The NFL is enjoying a three-day weekend before taking over Christmas on Wednesday, and the AFC playoff picture has taken the full focus.
Sunday’s action saw the Washington Commanders (10–5) take down the Philadelphia Eagles (12–3) in a tremendous NFC East battle, giving Washington a huge victory towards the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts (7–8) and Cincinnati Bengals (7–8) kept their playoff hopes alive with wins over the Tennessee Titans (3–12) and Cleveland Browns (3–12), respectively.
In the late window, the Minnesota Vikings (13–2) went on the road and held off the Seattle Seahawks (8–7) in a huge matchup with playoff implications as well as seeding, while the Buffalo Bills (12–3) struggled to beat the New England Patriots (3–12) in a 24–21 affair. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8–7) were upset by the Dallas Cowboys (7–8) on Sunday night, ceding control of the NFC South to the Atlanta Falcons (8–7), who beat the New York Giants (2–13) earlier Sunday and own the tiebreaker over the Bucs.
On Thursday, the Denver Broncos (9–6) couldn’t hold off the Los Angeles Chargers (9–6), allowing Justin Herbert & Co. to score 34 points. Then, on Saturday, the Kansas City Chiefs (14–1) won their 16th consecutive one-score game, moving to within a victory or loss by the Buffalo Bills (11–3) of the AFC’s top seed.
SUNDAY
Cowboys 26, Buccaneers 24
My take: For Tampa Bay (8–7), the loss to Dallas (7–8) could prove devastating. The Buccaneers fell behind the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South via tiebreaker, and now need to play at least one game better than the Falcons over the final two weeks. The biggest issue was trying to stop Cooper Rush, who threw for more than 230 yards in the first half before finishing with 283 yards and a score.
Stock up: Dallas’s pass rush was fantastic all night. The Cowboys got to Baker Mayfield relentlessly, notching four sacks including one from Micah Parsons. It was an excellent performance against a quality offensive line and a fairly mobile quarterback.
Stock down: Going forward, Tampa Bay now has to beat the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints at home and hope for the best. It’s all very possible, but the Buccaneers no longer control their own postseason destiny.
Up Next: Panthers at Buccaneers, 1 p.m. ET Dec. 29; Cowboys at Eagles, 4:25 p.m. ET Dec. 29
Commanders 36, Eagles 33
My take: In the best game of the week, Washington (10–5) overcame five turnovers against Philadelphia (12–3) to earn a key win in its postseason push. The Commanders got a virtuoso performance from Jayden Daniels, who threw five touchdowns while totaling 339 yards. For the Eagles, the loss is crushing. Any hopes of getting the NFC’s top seed are all but gone, and then there’s Jalen Hurts being lost in the first quarter with a concussion. The game should have been won, if not for DeVonta Smith dropping a wide-open, game-clinching third-down pass in the final three minutes.
Stock up: How could it not be Daniels? On a day when the offense had to win the game, the star rookie overcame three fumbles by his teammates and two interceptions of his own to win in the final seconds on a touchdown toss to Jamison Crowder.
Stock down: Philadelphia’s Super Bowl hopes. Of course, the Eagles can win it all, but now they likely will have to play three games to get to New Orleans and could have to go to either Detroit or Minnesota for the NFC title game. It’s doable, but tougher than they were hoping for.
Up Next: Cowboys at Eagles, 4:25 p.m. ET Dec. 29; Falcons at Commanders, 8:20 p.m. ET Dec. 29
Bills 24, Patriots 21
My take: Buffalo (12–3) kept its hopes of home-field advantage alive Sunday, beating New England (3–12) after falling behind 14–0 early. Josh Allen had a middling performance with 154 passing yards, a touchdown and an interception. However, James Cook carried the offense with 126 total yards and two scores. With the victory, the Bills need to win out and see Kansas City lose its last two games to get the No. 1 seed for the first time since 1993.
Stock up: Cook hasn’t gotten much national acclaim with Allen looking like the NFL MVP. However, he’s now had four 100-yard rushing games this year and should hit 1,000 yards for the second consecutive season. He’s become a star in his third season with Buffalo.
Stock down: Alex Van Pelt doesn’t have a ton to work with, but his game management was bizarre. The Patriots threw a backwards pass inside their own 5-yard line, resulting in a fumble-and-score and essentially ending the game for Buffalo. It’s one call, but it’s a crushing blow for a team not capable of overcoming it.
