Every week for the duration of the 2024 NFL regular season, USA TODAY Sports will provide timely updates to the league’s ever-evolving playoff picture − starting after Sunday afternoon’s late games and then moving forward for the remainder of the week (through Monday’s and Thursday’s games or Saturday’s, if applicable).

What just happened? What does it mean? What are the pertinent factors (and, perhaps, tiebreakers) prominently in play as each conference’s seven-team bracket begins to crystallize? All will be explained and analyzed up to the point when the postseason field is finalized on Sunday night, Jan. 5.

Here’s where things stand with Week 11 of the 2024 season nearly complete:

AFC playoff picture

1. Kansas City Chiefs (9-1), AFC West leaders: Their first loss of the year could be a significant one, the Bills now only needing to make up one more game on the reigning Super Bowl champs to take over the top spot. Remaining schedule: at Panthers, vs. Raiders, vs. Chargers, at Browns, vs. Texans, at Steelers, at Broncos

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

2. Buffalo Bills (9-2), AFC East leaders: They’ve won six straight after toppling K.C. and a fifth consecutive division title is practically a foregone conclusion. And, with that potentially pivotal head-to-head tiebreaker in hand, the Bills could soon steer the road to Super Bowl 59 through Western New York. Remaining schedule: BYE, vs. 49ers, at Rams, at Lions, vs. Patriots, vs. Jets, at Patriots

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2), AFC North leaders: Their defeat of the Ravens gives them breathing room atop the division and makes them a viable threat to secure home-field advantage, too. Remaining schedule: at Browns, at Bengals, vs. Browns, at Eagles, at Ravens, vs. Chiefs, vs. Bengals

4. Houston Texans (6-4), AFC South leaders: They’ve got a few issues to work through, primarily those that are injury related. But they should still cruise to a second straight division championship. Remaining schedule: at Cowboys, vs. Titans, at Jaguars, BYE, vs. Dolphins, at Chiefs, vs. Ravens, at Titans

5. Los Angeles Chargers (7-3), wild card No. 1: Their defense has been pretty tough. Their schedule has been anything but – though that began changing Sunday night. Still, the Bolts are starting to build a nice pad between themselves and the clubs chasing them – and even moved ahead of next week’s opponent, Baltimore. Remaining schedule: vs. Ravens, at Falcons, at Chiefs, vs. Buccaneers, vs. Broncos, at Patriots, at Raiders

6. Baltimore Ravens (7-4), wild card No. 2: Good as they are, losses to the wrong teams could well mean no home playoff games this season. Remaining schedule: at Chargers, vs. Eagles, BYE, at Giants, vs. Steelers, at Texans, vs. Browns

7. Denver Broncos (6-5), wild card No. 3: They didn’t take their hooves off the gas Sunday against Atlanta and can’t do in a larger sense as they try to hang onto this spot. Remaining schedule: at Raiders, vs. Browns, BYE, vs. Colts, at Chargers, at Bengals, vs. Chiefs

8. Indianapolis Colts (5-6), in the hunt: They’ll get key a shot at the Broncos down the road. Remaining schedule: vs. Lions, at Patriots, BYE, at Broncos, vs. Titans, at Giants, vs. Jaguars

9. Miami Dolphins (4-6), in the hunt: They’re building steam and jumped Cincy with Sunday’s win. Remaining schedule: vs. Patriots, at Packers, vs. Jets, at Texans, vs. 49ers, at Browns, at Jets

10. Cincinnati Bengals (4-7), in the hunt: Crushing losses the last two weeks might be too much to overcome. Remaining schedule: BYE, vs. Steelers, at Cowboys, at Titans, vs. Browns, vs. Broncos, at Steelers

All NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY’s 4th and Monday newsletter.

NFC playoff picture

1. Detroit Lions (9-1), NFC North leaders: After Sunday’s 52-6 walkover against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Lions’ biggest concern might be that they’re peaking too early. Remaining schedule: at Colts, vs. Bears, vs. Packers, vs. Bills, at Bears, at 49ers, vs. Vikings

2. Philadelphia Eagles (8-2), NFC East leaders: Philly pulled away from Washington on Thursday night to solidify its hold on first place in the division – and might need that padding later in the process. However the Iggles are also now officially a clear and present danger to Detroit. Remaining schedule: at Rams, at Ravens, vs. Panthers, vs. Steelers, at Commanders, vs. Cowboys, vs. Giants

3. Arizona Cardinals (6-4), NFC West leaders: A bye week interrupted their four-game in streak. But Atlanta’s loss also moved Arizona up one spot in terms of seeding. The Cards’ 2-0 record in divisional games serves them well; their 3-3 mark in NFC games won’t help them in the tiebreaker department with Atlanta (6-2). Remaining schedule: at Seahawks, at Vikings, vs. Seahawks, vs. Patriots, at Panthers, at Rams, vs. 49ers

4. Atlanta Falcons (6-5), NFC South leaders: A season sweep of the Bucs effectively gives Atlanta a three-game lead in the division. The Falcons have no such edge on the suddenly surging Saints. Remaining schedule: BYE, vs. Chargers, at Vikings, at Raiders, vs. Giants, at Commanders, vs. Panthers

5. Minnesota Vikings (8-2), wild card No. 1: They’re won three in a row, all against AFC South competition, to maintain this spot – while staying a game back of Detroit in the NFC North. Remaining schedule: at Bears, vs. Cardinals, vs. Falcons, vs. Bears, at Seahawks, vs. Packers, at Lions

