NFL Week 16 Takeaways: Updated Playoff Picture, Latest Eliminated Teams and More
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas—and the stretch run to the NFL playoffs.
The postseason picture is coming into focus, but there's still a lot of jockeying for position to be done, and a lot that can change over the next next two weekends, with Week 16 providing some clarity.
The week kicked off with a Thursday night battle between AFC West playoff hopefuls. The Los Angeles Chargers prevailed over the Denver Broncos in a back-and-forth 34-27 affair that was the last thing expected from two defenses tied for the NFL lead in points allowed entering Week 16.
On Saturday, the Kansas City Chiefs took another step toward claiming the AFC's No. 1 seed, though the Buffalo Bills remain in the mix.
On Sunday, Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. won in his first career start, largely thanks to his supporting cast. The Los Angeles Rams won another low-scoring game, though they're primed for a strong finish at home. And the race for the NFC's No. 1 seed will be exciting as the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings hold the same record.
On Monday, the Green Bay Packers pitched the first shutout of the 2024 season to punch their ticket to the playoffs.
As they do every week, Bleacher Report NFL analysts Gary Davenport, Kristopher Knox, Maurice Moton and Brent Sobleski broke down all of Week 16's most impactful happenings with the biggest takeaways from every game.
AFC Playoff Picture
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Current AFC Playoff Standings
1. Kansas City Chiefs (14-1)*
2. Buffalo Bills (12-3)*
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5)*
4. Houston Texans (9-6)*
5. Baltimore Ravens (10-5)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6)
7. Denver Broncos (9-6)
In the Hunt
8. Indianapolis Colts (7-8)
9. Miami Dolphins (7-8)
10. Cincinnati Bengals (7-8)
Eliminated: Cleveland Browns (3-12), Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12), Las Vegas Raiders (3-12), New England Patriots (3-12), New York Jets (4-11), Tennessee Titans (3-12)
*= clinched playoff berth
NFC Playoff Picture
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Current NFC Playoff Standings
1. Detroit Lions (13-2)*
2. Philadelphia Eagles (12-3)*
3. Los Angeles Rams (9-6)
4. Atlanta Falcons (8-7)
5. Minnesota Vikings (13-2)*
6. Green Bay Packers (11-4)*
7. Washington Commanders (10-5)
In the Hunt
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7)
9. Seattle Seahawks (8-7)
Eliminated: Arizona Cardinals (7-8) Carolina Panthers (4-11), Dallas Cowboys (6-8) Chicago Bears (4-11), New York Giants (2-13) New Orleans Saints (5-10), San Francisco 49ers (6-9)
*= clinched playoff berth
Green Bay Packers 34, New Orleans Saints 0
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Packers Officially Enter Playoff Picture as a Very Scary Challenger
Monday night's win over the New Orleans Saints clinched a playoff berth for Green Bay. The Packers have spent most of the season overshadowed by the Lions, Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles—perhaps not so coincidentally, the only teams to which the Packers have lost this year. However, Green Bay is a very scary team.
Quarterback Jordan Love can put the ball anywhere on the field and has the tools to burn defenses with his arm or his legs. Josh Jacobs is an elite dual-threat running back and has some strong complements in Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks.
The Packers don't have a true star receiver, but their young receiving group—which features Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks and tight end Tucker Kraft—is one of the best in the NFL.
While Green Bay's defense was a bit thin in the secondary—Jaire Alexander, Javon Bullard and Evan Williams all missed the game with injuries—a potent front seven smothered the Saints throughout the night. Defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt and rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper was particularly impressive.
Kicker Brandon McManus, who drilled 55- and 46-yard field goals in frigid conditions, lurks as an additional weapon.
Green Bay dominated the Saints in every phase and never let up, even as backups took the field in garbage time. That's the mark of a team focused on the postseason and a credit to Matt LaFleur, who is the most experienced head coach in the current NFC playoff field.
Given New Orleans' injuries, this game was a mismatch, plain and simple. However, we've seen even seasoned playoff squads fall victim to trap games before. The Packers have the league's youngest roster, but they're beyond ready for prime time and to make some serious noise in the postseason.
Parting With Derek Carr Might Not Be an Option for the Saints in 2025
The Saints, who were without starting quarterback Derek Carr, star running back Alvin Kamara and No. 1 receiver Chris Olave, weren't widely expected to have Green Bay on upset alert. The game did give New Orleans another opportunity to evaluate rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler.
Jake Haener, who started in place of Carr last week, was pulled for Rattler against Washington. The rookie did enough in that game to give New Orleans a shot to win and to get another start against Green Bay.
Unfortunately, Rattler (15-of-30 for 153 yards, 1 INT) did little to inspire confidence on Monday. He had a few impressive throws but also had a number of misfires and mental errors.
Haener, a 2023 fourth-round pick, hasn't looked like an NFL start in his opportunities this season. Rattler hasn't been much better. That's part of the reason why New Orleans may have to hang onto Carr in 2025, even if they target another developmental signal-caller in the draft.
Carr hasn't been the missing piece of the playoff puzzle that New Orleans hoped he could be, but he's hands-down the best quarterback on the roster and it isn't remotely close—all five wins have come with the 33-year-old behind center.
The Saints can't exactly afford to bring in a veteran replacement either, as they're projected to be $78 million over the salary cap. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, that's another reason why Carr is likely to be back.
