Chargers 34 – Broncos 27
Most of week 16 is in the books and it started back on Thursday with a game between the Broncos and Chargers. The Chargers would go on to win with a score of 34-27 and improved to 9-6 on the year. Justin Herbert threw for over 280 yards and 2 touchdowns and this marked a season sweep of the Broncos for LA. Gus Edwards also ran for two touchdowns and had a big 40+ yard run at a point and looked like a different back. LA outscored the Broncos 21-6 in the second half and that was big for LA because they were coming off of a game against Tampa in which they were absolutely shredded just 4 days prior. Their final two games are at New England, and at the Raiders and I would be pretty surprised if they don’t finish the year with an 11-6 record which is huge in year 1 of a rebuild. The Broncos still have an 80+% chance to make the playoffs and control their destiny but this was a frustrating loss. Denver entered this game with 4 straight wins and the end of the first half with the free kick and giving the Chargers some momentum entering the second half and ultimately belief was frustrating to watch in real time. The linebackers in this game for Denver were also frustrating and I know Broncos fans will want this acknowledged – but they had 7 penalties for over 60 yards and the Chargers had 2 penalties for 8 yards. I know that would at least to be noted, but the Broncos also allowed the Chargers to outscore them 24-3from the end of the 2nd quarter to less than a minute left in then game. They’re young, they’re rebuilding, and this game showed that. Regardless it’s been a successful year for the Broncos
Chiefs 27 – Texans 19
The Chiefs defeated the Texans 27-19 and the Texans fell to 9-6 on the year. I think the story of this game for the Texans was losing Tank Dell as Tank suffered a dislocated knee cap in this game and we wish the best for Tank and for anyone else who was hurt this week as that is by far the worst part of football. With or without Tank Dell the Texans offense has been pretty anemic this year at times and obviously now without Tank Dell I expect it to be worse and I would argue – the Texans season is more or less over. I think they’re in a very tough situation because they are an up and coming team, but Bobby Slowik’s play calling is downright frustrating with screens and repetitive play calling that I don’t have any confidence in this team moving forward. I think they are at maximum a divisional round exit as they may win a wild card playoff game – but even that seems like a stretch at this point and there will be an entire video breakdown on Houston at some point in the future – because I truly think they’re at a cross roads. Kansas City looked better in this game than they have over the past couple of weeks and this was a big bounce back game for them especially after only putting up 21 points against Cleveland in week 15. They’re 14-1 and I thought there was a difference with both Marquise Brown and Xavier Worthy on the field and the Chiefs obviously have two tough games to end the year as they play at Pittsburgh and at Denver – but if they win even one of them – they’re going to have the number one seed and not have to worry until the middle of January. We saw this last year when they lost on Christmas Day and looked anything but like future Super Bowl champions, but this team looks like they’re heating up at the right time. And they’re also 14-1.
Ravens 34 – Steelers 17
The Ravens beat the Steelers 34-17 and the first thing I’d like to note on behalf of the Steelers is how many injuries there were. George Pickens is of course out, but the Steelers secondary is also very banged up and they could not catch a break in this game. Baltimore fumbled twice in the first quarter and recovered both of them – and with a chance to go up 14-7 in the second quarter – Russ fumbled the ball inside the Ravens 10 yard line and Baltimore responded with an 8 play 96 yard drive for a touchdown. Not only that, but after a potential game changing interception from Minkah Fitzpatrick – Marlon Humphrey had a pick 6 and that was all she wrote. Baltimore was up 31-17 and I know Pittsburgh had a 4th and 12 on the 50 yard line – which is obviously a low chance of converting – but they punted the ball back down two scores and I thought that was a surrender punt type decision. They did the exact same thing against the Eagles in week 15, and it cost them. And it cost them in this game too because Baltimore’s strength is grounding and pounding the football. And they had an 11 play 86 yard drive that took up 6 minutes and in the final 9 minutes of play of the last two games – the Steelers have ran a total of 5 offensive plays compared to 34 defensive plays. I know they’re injured – I acknowledge that – but I have a lot of concerns with the Steelers because of how they have to win games. And when things don’t go their way – it gets ugly – and quick. The Ravens clinched a playoff berth and Derrick Henry ran for 162 yards in a double digit win over the division rival Steelers. I’ve said multiple times before that I think this is the best rivalry in football and the Ravens took care of business and Lamar improved to 2-4 lifetime against the Steelers. The Ravens final two games are at Houston and home against Cleveland and I think there is a very real chance the Ravens win the AFC north and host a home playoff game. The Ravens had over 400 yards of offense, they capitalized defensively when they needed to and for the sake of playing January football – they can absolutely run the football and they’re going to be a very difficult team to beat in January – and at this point – I would be pretty surprised if the Ravens do not win the AFC north.