6. Green Bay Packers (7-3), wild card No. 2: They were fortunate to escape Chicago with a win … meaning they also remain relevant in the NFC North despite how dominant Detroit seems. Remaining schedule: vs. 49ers, vs. Dolphins, at Lions, at Seahawks, vs. Saints, at Vikings, vs. Bears

7. Washington Commanders (7-4), wild card No. 3: Thursday night’s loss to Philly hurts, costing Washington seeding for now, but should also be a learning experience. And the Commanders do seem to have an easier lineup than Philly to contend with the rest of the way, one that might keep them in contention for the NFC East throne. Remaining schedule: vs. Cowboys, vs. Titans, BYE, at Saints, vs. Eagles, vs. Falcons, at Cowboys

8. Los Angeles Rams (5-5), in the hunt: Wins over the 49ers and Seahawks give them a tenuous advantage among the conference’s currently .500 lot. Remaining schedule: vs. Eagles, at Saints, vs. Bills, at 49ers, at Jets, vs. Cardinals, vs. Seahawks

9. Seattle Seahawks (5-5), in the hunt: They’re only 1-2 in the division, but that’s better than the Niners, whom Seattle just split its season series with. Remaining schedule: vs. Cardinals, at Jets, at Cardinals, vs. Packers, vs. Vikings, at Bears, at Rams

10. San Francisco 49ers (5-5), in the hunt: They dropped to 1-3 in NFC West games, which dropped them down the conference table and could make it really tough to win the division if it continues to remain packed together. Remaining schedule: at Packers, at Bills, vs. Bears, vs. Rams, at Dolphins, vs. Lions, at Cardinals

11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6), in the hunt: They actually made up a bit of ground on their off week. Now, if they can get key players like WR Mike Evans back, the opportunity is there to have a strong finishing kick. Remaining schedule: at Giants, at Panthers, vs. Raiders, at Chargers, at Cowboys, vs. Panthers, vs. Saints

12. Chicago Bears (4-6), in the hunt: A four-game skid suggests they might not be in the hunt much longer – especially given what they’re about to face. Remaining schedule: vs. Vikings, at Lions, at 49ers, at Vikings, vs. Lions, vs. Seahawks, at Packers

13. New Orleans Saints (4-7), in the hunt: They’re 2-0 under interim HC Darren Rizzi. And given the way the NFC South is compressing … Remaining schedule: BYE, vs. Rams, at Giants, vs. Commanders, at Packers, vs. Raiders, at Buccaneers

***

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter, @ByNateDavis.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — There was no doubt, no hesitation and certainly no sort of fear as Sean McDermott faced a critical fourth-down decision with a little more than two minutes remaining in the much-anticipated showdown at Highmark Stadium on Sunday that lived up to the hype. 

Kick a field goal? 

McDermott, the savvy Buffalo Bills coach, knew better. Even with a 40-something-yard trey that would have extended the lead to five points against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs – aka the playoff heartbreakers – McDermott would not have felt safe. 

So, he went for it. Then Josh Allen, the stud quarterback, proved how perfect McDermott’s decision was for that moment as he dashed to a dramatic 26-yard touchdown run that essentially snapped K.C.’s 15-game winning streak and squashed any thoughts of a perfect season. The Chiefs left town at 9-1. 

“I think you have to have a mindset where you can’t be afraid in those situations to do what you believe in,” McDermott told USA TODAY Sports after most of his players had cleared from the locker room after the 30-21 victory. 

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

“Sometimes, the result doesn’t work out. Early in the game, it didn’t work out. We went for it on fourth-and-2 and it didn’t work out. So, I’ve got to live with it.” 

McDermott is undoubtedly thrilled to live with the crunch-time decision that helped seal a sixth consecutive victory and pulled the Bills (9-2) within a half-game of the No. 1 seed for the AFC’s playoff positioning. It was hardly a spur-of-the-moment call. McDermott and this staff discussed how they would handle such a situation during the week of preparation, knowing who was on the other side. They were plenty mindful of Kansas City’s ability – and history with Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid in crunch time – of pulling out last-minute drives with touchdown drives. 

After all, in one of Buffalo’s three playoff setbacks against the Chiefs during the past four seasons, Mahomes needed just 13 seconds to mount a field goal drive that forced overtime. And Kansas City won the coin toss, which led to a TD drive that won the AFC divisional playoff game. 

Anyway, that was then. On Sunday, the Bills pestered Mahomes throughout the game (two sacks, two interceptions, seven quarterback hits, 196 passing yards), but saw him engineer an efficient, 70-yard drive in the fourth quarter that cut the margin to 23-21. Mahomes capped that drive by rolling right and slinging a laser-like pass across his body for a 1-yard TD throw to Noah Gray.  

McDermott was not about to let it come down to Mahomes’ magic. Betting on Allen – one of the NFL’s best dual-threat quarterbacks – was the better option that effectively was a way to play defense against Mahomes. 

That’s why you go for it on fourth-and-2 from their 26. 

“They are way too good to not go for it right there,” McDermott said. “Every situation is a little different, but I felt confident.” 

Then the strapping Allen, the NFL’s most physical quarterback at 6-5, 237 pounds, put it on his legs and made it work. The play included an option to throw, but Allen quickly dismissed that. After a quick pump-fake to his left, he noticed that the Chiefs defense dropped into zone coverage. That left him a running lane up the middle. And his eyes probably lit up.  

He was barely touched until he barreled the final few yards into the end zone. 

“Just trying to create, keep the play alive,” Allen said. “There was a crease and just trusted the feet.” 

