With the holiday season in full swing, the NFL saw action on four different days this week. As many teams continue to secure playoff positions, others may already have their sights set on next season. Christmas day offered an upset victory, a statement game, and possibly a Super Bowl preview.
Here is everything you need to know from week sixteen of the NFL:
Thursday Night Football
New Orleans Saints 22 – Los Angeles Rams 30
The Rams claimed a playoff spot after defeating New Orleans, earning their fifth win in six games this season. The team was led by quarterback Matthew Stafford who tossed two touchdowns and 328 yards, and receiver Kyren Williams who caught a touchdown. Rams’ kicker Lucas Havrisik also helped make a difference completing three of his four field goal attempts. The only turnover of the game came from Saints’ quarterback Derek Carr who tossed an interception in the third quarter.
Carr finished the game with three touchdown passes, but his interception played crucial to the Saints’ loss, as it led to a touchdown drive for Los Angeles. All three fourth downs attempted by the Saints were unsuccessful, ultimately contributing to less ball possession and perhaps the loss. Los Angeles snagged the playoff spot once held by the Saints. It will look to keep its playoff spot next week against the Giants.
Saturday Games
Cincinnati Bengals 11 – Pittsburgh Steelers 34
Weekend football began early this past weekend with the Steelers completing their season sweep over Cincinnati. Early holiday gifts were handed out to Pittsburgh by the Bengals in the form of three interceptions from Bengals’ quarterback Jake Browning. He tossed two in the first half, by which the end of his team had yet to score and was trailing by 24 points. Steelers’ quarterback Mason Rudolph began the game with an 86 yard touchdown pass on his team’s first drive as it never looked back from there.
Rudolph finished the game with another touchdown pass and 290 yards, while two running backs scored for Pittsburgh. The Bengals earned one more first down than Pittsburgh but were hurt not only by their turnovers but two failed fourth downs. Both Cincinnati and Pittsburgh are currently tied in the AFC standings, as they hold a record of 8-7. With both just narrowly missing out on a playoff spot, each team will face crucial road games next week.
Buffalo Bills 24 – Los Angeles Chargers 22
This matchup was decided with seconds left as the result saw the Bills earn their third straight victory for the first time since week four. Despite three turnovers, Buffalo remained resilient as kicker Tyler Bass knocked back his only field goal of the game for a two point lead with 30 seconds remaining. Its quarterback Josh Allen tossed an interception early in the third quarter while the team had two fumbles. Buffalo also earned 69 yards across seven penalty flags, while the Chargers only received 29 penalty yards.
Quarterback Easton Stick failed to throw a touchdown for Los Angeles. He was sacked five times. The majority of the Chargers’ scoring was completed by kicker Cameron Dicker who scored all five of his field goal attempts. The Bills have now defeated the Chargers twice in a row after losing the previous four matchups. They will look to guarantee a playoff spot next week against New England. After losing three games in a row, the Chargers do not have a chance to make the playoffs.
Sunday Games
Indianapolis Colts 10 – Atlanta Falcons 29
It had been 12 years since the Falcons defeated the Colts before Sunday’s game, but a win for Atlanta not only ended that streak, but increased its playoff chances. Quarterback Taylor Heinicke looked volatile in completing a touchdown pass and 229 passing yards for Atlanta while running back Tyler Allgeier also completed a touchdown. Kicker Younghoe Koo scored all five of his field goal attempts for Atlanta, as it dominated throughout.
The Colts earned only three less first downs than their opponents but nearly 150 less offensive yards. Each team scored a touchdown in the first quarter, while Indianapolis failed to score again until late in the third quarter. The game’s lone turnover came from Colts’ quarterback Gardner Minshew who threw an interception in the final frame. The Colts currently hold the final playoff spot in the AFC, but another loss could put it in jeopardy. They face the Raiders next week where a postseason appearance requires a necessary win.
Green Bay Packers 33 – Carolina Panthers 30
Despite holding a 23-10 lead at halftime, Green Bay was far from securing its third straight victory over the Panthers. The game remained a nail biter in the later stages and saw the Packers remain in playoff contention. Each quarterback played well as Jordan Love completed two touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown for Green Bay while Bryce Young also found two end zone passes for Carolina. Both of Young’s touchdown passes were in the final quarter, where he and his team attempted a comeback.
Time expired during the Panthers final drive, and so did the comeback. Neither team committed a turnover, while both kickers completed all their field goals but missed a few extra points. Carolina finished the game with one more first down than Green Bay, but was hurt by 87 penalty yards from eight flags. Another win for Green Bay could send it back into the playoff picture. It will look to secure that victory during a visit to Minnesota next week.
