NFL Week 17 Takeaways: Updated Playoff Picture, Latest Eliminated Teams and More
Week 17 fell on Christmas Week, and the NFL gifted fans with an expanded slate of holiday football goodness. A number of games on the schedule carried serious playoff implications.
The action kicked off with a pair of games between playoff-bound AFC squads. In the Week 17 opener, the Kansas City Chiefs pulled away from the Pittsburgh Steelers to lock up the No. 1 seed in the conference.
Pittsburgh's loss opened the door for the Baltimore Ravens to claim the AFC North. With a win next weekend, Baltimore will repeat as division champion.
Fans weren't treated to much of a game during Thursday Night Football, though the playoff picture clarified as Saturday and Sunday's action progressed.
The Los Angeles Chargers clinched a playoff berth with a blowout victory. The Cincinnati Bengals kept their postseason hopes alive in a breathtaking overtime win over the Denver Broncos. Denver has a win-and-in scenario for their Week 18 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Miami Dolphins and Bengals will be watching intently.
In Sunday's early action, the Philadelphia Eagles locked up the NFC East, while the rival Washington Commanders found their way into the postseason with an overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons.
The Washington Commanders clinched a playoff berth on Sunday night, while the Detroit Lions capped the week with their 14th win of the season on Monday night.
As with every week, Bleacher Report NFL analysts Gary Davenport, Kristopher Knox, Maurice Moton and Brent Sobleski broke down all of Week 17's most impactful results and biggest takeaways from every game.
AFC Playoff Picture
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Current AFC Playoff Standings
1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-1)*
2. Buffalo Bills (13-3)*
3. Baltimore Ravens (11-5)*
4. Houston Texans (9-7)*
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)*
6. Los Angeles Chargers (10-6)*
7. Denver Broncos (9-7)
In the Hunt
8. Miami Dolphins (8-8)
9. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)
Eliminated: Cleveland Browns (3-13), Indianapolis Colts (7-9), Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12), Las Vegas Raiders (4-12), New England Patriots (3-13), New York Jets (4-12), Tennessee Titans (3-13)
*= clinched playoff berth
NFC Playoff Picture
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Current NFC Playoff Standings
1. Detroit Lions (14-2)*
2. Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)*
3. Los Angeles Rams (10-6)*
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)
5. Minnesota Vikings (14-2)*
6. Washington Commanders (11-5)*
7. Green Bay Packers (11-5)*
In the Hunt
8. Atlanta Falcons (8-8)
Eliminated: Seattle Seahawks (9-7), Arizona Cardinals (7-9), Carolina Panthers (4-12), Dallas Cowboys (7-9), Chicago Bears (4-12), New York Giants (3-13), New Orleans Saints (5-11), San Francisco 49ers (6-10)
*= clinched playoff berth
Detroit Lions 40, San Francisco 49ers 34
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Aggressive and Creative Approach May Be Lions' Best Hope in Postseason
Lions head coach Dan Campbell has gambled as much as anyone in the NFL this season. He's repeatedly made bold decisions, with some working in his team's favor and some not.
On Monday night, one 4th-down attempt in the red zone failed while another resulted in a touchdown.
Campbell's decision to play his starters in a meaningless game against the San Francisco 49ers was itself a bold decision. Regardless of what happened on Monday night, Detroit and the Minnesota Vikings will battle for the No. 1 seed in Week 18. Yet, the coach made it clear last week that his team would look to maintain momentum by playing to win.
"We're going out to play and win this game, out on the West Coast. So there you go," Campbell told reporters.
Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, meanwhile, has been one of the league's most creative play-callers. We saw several of his inventive concepts on Monday night too, like a lateral that resulted in a 41-yard Jameson Williams touchdown.
Detroit may need every ounce of offensive innovation and risk-taking moxie it can muster in the postseason. Monday's back-and-forth track meet with San Francisco was just the latest example of how suspect the Lions defense is at this point.
Injuries have robbed Detroit of top defenders such as Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Alex Anzalone and Carlton Davis. The remaining squad looked anything but a playoff-caliber unit against San Francisco.
The 49ers aren't a playoff team, but they had their way with the Lions' defense for much of the game. Kerby Joseph's two second-half interceptions did help flip the momentum, but Detroit was essentially forced to lean on its offense—and to keep taking chances.
The Lions surrendered 475 yards of total offense and might have lost had Jake Moody not missed a pair of field goals and an extra point.
The good news is that Detroit's formula has worked well enough to put it in position to play for a first-round bye. It's a formula that might just lead the Lions to their first Super Bowl.
49ers Finally Unleash Ricky Pearsall, Get Good Look at Rookie's Star Potential
Give the Niners credit for approaching Monday's game with a playoff level of intensity. San Francisco was officially eliminated in Week 16 and is essentially playing for 2025 and beyond.
Rookie first-round receiver Ricky Pearsall figures to be a big part of the team's future, though.
The 24-year-old, who was shot during a robbery attempt in August, didn't make his NFL debut until Week 7. Before Monday, he had only shown occasional glimpses of his potential upside. His best game was a four-catch, 71-yard one-touchdown outing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 10.
However, San Francisco found a way to unlock the Florida product against Detroit. For the first time, 49ers fans saw a player who looks and plays like a future star.
Pearsall handled a high target volume extremely well and did a great job of creating separation and hauling in tough catches.
He finished with eight catches for 141 yards and a touchdown. He added another six yards on two carries.
Pearsall's breakout game is a positive development for a 49ers team that hasn't had much to celebrate in 2024. San Francisco—which watched quarterback Brock Purdy exit with an injury late in the fourth quarter—is hoping to be healthier and back in playoff contention in 2025, and Pearsall could have a huge role in that, especially early.
