Scully’s NFL notebook: Bills are hitting their stride

Playoff contenders flexed their muscles in Week 14 of the NFL season, as nine games were decided by double-digit margins, and highlights included eye-opening performances from rookies Jalen Hurts and Jonathan Taylor.

And then there was Dan Bailey.

The Minnesota kicker fell apart against Tampa Bay and missed all four of his kicks (three field goals and an extra point) miserably.

Enjoy the Week 14 NFL notebook!

Hurts invigorates Philadelphia

Philadelphia called upon its rookie quarterback to end a four-game losing skid, and Hurts entered an impossible situation against New Orleans. The Saints brought the league’s No. 1 defense and a nine-game win streak to Lincoln Financial Field, and they had a tenuous hold upon the lone first-round bye in the NFC playoffs.

Instead of taking one on the chin, Hurts landed blow after blow to lead Philadelphia to a 24-21 upset. He finished with 106 rushing yards — New Orleans hadn’t allowed a 100-yard rusher since 2017 — and completed enough passes to keep the Saints honest.

The inspired team effort may be too little too late for 4-8-1 Philadelphia, but Hurts brought a dimension that had been sorely lacking. The Eagles need to run the ball effectively. Miles Sanders added 115 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, as thee Eagles posted a 246-96 advantage in rushing yards.

Philadelphia doesn’t rely upon a high-scoring offense — it will get after teams defensively and must avoid turnovers — and quarterback Carson Wentz was a problem.

Wentz never regained his confidence after he threw a pair of second-half interceptions in Week 1, when he allowed Washington to rally back from a double-digit halftime deficit. His decision making deteriorated so much that teammates lost faith — Philadelphia had not scored more than 17 points since Nov. 1.

Hurts isn’t the savior, yet. He made a difference in Week 14, changed the atmosphere surrounding the proud organization, and he has three games remaining to prove he is the quarterback for 2021.

Bills hitting their stride, Steelers slumping

Buffalo got off to a sluggish start Sunday against Pittsburgh, with four punts, a fumble, and interception on its first six possessions. Pittsburgh led 7-3 late in the second quarter, and the Steelers were driving at midfield, when the game’s momentum swung in the Bills' favor.

Taron Johnson jumped in front of a Ben Roethlisberger pass, returned the interception 51 yards for a touchdown, and Buffalo seized control in the second half to win by a 25-16 margin.

Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen played great after halftime and opened the third quarter with a pair of touchdown drives. Stefon Diggs had 10 catches for 130 yards and a touchdown, and Zack Moss and Devin Singletary are improving in the backfield.

The Bills also played their best defense of the season. They pushed Pittsburgh around in the second half and showed the recipe for winning in the postseason — control the line of scrimmage with physical play.

Buffalo has emerged as the biggest threat to Kansas City in the AFC.

Pittsburgh looked over the top in the second half. Banged up on the offensive line, the Steelers can no longer run the ball effectively (they have 136 rushing yards over the last three games). Receivers are dropping passes, and the 38-year-old Roethlisberger, who missed last year with an elbow surgery, is being asked to do too much.

Season-ending injuries to a pair of defensive stars, Bud Dupree and Devin Bush Jr., have also hurt. Pittsburgh will still win the AFC North, but the Steelers appear vulnerable as the postseason approaches.

Kansas City wins fifth straight without covering

A troubling statistical trend won’t stop Kansas City from winning its second straight Super Bowl. Along with a stable of weapons, Patrick Mahomes is always a threat to overpower the competition.

Kansas City has displayed a troubling tendency for close games, though. The Chiefs have now won five consecutive games without covering, and that’s not a favorable trait for the postseason.

Last season, Kansas City led the NFL with a 13-5-1 record against the spread. The Chiefs never lost three straight for bettors. After they allowed Miami to rally back into contention in Week 14, however, Kansas City dropped to 6-7 ATS this season.

Baltimore, which won its final three games as an underdog, including Super Bowl XLVII, is the last champion to lose five straight against the spread, but the Ravens did so early in the 2012 campaign.

From a betting perspective, Kansas City remains eligible to turn things around late in the season, but supporters are being asked to lay 3.5 points at New Orleans in a tough Week 15 matchup.

Wager on Week 15 of the NFL season now at BetAmerica!