Week 17 NFL Recap: Key Wins and Playoff Implications
As the NFL season barrels toward its conclusion, Week 17 delivered a series of thrilling games that reshaped playoff races and provided plenty of drama. The week kicked off with a pair of Christmas Day games that set the tone for the action-packed days to follow. The Kansas City Chiefs secured a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, while the Baltimore Ravens triumphed over the Houston Texans, shaking up the AFC North race.
Thursday night saw the Seattle Seahawks continue the trend of road team victories by defeating the Chicago Bears. This win kept Seattle in contention for the NFC West title and a playoff spot.
Saturday’s tripleheader was a showcase of playoff implications. The Los Angeles Chargers clinched a playoff berth with a decisive win over the New England Patriots. The Cincinnati Bengals kept their playoff hopes alive with an overtime victory against the Denver Broncos. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams edged closer to a playoff spot with a narrow win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Sunday’s action began with the New York Giants pulling off an upset against the Indianapolis Colts. The Philadelphia Eagles saw running back Saquon Barkley surpass 2,000 rushing yards for the season, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers dominated the Carolina Panthers.
Our NFL Nation reporters provided insights and reactions to all the action, answering key questions and detailing what fans need to know about each team. Let’s dive into the highlights and takeaways from each game.
Buffalo 40, N.Y. Jets 14
The Buffalo Bills secured the No. 2 seed in the AFC, allowing them to rest key players like quarterback Josh Allen in the season finale. Allen threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, extending his NFL record of consecutive seasons with 40 combined passing/rushing touchdowns to five. The Bills’ defense set up the offense to score touchdowns on four consecutive drives, showcasing complementary football.
For the New York Jets, it was a day of unwanted history as quarterback Aaron Rodgers became the most-sacked quarterback in NFL history, surpassing Tom Brady. The Jets’ lack of discipline was evident with 16 penalties for 120 yards, highlighting interim coach Jeff Ulbrich’s struggles in maintaining team discipline.
Tampa Bay 48, Carolina 14
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers cleaned up their offensive mistakes from the previous week, with Mike Evans and rookie Jalen McMillan each scoring two touchdowns. The Bucs’ defense pressured Bryce Young on 22 of his 35 dropbacks, but consistency remains key for Tampa’s playoff aspirations.
For the Carolina Panthers, veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen proved his worth with four catches for 107 yards and two touchdowns. Despite being pressured a career-high 63% of the time, Young showed resilience, completing 5-of-10 attempts for 113 yards and two touchdowns against pressure.
N.Y. Giants 45, Indianapolis 33
The New York Giants avoided a winless home season and snapped a 10-game losing streak, dropping from first to fourth in the draft order. Quarterback Drew Lock impressed with five total touchdowns, including three 30-plus-yard touchdown passes, a feat not achieved by a Giants quarterback since 1980.
The Indianapolis Colts faced another late-season collapse, failing to secure a playoff spot. Cornerback Kenny Moore II had a rough outing, allowing significant plays and missing tackles, while the Colts’ pass rush failed to capitalize on the Giants’ weak protection.
Philadelphia 41, Dallas 7
With the NFC East title secured, the Philadelphia Eagles may rest key players like Saquon Barkley in the regular-season finale. Barkley is just 101 yards away from breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record. Backup quarterback Kenny Pickett performed well in place of the injured Jalen Hurts, helping clinch the division against the Cowboys.
The Dallas Cowboys face a challenging Week 18 with little to play for, as backup quarterback Cooper Rush struggled against the Eagles. The Cowboys’ season has been marred by turnovers and defensive lapses, leading to their elimination from playoff contention.
Las Vegas 25, New Orleans 10
The Las Vegas Raiders ended a 10-game losing streak and could finish the season on a three-game winning streak if the Chargers rest their starters. Running back Ameer Abdullah stepped up with a career-high 115 rushing yards, while quarterback Aidan O’Connell delivered a strong performance despite travel delays.
The New Orleans Saints continue to struggle with key players like quarterback Derek Carr and running back Alvin Kamara sidelined. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler showed promise but also inconsistency, as the Saints’ defense faltered against the Raiders’ rushing attack.
Jacksonville 20, Tennessee 13
The Jacksonville Jaguars completed a season sweep of the Tennessee Titans, with rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. tying Randy Moss’ rookie record with eight games of at least 60 yards and a touchdown. The Jaguars’ interior defensive line remains a concern, as the Titans averaged over 5.0 yards per carry.
The Tennessee Titans saw quarterback Mason Rudolph perform well under pressure, potentially auditioning for a bridge quarterback role next season. Running back Tyjae Spears impressed with a career-high 95 rushing yards, but the Titans’ draft position remains a focus.
L.A. Rams 13, Arizona 9
The Los Angeles Rams continue to struggle with slow starts, failing to score in the first quarter for the 11th time this season. Despite this, they remain in playoff contention, with key starters potentially resting in Week 18 if they clinch a spot. The Rams’ scoring struggles have been evident, but their defense has kept them competitive.
The Arizona Cardinals saw tight end Trey McBride solidify his status as one of the league’s top tight ends, recording his first 1,000-yard season. Quarterback Kyler Murray delivered a strong performance with 321 passing yards, but the Cardinals’ offensive struggles continue.
Cincinnati 30, Denver 24 (OT)
The Cincinnati Bengals kept their playoff hopes alive with an overtime win against the Denver Broncos. Wide receiver Tee Higgins shone with 11 catches for 131 yards and three touchdowns, potentially playing his last game in Cincinnati. The Bengals’ defense stepped up in crucial moments, securing the victory.
The Denver Broncos face a must-win game against the Chiefs to secure a playoff spot. Quarterback Bo Nix showed resilience, overcoming an interception to throw a game-tying touchdown. However, the Broncos’ playoff hopes hang in the balance as they prepare for a challenging matchup.
L.A. Chargers 40, New England 7
The Los Angeles Chargers demonstrated their playoff potential with a dominant win over the New England Patriots. Safety Derwin James Jr. delivered a standout performance with two sacks, while quarterback Justin Herbert excelled under minimal pressure.
The New England Patriots continued their struggles under first-year head coach Jerod Mayo, facing potential changes in the offseason. Quarterback Drake Maye provided a bright spot with a 36-yard touchdown pass, but the Patriots’ offensive woes persisted.
Seattle 6, Chicago 3
The Seattle Seahawks kept their playoff hopes alive with a narrow win over the Chicago Bears. Seattle’s defense dominated, sacking quarterback Caleb Williams seven times. However, the Seahawks’ offensive struggles raise concerns ahead of their crucial matchup against the Rams.
The Chicago Bears endured their worst offensive performance of the season, with Williams averaging just 1.3 air yards per completion. The Bears’ offensive line struggled with injuries, leading to seven sacks and a continuation of their losing streak.
Baltimore 31, Houston 2
The Baltimore Ravens moved closer to securing the AFC North title with a dominant win over the Houston Texans. Quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry combined for 234 rushing yards, while the Ravens’ defense stifled the Texans’ offense.
The Houston Texans face questions about their playoff readiness after a lopsided loss. The Texans’ defensive line struggled to contain Jackson, and with key players already sidelined, Houston’s playoff prospects appear dim.
Kansas City 29, Pittsburgh 10
The Kansas City Chiefs secured the AFC’s top seed with a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. With a first-round bye secured, the Chiefs may rest key players like Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones in the season finale.
The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to struggle, with quarterback Russell Wilson facing pressure and turnovers. Despite their postseason berth, the Steelers’ recent performances raise doubts about their playoff potential.
Originally Written by: NFL Nation
