We saw fringe playoff teams start to make a late-season push while others fell apart in Sunday's NFL Week 13 matchups.

In the early slate, two AFC South clubs made strong statements, and both squads could be major surprises when we look at the final standings in January.

Another AFC club in the postseason mix laid a big egg at home and lost its starting quarterback.

We also have some concerns about a top team in the NFC that won but has lost its momentum over the past few weeks.

Bleacher Report analysts Brent Sobleski and Moe Moton delve into these topics and the main takeaways from all of Sunday's action.

Miami Dolphins at Washington Commanders

Dolphins Will Stomp Inferior Opponents On Their Way to AFC East Title

The Miami Dolphins have the inside track to a home playoff game. They're first in the AFC East with the idle Buffalo Bills trailing in second place with a 6-6 record.

On Sunday, the Dolphins crushed the Washington Commanders 45-15. Over the past two months, the Dolphins have chewed up and spit out sub-.500 opponents with the exception of the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11.

In the next two weeks, Miami will host the Tennessee Titans and New York Jets, two sub-.500 clubs. As favorites in both games, the Dolphins should be 11-3 before they face the Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills in their last three games.

Unless the Bills go on a strong run—they have the Kansas City Chiefs, Cowboys and Miami left on their schedule—the Dolphins can wrap up the division title late in December. If that scenario plays out, Miami would win the AFC East title for the first time since 2008.

Ron Rivera Can Start Packing His Bags in Washington

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Washington Commanders will "evaluate" head coach Ron Rivera in the offseason.

Well, Rivera should start his job search right now.

Last week, the Commanders fired defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and defensive backs coach Brent Vieselmeyer. As a result, Rivera took over defensive play-calling duties, but Washington gave up 45 points in back-to-back blowout losses.

Over the past few weeks, Washington's season has gone off the rails.

The Commanders traded edge-rushers Chase Young and Montez Sweat to the San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears, respectively, and the New York Giants swept them this season.

After two 30-plus-point losses, Washington can look toward a full rebuild in the offseason. Don't be surprised if the Commanders relieve Rivera of his duties with the season in progress.

Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints

Lions Raise Concerns Before Their Tough Stretch

On Sunday, the Detroit Lions jumped out to a 21-0 lead over the New Orleans Saints, but they had to eke out a 33-28 victory on the final drive of the contest.

Though no team should feel concerned about a win, Detroit has looked shaky since its Week 9 bye.

In the past four weeks, the Lions have barely knocked off sub-.500 teams (the Los Angeles Chargers, Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints), and they lost 29-22 to the Green Bay Packers at home on Thanksgiving.

Detroit can hang its hat on an explosive offense that's scored 31-plus points in three of the past four weeks, but the defense has allowed an average of 30.3 points per game in the same span.

Early in the season, the Lions defense looked much improved compared to last year's unit, but it's fallen apart in stretches over the past month. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn must tighten up his unit with division games, the Denver Broncos and the Dallas Cowboys left on the schedule.

Dennis Allen's Partnership with Derek Carr Will Go One-And-Done Again

On Sunday, the Saints battled back from a 21-point deficit to give the Lions a second-half scare, but the offense struggled mightily long before quarterback Derek Carr exited the game with an injury.

The Saints turned the ball over twice, and they seem to prefer their skill players to finish drives over Carr.

On one hand, New Orleans scored four touchdowns in four red-zone drives, but running back Alvin Kamara and versatile tight end Taysom Hill finished three of those possessions.

Keep in mind that the Saints signed Carr to a four-year, $150 million contract and gave him a no-trade clause. Regardless of his play, he's not going anywhere. When Carr is healthy, he'll likely reclaim the starting position over Jameis Winston.

As Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap points out, the Saints would hold $52.8 million in dead money if they cut Carr in the offseason.

New Orleans will likely ride with Carr through the 2024 term, but the front office can boot Dennis Allen for an offensive-minded head coach in an attempt to elevate Carr's play. Carr has thrown for 11 touchdowns and six interceptions in 12 games.

Back in 2014, the then-Oakland Raiders fired Allen during Carr's first year with the team. They may experience a case a déjà vu.

Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots

Chargers' Faint Playoff Hopes Will Completely Fade Before Christmas

The Los Angeles Chargers may have put together the least impressive NFL shutout in recent memory.

On Sunday, the Chargers beat the struggling, two-win New England Patriots 6-0. With that said, the Patriots outgained them in total yards 257-241.

Ironically, Los Angeles needed its 23rd-ranked scoring defense that's allowing the most yards per game to seal the victory. Edge-rusher Khalil Mack recorded two sacks to tie his season career-high of 15.

