Week 16 of the NFL season began Thursday night time with the Los Angeles Rams strengthening their playoff hopes whereas placing an enormous dent within the New Orleans Saints’ postseason aspirations.
To kick off a two-game Saturday schedule, the Pittsburgh Steelers routed the Cincinnati Bengals, whose playoff hopes additionally took a success. Later, the Buffalo Payments took management of their playoff future with a slim victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, who had been enjoying their first sport since firing coach Brandon Staley and common supervisor Tom Telesco final week.
The motion continued Sunday with a Detroit Lions win over the Minnesota Vikings that locked up the NFC North title, an enormous sport by Cleveland Browns QB Joe Flacco and WR Amari Cooper and a go-ahead TD by the Seattle Seahawks within the final minute to maintain their playoff hopes alive. The Miami Dolphins beat the Dallas Cowboys with a walk-off subject purpose, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers handed the Jacksonville Jaguars their fourth straight loss. And the New England Patriots rode a 56-yard subject purpose as time expired to beat the Denver Broncos within the night time sport.
On Christmas Day, the slate proceeded with the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs getting surprised at residence by the Las Vegas Raiders. The Philadelphia Eagles eked out a win in opposition to the New York Giants, however it was too shut for consolation. The Baltimore Ravens ended Week 16 with a powerful win on the San Francisco 49ers to assert sole possession of the league’s greatest file.
Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to all of the motion, answering lingering questions popping out of every sport and choosing out who — or what — is rising and falling for each workforce. Let’s get to it.
Bounce to a matchup:
NO-LAR | CIN-PIT | BUF-LAC | IND-ATL
SEA-TEN | DET-MIN | CLE-HOU | GB-CAR
WSH-NYJ | JAX-TB | ARI-CHI | DAL-MIA
NE-DEN |LV-KC | NYG-PHI | BAL-SF
Ravens
Why is the victory over the 49ers the Ravens’ greatest of the season? This clearly offers Baltimore the title of greatest workforce within the NFL with two weeks remaining. The Ravens have received 5 straight and have the league’s greatest file at 12-3. The extra important a part of this victory is that Baltimore can now clinch the AFC’s No. 1 seed Sunday, when the Ravens host the Dolphins. The Ravens have been the highest seed solely as soon as of their 27 years of existence. For a franchise that has one playoff victory in Lamar Jackson’s first 5 seasons, it could be enormous to have home-field benefit within the postseason.
Top off after the win: WR Zay Flowers. After being held to a season-low 7 yards receiving, Flowers produced 9 receptions for 72 yards and one landing. The rookie first-round choose now has 4 touchdowns in his previous 4 video games.
Inventory down after the win: The Ravens’ run sport. Within the first sport with out explosive rookie operating again Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore’s operating backs totaled 41 yards on 17 carries (2.4-yard common). Jackson led the Ravens in speeding (46 yards) for the seventh time this season, together with the third straight sport. — Jamison Hensley
Subsequent sport: vs. Dolphins (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
49ers
What does this loss imply for the 49ers’ playoff positioning? The Niners acquired success over the previous couple of weeks, as losses by the Eagles and Cowboys gave them a sport to play with within the race for the NFC’s No. 1 seed. However the 49ers’ margin for error is now razor-thin if they need the NFC’s postseason to undergo Levi’s Stadium. San Francisco can nonetheless wrap up the highest spot with wins in its last two video games (at Washington, vs. the Rams), or with a win and a few assist. However the 49ers now should choose up the items of a lopsided loss, hope left sort out Trent Williams (groin) heals rapidly, and fly throughout the nation on a brief week. Suffice to say, nothing will come straightforward over the season’s last two weeks.
Top off after the loss: RB Christian McCaffrey. There wasn’t a lot good for the Niners however McCaffrey was his common, productive self, posting 131 scrimmage yards and a landing as he set franchise information for probably the most consecutive 100-yard scrimmage video games and for probably the most 100-yard scrimmage video games in a season.
Inventory down after the loss: QB Brock Purdy. Purdy has largely taken excellent care of the ball, however that did not occur in any respect Monday night time as he threw 4 interceptions in what was simply the worst sport of his younger profession. — Nick Wagoner
Subsequent sport: at Commanders (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Eagles
Ought to the Eagles be inspired or involved after this win? They ended a three-game slide, and so they might simply win out with a house sport in opposition to the Arizona Cardinals and a go to to the Giants remaining on the schedule. The Cowboys have misplaced two straight, placing the NFC East crown inside Philadelphia’s grasp. However this Eagles workforce is liable to premature errors, and it practically price Philly once more in opposition to an inferior opponent. It would take greater than an angst-ridden win over the Giants to generate postseason confidence.