"Right now, because this team is so strapped against the cap, Derek Carr is in line to be back next year," Schefter said on Monday Night Countdown. (h/t Bleacher Report's Zach Bachar). "They don't have a lot of flexibility, he makes the most sense. And it certainly looks like he can be back next season."
There is a path to moving on from Carr, as releasing him with a post-June 1 designation would save $30 million in cap space. In all likelihood, though, the Saints will likely spend the early offseason trying to lure a new head coach who is willing to work with Carr.
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Atlanta Falcons 34, New York Giants 7
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Michael Penix Jr. Has the Supporting Cast to Be a Successful Starter in Atlanta
Michael Penix Jr. didn't have to do the heavy lifting for the Atlanta Falcons to blow out the New York Giants, which is the ideal scenario for a rookie quarterback making his first career start amid a playoff push.
Penix threw for 202 yards and an interception, though tight end Kyle Pitts committed the turnover when the ball slipped out of his hands. Running back Bijan Robinson scored twice, and the Falcons defense recorded a couple of pick-sixes.
Atlanta has the roster to support Penix in his early stages of development. He won't benefit from defensive scores every week, but Drake London and Darnell Mooney are solid receivers, and the offensive line kept the rookie signal-caller clean for most of the game.
Penix did a good job of spreading the ball, completing passes to seven pass-catchers. He also showed some pocket savvy, using his eyes to hold the safeties in one place and firing accurate passes to the other side of the field.
In Week 17, Penix will face a tougher test on the road in Washington, though he can provide a spark in the passing game.
Drew Lock Has Cemented Himself as a Career Backup Quarterback
Drew Lock wasn't going to save one of the worst Giants teams in history, but he's done little to help the situation with his turnovers.
Lock has an opportunity to use the last few weeks of the season as an audition for 31 other teams. Yet the sixth-year veteran has shown why he's nothing more than a backup quarterback.
Lock has thrown at least one interception in all three of his starts this year. The Falcons intercepted two of his passes and returned both for pick-sixes. On the first turnover, Lock stared down his receiver until he threw it to safety Jessie Bates III.
At this point of his career, Lock continues to make basic mistakes that you often see from inexperienced quarterbacks. At 28, he's not going to show much improvement.
Los Angeles Rams 19, New York Jets 9
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Red-Hot Rams Are Set Up to Win NFC West Title
The Los Angeles Rams have two crucial division games left on their schedule against the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks. Though they have struggled to score in their last two outings (31 points over the last two weeks), the NFC West leaders are headed back home, where they average about a touchdown more in scoring than on the road.
Outdoors on grass, the Rams have played at a slower pace and found themselves in low-scoring slogs similar to Sunday's matchup with the New York Jets.
However, when the Rams are on artificial turf at SoFi Stadium, they could go up and down the field on their opponents. Los Angeles has scored 30-plus points twice this season, both games at home.
Earlier in the season, the Rams lost in a 41-10 blowout to the Cardinals without Puka Nacua, and Cooper Kupp suffered an ankle injury in that game. They also beat the Seahawks 26-20 in overtime at Lumen Field in Week 9.
Los Angeles will host Arizona and Seattle in the next two weeks, and its key offensive playmakers will be healthy. The Rams offense should get back on the right track in those games.
Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams Can Be Effective Duo for New Team in 2025
The Jets will likely reshape their roster with a new coaching staff and general manager in 2025.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Rodgers is a "long shot" to stay in New York with Gang Green.
If Rodgers goes elsewhere, wide receiver Davante Adams could join him on a new team. Remember, while with the Las Vegas Raiders, Adams requested a trade and wanted to reunite with Rodgers in New York.
Though Adams has two years left on his deal, he can go elsewhere in the offseason. Rapoport broke down how the three-time All-Pro can control his short-term future.
"Adams is on the books for $35.64 million for each year in 2025 and 2026. The Jets will never pay him that kind of money at age 33 and 34. All sides know those numbers will have to be redone. If Adams wants out, he can simply decline any offers to redo the deal and wait until they release him before free agency begins on March 12 (rather than carry that number into the new league year)."
Rodgers and Adams didn't quite click in their first two months together in New York, but the wideout has scored touchdowns in four consecutive games, recording five in total during that span.
With a full offseason together in 2025, Rodgers and Adams can get off to a quick start with a team that needs an offensive boost to get over the hump.
Cincinnati Bengals 24, Cleveland Browns 6
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Bengals Defense Can Find Confidence In Sunday's Performance
It may be too little and too late for the Cincinnati Bengals. At 7-8, Cincinnati needs quite a lot of help to sneak into the postseason as the AFC's final wild-card team. It's unfortunate because Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense have been phenomenal for most of the year.
Cincinnati's lackluster defense, however, has prevented the team from ever really entering the Super Bowl conversation. The unit came into Sunday ranked 29th overall and 31st in points allowed.
For one of the first times this season, though, the Bengals defense stood tall Sunday. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo called an aggressive game against Cleveland, and his players responded well.
Cincinnati's defense recorded four sacks and notched three takeaways, and held the Cleveland Browns below 300 yards and to just six points.
Now, it's worth noting that Cleveland opted to start third-string quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and many of the Browns' mistakes were self-inflicted. So what? The Bengals have been desperate for a strong defensive performance, and they finally got one.
