A vital Week 17 started with a pair of video games on Christmas Day, because the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs took down the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens received on the Houston Texans to change the complexion of the AFC North race. On Thursday, the Seattle Seahawks moved highway groups to 3-0 on the week by taking down the Chicago Bears, holding the Hawks in play for the NFC West title and a playoff berth.
Saturday’s tripleheader kicked off with the Los Angeles Chargers punching their playoff ticket with a straightforward win on the New England Patriots then continued when the Cincinnati Bengals picked up an time beyond regulation victory over the visiting Denver Broncos to remain alive within the AFC playoff race. Within the remaining recreation, the Los Angeles Rams put themselves on the cusp of a playoff berth with a slim house win versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to all of the motion, answering lingering questions popping out of every recreation and detailing all the pieces else that you must know for each group. Let’s get to it.
Leap to:
KC-PIT | BAL-HOU | SEA-CHI
LAC-NE | DEN-CIN | ARI-LAR
Rams
Will the Rams’ sluggish begins maintain them again in the event that they make the playoffs? Regardless that they’ve been capable of overcome their sluggish begins for a lot of the season, it definitely might be harder come playoff time. The Rams now have gone 11 video games with out scoring within the first quarter, which is the second-worst price within the NFL, in accordance with ESPN Analysis. The one group with extra such video games is the Bears, who’re 4-12. When requested in regards to the early struggles this season, L.A. coach Sean McVay mentioned it comes right down to not executing then getting behind the sticks early in drives.
Early prediction for subsequent week: If the Rams clinch this weekend, key starters won’t play in Week 18, even when they’re taking part in for larger seeding (No. 3 vs. No. 4). A yr in the past, the Rams began backup quarterback Carson Wentz in Week 18, even with playoff seeding in play.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Scoring struggles. Within the three weeks since placing up a season-high 44 factors in opposition to the Payments, the Rams have failed to interrupt the 20-point mark in a recreation. They’re 3-0 in that span, nevertheless, after scoring simply 13 factors versus the Cardinals. — Sarah Barshop
Subsequent recreation: vs. 49ers (Jan. 5, TBD p.m. ET)
Cardinals
Has Trey McBride solidified himself as among the best tight ends within the NFL? Past a shadow of a doubt. For starters, McBride simply registered his first 1,000-yard season, making him considered one of two tight ends, together with Las Vegas’ Brock Bowers, to hit quadruple digits in 2024. That alone places McBride in elite firm. However then he is also ranked among the many prime three tight ends in receptions (No. 1 at 104), targets, receiving yards, receiving yards per recreation, yards per route, targets per route run, group goal share, yards after catch and receiving first downs. He completed with 12 catches for 123 yards and a landing in opposition to the Rams.
Eye-popping stat: McBride on Saturday recorded his first receiving landing of the season, on his 98th catch of the marketing campaign. His 97 receptions earlier than his first landing seize of the season is now probably the most in NFL historical past for catches with out a receiving landing. The earlier excessive was 92, by Keyshawn Johnson in 2001.
What we discovered in regards to the QB immediately: The rating won’t replicate it, however Kyler Murray was on level Saturday evening. Within the third quarter, he accomplished 13 passes. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford accomplished 11 passes within the first three quarters mixed. Murray completed with 321 yards and one landing on 33-of-48 passing. It was his second 300-yard recreation of the season. — Josh Weinfuss
Subsequent recreation: vs. Seahawks (Jan. 5, TBD p.m. ET)
Bengals
Did Tee Higgins play his final recreation in Cincinnati? Maybe. Together with his contract up after this season, Higgins is ready to be a free agent. And after the sport, he acknowledged that Saturday may have been his remaining recreation at Paycor Stadium, with no house video games on the docket no matter whether or not the Bengals make the playoffs or not. However after catching 11 passes for 131 yards and three touchdowns, Higgins confirmed why his providers might be coveted across the league in 2025.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Absolute chaos. Cincinnati blew two probabilities to win the sport late however did not squander the third to maintain its playoff probabilities alive heading into Week 18.
