Following the tradition of years past, the final weekend of this year’s NFL season was filled entirely with divisional matchups. The fate of most teams were already decided but a few games made it feel like the playoffs had come early for fans. With postseason spots and division titles on the line, this year’s certain playoff picture came all the way down to the final minutes of the season.
Here is everything you need to know from the final week of this NFL season:
Saturday Football
Pittsburgh Steelers 17 – Baltimore Ravens 10
Quarterback Lamar Jackson had the day off for Baltimore as his side had already secured the top spot in the conference. His spot was taken by quarterback Tyler Huntley, who threw a touchdown in his first start of the season. Only 13 first downs were completed by the Ravens who also struggled to convert third downs, failing on nine attempts. A win was crucial for the Steelers to sneak into the playoffs along with a Jaguars’ loss. Both of their wishes came true as quarterback Mason Rudolph helped with the first need immensely.
Despite fumbling the ball, he completed 18 of 20 pass attempts along with a touchdown pass. Running back Najee Harris also found the end zone for Pittsburgh and completed 112 rushing yards. Ravens’ kicker Justin Tucker added a field goal to the scoreboard in the game’s final seconds, but Pittsburgh had already secured a win. Along with more first and third downs, Pittsburgh held the ball nearly 10 minutes longer than Baltimore. The Steelers have defeated the Ravens three times straight and have not had a losing season since 2003.
Houston Texans 23 – Indianapolis Colts 19
For the first time since 2019, the Houston Texans will be in the playoffs. This game was a must win for both teams, with the victor moving on and the loser packing its bags. The Texans led by as many as 11 points near the end of the first half, but the game was tied halfway through the third quarter. The scoring was led by Texans’ quarterback C.J. Stroud, who threw two touchdowns, while Colts’ quarterback Gardner Minshew had zero. The only Colts’ touchdown was completed by running back Jonathan Taylor and was capped with a completed two-point conversion.
Their kicker Matt Gay also kept the game close, scoring three of his four field goal attempts. A Colts’ safety in the last second of the game allowed them one more chance at possession, but it was wasted. The ball was lost on a fumble by wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., ultimately ending his team’s chances at victory and the playoffs. Only one third down was completed by the Colts despite earning 21 first downs to Houston’s 16. The Texans are set to play the Browns next week in their return to the playoffs.
Sunday
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9 – Carolina Panthers 0
In a game that allowed the Buccaneers to advance to the playoffs, the entirety of their scoring was completed by one man. Kicker Chase McLaughlin knocked back all three of his field goal attempts for Tampa Bay as neither team completed more than 15 first downs. Carolina’s lack of scoring was highlighted by two turnovers, both of which were fumbles. One was by Panthers’ quarterback Bryce Young who finished the game with only 94 passing yards.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield managed 137 passing yards for Tampa Bay, but no touchdowns as he appeared hurt throughout the second half. Only two of Carolina’s 12 third downs were completed, but it managed to execute both of its fourth down attempts. Tampa Bay had zero fourth down attempts. The win handed it a third NFC South division title in a row, along with a return to the playoffs for Mayfield.
Cleveland Browns 14 – Cincinnati Bengals 31
With a playoff seed already secured for Cleveland, a loss to Cincinnati does not hurt its side too much. The Bengals managed to keep the Browns off the scoresheet until the final frame, where they earned two touchdowns. Quarterback Jeff Driskel was responsible for both, as well as an interception on his team’s opening drive. He threw another interception just before halftime which led to a Bengals field goal drive. Meanwhile, Cincinnati quarterback Jake Browning also had an interception on his side’s first drive of the game, but later redeemed himself.
He completed three touchdown passes, two of which were to rookie wide receiver Andrei Iosivas. Running back Joe Mixon also completed a receiving touchdown, while he opened the game’s scoring with a rushing touchdown. Cincinnati completed nine more first downs than its opponents, and held the ball 10 minutes longer. The Browns would have perhaps liked to win the season series against Cincinnati, but should be more focused on defeating the Texans next week.