That could propel the Bengals heading into their final two games against the Broncos and Steelers. Can it propel them to the postseason? Probably not, but Cincinnati does have a chance to end the year on a high note—on both sides of the ball.
Browns Must Brace Themselves for Myles Garrett Trade Talk
Browns pass-rusher Myles Garrett made history Sunday. His second-quarter sack put him over 100 for his career. Exactly one week before his 29th birthday, Garrett has become the youngest player in NFL history to reach 100 sacks.
Unfortunately, that was pretty much the only highlight of Cleveland's day, and with another poor performance, Garrett's future must come into question. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year made headlines earlier in the week when discussing his desire to remain in Cleveland with a caveat.
"I'm not trying to rebuild. I'm trying to win right now," Garrett said, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. "I want that to be apparent, when the season's over and we have those discussions, I want them to be able to illuminate that for me, illustrate that for me, so that can be something that I can see in the near future."
It was impossible to watch the Browns stumble and bumble against the Bengals and think that this team is anywhere close to competing for a Super Bowl. The need for a franchise quarterback has been obvious, but Sunday's game was another example of how quarterback isn't Cleveland's only need.
D'Onta Foreman's goal-line fumble on the Browns' opening drive essentially set the tone. Thompson-Robinson never played like a starting-caliber quarterback, Cleveland's defense frequently surrendered easy yards, Dustin Hopkins continued missing kicks, and the offense repeatedly struggled against a Cincinnati defense that has consistently underwhelmed.
The Browns simply aren't good, and they're highly unlikely to dramatically improve in a single offseason—not while facing a projected cap deficit of $78.1 million. The idea that Cleveland can convince Garrett that it has a plan for winning sooner than later, at this point, is laughable.
Teams will come calling about Garrett in the offseason, and it should surprise no one if the star pass-rusher makes an official trade request.
Detroit Lions 34, Chicago Bears 17
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Jahmyr Gibbs Can Carry Backfield Load for Lions
Injuries have cast a shadow over an otherwise terrific Lions season, and Detroit was dealt another major blow in Week 15. Running back David Montgomery suffered an MCL injury that could be season-ending.
However, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported this week that Montgomery will forgo surgery and attempt to rehab the injury instead, with the hope of returning at some point in the playoffs.
Regardless of what's next for Montgomery, the Lions will need to field a functional rushing attack without him. For the next few games, at the very least, Detroit's electric "Sonic and Knuckles" backfield will be a one-man show.
Fortunately, Jahmyr Gibbs proved Sunday that he's capable of carrying the load as the Lions' high-volume back. He repeatedly ran over, around and through the Chicago Bears defense, finishing with 109 rushing yards, 45 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Now, to be fair, the Bears have struggled against the run in 2024. Chicago came into Week 16 ranked 26th in yards per carry allowed (4.7) and rushing yards allowed.
It may behoove Detroit to sprinkle in Craig Reynolds and Jermar Jefferson a bit more to avoid overworking Gibbs—and the San Francisco 49ers should provide a stiffer test next week than the Bears did Sunday.
Still, the Lions must be thrilled to see their backfield functioning at a high level with Montgomery out of the lineup.
Offseason Can't Come Soon Enough for the Bears
At this point, the Bears should be eager to just get the 2024 season over with and hit the reset button. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams did have some bright moments against Detroit's injury-depleted defense, but mounting losses can do little to bolster his confidence or the confidence of his teammates.
The Bears continue to look as lost under interim coach Anthony Brown as they did under Matt Eberflus, and they may actually be less formidable. To make matters worse, Chicago's starting left tackle, Braxton Jones, was carted off with what appeared to be a very serious leg injury.
Given the struggles Chicago's offensive line has had even with Jones in the lineup—and the likelihood that the Bears won't find wins against the Seattle Seahawks or Green Bay Packers over the final two weeks—the Bears might want to consider putting Williams in bubble wrap for the remainder of the season.
These final games mean nothing for the Bears, who will have a new head coach in 2025 and may be able to attract Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Sunday that Johnson is "intrigued" by Chicago's opening.
A bright future may still be ahead of the Bears, who have a talented roster, a promising young quarterback and a situation that might attract top head coaching candidates. However, sunnier days won't come until next season at the earliest.
Carolina Panthers 36, Arizona Cardinals 30
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Panthers Should Be Excited About Dave Canales-Bryce Young Pairing
The Carolina Panthers picked up their fourth win of the season Sunday. For many franchises, that would provide no reason for celebration. However, the Panthers should be quite happy with where things stand.
It's been a trying season in Carolina, to say the least. Second-year quarterback Bryce Young was benched early in the year, and head coach Dave Canales spent much of the campaign struggling to get his team on track.
Since Young reentered the starting lineup in Week 8, however, Carolina has looked like a different team.
It hasn't been perfect. The Panthers' last win came in Week 10, and Carolina was embarrassed 30-14 by the Dallas Cowboys last week. However, the Panthers have also played close games against playoff-caliber teams like the Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Arizona Cardinals came into this game scrapping to stay alive in the playoff race.
Young (158 yards, 2 TD, 68 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD) had another strong game, trading blows with two-time Pro Bowler Kyler Murray and helping Carolina reach overtime—where running back Chuba Hubbard put the game away.
Canales has done a fantastic job of developing Young this season, and he has prevented his players from surrendering to a lost season. Carolina has already recorded two more wins than it had in 2023, and the vibes around the team are dramatically different than they were a year ago.