Fellow receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who signed a four-year, $120 million extension in August, suffered a torn ACL in late October. There's no guarantee he'll be ready to play or close to 100 percent by the start of next season.
If Aiyuk isn't ready by Week 1, though, the 49ers can still have a strong receiving corps led by Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, George Kittle and Pearsall—especially if the rookie can keep performing as he did on Monday.
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Washington Commanders 30, Atlanta Falcons 24
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Jayden Daniels' Evolution Has Ascending Commanders Reaching for New Heights
Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels hasn't even reached his final Pokemon stage, yet his hit points already make him one of the game's most dangerous types.
"The whole league should be on notice with him," tight end Zach Ertz told NBC Sports' Melissa Starks after the contest. "Everyone loves playing with him. He's the ultimate team guy. He's the ultimate leader."
Each and every week, Daniels reinforces the fact he's A) a legitimate difference-maker, who's helping to lift the Commanders franchise from the ashes like a phoenix rising, and B) will be the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
His improvement throughout the season has been substantial. During Sunday's 30-24 overtime victory over the Atlanta Falcons, Daniels generated "a career-high plus-20.2 EPA" from a clean pocket, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. All three touchdown passes came when the rookie wasn't pressured.
However, Daniels did the most damage as a runner. His 127 rushing yards led everyone in the contest. As a team, the Falcons ran for 126. Also, his latest effort allowed this year's second overall pick to post the greatest rushing season ever by a rookie quarterback, passing Robert Griffin III's previous mark.
With a playoff berth cinched, the 11-5 Commanders are arguably the league's toughest opponent based primarily on Daniels' evolving play.
Clock Ticking Toward Another Mediocre Season for Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons broke through this fall with eight victories after three straight seven-win campaigns. But the team hasn't improved enough to control its destiny.
With Sunday's loss to the Commanders, Atlanta owns an 8-8 record in need of help to capture an NFC South title. Currently, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hold the inside track to claiming their fourth straight crown.
In order for the Falcons to make the postseason, Atlanta must win next weekend's against the Carolina Panthers. The Bucs, meanwhile, must fall to the New Orleans Saints.
The biggest issue coming out of Sunday's loss is a lost opportunity based on poor time management.
With the score tied and 32 seconds remaining after a completion, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris chose not to call a timeout despite having two. The clock ran down to 17 seconds before the next snap. Atlanta was at its own 44-yard line.
"I thought we could get to the line of scrimmage with our operation a little faster there," Morris told reporters after the game. "Get there faster to the ball and try to save that timeout.
"In hindsight, it could have been a better decision to take that timeout. But I wanted the opportunity to move up there."
The Falcons did have time, with good clock management, to move the ball and get into better field-goal position, rather than attempting a 56-yarder with a third-string kicker. Riley Patterson missed, of course.
These types of mistakes are why the Falcons are slightly better but still not good enough. There's a world where the team finishes the regular season with an 8-9 record and still can't get over the hump.
Philadelphia Eagles 41, Dallas Cowboys 7
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Eagles Can Win In Postseason Without Jalen Hurts If Necessary
The Eagles were forced to face the Dallas Cowboys without starting quarterback Jalen Hurts, who remains in the concussion protocol. However, Philly delivered a convincing victory and clinched the NFC East without him, which is a testament to their depth and overall talent.
The Eagles largely leaned on their opportunistic defense and running back Saquon Barkley to smother the Cowboys. Barkley, by the way, went over 2,000 rushing yards on Sunday and will have a legitimate shot at Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record in Week 18.
However, they got solid quarterback play from both Kenny Pickett and 2023 sixth-round pick Tanner McKee.
Pickett struggled coming off the bench last week but did a good job of taking what the Cowboys gave him on Sunday. He went 10-of-15 for 143 yards and a touchdown—plus a tush-push touchdown on the ground—before exiting the game following a hard shot from Micah Parsons.
Philly's primary backup was dealing with a rib injury coming into Week 17. Pickett wasn't perfect against Dallas, but he played much more efficiently with a full week of preparation.
Pickett did return to the sideline, but his absence gave the Eagles a look at McKee, who was seeing his first regular-season action. The second-year quarterback responded by delivering a beautiful 20-yard scoring strike to A.J. Brown.
McKee threw a second touchdown to DeVonta Smith to put a stamp on Sunday's win.
Ideally, the Eagles will have Hurts back in time for the playoffs. If they need to play a game with Pickett and/or McKee behind center, however, the rest of the roster is strong enough to give them a chance at victory.
Cowboys Must Find a Quality No. 2 Receiver in the Offseason
The Cowboys are playing for pride at this point, but they had played extremely well over the last month. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush had settled in place of Dak Prescott, and Dallas found a capable ball-carrier in Rico Dowdle.
With the defense playing an aggressive brand of ball, Dallas did enough to win four of its previous five.
In the early stages of Sunday's game, it seemed as if the Cowboys might put up another fight. Rush threw a pick-six on the opening drive but delivered a touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert on the next series.
However, Dallas' offense went quiet after that. Dowdle had a few strong runs but couldn't carry the load as Rush struggled to get things going through the air. In other words, things went pretty much as expected with CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) out of the lineup.
It was difficult to watch both Brown and Smith shine for the Eagles and not imagine how much better the Cowboys might be with a top-tier No. 2 receiver in their lineup. Dallas has lacked a strong complementary option all season—Tolbert came into the week second on the team with just 482 receiving yards—and it simply doesn't have a go-to receiver aside from Lamb.
The Cowboys have other needs to address in the offseason, like an underwhelming offensive line, but they must be in the receiver market, either early in the draft or at the forefront of free agency.