The Chargers defense isn't likely to sustain this level of play against playoff-caliber teams, and the club has failed to score more than 20 points in three consecutive games.

In their past five outings, the Chargers will square off against competitive division opponents and the Buffalo Bills. They're going to falter and miss the playoffs. And as Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz said, Los Angeles will likely fire head coach Brandon Staley, "barring a miracle."

Patriots Are the Most Unwatchable Team in the NFL

For the second time this season, an opponent shut out the Patriots at home. The New Orleans Saints did it in Week 5 before the Chargers accomplished the feat on Sunday.

We don't know about head coach Bill Belichick's future, but New England is clearly the most unwatchable team in the league.

At least the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers have intriguing quarterbacks in Kyler Murray and Bryce Young, both former No. 1 overall picks from recent drafts. The Patriots don't have a compelling active player in a key position, they struggle to score points and field a defense that ranked 21st in scoring through 12 weeks.

The NFL justifiably flexed the Patriots' game with the Kansas City Chiefs out of the Week 15 Monday Night Football slot. Thank goodness.

Arizona Cardinals at Pittsburgh Steelers

TE Trey McBride Emerges as Arizona Cardinals' Top Target

The Kansas City Chiefs proved a high-octane passing attack can run through the tight end position. Few at the position are as talented as Travis Kelce, of course, yet the setup shows how a tight end can serve as a primary offensive weapon, which the Arizona Cardinals can pattern.

During Sunday's 24-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cardinals tight end Trey McBride caught eight passes for 89 yards and a touchdown. No one else on the roster managed more than two catches for 21 yards on the day.

With the effort, McBride is now the Cardinals' leading receiver in both receptions and yardage. More importantly, he has Kyler Murray's trust, and the tight end's play perfectly complements a physical rushing attack.

Since Murray returned to the lineup, McBride caught 28 passes for 323 yards in those four contests. But the rushing attack with Murray under center really opened up things for James Conner against his old team. Conner ran the ball 25 times for 105 yards and two scores against the Steelers. In turn, the play-action game should be heavily implemented in the short term.

With another win, the Cardinals also moved out of the two-hole for the 2024 NFL draft. They current own the third pick. With McBride emerging, Arizona can add another playmaker like Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. to create a long-term dynamic duo.

Pittsburgh Steelers Offense Returns to Form

The Steelers offense isn't good. One game finally getting over 400 yards for the first time in 58 straight contests was a positive, especially after head coach Mike Tomlin fired offensive coordinator Matt Canada and installed quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan as the play-caller.

Even with the added yardage, the Steelers only scored 16 points. Pittsburgh found themselves inside the Cincinnati Bengals' 25-yard line on five different occasions, which resulted in one touchdown.

Against the Cardinals, the Steelers got to the red zone on four different times. Once again, Pittsburgh managed one touchdown.

Quarterback Kenny Pickett did leave the contest with an ankle injury, so a built-in excuse exists. In reality, Pickett hasn't exactly been a spark plug. Mitchell Trubisky entered the game and threw the Steelers' only touchdown.

"Yeah, we'll roll with Mitch if [Pickett] can't play," Tomlin told reporters after the game, "but I don't know where any of that is as I sit here today."

Also, weather played its part, with an extremely wet afternoon that included two stoppages. The Cardinals didn't exactly light it up offensively with 282 yards.

In the end, the Steelers should be better offensively through the last five weeks of the season. But it's all relative. A complete flop of a performance against one of the NFL's worst teams doesn't inspire much confidence in the 7-5 squad.

"We didn't do much right in that game to be honest with you," Tomlin said. "We gotta own that. ... It's just losing football. It really was."

Atlanta Falcons at New York Jets

Falcons Should Call More QB Runs for Desmond Ridder

In a 13-8 win over the New York Jets, the Atlanta Falcons struggled to gain traction on the ground. Running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier averaged 2.9 and 3.3 yards per carry, respectively.

As a run-heavy team that ranked third in total carries and 26th in passing attempts through 12 weeks, Atlanta doesn't have a second offensive gear when its ground attack fails to move the ball efficiently.

Because of Desmond Ridder's turnover tendencies (eight interceptions in 11 games), head coach Arthur Smith should be hesitant about his trust in the second-year signal-caller as a pure pocket-passer.

When the Falcons' run game stalls, they should add another wrinkle to it and feature Ridder's mobility. He's rushed for 180 yards and four touchdowns this season. In four collegiate terms at Cincinnati, Ridder racked up 2,169 yards and 28 touchdowns on the ground.

