Week 12: Browns Edge Steelers in Snow, 49ers Face Injury Concerns, and Ravens-Chargers Preview

What is NFL Catch-Up?

Welcome to the NFL Catch-Up podcast, delivering you a weekly catch-up of the most interesting stories and trends from around the NFL. We drop NFL Catch-Up every Friday morning all year long across the major podcast platforms. You can find us on X @nfl_catchup. We're also available on YouTube and on the web at nflcatchup.com.

Welcome to another episode of NFL Catch Up, a recap of the opinions and analysis from national experts across the NFL podcasting landscape -- delivering you a weekly catch-up of the most interesting takes from around the NFL. We drop NFL Catch-Up every Friday morning all year long across the major podcast platforms. You can find us on X at nfl underscore catch up. We're also available on YouTube and on the web at nflcatchup.com.
Let's dive right into this week's biggest stories, starting with a snowy showdown in Cleveland that came down to the wire.
The Cleveland Browns pulled off a stunning twenty four to nineteen victory over their division rival Pittsburgh Steelers in a game that will be remembered for its dramatic finish in heavy snow. With just fifty seven seconds left on the clock, Nick Chubb plowed through the accumulating snow for a two yard touchdown run that sealed the deal for Cleveland.
This game was a rollercoaster, folks. The Browns had built up a twelve point lead in the fourth quarter, but the Steelers battled back to take a nineteen to eighteen advantage. It looked like Pittsburgh might escape with the win, but a crucial mistake by their punter opened the door for Cleveland. Corliss Waitman shanked a punt that traveled just sixteen yards, giving the Browns excellent field position for their final drive.
The field conditions were treacherous, with snow piling up and obscuring the yard lines. But Cleveland quarterback Jameis Winston, who's been thrust into action due to injuries, managed to complete a huge third down pass to Jerry Jeudy that put the Browns in striking distance. Two plays later, it was Chubb time. The bruising back powered his way into the end zone through the snow to stun the Steelers.
This loss snaps a five game winning streak for Pittsburgh and drops them to eight and three on the season. Meanwhile, Cleveland improves to three and eight, keeping their slim playoff hopes alive in a highly competitive AFC North. The Browns deserve a ton of credit for pulling this one out in extremely difficult conditions against a red-hot Steelers team.
Moving on to some injury news that could have major implications for one of the NFC's top contenders. The San Francisco Forty Niners are dealing with health concerns for several key players as they prepare for a crucial matchup with the Green Bay Packers.
Most notably, quarterback Brock Purdy is battling a shoulder issue that kept him limited in practice this week. Purdy didn't throw during Thursday's session and instead spent time in the weight room. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said they're hopeful Purdy will be ready for Sunday, but his status remains up in the air.
This is a potentially massive blow for San Francisco. Purdy has been the engine that makes this offense go, completing sixty six percent of his passes for two thousand six hundred and thirteen yards with thirteen touchdowns and eight interceptions on the season. Perhaps even more importantly, he's added two hundred and sixty seven rushing yards and twenty six first downs with his legs. That scrambling ability has been crucial in extending drives.
Shanahan had high praise for his young quarterback, saying Purdy is playing at the exact same level as last year despite the team's struggles. The coach compared Purdy to a point guard who's been stripped of his shooters, emphasizing how the quarterback has maintained his performance even as the team around him has faltered at times.
If Purdy can't go, the Forty Niners would likely turn to either Brandon Allen or Josh Dobbs under center. That would be a significant downgrade against a Packers defense that's been playing much better in recent weeks.
But it's not just Purdy who's banged up for San Francisco. All-Pro defensive end Nick Bosa is dealing with an injury to both obliques, while star left tackle Trent Williams is nursing an ankle issue. Neither player has practiced this week, putting their status for Sunday in serious doubt as well.
This is far from ideal timing for the Forty Niners, who have stumbled to a five and five record and desperately need a win to stay in the NFC playoff picture. They're facing a Packers team that's won some close games lately and appears to be hitting its stride at the right time.
Speaking of Green Bay, their young quarterback Jordan Love is trending in the opposite direction health-wise. After battling through knee and groin injuries for much of the season, Love is finally starting to feel healthy again. That improved mobility was on display in the Packers' recent win over the Bears, as Love was able to extend plays and make things happen outside the pocket.
Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur emphasized how dangerous Love can be when he's able to scramble, saying there's no defense for a broken play where the quarterback can buy time. Forty Niners defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen echoed those sentiments, praising Love's ability to move around and still push the ball downfield to his receivers.
This game has some added juice for the Packers after San Francisco knocked them out of the playoffs last season. Love threw two costly interceptions in that matchup, including one to Dre Greenlaw that sealed the win for the Forty Niners. You can bet Green Bay will be looking for some revenge on Sunday.
With the injury concerns for San Francisco and Love getting healthier for Green Bay, this game suddenly looks a lot more competitive than it did a few weeks ago. It should be a great litmus test for both teams as we head into the final stretch of the regular season.
Shifting gears, I want to talk about an intriguing development out of Philadelphia. The Eagles are dealing with an injury concern of their own, as star wide receiver DeVonta Smith has missed practice time this week due to a lingering hamstring issue.
Smith has been battling this hamstring problem for a while now, but he's managed to gut it out and stay on the field. Through nine games, he's hauled in forty one catches for five hundred and sixteen yards and four touchdowns. Those are solid numbers, but a bit below the lofty expectations many had for Smith coming into the year.
