When Jonathan Taylor broke free for a 58-yard touchdown in overtime at Berlin, he didn’t just win a game—he rewrote the script for what a running back can do on the world stage. The Indianapolis Colts edged the Atlanta Falcons 31-25 on November 8, 2025, in the NFL’s latest global showcase, thanks to Taylor’s historic 32-carry, 244-yard, three-touchdown masterpiece—the most rushing yards by any back this season and the second-highest single-game total in franchise history. It wasn’t just a performance. It was a statement.
History Made in Berlin
The game wasn’t just notable for its outcome—it was a landmark for the NFL’s international push. Played at Berlin’s Olympiastadion before a sold-out crowd of 70,000, the matchup between the Colts and Falcons felt like a turning point. Taylor, wearing #28, didn’t just carry the ball—he carried the entire offense. His longest run, a 58-yarder in the third quarter, stunned the Falcons’ defense and ignited the crowd. By the end of regulation, he had already tied Edgerrin James’s franchise record for rushing yards in a game. He broke it on the first play of overtime, powering through three defenders for the game-winner.Quarterback Davis Jones (QB #17) kept things steady with 19 of 26 completions for 255 yards and a touchdown to rookie tight end Tyler Warick, who caught his first NFL score on a slant route. Meanwhile, Falcons wideout Drake London (WR #5) fought hard with six catches for 104 yards and a touchdown, but his effort was overshadowed by the sheer volume of Taylor’s work. The turning point came when center Tanner Bordellini recovered a fumble at the Atlanta 46-yard line, setting up the drive that sealed it.
Comebacks That Defined the Week
While Taylor’s night stole headlines, the rest of Week 10 was defined by resilience. On Sunday, the Houston Texans erased a 19-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 36-29. Quarterback Davis Mills (QB #10) threw for 292 yards and two touchdowns, but the real story was the team’s mental shift. Head coach DeMeco Ryans showed the squad a motivational video Saturday night—footage of the 2017 Patriots’ Super Bowl comeback—before the game. The players watched it in silence. Then they went out and did the impossible.The Chicago Bears also rallied from a double-digit second-half deficit against the New York Giants, while the Miami Dolphins crushed the Buffalo Bills 30-13 behind Devon Achan, who rushed for 174 yards and two touchdowns while adding 50 receiving yards. The Bills, now 6-3, suddenly look vulnerable in the AFC playoff race.
Franchise Moments and Record-Breaking Plays
The New York Jets didn’t just win—they made history. In a 36-second span during their 27-20 victory over the Cleveland Browns, they returned both a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns. It was the first time in franchise history that happened in a single game. DeMarcus Lawrence of the Seattle Seahawks became the fourth player in NFL history to record two fumble return touchdowns in one game, both forced by teammate Tyrice Knight, as the Seahawks routed the Arizona Cardinals 38-7.The Los Angeles Chargers delivered a statement win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, 25-10. Despite being battered all season, Justin Herbert (QB #10) threw for 220 yards and a touchdown, while Keenan Vidal (RB #30) churned out 95 yards on the ground. The win was especially sweet after last week’s loss to the Raiders.
Quarterback Dominance and Momentum Shifts
Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams threw his fourth touchdown pass of the game against the San Francisco 49ers, marking his third straight game with four TDs. It was the revenge game the Rams needed after their Week 5 overtime loss. Tight end George Kittle made a spectacular toe-tap catch for a 13-yard TD, but it wasn’t enough. The Rams won 42-26, extending their streak to four straight wins.The Detroit Lions blew out the Washington Commanders 40-17, while the Baltimore Ravens held off the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis for their third straight win. And in a poetic twist, Chris Olave of the New Orleans Saints had his first 100-yard game since Week 8 of 2024—on the very field where he’d been carted off with a concussion last November.
What This Means for the Playoff Race
Taylor’s performance didn’t just elevate the Colts—it shifted the entire AFC South conversation. With a 5-4 record, they’re now tied with the Texans and within one game of the lead. The Bills’ loss to Miami dropped them from AFC favorites to wild-card contenders. Meanwhile, the Rams and Seahawks, both at 7-2, look like legitimate Super Bowl threats. The Jets’ special teams explosion could be the spark they need after years of mediocrity. And the Chargers? They’re finally playing like a team that believes.What’s clear: this isn’t just a week of highlights. It’s a week of momentum. Teams that looked lost are suddenly surging. Stars are rising. And the playoff picture? It’s wide open.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jonathan Taylor’s 244-yard game rank in NFL history?
Taylor’s 244 rushing yards are the 12th-highest single-game total in NFL history and the highest since Derrick Henry’s 248-yard game in 2023. Only three running backs have surpassed 240 yards since 2020. His 32 carries were the most in a game this season, and his three touchdowns tied for the most by any RB in Week 10. It’s the best performance by a Colts back since Edgerrin James’ 213-yard game in 2004.
Why was the Colts-Falcons game played in Berlin?
The NFL has scheduled international games since 2007 to grow the sport globally. Berlin was chosen as the 2025 host city after a successful 2023 game in London. The league selected the Falcons and Colts based on market appeal and competitive balance. The game was part of the NFL’s broader push to establish a permanent international franchise, with Germany being a top candidate for future expansion.
Who were the standout defensive players in Week 10?
DeMarcus Lawrence of the Seahawks became only the fourth player ever with two fumble return touchdowns in one game, both forced by Tyrice Knight. Jaelan Phillips of the Eagles made his debut count with two sacks and a forced fumble against the Packers. And the Jets’ secondary held Daniel Gabriel to just 167 passing yards despite his two touchdowns, proving their defense is turning a corner after a rough start to the season.
How did the Houston Texans pull off a 19-point comeback?
Coach DeMeco Ryans showed the team a video of the 2017 Patriots’ Super Bowl comeback during a Saturday night meeting. The message: ‘No lead is safe.’ Davis Mills went 27-for-45, and Nico Collins caught seven passes for 136 yards. The defense held Jacksonville to three straight three-and-outs in the final seven minutes, including a game-sealing interception by safety Jordan Battle.
What’s next for the Los Angeles Rams after their fourth straight win?
The Rams, now 7-2, face the 49ers again in Week 11—this time at home. With Matthew Stafford throwing four TDs for the third straight game, their offense is clicking like never before. If they win, they’ll be in prime position for a first-round bye. The key will be protecting Stafford, who took six sacks in Week 10, and getting more production from rookie running back Roman Wilson.
Did any rookies make a major impact in Week 10?
Yes. Tyler Warick, the Colts’ rookie tight end, caught his first NFL touchdown and had three receptions for 41 yards. Miami’s Devon Achan, a third-round pick, ran for 174 yards and two scores. And Seattle’s Tyrice Knight, a second-year linebacker, forced two fumbles—one returned for a touchdown—and added 11 tackles. These rookies aren’t just playing; they’re changing games.