{"id":38546,"date":"2025-12-21T20:12:09","date_gmt":"2025-12-21T20:12:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/?p=38546"},"modified":"2025-12-21T20:12:09","modified_gmt":"2025-12-21T20:12:09","slug":"nfl-week-16-browns-v-bills-panthers-v-buccaneers-and-much-more-live-nfl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/?p=38546","title":{"rendered":"NFL week 16: Browns v Bills, Panthers v Buccaneers, and much more \u2013 live | NFL"},"content":{"rendered":"

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TOUCHDOWN! Saints 16-6 Jets 0:41, 3rd quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

New Orleans in complete control here.<\/p>\n

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Panthers 20-17 Buccaneers 15:00, 4th quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tampa are off to the races before Baker Mayfield takes the field after a dazzling kick return takes them into Carolina territory and on to their 45-yard line. Keldon Johnson could have had a score there. Still, top work.<\/p>\n

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TOUCHDOWN! Browns 17-23 Bills 1:34, 3rd quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cleveland are fighting hard in this one. The tight end does Cleveland\u2019s version of the tush push. It works a treat. Game on!<\/p>\n

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TOUCHDOWN! Panthers 20-17 Buccaneers 0:08, 3rd quarter<\/h2>\n

Unbelievable, Bryce! He scrambles around in the pocket and is so close to being sacked but just ducks and dives through defenders then gets the pass off to Ja\u2019Tavion Sanders. Carolina retake the lead. It\u2019s heating up.<\/p>\n

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Panthers 13-17 Buccaneers 1:45, 3rd quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wow. Tetairoa McMillan makes a wonder grab on the sideline to move the Panthers into the red zone. He barely sees it coming as Young threw it well before he turned around but he still hangs on \u2026 just for 11 yards. Bryce Young then barrels ahead on scramble and moves the chains again. They are just 10 yards out now.<\/p>\n

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TOUCHDOWN! Dolphins 14-31 Bengals 8:32, 3rd quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

Miami appear to have not only mothballed the starting quarterback but the entire team as they give up a second touchdown to start the third quarter. Chase Brown is having a field day out there as he doubles up his touchdown tally.<\/p>\n

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It\u2019s GOOD! Browns 10-23 Bills 9:34, 3rd quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

The money badger strikes again. Buffalo settle for the boot after another pick from Shedeur Sanders. The rookie QB started well with a score but is now 12\/18 for 109 yards, one score and two interceptions.<\/p>\n

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TOUCHDOWN! Titans 16-6 Chiefs 10:24, 3rd quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Titans are playing themselves out of the No 1 pick and rookie QB Cam Ward will likely be very happy about that.<\/p>\n

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TOUCHDOWN! Panthers 13-17 Buccaneers 6:41, 3rd quarter<\/h2>\n

And they do on the very next play. Sean Tucker walks in untouched out to the left of the field. Carolina fans are booing the refs for the PI call.<\/p>\n

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Panthers 13-10 Buccaneers 6:46, 3rd quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

Another 3rd down for the Bucs in the red zone as Mayfield drops back and finds Rachaad White wide open in the middle of the field. He scampers up to the one-yard line. Mayfield goes back to his mate Mike Evans in man coverage but the receiver can\u2019t haul it in. They fake the handoff and he overthrows Evans again but pass interference is called. Back to 1st down with one yard to go. They\u2019ll score eventually.<\/p>\n

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TOUCHDOWN! Dolphins 24-14 Bengals 9:45, 3rd quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cini extend their lead with a rapid 3-minute drive from good field position.<\/p>\n

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Panthers 13-10 Buccaneers 9:13, 3rd quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bucky Irving keeps the chains moving with a powerful short run. Mayfield throws a short ball that picks up a couple of yards Irving takes them to 3rd and 4. Mayfield hits Chris Godwin right on the sideline for another 1st down. Methodical and easily done.<\/p>\n

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Panthers 13-10 Buccaneers 12:55, 3rd quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

Baker Mayfield has come out pumped up as he breaks off a 23-yard run to put the Bucs across midfield and on to the 35-yard line.<\/p>\n

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Browns 10-20 Bills 12:45, 3rd quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

Buffalo are forced to punt after a quick three and out. C\u2019mon Cleveland let\u2019s get off to a fast start and put some pressure on the Bills.<\/p>\n

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It\u2019s GOOD! Cowboys 17-24 Chargers 11:51, 3rd quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