The Jets defense deserves credit for limiting the Falcons' rushing attack, but Atlanta can do a little more to use Ridder's full skill set to its advantage.

Jets Have Botched Their Quarterback Situation All Season

When Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles in Week 1, the Jets should've been aggressive in search for an upgrade at the backup position behind Zach Wilson, who has struggled through three seasons.

Instead, the Jets stuck with Tim Boyle as the active No. 2 option. Before the 2023 campaign, he started in just three games—all in 2021—throwing for three touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Wilson played his way out of the fill-in starting role with turnovers and subpar accuracy, and the Jets turned to Boyle, who played three games before the team benched him for Trevor Siemian on Sunday.

Gang Green didn't acquire a signal-caller before the trade deadline or sign Carson Wentz, but the club should've started Siemian over Boyle after it benched Wilson. Siemian has started in 30 career games, throwing for 42 touchdowns and 28 interceptions.

We have no idea if the Jets would've won their past three games with Siemian under center, but he probably gives them a better chance to win now simply because he's seen and done more than Boyle in the league.

Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans

Second-Year WR Alec Pierce Opens Up Indianapolis Colts Offense
Something had been missing from the Indianapolis Colts offense. Despite a surprising 6-5 record and sitting in a potential playoff spot, Shane Steichen's group worked hard on nearly every single drive to generate scoring opportunities.

Gardner Minshew being behind center plays a large role in that approach. Minshew is what he is, as a backup-turned-starter who excels when dinking and dunking down the field. There are clearly instances when Steichen, who serves double-duty as the Colts' head coach and offensive play-caller, doesn't trust Minshew.

To be fair, trepidation is warranted. There are one or two instances each game when the veteran quarterback makes terrible decisions. As an example, his high toss to Zack Moss that resulted in a two-point conversion for the Tennessee Titans nearly cost the Colts a victory.

Instead, Alec Pierce provided exactly what Indianapolis needed in overtime. He's a true vertical threat. However, the 2022 second-round pick has basically disappeared for long stretches, catching only 22 passes through the Colts' initial 11 contests. Granted, he caught three during Sunday's 31-28 overtime victory against an AFC South rival. But it's how he did so that is truly notable.

Minshew hit Pierce on a 36-yard skinny post for Indianapolis' opening score. In overtime, the battery connected again for 55 yards to set up the game-winning Michael Pittman Jr. touchdown.

Pierce set a career-high with 100 receiving yards. He's the potential missing piece to a legitimate postseason berth. The Colts simply need a threat to stretch the field and take full advantage of Pittman and Josh Downs effectively working underneath routes.

When a team like the Titans gear up to shut down Indianapolis' running game, Pierce is the answer to make them pay. He did Sunday.

Tennessee Titans Special Teams Are Disastrous

Coaches love to say that special teams are one-third of the game. It's not lip-service, per se. But that phase usually doesn't win or lose contests, particularly with how the game is legislated today.

However, the Titans are in a major bind based on how their special teams performed on Sunday. During their loss to the Colts, Tennessee surrendered back-to-back blocked punts. Colts special teams coordinator Brian Mason was in his bag calling all the right plays.

Those two blocks led to 10 points for Indianapolis and ignited the Colts' second-half revival.

"We have to be better," head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters. "It starts with me. We need to make sure everything we do is sound. There's a level of execution that we, obviously, need to identify. Do we have scheme issues or move some guys around or make some minor adjustments?"

The second blocked punt turned from problematic to disastrous since punter Ryan Stonehouse suffered a leg injury and didn't return to the game. As a result, backup quarterback Ryan Tannehill became the holder in Stonehouse's stead. The Titans missed their initial extra point with Tannehill taking the snap for kicker Nick Folk.

At 4-8, the Titans are definitely poor in two phases of the game, and special teams cost them Sunday's game. Minor adjustments definitely won't save this season.

Denver Broncos at Houston Texans

Texans Aren't Overachievers, They're a Playoff Team

Let's stop talking about the Houston Texans as if they're just a feel-good story that's exceeded expectations.

After a 22-17 win over the red-hot Denver Broncos, we should acknowledge Houston as a playoff-ready squad. Though that sounds odd to say about a team with a rookie quarterback, first-time head coach and first-year offensive play-caller, the Texans look primed for a late-season run.

The Texans have two blowout victories over the Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers, and they've won four of their past five outings.

Aside from its impressive record and quality victories, Houston showed it can win even when probable 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud isn't throwing for multiple touchdowns and closing with game-winning drives.

