Schnitzel Showdown

Good morning. This is the Opening Drive, the weekly newsletter that brings you the best of the NFL so you’re always the smartest one at the water cooler.

Josh Allen and the Bills dominate the Lions, Mahomes is day-to-day after injuring his ankle, the Patriots lost their fourth game in a row, the Steelers and Texans clinch a playoff berth, Bill Belichick won’t be coaching in the NFL next season, and Berlin will host a regular-season NFL game in 2025.

Let’s dive in.

QUICK HITS

• Buffalo’s offense dominates Detroit’s defense in 48-42 win (PFT)

• Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes replaced by Carson Wentz after ankle injury in win over Browns (Yahoo Sports)

• Eagles continue 60-year home dominance over rival Steelers with showdown victory (Athlon)

• Steelers clinch playoff berth despite Week 15 loss after Dolphins, Colts defeats (NFL.com)

• Green Bay dominates Seattle, who lost QB Geno Smith to knee injury (Yahoo Sports)

• Lamar Jackson throws 5 TD passes, Ravens improve to 9-5 with blowout win over Giants (PFT)

• Commanders start fast, survive to win 20-19 on Saints’ failed two-point conversion (ESPN)

• Jets' Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams get in sync, beat Jaguars (ESPN)

• Bengals, Titans combine for most turnovers in an NFL game since 2007 (Yahoo Sports)

• Rush throws for career-high 3 TDs, Cowboys force 4 turnovers to beat Panthers 30-14 (Yahoo Sports)

• Broncos inch closer to playoffs with 31-13 win over Colts (Broncos Wire)

• Patriots fall to Cardinals, 30-17, for fourth straight loss (CBS)

• Baker Mayfield throws four TDs in Bucs’ road win (Bucs Nation)

• Collins has 2 TD catches, Texans force 4 turnovers in 20-12 win over Dolphins (ESPN)

• Texans clinch second consecutive AFC South title with win over Dolphins, Colts' loss to Broncos (NFL.com)

• Jameis Winston benched after throwing three interceptions vs. Chiefs (PFT)

• Shawn Hochuli: Official mistakenly stopped clock with nine seconds left in Commanders-Saints (PFT)

• Dolphins WR Grant DuBose to remain in Houston-area hospital overnight after suffering head injury vs. Texans (NFL.com)

• Raiders' Maxx Crosby to meet with foot, ankle specialist on Monday; season-ending surgery likely (NFL.com)

• Bill Belichick inquired about the Jets coaching vacancy before taking the UNC job (ESPN)

• Browns' Deshaun Watson, Kevin Stefanski, GM Andrew Berry expected back in 2025 amid lost season (CBS Sports)

• Dolphins release veteran WR Odell Beckham Jr. (ESPN)

• Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis intends for Tom Brady to "have a huge voice in the organization", including in the search for a new starting quarterback (B/R)

• Jets to begin interviews for expansive general manager search this week (NFL.com)

• Lions increase season-ticket prices by 24 percent, on average (PFT)

• North Carolina agrees to a five-year deal with legendary NFL head coach Bill Belichick (CBS Sports)

• Nike inks 10-year uniform deal with NFL (SBJ)

• NFL owners approve 8 percent sale of Eagles to investment groups (The Athletic)

• Berlin to host regular-season NFL game in 2025 (NFL.com)

WHO’S UP?

The Buffalo Bills. In a high-octane shootout that lived up to its billing as a potential Super Bowl preview, the Buffalo Bills bounced back from last week's disappointment with a thrilling 48-42 victory over the Detroit Lions. Josh Allen, looking every bit the MVP candidate, put on a masterclass performance, accounting for four touchdowns and 430 total yards.

The Bills' offense was firing on all cylinders, with James Cook rushing for 105 yards and two scores, while Ty Johnson emerged as an unexpected star with 114 receiving yards. Buffalo's balanced attack kept the Lions' injury-depleted defense on its heels throughout the game.

Despite the absence of key defensive starters, the Bills managed to generate enough pressure, recording three sacks and forcing a crucial turnover. Christian Benford, Ed Oliver, and Greg Rousseau each contributed to the pass rush, while Matt Milano recovered a fumble.

The win solidifies Buffalo's position as a top contender in the AFC, improving their record to 11-3. While catching the Chiefs for the top seed may be a long shot, the Bills have proven they can compete with anyone when Allen is at his best.

For the Lions, Jared Goff's heroic 494-yard, five-touchdown performance wasn't enough to overcome their defensive woes. At 12-2, Detroit still leads the NFC, but questions about their depleted defense loom large as the playoffs approach.

WHO’S DOWN?

De'Vondre Campbell. The San Francisco 49ers' tumultuous season took another dramatic turn as head coach Kyle Shanahan announced linebacker De'Vondre Campbell will no longer be part of the team after refusing to enter Thursday night's game against the Los Angeles Rams.

Campbell, who signed a one-year, $5 million contract in March, had started 12 of the first 13 games this season. However, he was benched in favor of returning starter Dre Greenlaw. When asked to sub in during the third quarter, Campbell refused and left for the locker room before the game ended.

Shanahan called Campbell's actions unacceptable, stating, "You can't do that to your team or teammates and still expect to be a part of our team." The 49ers are exploring options, including a potential four-game suspension without pay or outright release.

The incident occurred during a crucial 12-6 loss to the Rams, further damaging San Francisco's playoff hopes. Teammates expressed anger and disappointment, with cornerback Charvarius Ward calling it "selfish" and tight end George Kittle deeming it "stupid" and "immature."

This controversy adds to an already challenging season for the 49ers, who have lost four of their last five games. At 6-8, their playoff aspirations are fading fast. The team has struggled with injuries and underperformance from key players like Deebo Samuel, who dropped a crucial pass on Thursday after complaining about his lack of targets.

As the 49ers grapple with Campbell's departure and their on-field struggles, along with mounting injuries at key positions. Questions loom about the team's chemistry and future direction in what was supposed to be a Super Bowl-contending season. It appears the window is closing for this team.

BEST LOOK 🔥 

Powder blue never gets old

This was easily the worst uni matchup of the entire season. 🤮 

STATS OF THE WEEK

Great Lamar stat

T’Vondre Sweat’s 30-yard fumble return on Sunday was the longest by any player who weighs 350+ pounds since at least 1991.

MEMES OF THE WEEK

How’s everyone’s fantasy playoffs going?

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