Minnesota Vikings 20 – Detroit Lions 30
Both games between these sides this season concluded in victories for Detroit, who have its sights set on the playoffs. Two interceptions from Vikings’ quarterback Nick Mullens may have played crucial to his side’s loss, as those were the only turnovers. Both came in the final five minutes of the game, as two failed drives resulted in a Lions’ victory. Despite leading the whole game a win was still not easy for Detroit, as the Vikings earned more first and third downs.
The Lions completed just one of its nine third downs, and held the ball 10 minutes less than their opponents. Quarterback Jared Goff helped lead the Lions to victory with two touchdown passes and 320 passing yards. Rushing touchdowns were also scored by two different Lions’ running backs. Mullens also completed two touchdown passes for Minnesota, but two interceptions hurt his closing performance. Detroit currently sits at the number three seed in the NFC and will face the Rams next week. Both Goff, and Rams’ quarterback Matthew Stafford are set for reunions against their old teams.
New York Jets 17 – New England Patriots 3
After losing to the Patriots 15 times in a row, the Jets have finally snapped that streak despite both of these sides missing the playoffs. Kicker Chad Ryland was the only man able to score for New England, completing his only field goal attempt in the second quarter. Plenty of field goals were also added by the Jets, whose kicker Greg Zurlein completed three of his four attempts. This game was filled with low numbers. The Patriots completed only six first downs while the Jets had 13. Both quarterbacks failed to reach 100 passing yards, as Trevor Siemian threw 70 for New York while Bailey Zappe completed 88 for New England. Zappe was also responsible for two interceptions as he completed only 12 of his 30 pass attempts.
The snowy weather may have affected the gameplay, but not that of Jets’ running back Breece Hall. He completed 178 rushing yards, a rushing touchdown, and ran the ball into the end zone to execute a two-point conversion. That conversion finished the game off, as it was in the final two minutes. The Patriots completed just one of its 14 third down attempts, and failed all three tries at a fourth down. The Jets did not perform much better, completing only three of their 15 third downs and failing their lone fourth down attempt. Patriots fans will be left wondering if the almighty Bill Belichick will return to coach another year, while Jets fans will await the return of Aaron Rodgers.
Atlanta Falcons 17 – New Orleans Saints 48
The Saints put every bit of effort they had into defeating the Falcons, but still fell short of the playoffs. Their quarterback Derek Carr played excellent, completing four touchdown passes and 22 of 28 pass attempts. Two of those passes were caught by wide receiver A.T. Perry, who capped his rookie year with four touchdowns. All three of the game’s turnovers came from mistakes made by Falcons’ quarterbacks. Desmond Ridder threw an interception and lost the ball on a fumble, while an interception was also tossed by backup Logan Woodside.
Ridder finished the game with two touchdown passes while Falcons’ kicker Younghoe Koo composed his team’s scoring with a lone field goal attempt. The Falcons earned 14 first downs while the Saints had 27. New Orleans also held the ball nearly eight minutes longer than its opponents. A win for Tampa Bay saw it claim the division title instead of New Orleans, who still finished with the same record. It will be absent from the playoffs for the third year straight and have yet to make it since the departure of quarterback Drew Brees.
Jacksonville Jaguars 20 – Tennessee Titans 28
With five losses in their last six matchups, a playoff spot that seemed certain for the Jaguars has been ripped away. Their quarterback Trevor Lawrence returned after missing last week and threw two touchdowns along with 280 passing yards. He also threw two interceptions, one of which led to a Titans’ touchdown drive. Their quarterback Ryan Tannehill also threw an interception but Jacksonville was unable to take advantage of it. He finished the game with two touchdown passes and 168 passing yards.
In what may have been his last game for Tennessee, running back Derrick Henry excelled with 153 rushing yards and a touchdown. Four touchdowns was enough for Tennessee to get the win, as Jacksonville’s season ended with a turnover on downs. Each team played an even game with just 35 offensive yards separating the two. Jacksonville had 20 first downs to the Titans’ 19, while each team converted roughly around 55% of their third downs. Neither team completed a fourth down attempt. Despite a victory on the final day, Titans’ head coach Mike Vrabel has since been fired.