LA are in the red zone. Meanwhile Dak Prescott is trying to whip up the crowd distract the Chargers. It may have worked as Justin Herbert is sacked he runs into the nose tackle and they have to settle for the field goal. Bit dissapointing after that long gain.<\/p>\n

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Cowboys 17-21 Chargers 13:26, 3rd quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

And I was just enjoying my break. Didn\u2019t quite have the feet up though thankfully. They are back out there in Dallas with LA on the ball. And my, oh my! Justin Herbert drops back and sails one into the arms of Quentin Johnston on the sideline for a 50-yard gain. He has an absolute cannon for an arm. The Cowboys secondary had nothing there.<\/p>\n

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Updated at\u00a014.37 EST<\/p>\n

Buffalo are destroying Cleveland<\/strong> on the ground. They have 16 total carries for 133 yards at 8.3 yards per pop. James Cook has 100 of them on nine carries and two touchdowns. Meanwhile Josh Allen has only thrown the ball seven times.<\/p>\n

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Half-time<\/h2>\n
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    Carolina Panthers 13-10 Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Cleveland Browns 10-20 Buffalo Bills<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Dallas Cowboys 17-21 Los Angeles Chargers<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Miami Dolphins 14-17 Cincinnati Bengals<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    New Orleans Saints 9-6 New York Jets<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    New York Giants 10-13 Minnesota Vikings<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Tennessee Titans 9-6 Kansas City Chiefs<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    In a gigantic turn up for the books all of our games are actually in for half-time at the same time. The Panthers are the big story so far as they took control at the whistle. Tampa Bay started strong but have fallen off a cliff. Pressure is on Carolina to win to keep their playoff hopes alive. They are handling it so far.<\/p>\n

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    TOUCHDOWN! Giants 10-13 Vikings 0:17, 2nd quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The Giants sack JJ McCarthy and the QB fumbles to Tyler Nubin who gets the 27-yard scoop and score.<\/p>\n

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    TOUCHDOWN! Panthers 13-10 Buccaneers 0:07, 2nd quarter<\/h2>\n

    Who needs a field goal? Dave Canales beats the blitz by calling the deep pass and TMac finishes it off with an easy catch from the gorgeous arcing pass into the end zone. That is the Carolina that beat the Rams a few weeks ago. Aggressive and perfectly executed.<\/p>\n

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    Updated at\u00a014.25 EST<\/p>\n

    TOUCHDOWN! Titans 9-3 Chiefs 1:36, 2nd quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    Panthers 6-10 Buccaneers 0:26, 2nd quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Carolina are moving into field goal range. Tampa allowing underneath throws that keep the chains moving.<\/p>\n

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    Browns 10-20 Bills 1:00, 2nd quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Josh Allen getting all in a muddle as he tries desperately to evade Myles Garrett and almost falls into his own end zone to give away a safety. He just manages to hold the ball out so he is marked down at the one-yard line. Lucky and bizarre in equal measure. Just throw it away, Josh. 3rd and 23 on the way. Ha!<\/p>\n

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    TOUCHDOWN! Dolphins 14-17 Bengals 1:24, 2nd quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The lesser-spotted backup rusher drives up the gut and Miami break apart leaving a lane and handing Cincinnati the lead.<\/p>\n

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    TOUCHDOWN! Cowboys 17-21 Chargers 7:51, 2nd quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

    We have a shootout developing in Dallas as the quarterback keeps it and dives over to give LA back the lead.<\/p>\n

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    Panthers 6-10 Buccaneers 1:20, 2nd quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Tampa go three and out quickly. After the touchdown drive the Bucs have been struggling to move the ball. Baker Mayfield is averaging 4.1 yards per play.<\/p>\n

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    TOUCHDOWN! Giants 3-13 Vikings 2:01, 2nd quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    Browns 10-20 Bills 1:47, 2nd quarter<\/h2>\n

    The Browns catch a break after Quinshon Judkins fumbles and the Bills run it back for the touchdown. But! But Judkins is ruled down by contact on the review. Phew. Buffalo would have been close to home and dry already with a scoop and score.<\/p>\n

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    It\u2019s GOOD! Panthers 6-10 Buccaneers 2:06, 2nd quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Two incompletions from Bryce Young force the Panthers to boot it as they fail to capitalise on great field position from a punt return.<\/p>\n

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    TOUCHDOWN! Browns 10-20 Bills 2:23, 2nd quarter<\/h2>\n