It isn't yet clear if Young can be a great NFL quarterback or if Canales can be a great coach. After struggling to find stability at both spots over the past few years, the Panthers are finally primed to enter the offseason with a sense of hope.
Jonathan Gannon's Job Security Will Be an Offseason Topic for the Cardinals
With Sunday's loss, the Cardinals were officially eliminated from playoff contention—a disappointing development for a team that was 6-4 in early November. That may not be enough to cost head coach Jonathan Gannon his job.
Gannon inherited a rudderless four-win team in 2023 and spent half of last season without Murray and with a revolving cast of underwhelming quarterbacks.
However, the coach's leash must be shrinking. Arizona has continually appeared unprepared for pivotal games this season, and its defense has too often been a liability.
Both issues surfaced against the Panthers. Carolina jumped out to a 20-3 lead in the second quarter. While the Cardinals did battle back to force overtime, their defense let them down during the extra period.
Gannon, who previously served as the Eagles' defensive coordinator, was widely expected to help turn around Arizona's defense. The team has shown some signs of progress on that side of the ball, but there's no way the Cardinals expected to be coughing up 393 yards and 36 points to the league's 31st-ranked offense nearly two years into Gannon's tenure.
The lack of preparation and cohesive game-planning—and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing deserves plenty of blame too—is an even bigger issue. An offense featuring Murray, James Conner, Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr. shouldn't fall short against the league's 32nd-ranked scoring defense.
While Gannon's decision to go for it on fourth down in Cardinals territory in overtime certainly showed desperation, only one team truly felt like it was fighting for its playoff life—and it wasn't Arizona.
Sometimes, even great coordinators just aren't cut out to be head coaches. Gannon may fall into that category, and he can expect to be on the hot seat entering 2025.
Washington Commanders 36, Philadelphia Eagles 33
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Legend of Jayden Daniels Grows with Commanders' Last-Second Victory Over Rival Eagles
Go ahead and hand Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Denver Broncos' Bo Nix gave it a good run. The Las Vegas Raiders' Brock Bowers could very well be a record-setting rookie tight end by season's finish. Yet neither has created the impact that Daniels has.
With Sunday's 36-33 victory over the hated Philadelphia Eagles, the Commanders are 10-5 for the first time since the 1991 campaign. During the contest, Daniels and Co. overcame five turnovers and scored 22 points in the fourth quarter.
The rookie quarterback threw five touchdowns, including the winning score to Jamison Crowder with six seconds remaining. The first-year signal-caller didn't miss a throw during that final drive. He also provided a team-leading 70 rushing yards, all against the NFL's No. 1 defense entering the contest.
Clearly the effort wasn't perfect. But this type of outing says more about a team/player's resiliency than if they just run away with a game.
Multiple great rookies can be found around the league. Daniels has changed the trajectory of a previously moribund franchise, though. He is him.
Jalen Hurts Doesn't Return to Philadelphia Eagles Lineup Due to Concussion Protocols
Whether the Eagles won or lost, Jalen Hurts' departure due to being checked for a concussion would have been the primary story coming out of Sunday's contest against the Commanders.
Ultimately, Philly ruled Hurts out for the contest, which led to Kenny Pickett taking over the offense for over three quarters. He didn't play particularly well, either.
The third-year quarterback completed 58.3 percent of his passes for 143 yards, one touchdown and an interception. To be fair, Pickett didn't expect to enter the contest. He also didn't get the requisite practice reps throughout the week. It's also not the quarterback's fault that DeVonta Smith dropped a key third-down pass in the fourth quarter and the Eagles defense didn't perform to its previous standard.
Still, the Eagles saw their 10-game winning streak snapped and have questions about Hurts' availability in the coming weeks. The loss also gives the Detroit Lions a decided advantage in claiming the NFC's No. 1 overall seed.
Obviously, Hurts' health remains the foremost concern. But the Eagles already clinched a playoff spot and hold a two-game lead in the division. The QB can rest some and get ready for the postseason.
Indianapolis Colts 38, Tennessee Titans 30
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Jonathan Taylor Learns Lesson, Provides Blueprint for Indianapolis Colts
A week ago, Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor did the unthinkable when he dropped the ball before passing the goal line on what may have been a game-defining touchdown in an important contest that ultimately turned into a loss to the Denver Broncos.
"I talked to my dad, and one thing I mentioned was, you can't answer the phone for a call that happened yesterday. You can only pick up the next time," Taylor told reporters last week. "You've got to be ready for that next opportunity."
During another game that turned out to be much closer than it should have been, the one-time NFL rushing leader answered the call with his best game of the season by gaining 218 yards on 29 carries and scoring three touchdowns in the 38-30 victory over the Tennessee Titans.
While Gus Bradley's defense needs to play much better, the Colts' offensive approach showed the exact game plan to help quarterback Anthony Richardson's development.
Head coach/offensive play-caller Shane Steichen should lean heavily on Taylor and Indianapolis' talented offensive line while weaponizing Richardson as a runner and limiting his passing opportunities.
The quarterback ran for 70 yards and a touchdown—which would have been two, but one was reversed. The actual scoring play was a designed quarterback sweep, where Richardson followed the pulling block of big Quenton Nelson.
As a passer, Richardson did throw an interception, but he completed 63.6 percent of his 11 attempts. Taylor and Richardson have the potential to be a dynamic backfield. Sunday's effort showed exactly how they can wreak havoc.