Cleveland Browns 36 – Houston Texans 22
Houston failed to gain a lead over its opponents throughout the entirety of this matchup, as it currently sits on the cusp of the playoffs. It was held to only 20 first downs while Cleveland mustered 26 of its own. Browns’ quarterback Joe Flacco tossed three touchdowns, but two interceptions in the second quarter. The final three drives of the first half ended with an interception, as Texans’ quarterback Case Keenum also tossed one. Keenum also had two interceptions, while quarterback Davis Mills scored two touchdowns for Houston.
Cleveland finished the game with 168 more offensive yards than Houston while also completing four of its six fourth downs. The Texans only converted one fourth down. Rushing touchdowns were scored by two Browns’ running backs, while the game did not see a single field goal attempt. Cleveland has defeated the Texans four times in a row as it also earns its third straight victory this season. A playoff spot can be set in stone for the Browns next weekend with a win over the Jets.
Detroit Lions 30 – Minnesota Vikings 24
For the first time in 30 years the Lions clinched a division title after defeating a fellow AFC North member in the Vikings. Christmas came early for Detroit with four interceptions thrown by Vikings quarterback Chris Mullens. The Lions’ lone turnover came in the first quarter at the hands of running back Jahmyr Gibbs who fumbled the ball. Quarterback Jared Goff played a smooth game, completing 30 of 40 pass attempts and finding receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown in the end zone.
Detroit held the Vikings to only 19 first downs while it had 28 of its own; however, Minnesota earned one more total offensive yard. The Vikings gained their first lead early in the third quarter but failed to score another touchdown in the game. Mullens’ final interception came with less than a minute in the game and only 30 yards away from the end zone. Minnesota sits on the cusp of the playoff picture. It will need a win next week against Green Bay to secure a spot.
Washington Commanders 28 – New York Jets 30
After trailing the entire game, the Washington Commanders earned a lead over New York with five minutes remaining but it still was not enough for the victory. The game was finished by the Jets with a field goal from kicker Greg Zurlein in the game’s final seconds. Zurlein completed all three of his attempted field goal attempts. After Washington quarterback Sam Howell tossed two interceptions in the first three quarters, he was replaced by Jacoby Brisset who helped his team climb back into the game.
Brissett completed 10 of 13 pass attempts and found tight end Logan Thomas in the end zone for a fourth quarter touchdown. Running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. thrived for Washington with two rushing touchdowns, but it was still not enough to give his team the win. The Jets earned eight more first downs than the Commanders. They lost 150 yards across 14 penalty flags, but took advantage of the game by holding the ball for nearly a third of it. Washington has yet to defeat the Jets since 2007, as it earned its sixth loss in a row this season.
Seattle Seahawks 20 – Tennessee Titans 17
After winning for the second week in a row, the Seahawks have put themselves back in the playoff picture. The first quarter of this matchup saw four punts and zero points, but the action slowly increased throughout. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill made his first start since October for Tennessee but failed to throw a touchdown. Instead, the scoring was opened by Titans’ running back Derrick Henry who tossed a touchdown on his only pass attempt. Henry also scored a rushing touchdown in the final quarter.
Seattle earned its first lead after an end zone catch from receiver D.K. Metcalf on the team’s first drive of the final quarter. That ball was tossed by Seahawks’ quarterback Geno Smith, who finished the game with two touchdowns and 227 passing yards. The game was put away for Seattle with less than a minute remaining by kicker Jason Myers, who completed both of his two field goal attempts. Another win for Seattle next week against Pittsburgh could guarantee it a playoff spot. Tennessee’s playoff chances vanished with a loss.
Jacksonville Jaguars 12 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30
Failing to score in the first half resulted in a fourth straight loss for Jacksonville. Jaguars’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence faced a rough day, fumbling the ball and tossing two interceptions. Both of his interceptions and fumble led to touchdown drives for Tampa Bay who led 20-0 at half time. Quarterback Baker Mayfield excelled for the Buccaneers in tossing two touchdown passes and completing 26 of 35 attempts.
The Jaguars completed one more first down than their opponents, but only three third downs to Tampa Bay’s 10. Each team earned just over 300 offensive yards. The Buccaneers have defeated the Jaguars three times straight dating back to 2015 as they continue to lead the NFC South. A win next week against the Saints could guarantee the division title and playoff spot.
Arizona Cardinals 16 – Chicago Bears 27
In defeating the Cardinals last Sunday, Chicago was able to maintain its chances of making the playoffs. Bears’ quarterback Justin Fields had the only turnover of the game after throwing an interception in the final quarter. That toss led to a Cardinals’ touchdown drive, keeping it a two score game late in the match. Fields’ interception proved to be frivolous while he tossed a touchdown earlier in the game.
As for the Cardinals, quarterback Kyler Murray played well with two touchdown passes and 230 passing yards. His efforts were not enough to give his side the victory. Chicago earned six more first downs than Arizona and nearly 120 more offensive yards. Ball possession was also a deciding factor between the two sides, as Chicago held the ball almost 10 minutes more than its opponents. The series between these sides has gone back and forth dating back to 2009. Chicago will have to beat Atlanta next week to keep its playoff hopes alive.