    Buffalo\u2019s running game continues to demolish Cleveland as they take out a commanding lead.<\/p>\n

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    TOUCHDOWN! Cowboys 17-14 Chargers 8:08, 2nd quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    Updated at\u00a014.08 EST<\/p>\n

    It\u2019s GOOD! Browns 10-13 Bills 5:38, 2nd quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    TOUCHDOWN! Cowboys 7-14 Chargers 9:45, 2nd quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    TOUCHDOWN! Browns 7-13 Bills 12:51, 2nd quarter<\/h2>\n

    Buffalo are 1st and Goal as they pound the ball down Cleveland\u2019s throats. Run after run after run from Cook and Allen then Johnson just keeps them rolling straight into the end zone for the score and the lead. Money Badger hits a post and misses the extra point.<\/p>\n

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    Updated at\u00a013.40 EST<\/p>\n

    Browns 7-7 Bills 1:29, 1st quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Josh Allen continues to do Josh Allen things. He scrambles to his right and directs traffic, buys time and finds Ray Davis for a 1st down. They are in Browns territory.<\/p>\n

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    Panthers 3-7 Buccaneers 0:26, 1st quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Panthers punt it back to the Bucs giving Baker Mayfield a crack at extending the lead.<\/p>\n

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    TOUCHDOWN! Dolphins 7-7 Bengals 2:35, 1st quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Miami level it up after the little speedster races away to the left and in for the score.<\/p>\n

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    PICK! Browns 7-7 Bills 2:55, 1st quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Former Cleveland Brown Jordan Poyer picks off Sanders after the catch is bobbled high into the sky by Quinshon Judkins. A promising drive stopped drive, very unlucky.<\/p>\n

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    Browns 7-7 Bills 3:57, 1st quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The Browns are moving again into Bills territory after an 18-yard pass then a 14-yard rush from Malachi Corley. A holding penalty from Buffalo\u2019s CJ Epenesa then pushes Cleveland to the 30-yard line. Strong stuff.<\/p>\n

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    TOUCHDOWN! Cowboys 7-7 Chargers 6:43, 1st quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Beautiful throw to Johnston on the sideline who tip toes in for the score.<\/p>\n

    TOUCHDOWN! Dolphins 0-7 Bengals 4:01, 1st quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    TOUCHDOWN! Panthers 3-7 Buccaneers 6:29, 1st quarter<\/h2>\n

    Bucky Irving smashes through the Panthers defensive line and almost scores but for a touchdown saving tackle. On the next play, who else? Baker Mayfield hits his old friend Mike Evans. The giant receiver is one-on-one and we know what that means. The ball is going his way and he hangs on for the score.<\/p>\n

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    Panthers 3-0 Buccaneers 5:04, 1st quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Tampa are moving the ball deep into Carolina territory but the Panthers force a big 3rd down. Nine yards to get and Jalen McMillan juggles the short pass but hangs on. He had three bites at the cherry and manages to bring it in for the 1st down.<\/p>\n

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    TOUCHDOWN! Browns 7-7 Bills 7:47, 1st quarter<\/h2>\n

    Well they were off to a slow start. The running back quickens matters with a mazy run through to the left then back across the field to avoid two free defenders. They just can\u2019t quite bring him down and Cook levels it up.<\/p>\n

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    TOUCHDOWN! Cowboys 7-0 Chargers 10:20, 1st quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Our AFC playoff-bound teams are off to a slow start.<\/p>\n

    <\/span>Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens makes a catch during the first half against the Chargers.<\/span> Photograph: Tony Gutierrez\/APShare<\/p>\n

    Updated at\u00a013.22 EST<\/p>\n

    Browns 7-0 Bills 10:09, 1st quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Josh Allen is jogging out for Buffalo. He rolls out, fakes to throw and picks up six yards on the ground. That\u2019s our Josh.<\/p>\n

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    It\u2019s GOOD! Panthers 3-0 Buccaneers 10:30, 1st quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Tampa stiffen up on defense and get the stop. Carolina take the narrow lead.<\/p>\n

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    TOUCHDOWN! Browns 7-0 Bills 10:42, 1st quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Cracking start for Cleveland who march down the field in eight plays. Some lovely chunk plays behind Sanders\u2019 arm.<\/p>\n