Certain opponents will do a better job against the run. Still, Steichen needs to stick to his squad's strengths to keep the 7-8 Colts as competitive as possible.
Loss Helps the Tennessee Titans' Long-Term Organizational Health
The Titans never gave up Sunday despite being down 31-7 in the third quarter, which serves as a testament to the players and coaching staff. At the same time, a fourth straight loss keeps Tennessee in a strong draft position.
At 3-12, Tennessee remains in the mix for the No. 1 overall pick. At worst, the Titans should find themselves among the initial five selections.
Anyone watching Mason Rudolph after head coach Brian Callahan benched previous starter Will Levis should understand the Titans are unsettled behind center. The 2025 quarterback class isn't great, and the Titans may need to finish with the first or second overall pick to claim either Colorado's Shedeur Sanders or Miami's Cam Ward. Maybe another quarterback will rise throughout the predraft process to warrant a high pick.
Whatever the case, Tennessee's plans became clear as soon as Levis didn't finish the season as the starter. Considering general manager Ran Carthon and Callahan should be safe even after a disastrous campaign, the franchise can marry its decision-makers to their choice of quarterback.
The Titans are already behind every other team in the AFC South, which became even more clear when a raw Richardson did more than enough in the Colts' victory. Tennessee certainly doesn't have anyone of C.J. Stroud's or Trevor Lawrence's caliber.
Sometimes a loss can be viewed as a win, even if it's tough to swallow.
Las Vegas Raiders 19, Jacksonville Jaguars 14
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Jaguars Have Quality Replacements for Aging, Expensive Veterans
In the offseason, NFL teams find ways to cut costs. The Jacksonville Jaguars can save a lot of cap space by terminating or restructuring bloated contracts and trading veterans to elevate young talent.
The Jaguars lost Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis to season-ending injuries, but rookie first-rounder Brian Thomas Jr. has star potential. He leads first-year wideouts in receiving yards (1,087) and touchdown receptions (nine). Kirk's contract will cost $24.4 million against the Jaguars' cap in 2025, and his name came up in trade buzz, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, before he broke his collarbone.
Next year, tight end Evan Engram will turn 31 in September. His cap hit will rise from $7 million to $19.8 million for the 2025 campaign. While he's battled injuries this season, second-year tight end Brenton Strange has filled in well. Last week, Strange logged career highs in catches (11) and receiving yards (73). He's a high-upside second-rounder from the 2023 draft.
Over the last three weeks, Tank Bigsby has split the rushing workload with Travis Etienne. This past offseason, Jacksonville exercised the fifth-year option in Etienne's rookie contract, but if he draws trade interest, a new coaching staff or front-office regime may be willing to move him and give Bigsby the bulk of the workload. Etienne is set to make about $4.7 million more than Bigsby next year.
The Jaguars can part ways with multiple offensive playmakers and use the additional cap space to address other areas of the roster to field a more competitive team in 2025.
Raiders May Have Knocked Themselves Out of Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward Sweepstakes
Coming into Week 16, the Raiders and New York Giants held the top two spots in the 2025 draft order. However, after the Raiders' win over the Jaguars, they dropped to the sixth spot.
Coaches and players prepare all week to win games. So of course, Antonio Pierce and his team should be thrilled to snap a 10-game losing streak, but in the big picture, the franchise may miss out on a chance to draft a top quarterback prospect because of this victory.
In all likelihood, Colorado's Shedeur Sanders and Miami's Cam Ward will be top-five draft picks. In 2025, Las Vegas may be in a position similar to the one they were in during this past draft, outside the range for a blue-chip quarterback prospect.
Barring a move up via trade, the Raiders may have to explore the free-agent market in consecutive offseasons to find their starting signal-caller. This year, Gardner Minshew struggled, and Aidan O'Connell hasn't been able to stay healthy.
According to Schefter, the Raiders are expected to show interest in the quarterback market in the offseason.
As owner Mark Davis told reporters two weeks ago, the Raiders "clearly need to find an answer at the position (quarterback)." With the sixth pick, Las Vegas may wait until Day 2 to draft a signal-caller.
Miami Dolphins 29, San Francisco 49ers 17
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De'Von Achane, Jonnu Smith Can be Building Blocks for the Dolphins
Things haven't gone the way the Miami Dolphins had hoped in 2024, due largely to Tua Tagovailoa's early-season absence with a concussion. Sunday's win over the San Francisco 49ers keeps Miami in the playoff picture, but its chances of making the postseason are slim.
Barring an unforeseen series of events, Miami is already playing for next season.
As the Dolphins look ahead to the offseason, they have a few needs to address. Miami could use help on the interior offensive and defensive lines. It also needs a dependable third wide receiver—Odell Beckham Jr. was waived earlier this month.
Miami may also be in the safety market, as Jevon Holland is an impending free agent.
What the Dolphins won't need is a primary pass-catching tight end. Jonnu Smith, who was signed in the offseason, has filled that role exceptionally well. He repeatedly gashed the San Francisco 49ers defense on Sunday, finishing with six receptions and 62 yards.
Along the way, Smith set a franchise record for a tight end.
The Dolphins also have their franchise running back in second-year man De'Von Achane, who had another dominant day in what has been an impressive season. He racked up 122 rushing yards, a rushing touchdown, six catches and 70 receiving yards.