Up Next: Chargers at Patriots, 1 p.m. ET Dec. 28; Jets at Bills, 1 p.m. ET Dec. 29
Vikings 27, Seahawks 24
My take: Minnesota (13–2) continued its quest to be the NFC’s top seed by beating Seattle (8–7) on the road in a thriller. With the victory, the Vikings remain tied with the Lions for first place in the NFC North. The two teams play at Ford Field in Week 18, quite possibly for the division crown and home-field advantage. As for the Seahawks, they now fall a game behind the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC West with two games remaining. The two also play Week 18, this time at SoFi Stadium. Seattle lost to Los Angeles in Week 9 at home, 26–20, in overtime.
Stock up: Justin Jefferson continues to play like a professional gamer on easy mode. Jefferson caught 10 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns, including the eventual game winner on a 39-yarder. Jefferson and former LSU teammate Ja’Marr Chase are the class of the NFL.
Stock down: Geno Smith has endured an uneven season, and Sunday encapsulated all of it. Smith threw for 315 yards and three touchdowns, but he also tossed two interceptions, including the game-ender with under two minutes remaining. The Seahawks needed Smith to be great against Minnesota, and he was merely decent.
Up Next: Packers at Vikings, 1 p.m. ET Dec. 29; Seahawks at Bears, 8:15 p.m. ET Dec. 26
Dolphins 29, 49ers 17
My take: Miami (7–8) kept its slim playoff hopes alive with a win over San Francisco (6–9), which was officially eliminated from postseason contention. The Dolphins still need to win their last two games against the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets, and then get serious help. Conversely, San Francisco has struggled all year with injuries and off-field tragedy. The result is an offseason ahead with a litany of questions led by what to do with Brock Purdy’s next contract.
Stock up: In the victory, running back De’Von Achane totaled 191 yards and a touchdown. All told, Miami bullied the Niners up front with 168 rushing yards on 5.1 yards per carry.
Stock down: Even with Nick Bosa back in the lineup, the San Francisco defensive front did nothing. The 49ers failed to sack Tua Tagovailoa and hit him only once. It was a listless performance from a group that needed to play big for a win.
Up Next: Lions at 49ers, 8:15 p.m. ET Dec. 30; Dolphins at Browns, 8:20 p.m. ET Dec. 29
Lions 34, Bears 17
My take: After losing last week, Detroit (13–2) stepped up despite its injuries and took Chicago (4–11) down with relative ease. The Lions scored 27 first-half points, helping the Lions maintain control of the NFC North and the race for home-field advantage in the conference. Jared Goff threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns, including an 82-yard bomb to Jameson Williams. As for the Bears, Caleb Williams also eclipsed the 300-yard barrier with 334 yards and two scores.
Stock up: Jahmyr Gibbs stepped up in the absence of David Montgomery. Gibbs had 23 carries for 109 yards and a touchdown, while also catching four passes for 45 yards. If there was any doubt whether Gibbs could carry the load without Montgomery, Sunday should alleviate those concerns.
Stock down: The Bears entered the season feeling great about their rushing attack with D’Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson and Khalil Herbert. Well, Herbert was traded, Johnson has been a nonfactor and Swift is averaging less than 4.0 yards per carry. On Sunday, Chicago’s back mustered just 23 yards on 10 carries.
Up Next: Lions at 49ers, 8:15 p.m. ET Dec. 30; Seahawks at Bears, 8:15 p.m. ET Dec. 26
Rams 19, Jets 9
My take: It was a slog for both offenses, but Los Angeles (9–6) got a key win over New York (4–11). The Rams were able to hold down the Jets throughout, allowing only 321 total yards, including Aaron Rodgers going 28-of-42 for 256 yards with a strip-sack as well. Overall, Los Angeles controls its destiny in the NFC West. Wins over the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks at home in the next two weeks would clinch at least a top-four seed.
Stock up: With the passing game virtually nonexistent Sunday, Kyren Williams was the engine for Los Angeles. The third-year back ran for 122 yards on 23 carries, helping the Rams squeak out a tough win in the cold.
Stock down: The Jets were terrific defensively, except for the pass rush. Matthew Stafford was hit only once and wasn’t sacked. In a game where a defensive play—the strip-sack of Rodgers—made the difference, the Jets’ unit couldn’t come up with a game-changing play.
Up Next: Cardinals at Rams, 8 p.m. ET Dec. 28; Jets at Bills, 1 p.m. ET Dec. 29
Falcons 34, Giants 7
My take: Atlanta (8–7) is trying to stay in the race for the NFC South title, and did the job against a listless New York (2–13) team ready for the end of the season. The Falcons started rookie Michael Penix Jr. and the move paid off (more on him below). Meanwhile, the defense was excellent, allowing only 234 total yards to the Giants on 4.3 yards per play.
