All NFL game summaries for 12/10/1978:
Tim Mazzetti's 32-yard field goal on the game's final play provided Atlanta with its fourth last-minute regular season victory of 1978. The Redskins tied the contest 17-17 with 6:58 left on a one-yard touchdown run by Mike Thomas. Safety Rick Byas blocked a Washington punt to set up Bubba Bean's short scoring run in the third period.
Team stats coming into this game (NFL ranks in parentheses):
| Team | Rush Yds/Gm | Pass Yds/Gm | Tot Yds/Gm | Turnovers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | OFFENSE | 129.4 (21) | 158.5 (14) | 287.9 (19) | 32 |
| DEFENSE | 160.9 (24) | 156.7 (13) | 317.6 (20) | 29 | |
 | OFFENSE | 107.6 (27) | 142.3 (20) | 249.9 (26) | 35 |
| DEFENSE | 131.6 (11) | 132.2 (3) | 263.8 (5) | 33 |
Line: Falcons by 3½
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Redskins (8-7-0) | 0 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
| Atlanta Falcons (9-6-0) | 7 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 20 |
( 0- 7) ATL Haskel Stanback 1 yard rush (Tim Mazzetti kick)
( 7- 7) WAS John Riggins 1 yard rush (Mark Moseley kick)
(10- 7) WAS Mark Moseley 21 yard field goal
(10-10) ATL Tim Mazzetti 21 yard field goal
(10-17) ATL Bubba Bean 1 yard rush (Tim Mazzetti kick)
(17-17) WAS Mike Thomas 1 yard rush (Mark Moseley kick)
(17-20) ATL Tim Mazzetti 32 yard field goal
WAS ATL
First Downs: 15 17
Rushes-yards: 34-146 34-113
Yards/rush: 4.3 3.3
Comp-Att-Yd-INT: 13-34-200-0 16-37-190-0
Sacked-yards: 4-35 5-50
Net pass yards: 165 140
Net yards/pass: 4.3 3.3
Total net yards: 311 253
Total plays: 72 (47% run) 76 (44% run)
Yards/play: 4.3 3.3
Fumbles-lost: 2-2 1-0
Turnovers: 2 0
Penalties-yards: 6-52 7-65
Attendance: 54,178
Passing:
WAS: Joe Theismann, 12 of 33 for 144 yards; Mike Bragg, 1 of 1 for 56 yards ATL: Steve Bartkowski, 16 of 37 for 190 yards
Rushing:
WAS: John Riggins, 18 for 64 yards and 1 TD; Benny Malone, 8 for 56 yards; Joe Theismann, 4 for 26 yards; Mike Thomas, 4 for 0 yards and 1 TD ATL: Bubba Bean, 17 for 58 yards and 1 TD; Haskel Stanback, 11 for 45 yards and 1 TD; Steve Bartkowski, 5 for 6 yards; Ray Strong, 1 for 4 yards
Receiving:
WAS: Danny Buggs, 6 for 67 yards; John McDaniel, 3 for 46 yards; Terry Anderson, 1 for 56 yards; John Riggins, 1 for 21 yards; Jean Fugett, 1 for 17 yards; Mike Thomas, 1 for -7 yards ATL: Wallace Francis, 6 for 72 yards; Haskel Stanback, 3 for 32 yards; Billy Ryckman, 2 for 33 yards; Jim Mitchell, 2 for 23 yards; Bubba Bean, 2 for 17 yards; Alfred Jackson, 1 for 13 yards
Kick returns:
WAS: Tony Green, 2 for 47 yards; Terry Anderson, 1 for 26 yards ATL: Dennis Pearson, 3 for 63 yards; George Franklin, 1 for 10 yards
Punt returns:
WAS: Terry Anderson, 4 for 37 yards ATL: Billy Ryckman, 2 for 12 yards
Interceptions:
Punting:
WAS: Mike Bragg, 9 for 295 yards ATL: John James, 12 for 383 yards
Field Goals:
WAS: Mark Moseley, 1/2 ATL: Tim Mazzetti, 2/3
WAS: Joe Theismann, 12 of 33 for 144 yards; Mike Bragg, 1 of 1 for 56 yards ATL: Steve Bartkowski, 16 of 37 for 190 yards
Rushing:
WAS: John Riggins, 18 for 64 yards and 1 TD; Benny Malone, 8 for 56 yards; Joe Theismann, 4 for 26 yards; Mike Thomas, 4 for 0 yards and 1 TD ATL: Bubba Bean, 17 for 58 yards and 1 TD; Haskel Stanback, 11 for 45 yards and 1 TD; Steve Bartkowski, 5 for 6 yards; Ray Strong, 1 for 4 yards
Receiving:
WAS: Danny Buggs, 6 for 67 yards; John McDaniel, 3 for 46 yards; Terry Anderson, 1 for 56 yards; John Riggins, 1 for 21 yards; Jean Fugett, 1 for 17 yards; Mike Thomas, 1 for -7 yards ATL: Wallace Francis, 6 for 72 yards; Haskel Stanback, 3 for 32 yards; Billy Ryckman, 2 for 33 yards; Jim Mitchell, 2 for 23 yards; Bubba Bean, 2 for 17 yards; Alfred Jackson, 1 for 13 yards
Kick returns:
WAS: Tony Green, 2 for 47 yards; Terry Anderson, 1 for 26 yards ATL: Dennis Pearson, 3 for 63 yards; George Franklin, 1 for 10 yards
Punt returns:
WAS: Terry Anderson, 4 for 37 yards ATL: Billy Ryckman, 2 for 12 yards
Interceptions:
Punting:
WAS: Mike Bragg, 9 for 295 yards ATL: John James, 12 for 383 yards
Field Goals:
WAS: Mark Moseley, 1/2 ATL: Tim Mazzetti, 2/3
Walter Payton's one-yard touchdown run climaxed an 11-play, 83-yard drive with 15 seconds left in the first half to break a scoreless tie. Chicago increased its lead to 14-0 in the third quarter when Mike Phipps hit James Scott with a 35-yard scoring pass after Len Walterscheid recovered a Green Bay fumble. Despite the loss the Packers remained in a first-place tie with Minnesota in the NFC Central Division.
