Week 13 of the 2023 NFL season was full of thrilling finishes, surprising upsets, and record-breaking performances. Here are some of the highlights from the action-packed week:
Buccaneers 21, Panthers 18
The Buccaneers (9-3) kept their NFC South title hopes alive with a narrow win over the Panthers (1-11) at home. Tom Brady threw for 238 yards and two touchdowns, both to Mike Evans, who had 101 yards on seven catches. The Bucs defense sacked Bryce Young five times and forced two turnovers, including a crucial interception by Antoine Winfield Jr. in the final minute. The Panthers, who fired head coach Frank Reich after a 1-10 start, showed some fight under interim coach Matt Rhule, but fell short in their comeback attempt. Young, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft, finished with 215 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Christian McCaffrey ran for 76 yards and a score, but also lost a fumble.
Bengals 34, Jaguars 31 (OT)
The Bengals (7-5) pulled off a stunning upset over the Jaguars (10-2) on Monday Night Football, snapping Jacksonville’s nine-game winning streak. Jake Browning, who replaced an injured Anthony Richardson in Week 10, threw for 376 yards and three touchdowns, including a game-tying 43-yard strike to Ja’Marr Chase with 1:12 left in regulation. Chase had a monster game, catching 10 passes for 149 yards and two scores. Evan McPherson kicked a 54-yard field goal to give the Bengals the lead in overtime, and then nailed a 49-yarder to win the game after the Jaguars missed a field goal of their own. Trevor Lawrence had a solid outing for the Jaguars, passing for 287 yards and three touchdowns, but also threw a costly interception in overtime. Travis Etienne ran for 92 yards and caught a touchdown pass.
Packers 27, Chiefs 19
The Packers (10-2) extended their winning streak to eight games with a hard-fought victory over the Chiefs (8-4) at Lambeau Field. Aaron Rodgers was efficient and effective, completing 23 of 29 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns, both to Davante Adams, who had 112 yards on nine receptions. The Packers defense held the Chiefs to just one touchdown and four field goals, and came up with a huge stop on fourth-and-goal in the fourth quarter. Patrick Mahomes threw for 281 yards and a touchdown, but also had two interceptions, one by Darnell Savage and one by Jaire Alexander. Tyreek Hill had 97 yards on seven catches, but also dropped a potential touchdown in the end zone.
Other scores
- Lions 24, Saints 21
- Seahawks 41, Cowboys 35
- 49ers 42, Eagles 19
- Rams 36, Browns 19
- Titans 23, Colts 22
- Broncos 20, Raiders 17
- Dolphins 28, Jets 24
- Patriots 31, Bills 28
- Ravens 26, Steelers 23
- Chargers 30, Texans 27
- Cardinals 33, Bears 16
- Falcons 29, Vikings 26