What's impressive is that Smith has only missed two games in his entire four year NFL career. That kind of durability is rare for a receiver, especially one who takes as many hits as Smith does given his slight frame. It speaks to his toughness and competitiveness that he's been able to play through this nagging injury.
The Eagles have a huge Sunday Night Football matchup with the Los Angeles Rams coming up, so Smith's status will be one to monitor closely. Philadelphia sits at eight and two on the season and is in prime position to secure the number one seed in the NFC. But they can't afford many slip-ups with teams like the Detroit Lions and San Francisco Forty Niners nipping at their heels.
If Smith can't go, it will put more pressure on A.J. Brown and Dallas Goedert to carry the passing game. Quarterback Jalen Hurts may also need to use his legs more to create offense. The Rams have been up and down defensively this season, so this could be a spot where the Eagles try to control the game on the ground and limit the strain on their passing attack.
It's a testament to Philadelphia's depth that they can withstand an injury to a player of Smith's caliber. But make no mistake, they're a much more dangerous offense when he's on the field stretching defenses vertically. His status will be crucial to monitor as we get closer to kickoff on Sunday night.
Now I want to discuss a player who's been flying under the radar a bit this season, but is quietly having another excellent year. Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans appears set to return from a three game absence due to a hamstring injury.
Evans has been a model of consistency throughout his career, recording one thousand plus receiving yards in each of his first nine NFL seasons. That ties Jerry Rice's record, and Evans has a great shot at breaking it if he can reach that mark again this year.
What's remarkable about Evans is how he's maintained his production despite constant change around him. He's played with multiple quarterbacks, in different offensive systems, and has seen the talent level of his supporting cast fluctuate wildly. Yet he just keeps producing year after year.
This season, Evans has three hundred and thirty five receiving yards through seven games. That puts him on pace to eclipse one thousand yards yet again, assuming he can stay healthy down the stretch. His return couldn't come at a better time for a Buccaneers team that's lost three straight games and sits at four and six on the season.
Tampa Bay is about to enter a soft part of their schedule, with games against the Giants, Panthers, and Raiders coming up. If they can get hot during this stretch, they could potentially climb back into the NFC South race. Having Evans back in the lineup gives quarterback Baker Mayfield a true number one target to rely on in crucial situations.
What's always impressed me about Evans is his ability to win in multiple ways. He can beat you deep with his size and leaping ability. He's a nightmare in the red zone due to his catch radius. And he's developed into an excellent route runner who can create separation on short and intermediate routes as well.
As he enters the back half of his career, Evans isn't showing any signs of slowing down. If he can stay healthy and productive for a few more seasons, he has a real shot at putting together a Hall of Fame worthy resume. His consistency and longevity are truly remarkable in a league where receiver production often falls off a cliff once players hit their thirties.
The Buccaneers will be counting on Evans to provide a spark for an offense that's been inconsistent this season. If he can return to form quickly, it could be the boost Tampa Bay needs to make a late season push in a wide open NFC South.
Let's wrap up today's show by discussing an upcoming matchup that has major playoff implications in the AFC. The Baltimore Ravens will host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday Night Football in a game that could have a huge impact on the conference standings.
Baltimore currently sits atop the AFC North with a seven and three record. They've won four of their last five games and appear to be hitting their stride at the right time. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is playing some of the best football of his career, showcasing improved accuracy as a passer while still being a threat with his legs.
The Ravens defense has been their calling card this season. They lead the NFL in sacks and have been creating turnovers at an impressive clip. Linebacker Roquan Smith has been playing at an All-Pro level, flying all over the field and setting the tone for this unit.
On the other side, the Chargers come in with a four and six record and desperately need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Los Angeles has been one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL this season, failing to live up to lofty preseason expectations.
Quarterback Justin Herbert has put up solid numbers, but he hasn't been able to elevate the offense in crucial moments like many expected. The Chargers have struggled to close out games, with five of their six losses coming by one score or less.
This feels like a make or break game for Los Angeles. A loss would drop them to four and seven and likely end any realistic shot at the postseason. But a win over a quality Ravens team could potentially spark a late season run.
The key matchup to watch will be the Chargers offense against Baltimore's aggressive defense. Los Angeles has struggled to protect Herbert at times this season. If the Ravens can generate consistent pressure, it could lead to some turnover opportunities that swing the game in their favor.
On the flip side, the Chargers defense will have its hands full trying to contain Lamar Jackson. Los Angeles has been vulnerable against mobile quarterbacks this season, so they'll need to be disciplined in their rush lanes to keep Jackson from breaking containment.
This game has major implications for the AFC playoff picture. A Ravens win would keep them in prime position for a first round bye. But if the Chargers can pull off the upset, it would tighten up the wild card race considerably. It should be a great primetime matchup between two talented teams with a lot on the line.
Thank you for listening today. We would kindly ask that you rate, review, share and subscribe to NFL Catch-Up. Remember we drop every Friday morning all year long across the major podcast platforms. You can find us on X at nfl underscore catchup. We're also available on YouTube and on the web at nflcatchup.com.