Former OU quarterback Baker Mayfield faced the Miami Dolphins, while Jalen Hurts' Philadelphia Eagles matched up with the Buffalo Bills. Caleb Williams played against the San Francisco 49ers.
Here is how each performed:
Baker Mayfield
Former OU quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) lost 20-17 in a critical late-season matchup to the Miami Dolphins (7-9).
Mayfield threw for 346 yards and two touchdowns but was intercepted twice as the Buccaneers played from behind for most of the game. Both teams scored touchdowns in the first quarter, but Miami took a 10-point lead into halftime. Tampa Bay managed only a field goal in the third quarter and, despite scoring a touchdown in the fourth, could not close the gap. The Dolphins answered with a fourth-quarter field goal to seal the win.
The loss continued a sharp downturn for Tampa Bay after a strong 5-1 start to the season. Early in the year, Mayfield put up strong numbers and briefly entered the MVP conversation as the Buccaneers piled up wins. Tampa Bay’s momentum has since faded. The Buccaneers have now lost eight of their last 10 games, with Mayfield’s production dipping since the middle of the season.
Despite the missed opportunities, the Buccaneers remain alive in the NFC South race. Tampa Bay will get one final chance to claim the division next week after the Carolina Panthers (8-8) lost to the New England Patriots (13-3). The Buccaneers kick off against the Panthers at 3:30 p.m. Saturday on NFL+.
Jalen Hurts
Hurts led the Eagles (11-5) to a narrow 13-12 win against the Buffalo Bills (11-5).
Hurts went 13 of 27 on his passes for 110 yards and one touchdown while accumulating a 71.5 rating. Hurts didn’t accumulate much on the ground in the contest, picking up only five rushing yards on three carries. Hurts' season totals increased to 3,224 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, 421 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns.
With the Eagles' victory over the Bills, this marks the fourth consecutive season the Eagles have accumulated 11 or more wins.
Next, Hurts and the Eagles will take on the Washington Commanders (4-12) at 3:25 p.m. Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field on CBS.
Caleb Williams
Williams and the Chicago Bears (11-5) suffered a 42-38 loss to the San Francisco 49ers (12-4).
Williams completed 23 out of 37 passes for 330 passing yards, zero interceptions and two touchdowns. Williams also rushed five times, adding 18 rushing yards. His' season improved to 3,730 yards, 25 touchdowns, 387 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.
To end the regular season, the Bears will host the Detroit Lions (8-8) at 3:25 p.m. Sunday at Soldier Field on Fox.
This story was edited by Laurie Jones and Joshua McDaniel.