Stock up: Penix is the answer. Playing in his first game, the first-rounder played against a bad team but with a good defensive front, and Penix still went for 202 yards on 7.5 yards per attempt. His only interception was on tight end Kyle Pitts, who popped a perfect pass into the air.
Stock down: The Giants’ never-ending struggle at quarterback. Drew Lock was atrocious, throwing two interceptions, including a whopping two pick-sixes to Matthew Judon and Jessie Bates III.
Up Next: Colts at Giants, 1 p.m. ET Dec. 29; Falcons at Commanders, 8:20 p.m. ET Dec. 29
Bengals 24, Browns 6
My take: Cincinnati (7–8) doesn’t have much hope of a playoff berth, but any it has was kept alive with a win over Cleveland (3–12). The Bengals got a quality day from Joe Burrow, who completed 23-of-30 passes for 252 yards and three touchdowns. Conversely, Dorian Thompson-Robinson was a disaster, throwing two interceptions while completing just 20-of-34 passes for 4.6 yards per attempt. Now, the Bengals host the Denver Broncos on Saturday in a game rife with playoff implications.
Stock up: The Bengals have had one of the league’s worst defenses this season, but the group was tough against a limited Cleveland attack. Cincinnati had three takeaways and totaled five sacks, giving Burrow a day where he didn’t need 40 points to win.
Stock down: No team has given up more sacks than the Browns, and once again, the front was a mess. After allowing five sacks a week ago against the Kansas City Chiefs, the offensive line allowed five more against the Bengals. It’s the kind of group that makes it impossible to play functional football.
Up Next: Dolphins at Browns, 8:20 p.m. ET Dec. 29; Broncos at Bengals, 4:30 p.m. ET Dec. 28
Colts 38, Titans 30
My take: Indianapolis (7–8) almost had a colossal meltdown late, but held on to beat Tennessee (3–12) and keep its hopes alive for a playoff berth. The Colts got a monster day from Jonathan Taylor, who rushed for 218 yards on 7.5 yards per carry with three touchdowns. Anthony Richardson did virtually nothing in the passing game with seven completions, but managed 201 total yards and two touchdowns with an interception.
Stock up: How could it be anybody but Taylor? After potentially costing the Colts a playoff spot by dropping the football inches shy of a sure touchdown in Denver last week, the star back redeemed himself with a career performance. If Indianapolis is going to make a push over the next two weeks, Taylor will be the reason why.
Stock down: Tennessee’s passing game continues to be a mess. With Mason Rudolph under center instead of Will Levis, the offense still turned the ball over with three more interceptions. It’s been a problem all year for a team without much margin for error.
Up Next: Titans at Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET Dec. 29; Colts at Giants, 1 p.m. ET Dec. 29
Panthers 36, Cardinals 30
My take: Carolina (4–11) has been fighting hard over the past few months, and it earned another win over Arizona (7–8) to end the Cardinals’ hopes of a playoff spot. The Panthers got a tremendous day from Chubba Hubbard with 152 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Bryce Young totaled 226 yards and three scores. For the Cardinals, it’s effectively the end of a very encouraging but ultimately disappointing season.
Stock up: Young has given the Panthers reason to believe he’s the future. While he’s not putting up gaudy stats, Young has stopped having games where the stat line reads like a horror show. In his last eight starts, he has thrown 10 touchdowns with six interceptions. Not great, but much better.
Stock down: Arizona’s defense has allowed 30 or more points in two of the past three games. After playing great football around midseason, giving up a touchdown in just one of four games, the Cardinals have reverted to a lackluster group in recent weeks.
Up Next: Cardinals at Rams, 8 p.m. ET Dec. 28; Panthers at Buccaneers, 1 p.m. ET Dec. 29
Raiders 19, Jaguars 14
My take: In a game only draftniks care about, Las Vegas (3–12) took down Jacksonville (3–12), creating some very interesting draft-order scenarios over the final two weeks. The Raiders winning now puts the New York Giants in the pole position, knowing two more defeats hand them the No. 1 pick in April. For Las Vegas, a team that desperately needs a quarterback, moving out of the top few choices could prove costly considering Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are the only prospects many believe are worth a first-round selection.
Stock up: Brock Bowers continues to give us one of the best rookie seasons in recent memory. With his 11 catches and 99 yards on the day, Bowers went over both the 100-catch and 1,000-yard plateaus. Without question, he should be a first-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler.