Allen, who has now beaten the Chiefs for a fourth consecutive time in a regular-season matchup, sounded a bit nonchalant in describing the game’s defining play. But it was fitting that when it mattered the most he delivered. 

That’s how it’s supposed to be in some regards. The leader of the pack, the face of the franchise, rose to the moment.  

“Some guys are just made to play ball,” Bills receiver Amari Cooper said. “He’s one of those guys.” 

Cooper, who just joined the Bills last month in a trade with the Cleveland Browns, was the first option on the defining play. Given the final outcome, Cooper couldn’t disagree with the sequence. 

“It was crazy,” he said. “I’m hoping he throws it. I’m kind of anxious…” 

Then Allen bolted from the pocket. He easily gained the yardage for a first down. Cooper wondered whether the quarterback would slide. Allen clearly wanted more. 

“I wasn’t sure he was going to go for it,” said Cooper, who caught two passes for 55 yards. “But he knew the situation: ‘We needed to score. We have this great offense on the other side. I can’t slide right here.’ “ 

No, Allen had no fear. Not with the game on the line. It was same aggressive approach that McDermott had in making the decision to go for it on fourth down – and not just because a game-tying field goal attempt in the final minutes of the January playoff loss sailed wide right. 

The no-fear mentality that flowed from McDermott, through Allen and other players, came with the realization that to beat a champion – Kansas City had won nine straight games in which they trailed in the second half – you simply can’t play scared when you’ve got a chance to put them away. 

After all, the Chiefs are like the never-say-die monster from the horror movie. 

Yet McDermott and his team didn’t flinch. The verdict was officially clinched shortly after Allen’s TD run when Mahomes was intercepted by Terrel Bernard, squashing any hopes for a last-minute miracle. 

“It’s a statement win,” Bills edge rusher Von Miller declared. “They were undefeated. It’s not our Super Bowl. The season’s not over. We’re not going to the Super Bowl or anything. But we have to celebrate wins like this. It’s so hard to win in this league. It’s so hard to have success in this league. There’s so much that goes into the 60 minutes that we play, so you have to be able to step back, debrief and look at all the great things you do.” 

All week, the company line coming from the Bills downplayed the marquee feature of the NFL’s biggest game of the season. They claimed that even with the Chiefs bringing an undefeated record and the recent history the rivalry, it was little more than a Week 11 encounter that was one of 17 games. 

Miller, a 14th-year veteran, was in no mood to downplay the significance. Especially after it was over. And he had, well, no fear in expressing that in describing the mindset the Bills defensive line approached the game with. 

“The speech Coach McDermott gave us, ‘It’s just another game…A hundred years from now, nobody’s going to remember it,’ we were like, ‘(Expletive) that! This is a big game. This is why we’re here,’ “ Miller said. “When the bright lights come on, we rise to the occasion. We don’t need to sugarcoat it to take the pressure off us. 

“Pressure comes from within,” he added. “And everyone in that D-line room rose to the occasion. It was a special moment. To be optimistic and to be able to speak things into existence is a wonderful feeling, for sure.” 

And it’s even sweeter when it comes by showing no fear against a nemesis that happened to be the NFL’s only unbeaten team. 

The U.S. men’s national soccer team takes aim at advancing to the Concacaf Nations League semifinals when it hosts Jamaica in the second leg of their quarterfinal on Monday night.

At the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica, on Thursday night, Mauricio Pochettino’s squad earned a 1-0 win in Leg 1. Ricardo Pepi scored early for the U.S., and the score held up for the remainder of the game, thanks to a penalty save by goalkeeper Matt Turner 10 minutes after the Pepi goal. The team with the aggregate goals advantage will advance to the semifinals.

The USMNT are three-time defending Concacacf Nations League champions, having won the competition in 2021, 2023 and 2024.

The other Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal matchups are Costa Rica vs. Panama (Panama leads, 1-0), Suriname vs. Canada (Canada leads, 1-0) and Honduras vs. Mexico (Honduras leads, 2-0). The semifinals and final of the Concacaf Nations League will be held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, from March 20-23.

Here’s everything you need to know for the USMNT’s Concacaf Nations League match on Monday:

When is the USMNT’s Nations League game against Jamaica?

Kickoff is slated for 8 p.m. ET on Monday, Nov. 18.

Where will the USMNT’s Nations League game against Jamaica be played?

Leg 2 of the USMNT vs. Jamaica Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal will be played at Energizer Park in St. Louis, Missouri. Energizer Park is the regular home of Major League Soccer’s St. Louis City SC. The U.S. has dominated the all-time series against Jamaica with 21 wins, 10 draws and only three defeats.

How to watch USMNT vs. Jamaica on TV

The television broadcast will be available on TNT and truTV, with pregame coverage starting at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Spanish-language television broadcast available on Universo.

How to stream USMNT vs. Jamaica

The match will stream on Max and Peacock, with pregame coverage starting at 7 p.m. ET.

Which players are on the USMNT and Jamaica rosters?