Team stats coming into this game (NFL ranks in parentheses):
| Team | Rush Yds/Gm | Pass Yds/Gm | Tot Yds/Gm | Turnovers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | OFFENSE | 133.6 (19) | 131.1 (24) | 264.6 (24) | 35 |
| DEFENSE | 149.1 (18) | 163.1 (19) | 312.2 (18) | 45 | |
 | OFFENSE | 155.9 (6) | 126.4 (25) | 282.3 (23) | 32 |
| DEFENSE | 140.8 (14) | 160.1 (16) | 300.9 (16) | 27 |
Line: Packers by 1½
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Bay Packers (8-6-1) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Chicago Bears (6-9-0) | 0 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 14 |
( 0- 7) CHI Walter Payton 1 yard rush (Bob Thomas kick)
( 0-14) CHI James Scott 35 yard pass from Mike Phipps (Bob Thomas kick)
GB CHI
First Downs: 11 17
Rushes-yards: 27-78 47-174
Yards/rush: 2.9 3.7
Comp-Att-Yd-INT: 8-25-126-1 9-19-131-1
Sacked-yards: 4-43 1-12
Net pass yards: 83 119
Net yards/pass: 2.9 6.0
Total net yards: 161 293
Total plays: 56 (48% run) 67 (70% run)
Yards/play: 2.9 4.4
Fumbles-lost: 2-2 1-0
Turnovers: 3 1
Penalties-yards: 4-28 8-87
Attendance: 34,306
Passing:
GB: David Whitehurst, 7 of 20 for 96 yards (1 int); Bobby Douglass, 1 of 5 for 30 yards CHI: Mike Phipps, 9 of 19 for 131 yards and 1 TD (1 int)
Rushing:
GB: Terdell Middleton, 14 for 35 yards; Barty Smith, 10 for 33 yards; Bobby Douglass, 3 for 10 yards CHI: Roland Harper, 25 for 80 yards; Walter Payton, 18 for 97 yards and 1 TD; Mike Phipps, 4 for -3 yards
Receiving:
GB: James Lofton, 4 for 96 yards; Aundra Thompson, 2 for 17 yards; Barty Smith, 1 for 7 yards; Terdell Middleton, 1 for 6 yards CHI: Walter Payton, 3 for 13 yards; Golden Richards, 2 for 40 yards; Brian Baschnagel, 2 for 29 yards; James Scott, 1 for 35 yards and 1 TD; Roland Harper, 1 for 14 yards
Kick returns:
GB: Estus Hood, 1 for 26 yards; Steve Wagner, 1 for 14 yards; Aundra Thompson, 1 for 7 yards CHI: Len Walterscheid, 1 for 31 yards
Punt returns:
GB: Johnnie Gray, 3 for 17 yards CHI: Steve Schubert, 3 for 8 yards
Interceptions:
GB: Steve Luke, 1 for 28 yards CHI: Virgil Livers, 1 for 0 yards
Punting:
GB: David Beverly, 10 for 307 yards CHI: Bob Parsons, 9 for 297 yards
Field Goals:
CHI: Bob Thomas, 0/1
GB: David Whitehurst, 7 of 20 for 96 yards (1 int); Bobby Douglass, 1 of 5 for 30 yards CHI: Mike Phipps, 9 of 19 for 131 yards and 1 TD (1 int)
Rushing:
GB: Terdell Middleton, 14 for 35 yards; Barty Smith, 10 for 33 yards; Bobby Douglass, 3 for 10 yards CHI: Roland Harper, 25 for 80 yards; Walter Payton, 18 for 97 yards and 1 TD; Mike Phipps, 4 for -3 yards
Receiving:
GB: James Lofton, 4 for 96 yards; Aundra Thompson, 2 for 17 yards; Barty Smith, 1 for 7 yards; Terdell Middleton, 1 for 6 yards CHI: Walter Payton, 3 for 13 yards; Golden Richards, 2 for 40 yards; Brian Baschnagel, 2 for 29 yards; James Scott, 1 for 35 yards and 1 TD; Roland Harper, 1 for 14 yards
Kick returns:
GB: Estus Hood, 1 for 26 yards; Steve Wagner, 1 for 14 yards; Aundra Thompson, 1 for 7 yards CHI: Len Walterscheid, 1 for 31 yards
Punt returns:
GB: Johnnie Gray, 3 for 17 yards CHI: Steve Schubert, 3 for 8 yards
Interceptions:
GB: Steve Luke, 1 for 28 yards CHI: Virgil Livers, 1 for 0 yards
Punting:
GB: David Beverly, 10 for 307 yards CHI: Bob Parsons, 9 for 297 yards
Field Goals:
CHI: Bob Thomas, 0/1
Don Cockroft kicked a 22-yard field goal with 3:07 elapsed in overtime after Brian Sipe hit Calvin Hill with a 18-yard touchdown pass to tie the game with four seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Kevin Long's one-yard scoring run gave the Jets, who scored three times in the last four minutes, a 34-27 advantage with 1:14 left. Cleveland's Greg Pruitt carried 21 times for 138 yards and Sipe completed 20 of 32 passes for 283 yards and two touchdowns.
Team stats coming into this game (NFL ranks in parentheses):
| Team | Rush Yds/Gm | Pass Yds/Gm | Tot Yds/Gm | Turnovers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | OFFENSE | 148.5 (8) | 162.3 (13) | 310.8 (9) | 28 |
| DEFENSE | 162.5 (25) | 170.3 (21) | 332.8 (26) | 34 | |
 | OFFENSE | 145.0 (12) | 176.4 (8) | 321.4 (5) | 39 |
| DEFENSE | 128.6 (8) | 192.0 (28) | 320.6 (22) | 37 |
Line: Even
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Jets (8-7-0) | 0 | 10 | 0 | 24 | 0 | 34 |
| Cleveland Browns (8-7-0) | 7 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 37 |
( 0- 7) CLE Calvin Hill 2 yard rush (Don Cockroft kick)
( 0-14) CLE Greg Pruitt 22 yard pass from Brian Sipe (Don Cockroft kick)
( 3-14) NYJ Pat Leahy 45 yard field goal
( 3-17) CLE Don Cockroft 26 yard field goal
(10-17) NYJ Bruce Harper 3 yard pass from Matt Robinson (Pat Leahy kick)
(10-20) CLE Don Cockroft 22 yard field goal
(10-27) CLE Brian Sipe 2 yard rush (Don Cockroft kick)
(17-27) NYJ Mickey Shuler 4 yard pass from Matt Robinson (Pat Leahy kick)
(24-27) NYJ Bruce Harper 20 yard pass from Matt Robinson (Pat Leahy kick)
(27-27) NYJ Pat Leahy 39 yard field goal
(34-27) NYJ Kevin Long 1 yard rush (Pat Leahy kick)
(34-34) CLE Calvin Hill 18 yard pass from Brian Sipe (Don Cockroft kick)
(34-37) CLE Don Cockroft 22 yard field goal
NYJ CLE
First Downs: 20 29
Rushes-yards: 21-103 46-236
Yards/rush: 4.9 5.1
Comp-Att-Yd-INT: 22-44-289-4 20-32-283-1
Sacked-yards: 3-23 0-0
Net pass yards: 266 283
Net yards/pass: 5.7 8.8
Total net yards: 369 519
Total plays: 68 (30% run) 78 (58% run)
Yards/play: 5.4 6.7
Fumbles-lost: 1-1 6-4
Turnovers: 5 5
Penalties-yards: 5-45 3-28
Attendance: 36,881
Passing:
NYJ: Matt Robinson, 22 of 44 for 289 yards and 3 TDs (4 int) CLE: Brian Sipe, 20 of 32 for 283 yards and 2 TDs (1 int)
Rushing:
NYJ: Kevin Long, 11 for 30 yards and 1 TD; Scott Dierking, 6 for 24 yards; Bruce Harper, 4 for 49 yards CLE: Greg Pruitt, 21 for 138 yards; Cleo Miller, 11 for 62 yards; Calvin Hill, 8 for 18 yards and 1 TD; Mike Pruitt, 3 for 11 yards; Brian Sipe, 2 for 4 yards and 1 TD; Ozzie Newsome, 1 for 3 yards
Receiving:
NYJ: Scott Dierking, 5 for 42 yards; Bruce Harper, 4 for 81 yards and 2 TDs; Derrick Gaffney, 4 for 68 yards; Wesley Walker, 4 for 66 yards; Kevin Long, 2 for 15 yards; Jerome Barkum, 2 for 13 yards; Mickey Shuler, 1 for 4 yards and 1 TD CLE: Greg Pruitt, 6 for 69 yards and 1 TD; Reggie Rucker, 4 for 76 yards; Cleo Miller, 3 for 42 yards; Keith Wright, 3 for 23 yards; Calvin Hill, 2 for 26 yards and 1 TD; Ozzie Newsome, 1 for 29 yards; Dave Logan, 1 for 18 yards
Kick returns:
NYJ: Bruce Harper, 4 for 98 yards; Darnell Powell, 1 for 26 yards; Clark Gaines, 1 for 14 yards; Mickey Shuler, 1 for 12 yards CLE: Keith Wright, 4 for 78 yards; Larry Collins, 2 for 36 yards; Greg Pruitt, 1 for 31 yards
Punt returns:
NYJ: Bruce Harper, 1 for 17 yards CLE: Keith Wright, 3 for 52 yards
Interceptions:
NYJ: Ed Taylor, 1 for 0 yards CLE: Dick Ambrose, 1 for 39 yards; Thom Darden, 1 for 14 yards; Clarence Scott, 1 for 3 yards; Oliver Davis, 1 for 0 yards
Punting:
NYJ: Chuck Ramsey, 3 for 99 yards CLE: Johnny Evans, 1 for 42 yards
Field Goals:
NYJ: Pat Leahy, 2/2 CLE: Don Cockroft, 3/4
NYJ: Matt Robinson, 22 of 44 for 289 yards and 3 TDs (4 int) CLE: Brian Sipe, 20 of 32 for 283 yards and 2 TDs (1 int)
Rushing:
NYJ: Kevin Long, 11 for 30 yards and 1 TD; Scott Dierking, 6 for 24 yards; Bruce Harper, 4 for 49 yards CLE: Greg Pruitt, 21 for 138 yards; Cleo Miller, 11 for 62 yards; Calvin Hill, 8 for 18 yards and 1 TD; Mike Pruitt, 3 for 11 yards; Brian Sipe, 2 for 4 yards and 1 TD; Ozzie Newsome, 1 for 3 yards
Receiving:
NYJ: Scott Dierking, 5 for 42 yards; Bruce Harper, 4 for 81 yards and 2 TDs; Derrick Gaffney, 4 for 68 yards; Wesley Walker, 4 for 66 yards; Kevin Long, 2 for 15 yards; Jerome Barkum, 2 for 13 yards; Mickey Shuler, 1 for 4 yards and 1 TD CLE: Greg Pruitt, 6 for 69 yards and 1 TD; Reggie Rucker, 4 for 76 yards; Cleo Miller, 3 for 42 yards; Keith Wright, 3 for 23 yards; Calvin Hill, 2 for 26 yards and 1 TD; Ozzie Newsome, 1 for 29 yards; Dave Logan, 1 for 18 yards
Kick returns:
NYJ: Bruce Harper, 4 for 98 yards; Darnell Powell, 1 for 26 yards; Clark Gaines, 1 for 14 yards; Mickey Shuler, 1 for 12 yards CLE: Keith Wright, 4 for 78 yards; Larry Collins, 2 for 36 yards; Greg Pruitt, 1 for 31 yards
Punt returns:
NYJ: Bruce Harper, 1 for 17 yards CLE: Keith Wright, 3 for 52 yards
Interceptions:
NYJ: Ed Taylor, 1 for 0 yards CLE: Dick Ambrose, 1 for 39 yards; Thom Darden, 1 for 14 yards; Clarence Scott, 1 for 3 yards; Oliver Davis, 1 for 0 yards
Punting:
NYJ: Chuck Ramsey, 3 for 99 yards CLE: Johnny Evans, 1 for 42 yards
Field Goals:
NYJ: Pat Leahy, 2/2 CLE: Don Cockroft, 3/4
Craig Morton had his best day as a pro, completing a team-record 19 of 22 passes for 283 yards, as the Broncos captured their second straight AFC Western Division championship. Morton connected on 16 consecutive passes during one stretch. Riley Odoms caught seven passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns. Kansas City's only score came on a 23-yard Jan Stenerud field goal as Denver held its opponent without a touchdown for the second straight week.