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    Panthers 0-0 Buccaneers 13:20, 1st quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Carolina are making light work of Tampa\u2019s stodgy defense. Three passes and a 25-yard run from Jimmy Horn put them in the red zone.<\/p>\n

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    Here we go! Kick-offs on the way with the Browns and Panthers on offense in their respective games.<\/p>\n

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    Did anyone catch Chicago v Green Bay last night? If you missed it enjoy the highlights. What a comeback from the Bears<\/strong>, talk about drama! Chicago now just have to beat either the 49ers or Lions to win the NFC North. Easy.<\/p>\n

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    Updated at\u00a012.41 EST<\/p>\n

    Elsewhere we have two teams amid the eliminated chaff aiming to flex their muscles and punch their ticket for the postseason<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    A win for the LA Chargers and a loss for the Colts to the 49ers on Monday or a loss for the Texans to the Raiders later confirms LA\u2019s spot while the scenario is exactly the same for the Buffalo Bills. A win then a loss for the Colts or Texans locks them into the playoffs too. Bills fans will also be watching the Chargers score as a loss and a win over the Browns gives Buffalo the No 5 seed heading into week 17.<\/p>\n

    Tonight\u2019s matchup between the Patriots and Ravens has no bearing on the direct of the AFC East title. If New England lose to either Miami or New York Jets to close the season and Buffalo win all three of their remaining games then the Bills take the crown. A defeat for the Patriots to the Ravens only helps should they lose one game to either the Browns, Eagles or Jets.<\/p>\n

    Now all the boring stuff is out of the way, who is excited to watch Cleveland\u2019s pulverising pass rusher Josh Garrett take on Buffalo\u2019s quarterback extraordinaire Josh Allen? Yep, me too. Garrett needs only one sack of Allen<\/strong> to earn 22.5 for the year and break the NFL regular-season record.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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    Updated at\u00a012.30 EST<\/p>\n

    Preamble<\/h2>\n

    Happy holidays football fans, may week 16 be merry and bright for you all! And good luck to all in your fantasy playoff semi-finals \u2026 if you made it that is! Now, on we march to the harsh reality of the NFL in deepest December. There are playoffs places, seedings and stragglers still to sort out and eliminate, we begin in the early window of seven games starting at 12pm <\/strong>CST\/1pm EST\/6pm GMT (home teams listed first):<\/p>\n

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      (7-7) Carolina Panthers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/strong> (7-7)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      (3-11) Cleveland Browns v Buffalo Bills<\/strong> (10-4)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      (6-7-1) Dallas Cowboys v Los Angeles Chargers <\/strong>(10-4)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      (6-8) Miami Dolphins v Cincinnati Bengals <\/strong>(4-10)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      (4-10) New Orleans Saints v New York Jets <\/strong>(3-11)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      (2-12) New York Giants v Minnesota Vikings <\/strong>(6-8)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      (2-12) Tennessee Titans v Kansas City Chiefs <\/strong>(6-8)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      There is high drama occurring in the ever-iffy NFC South. Carolina and Tampa Bay are locked at the division\u2019s summit with seven wins and seven losses each. Only the odds of making the postseason are far from even between these rivals.<\/p>\n

      The Bucs hold the tie-breaker at present with a better record against common opponents (5-5 v Carolina\u2019s 4-6) so a win against the Panthers would further improve their standing while pushing their chances of clinching the title to 95% (per NFL.com). Thus Carolina only have a 5% shot if they lose today. That slim shot requires the Bucs to lose their next game to the eliminated Dolphins and lose to the Panthers at home when they play again in week 18 while Carolina would have to beat mighty Seattle next week as well.<\/p>\n

      So far, so complicated. What it means to say realistically is that this is a win or go home game for Carolina<\/strong>. Victory keeps their season alive. Keep pounding!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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      Updated at\u00a012.21 EST<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Key events Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature TOUCHDOWN! Saints 16-6 Jets 0:41, 3rd quarter New Orleans in complete control here. Share Panthers 20-17 Buccaneers 15:00, 4th quarter Tampa are off to the races before Baker Mayfield takes the field after a dazzling kick return takes them into Carolina<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":38547,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[53],"tags":[3473,7845,11986,132,4084,7849,365],"class_list":{"0":"post-38546","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports","8":"tag-bills","9":"tag-browns","10":"tag-buccaneers","11":"tag-live","12":"tag-nfl","13":"tag-panthers","14":"tag-week"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38546","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=38546"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38546\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/38547"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=38546"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=38546"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=38546"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}