USMNT roster

Goalkeepers (4): Diego Kochen (FC Barcelona Atletic/Spain), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace/England)

Defenders (7): Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/France), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/England), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/England), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/Germany), Auston Trusty (Celtic/Scotland)

Midfielders (8): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/England), Gianluca Busio (Venezia/Italy), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis/Spain), Weston McKennie (Juventus/Italy), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough/England), Yunus Musah (AC Milan/Italy), Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyon/France), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven/Netherlands)

Forwards (6): Cade Cowell (Guadalajara/Mexico),Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven/Netherlands), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/Italy), Brandon Vazquez (Monterrey/Mexico), Tim Weah (Juventus/Italy), Alex Zendejas (Club América/Mexico)

Jamaica roster

Goalkeepers (3): Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union/USA), Jahmali Waite (El Paso Locomotive FC/USA), Shaquan Davis (Mount Pleasant)

Defenders (9): Amari’i Bell (Luton Town/England), Di’Shon Bernard (Sheffield Wednesday/England), Tayvon Gray (New York City FC/USA), Mason Holgate (West Bromwich Albion/England), Richard King (IBV/Iceland), Greg Leigh (Oxford United/England), Dexter Lembikisa (Heart of Midlothian/Scotland), Damion Lowe (Philadelphia Union/USA), Ethan Pinnock (Brentford/England)

Midfielders (5): Karoy Anderson (Charlton Athletic/England), Isaac Hayden (Newcastle United/England), Joel Latibeaudiere (Coventry City/England), Tyreek Magee (Colorado Springs Switchbacks/USA), Kasey Palmer (Coventry City/England)

Forwards (7): Michail Antonio (West Ham United/England), Leon Bailey (Aston Villa/England), Renaldo Cephas (Ankaragücü/Turkey), Kaheim Dixon (Charlton Athletic/England), Demarai Gray (Al-Ettifaq/Saudi Arabia), Shamar Nicholson (Clermont/France), Romario Williams (Indy Eleven/USA)

USMNT 2024 schedule and results

Jan. 20 (friendly) — Slovenia 1, United States 0
March 21 (Nations League semifinal) — United States 3, Jamaica 1
March 24 (Nations League final) — United States 2, Mexico 0
June 8 (friendly) — Colombia 5, United States 1
June 12 (friendly) — United States 1, Brazil 1
June 23 (Copa America) — United States 2, Bolivia 0
June 27 (Copa America) — Panama 2, United States 1
July 1 (Copa America) — Uruguay 1, United States 0
Sept. 7 (friendly) — Canada 2, United States 1
Sept. 10 (friendly) — United States 1, New Zealand 1
Oct. 12 (friendly) —United States 2, Panama 0
Oct. 15 (friendly) — Mexico 2, United States 0
Nov. 14 (Nations League quarterfinal, Leg 1 — United States 1, Jamaica 0
Nov. 18 (Nations League quarterfinal, Leg 2) — United States vs. Jamaica

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY operates independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

No pressure, it’s just perfection.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have raced out to a perfect 15-0 mark this season under new coach Kenny Atkinson, becoming the fourth team in NBA history to win their first 15 games of the season.

Cleveland beat the Charlotte Hornets 128-114 on Sunday.

The Cavaliers entered Sunday’s game sporting the NBA’s best offense (123.4 points per game) and most accurate shooting team – both from the field (52.1% FG) and beyond the arc (41.8% 3FG).

Yet, the Cavaliers are nowhere near the NBA’s most prolific start, with one team still ahead. The good news for Cleveland is that of the three previous teams that won their first 15 games to start a regular season, each one made it to the NBA Finals.

All things Cavaliers: Latest Cleveland Cavaliers news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

Here’s everything you need to know about the best starts in NBA history.

What is the record for best start in NBA history?

The 2015-16 Golden State Warriors, the team that went on to set the record for most regular season victories in a single season (73), also set the mark for best start to a season in NBA history.

The Warriors opened their season 24-0 before picking up their first loss of that season on Dec. 12 against the Bucks. It obliterated the previous NBA record for best start to a season, when the 1993-94 Houston Rockets and 1948-49 Washington Capitols went 15-0.

Interestingly, it wasn’t coach Steve Kerr who led the team to that remarkable start. Kerr underwent back surgery and was sidelined for the first 43 games of the season. Assistant coach Luke Walton served as the interim coach and led Golden State to that 24-0 start and eventually led the team to a 39-4 mark before Kerr returned.

The 2015-16 Warriors lost in the NBA Finals in seven games to the Cavaliers.

Where do the Cavaliers rank in best starts in NBA history?

2015-16 Golden State Warriors (lost NBA Finals): 24-0
2024-25 Cleveland Cavaliers: 15-0
1993-94 Houston Rockets (won NBA Finals): 15-0
1948-49 Washington Capitols (lost NBA Finals): 15-0
2002-03 Dallas Mavericks (lost Western Conference Finals): 14-0
1957-58 Boston Celtics (lost NBA Finals): 14-0
1996-97 Chicago Bulls (won NBA Finals): 12-0
1982-83 Seattle SuperSonics (lost first-round series): 12-0

Cleveland Cavaliers upcoming schedule

Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. at Boston Celtics
Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m. vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Nov. 24 at 7:30 p.m. vs. Toronto Raptors
Nov. 27 at 7 p.m. vs. Atlanta Hawks
Nov. 29 at 2:30 p.m. at Atlanta Hawks
Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. vs. Boston Celtics
Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. vs. Washington Wizards
Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. vs. Denver Nuggets
Dec. 7 at 1 p.m. at Charlotte Hornets
Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. at Miami Heat

*All times Eastern

The Chargers aren’t ‘chargering’ anymore. They gave it their best shot in Sunday night’s 34-27 win, attempting to stick to their brand made famous under the leadership of Brandon Staley.

No, these Chargers are different. Jim Harbaugh’s team simply laughs in the face of adversity. Armed with a 21-point lead in the second half, it was all but over. Justin Herbert was getting his flowers in front of a primetime audience. Zac Taylor’s hot seat was on fire in Cincinnati.

