One other team, Cleveland, cinched a playoff spot over the weekend, upsetting Dallas 19-14 Saturday.
First-place Miami (9-5) can win the AFC East with a victory in one of its final two games against Indianapolis and Detroit.
Kansas City (7-7), playing once again without Joe Montana, was eliminated from the race for the AFC West title, but still has a shot at a wild-card berth.
Browns 19, Cowboys 14. Cleveland's Eric Turner tackled Dallas' Jay Novacek just inches from the goalline on the final play Saturday, enabling the Browns to hold off Dallas and cinch at least a wild-card playoff spot.
Quarterback Troy Aikman led Dallas 47 yards in the final minute, culminating on a short pass play to Novacek. The tight end seemed to slip as he caught the pass and Turner made the tackle. Time expired before the Cowboys could run another play.
Lions 18, Jets, 7. Earlier Saturday, Jason Hanson kicked four field goals, the game clincher a 23-yarder with 3:02 remaining, to help Detroit over New York and move closer to a playoff berth.
Detroit's third straight victory improved its record to 8-6 and kept it in the middle of the NFC playoff chase. Art Monk set an NFL record for consecutive games with a reception on New York's first play giving him 178 straight games with at least one catch.
49ers, 38, Chargers 15. On Sunday, the 49ers (12-2), with Steve Young throwing two touchdown passes and Deion Sanders adding a 90-yard interception return for a score, won their ninth straight, beating San Diego.
Steelers 14, Eagles 3. Andre Hastings and John Williams scored touchdowns 1:48 apart in the fourth quarter to lead Pittsburgh over Philadelphia and move closer to home-field advantage through the playoffs. The Steelers, play Cleveland (10-4) for the AFC Central division title next Sunday.
Raiders 23-Denver 13. The Raiders closed in on San Diego, winning their fourth game in the last five as Jeff Jaeger kicked a team-record five field goals to beat Denver. The Raiders are now a game behind the first-place Chargers.
Vikings 21, Bills 17. Warren Moon (21 of 34 for 261 yards) finally won in Buffalo after six tries in 10 years as Minnesota (9-5) moved into sole possession of first place in the NFC Central. Fuad Reveiz had five field goals, and Cris Carter caught nine passes for 111 yards to move within a catch of tying Sterling Sharpe's single-season record of 112.
In other games over the weekend, Green Bay whipped Chicago 40-3, Arizona nipped Washington 17-15, Seattle edged Houston 16-14, New Orleans held off Atlanta 29-20, Tampa Bay beat Los Angeles 24-14, New York Giants topped Cincinnati 27-20 and New England beat Indianapolis 28-13.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
