The Patriots’ string of routs is over. Their victory streak remains alive with help from a stunning kickoff return by 313-pound guard Dan Connolly — who rumbled 71 yards with what is believed to be the longest kickoff return by an offensive lineman in NFL history — and Tom Brady threw two touchdown passes as New England edged the Packers 31-27 for their sixth straight win last night.
The Patriots (12-2) had their hands full even with Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers missing the game with a concussion. Matt Flynn threw his first three pro touchdown passes in his place for Green Bay (8-6).
Falcons 34, Seahawks 18
In Seattle, Matt Ryan threw for 174 yards and three touchdowns, Jonathan Babineaux recovered a fumble for a touchdown and the Falcons wrapped up an NFC playoff spot. The Falcons (12-2) won their eighth straight game.
Colts 34, Jaguars 24
In Indianapolis, Peyton Manning threw two touchdown passes and Donald Brown ran for another score Sunday as the Colts stayed in the playoff hunt with a victory over Jacksonville. The Colts (8-6) share the AFC South lead with the Jaguars (8-6) and can clinch a seventh division title in eight years by winning their last two games.
Chiefs 27, Rams 13
In St. Louis, Matt Cassel went the distance only 11 days after an emergency appendectomy, leading the way for the Chiefs in a victory over the suddenly sagging Rams (6-8). Jamaal Charles scored on a short run and helped clinch it with a late 80-yard burst for the Chiefs.
Bills 17, Dolphins 14
In Miami, Ryan Fitzpatrick threw two touchdown passes and the resurgent Bills (4-10) made themselves at home in Miami, winning to eliminate the Dolphins from the AFC playoff race.
Cowboys 33, Redskins 30
In Arlington, Texas, David Buehler bailed out the Cowboys (5-8) by making a 39-yard field goal with 50 seconds left after they had let a 27-7 lead dissolve. Rex Grossman, starting at quarterback for the Redskins (5-8) in favor of the benched Donovan McNabb, threw touchdowns on three straight drives.
Raiders 39, Broncos 23
In Oakland, Jason Campbell threw a 73-yard touchdown pass to Marcel Reece and Jacoby Ford scored on a 71-yard run to help the Raiders (7-7) overcome Tim Tebow’s two long touchdowns in his first career start for the Broncos (3-10).
Lions 23, Buccaneers 20 (OT)
In Tampa, Dave Rayner’s third field goal, a 34-yarder with 9:51 left in overtime, sent the Lions past the Bucs (8-6) to end the longest road losing streak in NFL history at 26 games.
Titans 31, Texans 17
In Nashville, Kerry Collins threw for two touchdowns and 237 yards and Chris Johnson ran for a TD and 130 yards as the Titans (6-8) snapped a six-game skid by beating the Texans (5-9).
Bengals 19, Browns 17
In Cincinnati, Cedric Benson picked up a season-high 150 yards and a touchdown, and the Bengals (3-11) ended a 10-game losing streak that matched the longest in franchise history by beating the Browns (5-9).
Panthers 19, Cardinals 12
In Charlotte, John Fox won what was likely his final home game as Carolina’s coach as Jimmy Clausen outplayed John Skelton in a matchup of rookie quarterbacks, John Kasay kicked four field goals and the Panthers (2-12) beat the punchless Cardinals (4-10).