Top off after the win: LB Shaquille Leonard. Getting the beginning with Zach Cunningham and Nicholas Morrow sidelined resulting from harm, the previous All-Professional registered his first sack for the reason that 2020 season and added two tackles for loss and a quarterback hit. If Leonard, who has been hampered by again points, can resemble something near his outdated self down the stretch, it could be an enormous improvement for the Eagles.
Inventory down after the win: WR Olamide Zaccheaus. The particular groups have been excellent, however there was an enormous blunder to begin the second half when Zaccheaus bumped into returner Boston Scott, inflicting him to fumble. The Giants scored on the following possession, tightening a sport that for a second seemed to be heading towards a blowout. — Tim McManus
Subsequent sport: vs. Cardinals (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Giants
Who do the Giants begin at QB transferring ahead? Brian Daboll would not decide to Tyrod Taylor or Tommy DeVito following Monday’s loss, saying it was too early to inform. “Discuss that this week,” the coach mentioned. The Giants have two video games remaining, each at residence, versus the Rams and the Eagles. Taylor most likely offers the Giants one of the best likelihood to win. He was the higher of the 2 quarterbacks on Monday. However Taylor is not more likely to be again subsequent season, and it may gain advantage the group extra to begin DeVito and provides him extra sport expertise, as DeVito could possibly be the backup subsequent season.
Top off after the loss: WR Darius Slayton. He continues to be the main receiver on the workforce regardless of what number of different choices the Giants add to the roster. Slayton scored a 70-yard landing to once more present he has big-play capacity. All they need to do is give him the possibility.
Inventory down after the loss: DL Kayvon Thibodeaux. The Giants cannot have considered one of their greatest defensive gamers placing up duds. He had zero tackles and one QB hit Monday, every week after a one-tackle efficiency in opposition to the Saints. — Jordan Raanan
Subsequent sport: vs. Rams (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Raiders
Has Antonio Pierce earned the full-time teaching job? Virtually. There isn’t any query the Raiders have performed higher below Pierce since he changed Josh McDaniels on Halloween, going 4-3. However there’s nonetheless the style of a 3-0 residence loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Raider Nation’s mouth. There are nonetheless two winnable video games to go — on the Indianapolis Colts and at residence in opposition to the Denver Broncos — for Pierce to completely lay his declare, and as he mentioned with tears in his eyes after his win over the Chiefs, issues will care for themselves in due time.
Top off after the win: The go rush. Las Vegas, led by defensive finish Malcolm Koonce’s three sacks, sacked Patrick Mahomes 4 occasions. The Raiders saved Mahomes off stability lengthy sufficient that by the point he discovered his groove, it was too late for the Chiefs.
Inventory down after the win: QB Aidan O’Connell. The rookie quarterback’s play was uneven at greatest — he didn’t full a go after the primary quarter. He went 9-of-21 for 62 yards and a career-low passer ranking of fifty.3. With higher play from O’Connell, the Raiders would have received this sport by a landslide, because of the protection. — Paul Gutierrez
Subsequent sport: at Colts (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Chiefs
Do the Chiefs have time to repair their many offensive issues? The Chiefs have been turning the ball over, dropping passes and committing penalties all season. Now, with safety issues in opposition to the Raiders, that is quite a bit to scrub up in a brief period of time. If the Chiefs have made no progress in fixing these points by 15 video games, it is not affordable to assume they’ll do it in time for the playoffs.
Top off after the loss: The protection did its job. Each of the Raiders’ touchdowns got here when the Chiefs had the ball.
Inventory down after the loss: Mahomes. He was below strain on lots of his dropbacks, and his receivers weren’t getting open on a whole lot of their routes, however he additionally needs to be higher. Mahomes had a hand in each of the Chiefs’ turnovers/Raiders’ touchdowns. — Adam Teicher
Subsequent sport: vs. Bengals (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Patriots
How does this have an effect on the Patriots’ draft place? The Patriots, who entered the night time within the No. 2 spot, now drop to No. 4. It is Chicago (from Carolina), Arizona, Washington within the prime three spots, then New England and the Chargers. This was an evening during which the Patriots lastly discovered their offense — 20 factors within the third quarter had been probably the most they’ve had in 1 / 4 since Week 17 of the 2021 season, after they had 21 in opposition to the Jaguars. As a part of that output, they scored touchdowns six seconds aside, which ties the shortest span between two TDs in Patriots historical past (2013 vs. Ravens, 2014 vs. Bengals), in line with the Elias Sports activities Bureau.
Top off after the win: Christian Barmore. The third-year defensive sort out had three sacks and 7 tackles (two for a loss) as he continues to ascend in one of the best season of his profession.
