Tom Brady had his least efficient game of the year and even threw an interception, but the Patriots took advantage of the Dolphins’ mistakes and clinched their fourth consecutive AFC East title with a 23-16 victory in Miami yesterday.
Brady finished 24 for 40 for 238 yards and was sacked four times. But with the Patriots nursing a 20-13 lead midway through the fourth quarter, he led a 16-play drive that took more than seven minutes and led to a field goal.
The Patriots (9-3) have won six games in a row. Miami (5-7) lost to New England for the fifth consecutive time.
Cowboys 38, Eagles 33
In Arlington, Texas, Tony Romo threw three touchdown passes to break Troy Aikman’s career franchise record, and the Cowboys (6-6) beat the Eagles (3-9), who lost their eighth straight game despite 169 yards rushing from rookie Bryce Brown.
Texans 24, Titans 10
In Nashville, Tenn., the Texans clinched their second straight playoff berth and set a franchise record for wins in a season.
Rookie linebacker Whitney Mercilus recovered a fumble and had two sacks, and the Texans (11-1) remain tied with Atlanta for the best record in the NFL.
Broncos 31, Buccaneers 23
In Denver, Peyton Manning threw three touchdowns, including one to defensive tackle Mitch Unrein, to help the Broncos wrap up the AFC West.
The Broncos (9-3) won their seventh straight and the loss by the Bucs (6-6) clinched the NFC South for Atlanta, which won Thursday.
Rams 16, 49ers 13 (OT)
In St. Louis, rookie Greg Zuerlein kicked a 54-yard field goal with 26 seconds left in overtime after booting a 53-yarder as time expired in regulation. The winning kick allowed the Rams to avoid a second tie in three weeks against the 49ers (8-3-1).
Seahawks 23, Bears 17 (OT)
In Chicago, Russell Wilson connected with Sidney Rice on a 13-yard touchdown with 7:33 left in overtime to lift Seattle.
Unbeaten in five home games, the Seahawks (7-5) finally figured a way to win on the road, and knocked off the Bears (8-4) in the process.
Colts 35, Lions 33
In Detroit, Andrew Luck threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Donnie Avery with no time left to lift Indianapolis.
Packers 23, Vikings 14
In Green Bay, James Starks had Green Bay’s first rushing touchdown in almost two months, Morgan Burnett picked off Christian Ponder twice and the Packers overcame a monster day by Adrian Peterson.
Peterson finished with 210 yards, the most he’s had since blowing out his knee last December.
Browns 20, Raiders 17
In Oakland, Brandon Weeden threw for a career-high 364 yards and a touchdown and the Browns did just enough to snap a 12-game road losing streak.
Bills 34, Jaguars 18
In Orchard Park, N.Y., Ryan Fitzpatrick directed five straight scoring drives in helping Buffalo keep alive its slim playoff hopes.