New York Giants 45, Indianapolis Colts 33
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The Next Giants Quarterback Will Be Thrilled to Have Malik Nabers
The New York Giants likely blew their shot at the No. 1 overall pick by beating up on the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. That probably doesn't sit well with fans hoping to see the team select a quarterback at the top of the draft.
The Giants will have a new quarterback in 2025. That's a given. Daniel Jones is long gone, and Drew Lock isn't a long-term answer—though he did have a fantastic game against the Colts.
Whether New York targets a QB prospect or targets a veteran like Sam Darnold in free agency, there will be a change behind center. the Giants' next signal-caller will benefit from having an elite weapon in Malik Nabers.
Nabers finished Sunday's game with seven catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns.
The rookie out of LSU has consistently provided high-level receiver play, despite having a revolving door at quarterback. He went over the coveted 1,000-yard mark on Sunday and flashed his ability to turn easy passes into home-run plays.
Nabers is the rare receiver who can generate big plays both before and after the catch.
What's been truly impressive about Nabers' rookie campaign has been his ability to thrive regardless of who has been behind center—and with Jones, Lock and Tommy DeVito forming a very underwhelming trio.
It'll be exciting to see just how productive Nabers can be if New York can find consistently competent quarterback play. The Giants' next quarterback should be very excited to have a receiver like Nabers waiting for him in New York.
Colts Aren't Particularly Close to Being a Playoff Contender
Sunday's loss officially eliminated Indianapolis from playoff contention. It also showed that Indianapolis isn't particularly close to being a legitimate contender in the AFC.
Indy was forced to play without starting quarterback Anthony Richardson, who is dealing with foot and back injuries. However, they should have gotten enough out of running back Jonathan Taylor and backup quarterback Joe Flacco to outlast the lowly Giants.
However, the Colts defense couldn't find an answer for Nabers or corral Lock, who finished with 309 passing yards and four touchdowns. Indianapolis' defense coughed up 389 total yards and 45 points to a team that hadn't scored more than 30 all season.
A trio of turnovers by Flacco (2 INTs, 1 fumble) put the game out of reach for Indianapolis.
Playoff-caliber teams don't need flawless quarterback play to overwhelm bad teams. New York, which came into Week 17 ranked 32nd in scoring and 24th in scoring defense, is a bad team.
While Indianapolis still needs to figure out if Richardson can be the long-term answer at quarterback, there are other holes on the roster that must be addressed—specifically, on the defensive side of the ball.
Sunday's performance was an embarrassment, and the Colts entered the week ranked 29th in total defense and 23rd in points allowed. That's not going to cut it in an AFC field led by the likes of Kansas City and Buffalo.
The Colts do have some strong building blocks. Taylor is a top-tier back. Receivers Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman Jr. both topped 100 receiving yards against New York. Without a dependable quarterback and a competent defense, however, Indy can't be a significant factor in 2025.
Jacksonville Jaguars 20, Tennessee Titans 13
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Mac Jones Could Have Future as Jaguars' Backup But Will Likely Draw Interest in Free Agency
The Jacksonville Jaguars didn't have a whole lot to gain from Sunday's win over the rival Tennessee Titans. A loss would have helped Jacksonville's chances of securing the No. 1 overall pick, but that's probably not a priority for the Jaguars.
With Trevor Lawrence under contract through 2030, the Jags aren't positioning themselves to draft a quarterback.
Lawrence hasn't played since Week 13 because of a season-ending shoulder injury. That's given Jacksonville an extended look at offseason acquisition and backup quarterback Mac Jones.
While Jones has gone just 2-4 as a starter this season, the former New England Patriots disappointment has flashed some potential for Jacksonville. He's developed a strong connection with rookie wideout Brian Thomas Jr., and he had another solid outing against Tennessee.
The 26-year-old finished 15-of-22 for 174 yards and two touchdowns with 22 rushing yards. He completed seven passes for 91 yards and a score to Thomas, who would likely be in the mix for Offensive Rookie of the Year if not for this year's stellar quarterback class.
With Lawrence suffering late-season injuries in back-to-back seasons, the Jaguars should seriously consider Jones as a long-term backup option. However, they could have some competition in 2025 free agency.
Jones hasn't been an above-average full-time starter in the NFL, which is why the Patriots dumped him in the offseason. However, he could be viewed as a viable bridge option by teams looking to target a quarterback early in April's draft.
Titans' Loss Increases Chances of Finding Next QB in the 2025 Draft
The Titans are a team that will likely target a quarterback at the top of the 2025 draft. While it fell short against the Jaguars on Sunday, Tennessee may have been one of the biggest winners of Week 17.
Sunday's loss made it clear just how badly the Titans need a franchise signal-caller. They were forced to play without starting running back Tony Pollard (ankle, illness). However, that's no excuse for mustering just 13 points against a Jaguars defense ranked 32nd overall and 29th in points allowed.
Mason Rudolph (19-of-31 for 193 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) isn't the answer. Jacksonville's decision to bench Will Levis late in the year suggests that the franchise doesn't view him as the future either.
However, Tennessee might find its quarterback at the top of the draft in the form of Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, Miami's Cam Ward or another ascending quarterback prospect. This is why Sunday's loss was extremely beneficial.
The Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants both picked up wins on Sunday, which moves Tennessee to the No. 2 spot in the draft order. The Patriots would have the No. 1 pick if the season ended today, and they could stumble into a win next week against a Buffalo Bills team with nothing to play for.