Inventory down after the win: Punt protection. A 52-yard punt return and a late penalty had been among the many notable miscues. — Mike Reiss
Subsequent sport: at Payments (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Broncos
Did the Broncos’ offense simply crater the workforce’s playoff possibilities? Virtually definitely sure, given the Broncos’ AFC file is 4-6 and they’re 7-8 total. The Broncos had received 5 in a row to get into the postseason dialog, however they’ve misplaced three of their previous 4 and now have a 2% likelihood to make it. The Broncos erased a 23-7 deficit within the fourth quarter as Russell Wilson led two lengthy scoring drives, and so they made each 2-point conversions to tie it with 2:53 left. However the Patriots’ Chad Ryland kicked a 56-yard subject purpose for the profitable rating.
Top off after the loss: TE Lucas Krull. Krull, who has spent a lot of the season on the follow squad, had his first multicatch sport and the primary landing reception of his profession. The Broncos entered the sport with the second-fewest catches within the league amongst tight ends with 31.
Inventory down after the loss: WR Jerry Jeudy. On an evening when probably the most constant participant on the offense — Courtland Sutton — was injured, Jeudy had a possibility to fill the void, however he didn’t have a goal or a catch till a 13-yard reception with 9:09 left. — Jeff Legwold
Subsequent sport: vs. Chargers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Dolphins
Does this imply the Dolphins can beat good groups? Miami had misplaced all three of its video games in opposition to groups with profitable information getting into Week 16. The Dolphins helped their trigger Sunday with a gritty win, holding off a late comeback by the visiting Cowboys. The victory secured a playoff berth for the second straight season and is probably going to provide this workforce confidence heading into a possible division-clinching sport in opposition to the Ravens in Week 17.
Top off after the win: Ok Jason Sanders. The Dolphins’ longtime kicker entered the sport simply 6-of-16 from 50 or extra yards since 2021, however he nailed kicks of 57, 54 and 52 yards — in addition to a 29-yarder to win the sport with time expiring.
Inventory down after the win: Receiver depth/well being. Wideout Jaylen Waddle had at the least eight targets and 4 catches in every of his earlier 5 video games. However after he caught a 50-yard go on the Dolphins’ opening drive, eye and shin accidents pressured him out of the sport on two separate events. That was his lone reception on 4 targets. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Subsequent sport: at Ravens (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Cowboys
Is there something the Cowboys can do of their last two video games to alter the notion that they cannot win on the highway? Most likely not. The loss all however ensures the Cowboys would be the NFC’s fifth seed, which suggests they’ll possible need to win three highway video games to get to the Tremendous Bowl. Historical past will not be on their aspect. The Cowboys have by no means gone to a Tremendous Bowl after they had a dropping file on the highway within the common season. With this loss, one of the best they’ll do away from house is 4-5.
Top off after the loss: DE DeMarcus Lawrence. He didn’t file an official stat by three quarters however confirmed why stats do not decide a participant’s price. Lawrence was probably the most impactful defender for the Cowboys, repeatedly slicing into the backfield to disrupt Miami’s offense in each the run and go video games.
Inventory down after the loss: Third-down offense. Per week after going 5-of-13 on third downs versus the Payments, the Cowboys had been simply 3-of-11 in opposition to the Dolphins. That is the fifth time in eight highway video games the Cowboys haven’t transformed greater than 40% of their third downs. — Todd Archer
Subsequent sport: vs. Lions (Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Bears
How will the Bears overcome their self-inflicted fourth-quarter roller-coaster rides? One play after a 39-yard scramble by Justin Fields, the quarterback threw a baffling pink zone interception that prevented the Bears (forward 24-10) from icing the sport with a three-score lead within the fourth quarter. The complete Fields’ expertise — coupled with a holding penalty on security Jaquan Brisker that negated a fourth-down cease — allowed the Cardinals to attain on the following drive and lower the Bears’ result in eight. Chicago’s sixth win doubles its whole from a yr in the past, however these fourth-quarter points have change into means too predictable. The Bears displayed a balanced offensive assault and one other stable defensive efficiency, however this workforce nonetheless wants to determine find out how to end off opponents.
Top off after the win: RB Khalil Herbert. The third-year again made probably the most of his first begin in three weeks with D’Onta Foreman inactive (private). Herbert rushed for a season-high 112 yards and ran in his first landing of the season. Most significantly, the burst that Herbert had displayed previous to an ankle harm that landed him on injured reserve throughout Weeks 6-10 was again on show.