On Sunday, against the Broncos, the Texans forced three turnovers, including a game-sealing interception. Over the past three weeks, Houston has allowed an average of 19 points per contest.

Yes, Stroud has put the Texans on his back on several occasions, but he's had some help from his defense as of late, which is a hallmark of a well-rounded, playoff-caliber team.

Broncos Will Quickly Bounce Back from Turnover-Ridden Performance

The Broncos' winning streak came to a screeching halt in Houston, but they'll bounce back in the next few weeks. Denver will play a mediocre Los Angeles Chargers squad that's averaging 12 points per game over the past three weeks and the New England Patriots, who had their second shutout loss of the season on Sunday.

In the loss to Houston, quarterback Russell Wilson threw three interceptions. During Denver's five-game winning streak, he didn't turn the ball over through the air.

Going forward, expect Wilson to revert to his efficient self as the Broncos push for a playoff spot in the AFC.

Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans Is Unstoppable

During the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 21-18 victory over the Carolina Panthers, the Bucs' Mike Evans continued a historic streak that may never be matched, thus securing his status as one of the best wide receivers in NFL history.

Evans caught seven passes Sunday for 162 yards and a touchdown. In doing so, he eclipsed the 1,000-yard plateau once again.

Tampa Bay's all-time leading receiver extended his NFL record streak by reaching 1,000 or more yards in 10 consecutive seasons to start his career. The streak also ranks second behind Jerry Rice's all-time record of 11 straight seasons with 1,000 yards. Evans is currently tied with Randy Moss for the second-most 1,000 yard seasons ever.

"I get smarter each year," Evans told reporters of where he's at now in his career. "The game slows down for me each year. If I'm healthy, I'm a real problem to deal with. I've just been blessed with health. I've also learned how to take care of my body as I get older."

Historically, the numbers are phenomenal. But on-field reliability is critical for a franchise that needs stability.

At 5-7, the Buccaneers are still very much alive in the NFL's worst division. However, plenty of major decisions are forthcoming at quarterback and regarding Evans' future. Whoever starts behind center in 2024 and beyond would benefit from Evans' continued presence. However, Evans is an impending free agent. His resume speaks for itself, and he may look for a new situation.

It's vital for Tampa Bay to get the most out of the future Hall of Fame inductee for however long he's on the team.

Coaching Change Doesn't Make a Difference for Carolina Panthers

A team that experiences a midseason head coaching change veers in one of two directions. Either the move sends a message, produces an artificial boost and creates improvement, or the squad continues to spiral further into the abyss of a lost season.

Last year's Panthers achieved the former category. This year's edition falls into the latter.

Frank Reich's dismissal after only 11 games signaled a meddling owner and disappointment in the lack of development from this year's No. 1 overall draft pick, quarterback Bryce Young.

The switch from Reich to interim head coach Chris Tabor did nothing to improve the circumstances. The Panthers moved to 1-11 after Sundays loss to the Buccaneers and have been officially eliminated from playoff contention. Young completed less than 50 percent of his passes.

Carolina is the runaway favorite for next year's No. 1 overall draft pick, though it won't get to make that selection. The Panthers traded their 2024 first-round draft pick to the Bears last spring in the deal that gave them the chance to draft Young first overall.

Tabor tried to spin the team's effort into a positive by stating they "had the ball with the chance to win late."

Technically, Carolina did have a chance. But the offense never crossed midfield on its final drive because Young threw an interception on 4th-and-1. The play serves as an encapsulation of the entire season.

The Panthers are not good enough. Their quarterback isn't making plays. Carolina wilted under the pressure.

This season is a complete wash. The Panthers are worse than they were a year ago. A top-notch hire will be absolutely necessary for the team to ever maximize what it thinks it has in Young and whatever talent is brought into the mix.

Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Rams

Rams Rookie WR Puka Nacua Reaches S-Tier Status Against Browns

Los Angeles Rams fifth-round rookie Puka Nacua has been a difference-maker since he stepped onto an NFL field. The same talent was seen during his time with the BYU Cougars program. However, injuries slowed his progression at the collegiate level and didn't allow the talented target to truly shine.

The thought of nagging issues slowing Nacua hasn't been a major concern so far. However, he left Sunday's 36-19 victory over the Cleveland Browns with injured ribs. The rookie looked to be in tremendous pain, and no one would have blinked had he been ruled out. Miraculously, Nacua returned and continued to torch the Browns' talented defense.

"I thought he was dead, and then he comes back to life," Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters after the game. "Nothing surprises me with him anymore."

Nacua garnered six touches and created 139 yards of offense. Those numbers don't even include a 45-yard play called back because of holding.