Then the Chargers of old crept back in.

That 21-point lead quickly became a tied game and that tied game nearly became a three-point deficit, twice.

Instead, Evan McPherson pulled two kicks to the left and J.K. Dobbins eventually lunged into the end zone to give L.A. the lead. However, that Dobbins’ touchdown left the door cracked open for the Bengals. In the end, it was Jesse Minter’s defense that slammed it shut as the Hail Mary attempt from Joe Burrow fell incomplete at the goal line.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

That sends the Chargers to 7-3, firmly in the AFC playoff mix. In a way, L.A. exorcised their primetime demons that were the cause of so many blown leads. Rather, it’s the Bengals that have some soul-searching to do. At 4-7, Cincinnati heads into its bye week with dwindling playoff hopes.

While Taylor’s job appears safe for now, the questions instead shift to the team’s core. With at least Tee Higgins likely heading for a new team in the offseason, it’s now a wonder where Cincinnati goes from here. There’s no question the Bengals are a better team than their record.

Regardless, the Chargers made a statement on Sunday night that they aren’t that same soft team anymore. More importantly, the NFL schedule makers delivered a statement of their own, giving fans a big win by flexing this game into primetime and the Jets-Colts showdown out of it.

Herbert and Burrow put on a show. Here’s a look at how the action unfolded:

DO YOU LIKE FOOTBALL? Then you’ll enjoy getting our NFL newsletter delivered to your inbox

Chargers vs. Bengals highlights

Chargers survive Hail Mary attempt from the Bengals to win

After blowing a 21-point lead and taking a seven point lead, the Chargers never make it easy. Despite all of that, they finally found a way to win on Sunday night, escaping with a wild 34-27 win over the Bengals.

Chargers 34, Bengals 27: J.K. Dobbins for the lead with 18 seconds to go

Mayhem at SoFi! J.K. Dobbins takes the handoff and scores the go-ahead touchdown on a 29-yard run to put the Chargers up seven. With just 18 seconds left and one timeout, the Bengals will need a miracle.

Ladd McConkey gets the Chargers into field goal range

With just 31 seconds left in regulation, Justin Herbert finds Ladd McConkey for 27 yards to get L.A. into field goal range.

Bengals forced to punt with 50 seconds to go

If this game was a person at the bar, you’d be calling for a designated driver. The Bengals can’t take advantage of their good fortune and now the Chargers are given yet another opportunity to drive the field for a win.

Chargers go three-and-out, punt back to Cincinnati

L.A. avoids disaster as Justin Herbert nearly tossed a pick-six. He followed it up with a dime on third down, but Joshua Palmer can’t haul it in. The Chargers have to punt with hardly any time coming off the clock. Meanwhile, the L.A. pharmacy’s are raking in all the cash on blood pressure medicine on this November Sunday night.

Evan McPherson misses again, Chargers ball with 1:48 to go

A Ja’Marr Chase drop on third down forced the Bengals to settle for a Evan McPherson try from 51, but he pulled it left. It’s the kicker’s second miss in as many tries and now the Chargers have the chance to go for the win.

Justin Herbert misses a wide-open Ladd McConkey

File this one away for later. Ladd McConkey had no one in his zip code on third down, wide open down the sideline. However, Justin Herbert’s throw was too tall for the receiver, forcing L.A. to punt.

Evan McPherson misses the go-ahead field goal

Evan McPherson has been money tonight, but not anymore. The normally reliable kicker is wide left from 48, giving the Chargers the ball back at their own 38 with about seven minutes to go.

Ref throws flag on potential momentum-halting INT

It’s been all Bengals in the second half, but the Chargers almost halted the momentum for a brief moment. Key word — almost. The interception was negated by a roughing the passer penalty on L.A.’s Otito Ogbonnia, who buried Joe Burrow with all his weight. Cincinnati keeps the ball and continues to march. That’s a back-breaker.

Bengals 27, Chargers 27: Cincinnati comes from down 21 to tie the game

That sound you hear is the media deleting their stories about Zac Taylor being on the hot seat and Justin Herbert’s incredible performance. It’s also the sound of Ja’Marr Chase scoring the game-tying touchdown and the roar coming straight out of Cincinnati. Left for the dead, the Bengals have come alive in the second half to tie the game. They were down 21, but no more. It’s a new ballgame in L.A., as the Chargers can’t avoid their patented collapse.

Justin Herbert fumbles, gives ball back to Bengals

The first turnover of the game comes courtesy of Justin Herbert, who dazzled in the first half. However, we’re a long way from that first half dominance. The Bengals have taken over this game, forcing a fumble on Herbert to start the fourth quarter. Cincinnati is in complete control with a chance to tie or take the lead, somehow, after a sleepy first 30 minutes.

DJ Turner II injury update: Bengals CB exits in third quarter

Following a pass break-up, DJ Turner II landed awkwardly and went straight to the locker room holding his right arm. The cornerback has been replaced by Cam Taylor-Britt after what had been a solid second half from the second-year corner.

Chargers 27, Bengals 20: Joe Burrow finds Tee Higgins on fourth down to cut the L.A. lead to 7

You can change the coaching staff. You can change the roster. You can change the city. You cannot change the Chargers. Joe Burrow launches a 42-yard bomb to Tee Higgins for the touchdown, cutting the L.A. lead to seven. Justin Herbert finds himself in a familiar spot now with three minutes to go in the third quarter. He’ll have to save his team from collapse. In the meantime, the Bengals are gaining confidence and doing everything they can to save their season.

