We are somehow already at Week 10 in the NFL season, all wondering where the time actually does go.
Two of the shining lights of the campaign face off in Buffalo as the Bills host the Minnesota Vikings.
History will be made in Munich as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers face the Seattle Seahawks in the first-ever regular season NFL game played in Germany, while the San Francisco 49ers will look to continue their return to winning ways against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Stats Perform takes a closer look at the numbers behind some of Sunday's NFL clashes.
Minnesota Vikings (7-1) @ Buffalo Bills (6-2)
The Vikings have played eight games at Highmark Stadium and have held the Bills to 23 points or fewer in each one, which is the longest streak of allowing 23 points or fewer by a visiting team in the stadium's history.
Minnesota have won six straight games, all by eight points or fewer, tied for the second-longest streak of one-possession wins in NFL history, behind a seven-game streak by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020.
T.J. Hockenson boasted nine catches on his Vikings debut last week, tying the Bills' Keith McKeller (October 18, 1987) for the most receptions by a tight end on debut with a team in the Super Bowl era.
The Bills have allowed 21 points or fewer in 12 straight regular-season games, the longest streak in franchise history and the second longest by any NFL team over the last 15 seasons (Baltimore Ravens, 13 straight from 2019-20).
Buffalo are allowing just 4.6 points per game in the second half this year. No NFL team has allowed fewer than 5.0 points per game in the second half over a full season since the Carolina Panthers in 1996 (3.5).
Seattle Seahawks (6-3) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5)
It should be a great experience in Bavaria, but the Bucs are 0-3 in games played outside the United States (all in London), having been outscored 96-51 in those games. The Seahawks, meanwhile, are 2-0 outside the U.S. (one in Toronto, one in London), outscoring their opponents, 77-20.
Pete Carroll is in his 17th season as an NFL head coach and has had at least six wins in each campaign. The only other coach to have six or more wins in each of his first 17 seasons was Don Shula, who did so in all 33 seasons of his career.
Kenneth Walker III is the first NFL rookie to rush for a touchdown and have his team win in each of his first four career starts since Robert Edwards for the New England Patriots in 1998.
Tom Brady has thrown at least 40 passes with no interceptions in seven consecutive starts. No other QB in NFL history has done that in more than four straight starts.
The Bucs have rushed for 75 or fewer yards in eight straight games, the second-longest streak in the Super Bowl wera behind a nine-game streak by the Cardinals from 1991-92.
Los Angeles Chargers (5-3) @ San Francisco 49ers (4-4)
The Chargers are looking to win their sixth-straight game against the 49ers, which would make them the first team to do so since the Seahawks (nine games from 2014 to 2018).
Justin Herbert was not sacked in the Chargers' recent win against the Atlanta Falcons. The Chargers have allowed the fewest sacks in the league this season (10), and have not allowed 10 or fewer sacks through eight games since the 2008 season (also 10).
Through 40 career starts, Herbert has played a part in 90 touchdowns (82 passing, eight rushing). Only Patrick Mahomes (107), Dan Marino (95) and Kurt Warner (91) accounted for more scores in their first 40 starts.
San Francisco's last five games have all been decided by at least 14 points (3-2 record). They have not had six consecutive such games since an eight-game streak in 1999.
Christian McCaffrey threw for, rushed for and caught a touchdown in San Francisco's win over the Rams. He was the first player to do so since the Chargers' LaDainian Tomlinson completed the feat in Week 6 of the 2005 season.
Elsewhere...
The Jacksonville Jaguars (3-6) will need a plan to deal with Chiefs (6-2) QB Mahomes, who attempted 68 passes (completing 43) in last week's win over the Tennessee Titans, both of which set single-game team records. The only player to attempt more passes in a win in the NFL since 1950 was Drew Bledsoe with 70 in Week 11 of the 1994 season.
Former Chief Tyreek Hill has 1104 receiving yards this season for the Miami Dolphins (6-3), the most by any player through his team's first nine games in the Super Bowl era. Prior to this year, there had only been 11 times a Dolphins receiver recorded 1100 yards in an entire season, and Hill will look to add to those against the Cleveland Browns (3-5).