Even if New England remains in the top spot, it's not taking a quarterback—rookie Drake Maye is the Patriots quarterback of the future. There's a very real chance that Tennessee will have its pick of incoming rookie quarterbacks in the spring.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 48, Carolina Panthers 14
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Buccaneers Can Be a Potent Playoff Team If They Get In
Last week's loss to Dallas pulled the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from the NFC South's driver's seat. Tampa now needs to make up a game on the Atlanta Falcons, which won both regular-season meetings with the Buccaneers.
If the Bucs can get into the postseason, however, other teams won't be thrilled about visiting Tampa in the wild-card round.
While the Buccaneers defense has holes, it can get after opposing quarterbacks (5 sacks on Sunday). Their offense, meanwhile, has become one of the most dynamic units in the NFL.
Baker Mayfield is playing as well as any quarterback in the league right now. He shredded the Carolina Panthers for 359 yards and five touchdowns on Sunday. Mike Evans (8 catches, 97 yards, 2 TDs) is back to 100 percent and playing like an elite No. 1 receiver.
Rookie running back Bucky Irving, who racked up 133 rushing yards and 77 receiving yards, is leading a dominant rushing attack. The offense is clicking well enough to match points with almost any team, if the defense can get a few timely stops.
While the 4-12 Panthers aren't exactly a playoff-caliber challenge, they've played well as of late. They took Tampa to overtime in the first meeting and ended the Arizona Cardinals' season in overtime last week.
Tampa needs help to reach the playoffs, but on Sunday, it played like a team that can beat anybody at home.
Adam Thielen Must Be Back with the Panthers Next Season
There weren't many positives to be found in Sunday's loss. The Panthers did little to slow Tampa Bay, which racked up 33 first downs and possessed the ball for more than 41 minutes.
Carolina couldn't get anything going on the ground (39 rushing yards) with standout running back Chuba Hubbard on injured reserve with a calf injury. The Panthers did, however, see some more positive flashes from second-year quarterback Bryce Young.
Young finished 15-of-28 for 203 yards and two touchdowns. He made a handful of gorgeous throws during the game, though he wasn't nearly enough to keep Carolina competitive.
Of course, this season was always about finding out whether Young could be a quality NFL starter. He's given the Panthers an answer with some strong play down the stretch, and he's gotten a big assist from veteran receiver Adam Thelen along the way.
Thielen tallied 110 yards and two touchdowns on five receptions on Sunday, and he's reemerged as Young's favorite target since returning from injured reserve (hamstring) in late November.
Over his last six games, including Sunday, Thielen has amassed 35 catches for 462 yards and four touchdowns. For the sake of Young's continued development, the Panthers must retain Thielen for at least another season.
Thielen is under contract through 2025, but he's a 34-year-old wideout who missed significant time this season. Carolina could also save $3.4 million by releasing Thielen before March 14 or $6.8 million by releasing him with a post-June 1 designation.
The potential savings, though, pales in comparison to the value Thielen can provide when healthy. Carolina should add to its receiver room in the offseason, but performances like Sunday's show exactly why Thielen needs to stay.
Buffalo Bills 40, New York Jets 14
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Wary of Garrett Wilson's Discontent, Jets Must Move On from Aaron Rodgers
Weeks ago, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said Aaron Rodgers is a "long shot" to stay in New York with the Jets.
However, Rodgers hasn't ruled out playing another year with Gang Green. He told reporters he's open to taking a pay cut and mentoring a young quarterback if the team drafts one.
While that's what you want to hear from a potential Hall of Famer, the Jets must move on from Rodgers in the offseason.
According to Rapoport, Rodgers and wide receiver Garrett Wilson have struggled to communicate since an offseason "spat."
Rapoport suggested Wilson could request a trade if Rodgers remains with the team.
Recently, Wilson seemed noncommittal about his future with the Jets.
"I'm gonna worry about these last two games and see what happens, man. I'm not gonna speak on that," Wilson said about trade request rumors via the New York Post's Steve Serby. "All that's out of my control. I just gotta play my part and try to win games for this organization."
Rodgers just turned 41. Over the last two weeks, as the Jets' passing offense has sputtered, he's thrown for one touchdown and two interceptions. Wilson is two terms removed from winning Offensive Rookie of the Year, and he's eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in all three of his seasons.
If Wilson isn't too fond of Rodgers returning to New York, the Jets should go in a new direction with their quarterback plan.
Bills Are the Biggest Obstacle in Chiefs' Pathway to 3-Peat
If the Kansas City Chiefs stumble on their path to a three-peat, the Buffalo Bills will be the team to eliminate them.
First and foremost, the Buffalo beat Kansas City 30-21 in Week 11, but that's not all. On Sunday, the Bills wrapped up the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs, which means they'll host the Baltimore Ravens, who beat them 35-10 in Week 4, if the AFC heavyweights clash again in January.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson may become a three-time MVP, but the Bills have shown more consistency during the regular season. Buffalo went undefeated at home this season and has won 10 of its last 11 games. Baltimore had head-scratching losses to the Las Vegas Raiders (at home) and Cleveland Browns.
With quarterback Josh Allen, the Bills have lost three postseason games to the Chiefs, but this year could be different.
Buffalo has scored 30-plus points in nine of its last 10 contests. Its defense has forced at least one turnover in all but one game, logging three takeaways in three of the previous five weeks.
The Bills are equipped to knock off the Chiefs and prevent them from making NFL history.
Las Vegas Raiders 25, New Orleans Saints 10
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Brock Bowers Has a Strong Case for Offensive Rookie of the Year
Typically, quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers win Offensive Rookie of the Year, but tight end Brock Bowers should be in consideration to break that trend.
On Sunday, Bowers broke multiple records, topping Hall of Famer Mike Ditka for most receiving yards (1,076) by a tight end, Puka Nacua for most catches (105) by a rookie and Darren Waller for most catches (107) in a single season by a Raider. He has 108 receptions for 1,144 yards and four touchdowns.