Most shocking efficiency: Cincinnati’s protection, which has been scrutinized all season, had an enormous efficiency. Even after Cincinnati blew a possible game-winning area aim try in time beyond regulation, the Bengals acquired a three-and-out, giving the offense sufficient time to return down the sector for Higgins’ third and remaining landing of the evening. — Ben Child
Subsequent recreation: at Steelers (Jan. 5, TBD)
Broncos
Can the Broncos bounce again and win a make-or-break recreation for a playoff spot? Going into the Week 16 contest with the Chargers, the Broncos had three video games to get the one win they wanted to make the playoffs. After losses to the Chargers and Saturday in opposition to the Bengals, Denver should win the regular-season finale in opposition to the Chiefs to get the tenth victory they should clinch a postseason spot. The Broncos have been a downcast group after Saturday’s loss, conscious of how a lot respiration room they’ve let slip away. The Chiefs would possibly relaxation gamers after clinching the AFC’s No. 1 seed Christmas Day, however the Broncos should beat their nemesis to finish an eight-year playoff drought.
Early prediction for subsequent week: The Chiefs will take a look at cornerback Riley Moss. Such is life for the man reverse of Pat Surtain II, and Moss was largely as much as the problem earlier than struggling a knee damage final month. However Moss discovered himself squarely within the sights of Joe Burrow time and again in his first recreation again. Moss had struggles in opposition to Bengals receiver Tee Higgins and should put together to be the main focus of the Chiefs’ passing assault subsequent week.
What we discovered in regards to the QB immediately: Bo Nix has found how totally opposing defenses can regulate to a quarterback in-season. He has discovered it more and more troublesome to get to throws in the course of the sector and did not have a completion longer than 16 yards Saturday till his 51-yard landing throw to Marvin Mims Jr. with 8:48 to play. However Nix did overcome an interception late within the fourth quarter to throw a game-tying landing cross to Mims, considered one of three he threw Saturday. — Jeff Legwold
Subsequent recreation: vs. Chiefs (Jan. 5, TBD)
Chargers
Can the Chargers make a deep playoff run? Saturday’s win mirrored a group outfitted to win playoff video games. The Chargers’ mixture of dashing and Justin Herbert‘s passing prowess made for a blowout win in opposition to a nasty Patriots group. The problem for the Chargers is re-creating that components in opposition to successful opponents. The Chargers can nonetheless safe the next playoff seed with a win over the Raiders and a Steelers loss subsequent week. In that situation, the Chargers would have a first-round matchup in opposition to the Houston Texans, who’ve misplaced three of their previous 5 video games.
Most shocking efficiency: Derwin James Jr. had two sacks Saturday, which introduced him to a career-high 5.5 this season. After considered one of James’ worst seasons in 2023, Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has James taking part in like one of many league’s finest once more. Saturday’s recreation was considered one of his most dominant performances of 2024.
What we discovered in regards to the QB on Saturday: With out strain, it’s practically inconceivable to cease Herbert. The Patriots pressured him on solely six of his 40 dropbacks (15%), the fifth-lowest strain price of his profession. When Herbert was not pressured, he made the Patriots pay, ending 23-for-32 with 257 yards and three touchdowns. — Kris Rhim
Subsequent recreation: at Raiders (Jan. 5, TBD)
Patriots
What does the loss say about first-year head coach Jerod Mayo and the path of the franchise? Nothing good. The three-13 Patriots performed the AFC East champion Payments powerful final week, so their hope was to construct on it and supply some stage of optimism heading into the offseason. As an alternative, they have been dominated from the outset — of their house stadium, which was perhaps a bit greater than half full. When a group endures a season like this, there are sometimes vital adjustments in consequence. Proprietor Robert Kraft has some necessary choices to make about Mayo, the teaching workers and vp of participant personnel Eliot Wolf and his workers.