Last week was Cooper Kupp's 20th career game with at least 100 receiving yards and a touchdown, the most in the NFL since he entered the league in 2017. The only other players with more than 15 such games in that span are Davante Adams (19) and Hill (18), and the Los Angeles Rams (3-5) will need their star to step up again against the Arizona Cardinals (3-6).
Aaron Rodgers' passer rating is at 89.0 this season after posting 111.9 in 2021. The decrease of 22.9 is the largest by a Green Bay Packers quarterback (min. five games played) since Bart Starr from 1966 to 1967 (105.0 to 64.4). With a record of 3-6, the Packers will hope he can improve that against the Dallas Cowboys (6-2).
Cowboys owner Jones backing McCarthy despite recent home woes
Dallas Cowboys suffered their worst home defeat during Jerry Jones' time as owner and general manager, but he says he has no intention of changing his coach.
Mike McCarthy has started the season with a 3-3 record, with all three of their losses coming at the AT&T Stadium, including their 47-9 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
It was their worst defeat in 36 years, while the 38-point deficit was the Cowboys' largest at home since a 43-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at Texas Stadium in 1988.
McCarthy is in the final year of his contract, but even with the poor start on home soil, Jones says he is going to stick with his coach.
"Oh, I haven't even considered that," Jones said of a potential change. "I'm not considering that. Just so you're clear, I'm not considering that."
When reminded of an in-season coaching change he made back in 2010, replacing Wade Phillips with Jason Garrett, Jones doubled down on his backing of McCarthy.
"That would be a hypothetical," he added. "In that matter, do you think I'm an idiot? Do you?
"OK. Well, I'm not going to be hypothetical with you about would I consider a coaching change in light of the timing we're sitting here with. I'm not. At all."
Prior to Sunday's game, the largest defeat suffered under Jones' ownership was 36-3 against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2001.
Including last season's play-off loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Cowboys have now trailed by 15 or more points at half-time in four consecutive home games.
"Well, we're disappointed that we're 3-3," Jones said. "The three-loss side of it, I don't necessarily totally blame on McCarthy.
"The players will tell you they had something to do with it, too. His other parts of the staff will tell you. And the owner sure will tell you he had something to do with it, so it's not all on him."
The Cowboys now have a bye week before they resume action against the San Francisco 49ers on October 27.
NFL: Lions extend Cowboys' home woes
Jared Goff had three touchdown passes and David Montgomery added two more on the ground as the Detroit Lions extended the Dallas Cowboys' problems at home with a 47-9 rout on Sunday.
Detroit (4-1) dominated from start to finish to hand Dallas (3-3) its most lopsided home loss in 36 years and drop the defending NFC East champions to 0-3 at AT&T Stadium this season. The 38-point margin of defeat was the Cowboys' largest at home since a 43-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at Texas Stadium in 1988.
Goff completed 18 of 25 passes for 315 yards while connecting with Sam LaPorta, Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown for touchdowns. Montgomery finished with 80 rushing yards on a day in which the Lions out-gained Dallas by a 492-251 advantage in total yards.
Detroit's defence shined as well by forcing four turnovers, including a pair of interceptions of Dak Prescott. Dallas' franchise quarterback was also sacked four times while managing just 178 yards on 17-of-33 passing.
The Lions were dealt a major injury blow, however, as top pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson was carted off in the third quarter after fracturing his left tibia on a sack of Prescott. The star defensive end entered the contest with an NFL-best 6.5 sacks through the season's first four games.
Detroit's offence scored on each of its first five possessions to take a commanding 27-6 lead after two quarters.
Including last season's play-off loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Cowboys have now trailed by 15 or more points at half-time in four consecutive home games. Dallas is the first team to do so since the Oakland Raiders in 2013-14.
Jackson, surging Ravens halt Commanders' four-game winning streak
Reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson outperformed 2024 No. 2 overall draft pick Jayden Daniels as the Baltimore Ravens ended the Washington Commanders’ four-game winning streak with a 30-23 victory.
Jackson threw for 323 yards and a touchdown, Derrick Henry ran for 132 yards and two touchdowns and Zay Flowers caught nine passes for 132 yards to help Baltimore win its fourth straight game after an 0-2 start to the season.
