NFL Early Game Wrap Up: Colts Lose Two In A Row, Saints Three

Drew Brees

After the early games were wrapped up, the AFC playoff picture became a little bit clearer.

However, the big story of the day has to be the injury to Patriots receiver Wes Welker. It’s not looking good for him to be active in the playoffs.

Here is a look at the early game scores.

The Buffalo Bills handed the Indianapolis Colts their second loss in as many weeks after Peyton Manning and starters were once again pulled. Final score: Bills 30 – Colts 7.

The New Orleans Saints fell to the Carolina Panthers and were dealt their third loss in a row after starting the season 13-0. The good news for them, is that they rested Drew Brees. Final score: Panthers 23 – Saints 10.

The Cleveland Browns won their fourth game in a row and made a strong case for Eric Mangini to return as head coach next season. They also eliminated the Jacksonville Jaguars from playoff contention. Final score: Browns 23 – Jaguars 17

The Houston Texans came from behind to beat the New England Patriots and keep their playoff hopes alive. The Patriots lost the NFL’s leading receiver likely for the rest of the year in Wes Welker. Final score: Texans 34 – Patriots 27.

The Minnesota Vikings came to play and did their part to regain the second seed in playoffs with a big win over the New York Giants. Rough finish to the season for Tom Coughlin and company. Final score: Vikings 44 – Giants 7.

San Francisco did what they were supposed to and gave the St. Louis Rams the first pick in the draft by doing so. Final score: 49ers 28 – Rams 6.

The Atlanta Falcons ended their season on a high note with a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Regardless of a tough season for Tampa, Raheem Morris should return as coach next season. Final score: Falcons 20 – Bucs 10.

The Pittsburgh Steelers kept their slim playoff hopes alive while eliminating the Miami Dolphins from contention. Final score: Steelers 30 – Dolphins 24.

The Chicago Bears and Lovie Smith did what virtually every other team in the NFL has managed to do this season and defeat the Detroit Lions. Final score: Bears 37 – Lions 23.

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