Team stats coming into this game (NFL ranks in parentheses):
| Team | Rush Yds/Gm | Pass Yds/Gm | Tot Yds/Gm | Turnovers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | OFFENSE | 188.1 (2) | 120.7 (26) | 308.9 (10) | 28 |
| DEFENSE | 142.3 (15) | 147.1 (9) | 289.4 (11) | 31 | |
 | OFFENSE | 156.2 (5) | 134.4 (23) | 290.6 (18) | 30 |
| DEFENSE | 126.0 (6) | 159.0 (14) | 285.0 (8) | 39 |
Line: Broncos by 8
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City Chiefs (4-11-0) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Denver Broncos (10-5-0) | 7 | 0 | 10 | 7 | 24 |
( 3- 0) KC Jan Stenerud 23 yard field goal
( 3- 7) DEN Lonnie Perrin 4 yard pass from Craig Morton (Jim Turner kick)
( 3-10) DEN Jim Turner 38 yard field goal
( 3-17) DEN Riley Odoms 23 yard pass from Craig Morton (Jim Turner kick)
( 3-24) DEN Riley Odoms 29 yard pass from Craig Morton (Jim Turner kick)
KC DEN
First Downs: 13 20
Rushes-yards: 27-99 35-190
Yards/rush: 3.7 5.4
Comp-Att-Yd-INT: 19-29-115-1 20-23-297-1
Sacked-yards: 2-15 4-26
Net pass yards: 100 271
Net yards/pass: 3.2 10.0
Total net yards: 199 461
Total plays: 58 (46% run) 62 (56% run)
Yards/play: 3.4 7.4
Fumbles-lost: 3-2 2-1
Turnovers: 3 2
Penalties-yards: 3-25 9-85
Attendance: 74,149
Passing:
KC: Mike Livingston, 19 of 29 for 115 yards (1 int) DEN: Craig Morton, 19 of 22 for 283 yards and 3 TDs (1 int); Norris Weese, 1 of 1 for 14 yards
Rushing:
KC: Tony Reed, 13 for 44 yards; Arnold Morgado, 7 for 23 yards; Ted McKnight, 5 for 20 yards; MacArthur Lane, 2 for 12 yards DEN: Jon Keyworth, 10 for 45 yards; Otis Armstrong, 8 for 30 yards; Rob Lytle, 7 for 40 yards; Larry Canada, 4 for 61 yards; Dave Preston, 3 for 11 yards; Lonnie Perrin, 1 for 3 yards; Craig Morton, 1 for 2 yards; Riley Odoms, 1 for -2 yards
Receiving:
KC: Walter White, 6 for 31 yards; MacArthur Lane, 4 for 20 yards; Tony Reed, 3 for 22 yards; Arnold Morgado, 3 for 14 yards; Tony Samuels, 1 for 15 yards; Larry Dorsey, 1 for 8 yards; Ted McKnight, 1 for 5 yards DEN: Riley Odoms, 7 for 165 yards and 2 TDs; Rick Upchurch, 4 for 46 yards; Larry Canada, 2 for 20 yards; Otis Armstrong, 1 for 19 yards; Haven Moses, 1 for 16 yards; Jon Keyworth, 1 for 11 yards; Rob Lytle, 1 for 10 yards; Jack Dolbin, 1 for 5 yards; Lonnie Perrin, 1 for 4 yards and 1 TD; Dave Preston, 1 for 1 yard
Kick returns:
KC: Ted McKnight, 3 for 65 yards; Eddie Payton, 1 for 32 yards; Horace Belton, 1 for 21 yards DEN: Rick Upchurch, 1 for 25 yards
Punt returns:
KC: Ted Burgmeier, 4 for 59 yards DEN: Rick Upchurch, 3 for 0 yards
Interceptions:
KC: Tim Gray, 1 for 7 yards DEN: Joe Rizzo, 1 for 0 yards
Punting:
KC: Zenon Andrusyshyn, 6 for 245 yards DEN: Bucky Dilts, 5 for 149 yards
Field Goals:
KC: Jan Stenerud, 1/1 DEN: Jim Turner, 1/1
KC: Mike Livingston, 19 of 29 for 115 yards (1 int) DEN: Craig Morton, 19 of 22 for 283 yards and 3 TDs (1 int); Norris Weese, 1 of 1 for 14 yards
Rushing:
KC: Tony Reed, 13 for 44 yards; Arnold Morgado, 7 for 23 yards; Ted McKnight, 5 for 20 yards; MacArthur Lane, 2 for 12 yards DEN: Jon Keyworth, 10 for 45 yards; Otis Armstrong, 8 for 30 yards; Rob Lytle, 7 for 40 yards; Larry Canada, 4 for 61 yards; Dave Preston, 3 for 11 yards; Lonnie Perrin, 1 for 3 yards; Craig Morton, 1 for 2 yards; Riley Odoms, 1 for -2 yards
Receiving:
KC: Walter White, 6 for 31 yards; MacArthur Lane, 4 for 20 yards; Tony Reed, 3 for 22 yards; Arnold Morgado, 3 for 14 yards; Tony Samuels, 1 for 15 yards; Larry Dorsey, 1 for 8 yards; Ted McKnight, 1 for 5 yards DEN: Riley Odoms, 7 for 165 yards and 2 TDs; Rick Upchurch, 4 for 46 yards; Larry Canada, 2 for 20 yards; Otis Armstrong, 1 for 19 yards; Haven Moses, 1 for 16 yards; Jon Keyworth, 1 for 11 yards; Rob Lytle, 1 for 10 yards; Jack Dolbin, 1 for 5 yards; Lonnie Perrin, 1 for 4 yards and 1 TD; Dave Preston, 1 for 1 yard
Kick returns:
KC: Ted McKnight, 3 for 65 yards; Eddie Payton, 1 for 32 yards; Horace Belton, 1 for 21 yards DEN: Rick Upchurch, 1 for 25 yards
Punt returns:
KC: Ted Burgmeier, 4 for 59 yards DEN: Rick Upchurch, 3 for 0 yards
Interceptions:
KC: Tim Gray, 1 for 7 yards DEN: Joe Rizzo, 1 for 0 yards
Punting:
KC: Zenon Andrusyshyn, 6 for 245 yards DEN: Bucky Dilts, 5 for 149 yards
Field Goals:
KC: Jan Stenerud, 1/1 DEN: Jim Turner, 1/1
Larry Gordon led an alert Dolphins defense that forced seven turnovers as Miami clinched a wild card playoff berth, ending a three-year postseason drought. Gordon became the first Miami linebacker to pick off three passes in a game and teammate Gerald Small recorded his first NFL touchdown on a 46-yard interception return. The Dolphins broke a 6-6 tie in the third quarter on Norm Bulaich's five-yard run, which was set up by a 37-yard Bob Griese-to-Nat Moore pass.
