Arizona (11-4) for first in the NFC West and the Seahawks hold the tiebreaker by virtue of two wins over the Cardinals. Wilson had the longest run of his career (55 yards) and matched the longest pass of his career (80) in the Seahawks’ fifth straight victory. Marshawn Lynch sat out the first quarter with what the team called an “upset stomach,” then came in to score on a 6-yard run in the second quarter and a spectacular, multiple tackle-breaking 79-yard scoring run in Seattle’s 21-point fourth quarter.

Cowboys 42, Colts 7

ARLINGTON, TEXAS

Dallas ended a four-year playoff drought in a dominating victory over the Colts, with Tony Romo throwing four touchdown passes and breaking Troy Aikman’s franchise record for yards passing. The Cowboys (11-4) emphatically ended a three-game home losing streak, scoring touchdowns on their first four possessions. Dallas had an opening for its first NFC East title and postseason berth since 2009, and first under coach Jason Garrett, because of Philadelphia’s 27-24 loss at Washington on Saturday. The Eagles were eliminated with the Cowboys’ win. The Colts (10-5) didn’t have much to play for with the AFC South title secured, and looked like it while barely avoiding their first shutout loss in 21 years. The Cowboys had already ended their three-year rut of 8-8 finishes that included losses in finales that kept them out of the playoffs.

Falcons 30, Saints 14

NEW ORLEANS

Julio Jones returned from a hip injury to catch seven passes for 107 yards, and the Falcons remained in playoff contention. Matt Ryan completed 30 of 40 passed for 322 yards and a touchdown, and Devonta Freeman ran for a 31-yard score for Atlanta (6-9), which can win the NFC South by beating Carolina next week. The Saints (6-9), who committed three turnovers in the fourth quarter, lost their fifth straight at home and were eliminated. Jimmy Graham fumbled inside the Atlanta 1-yard line early in the fourth quarter. The Saints had a chance to drive for a winning score inside the final three minutes, but Robert McClain’s interception of Drew Brees in Saints territory set up a field goal, and Osi Umenyiora returned Brees’ fumble for an 86-yard TD as time expired.

Packers 20, Buccaneers 3

TAMPA, FLA.

Aaron Rodgers threw for 318 yards and one touchdown to help the Packers clinch a wild-card playoff berth. Eddie Lacy scored on a 44-yard run, Jordy Nelson caught a 1-yard TD pass in the fourth quarter and had nine receptions for 113 yards, while Randall Cobb finished with 11 catches for 131 yards. A 21-13 loss to Buffalo a week ago cost Green Bay (11-4) sole possession of first place in the division. It also hurt its chances for earning home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. Green Bay closes the regular season at home against Detroit, and a victory will give the Packers another NFC North crown. The Bucs (2-13) have lost five straight and remain in contention for the first overall pick in the 2015 draft.

Patriots 17, Jets 16

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.

Jonas Gray scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 1-yard run early in the fourth quarter after the Patriots intercepted Geno Smith, and New England clinched a first-round playoff bye. Tom Brady threw a 3-yard TD pass to Rob Gronkowski for the Patriots (12-3), who could earn home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs if Denver loses at Cincinnati on Monday night. With the Jets (3-12) leading 13-10 late in the third quarter, Smith’s pass for Jace Amaro hung in the air for an easy interception by Jamie Collins — and led to Gray’s score minutes later. Nick Folk’s 52-yard field goal attempt could have given New York a lead with just over five minutes left, but it appeared to be partially blocked and fell short. Brady and the Patriots then ran out the clock.

Lions 20, Bears 14

CHICAGO

Joique Bell scored the go-ahead touchdown on a sweet run in the fourth quarter, and Ndamukong Suh had two sacks. Calvin Johnson added six catches for 103 yards for Detroit (11-4), which came away with a narrow victory over a struggling team after locking up its second trip to the postseason in 15 years. The Bears (5-10) benched quarterback Jay Cutler this week in favor of the undistinguished Clausen. The Lions secured a playoff spot with Philadelphia’s loss to Washington on Saturday.

Texans 25, Ravens 13

HOUSTON

Running back Arian Foster threw a touchdown pass, Randy Bullock made a franchise-record six field goals and Houston’s defense dominated to keep slim playoff hopes alive. The Ravens (9-6) now need some help next week to get into the postseason after Joe Flacco threw a season-high three interceptions and the offense struggled all day. Houston (8-7) remains in the hunt with the victory, but needs several teams to lose next week. With three quarterbacks hurt, the Texans started Case Keenum, who got his first win in nine NFL starts.

Raiders 26, Bills 24

OAKLAND, CALIF.

Derek Carr threw two touchdown passes and Sebastian Janikowski kicked four field goals to help the Raiders knock the Bills from playoff contention. The Bills (8-7) needed to win their final two games and get some help to end the NFL’s longest active playoff drought at 14 seasons. But they failed at the easiest part, beating the lowly Raiders (3-12), and will miss the playoffs for a 15th straight season. Oakland has the second-longest active postseason drought at 12 years but has done a good job of playing spoiler in recent weeks, beating Kansas City, San Francisco and Buffalo the past five weeks.

Dolphins 37, Vikings 35

MIAMI GARDENS, FLA.

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, buoyed by a thrilling comeback win, said Joe Philbin will return as coach next season. Ross made his announcement in the locker room shortly after the Dolphins won on a safety. Rookie Terrence Fede blocked a punt for a safety with 41 seconds left, and Ryan Tannehill threw four touchdown passes. The Dolphins overcame a 14-0 deficit to take the lead, but trailed again after giving up 15 points in an 11-second span in the fourth quarter.

Rams 37, Giants 27

ST. LOUIS

Odell Beckham Jr. caught two touchdown passes and rolled up 148 yards receiving against a defense that hadn’t allowed a TD in three straight games. Beckham set a franchise rookie record with his 10th and 11th TD catches, shattered another rookie mark for receptions and topped 1,000 yards while shrugging off a pair of late hits in the second quarter.

Associated Press