Falcons 34 – Giants 7
The Falcons beat the Giants 34-7 and the Falcons won the turnover battle 3 to 1 and they had to defensive touchdowns in what was first round pick Michael Penix’s first career start. Michael’s stat line wasn’t the most impressive in this game as he finished the day 18/27 for 202 yards with no passing touchdowns and 1 interception. Overall it thought Penix played alright as the Falcons were clearly the better team in this game as the Giants had just 234 yards of total offense and like we said – threw 2 pick 6’s. Jessie Bates is of course one of the best safeties in all of football and the big thing for Atlanta was they kept their playoff chances alive by beating an inferior team – and easing your rookie quarterback into the NFL with his firs start. I hope Drake London is okay and we’ll have the Kyle Pitts conversation plenty this offseason. I don’t have a lot to say about the Giants at this point as they are clearly done for the year and they play like it every Sunday. There is really no takeaway from this game pertaining to the 2024 Giants as they are 2-13 and I don’t see how they don’t clean house this offseason. Tyrone Tracy had the really nice touchdown and Malik Nabers had a decent game considering his quarterback play – but that’s about it. This is truly a terrible football team.
Colts 38 – Titans 30
The Colts narrowly beat the Titans 38-30 and this was a rather funny game as to how the Colts got to 38 points as there was a point where Anthony Richardson had just 9 passing attempts, yet Indy had 38 total points. Tennessee scored first, but then Indy had 38 unanswered points and if I have any takeaway from this game – it’s that I really don’t have a lot of trust in the Colts leadership at this point – and I don’t know how you do if you are a Colts fan. This was the epitome of a game that should have been relatively stress free, but the Colts let the Titans back in the game and it was a lot closer than it ever needed to be. Jonathan Taylor played awesome and this was the type of game I thought we could see from both AR and Jonathan Taylor to continuously keep teams off balance – and it worked. I also really liked on the first of two touchdowns that Jonathan Taylor ran out the back of the end zone after what happened last week. If I have any takeaway for the Titans it’s that they made this loss look a lot prettier than it was because at no point should an NFL defense give up 38 unanswered. Period. I think there is a legitimate case for the Titans to be in the worst situation in all of football because this franchise has no real direction. They’re bad, but I don’t think they are Giants bad and with this division – I don’t know if they will ever quite be Giants bad. Their future scares me and I honestly think this was as close to a loss loss from both sides as you can have.
Bengals 24 – Browns 6
The Browns started the day off with a 66 yard run from Jerome Ford and had a chance to set the tone early. I didn’t have a lot of hope for the Browns entering this game, but with how it started I thought there was a sliver of hope that they would have Cincy playing from behind and maybe they could keep the game close for a while. Starting Dorian Thompson – Robinson on the road against Cincy was always a losing proposition – but then they fumbled the ball on the 1 yard line and Cincy responded with an 8 play 99 yard drive and that’s the best way to summarize this game for Cleveland. I understand Jameis has his flaws but Dorian Thompson – Robinson was bad – and I mean bad. This team has only scored 20 points 3 times in 2024 an they’re 3-12 for a reason. Cleveland has been outscored 45-13 over the past two games and they’re in a very tough situation. Cincy’s playoff hopes are very much alive and this was an example of a better team taking care of business. It’s unfortunate for Bengals fans the MVP is such a narrative driven award because Joe Burrow is absolutely having an MVP caliber season. Their final two games are home against the Broncos, and at the Steelers and their playoff chances rely on them winning out – and the Broncos losing out – and the Bengals will definitely be rooting for the chiefs in week 18. I don’t have many takeaways for Cincy in what was a get right game where they took care of business against a very bad team.
