Dolphins’ Waddle Steps Up in Absence of Hill
In a game where Tyreek Hill was sidelined with an ankle injury, Jaylen Waddle proved to be the star player for the Miami Dolphins. With Hill, the league leader in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, unable to play against the New York Jets, Waddle took on the challenge as the team’s top receiver. He amassed an impressive 142 yards on eight catches, including a 60-yard touchdown catch-and-run. Waddle’s performance played a crucial role in the Dolphins’ 30-0 victory over the Jets.
Baker Mayfield’s Perfect Passing Rating
Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers delivered a flawless performance against the Green Bay Packers. No opposing quarterback in the history of Lambeau Field had ever achieved a perfect 158.3 passing rating until Mayfield’s outstanding display. He completed 22 of 28 passes for 381 yards, the highest in the NFL for Week 15, and threw four touchdown passes. Mayfield’s primary target, Chris Godwin, also had a standout game with 10 catches for 155 yards, topping the league in receiving yards for the week.
McCaffrey’s Dominance Haunts Cardinals
San Francisco 49ers running back continues to torment the Arizona Cardinals. In a commanding victory that secured the NFC West title for his team, McCaffrey scored three touchdowns. He joined the ranks of Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk as only the second player in NFL history to achieve at least 50 rushing yards and 50 receiving yards in 30 career games. McCaffrey’s performance, with 115 rushing yards and 72 receiving yards, keeps him in the conversation for the MVP award.
James Cook’s Record-Breaking Rushing Performance
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook had a career-defining game against the Dallas Cowboys. Cook shattered his previous rushing yards record by gaining 179 yards on the ground, leading the league in rushing and scoring two touchdowns, one rushing and one receiving, in the team’s 31-10 victory. Cook has been instrumental in the Bills’ recent success, contributing significantly in back-to-back wins, including a touchdown and 83 receiving yards against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Sacks Race Intensifies
Pittsburgh Steelers’ standout TJ Watt continues to dominate the league in sacks with 16, despite his team’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts. However, Danielle Hunter of the Minnesota Vikings is hot on his heels with 15.5 sacks. Another player making waves is Montez Sweat of the Chicago Bears, who recorded 2.5 sacks against the Cleveland Browns, bringing his season total to 12.5 and tying him for eighth place. Khalil Mack of the Los Angeles Chargers and Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals also have 15 sacks each, closely trailing Watt and Hunter.
Rookie Sam LaPorta Joins Elite Company
Detroit Lions’ rookie tight end Sam LaPorta showcased his talent with a remarkable three-touchdown performance against the Denver Broncos. LaPorta’s success in the red zone was capitalized upon by quarterback Jared Goff, resulting in a 42-17 victory. LaPorta now joins the ranks of Rob Gronkowski, Eric Green, and Joseph Fauria as the fourth rookie tight end since 1980 to score three touchdowns in a single game. With nine touchdowns in his rookie season, LaPorta is tied with Junior Miller for the third-most touchdowns by a rookie tight end, following Mike Ditka with 12 and Gronkowski with 10.