Inventory down after the win: Finish-of-half execution. The Bears would have gone into halftime with a three-score lead had it not been for Arizona RB James Conner operating in a wide-open landing late within the second quarter. Chicago was penalized 3 times below the two-minute warning and went three-and-out on consecutive drives (six whole passes, zero referred to as runs after speeding for 117 yards within the first half). — Courtney Cronin
Subsequent sport: vs. Falcons (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Cardinals
Why are the Cardinals struggling within the passing sport? It is a mixture of issues, however it comes all the way down to this: QB Kyler Murray performed simply his sixth sport of the season Sunday, so he is nonetheless making an attempt to determine find out how to work along with his receivers and on this offense, and Arizona lacks a big-bodied pass-catcher it could go to in clutch conditions to make a play.
Top off after the loss: Ok Matt Prater. The kicker took the NFL lead in 50-yard subject targets with a 55-yarder within the third quarter, giving him 9 (and solely two misses).
Inventory down after the loss: The passing sport. Arizona accounted for simply 208 passing yards in opposition to the Bears — after tallying simply 4 yards till about halfway by the second quarter. Murray threw for 85 yards within the first half and 123 within the second half. — Josh Weinfuss
Subsequent sport: at Eagles (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Buccaneers
With the Saints’ loss and Bucs’ win, how do Tampa Bay’s playoff possibilities look? The Bucs put collectively arguably their most full sport with a dominant efficiency on protection in opposition to the Jaguars, scoring two touchdowns off turnovers. Now the Bucs’ path to a 3rd consecutive division title has been laid out: beat the Saints subsequent week or the Panthers in Week 18. Even with a loss in both sport, the Bucs would win the tiebreaker over the Atlanta-New Orleans victor.
Top off after the win: The protection. Security Antoine Winfield Jr. recorded an interception, a sack and a fumble restoration that had been pressured by cornerback Zyon McCollum. Inside linebacker Devin White had a first-quarter interception, exterior linebacker Yaya Diaby had 1.5 sacks, two tackles for a loss, a pressured fumble and a fumble restoration, and inside linebacker Lavonte David had a sack and a TFL.
Inventory down after the win: Any and all oddsmakers. The Bucs had solely a 16% likelihood to make the playoffs within the preseason, per ESPN Analytics, and a 23% shot getting into Week 13. — Jenna Laine
Subsequent sport: vs. Saints (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Jaguars
Is the Jaguars’ season slipping away? The Jaguars have a 65% likelihood to win the AFC South, per ESPN Analytics, regardless of their four-game dropping streak — because of Houston and Indianapolis additionally dropping Sunday. The Jaguars host 2-13 Carolina subsequent Sunday, after which the Texans and Colts play one another in Week 18. However the Jaguars are enjoying their worst soccer when it issues most, and nothing they did in opposition to Tampa Bay offers any indication that they are near getting out of the funk.
Top off after the loss: WR Elijah Cooks. Christian Kirk (core muscle) is on IR and Zay Jones didn’t play due to a hamstring harm, so the Jaguars wanted a receiver to step up. Cooks, an undrafted rookie, did for a bit within the first half, catching three passes for 38 yards — together with two that transformed third downs. Cooks has appeared in seven video games and people had been the primary catches of his profession.
Inventory down after the loss: Ok Brandon McManus. He has missed 5 of his previous six subject purpose makes an attempt, together with a 52-yarder in opposition to the Bucs that he pushed vast proper. That was his third consecutive miss from 50-plus yards. His capacity to make lengthy subject targets was one of many primary causes the Jaguars signed him within the spring and lower Riley Patterson. — Mike DiRocco
Subsequent sport: vs. Panthers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Jets
Ought to Jets proprietor Woody Johnson give kicker Greg Zuerlein a wildly costly Christmas current? Johnson owes Zuerlein — huge time. The proprietor’s pregame proclamation that he is planning to retain coach Robert Saleh and GM Joe Douglas in 2024 seemed embarrassingly untimely when the Jets fell behind by some extent after blowing a 20-point lead. However Zuerlein, having a profession yr, saved everybody with a 54-yard subject purpose within the last seconds. Johnson would not have reneged on his dedication as he believes in his management workforce regardless of a 6-9 file, however it could’ve been a poor optic.
Top off after the win: RB Breece Corridor. Having fun with a late-season revival, Corridor recorded the primary multitouchdown sport of his profession. He completed with 191 yards from scrimmage (95 speeding, 96 receiving), displaying what the often moribund offense can do when Corridor is producing at an elite stage.