Describe the sport in two phrases: No cost. The Patriots ran 15 offensive performs within the first half, tied for the fewest by any group in a primary half up to now 5 seasons — a mirrored image of how they have been outclassed from the beginning.
Eye-popping stat: Together with his 36-yard landing strike to receiver DeMario Douglas, Drake Maye now has three landing passes this season of no less than 35 air yards, probably the most such landing passes by a Patriots quarterback since Tom Brady had three in 2009. — Mike Reiss
Subsequent recreation: vs. Payments (Jan. 5, TBD)
Seahawks
Can the Seahawks beat the Rams and make the playoffs? The Seahawks did not essentially should beat the Bears to maintain their playoff hopes alive, however they should win subsequent week in Los Angeles to have any shot at claiming the NFC West, and their dud of an offensive efficiency Thursday evening would not encourage a lot confidence they may. Granted, the circumstances weren’t ultimate, with an extended flight and a vacation condensing an already brief week. Wet situations did not assist both. However Geno Smith & Co. should be a lot better subsequent week in the event that they wish to beat the Rams — and so they most likely want Los Angeles to lose Saturday to Arizona for that Week 18 recreation to matter within the first place.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Dominant protection. The Seahawks went to work in opposition to probably the most sacked quarterback within the NFL, with six totally different gamers combining to drop Caleb Williams seven instances. Leonard Williams and Devon Witherspoon every had three tackles for loss along with a sack, and Riq Woolen — who was benched for the opening drive final week after an unspecified violation of group guidelines — sealed the win by intercepting Williams’ desperation heave.
Early prediction for subsequent week: Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb could have a greater plan for pushing the ball downfield. Smith’s 3.1 air yards per try have been his fewest of the season by half a yard and fewer than half of his 7.0 common from the primary 15 video games. Chicago took away Seattle’s deep passing recreation, forcing Smith into shorter throws that required his receivers to rack up yards after the catch. — Brady Henderson
Subsequent recreation: at Rams (Jan. 4 or 5, TBD)
Bears
What sparked Chicago’s worst offensive efficiency of the season? Caleb Williams and the Bears offense was, in a phrase, terrible. Williams averaged 1.3 air yards per completion, which was his lowest mark of the season, and accomplished just one cross for 10 or extra yards downfield. This efficiency appeared as dangerous as Chicago’s final 3-point output in opposition to the Patriots and featured seven drives that resulted in punts. There have been so many irritating moments, from one other scoreless first quarter to Chicago’s clock administration on the ultimate drive when it had an opportunity to get into area aim vary to ship the sport to time beyond regulation.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Onerous watch. Chicago’s protection put its finest foot ahead in holding the Seahawks to 6 factors, however the Bears’ offense did not get up and match that effort. The Bears tacked on their tenth straight loss, which is tied for the longest streak in a season (2022) in franchise historical past.
Greatest gap within the recreation plan: The left aspect of the offensive line was decimated by accidents to Braxton Jones and Teven Jenkins, who didn’t play in opposition to Seattle. Williams is at fault for holding onto the ball too lengthy in moments, however the porous cross safety in opposition to the Seahawks’ blitz stood no likelihood. Williams was sacked seven instances, bringing his season complete to 67. — Courtney Cronin
Subsequent recreation: at Packers (Jan. 4 or 5, TBD)
Ravens
What does this Ravens’ win imply for the AFC North? The Ravens at the moment are one win away from repeating as AFC North champions. Baltimore holds a one-game lead over the Steelers, who misplaced to the Chiefs on Wednesday. The Ravens finish the common season at house in opposition to the last-place Cleveland Browns subsequent week. With Lamar Jackson placing collectively one other NFL MVP-caliber season and a protection that has dominated just lately, the Ravens not solely appear to be the group to beat within the division however seem as if they are going to be a significant pressure within the AFC playoffs.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Whole domination. Jackson and Derrick Henry mixed for 234 yards dashing, and the Ravens’ protection would have recorded its first shutout since 2018 if not for Henry being tackled ultimately zone for a security. Baltimore outgained Houston 432-210, which was the Ravens’ second-largest margin in complete yards over the previous 4 seasons. The 2 factors allowed are the fewest by any group on Christmas since Tennessee beat Dallas 31-0 in 2000.
