Late touchdowns and last-play stops decide Sunday’s early NFL window

Sunday’s eight-game early NFL window repeatedly came down to the last possession. Efton Chism’s touchdown and Craig Woodson’s interception beat Buffalo, Kyren Williams brought the Rams back in Philadelphia, and CeeDee Lamb finished Dallas’ comeback in Houston. New York’s Deonte Banks supplied the most abrupt ending, returning a final-play interception 98 yards. All eight results below are final; each heading links to the full game report.

Patriots 29, Bills 26

New England answered Keon Coleman’s go-ahead touchdown with a 73-yard drive ending in Chism’s 23-yard catch with 1:50 left. Maye found Rhamondre Stevenson for the two-point conversion, then Woodson intercepted Josh Allen to protect the three-point lead. The Patriots improved to 2–2 and handed Buffalo its first loss. Romeo Doubs had supplied New England’s earlier passing touchdowns; the finish required both the offense’s response and a defensive stop.

Bears 23, Jets 12

Kyle Monangai’s 30 carries produced 146 yards and two touchdowns as Chicago kept the ball for 42:45. Tyson Bagent ran the offense with Caleb Williams inactive. The Jets scored on Isaiah Williams’ 58-yard reception with 9:16 remaining, but never got another possession: Chicago used 18 plays to consume the rest of the game. New York finished without a third-down conversion, while the Bears improved to 3–1 behind 232 rushing yards.

Jaguars 22, Bengals 17

Jacksonville’s defense stopped Chase Brown one yard short on fourth down in the final minute. That tackle preserved a five-point win despite Cincinnati’s 437 yards of offense. Jourdan Lewis’ interception had created the short field for Brian Thomas Jr.’s touchdown, and Chris Rodriguez Jr.’s 25-yard scoring run gave Jacksonville its fourth-quarter cushion. Trevor Lawrence completed 18 of 23 for 227 yards without an interception. Burrow’s two interceptions and the final stop outweighed Cincinnati’s yardage advantage.

Giants 36, Cardinals 24

Arizona reached New York’s 4-yard line needing a touchdown to overturn a 30–24 deficit. After three incompletions, Banks intercepted the fourth-down pass and ran 98 yards as time expired. Jameis Winston threw three touchdown passes, and Malik Nabers gained 112 receiving yards. The Giants survived their own three turnovers and improved to 3–1. Dominic Zvada’s 52-yard field goal had established the six-point margin before the last Cardinals possession.

Rams 24, Eagles 20

Philadelphia led 20–10 until the final four minutes, when Williams scored twice. Between those touchdowns, Los Angeles forced a three-and-out and regained possession at its own 21. Stafford’s completions moved the Rams downfield before Williams’ 7-yard go-ahead run with 1:10 left. Byron Young’s two sacks on Philadelphia’s final possession helped close the game. The comeback changed a result that had favored the Eagles throughout much of the afternoon.

Packers 17, Buccaneers 14

Green Bay survived two fourth-quarter giveaways after taking a 17–7 lead. Jordan Love had thrown touchdowns to Matthew Golden and Tucker Kraft, while Trey Smack’s 58-yard field goal supplied the eventual three-point margin. Jalon Daniels brought Tampa Bay closer with a touchdown to Kenny Gainwell, but the Buccaneers could not finish their last possession. The Packers’ defense protected a lead their offense had twice failed to extend late in the game.

Ravens 24, Titans 18

Baltimore’s 24–7 halftime lead had to last through a scoreless second half after Lamar Jackson left with an ankle injury. A goal-line stop had triggered a 98-yard touchdown drive, and Tyler Loop’s 64-yard field goal added the last Ravens points. Tennessee threatened with a late touchdown and two-point conversion before Malaki Starks recovered the onside kick. Jackson’s future availability remains unresolved after the coach’s postgame comments; Tyler Huntley handled the second half.

Cowboys 34, Texans 30

Lamb’s 12-yard touchdown with 40 seconds left completed Dallas’ recovery from a 16–6 halftime deficit. He caught 17 passes for 189 yards, while Javonte Williams scored three rushing touchdowns. Houston had regained the lead on Woody Marks’ late touchdown, helped by a Dalton Schultz lateral to David Montgomery. Prescott answered with a 74-yard drive that included Ferguson’s fourth-down conversion. Nico Collins returned with 118 receiving yards and two touchdowns, but Dallas finished its last chance.

The detailed reports include the named scoring plays, full statistical context and official clips. This collection covers only the eight 1 PM games. Indianapolis’ London win was reported earlier, and the four late-afternoon games remain outside this completed window. Their scores will enter separate recaps once their results are verified. The current injury reports also remain separate from these final game results.