With his 105 receiving yards, Nacua crossed the 1,000-yard barrier. He became the sixth player in the Super Bowl era to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards in just 12 games, according to NFL Network's Bridget Condon.

The Rams have a special talent in their first-year wide receiver. He would be the favorite to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year if not for C.J. Stroud's amazing campaign. But his ability to take punishment and continue to perform is vital for long-term success considering it was a knock during the draft cycle.

Joe Flacco isn't the Solution For Cleveland Browns; He's Not the Problem, Either

Joe Flacco is the Browns' fourth starting quarterback this season. It's clear the season hasn't quite gone as expected. But Flacco's recent signing isn't a signal for surrender. It should be the opposite.

At 7-5, the Browns are still firmly in contention for a postseason berth. The biggest thing holding them back to this point had been inconsistent quarterback play. At times, the position performed well below NFL standards.

Flacco is an experienced veteran capable of making the correct presnap reads, knowing exactly where to go with the ball and still throwing some darts. During Sunday's loss, the 38-year-old veteran threw for 244 yards and two touchdowns. Ultimately, everything fell apart at the end, including an underthrown Flacco interception. Even still, his performance was some of the best quarterback play Cleveland received all year.

That's all Cleveland needs if the rest of the team does its job. It didn't on Sunday.

The Browns' ferocious defense loses its bite at times. Yes, Myles Garrett is playing through a dinged shoulder. But Cleveland didn't sack Matthew Stafford once. It only generated two quarterback hits. As stated earlier, Nacua shredded a Denzel Ward-less secondary.

To make matters worse, wide receiver Amari Cooper is now in the league's concussion protocol.

Injuries have taken a massive toll. Yet Cleveland is right where it needs to be, with a remaining schedule that features opponents with a combined 28-30 record.

Flacco will get more comfortable as the weeks pass. As long as he provides a solid baseline, the Browns can still compete at a relatively high level.

San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles

San Francisco 49ers Stake Claim As NFL's Best Squad

Move over, Philadelphia Eagles, because the San Francisco 49ers handled business in the City of Brotherly Love.

The Eagles basically dared the best version of the Niners to show up, and they did.

"Talk is cheap," Eagles edge-rusher Haason Reddick said during an interview on Sports Radio 94WIP. "They get to come back in the Linc. It was a lot of boo hoos last year [after the NFC Championship Game when Brock Purdy hurt his arm], a lot of crying, a lot of what if, a lot of this, a lot of that. They get a chance to come back in here, line that s--t up and prove it again."

San Francisco took those words to heart and proved it's a better team right now than the Eagles.

Granted, Kyle Shanahan's squad started slowly. San Francisco trailed 6-0 going into the second quarter. From that point forward, the 49ers ran the Eagles off the field by outscoring them 42-13. Quarterback Brock Purdy threw for 314 yards and four touchdowns. Christian McCaffrey provided 133 yards from scrimmage. Deebo Samuel had 133 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns. Shanahan called a superb game.

At 9-3, San Francisco is technically one game behind the Eagles in the standings. Nobody believes Philadelphia is a superior team at this point. Don't be surprised when San Francisco shows up at numero uno in this week's Bleacher Report Power Rankings.

"We tried not to think too much about last year," Nick Bosa said. "But we knew we could match up with them and more than that. I think we proved a good point. Obviously, we might have to do it again against them. They're a really good team.

"I just have so much confidence in everybody. I think the unselfishness throughout the entire team on offense and defense…nobody needs to be 'the guy.' There are 20 guys who can be 'the guy.' It just depends when your moment comes that you're ready for it."

One Bad Game Doesn't Equate to Entire Season for Philadelphia Eagles

As Bosa stated, the Eagles and 49ers could very well meet again in the postseason. Despite Sunday's outcome, they're both good enough to find themselves facing each other when it truly matters.

That's the beauty of the NFL regular season. One-game aberrations do occur. The Eagles weren't good enough on Sunday. They know it.

"Today you look yourself in the mirror and say they were the better team," left tackle Jordan Mailata told reporters.

While San Francisco deserves the utmost respect for its latest performance, the Eagles are operating at a Super Bowl standard. Philadelphia should quickly expunge its current feelings, make adjustments and come back swinging.

The 49ers attacked to get Jalen Hurts' eyes down instead of keeping them up the field to see how plays were developing. The Eagles staff can adjust by moving the pocket, changing up protections, utilizing quick hitters and incorporating different usages of the quarterback position.

The nice part about the regular season is that it's all about the counterpunch. The Eagles have been knocked down. It's now about how they get back up and respond. The team is too good not to do so.