Daniels passed for a season-best 269 yards and a pair of touchdowns – both to Terry McLaurin – but Washington fell to 4-2 with its first defeat since Week 1.
Jackson, who also was the NFL MVP in his second season in 2019, has thrown for 1,009 yards with eight touchdowns and one interception during Baltimore’s four-game win streak, while adding 236 yards and a pair of touchdowns on the ground.
Daniels shined again, but Washington played without leading rusher Brian Robinson Jr. due to a knee injury and was held to 52 rushing yards after averaging 178.4 over its first five games.
The Commanders also struggled on defence, allowing a season-high 484 yards.
Rookie Williams stars in London as Bears drop Jaguars to 1-5
The top overall pick of this year's draft, Caleb Williams, threw four touchdown passes as the Chicago Bears dropped the Jacksonville Jaguars to 1-5 with a 35-16 victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
Williams completed 23 of 29 passes for 226 yards with an interception and rushed four times for 56 yards. The former Heisman Trophy winner threw two touchdowns each to Cole Kmet and Keenan Allen.
Chicago (4-2) has won three straight for the first time since Weeks 14-16 in 2020, with Williams completing 74.1 percent of his passes (60 of 81) for 687 yards during the winning streak to go along with seven touchdowns and one interception.
Jacksonville lost again after defeating the Indianapolis Colts 37-34 last week for its first win of 2024. Trevor Lawrence went 23 of 35 for 234 yards with two touchdown passes – both to Gabe Davis - and one interception.
Two-time Pro Bowl tight end Evan Engram returned to the Jaguars' lineup after missing the previous four games with a hamstring injury and had 10 catches for 102 yards.
Mayfield's four touchdown passes lead Buccaneers past slumping Saints
Baker Mayfield threw for 325 yards and four touchdowns and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers dominated the second half to rally for a 51-27 victory over the reeling New Orleans Saints.
Mayfield shook off three second-quarter interceptions to lead four touchdown drives in the second half as Tampa Bay (4-2) overcame a 27-24 deficit at intermission by outscoring New Orleans 27-0 over the final two quarters.
The Buccaneers took a 31-27 lead on Mayfield's 55-yard touchdown strike to Chris Godwin with 4:25 remaining in the third quarter.
Godwin also had a touchdown catch in the first quarter and compiled 125 yards on 11 receptions. Tampa Bay also got rushing touchdowns from Sean Tucker and Bucky Irving, with Tucker adding a touchdown catch while recording 136 rushing yards on 14 attempts.
New Orleans trailed 17-0 after one quarter before battling back with 20 consecutive points in the second, but failed to get anything going offensively in the second half and was dealt a fourth straight loss following a 2-0 start.
Spencer Rattler, making his first NFL start at quarterback in place of an injured Derek Carr, threw for 243 yards and a touchdown on 22-of-40 passing. The rookie was intercepted twice in the second half, however, and didn't get much help from a New Orleans defence that surrendered 594 total yards.
The Saints also played much of the game without wide receiver Chris Olave, who sustained a concussion after making a catch in the first quarter. Olave fumbled on the play, with Tampa Bay safety Antoine WInfield returning the turnover 58 yards for a touchdown that gave the Bucs a 14-0 lead.
Texans spoil Patriots rookie Maye's first start, move to 5-1
The New England Patriots also had a rookie quarterback make his first NFL start Sunday, though Drake Maye's three touchdown passes weren't enough to prevent his team from a fifth straight loss.
C.J. Stroud also threw three touchdown passes as the Houston Texans continued their strong start to the season with a 41-21 win over the rebuilding Pats.
Stroud found Tank Dell and Joe Mixon for early touchdowns as Houston (5-1) built a 14-0 lead after one quarter, then connected with Stefon Diggs for a 10-yard score early in the second half to give the Texans a 21-7 advantage.
Houston sealed its third consecutive victory with a pair of long touchdown runs in the fourth quarter, a 20-yard burst from Mixon and a 54-yard scamper from Dameon Pierce with 7:47 left.
