Breaking down the best and worst from Week 13 of the NFL: 5. Best third-string quarterback: T.J. Yates » The rookie played well enough (12-for-25, 188 yards, one TD) for the injury-riddled Texans to win their franchise-record sixth straight game over the Falcons. The fifth-round pick, filling in for starter Matt Schaub and backup Matt Leinart, showed poise and had the Houston crowd chanting “T.J.”
4. Best running day: Ray Rice?» The Ravens finally just gave Rice the ball, providing their workhorse with 29 carries. He amassed 204 yards and a touchdown in Baltimore’s 24-10 win over the Browns. In the Ravens’ three losses, Rice got the ball 26 times total.
3. Worst timeout: Jason Garrett ?» The Cowboys coach called a timeout as rookie kicker Dan Bailey connected on a 49-yard field goal with seven seconds remaining that would have given Dallas a 16-13 lead on the Cardinals. Bailey missed the next attempt, the game went into overtime and Arizona won on LaRod Stephens-Howling’s 52-yard TD reception.
2. Worst playoff fate: Bears » With Jay Cutler out and now Matt Forte out with a sprained right knee, the Bears’ once-potent offense is in serious trouble. Backup Caleb Hanie has thrown six interceptions in two losses and was outplayed by Kansas City’s Tyler Palko on Sunday. Donovan McNabb might not be a bad pickup at this point.
1. Best playoff clinch: Packers » Aaron Rodgers helped Green Bay move to 12-0 for the first time with a last-minute drive for a 38-35 victory over Eli Manning and the Giants. With the Lions losing Sunday night, the Packers earned a playoff spot. Meanwhile, the 49ers clinched the NFC West with a 26-0 win over the Rams.
– Scott Gleeson