Team stats coming into this game (NFL ranks in parentheses):
| Team | Rush Yds/Gm | Pass Yds/Gm | Tot Yds/Gm | Turnovers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | OFFENSE | 138.1 (17) | 167.9 (11) | 305.9 (13) | 34 |
| DEFENSE | 142.6 (16) | 160.6 (17) | 303.2 (17) | 33 | |
 | OFFENSE | 153.9 (7) | 152.5 (15) | 306.4 (12) | 26 |
| DEFENSE | 149.9 (19) | 175.4 (24) | 325.3 (23) | 42 |
Line: Dolphins by 6
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oakland Raiders (8-7-0) | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| Miami Dolphins (10-5-0) | 3 | 0 | 3 | 17 | 23 |
( 0- 3) MIA Garo Yepremian 35 yard field goal
( 0- 6) MIA Garo Yepremian 27 yard field goal
( 6- 6) OAK Fred Biletnikoff 16 yard pass from Ken Stabler (kick failed)
( 6-13) MIA Norm Bulaich 5 yard rush (Garo Yepremian kick)
( 6-16) MIA Garo Yepremian 34 yard field goal
( 6-23) MIA Gerald Small 46 yard interception return (Garo Yepremian kick)
OAK MIA
First Downs: 21 13
Rushes-yards: 30-85 29-97
Yards/rush: 2.8 3.3
Comp-Att-Yd-INT: 24-38-263-5 14-26-163-2
Sacked-yards: 3-29 0-0
Net pass yards: 234 163
Net yards/pass: 5.7 6.3
Total net yards: 319 260
Total plays: 71 (42% run) 55 (52% run)
Yards/play: 4.5 4.7
Fumbles-lost: 3-2 2-1
Turnovers: 7 3
Penalties-yards: 4-30 4-35
Attendance: 73,003
Passing:
OAK: Ken Stabler, 23 of 36 for 251 yards and 1 TD (5 int); David Humm, 1 of 2 for 12 yards MIA: Bob Griese, 14 of 26 for 163 yards (2 int)
Rushing:
OAK: Mark van Eeghen, 12 for 28 yards; Arthur Whittington, 11 for 39 yards; Pete Banaszak, 6 for 18 yards; Ken Stabler, 1 for 0 yards MIA: Gary Davis, 14 for 49 yards; Leroy Harris, 9 for 30 yards; Norm Bulaich, 3 for 18 yards and 1 TD; Delvin Williams, 2 for 2 yards; Guy Benjamin, 1 for -2 yards
Receiving:
OAK: Cliff Branch, 6 for 75 yards; Morris Bradshaw, 5 for 63 yards; Mark van Eeghen, 4 for 39 yards; Fred Biletnikoff, 3 for 35 yards and 1 TD; Dave Casper, 3 for 19 yards; Raymond Chester, 2 for 20 yards; Pete Banaszak, 1 for 12 yards MIA: Gary Davis, 4 for 38 yards; Leroy Harris, 3 for 22 yards; Nat Moore, 2 for 49 yards; Duriel Harris, 2 for 34 yards; Norm Bulaich, 1 for 9 yards; Delvin Williams, 1 for 8 yards; Jimmy Cefalo, 1 for 3 yards
Kick returns:
OAK: Derrick Ramsey, 3 for 59 yards; Harold Hart, 1 for 38 yards; Joe Stewart, 1 for 23 yards MIA: Duriel Harris, 1 for 22 yards; Jimmy Cefalo, 1 for 21 yards
Punt returns:
OAK: Neal Colzie, 3 for 10 yards MIA: Jimmy Cefalo, 2 for 7 yards
Interceptions:
OAK: Lester Hayes, 1 for 33 yards; Charlie Phillips, 1 for 0 yards MIA: Larry Gordon, 3 for 35 yards; Gerald Small, 2 for 85 yards and 1 TD
Punting:
OAK: Ray Guy, 5 for 201 yards MIA: George Roberts, 6 for 258 yards
Field Goals:
OAK: Errol Mann, 0/2 MIA: Garo Yepremian, 3/3
OAK: Ken Stabler, 23 of 36 for 251 yards and 1 TD (5 int); David Humm, 1 of 2 for 12 yards MIA: Bob Griese, 14 of 26 for 163 yards (2 int)
Rushing:
OAK: Mark van Eeghen, 12 for 28 yards; Arthur Whittington, 11 for 39 yards; Pete Banaszak, 6 for 18 yards; Ken Stabler, 1 for 0 yards MIA: Gary Davis, 14 for 49 yards; Leroy Harris, 9 for 30 yards; Norm Bulaich, 3 for 18 yards and 1 TD; Delvin Williams, 2 for 2 yards; Guy Benjamin, 1 for -2 yards
Receiving:
OAK: Cliff Branch, 6 for 75 yards; Morris Bradshaw, 5 for 63 yards; Mark van Eeghen, 4 for 39 yards; Fred Biletnikoff, 3 for 35 yards and 1 TD; Dave Casper, 3 for 19 yards; Raymond Chester, 2 for 20 yards; Pete Banaszak, 1 for 12 yards MIA: Gary Davis, 4 for 38 yards; Leroy Harris, 3 for 22 yards; Nat Moore, 2 for 49 yards; Duriel Harris, 2 for 34 yards; Norm Bulaich, 1 for 9 yards; Delvin Williams, 1 for 8 yards; Jimmy Cefalo, 1 for 3 yards
Kick returns:
OAK: Derrick Ramsey, 3 for 59 yards; Harold Hart, 1 for 38 yards; Joe Stewart, 1 for 23 yards MIA: Duriel Harris, 1 for 22 yards; Jimmy Cefalo, 1 for 21 yards
Punt returns:
OAK: Neal Colzie, 3 for 10 yards MIA: Jimmy Cefalo, 2 for 7 yards
Interceptions:
OAK: Lester Hayes, 1 for 33 yards; Charlie Phillips, 1 for 0 yards MIA: Larry Gordon, 3 for 35 yards; Gerald Small, 2 for 85 yards and 1 TD
Punting:
OAK: Ray Guy, 5 for 201 yards MIA: George Roberts, 6 for 258 yards
Field Goals:
OAK: Errol Mann, 0/2 MIA: Garo Yepremian, 3/3
New England clinched the AFC Eastern Division championship, its first title in 15 years, on David Posey's 21-yard field goal with eight seconds remaining. Posey's winning kick came after Bills punter Rusty Jackson took an intentional safety late in the fourth quarter. Earlier, a Joe Ferguson-to-Frank Lewis scoring pass had given Buffalo a 24-21 advantage. Horace Ivory (16 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown) paced a 249-yard Patriots' running attack.