Seattle Seahawks 21 – Arizona Cardinals 20
Seattle narrowly grabbed a win against the Cardinals but will still miss out on the playoffs after a Packers victory. The game was tied at 13 apiece entering the final quarter where Arizona grabbed its first lead of the game. Quarterback Kyler Murray threw his lone touchdown pass of the game to tight end Trey McBride with 10 minutes remaining. Murray finished the day with 262 passing yards and 22 completed passes. With just under two minutes remaining, the Seahawks struck as quarterback Geno Smith found wide receiver Tyler Lockett in the end zone.
The scoring would be capped with another pass from Smith to Lockett, executing the two-point conversion and securing the win. Smith finished the day with two touchdown passes and 189 passing yards. Neither team had a turnover, while the Cardinals completed both of their fourth down attempts. They also earned 71 more yards than their opponents and held the ball 12 minutes longer. The game concluded with a missed field goal attempt from Cardinals’ kicker Matt Prater who finished the day missing two of his four attempts. Prater’s field goal would have given his side the win, but his team’s season ended in defeat.
Chicago Bears 9 – Green Bay Packers 17
In defeating the Bears, the Packers earned their third straight victory this season and a playoff spot. Quarterback Justin Fields was unable to help his Bears team score and finished the day with 146 passing yards and 11 completions. Chicago’s scoring was completed by kicker Cairo Santos, who knocked back all three of his field goal attempts. The only turnover of the game saw Packers’ quarterback Jordan Love lose the ball during a third quarter fumble. Love threw two touchdowns and completed 27 of 32 pass attempts.
Packers’ kicker Anders Carlson completed one of his two field goal attempts. Green Bay held the Bears to only 13 first downs while it had 24 of its own. Chicago was also held to 192 offensive yards while Green Bay earned 432. The Bears showed promise for next year winning three of their last five games, as they also hold the number one draft pick. The Packers will play the Cowboys during wildcard weekend.
Kansas City Chiefs 13 – Los Angeles Chargers 12
A game full of field goals concluded with the Chiefs defeating the Chargers for a fifth time straight. The only touchdown scored began with a fumble by Chargers’ quarterback Easton Stick. That was his team’s only turnover of the game. The fumble was returned 97 yards for a touchdown by Chiefs’ cornerback Mike Edwards during what was the first drive of the game for Los Angeles. Chiefs’ quarterback Blaine Gabbert had his side’s lone turnover, throwing an interception in the second quarter. He finished the day with 154 passing yards while Stick completed 258 passing yards for his Chargers side.
Chargers’ kicker Cameron Dicker scored all 12 of his team’s points, completing four field goal attempts. Kicker Harrison Butker scored both of his field goal attempts for the Chiefs. His second kick was with under a minute to go and restored the Chiefs’ lead. Los Angeles managed to hold the Chiefs to only 12 first downs while it had 22 of its own. Three penalty flags against the Chiefs also sent them back 57 yards. Finally, Los Angeles held the ball five more minutes than its opponents but still could not get the job done. Next weekend, Kansas City will host the Dolphins who have struggled as of late.
Denver Broncos 14 – Las Vegas Raiders 27
The Raiders have defeated the Broncos eight times in a row, and kept that streak alive after leading a majority of the game. Raiders’ quarterback Aidan O’Connell put on a convincing display, finishing the game with two touchdown passes and 244 passing yards. One of those touchdown passes was caught by wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, who also completed a rushing touchdown.
The game’s only turnover was an interception thrown by Broncos’ quarterback Jarrett Stidham, which came with less than two minutes in the game. Stidham also threw a touchdown and completed 272 passing yards. Third down conversions went rather well for the Raiders, as they completed seven of 13 attempts to the Broncos’ four third downs. The Raiders held the ball just over a minute longer and earned 75 more offensive yards. Neither of these sides will compete in the playoffs and have the entirety of the offseason to regroup.