Achane's 50-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter essentially sealed the game for Miami.
The Dolphins do have work to do if they hope to become Super Bowl contenders in 2025. However, Smith, who is under contract through 2025, and Achane can be offensive building blocks along with Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
Deebo Samuel Can Still Be a Playmaker for the 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers weren't able to find many positives on Sunday. They were eliminated from postseason contention with Washington's victory earlier in the day, and the injury bug showed up once again during their game against the Dolphins.
Injuries created a rotating cast at left tackle, and linebacker Dre Greenlaw—who only recently returned from an Achilles tear—was ruled out with a calf injury. Guard Aaron Brooks also exited with a knee injury.
The 49ers have few reasons to be happy. However, they should be thrilled to finally see a big game from wide receiver Deebo Samuel. It's been a quiet year for the 2021 Pro Bowler, which is surprising, considering San Francisco hasn't had Brandon Aiyuk since Week 7.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan, however, has insisted that the 28-year-old Samuel hasn't lost a step.
"I don't think Deebo's slowed down," Shanahan told reporters during Wednesday's press conference. "I think he got banged up earlier in the year. I thought he had an awesome training camp to where I'd say he didn't slow down at all."
Samuel certainly looked like the same playmaker he was earlier in his career against Miami. He finished with seven catches, 25 rushing yards, 96 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Sunday's performance is noteworthy because the 49ers may have a decision to make with Samuel in the offseason. Next season will mark the final year of his contract, and the 49ers could save $5.2 million by releasing or trading him after June 1.
After the 49ers extended Aiyuk and used a first-round pick on Ricky Pearsall, there's a non-zero chance that Samuel could be the odd receiver out in San Francisco next year. Of course, San Francisco will be a lot more inclined to hang onto Samuel if he performs over the final two weeks as he did on Sunday.
Minnesota Vikings 27, Seattle Seahawks 24
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Minnesota Vikings Still Looking to Stake Claim as NFC's Best Squad
At 13-2, the Minnesota Vikings aren't even in sole possession of first place in the NFC North. Yet, Sunday's 27-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks kept the possibility of the Vikings capturing the conference's No. 1 seed in play.
Right now, Minnesota finds itself in the five-hole, as the NFC's top wild-card qualifier. However, the Vikings own the same record as the Detroit Lions. The difference is that the Lions own a better divisional and conference record since Dan Campbell's squad has yet to lose against an NFC North rival and only feature one loss against another NFC squad.
Kevin O'Connell's team, meanwhile, already clinched a playoff berth. But the group is looking for home-field advantage throughout the postseason and a first-round bye. Detroit holds a slight advantage based on its schedule over the last two weeks.
While the Lions and Vikings play each other in Week 18, Detroit takes on the eliminated San Francisco 49ers beforehand. Minnesota has a much tougher opponent in the Green Bay Packers, albeit at home.
If the Vikings win out, they'll claim the conference's No. 1 overall seed. But they can't look ahead. The meeting with the Packers will be extremely difficult, especially since Green Bay continues to jockey for playoff positioning with Minnesota and the Washington Commanders.
Truth be told, the Vikings' season has already been wildly successful. With Sam Darnold's re-emergence at quarterback and the postseason on the horizon, Minnesota shouldn't overlook the fact it accomplished a lot to date. There's still plenty more to achieve, though, and it's all within the franchise's grasp.
Seattle Seahawks' Playoff Hopes Are Quickly Dissipating
Conversely, the Seahawks aren't in a strong position.
With Sunday's loss, Seattle owns an 8-7 record and sits in the NFC's eighth spot, which is the place no playoff hopeful wants to be with two weeks left to play. The Seahawks are on the outside looking in, and they probably don't have enough to make something positive happen and realize a postseason appearance.
Seattle lost back-to-back games against quality opponents against the Packers and Vikings. Mike Macdonald's squad needs to win out while the Los Angeles Rams lose their remaining two contests, thus claiming an NFC West division title.
"Destiny is not in our hands right now, which is tough," Macdonald told reporters after Sunday's contest. "But we still have a ton of football to play for. A break here or there, we're right back in it and rolling."
Considering the Seahawks finished 9-8 last season and missed the playoffs, the change from Pete Carroll to Macdonald hasn't provided the organization with the boost the franchise expected. A lot can change if Seattle somehow finds itself in the dance.
Buffalo Bills 24, New England Patriots 21
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Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen Gets a Little More Banged Up During MVP-Caliber Season
Traps games aren't about looking pretty; they're about surviving the experience.
The New England Patriots, who sit in the basement of the AFC East, punched the division-leading Buffalo Bills in the mouth through the first half of Sunday's meeting between the two rivals. Despite trailing 14-7 at halftime, the Bills came back to claim a 24-21 victory.
Along the way, something more concerning than the effort may have come to the forefront.
"Got a helmet to the funny bone," Allen told CBS' Evan Washburn after the game. "I went to throw the next one, and I had no feeling in the hand. Came out a little wobbly. It'll happen sometimes, but we move on."
The expectation is that it's nothing major, especially based on how Allen described the injury. But the Bills are cruising, with nine victories in their last 10 games, and the quarterback is already dealing with a broken left hand.
Technically, Buffalo is still in the hunt for the AFC's No. 1 overall seed. The Bills are two games behind the Kansas City Chiefs, though they face the New York Jets and Patriots again to finish out the season, while holding the head-to-head advantage.