Team stats coming into this game (NFL ranks in parentheses):
| Team | Rush Yds/Gm | Pass Yds/Gm | Tot Yds/Gm | Turnovers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | OFFENSE | 143.1 (14) | 148.1 (16) | 291.2 (17) | 31 |
| DEFENSE | 202.9 (28) | 126.6 (2) | 329.5 (25) | 25 | |
 | OFFENSE | 202.8 (1) | 173.4 (9) | 376.1 (2) | 39 |
| DEFENSE | 111.0 (2) | 176.4 (25) | 287.4 (9) | 40 |
Line: Patriots by 11½
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Bills (4-11-0) | 0 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 24 |
| New England Patriots (11-4-0) | 0 | 7 | 7 | 12 | 26 |
( 7- 0) BUF Roland Hooks 28 yard rush (Tom Dempsey kick)
( 7- 7) NE Sam Cunningham 4 yard rush (David Posey kick)
(10- 7) BUF Tom Dempsey 26 yard field goal
(17- 7) BUF Terry Miller 32 yard rush (Tom Dempsey kick)
(17-14) NE Steve Grogan 4 yard rush (David Posey kick)
(17-21) NE Horace Ivory 20 yard rush (David Posey kick)
(24-21) BUF Frank Lewis 21 yard pass from Joe Ferguson (Tom Dempsey kick)
(24-23) NE Safety, Rusty Jackson forced out of end zone by Tim Fox
(24-26) NE David Posey 21 yard field goal
BUF NE
First Downs: 16 24
Rushes-yards: 35-184 51-249
Yards/rush: 5.3 4.9
Comp-Att-Yd-INT: 9-24-133-1 13-21-160-0
Sacked-yards: 1-10 1-6
Net pass yards: 123 154
Net yards/pass: 4.9 7.0
Total net yards: 307 403
Total plays: 60 (58% run) 73 (69% run)
Yards/play: 5.1 5.5
Fumbles-lost: 2-1 4-3
Turnovers: 2 3
Penalties-yards: 3-40 2-15
Attendance: 59,598
Passing:
BUF: Joe Ferguson, 9 of 24 for 133 yards and 1 TD (1 int) NE: Steve Grogan, 13 of 21 for 160 yards
Rushing:
BUF: Terry Miller, 14 for 74 yards and 1 TD; Curtis Brown, 9 for 53 yards; Roland Hooks, 7 for 49 yards and 1 TD; Dennis Johnson, 3 for 17 yards; Joe Ferguson, 1 for 4 yards; Rusty Jackson, 1 for -13 yards NE: Sam Cunningham, 19 for 76 yards and 1 TD; Horace Ivory, 16 for 91 yards and 1 TD; Steve Grogan, 8 for 44 yards and 1 TD; Andy Johnson, 8 for 38 yards
Receiving:
BUF: Frank Lewis, 4 for 40 yards and 1 TD; Curtis Brown, 2 for 29 yards; Dennis Johnson, 1 for 28 yards; Reuben Gant, 1 for 25 yards; Bob Chandler, 1 for 11 yards NE: Russ Francis, 3 for 38 yards; Horace Ivory, 3 for 16 yards; Sam Cunningham, 3 for 16 yards; Don Westbrook, 2 for 30 yards; Stanley Morgan, 1 for 52 yards; Harold Jackson, 1 for 8 yards
Kick returns:
BUF: Keith Moody, 3 for 66 yards; Mike Franckowiak, 1 for 19 yards; Dennis Johnson, 1 for 6 yards NE: Raymond Clayborn, 2 for 60 yards; Horace Ivory, 2 for 43 yards; Stanley Morgan, 1 for 17 yards
Punt returns:
NE: Stanley Morgan, 3 for 23 yards
Interceptions:
NE: Mike Haynes, 1 for 0 yards
Punting:
BUF: Rusty Jackson, 4 for 129 yards NE: Jerrel Wilson, 2 for 41 yards
Field Goals:
BUF: Tom Dempsey, 1/1 NE: David Posey, 1/2
BUF: Joe Ferguson, 9 of 24 for 133 yards and 1 TD (1 int) NE: Steve Grogan, 13 of 21 for 160 yards
Rushing:
BUF: Terry Miller, 14 for 74 yards and 1 TD; Curtis Brown, 9 for 53 yards; Roland Hooks, 7 for 49 yards and 1 TD; Dennis Johnson, 3 for 17 yards; Joe Ferguson, 1 for 4 yards; Rusty Jackson, 1 for -13 yards NE: Sam Cunningham, 19 for 76 yards and 1 TD; Horace Ivory, 16 for 91 yards and 1 TD; Steve Grogan, 8 for 44 yards and 1 TD; Andy Johnson, 8 for 38 yards
Receiving:
BUF: Frank Lewis, 4 for 40 yards and 1 TD; Curtis Brown, 2 for 29 yards; Dennis Johnson, 1 for 28 yards; Reuben Gant, 1 for 25 yards; Bob Chandler, 1 for 11 yards NE: Russ Francis, 3 for 38 yards; Horace Ivory, 3 for 16 yards; Sam Cunningham, 3 for 16 yards; Don Westbrook, 2 for 30 yards; Stanley Morgan, 1 for 52 yards; Harold Jackson, 1 for 8 yards
Kick returns:
BUF: Keith Moody, 3 for 66 yards; Mike Franckowiak, 1 for 19 yards; Dennis Johnson, 1 for 6 yards NE: Raymond Clayborn, 2 for 60 yards; Horace Ivory, 2 for 43 yards; Stanley Morgan, 1 for 17 yards
Punt returns:
NE: Stanley Morgan, 3 for 23 yards
Interceptions:
NE: Mike Haynes, 1 for 0 yards
Punting:
BUF: Rusty Jackson, 4 for 129 yards NE: Jerrel Wilson, 2 for 41 yards
Field Goals:
BUF: Tom Dempsey, 1/1 NE: David Posey, 1/2
Dan Pastorini tossed an 80-yard touchdown bomb to rookie Robert Woods to clinch an AFC wild card berth for Houston. The Oilers built a 10-0 halftime lead on Earl Campbell's two-yard scoring run and a 22-yard field goal by Toni Fritsch. New Orleans pulled to within three in the third quarter when Archie Manning hit Tinker Owens with a six-yard touchdown pass. Manning, who completed 25 of 37 passes for 251 yards, went over 3,000 yards passing for the first time in his career.
Team stats coming into this game (NFL ranks in parentheses):
| Team | Rush Yds/Gm | Pass Yds/Gm | Tot Yds/Gm | Turnovers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | OFFENSE | 159.6 (4) | 147.6 (17) | 307.1 (11) | 35 |
| DEFENSE | 133.4 (12) | 159.5 (15) | 292.9 (13) | 30 | |
 | OFFENSE | 115.6 (26) | 190.0 (5) | 305.6 (14) | 27 |
| DEFENSE | 156.6 (23) | 162.1 (18) | 318.8 (21) | 41 |
Line: Oilers by 3
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Oilers (10-5-0) | 7 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
| New Orleans Saints (6-9-0) | 0 | 0 | 7 | 5 | 12 |
( 7- 0) HOU Earl Campbell 2 yard rush (Toni Fritsch kick)
(10- 0) HOU Toni Fritsch 22 yard field goal
(10- 7) NO Tinker Owens 6 yard pass from Archie Manning (Steve Mike-Mayer kick)
(17- 7) HOU Robert Woods 80 yard pass from Dan Pastorini (Toni Fritsch kick)
(17- 9) NO Safety, Earl Campbell ran out of end zone
(17-12) NO Steve Mike-Mayer 21 yard field goal
HOU NO
First Downs: 16 18
Rushes-yards: 43-125 19-56
Yards/rush: 2.9 2.9
Comp-Att-Yd-INT: 12-18-137-0 25-37-251-1
Sacked-yards: 2-18 2-10
Net pass yards: 119 241
Net yards/pass: 6.0 6.2
Total net yards: 244 297
Total plays: 63 (68% run) 58 (32% run)
Yards/play: 3.9 5.1
Fumbles-lost: 2-0 1-0
Turnovers: 0 1
Penalties-yards: 4-44 8-90
Attendance: 63,169
Passing:
HOU: Dan Pastorini, 12 of 18 for 137 yards and 1 TD NO: Archie Manning, 25 of 37 for 251 yards and 1 TD (1 int)
Rushing:
HOU: Earl Campbell, 25 for 67 yards and 1 TD; Tim Wilson, 15 for 62 yards; Robert Woods, 1 for 5 yards; Dan Pastorini, 1 for 0 yards; Ronnie Coleman, 1 for -9 yards NO: Chuck Muncie, 8 for 19 yards; Tony Galbreath, 7 for 22 yards; Mike Strachan, 2 for 7 yards; Archie Manning, 1 for 9 yards; Henry Childs, 1 for -1 yards
Receiving:
HOU: Ken Burrough, 5 for 29 yards; Robert Woods, 4 for 75 yards and 1 TD; Tim Wilson, 2 for 18 yards; Ronnie Coleman, 1 for 15 yards NO: Tony Galbreath, 7 for 18 yards; Henry Childs, 5 for 80 yards; Chuck Muncie, 4 for 46 yards; Ike Harris, 3 for 42 yards; Tinker Owens, 3 for 37 yards and 1 TD; Mike Strachan, 1 for 12 yards; Larry Hardy, 1 for 11 yards; Wes Chandler, 1 for 5 yards
Kick returns:
HOU: Robert Woods, 1 for 20 yards NO: Rich Mauti, 2 for 55 yards; Wes Chandler, 2 for 54 yards; Jack Holmes, 1 for 18 yards
Punt returns:
HOU: Robert Woods, 4 for 39 yards NO: Wes Chandler, 3 for 28 yards
Interceptions:
HOU: Greg Stemrick, 1 for 0 yards
Punting:
HOU: Cliff Parsley, 7 for 288 yards NO: Tom Blanchard, 6 for 269 yards
Field Goals:
HOU: Toni Fritsch, 1/1 NO: Steve Mike-Mayer, 1/2
HOU: Dan Pastorini, 12 of 18 for 137 yards and 1 TD NO: Archie Manning, 25 of 37 for 251 yards and 1 TD (1 int)
Rushing:
HOU: Earl Campbell, 25 for 67 yards and 1 TD; Tim Wilson, 15 for 62 yards; Robert Woods, 1 for 5 yards; Dan Pastorini, 1 for 0 yards; Ronnie Coleman, 1 for -9 yards NO: Chuck Muncie, 8 for 19 yards; Tony Galbreath, 7 for 22 yards; Mike Strachan, 2 for 7 yards; Archie Manning, 1 for 9 yards; Henry Childs, 1 for -1 yards
Receiving:
HOU: Ken Burrough, 5 for 29 yards; Robert Woods, 4 for 75 yards and 1 TD; Tim Wilson, 2 for 18 yards; Ronnie Coleman, 1 for 15 yards NO: Tony Galbreath, 7 for 18 yards; Henry Childs, 5 for 80 yards; Chuck Muncie, 4 for 46 yards; Ike Harris, 3 for 42 yards; Tinker Owens, 3 for 37 yards and 1 TD; Mike Strachan, 1 for 12 yards; Larry Hardy, 1 for 11 yards; Wes Chandler, 1 for 5 yards
Kick returns:
HOU: Robert Woods, 1 for 20 yards NO: Rich Mauti, 2 for 55 yards; Wes Chandler, 2 for 54 yards; Jack Holmes, 1 for 18 yards
Punt returns:
HOU: Robert Woods, 4 for 39 yards NO: Wes Chandler, 3 for 28 yards
Interceptions:
HOU: Greg Stemrick, 1 for 0 yards
Punting:
HOU: Cliff Parsley, 7 for 288 yards NO: Tom Blanchard, 6 for 269 yards
Field Goals:
HOU: Toni Fritsch, 1/1 NO: Steve Mike-Mayer, 1/2
Randy Dean threw his first NFL touchdown pass and Doug Kotar rushed for a season-high 118 yards on 27 carries as the Giants ended a six-game losing streak. Dean capped a seven-play, 56-yard first quarter drive by hitting Gary Shirk with a six-yard scoring pass. Kotar added a 12-yard touchdown run in the final quarter. New York's defense contributed four fumble recoveries and one interception. The Giants' running game produced 231 yards.
