It took six weeks and a virtuoso efficiency by Jayden Daniels, however the Chiefs are again within the high spot for the primary time since Week 10. Kansas Metropolis is now 14-1, which is difficult to disregard, and the beforehand No. 1 Eagles blew an enormous result in the Commanders because of Daniels. Philadelphia additionally misplaced QB Jalen Hurts to a concussion, which might be much more consequential than a Week 16 defeat.Â
Along with the Chiefs, the Vikings and Lions profit from Philly’s loss, and the Ravens and Commanders are climbing and searching harmful. Baltimore and Washington are two groups nobody will need to play within the postseason.
This is my high 10 for Week 16 of the 2024 season.
The Vikings are surging down the stretch behind the unstoppable Sam Darnold-Justin Jefferson connection. The muse of their aerial circus units the tone for an offense that may whip opponents by the air in numerous methods. With Aaron Jones including some pop as a artful runner on the perimeter, Minnesota’s offense forces opponents to chase factors in opposition to an aggressive protection designed to create destructive performs (sacks and tackles for loss) and turnovers.
Can Superman (Josh Allen) single-handedly carry the Payments to a Tremendous Bowl? That is the million-dollar query when watching the group rely solely on his playmaking abilities to dispatch foes. Whereas operating again James Prepare dinner has stepped up in a complementary position, Buffalo’s lack of star energy might be its deadly flaw within the postseason.
The Lions have gotten again to fundamentals by embracing the “Detroit vs. Everyone” mantra that speaks to their grit and toughness. Although the harm bug has robbed the group of a number of stars, the Lions are proficient sufficient to beat deficiencies by embracing a special taking part in model weekly. Given Dan Campbell’s no-nonsense strategy, the Lions will likely be a tricky out within the postseason no matter who fits up.
The tip of a 10-game successful streak and the lack of Jalen Hurts to a concussion uncovered a few of the Eagles’ greatest flaws heading into the playoffs. Although the return of QB1 may decrease these deficiencies by permitting the Eagles to play stay away from opponents, Sunday’s loss to Washington offered opponents with a blueprint on how one can knock off the NFC East leaders in a win-or-go-home contest.
The Packers’ opportunistic protection is flourishing underneath Jeff Hafley’s route. The previous school head coach turned NFL defensive coordinator has maximized the Packers’ expertise by using a high-IQ scheme showcasing their depth and flexibility. With Matt LaFleur intent on that includes a balanced offense that allows Josh Jacobs to take a few of the stress off Jordan Love & Co., the Packers play a model of complementary soccer that would create issues for potential opponents within the postseason.
Don’t look now, however the Ravens are peaking heading into the playoffs. Lamar Jackson is taking part in at an MVP stage, evolving as a dual-threat playmaker inside and out of doors of the pocket. Derrick Henry provides pop to the operating recreation as a super-sized again with a devastating stiff arm. With the protection steadily enhancing underneath defensive coordinator Zachary Orr, the Ravens are beginning to appear like the title contender many envisioned earlier than the season.
Jayden Daniels ought to be included within the MVP dialog based mostly on his instant impression because the Commanders’ beginning quarterback. The rookie has ignited an offense that torments opponents with inventive ideas that showcase his distinctive abilities as a dual-threat playmaker. As offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury digs deeper into his bag of tips, the Commanders’ electrical offense makes them a possible headache within the playoffs.
A two-game dropping streak has raised issues about Pittsburgh’s knockout energy in opposition to the league’s heavyweights. Regardless of the setbacks, the Steelers’ potent operating recreation and stout protection give them an opportunity to outlive in a single-elimination event.
Jim Harbaugh has whipped the Chargers into playoff contenders by emphasizing toughness, tenacity and resilience. The Bolts outwork and outlast opponents with an old-school components (run recreation + protection + clutch quarterback play = wins) that accentuates the energy of their roster. Contemplating that the Powder Blues face a positive schedule down the stretch, this group is a formidable foe as a decrease seed.
Bucky Brooks is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports activities. He additionally breaks down the sport for NFL Community and as a cohost of the “Transferring the Sticks” podcast. Observe him on Twitter @BuckyBrooks.
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