What to Know from Every NFL Week 17 Game: Seahawks, Ravens, Chiefs Score Big Road Wins
Week 17 of the NFL season kicked off with a bang, featuring a series of games that reshaped the playoff landscape and provided plenty of drama for fans. The action began on Christmas Day with the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens securing a win against the Houston Texans, significantly impacting the AFC North race. As the week progressed, road teams continued to dominate, with the Seattle Seahawks improving the road teams’ record to 3-0 by defeating the Chicago Bears on Thursday. This victory 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 their playoff berth with a decisive win over the New England Patriots. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals kept their playoff hopes alive with an overtime victory against the Denver Broncos. The Los Angeles Rams also edged closer to a playoff spot with a narrow win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Sunday’s games were no less thrilling. The New York Giants pulled off an upset against the Indianapolis Colts, while Philadelphia Eagles’ running back Saquon Barkley surpassed the 2,000 rushing yards mark for the season in a win. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers stormed past the Carolina Panthers, and the Minnesota Vikings outlasted their NFC North rivals, the Green Bay Packers.
Our NFL Nation reporters were on the ground, providing insights and reactions to all the action, answering lingering questions, and detailing everything you need to know about each team. Let’s dive into the highlights and key takeaways from each game.
Washington 30, Atlanta 24
The Washington Commanders are ahead of schedule, making the playoffs in Jayden Daniels’ rookie season. Coach Dan Quinn’s preference for “recalibrate” over rebuilding seems to have paid off, as the Commanders have won 11 games for the first time since the 1991 season. Daniels’ performance has accelerated expectations, potentially earning him Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus delivered a surprising performance, finishing with a season-high eight receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown. With key receivers like Terry McLaurin held to minimal gains and others out due to injuries, Zaccheaus stepped up when needed.
Daniels’ impact on the team cannot be overstated. While he may not win the MVP, his ability to bail out Washington with both his arm and legs was on full display, as he ran for 127 yards and threw for 227 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime.
Next game: at Cowboys (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Minnesota 27, Green Bay 25
With their 14th win of the season, the Minnesota Vikings have set up a winner-take-all game in Week 18 against the Lions. The winner will clinch the NFC North and secure the NFC’s No. 1 seed, with home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. This marks the first time since 1998 that the Vikings have had a shot at the No. 1 seed.
Quarterback Sam Darnold showed resilience after a third-quarter interception, leading a flawless drive that ended with a touchdown pass to Cam Akers, reestablishing a commanding lead. Akers’ performance was crucial, especially after an injury to starter Aaron Jones, as he scored the final touchdown and made a critical catch to seal the victory.
Next game: at Lions (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Miami 20, Cleveland 3
Quarterback Tyler Huntley stepped up for the Miami Dolphins, delivering his best game of the season in a must-win matchup. Huntley finished 22-of-26 for 225 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for another score. Despite the absence of starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Huntley was decisive and comfortable within the offense.
The Dolphins’ performance was “good enough,” as they managed to secure a win despite not being at full strength. Surprisingly, Miami’s rushing attack, which had been effective in previous games, was limited to just 74 yards against the Browns.
Next game: at Jets (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Buffalo 40, N.Y. Jets 14
The Buffalo Bills secured the No. 2 seed in the AFC, allowing them to rest key players in the season finale. Quarterback Josh Allen continued his MVP campaign, throwing for two touchdowns and running for another, extending his record of consecutive seasons with 40 combined passing/rushing touchdowns.
The Bills’ performance was a testament to complementary football, with the defense setting up the offense for success. Wide receiver Tyrell Shavers made a surprising impact, scoring a 69-yard touchdown on his first career reception.
Next game: at Patriots (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Tampa Bay 48, Carolina 14
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers cleaned up their offensive mistakes from the previous week, committing zero turnovers in a dominant win over the Carolina Panthers. Mike Evans and rookie Jalen McMillan each scored two touchdowns, while Bucky Irving contributed over 190 all-purpose yards.
Despite the victory, the Bucs’ secondary had some frustrating moments, allowing big plays to Adam Thielen. Inside linebacker J.J. Russell’s surprising performance, including a blocked punt returned for a touchdown, was a highlight of the game.
Next game: vs. Saints (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
N.Y. Giants 45, Indianapolis 33
The New York Giants avoided a winless home season and snapped a 10-game losing streak with a victory over the Indianapolis Colts. The win dropped them from first to fourth in the draft order, but their chances of moving up remain, as the top pick could be up for sale.
