NFL roundup: Rudolph brings Christmas gift to Steelers, Bills maintain playoff push

The AFC East remains highly competitive as the Buffalo Bills secured a narrow 24-22 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers, thanks to a late field goal by Tyler Bass.

Pittsburgh's quarterback, Mason Rudolph, made an impressive start to the season by throwing for 290 yards and two touchdowns. This decision by head coach Mike Tomlin to promote Rudolph over Mitch Trubisky proved to be a wise one.

After a three-game losing streak, the Steelers managed to break their slump with a remarkable victory against the Bengals, who had previously won their last three games.

Both teams now have a record of 8-7 with only two regular season games left, as they strive to secure a wildcard spot. The Baltimore Ravens have already secured their place in the playoffs as AFC North winners.

George Pickens, the Steelers receiver who had faced criticism for his blocking in the previous week's loss against Indianapolis, redeemed himself by scoring both touchdowns and accumulating an impressive 195 yards on four receptions.

Pickens immediately made an impact in the game by scoring an 86-yard touchdown on the second play of the Steelers' possession, showcasing his agility and elusiveness against the Bengals' defense.

Bengals quarterback, Jake Browning, who had been performing well in the absence of the injured starter Joe Burrow, faced difficulties in this game as he threw two interceptions in the first half. Meanwhile, the Steelers' offense was firing on all cylinders.

Calvin Austin extended the Steelers' lead at the beginning of the second quarter with a seven-yard run, followed by a three-yard rush from Najee Harris, making the score 21-0.

A 50-yard field goal by Chris Boswell cemented the Steelers' dominance in the first half, giving them a comfortable 24-0 lead.

The Bengals needed a strong start in the second half, and they achieved just that when Browning connected with Tee Higgins for an 80-yard touchdown after the catch.

A successful two-point conversion, with Joe Mixon collecting Browning's shovel pass, narrowed the deficit to 16.

However, the Steelers wasted no time in responding, as Pickens once again delivered. Rudolph found him wide left, and the speedy receiver powered home for a 66-yard score, making it 31-8.

In the closing moments of the third quarter, the Bengals could only manage a field goal, while the Steelers effectively controlled the game. Boswell sealed an impressive display with a 30-yard field goal.

Rudolph, the Steelers' third quarterback of the season after starter Kenny Pickett's injury, expressed satisfaction with the team's performance. "We did a great job across the board," he said. "The defense was on fire, creating turnovers and giving us short fields. We will carry this momentum into next week."

The Steelers will travel to Seattle on New Year's Eve before concluding their season against the Ravens. On the other hand, the Bengals will face Super Bowl champions Kansas City next and then close out the regular season at home against the 9-5 Cleveland Browns, who are also vying for a wildcard spot in the AFC North.

In another game, the Bills (9-6) managed to revive their season with three consecutive wins. However, they faced a tough challenge against an improved Chargers team at SoFi Stadium.

After last week's 63-21 defeat to Las Vegas, the Chargers fired their coach Brandon Staley. Interim head coach Giff Smith took charge and immediately produced improvement.

The Chargers took an early 10-0 lead in the second quarter when quarterback Easton Stick rushed for a one-yard touchdown. However, the Bills fought back and ended the first half with a four-point lead. Josh Allen, the Bills' quarterback, connected with Gabe Davis for a 57-yard touchdown pass and also rushed for a two-yard score himself.

A field goal by Cameron Dicker allowed the Chargers to regain the lead, but Allen quickly responded with a short yardage rush, bringing the score to 21-13.

However, in the fourth quarter, the Chargers managed to pull ahead with three field goals from Dicker. Their lead was solidified when Bass successfully kicked a field goal after a 13-play, 64-yard drive, leaving only 28 seconds on the clock.

On the first play, Ed Oliver sacked Stick, resulting in a loss of nine yards. Despite this setback, the Bills held on and secured a crucial victory.

"At this point in the season, it doesn't matter how we win, as long as we get the job done. Tonight, we found a way," Allen commented.

Next week, the Bills will face the New England Patriots, followed by a visit to the AFC East leaders, the Miami Dolphins, on the final day. If Miami falters against Dallas on Sunday and then against the Ravens, the game against the Dolphins could potentially determine the division winner.