Though Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels should be the front-runner because of his spectacular performances, Bowers has etched his name in the record books several times this year.
Notwithstanding team records for Offensive Rookie of the Year candidates, one can argue that Bowers' individual achievements are more impressive than Daniels', especially considering that he's played with three different starting quarterbacks: Gardner Minshew, Desmond Ridder and Aidan O'Connell.
Spencer Rattler Has the Tools To Be a High-End Backup QB
Because of Derek Carr's injuries, rookie fifth-rounder Spencer Rattler has played in six games (five starts). Though his passing numbers are underwhelming, he's shown enough flashes to be considered a viable backup.
Two weeks ago, Rattler nearly led the Saints to a comeback victory over the Washington Commanders. In that game, he replaced Jake Haener after halftime and finished with an 84.4 passer rating.
On Sunday, Rattler threw for 218 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. On one of his intercepted throws, wideout Cedrick Wilson Jr. reached for the ball, and it bounced off his hands and into cornerback Jack Jones' breadbasket.
Remember that Rattler didn't have wideout Chris Olave (concussion) or running back Alvin Kamara (groin). Though the rookie needs to make quicker decisions in the pocket, he has some upside as a developmental project.
Carr is under contract with the Saints through the 2026 term, and he has a no-trade clause. Carr will likely return as the Saints' starter in 2025, but Rattler can be a quality backup who can fill in if the 33-year-old wants out of New Orleans or experiences another injury-riddled campaign.
Minnesota Vikings 27, Green Bay Packers 25
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Packers Need More Offensive Balance Heading into the Playoffs
The Green Bay Packers made a notable offensive shift following its Week 10 bye. Before that off week, quarterback Jordan Love attempted at least 32 passes in five out of seven contests. On Sunday, he threw more than 28 passes in a game for the first time since Week 9.
Over the last several weeks, the Packers have featured Josh Jacobs in the ground game, which mostly worked in their favor. They have won five of their previous seven contests.
But as we saw on Sunday, the Packers could struggle when they fall behind early and need more chunk plays from their passing attack. In both post-bye week losses, the Packers trailed by double digits.
Green Bay must be more dynamic through the air to win in the postseason. Love has to be more than an efficient game manager; he must elevate the offense with his playmakers.
Since Week 12, Love is averaging 206.5 passing yards per game. He has five touchdown passes in the last four weeks. The Packers need more production out of him to make a playoff run.
Vikings Should Be Preparing to Extend Sam Darnold as They Eye Division Title, NFC's No. 1 Seed
With a victory, the Minnesota Vikings kept their hopes of winning the NFC's No. 1 seed alive. Regardless of what happens between the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers on Monday night, Minnesota will square off with Detroit for the NFC North title and home-field advantage in the conference.
The Vikings' immediate focus should be on playoff seeding, but the front office needs to think about the distant future as well, one that includes Sam Darnold.
Darnold is having his best season by far, recording career highs in passing yards (4,153) and touchdowns (35) in a season. He's a big reason the Vikings have a chance to claim a division title and home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Even though Minnesota selected quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the first round of this year's draft, they should consider retaining Darnold on a short-term deal.
McCarthy has undergone multiple knee surgeries. With Darnold under contract, the Vikings wouldn't have to rush McCarthy's development. In the meantime, they could be a perennial playoff contender with Darnold.
Miami Dolphins 20, Cleveland Browns 3
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Job Well Done by QB Tyler Huntley, as Miami Dolphins' Playoff Hopes Remain Alive
Tua Tagovailoa wasn't able to go for the Miami Dolphins during Sunday's meeting against the Cleveland Browns because of a hip injury. With the team's playoff hopes hanging in the balance, backup Tyler Huntley provided exactly what the team needed against a dangerous Browns defense.
"I think he exemplified the characteristics that were reminiscent of what we had the last couple years," Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters last week when asked about his team's quarterbacks status. "Specifically, it reminded me of Teddy (Bridgewater) and how guys, the second you go in, they believe that you won't miss a beat. And you've got to earn that trust, and you've got to earn that conviction and that's something that you can't fake."
Huntley completed 22-of-26 passes for 225 yards while throwing and running for a score.
The quarterback also led the Dolphins with 53 rushing yards. He extended plays and refrained from making any major mistakes. As a result, the Dolphins will enter Week 18 with a chance to join the postseason party, albeit they'll need help.
Granted, Miami's offense isn't as explosive with Huntley leading the way. Jaylen Waddle's continued absence due to injury doesn't help matters. But both Tagovailoa and Waddle could return for next weekend's critical meeting with the New York Jets.
Obviously, the Dolphins need to beat their rival in the final week of regular-season play. The Denver Broncos must also lose to the Kansas City Chiefs, who are expected to rest a majority of their starters after securing the AFC's No. 1 seed.
Miami doesn't control its destiny. However, the franchise wouldn't even be in this position without the effort of a backup quarterback doing more than enough in what became a make-or-break contest.
Myles Garrett's Excellence Being Wasted as Member of Cleveland Browns
The entire Browns organization should be viewed as a massive waste of potential.
Four years ago, Cleveland radiated with excitement, with a football team that made a playoff appearance for only the second time since the franchise's return to the NFL in 1999. The Browns even won their wild-card matchup against the hated Pittsburgh Steelers.
At the time, two recent No. 1 overall picks in defensive end Myles Garrett and quarterback Baker Mayfield served as foundational cornerstones.
Since that point, Cleveland owns a 29-38 record while making one of the worst decisions in NFL history by trading for Deshaun Watson and handing the quarterback a fully guaranteed $230 million contract.
