Week 16 is in the books and there are only two weeks left in the regular season. The exciting thing about the end of this season is that many playoff seeds have yet to be clinched, so there is still a lot on the line the last two weeks of the season. Week 16 featured some redemption by the Buffalo Bills, some teams in free-fall, and some questionable losses by teams fighting for their playoff lives. Week 16 set the tone for a fascinating finale to this season.
Bills vs Patriots:
Just a few weeks ago the Bills were beaten by the Patriots after New England only completed three passes. I know that stuck with Buffalo and they were itching for another shot at Bill Belichick’s Patriots. Buffalo responded with a 33-21 win over the Patriots in Foxboro, putting the Bills back in first place in the AFC East. Josh Allen played very well for the Bills, throwing for three touchdowns and no turnovers. Allen also led the Bills in rushing with 64 yards on the ground. Allen’s counterpart Mac Jones struggled for the second week in a row, throwing two interceptions and completing less than 50% of his passes. Buffalo has two games at home to win the AFC East for the second year in a row.
49ers vs Titans:
The Titans were able to beat the 49ers on a last second field goal to put them within one win of clinching the AFC South for the second year in a row. Ryan Tannehill played a clean game while Jimmy Garoppolo turned the ball over twice. The 49ers were up 10-0 at the half, but Tannehill picked up his play and was able to connect with AJ Brown 11 times for 145 yards and a touchdown. Tennessee, at 10-5, is a game behind the Kansas City Chiefs for the top seed in the AFC and Derrick Henry is expected to return in the playoffs. If the Titans can get the top seed in the AFC and give Henry an extra week of rest that could be a huge factor in who ultimately comes out of the AFC.
Browns vs Packers:
This Christmas day game came down the final drive, but that drive would end how several drives ended for the Browns, with a Baker Mayfield interception. Mayfield would throw four interceptions on the day, and against a team like the Packers you will lose that game 99% of the time. What was unfortunate for the Browns was that they were able to exploit one of Green Bay’s weaknesses and run the ball for 219 yards on only 25 carries. For the Packers it was another game they had to win on the final drive, but their defense was able to make a play. Rasul Douglas has been one of the great in-season pickups as he had two of the four interceptions on Mayfield. Aaron Rodgers passed Brett Farve for the all-time Packers passing touchdown record, throwing for three touchdowns on the day. Green Bay’s win keeps them in the top seed in the NFC.
Colts vs Cardinals:
What is going on with the Cardinals? After losing to the Colts, Arizona is 3-5 since starting the season 7-0. Carson Wentz threw two touchdowns for the Colts and Jonathan Taylor ran for 108 yards. The play of the game was when Wentz was able to escape the pocket and find Dezmon Patmon for a 14-yard touchdown that gave the Colts a 22-13 lead. Arizona missed two field goals and an extra point and the Cardinals continue to find ways to shoot themselves in the foot. The Colts remain a game behind the Titans in the AFC South, while the Cardinals fell a game behind the Rams in the NFC West.
Quick Takes:
- What a way for Joe Burrow and the Bengals to move into 1st place in the AFC North. Burrow threw for 525 yards.
- What an awful loss by the Chargers, falling to the Texans in Houston. The Chargers are talented, but find ways to shoot themselves in the foot and lose games they have no business losing.
- The Rams won, but if they are going to get to the Super Bowl they can’t have Matt Stafford throw three picks.
- Dallas responded to all the questions about their offense, putting up 56 points on Washington.
AFC Playoff Picture
1) Kansas City Chiefs 11-4
2) Tennessee Titans 10-5
3) Cincinnati Bengals 9-6
4) Buffalo Bills 9-6
5) Indianapolis Colts 9-6
6) New England Patriots 9-6
7) Miami Dolphins 8-7
In the picture: Ravens, Raiders, Chargers are 8-7, Steelers are 7-7-1
NFC Playoff Picture
1) Green Bay Packers 12-3
2) Dallas Cowboys 11-4
3) LA Rams 11-4
4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 11-4
5) Arizona Cardinals 10-5
6) San Francisco 49ers 8-7
7) Philadelphia Eagles 8-7
In the picture: Vikings, Falcons, Saints are 7-8
Week 17 Games to Watch
- Kansas City at Cincinnati
- Miami at Tennessee
- Las Vegas at Indianapolis
- LA Rams at Baltimore
- Arizona at Dallas
UNC Continues to Shine into the Final Stretch