Even though it doesn't seem like much, many will be watching Allen closely all week to make sure he's not suffering any issues with his throwing arm.
Jerod Mayo Stays Safe as New England Patriots' Head Coach
A one-and-done scenario doesn't appear to be in play for Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo.
"The Krafts want to keep Jerod Mayo," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported prior to Sunday's slate. "They believe he is the leader for their organization, for their future, and they knew it would be a multiyear process to get this thing right. ...
"If things go off the rails or they start to really struggle and he loses the locker room in the last couple of games of this season, we [could see] this thing turn. But as of now, the Patriots believe Jerod Mayo is their leader for the future."
New England's outing afterward certainly fell in line with the organization's thinking. The Patriots took the Bills to the limit, but they were overcome by a lack of talent in certain areas, as well as mistakes. Clearly, the team hasn't given up on Mayo during a 3-12 campaign.
"Mayo hasn't lost the locker room, and I don't see it happening in these final weeks," Mass Live's Mark Daniels reported. "Veteran players I've talked to like their coach and don't view him as the problem."
Dallas Cowboys 26, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24
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Eliminated Dallas Cowboys Haven't Given Up On 2024 Season
Prior to the Dallas Cowboys even taking the field Sunday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mike McCarthy's squad already knew it has been eliminated from the postseason. The disappointment didn't affect the Cowboys, as they came out on Sunday Night Football and played aggressive football to earn a 26-24 victory.
"It just shows who we are," quarterback Cooper Rush said during a NBC postgame interview with Melissa Stark. "We're out here competing, just a bunch of guys who love football and want to go win for each other. So, we did."
Dallas may not make the postseason for the fourth straight season, but the team has won four of it last five games.
Star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is playing hard through an AC sprain. He caught seven passes for 105 yards. The defense was point with its physicality, forcing the Buccaneers into numerous mistakes, including the game-sealing forced fumble and recovery by cornerback Daron Bland.
Rush, meanwhile, may be playing himself into a bigger role in 2025. No, not for the Cowboys since Dak Prescott is signed to a long-term deal. However, the eight-year veteran is playing competent football and he's a free agent after this season. As multiple teams search for a starter next offseason, with limited available options, Rush could get a look.
As for McCarthy, the likelihood of being replaced after this season diminishes with every strong effort, even when the team is at a disadvantage.
Dallas' season may be over in two weeks, but the Cowboys still have plenty left to play for as the campaign winds down.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Lose Control of NFC South With Loss to Dallas Cowboys
The Buccaneers held fate in their grasp, only to lose it through their fingers like grains of sand. All the Bucs had to do was beat a Cowboys squad with Rush behind center, a banged-up CeeDee Lamb and underperforming defense. Simple, right? Wrong.
Tampa Bay entered the contest with a 90 percent chance of making the playoffs and 87 percent chance of winning a division title with a victory, according to the Sunday Night Football telecast. Those numbers dipped to 55 and 49, respectively, after the loss.
As of now, the Atlanta Falcons now control the NFC South, thanks to a 2-0 record against the Bucs this season. The silver lining is that Tampa Bay holds a slightly easier path toward retaking the division based on comparable remaining schedule.
The Buccaneers face the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints over the next two weeks. Whereas, the Falcons must take on the Washington Commanders before meeting the Panthers in Week 18. While Atlanta holds the head-to-head tie-breaker, the Buccaneers could realistically win out with the Falcons losing at least one, thus giving Tampa an edge.
A backdoor exists as well, where the Buccaneers win out and the Commanders lose to the Cowboys during the regular season's final week of play.
The unfortunate part is that Tampa Bay needs help from one or multiple parties. But the postseason remains very much in play, even if the Todd Bowles' squad doesn't control its destiny.
Baltimore Ravens 34, Pittsburgh Steelers 17
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Steelers Are a One-And-Done Playoff Team Without George Pickens
The Pittsburgh Steelers cannot overlook the elephant in the room. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith can cleverly scheme up plays for their running backs and tight ends, but the Steelers need wide receiver George Pickens back on the field to win in the playoffs.
Pickens has missed the last three games because of a hamstring injury, and the Steelers' passing production has taken a nosedive. In his absence, quarterback Russell Wilson has averaged just 167.6 passing yards per game.
Mike Williams is still finding his way in the Steelers offense since the team acquired him from the New York Jets before the November 5 trade deadline. Calvin Austin III is a solid receiver who can line up in the slot and out wide, but he's not on the same tier as Pickens as an all-around playmaker.
Without Pickens, the Steelers scored 27 points against the three-win Cleveland Browns, but they failed to eclipse 17 points in matchups with the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens, two playoff-caliber opponents.
Fortunately for the Steelers, who have already clinched a playoff berth, the postseason is a few weeks away, but they need Pickens back before the Wild Card Round.
Ravens Can Close Playoff Games with Much-Improved Pass Defense
With a win over the Steelers on Saturday, the Ravens punched their ticket to the playoffs and still have a chance to win the AFC North.
In the postseason, Baltimore can close games in two ways. Running back Derrick Henry could drain the clock with his angry runs between tackles, or Baltimore's defense can make crucial stops and force turnovers.
The Ravens are allowing the fewest rushing yards per game. Coming into Week 16, their pass defense ranked 31st in yards allowed, but that's a misleading statistic.