Inventory down after the win: The protection. After a dominant first half, the protection collapsed by permitting 21 straight factors to fall behind. This was practically a traditional letdown, fueled by expensive penalties and poor situational consciousness. The Jets had no solutions for backup QB Jacoby Brissett. — Wealthy Cimini
Subsequent sport: at Browns (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Commanders
Ought to the Commanders begin Jacoby Brissett subsequent week? Brissett performed properly in aid of Sam Howell for the second consecutive week, main landing drives on 5 of the six drives he has performed. The offense has stagnated below Howell. Prior to now two video games, he has accomplished a mixed 17 of 48 passes for 158 yards, one landing and three interceptions. It will assist Howell to look at Brissett — and it could assist whomever the following coach is to find out whether or not the problems had been on Howell or others.
Top off after the loss: RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. He ran onerous, gaining 58 yards and scoring two touchdowns on 10 carries, and he confirmed that he could possibly be a much bigger a part of Washington’s future.
Inventory down after the loss: Particular groups. Washington had a punt blocked, misplaced a fumble on the finish of a 24-yard run and dedicated a penalty on fourth-and-3, giving the Jets new life and main to a different landing. — John Keim
Subsequent sport: vs. 49ers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Seahawks
Is Geno Smith getting again to kind? Smith was a bit off within the first half, throwing for under 69 yards with suspect accuracy. Then he shrugged off no matter rust he was coping with from the 2 video games he missed with a groin harm, catching fireplace within the second half. Smith (25-of-36, 227 yards) led two fourth-quarter landing drives, together with the sport winner with a minute left. He has had such an up-and-down season that his future in Seattle past 2023 is in query, however this was the kind of robust efficiency that may put that dialog on maintain. And it retains the Seahawks’ playoff hopes very a lot alive, with two winnable video games remaining vs. Pittsburgh and at Arizona.
Top off after the win: WR DK Metcalf. Metcalf’s one-handed landing catch within the fourth quarter offers him six scores up to now six video games and eight for the season. He completed with 4 catches for 56 yards and in addition drew a go interference penalty to arrange the game-winning landing.
Inventory down after the win: Seattle’s self-discipline. Probably the most penalized workforce within the NFL getting into Sunday, the Seahawks had been flagged six occasions for 47 yards, together with a go interference (Tre Brown) and pointless roughness (Artie Burns) on Tennessee’s go-ahead landing drive within the fourth quarter. — Brady Henderson
Subsequent sport: vs. Steelers (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Titans
Ought to the Titans play for a greater draft place? A lot is on the road for the Titans, despite the fact that they’re assured a dropping file. Roughly 20 potential free brokers on the Titans need to present their worth to the remainder of the league, and different gamers like QB Will Levis need to spin momentum into subsequent season. Ending the yr on a excessive word can change the tone of the offseason. It additionally would not damage for the Titans to get an opportunity to make it tougher for his or her AFC South rivals to make the playoffs with video games in opposition to the Texans on the highway and at residence in opposition to the Jaguars.
Top off after the loss: RB Derrick Henry. Henry had a significantly better day than final week, as he completed with 19 carries for 88 yards, alongside along with his 89th profession speeding landing. He additionally added his fifth profession passing landing.
Inventory down after the loss: QB Ryan Tannehill. Making his first begin since Week 6, Tannehill accomplished 18 of his 26 go makes an attempt for 152 yards on Sunday. But it surely was clear that he was rusty, as proven by how he ceaselessly threw behind receivers, forcing them to take huge hits at occasions. — Turron Davenport
Subsequent sport: at Texans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Packers
How good can the Packers’ offense be now that Aaron Jones is wholesome? Positive, it was in opposition to the lowly Panthers, however Jones confirmed the dynamic that the Packers have missed for the reason that opener. That was the final time a person participant had a 100-yard sport from scrimmage, and it was Jones on that day, too. On Sunday, Jones (who has handled hamstring and knee accidents) went for 135 whole yards (together with 127 speeding for Inexperienced Bay’s first 100-yard speeding sport this season). The Packers had been the one workforce getting into Week 16 that didn’t have a number of 100-yard particular person video games this season.
Top off after the win: TE Tucker Kraft. Kraft hasn’t let the harm to Luke Musgrave decelerate the Packers’ tight finish manufacturing. Kraft caught 4 passes for 60 yards, together with a 20-yarder that arrange the game-winning rating within the last minute.
Inventory down after the win: All facets of the protection. Per week after permitting the Bucs’ Baker Mayfield to carve them up, the Packers let rookie Bryce Younger throw for 311 yards, whereas the Panthers’ offense totaled 393 yards and 4 touchdowns following a two-week stretch during which they hadn’t scored a single offensive TD. — Rob Demovsky
Subsequent sport: at Vikings (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Panthers
Did Bryce Younger show he could be efficient below middle, together with on a quarterback sneak? It is nonetheless child steps, however sure. Younger hadn’t gotten an opportunity on a sneak earlier than Sunday for concern his measurement (5-foot-10, 204 kilos) could be a hindrance. The Panthers had used Andy Dalton (6-foot-5) as an alternative. Nevertheless, Younger confirmed in opposition to the Packers he is totally succesful, gaining 2 yards on fourth-and-1 to maintain a drive alive. Carolina has used Younger extra below middle of late, which opened up play-action passing that led to a career-high 311 yards Sunday.