Meanwhile, Myles Garrett continues to dominate. During Sunday's meeting with the Dolphins, his two sacks gave him 14 on the season, making him the first player in NFL history with 14 or more sacks in four straight campaigns.
Garrett doesn't want to deal with ineptitude any longer and said as much.
"I want to win. I want the Browns to put me and us in a position to win. I'm not trying to rebuild, I'm trying to win right now," Garrett told reporters prior to Cleveland's Week 16 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. "There's gotta be a plan of action and just gotta know where things are going."
Well, the Browns' latest loss further shows there is no easy way out of the situation. The team's quarterback play is atrocious. Watson is locked into his contract, and the organization's latest restructure simply eases some of the burden two years down the road. Cleveland doesn't have the salary-cap flexibility to sign a legitimate veteran upgrade, though a rookie draft pick may be a viable alternative. That's not what Garrett wants, though.
The Browns are in a trap of their own making, and it's hard to envision a way out of it.
Los Angeles Chargers 40, New England Patriots 7
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Los Angeles Chargers Get Healthy, Find Playmakers For Playoff Push
With Saturday's 40-7 victory over the New England Patriots, the Los Angeles Chargers clinched a wild-card berth into the 2024 postseason. It's an important step. However, teams playing in the tournament have higher aspirations than just making an appearance.
For the Chargers, how the surrounding cast plays around quarterback Justin Herbert will dictate how competitive they can actually be against the best the AFC has to offer.
Their latest victory became important on multiple levels.
Running back J.K. Dobbins and tight end Will Dissly returning to the lineup after previously dealing with injuries served as a significant boost. Dobbins, who hadn't played since Nov. 25 because of a knee injury, didn't miss a beat by carrying the ball 19 times for 76 yards and a touchdown to lead the Chargers.
Dissly, meanwhile, caught two passes for 21 yards, while also providing an in-line presence in the blocking game. Fellow tight end Hayden Hurst dealt with an illness throughout the week, which led to him not playing Saturday. He should be ready for the start of the playoffs, though.
Those pieces are important. Herbert also needs others to step up, starting with rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey.
McConkey continues to shine. He caught eight passes for 94 yards on two touchdowns against the Patriots. There's absolutely no doubt that the second-round draft pick has emerged as the Chargers' No. 1 wide receiver. How he handles the pressure when the moments are bigger has yet to be determined.
From there, questions can be raised. But Derius Davis is getting more looks as the regular season winds to a close, with an unbelievable 23-yard touchdown reception on Saturday.
Another tight end, Stone Smartt, has become a preferred target for Herbert. Over the last four games, the 26-year-old veteran caught 13 passes for 164 yards.
All of these names must contribute for the Chargers to make some noise when the games really matter in the postseason.
Where Do the New England Patriots Go Beyond QB Drake Maye?
The Patriots have their franchise quarterback in this year's third overall draft pick, Drake Maye. This season has been built around Maye and his development, but the rest of the roster has also been evaluated throughout the campaign.
Quite frankly, New England's talent core is miniscule. The Patriots field the league's worst roster. This fact became blatantly obvious during Saturday's contest. A lot will need to change in the coming season, but a few pieces could be in place.
Antonio Gibson ran hard while looking like the potential RB1 thanks to Rhamondre Stevenson's penchant for fumbles. Gibson averaged 5.3 yards per carry on 12 opportunities.
Up front, maybe the Patriots have something with Cole Strange at center. The 2022 first-round draft pick made his first-ever start at center Saturday after being activated from last season's knee injury during last week's practices.
"I'm in a new position, so I'm still sort of figuring it out, but I've had plenty of time," he told reporters Friday. "I feel very prepared. ... and I feel good physically, the knees feel healthy."
Strange didn't look out of place and could serve as the keystone for the entire unit as the Patriots rebuild their front five during the upcoming offseason.
Second-year cornerback Alex Austin may be another young piece ready for more. Austin defended passes over the last four weeks. He can potentially serve as the bookend to Christian Gonzalez in the coming season(s).
It's the little things during a lost season. The Patriots can take these small positives and potentially turn them into something bigger and better.
Cincinnati Bengals 30, Denver Broncos 24
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Tee Higgins Showed He Can Be a No. 1 WR as Bengals Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
On Saturday, Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II draped over him in coverage. Chase posted modest receiving numbers until late in the fourth quarter.
Tee Higgins led the Bengals in catches (11), receiving yards (131) and touchdowns (three) in the Bengals' season-saving victory.
The Bengals need the Denver Broncos to lose to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18, along with at least one loss for the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins. If that happens, a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers would allow them to advance to the playoffs.
Higgins will be a winner in the offseason, regardless. He could get a massive pay raise on the free-agent market and emerge as a lead target away from Chase with a new team.
According to The Athletic's Chad Graff, the New England Patriots will pursue Higgins with an aggressive offer.
"The Patriots are going to be all in on Tee Higgins," Graff wrote. "They've shown an interest in established receivers, and Higgins is the best free agent. I expect them to offer him the moon. The question is whether he says yes or no."
Of course, quarterback Joe Burrow wants Higgins back in Cincinnati. If the Bengals don't franchise-tag Higgins for consecutive years, he'll have a big decision in the offseason.
If Higgins signs a massive deal elsewhere, he will probably be that team's lead receiver. On Saturday, Higgins proved he can handle the spotlight in a crucial game.
Broncos Should Feel Confident About Their Playoff Hopes Despite Tough Loss
In consecutive weeks, the Denver Broncos have come close to a playoff berth but come up short.
This time, the Broncos lost in overtime, going three-and-out on two drives in the extra period.