Chargers 27, Bengals 13: Ja’Marr Chase gets Cincinnati back in the game

A three-score lead is now a two-score lead after Joe Burrow marched the Bengals down the field for a touchdown. It takes 11 plays to go 70 yards in just over five minutes, but Cincinnati has life. Ja’Marr Chase hauled in the score on fourth down, putting some pressure on the Chargers to not take their foot off the gas. These aren’t Brandon Staley’s Chargers, but that ghost of blown leads could still be lurking in the background.

Tee Higgins catch: Bengals WR hauls in pass deflected by Chargers’ LB

Not much has gone right for the Bengals tonight, but maybe their luck is shifting in the second half. They have kept the Chargers out of the end zone and Tee Higgins is making some big plays on the latest drive. This time he caught a pass deflected off his leg by L.A. linebacker Daiyan Henley.

Chargers 27, Bengals 6: Cameron Dicker good from 53 yards out

The Chargers keep on rolling. Cameron Dicker’s kick is good from 53, adding three more to the growing Cincinnati deficit.

Justin Herbert’s first half stats

Justin Herbert was 10-of-14 for 183 yards and two touchdowns in the first 30 minutes of game action while posting a 153.3 passer rating. He added four carries for 58 yards, making him a dual threat that’s only been stopped by the clock tonight.

Justin Herbert 40 time

The Chargers’ Justin Herbert has been running all over the Cincinnati defense so far tonight, but it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see the 6-foot-6 quarterback on the move. Herbert ran a 4.68-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine in 2020. After recovering from an ankle injury, Herbert has been off and running a lot more, giving another dimension to the Chargers offense. With four carries for 58 yards in the first half, it’s safe to say the Bengals didn’t get the memo.

Chargers 24, Bengals 6: Cameron Dicker adds three to close dominate first half

The Chargers are in complete control tonight and likely would’ve added another seven points if the clock didn’t have just four seconds left on it. Instead, with the ball at the one-yard line, L.A. settles for three from ‘Dicker the kicker.’

It was the finishing touch on a dominate half from Herbert and Co., while the Bengals are left searching for answers. To make matter worse for them, the Chargers are set to receive the second half kickoff.

Chargers 21, Bengals 6: J.K. Dobbins extends the L.A. lead

Four drives. Three touchdowns. The Chargers are known for their defense in 2024, but the offense is here to remind the viewers that they shouldn’t be overlooked either. This first half has been a statement from Harbaugh’s club as J.K. Dobbins adds a rushing touchdown to the tally.

Chargers 14, Bengals 6: Justin Herbert finds Quentin Johnston for the TD

Justin Herbert is putting on a show in primetime. He’s 6-for-6 for 123 yards and two touchdowns, with the latest going to Quentin Johnston. The second-year receiver extends his touchdown streak to three as the Chargers extend their lead.

Chargers 7, Bengals 6: Evan McPherson adds three more

The Bengals found themselves inside the Chargers’ 10-yard line again, but are forced to settle for another field goal from Evan McPherson. He hits from 27 yards this time, leaving the masses to wonder if his next attempt will come from 28. Field goals aren’t going to win this game, but the Chargers defense is standing tall.

End of the first quarter: Chargers up after 15 minutes following chaotic quarter

Cincinnati converted a fourth down play at the end of the quarter, but the concern could be for Tee Higgins, who took a brutal hit to his back on the final play. L.A. returned a fumble for an apparent touchdown following the Higgins hit, but replay ruled that the receiver was down. The Chargers will hold a four-point lead going into the second quarter.

Chargers 7, Bengals 3: Will Dissly hauls in a 29-yard TD

One play later, Will Dissly finds pay dirt as Justin Herbert fires one up the seam to his tight end. Dissly has really come on as a receiver for the Chargers after being mostly used as a blocker in other stops. L.A. punches back and takes the lead.

Ladd McConkey injury update: Chargers WR to the blue medical tent

Following a catch along the sideline, Ladd McConkey came up holding his shoulder and collarbone area. Geno Stone landed on him with the tackle and the receiver went into the medical tent for evaluation.

Bengals 3, Chargers 0: Cincinnati grabs the lead with Evan McPherson field goal

After first-and-goal at the L.A. three-yard line, Cincinnati is forced to settle for a field goal from Evan McPherson following a few penalties. He knocks it through from 26 yards out to give his team a 3-0 lead. Jim Harbaugh’s defense, which allows the fewest points per game in the league, comes up with a big stand.

Chargers go three-and-out on their opening drive

Much like their opponents, the Chargers’ opening drive ends without incident. L.A. came out trying to establish their identity with three straight run plays, but came up empty.

Bengals’ opening drive ends without points

While the Jermaine Burton catch stood after replay, the Bengals couldn’t do anything with it. They are forced to punt after just crossing midfield to the Chargers’ 48-yard line. Justin Herbert and the Chargers will go to work from inside their own 20.

Catch or no?

Our first stoppage of the evening comes on a Jermaine Burton catch. Or is it? Well, that’s what the referees will have to determine after Jim Harbaugh tossed his challenge flag. It’s not often we get a red flag before the yellow, but the ketchup colored laundry will either result in a completion for a Cincinnati first down or a incomplete pass that brings up third down.

UPDATE: It resulted in an 8-yard completion for the Bengals.

Chargers vs. Bengals start time

Date: Sunday, November 17, 2024
Start time: 8:20 p.m. ET (5:20 PT)

The Chargers and Bengals game will wrap up Sunday’s action for Week 11 of the 2024 NFL season with ‘Sunday Night Football’ at 8:20 p.m. ET. 