Team stats coming into this game (NFL ranks in parentheses):
| Team | Rush Yds/Gm | Pass Yds/Gm | Tot Yds/Gm | Turnovers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | OFFENSE | 123.7 (24) | 187.5 (6) | 311.2 (8) | 28 |
| DEFENSE | 151.7 (20) | 146.9 (8) | 298.6 (14) | 34 | |
 | OFFENSE | 144.6 (13) | 139.0 (21) | 283.6 (21) | 32 |
| DEFENSE | 162.6 (26) | 151.7 (11) | 314.3 (19) | 32 |
Line: Cardinals by 2½
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Cardinals (5-10-0) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| New York Giants (6-9-0) | 10 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
( 0- 3) NYG Joe Danelo 30 yard field goal
( 0-10) NYG Gary Shirk 6 yard pass from Randy Dean (Joe Danelo kick)
( 0-17) NYG Doug Kotar 12 yard rush (Joe Danelo kick)
STL NYG
First Downs: 17 14
Rushes-yards: 33-143 51-231
Yards/rush: 4.3 4.5
Comp-Att-Yd-INT: 15-38-198-1 8-14-24-1
Sacked-yards: 0-0 0-0
Net pass yards: 198 24
Net yards/pass: 5.2 1.7
Total net yards: 341 255
Total plays: 71 (46% run) 65 (78% run)
Yards/play: 4.8 3.9
Fumbles-lost: 4-4 1-1
Turnovers: 5 2
Penalties-yards: 8-65 2-15
Attendance: 52,226
Passing:
STL: Jim Hart, 15 of 38 for 198 yards (1 int) NYG: Randy Dean, 8 of 14 for 24 yards and 1 TD (1 int)
Rushing:
STL: Willard Harrell, 15 for 82 yards; Jim Otis, 14 for 50 yards; Steve Jones, 2 for 15 yards; Ted Farmer, 1 for 4 yards; Dave Stief, 1 for -8 yards NYG: Doug Kotar, 27 for 118 yards and 1 TD; Dan Doornink, 11 for 62 yards; Randy Dean, 7 for 29 yards; Willie Spencer, 5 for 20 yards; Brian Kelley, 1 for 2 yards
Receiving:
STL: Dave Stief, 7 for 99 yards; Al Chandler, 4 for 71 yards; Gordon Bell, 2 for 19 yards; Pat Tilley, 1 for 7 yards; Willard Harrell, 1 for 2 yards NYG: Gary Shirk, 3 for 7 yards and 1 TD; Jim Robinson, 2 for 2 yards; Emery Moorehead, 1 for 8 yards; Al Dixon, 1 for 6 yards; Doug Kotar, 1 for 1 yard
Kick returns:
STL: Willard Harrell, 2 for 34 yards NYG: John Skorupan, 1 for 11 yards
Punt returns:
STL: Gordon Bell, 4 for 20 yards NYG: Jim Robinson, 1 for 4 yards
Interceptions:
STL: Steve Neils, 1 for 18 yards NYG: Terry Jackson, 1 for 51 yards
Punting:
STL: Mike Wood, 5 for 181 yards NYG: Dave Jennings, 7 for 257 yards
Field Goals:
STL: Jim Bakken, 0/2 NYG: Joe Danelo, 1/1
STL: Jim Hart, 15 of 38 for 198 yards (1 int) NYG: Randy Dean, 8 of 14 for 24 yards and 1 TD (1 int)
Rushing:
STL: Willard Harrell, 15 for 82 yards; Jim Otis, 14 for 50 yards; Steve Jones, 2 for 15 yards; Ted Farmer, 1 for 4 yards; Dave Stief, 1 for -8 yards NYG: Doug Kotar, 27 for 118 yards and 1 TD; Dan Doornink, 11 for 62 yards; Randy Dean, 7 for 29 yards; Willie Spencer, 5 for 20 yards; Brian Kelley, 1 for 2 yards
Receiving:
STL: Dave Stief, 7 for 99 yards; Al Chandler, 4 for 71 yards; Gordon Bell, 2 for 19 yards; Pat Tilley, 1 for 7 yards; Willard Harrell, 1 for 2 yards NYG: Gary Shirk, 3 for 7 yards and 1 TD; Jim Robinson, 2 for 2 yards; Emery Moorehead, 1 for 8 yards; Al Dixon, 1 for 6 yards; Doug Kotar, 1 for 1 yard
Kick returns:
STL: Willard Harrell, 2 for 34 yards NYG: John Skorupan, 1 for 11 yards
Punt returns:
STL: Gordon Bell, 4 for 20 yards NYG: Jim Robinson, 1 for 4 yards
Interceptions:
STL: Steve Neils, 1 for 18 yards NYG: Terry Jackson, 1 for 51 yards
Punting:
STL: Mike Wood, 5 for 181 yards NYG: Dave Jennings, 7 for 257 yards
Field Goals:
STL: Jim Bakken, 0/2 NYG: Joe Danelo, 1/1
Scott Laidlaw and Tony Dorsett each scored twice and the Cowboys' defense forced five turnovers as Dallas defeated Philadelphia for the ninth straight time. Laidlaw's one-yard touchdown run and Dorsett's 16-yard scoring reception from Roger Staubach staked Dallas to a first period 14-0 lead. Philadelphia narrowed the deficit to 14-7 at halftime when Mike Hogan capped a 73-yard drive with a one-yard plunge. The Cowboys' defense picked off three passes, recovered two fumbles, and recorded eight sacks.