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix had a quality performance, throwing for 219 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. He threw two deep dimes to wideout Marvin Mims Jr., which made pundits question their pre-draft evaluations of him.
Next week, the Broncos can earn a playoff berth with a win over the Chiefs, which have already clinched playoff home-field advantage. The Chiefs could rest their starters to allow players to get healthy before the postseason.
With Nix continuing to show promise and Kansas City already locked into the No. 1 seed, the Broncos should feel confident about their chances of beating the Chiefs in Denver.
Remember, in Week 10, the Broncos lost to the Chiefs 16-14 in the final seconds because of a blocked field goal.
Los Angeles Rams 13, Arizona Cardinals 9
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Cardinals TE Trey McBride Will Eventually Be an All-Pro Player
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray threw a pass that bounced off Trey McBride's helmet and into the hands of cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, which essentially ended the game.
However, McBride had a strong showing and finally caught his first touchdown pass of the season. The third-year tight end also led the Cardinals in catches (12) and receiving yards (123).
McBride must catch a ball that hits his hands (or helmet) at a crucial point of the game, but he's the Cardinals' top target in their aerial attack and one of the league's top pass-catching tight ends.
For now, McBride leads all tight ends in receptions (104) and receiving yards (1,081), which are his career highs. At this trajectory, he'll earn All-Pro honors sooner than later.
Rams Need a Better Version of Matthew Stafford to Make a Playoff Run
The Los Angeles Rams have yet to clinch a playoff berth, but Matthew Stafford must play much better if they advance to the postseason.
Over the last three weeks, Stafford has thrown one touchdown pass and an interception, averaging 153 passing yards per game in that stretch.
Stafford didn't give the ball away on Saturday, but he had multiple turnover-worthy plays, specifically in the red zone.
Coming off a Pro Bowl campaign, Stafford's passing yards average and touchdown rate have dipped this season. He's overly reliant on wideout Puka Nacua, and the rest of the Rams receivers have been nonfactors in recent outings.
Since Week 14, the Rams have averaged 14.7 points per game. Lately, their defense has fueled their winning streak, but they will need more from Stafford and the passing offense against tougher competition.
Seattle Seahawks 6, Chicago Bears 3
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Seattle Seahawks' Playoff Hopes Remain Alive, But They Need Help
The Seahawks couldn't care less if Thursday's 6-3 victory over the Chicago Bears turned into one of the ugliest outings of the 2024 campaign, because they still registered a notch in the win column—which keeps them alive for the postseason going into Week 18's action.
However, Seattle needs help on and off the field if the latest outcome is going to mean anything.
At this juncture, the 9-7 Seahawks sit in the No. 8 hole on the outside looking in at the playoffs. They still have a shot to capture an NFC West title, though. The Los Angeles Rams need to lose or tie during Saturday's matchup with the Arizona Cardinals, then the Seahawks must beat the Rams during the following weekend's action.
All hope could be abandoned for a victory over the Rams or even the playoffs, if that achievement is unlocked, based on Seattle's pitiful passing attack.
During Thursday's contest, quarterback Geno Smith averaged 7.0 yards per pass attempt. If a shoestring 23-yard catch from DK Metcalf on a dig route is taken out of the mix, the number drops to 6.2 yards per attempt. The Seahawks did nothing to threaten the Bears vertically.
Considering Metcalf is dealing with multiple injuries, the Seahawks must find explosive plays somewhere in order to sneak into the postseason and make the appearance mean something. Right now, Seattle's offense lacks an ability to create chunk plays, hence Thursday's score.
At Least One Chicago Bear Is Already Looking Toward the Organization's Future
The Bears suffered their 10th straight loss. At this point, another defeat doesn't matter.
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams being sacked seven more times doesn't matter. The passing game not throwing a ball deeper than six yards downfield until the offense's final drive doesn't matter. The team managing just three points during a primetime game doesn't matter.
The Bears have checked out for this season, and they're already thinking of what comes next after the organization fired head coach Matt Eberflus earlier this year.
"Jaylon Johnson went so far as to name names in what he's looking for in a new head coach," Kaylee Hartung of Thursday Night Football reported during the telecast. "He said that he wants an offensive guy in the role to give Williams stability as he grows. He proceeded to name Ben Johnson (Detroit Lions), Kliff Kingsbury (Washington Commanders), Joe Brady (Buffalo Bills)—coaches he called masterminds.
"But he also said this team needs a leader of men, like maybe a Mike Vrabel. He said they're all good candidates, who bring something different to the table, but, candidly, he said he feels there's no right answer."
A chorus of boos serenaded the Bears throughout the contest. The organization desperately needs a culture change, hence why at least one current player is publicly discussing names to be the franchise's next head coach even when the regular season isn't complete.
Kansas City Chiefs 29, Pittsburgh Steelers 10
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Chiefs Finding Form Ahead of Playoffs, Again
It's Christmas, not Groundhog Day. Yet, it feels like we've been here before.
The Chiefs, despite a league-best record, have felt vulnerable all season. They've battled injuries, issues along the offensive line and a fair bit of trial and error with the offensive game plan. More often than not, they've been forced to scrape by in one-score games.
On the doorstep of the postseason, however, Kansas City again looks like a dangerous, championship-caliber team.
Getting players like Marquise Brown and Isiah Pacheco healthy and into the lineup has helped. During their absences, though, the Chiefs uncovered the right roles for players like Kareem Hunt and rookie wideout Xavier Worthy.
Travis Kelce (8 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD) is still a threat, albeit not as explosive after the catch as he was early in his career. A defense that carried the team for much of the regular season is still terrific. It recorded five sacks and two takeaways against Pittsburgh.
