Week 16 NFL Recap: Rams, Steelers, Bills, Lions, Browns, Seahawks, Dolphins, Buccaneers, Patriots, Ravens
The NFL’s Week 16 kicked off with the Los Angeles Rams strengthening their playoff hopes and denting the New Orleans Saints’ postseason aspirations. The Pittsburgh Steelers routed the Cincinnati Bengals, while the Buffalo Bills took control of their playoff destiny with a narrow victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. The Detroit Lions secured the NFC North title with a win over the Minnesota Vikings, and the Cleveland Browns had a standout performance from QB Joe Flacco and WR Amari Cooper. The Seattle Seahawks kept their playoff hopes alive with a go-ahead touchdown in the last minute, and the Miami Dolphins beat the Dallas Cowboys with a walk-off field goal. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers handed the Jacksonville Jaguars their fourth straight loss, and the New England Patriots won with a 56-yard field goal as time expired. On Christmas Day, the Kansas City Chiefs were stunned at home by the Las Vegas Raiders, the Philadelphia Eagles eked out a win against the New York Giants, and the Baltimore Ravens claimed sole possession of the league’s best record with an impressive win over the San Francisco 49ers.
Baltimore Ravens 33, San Francisco 49ers 19
Ravens: The Ravens’ victory over the 49ers is their biggest of the season, as it gives them the title of the best team in the NFL with two weeks remaining. This win also puts them in a position to clinch the AFC’s No. 1 seed, which would be a huge advantage for a franchise that has struggled in the playoffs in recent years. Stock up: WR Zay Flowers. Stock down: The Ravens’ run game.
49ers: This loss puts the 49ers’ playoff positioning in jeopardy, as their margin for error is now razor-thin. They will need to win their final two games and hope for some help to secure the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Stock up: RB Christian McCaffrey. Stock down: QB Brock Purdy.
Philadelphia Eagles 33, New York Giants 25
Eagles: The Eagles should be encouraged by their win, as it ends a three-game slide
The Bears’ Missed Opportunities
The Bears had a chance to go into halftime with a significant lead against the Cardinals, but penalties and failed drives prevented them from capitalizing. Despite rushing for 117 yards in the first half, the Bears failed to call any runs in the second half, resulting in a lackluster passing game.
The Struggles of the Cardinals’ Passing Game
The Cardinals’ passing game has been struggling, and there are a few reasons for it. Quarterback Kyler Murray is still adjusting to working with his receivers and the team’s offensive system. Additionally, the Cardinals lack a reliable big-bodied pass-catcher who can make plays in clutch situations. As a result, the Cardinals only managed to accumulate 208 passing yards against the Bears.
Tampa Bay’s Path to the Playoffs
The Buccaneers put together a dominant defensive performance against the Jaguars, scoring two touchdowns off turnovers. With the Saints’ loss and the Bucs’ win, Tampa Bay’s path to a third consecutive division title is clear. They need to defeat the Saints or the Panthers in their upcoming games. Even with a loss, the Bucs would still win the tiebreaker over the Atlanta-New Orleans victor.
Jaguars’ Season Slipping Away
Despite their four-game losing streak, the Jaguars still have a 65% chance to win the AFC South. However, their recent performances have been lackluster, and their game against Tampa Bay did not inspire confidence. Wide receiver Elijah Cooks showed promise, but the team’s kicking game, led by Brandon McManus, has been struggling.
Jets’ Owner Woody Johnson’s Premature Proclamation
Jets owner Woody Johnson’s proclamation to retain coach Robert Saleh and GM Joe Douglas in 2024 seemed premature when the Jets blew a 20-point lead against Washington. However, kicker Greg Zuerlein saved the day with a game-winning field goal. Running back Breece Hall had a standout performance, but the defense collapsed in the second half.
Commanders’ Quarterback Dilemma
The Commanders have a decision to make regarding their starting quarterback. Jacoby Brissett has performed well in relief of Sam Howell, leading touchdown drives in his limited playing time. The offense has struggled under Howell, and it would benefit him and the
When the Vikings targeted him, he was back to his old electric self
The Vikings targeted him and he returned to his old electric self, including a diving 29-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter that NFL Next Gen Stats recorded as the lowest-probability scoring reception (21%) of his career.
Stock down after the loss: RB Ty Chandler
RB Ty Chandler’s stock is down after the loss. A week after a breakout game, he couldn’t get going against a vulnerable Lions defense and finished with only 17 yards on eight carries.
Next game: vs. Packers (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Atlanta 29, Indianapolis 10
The Atlanta Falcons put on an impressive performance, defeating the Indianapolis Colts 29-10. The Falcons showcased a balanced run/pass attack with 406 yards of offense and a defense that recorded six sacks and held the Colts to 262 yards. If Atlanta can maintain this level of play, they have a chance to run the table. They will face the under-.500 Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints in their upcoming games, which are manageable matchups. This would demonstrate legitimate progress for the Falcons, including their first over-.500 record since 2017 and the first three-game winning streak under coach Arthur Smith.
