Week 17 NFL Action: Chiefs, Ravens, and Seahawks Shine on the Road
As the NFL season barrels toward its conclusion, Week 17 kicked off with a bang, featuring a couple of Christmas Day matchups that set the stage for a thrilling week of football. The Kansas City Chiefs emerged victorious over the Pittsburgh Steelers, while the Baltimore Ravens secured a win against the Houston Texans, shaking up the AFC North race. The action continued on Thursday as the Seattle Seahawks kept the road teams undefeated for the week by defeating the Chicago Bears, keeping their hopes alive for the NFC West title and a playoff spot.
Our NFL Nation reporters have been on the ground, reacting to all the action, answering the burning questions, and providing insights into what each game means for the teams involved. Let’s dive into the details.
Seattle 6, Chicago 3
Seahawks
Can the Seahawks beat the Rams and make the playoffs? The Seahawks’ victory over the Bears was crucial, but it wasn’t the most inspiring performance. To have a shot at the NFC West title, they must win against the Rams next week. The offensive struggles on Thursday night, exacerbated by a long flight and holiday schedule, don’t bode well. Geno Smith and the offense will need to step up significantly to overcome the Rams, and they might also need Los Angeles to lose to Arizona for the Week 18 game to be meaningful.
Describe the game in two words: Dominant defense. The Seahawks’ defense was relentless, sacking Caleb Williams seven times. Leonard Williams and Devon Witherspoon were standouts, each recording three tackles for loss and a sack. Riq Woolen, who was benched last week, redeemed himself with a game-sealing interception.
Early prediction for next week: Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb will likely devise a more aggressive game plan. Smith’s 3.1 air yards per attempt were his lowest of the season, a stark contrast to his 7.0 average from the first 15 games. Expect adjustments to push the ball downfield more effectively. — Brady Henderson
Next game: at Rams (Jan. 4 or 5, TBD)
Bears
What sparked Chicago’s worst offensive performance of the season? Caleb Williams and the Bears’ offense struggled mightily, averaging just 1.3 air yards per completion. This was their lowest mark of the season, with only one pass exceeding 10 yards. The game was reminiscent of their previous 3-point outing against the Patriots, with seven drives ending in punts. The Bears’ clock management on the final drive was particularly frustrating, as they failed to get into field goal range to force overtime.
Describe the game in two words: Hard watch. Despite a strong defensive effort, the Bears’ offense couldn’t capitalize, resulting in their 10th consecutive loss, tying a franchise record.
Biggest hole in the game plan: The left side of the offensive line was severely weakened by injuries to Braxton Jones and Teven Jenkins. Williams was often at fault for holding the ball too long, but the line’s inability to protect against Seattle’s blitz was glaring. Williams was sacked seven times, bringing his season total to 67. — Courtney Cronin
Next game: at Packers (Jan. 4 or 5, TBD)
Baltimore 31, Houston 2
Ravens
What does this Ravens’ win mean for the AFC North? The Ravens are now just one win away from clinching the AFC North title. With a one-game lead over the Steelers, who lost to the Chiefs, Baltimore is in a strong position. They face the last-place Cleveland Browns next week. With Lamar Jackson playing at an MVP level and a dominant defense, the Ravens are not only favorites in the division but also a formidable force in the AFC playoffs.
Describe the game in two words: Total domination. Jackson and Derrick Henry combined for 234 rushing yards, and the defense nearly secured a shutout, allowing only a safety. The Ravens outgained the Texans 432-210, marking their second-largest yardage margin in four seasons. The two points allowed are the fewest by any team on Christmas since 2000.
Eye-popping stat: Jackson reached a top speed of 21.25 mph on a 48-yard touchdown run, the fastest of his career and second-fastest by a quarterback this season. — Jamison Hensley
Next game: vs. Browns (Jan. 4 or 5, TBD)
Texans
Can this Houston team win in the playoffs? Despite winning the AFC South and securing a home playoff game, the Texans’ performance against the Ravens raises doubts about their playoff potential. They are 1-5 against winning teams, and the loss to Baltimore suggests they may struggle against top-tier competition.
Most surprising performance: The defensive line’s lackluster showing was unexpected. They managed just one sack on Jackson and allowed 251 rushing yards. Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. combined for only 0.5 sacks.
Early prediction for next week: Expect the Texans to rest starters against the Titans, as they are locked into the No. 4 seed. With key players already out for the season, there’s little incentive to risk further injuries. — DJ Bien-Aime
Next game: at Titans (Jan. 4 or 5, TBD)
Kansas City 29, Pittsburgh 10
Chiefs
As the AFC’s top seed, should the Chiefs sit key players next week? Absolutely. With the top seed secured, resting players like Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones is wise, especially those nursing injuries. The Chiefs will have a first-round playoff bye, so maintaining player health while keeping them sharp is crucial.
What we learned about the QB on Wednesday: Mahomes can still deliver the long ball. His 49-yard pass to Justin Watson was his second-longest of the season, showcasing his deep-throwing ability.
Most surprising performance: Mike Danna stepped up in Chris Jones’ absence, recording two sacks against Russell Wilson. The Chiefs’ defense sacked Wilson five times in total. — Adam Teicher
Next game: at Broncos (Jan. 4 or 5, TBD)
Steelers
Are the Steelers capable of making noise in the postseason? Despite being playoff-bound, the Steelers’ recent struggles cast doubt on their postseason potential. The defense isn’t performing as it once did, and Russell Wilson’s inconsistency is a concern.
Describe the game in two words: Revealing loss. The Steelers had a chance to rebound against a strong opponent but faltered, raising questions about their playoff viability.
What we learned about the QB on Wednesday: Wilson’s performance was a mixed bag. He held the ball too long, leading to five sacks, and threw a costly red zone interception. While he showed flashes of brilliance, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Chiefs. — Brooke Pryor
Next game: vs. Bengals (Jan. 4 or 5, TBD)
Originally Written by: NFL Nation