Rams 19 – Jets 9
The Rams had a must win game as they traveled east to Metlife and they too took care of business. This was the Rams second straight win in tough weather conditions as their last game was the win over the 49ers last Thursday night. LA is now 9-6 and they have now won 4 straight games which started all the way back in week 13 with a win over the Saints. This may be a hot take but with how the Rams are playing – I really think they are a team nobody wants to play. They can run the ball, they can pass the ball, and they can play good defense when they need to as they have allowed just 15 points over the last two games. The big thing to remember is in January – the run game travels – and I do think Kyren Williams is having a very underrated season – especially with how Derrick Henry and Saquon have been playing – but the Rams are a very sneaky team. Anders Carlson was just 1/2 and missed an extra point and this was one of the more embarrassing weeks for the Jets. The whole madden rating part with Jerry Jeudy was embarrassing and this team has been a nightmare for the entire year. They were 2-3 at a point and could have scratched and clawed their way back – but they didn’t. And they’re 2-9 since then and have countless embarrassing losses. There’s also a very real chance Garrett Wilson’s days are numbered and for people who say the Jets are the Jets – this was the game for you. It had everything. Bad penalties, bad mistakes, beating themselves, and to be honest – that summarizes the 2024 New York Jets.
Panthers 36 – Cardinals 30
The Carolina Panthers jumped out to a 20-3 lead and this was the Panthers first win since back in week 10 which was one of the best games of the year in the Germany game between the Panthers and Giants. Bryce Young looking good in this game was critical because of how the team played in week 15 against Dallas. Bouncing back was huge – and they had their most points as a team since week 3 which was against the Raiders – but it was the most points in a game where Bryce Young started in his 2 year career. Chuba Hubbard also ran for over 150 yards and 2 touchdowns and I know his numbers aren’t the best – but I do think Adam Thielen still has it and should absolutely be a part of this team in 2025. My main takeaway for the Panthers was something everyone knows – but this team desperately – desperately – needs defensive talent. That’s the main takeaway for the second half of the season 2024 Panthers. This was a tremendously frustrating loss for the Cardinals because this was more or less a playoff game. I don’t think Arizona was going to make the playoffs even if they won because there was a lot that had to go right for them – but giving up 36 points to the Panthers in a do or die game is a bad look – especially for a team that has a defensive minded coach and a team where you want to see strides The Cardinals are now 1-4 off the bye and their lone win was against the Patriots – and I was hoping this team would finish with a 9-8 record and ultimately a winning record – but with their final two games against the Rams and 49ers – I doubt they finish with a winning record which is a bummer because they were a 6-4 team once upon a time.
Lions 34 – Bears 17
The Lions beat the Bears 34-17 and Jared Goff threw for 336 yards and 3 touchdowns. Obviously the Lions have been impacted by injury this year – and that would be an extreme understatement – but this was a great win for the Lions especially after coming off of a 48-42 loss to the Bills in week 15. The Lions also have the most points and wins in franchise history and there’s still a few games to play. As we know this was of course done before week 17 so it’s not like they are 17 game merchants setting this record either. The fake fumble touchdown was awesome and there’s a very real chance Ben Johnson was auditioning for his future job in week 16. My biggest thing with the Lions is – as long as they can make two defensive stops a game – they have a chance. This offense is outstanding and we see it every Sunday and yes they’re injured – but I’m not counting this team out. Not even close. I thought Caleb played good in this game – truly – but you’re not going to win many games when your team rushes for 25 yards outside of your starting quarterback. Keenan Allen has been a breath of fresh air when he’s played this year and he had over 140 yards and a touchdown in week 16 and there’s been several catches this year where my jaw drops when he makes the play. There’s obviously a lot to be concerned about with the Bears and one of them is General Manager Ryan Poles has the two longest losing streaks in Chicago Bears history in less than 3 years. The offensive line is another. There’s also a real chance the NFC North has two teams finish with 14 wins this year – which of course is an anomaly relative to a normal year – mien obviously – but the Bears have 14 wins since Poles took over. If they don’t hire a Ben Johnson or a Mike Vrabel – then we’re back to square one with this organization. I know it may not seem like it, but this franchise can legitimately get it right this offseason.
