NFL Winners and Losers: Rams defeat leaves Super Bowl contenders in doubt

Through a turbulent NFL season, the Los Angeles Rams appeared to be the lone consistent powerhouse. After their dominant victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week, they were widely regarded as the team to beat. However, Week 13 has revealed that no team can be considered truly dependable this year.

On Thursday and Friday, all four pre-game favorites fell, exposing weaknesses in teams previously thought to be strong. The Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Philadelphia Eagles all suffered losses, showing they are far from guaranteed Super Bowl contenders.

Rams Stumble

The Rams, once praised for Matthew Staffords near-perfect performance streak, fell 31-28 to the Carolina Panthersa team that had looked dreadful just six days prior in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Stafford threw two interceptions, including a pick-six, and lost a critical fumble late in the third quarter. Prior to this game, Stafford had not thrown an interception since Week 3 and had set an NFL record with 28 consecutive touchdowns without a pick.

Defensive lapses contributed to the loss as well. Bryce Young connected with Tetairoa McMillan for a 43-yard go-ahead touchdown on fourth down late in the fourth quarter, turning the game decisively in Carolinas favor. Staffords mistakes and the defensive breakdown erased all the momentum the Rams had from their previous win.

Despite the setback, the Rams remain a strong team, but Week 13 highlighted that every team this season is vulnerable to a bad performance. The eventual Super Bowl champion may not dominate like the 1972 Dolphins; it could be the Rams, Eagles, Denver Broncos, or another team that maintains consistency in the playoffs.

Other NFL Highlights

Buffalo Bills Defense

The Bills defense, previously mediocre, shined against the Pittsburgh Steelers, limiting them to 90 total yards in a 26-7 victory. Joey Bosas sack on Aaron Rodgers resulted in a fumble returned for a touchdown, changing the course of the game. Buffalo rushed for 249 yards, improving to 8-4, and may be gaining momentum for the postseason if the defense continues to perform.

San Francisco 49ers and Robert Saleh

Despite losing stars Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, the 49ers young defense thrived under defensive coordinator Robert Salehs guidance. San Francisco defeated the Cleveland Browns 26-8 in poor weather, following a strong Week 12 showing against the Panthers. Salehs success with the 49ers contrasts with his challenging tenure as head coach of the New York Jets.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mayfield and Irving Return

Despite injuries, the Buccaneers won 20-17 over the Arizona Cardinals. Baker Mayfield, recovering from a shoulder injury, threw for 194 yards and a touchdown. Chris Godwin Jr. led the team with 78 receiving yards, and second-year running back Bucky Irving returned to form, contributing 81 yards and a touchdown. Tampa Bays improving health and favorable schedule position them as NFC South favorites.

Miami Dolphins Defense

The Dolphins, who started the season with one of the NFLs weakest defenses, have turned things around. In a 21-17 victory over the New Orleans Saints, Minkah Fitzpatrick returned a late interception for two points, and the defense made a key fourth-down stop. Miami has won four of its last five games, boosting confidence in head coach Mike McDaniel and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.

Las Vegas Raiders and Pete Carroll

Pete Carrolls future with the Raiders appears uncertain after a 31-14 loss to the Chargers. Carroll fired offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, but the teams struggles persisted. The Raiders have lost 10 of their last 11 games, highlighting organizational instability and poor on-field results.

Vikings Max Brosmer

Undrafted rookie Max Brosmer endured a rough debut as the Vikings lost to the Seahawks. A disastrous fourth-down throw led to an 85-yard interception return for a touchdown. Brosmer finished with 126 yards and four interceptions, contributing to the teams first shutout loss since 2007.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts early-season promise has faded after a 20-16 defeat to the Houston Texans. Injuries, including Daniel Jones fractured fibula, have hampered the offense. Indianapolis has now lost three of its last four games, jeopardizing their hold on the AFC South, as division rivals Jaguars and Texans remain competitive.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans, now 1-11, suffered a 25-3 loss to the Jaguars. Despite Cam Wards presence and a potential top draft pick, the teams struggles make it a difficult coaching job for 2026 candidates. Wards inconsistency highlights the challenge of rebuilding from the ground up.

Atlanta Falcons and Raheem Morris

The Falcons continue to disappoint under Raheem Morris, losing 27-24 to the New York Jets after surrendering a late lead. Atlanta now stands at 4-8, and the team must evaluate whether Morris should return next season, especially after trading away a first-round pick for the Rams earlier this year.

Author: Sophia Brooks