Team stats coming into this game (NFL ranks in parentheses):
| Team | Rush Yds/Gm | Pass Yds/Gm | Tot Yds/Gm | Turnovers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | OFFENSE | 174.8 (3) | 203.6 (1) | 378.4 (1) | 34 |
| DEFENSE | 108.1 (1) | 152.4 (12) | 260.6 (3) | 27 | |
 | OFFENSE | 148.5 (8) | 146.3 (18) | 294.8 (15) | 31 |
| DEFENSE | 119.1 (5) | 173.5 (23) | 292.6 (12) | 43 |
Line: Cowboys by 4½
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys (11-4-0) | 14 | 0 | 10 | 7 | 31 |
| Philadelphia Eagles (8-7-0) | 7 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 13 |
( 7- 0) DAL Scott Laidlaw 1 yard rush (Rafael Septien kick)
(14- 0) DAL Tony Dorsett 16 yard pass from Roger Staubach (Rafael Septien kick)
(14- 7) PHI Mike Hogan 1 yard rush (Mike Michel kick)
(21- 7) DAL Tony Dorsett 23 yard rush (Rafael Septien kick)
(24- 7) DAL Rafael Septien 18 yard field goal
(31- 7) DAL Scott Laidlaw 44 yard pass from Roger Staubach (Rafael Septien kick)
(31-13) PHI Larry Barnes 4 yard rush (kick failed)
DAL PHI
First Downs: 17 11
Rushes-yards: 41-146 28-139
Yards/rush: 3.6 5.0
Comp-Att-Yd-INT: 13-20-190-0 9-26-151-2
Sacked-yards: 2-21 8-66
Net pass yards: 169 85
Net yards/pass: 7.7 2.5
Total net yards: 315 224
Total plays: 63 (65% run) 62 (45% run)
Yards/play: 5.0 3.6
Fumbles-lost: 4-0 4-3
Turnovers: 0 5
Penalties-yards: 3-15 7-65
Attendance: 64,667
Passing:
DAL: Roger Staubach, 13 of 19 for 190 yards and 2 TDs; Danny White, 0 of 1 for 0 yards PHI: Ron Jaworski, 9 of 26 for 151 yards (2 int)
Rushing:
DAL: Tony Dorsett, 20 for 63 yards and 1 TD; Scott Laidlaw, 15 for 50 yards and 1 TD; Larry Brinson, 2 for 11 yards; Danny White, 2 for 2 yards; Tony Hill, 1 for 14 yards; Roger Staubach, 1 for 6 yards PHI: Wilbert Montgomery, 15 for 75 yards; Mike Hogan, 8 for 32 yards and 1 TD; Billy Campfield, 2 for 9 yards; Ron Jaworski, 1 for 15 yards; John Sciarra, 1 for 4 yards; Larry Barnes, 1 for 4 yards and 1 TD
Receiving:
DAL: Tony Hill, 4 for 73 yards; Tony Dorsett, 3 for 37 yards and 1 TD; Drew Pearson, 2 for 15 yards; Preston Pearson, 2 for 5 yards; Scott Laidlaw, 1 for 44 yards and 1 TD; Billy Joe DuPree, 1 for 16 yards PHI: Harold Carmichael, 3 for 91 yards; Wilbert Montgomery, 3 for 14 yards; Ken Payne, 2 for 35 yards; Charlie Smith, 1 for 11 yards
Kick returns:
DAL: Butch Johnson, 2 for 35 yards PHI: Wilbert Montgomery, 3 for 81 yards; Louie Giammona, 1 for 22 yards; Terry Tautolo, 1 for 9 yards; Larry Barnes, 1 for 4 yards
Punt returns:
DAL: Butch Johnson, 6 for 2 yards PHI: John Sciarra, 3 for 19 yards
Interceptions:
DAL: Benny Barnes, 1 for 34 yards; Cliff Harris, 1 for 23 yards
Punting:
DAL: Danny White, 6 for 239 yards PHI: Mike Michel, 7 for 269 yards
Field Goals:
DAL: Rafael Septien, 1/3
DAL: Roger Staubach, 13 of 19 for 190 yards and 2 TDs; Danny White, 0 of 1 for 0 yards PHI: Ron Jaworski, 9 of 26 for 151 yards (2 int)
Rushing:
DAL: Tony Dorsett, 20 for 63 yards and 1 TD; Scott Laidlaw, 15 for 50 yards and 1 TD; Larry Brinson, 2 for 11 yards; Danny White, 2 for 2 yards; Tony Hill, 1 for 14 yards; Roger Staubach, 1 for 6 yards PHI: Wilbert Montgomery, 15 for 75 yards; Mike Hogan, 8 for 32 yards and 1 TD; Billy Campfield, 2 for 9 yards; Ron Jaworski, 1 for 15 yards; John Sciarra, 1 for 4 yards; Larry Barnes, 1 for 4 yards and 1 TD
Receiving:
DAL: Tony Hill, 4 for 73 yards; Tony Dorsett, 3 for 37 yards and 1 TD; Drew Pearson, 2 for 15 yards; Preston Pearson, 2 for 5 yards; Scott Laidlaw, 1 for 44 yards and 1 TD; Billy Joe DuPree, 1 for 16 yards PHI: Harold Carmichael, 3 for 91 yards; Wilbert Montgomery, 3 for 14 yards; Ken Payne, 2 for 35 yards; Charlie Smith, 1 for 11 yards
Kick returns:
DAL: Butch Johnson, 2 for 35 yards PHI: Wilbert Montgomery, 3 for 81 yards; Louie Giammona, 1 for 22 yards; Terry Tautolo, 1 for 9 yards; Larry Barnes, 1 for 4 yards
Punt returns:
DAL: Butch Johnson, 6 for 2 yards PHI: John Sciarra, 3 for 19 yards
Interceptions:
DAL: Benny Barnes, 1 for 34 yards; Cliff Harris, 1 for 23 yards
Punting:
DAL: Danny White, 6 for 239 yards PHI: Mike Michel, 7 for 269 yards
Field Goals:
DAL: Rafael Septien, 1/3
Dan Fouts threw three touchdown passes and San Diego exploded for 17 points in both the second and fourth quarters to give the Chargers a season sweep over Seattle. Fouts (22 of 33 for 279 yards) hit rookie John Jefferson with two touchdown tosses to give the Chargers a 20-10 halftime advantage. Fouts also connected with Larry Burton on a 55-yard scoring play in the final period.
Team stats coming into this game (NFL ranks in parentheses):
| Team | Rush Yds/Gm | Pass Yds/Gm | Tot Yds/Gm | Turnovers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | OFFENSE | 146.7 (10) | 197.3 (2) | 344.0 (3) | 36 |
| DEFENSE | 154.6 (21) | 191.1 (27) | 345.7 (27) | 35 | |
 | OFFENSE | 132.3 (20) | 194.4 (4) | 326.6 (4) | 47 |
| DEFENSE | 139.6 (13) | 149.6 (10) | 289.3 (10) | 32 |
Line: Chargers by 3
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Seahawks (8-7-0) | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| San Diego Chargers (8-7-0) | 3 | 17 | 0 | 17 | 37 |
( 0- 3) SD Rolf Benirschke 37 yard field goal
( 7- 3) SEA David Sims 2 yard pass from Jim Zorn (Efren Herrera kick)
(10- 3) SEA Efren Herrera 48 yard field goal
(10- 6) SD Rolf Benirschke 26 yard field goal
(10-13) SD John Jefferson 31 yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick)
(10-20) SD John Jefferson 6 yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick)
(10-27) SD Larry Burton 55 yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick)
(10-34) SD Hank Bauer 1 yard rush (Rolf Benirschke kick)
(10-37) SD Rolf Benirschke 27 yard field goal
SEA SD
First Downs: 17 20
Rushes-yards: 28-136 29-95
Yards/rush: 4.9 3.3
Comp-Att-Yd-INT: 14-33-150-2 23-34-295-1
Sacked-yards: 6-47 1-9
Net pass yards: 103 286
Net yards/pass: 2.6 8.2
Total net yards: 239 381
Total plays: 67 (41% run) 64 (45% run)
Yards/play: 3.6 6.0
Fumbles-lost: 3-1 0-0
Turnovers: 3 1
Penalties-yards: 5-70 5-35
Attendance: 49,975
Passing:
SEA: Jim Zorn, 14 of 31 for 150 yards and 1 TD (1 int); Steve Myer, 0 of 2 for 0 yards (1 int) SD: Dan Fouts, 22 of 33 for 279 yards and 3 TDs (1 int); James Harris, 1 of 1 for 16 yards
Rushing:
SEA: Sherman Smith, 10 for 63 yards; David Sims, 8 for 27 yards; Al Hunter, 6 for 21 yards; Don Testerman, 3 for 20 yards; Jim Zorn, 1 for 5 yards SD: Don Woods, 11 for 47 yards; Lydell Mitchell, 8 for 19 yards; Hank Bauer, 4 for 15 yards and 1 TD; Clarence Williams, 4 for 10 yards; John Jefferson, 1 for 7 yards; James Harris, 1 for -3 yards