Mixon had 102 yards on 13 carries in his return from a three-game absence caused by a sprained ankle, with Pierce adding 76 yards on just eight attempts.
Maye, the No. 3 overall pick of this year's draft behind Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, completed 20 of 33 passes for 243 yards with touchdowns to Kayshon Boutte, Hunter Henry and DeMario Douglas. The former North Carolina star also threw his first two career interceptions as New England dropped to 1-5.
Douglas led the Patriots with 92 yards on six catches.
Eagles hold off scuffling Browns to bounce back
Jalen Hurts' 45-yard touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith with 7:54 remaining broke a tie game and sparked the Philadelphia Eagles to a 20-16 win over the still-struggling Cleveland Browns.
Both Smith and A.J. Brown returned from injuries to haul in touchdown passes from Hurts as Philadelphia (3-2) rebounded from a 33-16 loss to Tampa Bay that preceded the team's Week 5 bye.
Brown returned from a three-game absence caused by a strained hamstring to record 116 yards on six catches. Smith had three receptions for 64 yards after missing the Tampa Bay game with a concussion.
Cleveland, meanwhile, dropped to 1-5 with its fourth straight loss after once again having trouble scoring points. The Browns, the only team this season to be held under 20 points in every game, also failed to reach 300 total yards for the fifth consecutive time after managing just 244.
The Browns' lone touchdown came on one-time Eagles safety Rodney McLeod's 50-yard return of a blocked field goal attempt late in the second quarter that tied the contest at 10-10.
After both teams traded field goals, Hurts hit a wide-open Smith on a short pass and the standout receiver raced untouched down the sideline to snap a 13-13 deadlock midway through the fourth quarter.
Cleveland marched down to the Eagles' 3-yard line on the ensuing possession, but had to settle for Dustin Hopkins' third field goal of the game after two false-start penalties and a third-down incompletion from quarterback Deshaun Watson.
The Browns never got the ball back thereafter, as Philadelphia successfully ran out the clock following Hopkins' kick with 3:54 remaining.
Warner hails Niners for 'standing tall' in nervy Seattle win
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner hailed the team for standing tall on the road after they held off a Seattle Seahawks fightback for a crucial 36-24 win.
The Niners were in dire need of a victory after blowing double-digit fourth-quarter leads in losses to the Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals in Weeks 3 and 5.
They made a strong start to Thursday's meeting between two NFC West rivals, assuming a 23-3 lead early in the third quarter, as Brock Purdy threw a 76-yard catch-and-run touchdown to Deebo Samuel and another score to George Kittle.
However, the defending NFC champions let Seattle back in and saw their lead trimmed to six points by the start of the fourth, with the Seahawks reeling off 14 straight points then getting the ball back via a Rasheem Green interception.
However, they held firm and another two touchdowns – a second Purdy-Kittle link-up and a six-yard Kyle Juszczyk rush – ensured they improved to 3-3, level with Seattle.
Asked if doubts began to creep in as the Niners' lead shrunk, three-time All-Pro Warner said: "A thousand percent.
"It sucks, but yes, it was something that felt familiar for sure. We could go one of two ways right there.
"We could stand tall in a hostile environment and get the game that we got to get or we could settle for exactly how we've been playing the last couple losses."
The 49ers' season has seen them hampered by injuries to the likes of Christian McCaffrey, Dre Greenlaw and Javon Hargrave, and head coach Kyle Shanahan was handed another headache on Thursday as running back Jordan Mason was forced off with a shoulder issue.
Asked for an update on Mason's condition after the game, Shanahan said: "He thought he was going to be alright.
"He went back in, and it just hurt him too much, so he went out. We'll find out more tomorrow."
San Francisco's victory came at a crucial time as they are involved in the matchup of the season so far in Week 7, when they face the Kansas City Chiefs in a repeat of February's Super Bowl LVIII clash.
Offensive tackle Trent Williams said of that game: "It's not like we can get payback for losing in the Super Bowl. That ship has sailed.
"Obviously, we know what type of team that is, one of the best teams in the league... All-Star quarterback, great coach.
"We're going to take these three days off and regroup and try to put a complete game together."
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