Philadelphia Eagles 10 – New York Giants 27
After the Eagles failed to score in the first half, the rest of the game was smooth sailing for the New York Giants. Their quarterback Tyrod Taylor threw a touchdown and completed 297 passing yards. He had his side’s only turnover of the game with an interception in the second quarter. That quarter saw two more interceptions, both of which were tossed by two different Eagles’ quarterbacks. Jalen Hurts and Marcus Mariota both tossed an interception, while Mariota later fumbled the ball.
He finished the game with 148 passing yards and a touchdown, while Hurts only completed 55 passing yards. The Giants were led by running back Saquon Barkley, who completed two rushing touchdowns. They held the ball five minutes longer than the Eagles and completed three more first downs. A win for New York marks its first victory over the Eagles in six games, while Philadelphia has lost five of its last six games this season. It has struggled as of late and will face the Buccaneers in the wildcard.
Los Angeles Rams 21 – San Francisco 49ers 20
Despite the 49ers scoring 20 points in the first half, Los Angeles completed a stellar comeback and its seventh win in eight games. San Francisco failed to score in the second half, while two touchdowns were scored by Rams’ quarterback Carson Wentz. He finished the day with two touchdown passes, and a rushing touchdown that earned his team the victory. An interception was thrown by Wentz in the second quarter, but it proved frivolous as San Francisco failed to capitalize. Its quarterback Sam Darnold threw a touchdown and tossed 189 passing yards.
He fumbled the ball during San Francisco’s final drive and lost it, handing the Rams a victory. The Rams’ comeback may not have been possible if 49ers’ kicker Jake Moody did not miss his lone field goal attempt in the second quarter. The 49ers completed half of their third downs, while Los Angeles was successful on nine of 15 attempts. The Rams held the ball two minutes longer while the 49ers earned one more first down. Both of these teams will compete in the playoffs. Los Angeles will play Detroit while San Francisco has next weekend to rest.
Dallas Cowboys 38 – Washington Commanders 10
Perhaps a Washington loss is not the worst that could happen given that it now holds the rights to the number two draft pick. The game remained close throughout the early stages but failing to score in the second half hurt the Commanders’ chances. Their quarterback Sam Howell capped off the season with a touchdown pass and two interceptions. Washington had another turnover, as running back Brian Robinson Jr. lost the ball during a first quarter fumble. The Cowboys’ only turnover came from quarterback Dak Prescott, who tossed an interception in the second quarter.
He finished the game with four touchdown passes and completed 21 of 26 pass attempts. Washington was held to only 12 first downs, while Dallas earned 31. Each side attempted 10 third downs, with Dallas completing six and Washington just two. The ball was held by Dallas seven minutes longer, while it also earned 260 more offensive yards. It will play the Packers next week after winning the division for the second time this decade. Commanders’ coach Ron Rivera was released following the disappointing season.
Buffalo Bills 21 – Miami Dolphins 14
A little over a month ago, it looked like the Dolphins were on course to win the AFC, but that changed after three losses in five games. Both quarterbacks began the game with an interception, as each tossed one on their first drives. Miami led at halftime, but failed to score in the second half. It’s quarterback Tua Tagovailoa finished the day with a touchdown pass and another interception in the second half. With his first coming on the opening drive, his second was during the games closing drive. Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen also tossed two interceptions, but equaled it with two touchdown passes.
He also found 30 of 38 targets, but lost the ball during a fumble in the third quarter. The Bills earned 10 more first downs than the Dolphins who also struggled to convert third downs. They completed just four of 10 attempts, while Buffalo had a solid day, executing nine of 15 third downs. The ball was held by Buffalo nearly 17 minutes longer and it earned almost 200 more offensive yards. A win for Buffalo moved it up to the second seed in the AFC, as it will face Pittsburgh next week. The Dolphins are now tasked with defeating the Chiefs, something they have not done since 2011.
