With most of the NFL’s Week 14 schedule complete, it’s time to check in with some of the biggest winners and losers from around the league.
Winners
Sam Darnold, quarterback, Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings welcomed former quarterback Kirk Cousins back to town on Sunday, and it was their new quarterback — Darnold — who ended up dominating in a 42-21 win. Darnold was incredible in the win, completing 22-of-28 passes for 347 yards, five touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback, Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins are trying to stay in the AFC playoff race and were able to steal a game from the New York Jets on Sunday. Tagovailoa had a huge game, completing 33-of-47 passes for 331 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. At 6-7, Miami needs to keep winning and get some help, but it at least has something to play for the next few weeks.
Saquon Barkley, running back, Philadelphia Eagles
It wasn’t Barkley’s most dominant game of the season, but he still rushed for 124 yards on 20 carries as he tries to chase down Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record.
Brock Purdy, quarterback, San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers injury situation on offense is getting ridiculous now that their top two running backs are out. That means Purdy is going to have to take command, and he did that on Sunday in a rout of the Chicago Bears. He went 20-for-25 for 325 yards (over 13 yards per attempt) and two touchdowns as the 49ers rolled to a 38-13 win.
Zach Charbonnet, running back, Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are on a roll and took control of the NFC West with a 30-18 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Charbonnet was the big star of Sunday’s game, rushing for 134 yards on 22 carries, including a 51-yard run. He also scored two touchdowns in the win.
Puka Nacua, wide receiver, Los Angeles Rams
The Rams’ 44-42 win over the Buffalo Bills might have been one of the best games of the season, and Nacua was one of the big difference-makers in the win.
He caught 12 passes (on 14 targets) for 162 yards and two touchdowns, including this one in the fourth quarter that ended up being the game-winning score.