Eye-popping stat: Jackson reached a most pace of 21.25 mph on his 48-yard landing run within the third quarter. In response to Subsequent Gen Stats, that is the best prime pace of Jackson’s seven-year profession. It’s the second-fastest max pace by a quarterback this season, rating solely behind Arizona’s Kyler Murray (21.27 mph). — Jamison Hensley
Subsequent recreation: vs. Browns (Jan. 4 or 5, TBD)
Texans
Can this Houston group win within the playoffs? As a result of the Texans received the AFC South, they will host a playoff recreation. However proper now Houston would not look primed to make a playoff run. In opposition to successful groups, the Texans are 1-5, and shedding to the Ravens within the trend they did offers little indication they will compete with the most effective of the most effective.
Most shocking efficiency: The defensive position. The Texans sacked quarterback Lamar Jackson solely as soon as and allowed the Ravens to hurry for 251 yards. Defensive ends and stalwarts Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. mixed for 0.5 sacks.
Early prediction for subsequent week: Texans starters play solely 1 / 4 in opposition to the Tennessee Titans. Houston is locked into the No. 4 seed, so there’s little incentive for them to play starters for lengthy in Week 18. Risking necessary gamers getting damage is not value it, particularly when security Jimmie Ward, nickel Jalen Pitre, and receivers Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell are already out for the season. — DJ Bien-Aime
Subsequent recreation: at Titans (Jan. 4 or 5, TBD)
Chiefs
Because the AFC’s prime seed, ought to the Chiefs sit key gamers subsequent week? Undoubtedly. That is notably true for gamers with accidents, like Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones. The Chiefs ought to broaden the checklist of resting gamers as a lot as attainable to incorporate Xavier Worthy and others. These gamers could have an prolonged break as a result of the Chiefs may even get a first-round playoff bye, however coach Andy Reid might want to discover a strategy to preserve them sharp.
What we discovered in regards to the QB on Wednesday: It has been an extended wait however Mahomes can nonetheless full the lengthy ball. Mahomes’ 49-yard cross to Justin Watson within the first quarter traveled 40 yards within the air, making it his second longest such cross of the season. His TD to Worthy in Week 4 in opposition to the Chargers went 54 yards within the air.
Most shocking efficiency: Mike Danna took benefit of expanded taking part in time within the absence of Jones to have an enormous pass-rushing recreation. Danna, who entered with 1.5 sacks this season, had two extra in opposition to Russell Wilson. The Chiefs sacked Wilson 5 instances. — Adam Teicher
Subsequent recreation: at Broncos (Jan. 4 or 5, TBD)
Steelers
Are the Steelers able to making noise within the postseason? Regardless of three consecutive losses, the Steelers are nonetheless postseason-bound. However the struggles which have plagued this group throughout this stretch have all however erased any chance of them being a contender. The once-stout protection is not creating the takeaways or getting off the sector, and Russell Wilson is taking part in extra just like the Wilson that struggled in his first season in Denver than the one who received 5 of his first six begins in Pittsburgh.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Revealing loss. With a lift from the return of a number of key gamers, the Steelers had an opportunity to proper the ship — or no less than begin turning it round — in opposition to a tricky group taking part in with out its finest defender in Chris Jones. As an alternative, they took on extra water in a blowout loss and do not seem like a group able to making noise within the playoffs.
What we discovered in regards to the QB on Wednesday: The clock is likely to be near hanging midnight. Wilson held on to the ball too lengthy at instances, contributing to a season-high 5 sacks. He additionally had his second crimson zone turnover in as many weeks, this time on an interception ultimately zone. However regardless of his miscues, Wilson nonetheless confirmed flashes of brilliance — it was simply too inconsistent to make up the distinction. — Brooke Pryor
Subsequent recreation: vs. Bengals (Jan. 4 or 5, TBD)