ARLINGTON, Texas — Dallas ended a four-year playoff drought Sunday in a dominating 42-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, with Tony Romo throwing four touchdown passes and breaking Troy Aikman’s franchise record for yards passing.

The Cowboys (11-4) emphatically ended a three-game home losing streak, scoring touchdowns on their first four possessions.

Dallas had an opening for its first NFC East title and postseason berth since 2009, and first under Coach Jason Garrett, because of Philadelphia’s 27-24 loss at Washington on Saturday. The Eagles were eliminated with the Cowboys’ win.

The Colts (10-5) didn’t have much to play for with the AFC South title secured, and they looked like it while barely avoiding their first shutout loss in 21 years.

Romo led scoring drives of 80 and 75 yards, the latter ending with a 24-yard pass to Cole Beasley, who spun away from a shoulder tackle by D’Qwell Jackson and ran the final 13 yards to the end zone.

Romo, 34, broke Aikman’s record on a 25-yard touchdown pass to Jason Witten, his teammate since they came into the league together 11 years ago.

Advertisement

“He’s obviously just got a special place in my heart,” said Romo, who has 32,971 career yards, 29 more than Aikman, a three-time Super Bowl winner.

FALCONS 30, SAINTS 14: Julio Jones returned from a hip injury to catch seven passes for 107 yards, and Atlanta (6-9) kept its playoff hopes alive with a win at New Orleans (6-9).

Matt Ryan completed 30 of 40 passed for 322 yards and a touchdown, and Devonta Freeman ran for a 31-yard score for Atlanta, which can win the NFC South by beating Carolina next week.

The Saints, who committed three turnovers in the fourth quarter, lost their fifth straight at home and were eliminated.

PANTHERS 17, BROWNS 13: Cam Newton threw for one touchdown and ran for another as Carolina (6-8-1) won at home, setting up a showdown with Atlanta for the NFC South title.

The Panthers-Falcons winner will join the 2010 Seahawks as the only teams to reach the postseason in a non-strike season with a losing record.

Advertisement

PACKERS 20, BUCCANEERS 3: Aaron Rodgers threw for 318 yards and a touchdown to help visiting Green Bay (11-4) clinch at least a wild-card berth.

Green Bay closes the regular season at home against Detroit, and a win would give the Packers another NFC North crown.

The Bucs (2-13) have lost five straight and remain in contention for the first overall pick in the 2015 draft.

LIONS 20, BEARS 14: Joique Bell scored the go-ahead touchdown on a sweet run in the fourth quarter, and Ndamukong Suh had two sacks as Detroit (11-4) won at Chicago (5-10).

TEXANS 25, RAVENS 13: Running back Arian Foster threw a touchdown pass, Randy Bullock made a franchise-record six field goals and Houston’s defense dominated visiting Baltimore as the Texans (8-7) kept their slim playoff hopes alive.

Baltimore (9-6) dropped out of wild-card position after Joe Flacco threw a season-high three interceptions. The Ravens now need a win over Cleveland and a loss by San Diego next week. Houston (8-7) needs both Baltimore and San Diego to lose to have a chance.

Advertisement

RAIDERS 26, BILLS 24: Derek Carr threw two touchdown passes and Sebastian Janikowski kicked four field goals to help Oakland (3-12) knock visiting Buffalo (8-7) from playoff contention.

DOLPHINS 37, VIKINGS 35: Terrence Fede blocked a punt for a safety with 41 seconds left, and Ryan Tannehill threw four touchdown passes as Miami (8-7) rallied past visiting Minnesota (6-9).

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, buoyed by the thrilling win, said Joe Philbin will return as coach next season.

RAMS 37, GIANTS 27: Odell Beckham Jr. caught two touchdown passes and rolled up 148 yards receiving against a defense that hadn’t allowed a TD in three straight games, leading New York (6-9) to a win at St. Louis (6-9).


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.