Stock up after the win: QB Taylor Heinicke
QB Taylor Heinicke’s stock is up after the win. In his first start as the Falcons’ starter, he was efficient, completing 23 of 33 passes for 229 yards, one touchdown, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 99.2.
Stock down after the win: CB Jeff Okudah
CB Jeff Okudah’s stock is down after the win. He appears to have been displaced by rookie cornerback Clark Phillips III in the starting lineup, as Okudah barely played defensively while Phillips recorded three tackles with a pass defended.
Next game: at Bears (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Buffalo 24, L.A. Chargers 22
The Buffalo Bills secured a close victory over the L.A. Chargers with a score of 24-22. This performance raises concerns about the Bills’ ability to close out games, as 10 out of their 14 games this season have been one-score affairs. Despite the win, there are areas for improvement, such as ball security from James Cook and the inconsistency of the passing game.
Stock up after the win: Punter Sam Martin
Punter Sam Martin’s stock is up after the win. He played a key role in giving the Chargers a long field, with three of his four punts landing inside the 20-yard line and an average of 52.3 yards per punt.
Stock down after the win: Passing game
The passing game’s stock is down after the win. Josh Allen completed just 15 of 21 passes for 237 yards, one touchdown, and a pick, with miscues throughout the game in connecting with receivers.
Next game: vs. Patriots (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
L.A. Rams 30, New Orleans 22
The L.A. Rams defeated the New Orleans Saints with a score of 30-22. The Rams’ offense has shown improvement since RB Kyren Williams returned in Week 12, scoring at least 28 points in the five games since his return. QB Matthew Stafford has been playing well, throwing multiple passing touchdowns in five straight games and going four games without an interception. However, the Rams’ kicking game has been inconsistent, with a missed field goal attempt in this game.
Stock up after the win: QB Matthew Stafford
QB Matthew Stafford’s stock is up after the win. He has been performing well, throwing multiple passing touchdowns in five straight games and going four games without an interception.
Stock down after the win: Kicker Lucas Havrisik
Kicker Lucas Havrisik’s stock is down after the win. He missed a 47-yard field goal attempt, contributing to the Rams’ league-high 11 missed field goals this season.
Next game: at Giants (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Pittsburgh 34, Cincinnati 11
The Pittsburgh Steelers dominated the Cincinnati Bengals with a score of 34-11. The Steelers’ quarterback situation for the next game against the Seattle Seahawks is uncertain, with Mason Rudolph potentially earning another start after a strong performance. Wide receiver George Pickens had a career-best game, showcasing his potential when he’s at his best.
Stock up after the win: Wide receiver George Pickens
Wide receiver George Pickens’ stock is up after the win. He had a career-best game with 195 receiving yards and two touchdowns, demonstrating his high ceiling when he’s performing well.
Stock down after the win: Fire Mike Tomlin chants
There were no Fire Mike Tomlin chants during the game, as fans showed support for Mason Rudolph with chants and even a rendition of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
Next game: at Seahawks (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
L.A. Rams 30, New Orleans 22
The L.A. Rams defeated the New Orleans Saints with a score of 30-22. The Rams’ offense has shown improvement since RB Kyren Williams returned in Week 12, scoring at least 28 points in the five games since his return. QB Matthew Stafford has been playing well, throwing multiple passing touchdowns in five straight games and going four games without an interception. However, the Rams’ kicking game has been inconsistent, with a missed field goal attempt in this game.
Stock up after the win: QB Matthew Stafford
QB Matthew Stafford’s stock is up after the win. He has been performing well, throwing multiple passing touchdowns in five straight games and going four games without an interception.
Stock down after the win: Kicker Lucas Havrisik
Kicker Lucas Havrisik’s stock is down after the win. He missed a 47-yard field goal attempt, contributing to the Rams’ league-high 11 missed field goals this season.
Next game: at Giants (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Saints
The New Orleans Saints suffered a disappointing loss to the L.A. Rams with a score of 30-22. The loss exposed issues on both sides of the ball, with tackling problems on defense and struggles to convert on third and fourth down on offense. The Saints now face a crucial divisional game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and must regroup to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Stock up after the loss: WR Chris Olave
WR Chris Olave had an impressive performance, battling through an ankle injury to record nine catches for 129 yards and surpass 1,000 receiving yards for the season.
Stock down after the loss: CB Alontae Taylor
CB Alontae Taylor’s stock is down after the loss. He was benched late in the game and struggled with his coverage, allowing the Rams to exploit him.