Dallas Cowboys 20 – Miami Dolphins 22
A last minute field goal kick secured the Dolphins first win over the Cowboys since 2003 after losing four straight times. With each of these sides looking to sit on top of their respective conference, a close game came to the surprise of nobody. The game’s lone turnover came from Cowboys’ quarterback Dak Prescott on the first drive of the game. With the Dolphin’s consecutive drive resulting in a field goal, it may have been a bigger fumble for Dallas’ season than it first seemed. Prescott finished the game with two touchdown passes and 253 yards, but with a crucial turnover.
As for Miami, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw a touchdown pass along with 293 passing yards. Both sides held the lead while only 36 offensive yards separated them. Miami earned three more first downs than Dallas and two more third downs. Dallas completed both of its fourth down conversions at hand. The game was secured for Miami after kicker Jason Sanders knocked back his fifth field goal of the game as the clock ticked down to zero. Sanders played a key role in the victory as he did not miss a field goal attempt. A division title is now in jeopardy for Dallas who will have a tough opponent in Detroit next week.
New England Patriots 26 – Denver Broncos 23
The Broncos opened the games scoring after accomplishing a touchdown in the first quarter, but failed to score again until the final frame. The Patriots began the game slow, but came to life with 20 points in the third quarter. Those were facilitated by quarterback Bailey Zappe who finished the game with two touchdown passes and a completion rate of 75%. The final quarter saw a burst from Denver who was led by quarterback Russell Wilson. He had two touchdown passes in the final quarter, and finished the game with 238 passing yards.
The Broncos earned seven more first downs than their opponents during the loss. Denver’s late comeback fell flat after Patriots’ kicker Chad Ryland finished off the game with his second field goal of the night in the final seconds. The Patriots have won two of their last three games for the first time since October of last year. If anything, they helped play spoiler to the playoff chances of Denver who currently sits on the cusp of elimination.
Christmas Day
Las Vegas Raiders 20 – Kansas City Chiefs 14
After the Chiefs gifted Las Vegas a few points for Christmas, a win was possible. The Raiders finished the game with 205 total offensive yards, while their quarterback Aidan O’Connell only had 62 yards. A majority of the team’s yards came from running back Zamir White who finished the game with 145 rushing yards. Meanwhile, the bulk of the scoring from Las Vegas came from its defense. Chiefs’ running back Isiah Pacheco fumbled the ball in the second quarter while their quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw an interception.
This allowed the Raiders’ defense to capitalize on the mistakes, as they returned each for a touchdown within ten seconds of each other. Kansas City earned seven more first downs than Las Vegas and just over 100 more total offensive yards. Its two turnovers played key to its defeat. The Chiefs have now lost six games in a season for the first time since 2017 after three losses in four games. They will look to guarantee a division title at home next week against Cincinnati.
New York Giants 25 – Philadelphia Eagles 33
The Eagles have defeated the Giants in their last five matchups and with a victory, hold the highest chance of winning the NFC East. After holding a 17 point lead at half time, Philadelphia looked to be far in control. By the final quarter, Philadelphia’s lead was only two points. The third quarter saw New York’s first touchdown of the game, a rushing touchdown by running back Saquon Barkley. Later in the quarter, Eagles’ quarterback Jalen Hurts threw an interception which resulted in a pick-six for Giants’ cornerback Adoree’ Jackson.
The fourth quarter saw scoring from both sides, with each earning a touchdown. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who replaced starter Tommy DeVito earned his first touchdown pass in two months and made it a five point difference with just as many minutes on the clock. The difference may have come in the form of two extra field goals for Philadelphia, and a Giants’ failed two-point conversion attempt. The Eagles continue to follow the 49ers trail as the hunt for the top spot in the NFC continues. After losing three games straight for the first time since September of 2021, the Eagles were able to prove they are not going home any time soon.
Baltimore Ravens 33 – San Francisco 49ers 19
49ers’ quarterback Brock Purdy handed out Christmas gifts to the Ravens as the top team in each conference faced off. Purdy threw four interceptions before exiting the game in the final quarter after a rough hit. Sam Darnold replaced him. His efforts nearly brought his side back into the game after trailing by 21 points entering the final quarter. Momentum slowly changed after a touchdown pass from Darnold; however, he threw an interception on the team’s final drive. His efforts nearly brought his side back into the game after trailing by 21 points entering the final quarter.
Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson threw two touchdown passes and led the team with 45 rushing yards. Baltimore did not have a single turnover during the game, contributing largely to its victory. San Francisco also earned 102 penalty yards across 10 flags. These two sides have only played eight times in history, with one match being a Superbowl. Six of those matches have now gone to Baltimore, who has more than secured a playoff spot.