Top off after the loss: TE Tommy Tremble. The third-year tight finish had 4 catches for a career-high 59 yards after having 16 catches for 118 yards over the primary 14 video games — and not more than 35 yards receiving in a sport his first three seasons.
Inventory down after the loss: Ok Eddy Pineiro. Carolina’s kicker missed two additional factors every week after kicking three subject targets (together with the sport winner as time expired) to earn NFC Particular Groups Participant of the Week honors. — David Newton
Subsequent sport: at Jaguars (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Browns
Can the Browns preserve airing it out like this? With Joe Flacco’s huge, correct arm, completely. Flacco set the tone in Houston with a 53-yard completion to Amari Cooper on the opening drive, probably the most air yards (45) on a Browns completion this season. Flacco got here again within the second quarter with a 75-yard scoring strike to Cooper off play-action and a 21-yard landing dime to tight finish David Njoku by visitors. The Browns are all of a sudden a dynamic downfield passing workforce, with Cooper, Njoku and others making performs — and Flacco, 38, zinging the ball round prefer it’s 2012 yet again.
Top off after the win: WR Amari Cooper. Cooper joined Terrell Owens as the one different NFL participant with 200-yard receiving performances for 3 totally different franchises, whereas changing into the primary Cleveland participant to publish back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
Inventory down after the win: Particular groups. The Browns gave up a 98-yard kickoff return landing to Dameon Pierce and misplaced dependable kicker Dustin Hopkins to a hamstring harm on the identical play. They went for 2 factors following each landing after Hopkins departed. — Jake Trotter
Subsequent sport: vs. Jets (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Texans
Ought to the Texans swap to Davis Mills if C.J. Stroud is out any longer? Sure. Case Keenum’s run has been shaky at greatest, because the offense in two video games averaged 9.5 factors, and three of these factors got here of their time beyond regulation win in opposition to the Tennessee Titans. Keenum went 11-of-17 for 62 yards with two interceptions earlier than coach DeMeco Ryans put Mills in to complete the sport with the rating out of hand. The Texans (250 yards) had been outgained by Browns receiver Amari Cooper, who had 265 receiving yards. So long as Stroud is out, they need to at the least attempt Mills.
Top off after the loss: CB Derek Stingley Jr. Stingley had one other interception, his fifth of the season. That is 5 in eight video games.
Inventory down after the loss: The go protection. Browns quarterback Joe Flacco handed for 368 yards and three touchdowns, and Amari Cooper had two TDs. — DJ Bien-Aime
Subsequent sport: vs. Titans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Lions
What does profitable the NFC North imply for the postseason? The offense seemed robust behind a stable floor assault, and the Lions have received their first division crown for the reason that 1993 season. With two video games remaining earlier than the postseason, Detroit has to tighten up on protection. Nick Mullens is the fourth QB to begin for the Vikings this season, and he was letting it fly in opposition to the secondary, which ought to trigger concern for the Lions since they’ll face higher competitors within the playoffs.
Top off after the win: WR Jameson Williams. The second-year receiver has continued to enhance from week to week and posted his first profession sport with at the least 5 receptions. He could possibly be a key participant down the stretch.
Inventory down after the win: Particular groups. Kicker Michael Badgley’s additional level try was blocked within the third quarter. — Eric Woodyard
Subsequent sport: at Cowboys (Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Vikings
Is that this it for the 2023 Vikings? Virtually definitely. In accordance with ESPN’s Soccer Energy Index, Sunday’s loss introduced the Vikings’ probabilities of making the playoffs all the way down to 25%. They definitely have a built-in excuse, having misplaced their two most essential gamers — quarterback Kirk Cousins and receiver Justin Jefferson — to accidents for big parts of the season. However they will nearly definitely rue the character of a few of their losses, nearly all of which had been by one rating. Lots of them had been aided by turnovers; they entered the week ranked third within the NFL with 29. In the long run, the Vikings will wind up about the place everybody figured they might be — out of the playoffs — however they missed the chance for a particular season.
Top off after the loss: WR Justin Jefferson. When the Vikings focused him, he was again to his outdated electrical self, together with a diving 29-yard landing reception within the second quarter that NFL Subsequent Gen Stats recorded because the lowest-probability scoring reception (21%) of his profession.
