Cincinnati Bengals 31 – New York Giants 13
In recent years, the Giants have been notorious for struggling in the second half of the season. This year has proved no different so far. The once 6-2 Giants now sit at 6-4 following an ugly defeat at Cincinnati. The Giants fell behind early and could not erase the deficit as Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton lit up the Giants secondary for four touchdown passes. Eli Manning’s less than stellar play continued, turning the ball over three times.
Seattle Seahawks 28 – New York Jets 7
Even though Jets head coach Rex Ryan has repeatedly said that Mark Sanchez will remain the team’s starting quarterback, the fourth-year quarterback’s performances continue to be horrid. Sanchez completed only nine of his 22 pass attempts, including a costly goal-line interception. The now 3-6 Jets failed to score an offensive touchdown for the third time this season, with their only touchdown coming off a fumble by Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson. While the Jets defense was solid in the first half, they were anything but that in the second half, allowing Seattle wide receiver Golden Tate to throw a touchdown pass.
Dallas Cowboys 38 – Philadelphia Eagles 23
For Philadelphia, this loss is viewed by many as the knockout blow to their season in more ways than one. The Eagles now sit at 3-6, which leave many fans calling for head coach Andy Reid’s job. And while many wanted quarterback Michael Vick benched due to his poor play, Vick was removed from the game after suffering a concussion. Vick’s replacement, Nick Foles, played well but could not deliver a win, as Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo threw for 209 yards and two touchdowns in the victory.
New Orleans Saints 31 – Atlanta Falcons 27
There will not be an undefeated team in the NFL this season after the seemingly revitalized Saints knocked off the undefeated Falcons. Despite Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan’s stellar 411-yard performance, Saints quarterback Drew Brees threw for 298 yards and three touchdowns, leading them to victory. After a 0-4 start, the Saints have won four of their last five games, putting them right back in the NFC playoff picture.
San Francisco 49ers 24 – St. Louis Rams 24
49ers quarterback Alex Smith was on his way to having a monster game, completing seven of his first eight passes and a touchdown, prior to exiting the game after suffering a concussion. Backup Colin Kapernick led a comeback to send the game to overtime, but David Akers missed a field goal that would have won the game for San Francisco. Neither team scored in the overtime period, resulting in the NFL’s first tie since 2008.
Houston Texans 13 – Chicago Bears 6
In what many called a potential Super Bowl preview, the NFL’s number one offense topped the NFL’s number one defense in a low-scoring affair, undoubtedly affected by rainy, windy conditions. Both teams were held to under 250 total yards, but Houston quarterback Matt Schaub threw the game’s only touchdown pass. Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was the third quarterback to leave his game with a concussion during the Week 10 slate of games.