Patrick Mahomes is still a wizard behind center, and Kansas City may have found a solution for its lack of consistency at left tackle by auditioning Joe Thuney.
The Steelers kept things close for a stretch on Wednesday, but the avalanche that is Kansas City eventually took over. The Week 17 opener largely mirrored Kansas City's season for the second straight year.
The Chiefs have found their form at exactly the right time, which is a problem for the rest of the AFC playoff field. The other problem? The road to Super Bowl LIX now runs through Kansas City.
Steelers Need Vintage Russell Wilson to Make a Deep Playoff Run
Pittsburgh is playoff-bound. However, Wednesday's loss means that they no longer control their own destiny in the AFC North. More alarming is the fact that Pittsburgh has now lost four of its last six games and simply doesn't look like the title contender it appeared to be in mid-November.
The Steelers defense—which, to be fair, was without top corner Joey Porter Jr.—couldn't corral Kansas City often enough. Their offense, which did see the return of top receiver George Pickens, couldn't sustain drives or deliver big plays.
The good news is that Pittsburgh has already punched its postseason ticket and there's time to turn things around. If the Steelers are going to go deep into the playoffs, however, they'll need some vintage performances of quarterback Russell Wilson.
Wilson has been the capable and experienced signal-caller that this team lacked a year ago. He also showed some flashes of being the dangerous dual-threat he was during his prime years with the Seattle Seahawks.
The 36-year-old barely topped 200 passing yards but did rush for a season-high 55 yards and a touchdown.
However, Wilson needs to play a cleaner brand of ball than he has over the last three weeks—a stretch that has included two lost fumbles and two interceptions. His first-quarter interception in the end zone changed the course of Wednesday's game significantly.
Pittsburgh may also want to lean on Wilson as a scrambler more to augment a ground attack that came into the week ranked 31st in yards per carry.
Wilson gives Pittsburgh an edge it didn't have during last year's playoff run—with all due respect to Mason Rudolph—but the version we've seen late this year isn't enough to carry the Steelers to a Super Bowl.
Mike Tomlin and the Steelers have roughly two weeks to find the version of Wilson that they need.
Baltimore Ravens 31, Houston Texans 2
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Surging Ravens May Vault Lamar Jackson to the Top of the MVP Race
For most of the season, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has felt like the logical pick for league MVP. Allen has had a stellar season and has almost single-handedly carried Buffalo to one of the league's best records.
Since Baltimore's Week 14 bye, however, the Ravens have been one of the hottest teams in football, rattling off decisive wins over the New York Giants, Steelers, and now, the Texans. That surge could be enough to allow Lamar Jackson to repeat as league MVP.
Statistically, Jackson is deserving. Coming into Week 17, he had already passed for more yards (3,787) and touchdowns (37) than he had a year ago. He had a league-high 120.6 passer rating—also better than last year's (102.7)—and he moved past last year's rushing-yardage total on Wednesday.
And Jackson (166 passing yards, 2 TDs, 87 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD) was again impressive against Houston. He didn't produce gaudy passing numbers, as the Ravens dished out a heavy helping of Derrick Henry, but he repeatedly flashed his MVP-level ability.
Jackson ripped off a 48-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, and his second-quarter touchdown pass to Isaiah Likely was a masterclass on escapability.
If Jackson does creep past Allen and win the MVP, however, it won't just be about the players themselves. The simple reality is that Baltimore looks like a more legitimate title contender than Buffalo right now.
Yes, the Bills stole a win over the Detroit Lions two weeks ago, but they also narrowly avoided the lowly New England Patriots in Week 16. The Ravens, by comparison, are rolling in all phases.
Jackson and Henry lead one of the league's most lethal offenses, and Baltimore's defense has gotten better throughout the season. It was stout against the run from the beginning, but a pass defense that was suspect early is no longer a complete liability.
The Ravens harassed C.J. Stroud and smothered the Texans offense throughout Wednesday's game.
Baltimore is a scary-good team, and Jackson is playing the best ball of his career. That may ultimately not be enough for him to win MVP, but it might get him something better—a ring.
Texans Beginning to Look Like a Postseason Footnote
There are a couple of other reasons why Jackson has a case to win MVP over Allen. For one, Jackson and the Ravens steamrolled Buffalo when the two teams met in Week 4. Secondly, the Texans, who had no answers for Jackson on Wednesday, beat the Bills in a close Week 5 matchup.
Of course, Houston has endured a lot since that win over Buffalo. The Texans lost Stefon Diggs to a torn ACL three weeks later, and they recently lost receiver Tank Dell to a torn ACL and dislocated kneecap.
Injuries have also been a problem for the offensive line, which was without center Juice Scruggs and guard Shaq Mason against Baltimore. With a receiving corps short on depth and a line incapable of consistently protecting Stroud, the Texans offense has floundered.
Stroud's decline in efficiency—his passer rating dropped from 100.8 as a rookie to 87.7 through 16 weeks—hasn't helped matters.
Wednesday's score might indicate otherwise, but Houston's defense is still very good. Unfortunately, this version of the Texans isn't a complete team and isn't capable of matching points with the AFC's elite. Houston mustered just 19 points against Kansas City last Saturday and looked like it didn't belong on the same field as Baltimore.
Houston has already clinched the AFC South, and it might be able to beat a team like Pittsburgh or the Denver Broncos at home. Winning a game in Buffalo, Baltimore or Kansas City? That's probably not happening.
Things could change, of course. If the line gets healthier and recent waiver addition Diontae Johnson can provide some punch to the passing attack, the Texans could be formidable again. Right now, though, Houston is playing like one of the weaker teams in the AFC field.
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