Inventory down after the loss: RB Ty Chandler. Per week after thrilling Vikings followers with a 132-yard breakout sport in Cincinnati, Chandler could not get going in opposition to a Lions protection that has been weak in opposition to the run and completed with 17 yards on eight carries. — Kevin Seifert
Subsequent sport: vs. Packers (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Falcons
Can the Atlanta Falcons run the desk? If Atlanta performs prefer it did Sunday — a balanced run/go assault with 406 yards of offense and a protection that had six sacks and held the Colts to 262 yards — it is attainable. It’s the greatest whole sport Atlanta has performed this season, and whereas the Falcons should do it on the highway, dealing with the under-.500 Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints is manageable. Playoffs or not, this is able to present reputable progress, together with Atlanta’s first over-.500 file since 2017 and the primary three-game profitable streak in the identical season in Arthur Smith’s three years as coach.
Top off after the win: QB Taylor Heinicke. Within the first begin of Heinicke’s second stint because the Falcons’ starter, he was environment friendly, finishing 23 of 33 passes for 229 yards, one landing, no interceptions and a passer ranking of 99.2.
Inventory down after the win: CB Jeff Okudah. The fourth-year professional seems to have been displaced by rookie cornerback Clark Phillips III within the beginning lineup after Okudah barely performed defensively and Phillips recorded three tackles with a go defended. — Michael Rothstein
Subsequent sport: at Bears (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Colts
What does current inconsistency say in regards to the workforce? The Colts confirmed up flat one week after simply disposing of the Steelers in a important win. This got here after a blowout loss the earlier week in Cincinnati. The Colts have been overachieving, and their disparate outcomes is likely to be a sign of who they are surely. One instance of how they’ve gotten probably the most out of their season: The Colts entered with a takeaway in 19 straight video games, however they noticed that streak snapped Sunday. They’d additionally received 5 of six earlier than Sunday — one of the best file within the NFL throughout that span. Now, Indianapolis has misplaced two of three on the flawed time and its playoff possibilities dropped to 42%.
Top off after the loss: LB. E.J. Velocity. Though the protection was disappointing, Velocity was all around the subject Sunday, recording a profession excessive in tackles for the second straight week. He recorded 13 whole stops after netting 10 in opposition to Pittsburgh final week.
Inventory down after the loss: Cross rush. The unit entered the sport on fireplace, netting 25 sacks up to now six video games. However was stymied Sunday, recording only a lone sack and creating little strain on Heinicke. — Stephen Holder
Subsequent sport: vs. Raiders (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Saturday
Payments
How regarding was this efficiency because the Payments proceed their playoff push? It is a reminder of what this season has been. Of the Payments’ 14 video games, 10 have been one-score affairs. Adequately closing out opponents has been a difficulty. James Cook dinner’s ball safety is a matter, and the protection is permitting too many drives. Successful is finally what issues at this level, however Saturday confirmed this workforce nonetheless has issues to work on regardless of now controlling its playoff future.
Top off after the win: Sam Martin. The punter has had some up-and-down video games these days, however he was key to giving the Chargers an extended subject. Three of his 4 punts went contained in the 20-yard line, and he averaged 52.3 yards. That is a great signal for this particular groups unit.
Inventory down after the win: Passing sport. Josh Allen & Co. acquired issues going after they wanted to, however the Chargers got here into this sport with one of many worst go defenses within the league. Allen accomplished simply 15 of 21 passes for 237 yards, a landing and a choose with miscues all through the sport in connecting with receivers. It stays inconsistent. — Alaina Getzenberg
Subsequent sport: vs. Patriots (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Chargers
Is there purpose to be involved about Derwin James? James has been one of many Chargers’ greatest gamers since he was drafted in 2018, establishing himself as one of many league’s greatest safeties. However in James’ first sport for the reason that Chargers fired coach Brandon Staley, James performed two snaps at security and 40 for the sport, each season lows. He performed a lot of the sport as a nickel cornerback. Beneath Staley, James performed the nickel position in spots, however his primary residence was at security, making Saturday’s sport significantly shocking.
Top off after the loss: Kicker Cameron Dicker. Staley earned the nickname “fourth-and-Staley” for his willingness to go for fourth-down conversions, typically leaving Dicker on the sideline. Within the first sport since Staley’s firing, Dicker made a career-high 5 subject targets, nearly profitable the sport for the Chargers himself. It was the primary time the Chargers made 5 subject targets since 2012.