Receiving:
SEA: Sherman Smith, 4 for 44 yards; Steve Largent, 3 for 46 yards; Steve Raible, 2 for 24 yards; Sam McCullum, 2 for 20 yards; David Sims, 2 for 5 yards and 1 TD; Duke Fergerson, 1 for 11 yards SD: Lydell Mitchell, 7 for 49 yards; John Jefferson, 5 for 82 yards and 2 TDs; Bob Klein, 4 for 49 yards; Charlie Joiner, 3 for 41 yards; Larry Burton, 2 for 68 yards and 1 TD; Don Woods, 2 for 6 yards
Kick returns:
SEA: Rufus Crawford, 5 for 144 yards; Al Hunter, 2 for 49 yards; Doug Long, 1 for 11 yards SD: Clarence Williams, 2 for 50 yards
Punt returns:
SEA: Rufus Crawford, 3 for 22 yards SD: Mike Fuller, 4 for 51 yards
Interceptions:
SEA: Cornell Webster, 1 for 0 yards SD: Mike Fuller, 1 for 23 yards; Bob Horn, 1 for 0 yards
Punting:
SEA: Herman Weaver, 6 for 223 yards SD: Jeff West, 4 for 181 yards
Field Goals:
SEA: Efren Herrera, 1/1 SD: Rolf Benirschke, 3/3
SEA: Jim Zorn, 14 of 31 for 150 yards and 1 TD (1 int); Steve Myer, 0 of 2 for 0 yards (1 int) SD: Dan Fouts, 22 of 33 for 279 yards and 3 TDs (1 int); James Harris, 1 of 1 for 16 yards
Rushing:
SEA: Sherman Smith, 10 for 63 yards; David Sims, 8 for 27 yards; Al Hunter, 6 for 21 yards; Don Testerman, 3 for 20 yards; Jim Zorn, 1 for 5 yards SD: Don Woods, 11 for 47 yards; Lydell Mitchell, 8 for 19 yards; Hank Bauer, 4 for 15 yards and 1 TD; Clarence Williams, 4 for 10 yards; John Jefferson, 1 for 7 yards; James Harris, 1 for -3 yards
Receiving:
SEA: Sherman Smith, 4 for 44 yards; Steve Largent, 3 for 46 yards; Steve Raible, 2 for 24 yards; Sam McCullum, 2 for 20 yards; David Sims, 2 for 5 yards and 1 TD; Duke Fergerson, 1 for 11 yards SD: Lydell Mitchell, 7 for 49 yards; John Jefferson, 5 for 82 yards and 2 TDs; Bob Klein, 4 for 49 yards; Charlie Joiner, 3 for 41 yards; Larry Burton, 2 for 68 yards and 1 TD; Don Woods, 2 for 6 yards
Kick returns:
SEA: Rufus Crawford, 5 for 144 yards; Al Hunter, 2 for 49 yards; Doug Long, 1 for 11 yards SD: Clarence Williams, 2 for 50 yards
Punt returns:
SEA: Rufus Crawford, 3 for 22 yards SD: Mike Fuller, 4 for 51 yards
Interceptions:
SEA: Cornell Webster, 1 for 0 yards SD: Mike Fuller, 1 for 23 yards; Bob Horn, 1 for 0 yards
Punting:
SEA: Herman Weaver, 6 for 223 yards SD: Jeff West, 4 for 181 yards
Field Goals:
SEA: Efren Herrera, 1/1 SD: Rolf Benirschke, 3/3
Ray Wersching kicked a 30-yard field goal on the game's final play to end San Francisco's nine-game losing streak. The 49ers' Steve DeBerg, making his first appearance in five weeks, completed six passes in the winning march, which covered 81 yards over a six-minute span. San Francisco's Paul Hofer rushed 17 times for 56 yards and caught seven passes for 65 yards.
Team stats coming into this game (NFL ranks in parentheses):
| Team | Rush Yds/Gm | Pass Yds/Gm | Tot Yds/Gm | Turnovers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | OFFENSE | 134.5 (18) | 110.4 (28) | 244.9 (28) | 35 |
| DEFENSE | 127.7 (7) | 134.3 (5) | 262.0 (4) | 34 | |
 | OFFENSE | 126.4 (23) | 119.2 (27) | 245.6 (27) | 50 |
| DEFENSE | 155.8 (22) | 173.1 (22) | 328.9 (24) | 40 |
Line: 49ers by 3½
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-10-0) | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| San Francisco 49ers (2-13-0) | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 6 |
( 0- 3) SF Ray Wersching 28 yard field goal
( 3- 3) TB Dave Green 35 yard field goal
( 3- 6) SF Ray Wersching 30 yard field goal
TB SF
First Downs: 13 17
Rushes-yards: 28-113 32-90
Yards/rush: 4.0 2.8
Comp-Att-Yd-INT: 13-27-140-1 21-32-187-4
Sacked-yards: 6-57 5-38
Net pass yards: 83 149
Net yards/pass: 2.5 4.0
Total net yards: 196 239
Total plays: 61 (45% run) 69 (46% run)
Yards/play: 3.2 3.5
Fumbles-lost: 4-2 6-2
Turnovers: 3 6
Penalties-yards: 8-45 7-62
Attendance: 30,931
Passing:
TB: Mike Rae, 13 of 27 for 140 yards (1 int) SF: Scott Bull, 10 of 17 for 98 yards (2 int); Steve DeBerg, 11 of 15 for 89 yards (2 int)
Rushing:
TB: Louis Carter, 15 for 60 yards; Johnny Davis, 7 for 24 yards; Mike Rae, 2 for 14 yards; Larry Mucker, 2 for 12 yards; Charlie White, 2 for 3 yards SF: Paul Hofer, 17 for 56 yards; Bob Ferrell, 9 for 15 yards; Scott Bull, 3 for 9 yards; Steve DeBerg, 1 for 5 yards; Dave Williams, 1 for 4 yards; Greg Boykin, 1 for 1 yard
Receiving:
TB: Louis Carter, 4 for 32 yards; Frank Grant, 3 for 47 yards; Jim Obradovich, 2 for 26 yards; Jimmie Giles, 2 for 14 yards; Larry Mucker, 1 for 11 yards; Morris Owens, 1 for 10 yards SF: Paul Hofer, 7 for 65 yards; Kenny Harrison, 6 for 78 yards; Greg Boykin, 3 for 18 yards; Dave Williams, 3 for 7 yards; Jack Steptoe, 1 for 11 yards; Bob Ferrell, 1 for 8 yards
Kick returns:
TB: Danny Reece, 1 for 18 yards; Louis Carter, 1 for 10 yards SF: Paul Hofer, 1 for 2 yards; Walt Downing, 1 for 0 yards
Punt returns:
TB: Danny Reece, 2 for 11 yards SF: Jack Steptoe, 6 for 73 yards; Mike Shumann, 1 for 8 yards
Interceptions:
TB: Mark Cotney, 1 for 28 yards; Aaron Brown, 1 for 10 yards; Cedric Brown, 1 for 6 yards; Jeris White, 1 for 0 yards SF: Chuck Crist, 1 for 32 yards
Punting:
TB: Dave Green, 8 for 299 yards SF: Mike Connell, 5 for 176 yards
Field Goals:
TB: Dave Green, 1/1 SF: Ray Wersching, 2/2
TB: Mike Rae, 13 of 27 for 140 yards (1 int) SF: Scott Bull, 10 of 17 for 98 yards (2 int); Steve DeBerg, 11 of 15 for 89 yards (2 int)
Rushing:
TB: Louis Carter, 15 for 60 yards; Johnny Davis, 7 for 24 yards; Mike Rae, 2 for 14 yards; Larry Mucker, 2 for 12 yards; Charlie White, 2 for 3 yards SF: Paul Hofer, 17 for 56 yards; Bob Ferrell, 9 for 15 yards; Scott Bull, 3 for 9 yards; Steve DeBerg, 1 for 5 yards; Dave Williams, 1 for 4 yards; Greg Boykin, 1 for 1 yard
Receiving:
TB: Louis Carter, 4 for 32 yards; Frank Grant, 3 for 47 yards; Jim Obradovich, 2 for 26 yards; Jimmie Giles, 2 for 14 yards; Larry Mucker, 1 for 11 yards; Morris Owens, 1 for 10 yards SF: Paul Hofer, 7 for 65 yards; Kenny Harrison, 6 for 78 yards; Greg Boykin, 3 for 18 yards; Dave Williams, 3 for 7 yards; Jack Steptoe, 1 for 11 yards; Bob Ferrell, 1 for 8 yards
Kick returns:
TB: Danny Reece, 1 for 18 yards; Louis Carter, 1 for 10 yards SF: Paul Hofer, 1 for 2 yards; Walt Downing, 1 for 0 yards
Punt returns:
TB: Danny Reece, 2 for 11 yards SF: Jack Steptoe, 6 for 73 yards; Mike Shumann, 1 for 8 yards
Interceptions:
TB: Mark Cotney, 1 for 28 yards; Aaron Brown, 1 for 10 yards; Cedric Brown, 1 for 6 yards; Jeris White, 1 for 0 yards SF: Chuck Crist, 1 for 32 yards
Punting:
TB: Dave Green, 8 for 299 yards SF: Mike Connell, 5 for 176 yards
Field Goals:
TB: Dave Green, 1/1 SF: Ray Wersching, 2/2