Quarterback Drew Lock showcased his potential, throwing for 309 yards and four touchdowns, with an additional rushing score. The Giants’ offense was explosive, with three 30-plus-yard touchdown passes, a feat not achieved since 1980.
Next game: at Eagles (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Philadelphia 41, Dallas 7
With the NFC East title secured, the Philadelphia Eagles may consider resting key players like Saquon Barkley in the regular-season finale. Barkley surpassed 2,000 rushing yards for the season and is close to breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season record.
Backup quarterback Kenny Pickett performed well in place of the injured Jalen Hurts, helping clinch the division against the Cowboys. Pickett’s performance, along with Tanner McKee’s contributions, kept the Eagles’ offense rolling.
Next game: vs. Giants (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Las Vegas 25, New Orleans 10
The Las Vegas Raiders ended a 10-game losing streak and are on track to finish the season with a three-game winning streak. Running back Ameer Abdullah stepped up with a career-high 115 rushing yards, while quarterback Aidan O’Connell delivered a strong performance despite travel challenges.
The New Orleans Saints struggled without key starters, and rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler’s inconsistent play highlighted the team’s offensive woes. The defense also failed to impress, allowing too many explosive plays.
Next game: at Buccaneers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Jacksonville 20, Tennessee 13
The Jacksonville Jaguars completed a season sweep of the Tennessee Titans, marking the fourth time in franchise history they’ve achieved this feat. Rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. continued to impress, tying Randy Moss’ rookie record with eight games of at least 60 yards and a touchdown.
The Titans, led by quarterback Mason Rudolph, are still searching for their future signal-caller. Running back Tyjae Spears delivered a strong performance in Tony Pollard’s absence, rushing for a career-high 95 yards.
Next game: at Colts (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
L.A. Rams 13, Arizona 9
The Los Angeles Rams’ slow starts could be a concern in the playoffs, as they’ve gone 11 games without scoring in the first quarter. Despite this, the Rams have managed to win three consecutive games, including a low-scoring affair against the Arizona Cardinals.
Cardinals tight end Trey McBride solidified his status as one of the best in the league, recording his first 1,000-yard season. Quarterback Kyler Murray delivered a strong performance, but the Cardinals’ offense struggled to find the end zone.
Next game: vs. Seahawks (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
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 delivered a standout performance, catching 11 passes for 131 yards and three touchdowns.
The Broncos, led by quarterback Bo Nix, must win their final game against the Chiefs to secure a playoff spot. Despite the loss, Nix showed resilience, throwing three touchdown passes, including a game-tying score late in the fourth quarter.
Next game: at Steelers (Saturday, 8 p.m. ET)
L.A. Chargers 40, New England 7
The Los Angeles Chargers demonstrated their playoff potential with a dominant win over the New England Patriots. Quarterback Justin Herbert was nearly unstoppable, throwing for 257 yards and three touchdowns.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo faces uncertainty after a disappointing season, with significant changes likely on the horizon. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye provided a bright spot with a 36-yard touchdown pass, but the Patriots were outclassed from the start.
Next game: at Raiders (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Seattle 6, Chicago 3
The Seattle Seahawks kept their playoff hopes alive with a narrow win over the Chicago Bears. The Seahawks’ defense was dominant, sacking Bears quarterback Caleb Williams seven times.
The Bears’ offense struggled, with Williams averaging just 1.3 air yards per completion. Chicago’s defense held the Seahawks to six points, but the offense failed to capitalize on opportunities.
Next game: at Rams (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Baltimore 31, Houston 2
The Baltimore Ravens are one win away from repeating as AFC North champions after a dominant victory over the Houston Texans. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry combined for 234 rushing yards, while the Ravens’ defense nearly recorded a shutout.
The Texans, despite winning the AFC South, face questions about their playoff readiness. The defensive line struggled, allowing the Ravens to rush for 251 yards.
Next game: vs. Browns (Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET)
Kansas City 29, Pittsburgh 10
As the AFC’s top seed, the Kansas City Chiefs should consider resting key players in their final game. Patrick Mahomes showed his ability to complete long passes, while Mike Danna delivered a strong pass-rushing performance in Chris Jones’ absence.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, despite being postseason-bound, face questions about their ability to compete. Quarterback Russell Wilson struggled, holding onto the ball too long and contributing to a season-high five sacks.
Next game: at Broncos (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Originally Written by: NFL Nation