Chargers vs. Bengals TV channel

Cable TV: NBC 
Streaming: Peacock | Fubo

Chargers  vs. Bengals live stream 

Live stream:  Fubo TV, Peacock 

For cord cutters looking for a live stream for the matchup, you can turn to Fubo TV. Fubo TV carries NBC, as well as CBS, FOX, NFL Network and the ESPN family of networks, meaning you can catch NFL action through the remainder of the season. 

Peacock, NBC’s proprietary streaming service, will also carry the game. 

Stream’Sunday Night Football’with a Peacock subcription

Sunday Night Football: Chargers vs. Bengals preview 

Following a dominant win over the Raiders, the Bengals arrived in Baltimore for their Week 10 matchup, hoping for retribution. After a disappointing one-score loss in overtime to the Ravens in Week 5, Cincinnati had a chance to get its hopes for playoff contention back on track with a prime-time win on the road. 

Instead, the Bengals repeated history. 

Five weeks after quarterback Joe Burrow threw for 392 yards and five touchdowns against the Ravens, he threw for 428 yards and four touchdowns in Baltimore. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase had 264 yards and three touchdowns on 11 catches. The Bengals lost, 35-34, as the defense could not stop Baltimore’s fourth-quarter offensive surge. 

The Chargers face their first big challenge in a few weeks after three straight matchups with two-win teams. Though the Bengals are another sub-.500 team, their roster still has tons of talent, particularly on the offensive side, and may be better than their record indicates. 

Most recently, the Chargers defeated the Titans in Week 10, in which quarterback Justin Herbert continued spreading the ball around to various pass-catchers. He targeted eight different players, and six of Los Angeles’ offensive play-makers caught a pass as Herbert finished 14-of-18 on pass attempts for 164 yards and a touchdown. — Jack McKessy 

Joe Burrow vs. Justin Herbert in spotlight  – but Chargers D may steal show 

The two elite quarterbacks are a huge reason why the NFL flexed the Cincinnati Bengals vs. Los Angeles Chargers into primetime on Sunday night. 

On Sunday night, the Chargers have an opportunity to make a statement win as they enter a daunting stretch where they face some of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks in Burrow (Week 11), Lamar Jackson (Week 12), Kirk Cousins (Week 13) and Mahomes (Week 14). 

“November is the football you remember,” Chargers outside linebacker Khalil Mack said. “Just got to be hitting on all cylinders and keep elevating week by week. —Tyler Dragon 

Jesse Minter coaching history 

Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter started his coaching career as a defensive intern at Notre Dame in 2006. He spent the next decade working in college football, holding assistant roles at Cincinnati and Indiana State before becoming a defensive coordinator for the Sycamores and at Georgia State. 

In 2017, Minter broke into the NFL as an assistant on John Harbaugh’s staff with the Baltimore Ravens. He spent the next four seasons working largely as a defensive backs coach before getting a chance to serve as Vanderbilt’s defensive coordinator in 2021. 

After a year at Vanderbilt, Minter got a chance to replace Mike Macdonald as Michigan’s defensive coordinator. Minter worked for two years in tandem with Harbaugh and turned the Wolverines into one of the best defenses in the country. That powered Michigan to a national title win, after which Harbaugh and Minter defected for the NFL. — Jacob Camenker 

Jesse Minter landing spots 

Jesse Minter’s rise is similar to that of Mike Macdonald, who coached for both Harbaugh brothers before the Seahawks hired him to be the NFL’s youngest head coach during the 2024 offseason. 

With that in mind, there are several potential landing spots Minter could consider if he gets head coaching interviews in 2024, including the Saints and Jaguars. Here are more landing spots for the Chargers DC. 

Chargers vs. Bengals picks, predictions

Here’s how the USA TODAY Sports staff feels the Week 11 ‘SNF’ matchup between the Chargers and Bengals will shape up: 

Lorenzo Reyes: Bengals 24, Chargers 20
Tyler Dragon: Chargers 23, Bengals 22
Richard Morin: Bengals 26, Chargers 24
Jordan Mendoza: Bengals 23, Chargers 20

Bengals inactives vs. Chargers

WR Charlie Jones
WR Isaiah Williams
S Daijahn Anthony
LB Joe Bachie
OT Orlando Brown Jr.
TE Tanner McLachlin
DT Sheldon Rankins

Chargers inactives vs. Bengals

QB Easton Stick (emergency third QB)
WR DJ Chark Jr.
RB Kimani Vidal
OLB Khalil Mack
OL Brenden Jaimes
OL Jordan McFadden
TE Hayden Hurst

Tee Higgins injury update 

Head coach Zac Taylor told reporters on Friday that he expects Tee Higgins to play in the Bengals’ Week 11 ‘Sunday Night Football’ meeting with the Los Angeles Chargers. 

Higgins returned to practice this week for the first time since suffering a quad injury in practice on Oct. 25. He missed the Bengals’ last three games while recovering from the injury. 

Chargers vs. Bengals odds, moneyline, over/under 

The Chargers are favorites to defeat the Bengals, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2024 including the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code. 

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more. 

Spread: Chargers (-1) 
Moneyline: Chargers (-115); Bengals (-105) 
Over/under: 48

Not interested in this game? Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered with Thursday Night Football odds and Monday Night Football odds. 

New to sports betting? USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with the best online sportsbooks and sports betting sites. 