Stock down: Everyone who sat through this instant classic.
Up Next: Titans at Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET Dec. 29; Raiders at Saints, 1 p.m. ET Dec. 29
SATURDAY
The NFL is enjoying a three-day weekend before taking over Christmas on Wednesday, and the AFC playoff picture has taken the full focus.
On Thursday, the Denver Broncos (9–6) couldn’t hold off the Los Angeles Chargers (9–6), allowing Justin Herbert & Co. to score 34 points. Then, on Saturday, the Kansas City Chiefs (14–1) won their 16th consecutive one-score game, moving to within a victory or loss by the Buffalo Bills (11–3) of clinching the AFC’s top seed.
Kansas City beat the Houston Texans (9–6), who also lost one of its best players. Star receiver Tank Dell left with an apparent leg injury and was transported to a local hospital.
In the late window, the Pittsburgh Steelers (10–5) visited the Baltimore Ravens (10–5) and fell short. With the victory, Baltimore clinched a playoff spot while pulling into a tie atop the AFC North.
Ravens 34, Steelers 17
My take: The race for the AFC North is on. Baltimore (10–5) handled Pittsburgh (10–5) with relative ease Saturday evening behind a 162-yard ground effort from Derrick Henry. Now, with two games remaining, the Steelers still hold the tiebreaker due to a better conference record but Pittsburgh has a tough schedule with Kansas City before taking on Cincinnati. If the Steelers are going to hold on, they’ll need Russell Wilson to play better, as his 37-yard pick-six effectively sealed Pittsburgh’s fate.
Stock up: Baltimore’s playoff situation. The Ravens have now clinched a playoff spot in six of the past seven years under John Harbaugh, and if they win out against Houston and Cleveland, they will have a great chance to host at least one playoff game. Considering the Ravens’ playoff past, any advantages would certainly be welcome.
Stock down: Pittsburgh’s passing attack. The Steelers have been without George Pickens in recent weeks and the offense has struggled against Baltimore and the Philadelphia Eagles. If Pittsburgh is going to stave off the Ravens and win the division, it’ll be because the passing game gets going.
Up Next: Chiefs at Steelers, 1 p.m. ET Dec. 25; Ravens at Texans, 4:30 p.m. ET Dec. 25
Chiefs 27, Texans 19
My take: With Hollywood Brown playing for the first time this season, Kansas City had the look of a challenging offense to stop. The Chiefs had 375 total yards while Travis Kelce, Xavier Worthy, DeAndre Hopkins and Brown all had at least four catches, with Worthy notching seven. Conversely, Houston continued to struggle blocking for C.J. Stroud, allowing only two sacks but also 11 quarterback hits. Plus, as aforementioned, Dell left in the third quarter after scoring a touchdown. But Houston couldn’t produce much without him.
Stock up: Patrick Mahomes should feel great. Brown was a legit weapon, Mahomes looked mobile while passing for 260 yards and running for 33 and totaling two touchdowns. He also had some decent protection behind Kansas City’s patchwork offensive line.
Stock down: Houston’s passing game. Without Dell and Stefon Diggs, who is already out for the season with a torn ACL, the Texans are in major trouble. It’s basically Nico Collins and little else. Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik must be creative in the coming weeks to figure out how to beat top-tier teams with only one excellent weapon.
Up Next: Ravens at Texans, 4:30 p.m. ET Dec. 25; Chiefs at Steelers, 1 p.m. ET Dec. 25
THURSDAY
Chargers 34, Broncos 27
My take: Denver (9–6) could have clinched a playoff berth with a victory, but gave up 21 second-half points to Los Angeles (9–6) in a defeat that moves the Chargers into the sixth seed while the Broncos slipped to the seventh spot. Justin Herbert was excellent, posting an 87.4 QBR while completing 23-of-31 attempts for 284 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. For Denver, a win in either of its final two games would clinch a postseason berth, but the Broncos won’t have it easy, facing the Cincinnati Bengals and Chiefs.
Stock up: Los Angeles should be pleased with its running game despite being without J.K. Dobbins. After struggling to run the ball over the previous two games in losses to Kansas City and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Chargers ran for 117 yards and two scores on 4.2 yards per carry.
Stock down: Sean Payton has to have better balance. The Broncos called 43 pass plays against 18 runs in a game that was either in Denver’s control or at least always within a score. The balance was out of whack.
This article was originally published on www.si.com as NFL Week 16 Recap: Who’s Up, Who’s Down, What’s Next for Every Team.