Over the last five weeks, Baltimore hasn't allowed more than 217 passing yards in a game, allowing an average of 178.6 yards through the air.
Playoff teams can beat opponents in multiple ways, but those clubs can also seal victories on either side of the ball.
With an improved pass defense over the past month, Baltimore has no clear weakness on its roster heading into the playoffs as either the AFC North champion or a wild-card team. The Ravens can win scoring shootouts or slow down opponents in low-scoring slugfests.
Kansas City Chiefs 27, Houston Texans 19
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Texans' Mounting Offensive Injuries Will Weigh Heavily on Them in Playoffs
Last week, the Houston Texans clinched a playoff berth, though they can still finish as high as the No. 2 seed in the AFC with an 11-6 record because of their Week 5 win over the Buffalo Bills (11-3).
But after a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Texans may want to focus on getting to the playoffs as healthy as possible.
On Saturday, the Texans likely lost wideout Tank Dell for the rest of the campaign. He left GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in an ambulance. After he hauled in a touchdown pass, his teammate Jared Wayne inadvertently rammed into his knee. Offensive tackle Blake Fisher and guard Shaq Mason also suffered injuries. Mason didn't return to action.
Dell struggled to make an impact in stretches this year, but he was looking to make more plays down the stretch (h/t KPRC2 Houston's Aaron Wilson). In his absence, wideout John Metchie III, who sat out with a shoulder injury, could take on a bigger role in the passing game. Remember, Stefon Diggs is out for the season with a torn ACL.
As for the injury question at guard, Kendrick Green could fill in if Mason can't suit up. Remember, interior offensive lineman Juice Scruggs didn't play against the Chiefs because of a foot injury.
The Texans may have to rely on the quick passing game with an injury-riddled receiver group and a banged-up offensive line. Running back Joe Mixon should be the focal point of the offense.
Patrick Mahomes' Ankle Is Fine, Chiefs Poised to Claim AFC's No. 1 Seed
The Chiefs are one win or a Buffalo Bills loss away from home-field advantage on the AFC side of the playoff bracket.
This week, Patrick Mahomes gave Chiefs fans a scare with his ankle injury, but he moved around well, scrambling for 33 yards and a touchdown.
Wideout Hollywood Brown's return from shoulder surgery uplifted Kansas City's passing attack. In his regular-season debut with the team, he caught five passes for 45 yards.
The Chiefs racked up 375 total yards against the Texans' fourth-ranked defense and eclipsed 21 points for the first time since Week 12.
Aside from defensive tackle Chris Jones' calf injury, the Chiefs are trending in the right direction as they close in on the AFC's No. 1 seed. They're positioned to be on a favorable pathway to a historic three-peat.
Los Angeles Chargers 34, Denver Broncos 27
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Harbaugh-Herbert Are Combo No One Wants to Face in Wild Card Round
In October, Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hayden Hurst said first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh and franchise quarterback Justin Herbert seemed to be meshing well.
"It is a little bit of a bromance," he told reporters. "I think Jim wants to really emulate Justin. He's got all the physical traits that Jim said he doesn't have, so it's kind of funny. I think they complement each other well."
Harbaugh's fingerprints are all over this team already. But after the Chargers beat the rival Broncos in a matchup with major wild-card implications, it's clear it's the combination of quarterback and coach that makes the Bolts a nightmare matchup as the AFC's (likely) sixth seed.
Herbert's numbers have dropped, but that's by design in Harbaugh's offense. The late scoring strike that put the game away gave the signal-caller 284 passing yards for the night, and he may well need more moving forward. One long Gus Edwards run covered up the reality that the Chargers miss running back J.K. Dobbins tremendously.
But Herbert continues to shine in Harbaugh's offense. He's efficient. He's confident. And when a play needs to be made, he makes it.
Say what you will about Harbaugh: the oddball quotes, his exit from Michigan. But he wins.
The Chargers aren't the best team in the AFC, or even the second- or third-best. But no one wants them coming to town in Round 1.
The Denver Broncos Aren't Quite Ready for Prime Time
Thursday night, the Denver Broncos had an opportunity to not only seize control of the AFC's sixth seed but also send a message to the conference's other contenders. It was an opportunity squandered, but all it really did was tell us what we already knew: The Broncos are a vastly improved team.
They will still probably make the postseason, but they are no threat to the AFC heavyweights. They never really were.
And that's not such a bad thing.
This was a team from which nothing was expected in 2024, not with a rookie at the helm in Bo Nix. But after a bumpy start, he has been exactly what Sean Payton wanted him to be. Against the Chargers, the 24-year-old threw for 263 yards and two scores, and he didn't make costly mistakes.
Those came in the form of ill-timed defensive lapses and costly penalties. But both underscore just how young much of this team is. Denver needs better linebacker play, but the defense is already a strength, with edge-rusher Nik Bonitto spearheading an excellent line.
Here's what's going to happen—and frankly, it's the same thing that will happen to the Chargers team that just beat Denver.
The Broncos will hit the road in the Wild Card Round to face one of the AFC's top-three teams, and they will lose in a nail-biter.
Then a Denver team with a good core on both sides of the ball for the first time in a long time will hit the offseason and start filling in blanks.
And maybe, just maybe, the Kansas City Chiefs won't walk away with the AFC West in 2025.
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