Inventory down after the loss: Working again Joshua Kelley. Kelley performed a season-low 12 whole snaps, together with seven on offense. Kelley was the Chargers’ backup operating again coming into this season and began two video games whereas Austin Ekeler was out with an harm, however he seems to have fallen out of favor within the Chargers’ backfield. — Kris Rhim
Subsequent sport: at Broncos (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Steelers
Who will begin at quarterback in opposition to the Seattle Seahawks? After the sport, Mike Tomlin advised reporters it was too early to ask. Possibly so, however it’s definitely not too early to think about the likelihood that Mason Rudolph has earned the chance to begin once more after throwing for 279 yards and two touchdowns. QB Kenny Pickett was a restricted participant in follow this week after having TightRope surgical procedure on his proper ankle on Dec. 4. He was inactive in opposition to the Bengals however could possibly be able to play the Seahawks. Nonetheless, Rudolph performed a wise sport and earned his first sport ball — and possibly one other begin.
Top off after the win: Huge receiver George Pickens. Pickens had a profession efficiency with 195 receiving yards and two touchdowns on the heels of every week during which he was closely criticized for immaturity and an absence of effort, displaying that he has an impossibly excessive ceiling when he is at his greatest.
Inventory down after the win: Hearth Mike Tomlin chants. Laborious to search out a lot that went flawed in a convincing win. But it surely was a tricky sport for any disgruntled followers who got here into Acrisure Stadium able to unleash Hearth Tomlin chants. As a substitute, the fourth quarter had 4 Mason Rudolph chants and one for Rudolph the Crimson-Nosed Reindeer, one thing Steelers gamers agreed was a welcome change. — Brooke Pryor
Subsequent sport: at Seahawks (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Bengals
Does this loss finish Cincinnati’s playoff possibilities? Properly, it definitely places a large dent in them. The Bengals’ playoff likelihood is all the way down to 14% after the loss, per ESPN Analytics. But when the Bengals miss the postseason, they’ll squarely level at their AFC North file. After Saturday, the Bengals are 0-5 in divisional play. Cincinnati was swept by Baltimore and Pittsburgh. Relying on what occurs over the following two weeks, even a win in opposition to the Browns on Week 18 may imply nothing for the Bengals.
Top off after the loss: WR Tee Higgins. With Ja’Marr Chase out, he racked up 5 catches for 140 yards and a landing, together with an 80-yard landing within the third quarter.
Inventory down after the loss: QB Jake Browning. Browning pressured the difficulty too typically and threw three interceptions in his worst efficiency as a starter rather than the injured Joe Burrow. — Ben Child
Subsequent sport: at Chiefs (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Thursday
Rams
Does the offense make the Rams a critical risk to make a playoff run? The Rams aren’t within the playoffs but — they have a 78% likelihood, per ESPN Analytics — however they’re enjoying like a workforce that would make a run. Since RB Kyren Williams returned in Week 12, this Rams workforce has seemed like a special group than the one which sat at 3-6 throughout its Week 10 bye. There’s “little question,” coach Sean McVay mentioned, “we’re totally different when he performs.” Los Angeles has scored at the least 28 factors within the 5 video games since Williams returned and has received six out of its previous seven video games, the lone loss coming in opposition to the AFC-leading Baltimore Ravens.
Top off after the win: QB Matthew Stafford. The Rams quarterback has thrown a number of passing touchdowns in 5 straight video games, his longest streak since becoming a member of the Rams, in line with ESPN Stats & Info. He is additionally gone 4 straight video games with out an interception, which is tied for his longest streak with Los Angeles.
Inventory down after the win: Kicker Lucas Havrisik missed a 47-yard subject purpose try within the second quarter. Los Angeles has missed a league-high 11 subject targets. It is probably the most by any workforce for the reason that 2015 Buccaneers (11), in line with ESPN Stats & Info. — Sarah Barshop
Subsequent sport: at Giants (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Saints
Can the Saints regroup with playoff hopes dwindling? The Saints need to win out and get some assist to make the playoffs. Their loss uncovered points throughout each defensively (tackling) and offensively (they struggled to transform on third and fourth down). The Saints now need to journey to Tampa Bay for a divisional sport after the frustration of such a pivotal loss. How they reply will possible dictate any selections made in regards to the teaching workers or personnel as soon as the season ends.
Top off after the loss: WR Chris Olave. Olave battled by an ankle harm that triggered him to overlook Sunday’s sport and responded with a season-best 9 catches for 129 yards to get him over 1,000 receiving yards.
Inventory down after the loss: CB Alontae Taylor. Taylor was benched for Ugo Amadi late within the sport, and Saints coach Dennis Allen mentioned the Rams acquired Taylor “a few occasions along with his eyes.” — Katherine Terrell
Subsequent sport: at Buccaneers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