FEELING LUCKY?  Here are the best parlay bets and odds for NFL games this week  

AFC West division standings

Kansas City Chiefs: 9-1
Los Angeles Chargers: 6-3
Denver Broncos: 6-5
Las Vegas Raiders: 2-8

AFC North division standings

Pittsburgh Steelers: 8-2
Baltimore Ravens: 7-4
Cincinnati Bengals: 4-6
Cleveland Browns: 2-8

Bengals vs. Chargers weather report

Temperatures in the Inglewood, California, area should hover around 60 degrees around kickoff, according to AccuWeather. There’s a 0% chance of rain in the area.

While SoFi Stadium has a roof, it is an open-air venue.

4th & Monday: Our NFL newsletter always brings the blitz   

Do you like football? Then you’ll enjoy getting our NFL newsletter delivered to your inbox.   

Get the latest news, expert analysis, game insights and the must-see moments from the NFL conveniently delivered to your email inbox. Sign up now!  

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY operates independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

Alex Ovechkin’s 2024-25 season is full of milestones.

He’s playing in his 20th season in the NHL and the Washington Capitals are celebrating their 50th anniversary.

And if things continue to go well this season, Ovechkin can reach a milestone once thought unreachable.

Ovechkin, 39, entered this season needing 42 goals to break Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record of 894 career goals, which has stood since 1999. The Capitals star, who had 42 goals two seasons ago, has scored 13 times this season, including a hat trick on Sunday night.

“It’s not a question of if he’s going to break the record,’ Gretzky, now a TV analyst on TNT, said during a recent broadcast. ‘It’s a question of when is he going to break the record, which is great for the game. It’s positive and he’s been a classy player for our sport for so many years.’

If Ovechkin falls short this season — he scored 31 goals last season — he has one more season left on his contract.

Here’s where Ovechkin stands in his chase of Gretzky’s goal record:

How many goals does Alex Ovechkin have?

Ovechkin has 866 career goals.

How close is Alex Ovechkin to Wayne Gretzky’s goal record?

Ovechkin needs 29 goals to break Gretzky’s record.

How many goals does Alex Ovechkin have this season?

Ovechkin has 13 goals (tied for the league lead) and 10 assists in 17 games. He didn’t hit 13 goals until his 48th game last season. He’s on pace for 62 goals this season.

What did Alex Ovechkin do in his last game?

Ovechkin had three goals on five shots in Sunday’s 5-2 win against the Vegas Golden Knights. His power play wrist shot from the left faceoff circle went off Vegas’ Alex Pietrangelo and past goalie Ilya Samsonov in the first period.

It was Ovechkin’s first career goal against Samsonov, a former teammate who became the 177th goalie he has scored against. That ties him with Patrick Marleau at second overall, one behind Jaromir Jagr.

Ovechkin scored again in the second period, taking a pass from Matt Roy on a 2-on-1 break, skating into the zone and ripping a wrist shot past Samsonov from the right faceoff circle.

Ovechkin completed the hat trick with an empty-net goal.

When is Alex Ovechkin’s next game?

Ovechkin plays Monday, Nov. 18, at the Utah Hockey Club. Technically, Utah is a new NHL franchise, so he has never faced the team. But he has 10 goals in 26 career games against the former Arizona Coyotes.

Alex Ovechkin career goal breakdown

Even strength: 546, third overall

Power play: 315, a record

Short-handed: 5

Empty net: 59, a record

Game winners: 131, second overall

Multi-goal games: 176, second overall

Hat tricks: 31, sixth overall

How did Alex Ovechkin fare last season?

He had an uncharacteristically slow start, including a 14-game goal drought. But he started picking up after the All-Star Game, scoring in six of seven games with another stretch of eight goals in five games and finished with 31. By picking up his 18th 30-goal season, he broke the record he shared with Hall of Famer Mike Gartner. Ovechkin broke Gretzky’s record for empty-net goals and moved into second place all-time with 19 consecutive 20-goal seasons. He also improved to 129 game-winning goals, leaving him six behind record-holder Jagr.

Who are the NHL’s top all-time goal scorers?

The top 20 NHL all-time goal scorers have all topped 600 goals and Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby can join them this season. All of the players are in the Hockey Hall of Fame, except Ovechkin, Crosby and Jagr, who is still playing in Czechia.

1. Wayne Gretzky,  894 goals in 1,487 games

2. Alex Ovechkin, 866 goals in 1,443 games

3. Gordie Howe, 801 goals in 1,767 games

4. Jaromir Jagr, 766 goals in 1,733 games

5. Brett Hull, 741 goals in 1,269 games

6. Marcel Dionne, 731 in 1,348 games

7. Phil Esposito, 717 goals in 1,282 games

8. Mike Gartner, 708 goals in 1,432 games

9. Mark Messier, 694 goals in 1,756 games

10. Steve Yzerman, 692 goals in 1,514 games

11. Mario Lemieux, 690 goals in 915 games

12. Teemu Selanne, 684 goals in 1,451 games

13. Luc Robitaille, 668 goals in 1,431 games

14. Brendan Shanahan, 656 goals in 1,524 games

15. Dave Andreychuk, 640 goals in 1,639 games

16. Jarome Iginla, 625 goals in 1,554 games

17. Joe Sakic, 625 goals in 1,378 games

18. Bobby Hull, 610 goals in 1,063 games

19. Dino Ciccarelli, 608 goals in 1,232 games

20. Jari Kurri, 601 goals in 1,251 games

21. Sidney Crosby, 599 goals in 1,292 games