Commanders 36 – Eagles 33
The Washington Commanders beat the Eagles 36-33 and this was in a game where Washington committed 5 turnovers and had a 22 point 4th quarter. The Eagles were up 21-7 after the first quarter and I think – at least I would hope – Commanders fans can acknowledge how much different this game would have been if Jalen Hurts never left the game. The Commanders are now 10-5 and have their first double digit win season since all the way back in 2012 which of course was RG3’s rookie year. Never apologize for beating your rival – especially which could knock them out of having the number one seed in the conference – and a win is a win. Also Jayden Daniels threw 5 passing touchdowns which is awesome and I don’t want to take away from Jayden’s performance specifically in this game as that’s very rare territory. Obviously a frustrating loss for the Eagles which downplays how – just annoying this loss actually was – but there’s a lot of people who dismiss Jalen Hurts and basically say he’s a system player and a product of the system which is – both a bad take and simply not true. Jalen Hurts finished 2nd in the MVP back in 2022 for a reason and was quietly working on a 30+ touchdown season to just 5 interceptions. Even despite this – the Birds had a chance to win and we all know Devonta Smith had to make the play at the end. There was also a point in the second half where Saquon had 9 carries for 11 yards and obviously Saquon is an elite player – and a hall of fame talent – but this game shows how much each player needs each other and why football is the ultimate team game. I’m not panicking on the Eagles – not at all – unless Jalen Hurts is out for multiple weeks which in that case I think every team would be pretty much done if they had to go to tier backup quarterback. They’re fine. Tough loss of course – but they’re fine
Dolphins 29 – 49ers 17
The Dolphins beat the 49ers 29-17 and Tua has obviously faced a lot of criticism but he played better in week 16 and the biggest thing in this game for the Dolphins was the drops. Specifically from Tyreek Hill. We rarely say that but Tyreek dropped several passes in this game, but Devon Achane played his tail off and the Dolphins playoff chances are still alive as they are 7-8 and have their final two games against the Browns and Jets – both of which are winnable. I know the playoff chances are slim, and the 49ers were banged up by every definition – but it was also big for Mike McDaniel to beat his former head coach Kyle Shanahan and I also think Chop Robinson is progressing nicely despite being a developmental first round pick. Obviously we can do this with every team – but I can’t help but think of one of the earlier season losses for the Dolphins entering the week of Christmas. The 49ers had 11 penalties in this game and it’s obviously been a long year for several reasons outside of a normal football season – but this team is undisciplined, and they continuously lose games by default. The Dolphins made several big plays in this game and I don’t want to take that away from them – but the amount of handing games over to teams has been ridiculous – not just for a game or two – but throughout the entire year. I know 49ers don’t care about this at all – but this truly has to be the most talented 6-9 team to ever exist. 2024 in one year for San Francisco is frustrating
Raiders 19 – Jaguars 14
The Raiders beat the Jags 19-14 and obviously both of these teams seasons were over back in October for competitive purposes – but the Raiders winning this game dropped them from the number 2 overall pick to the number 6 overall pick. That’s obviously huge for draft purposes and I don’t have a takeaway for either team in the sense of what’s next from an overall roster standpoint because we have an entire offseason to discuss that – but the Titans and Browns are now ahead of the Raiders in the draft and right now the Patriots are selecting number 2 overall. There will be a significant cost for the Raiders to move up in the 2025 draft even a couple of spots because this quarterback isn’t good and to be honest – I don’t think the Raiders are going to be able to move up. This win is the definition of the war meme “I’ve won but at what cost”. This was the worst thing that could have happened to them at specific point in time. There’s no takeaway for the Raiders other than this is very bad at the moment because this was clearly a tanking part of the year – and they botched it. I don’t have much to say for the Jags other than to shoutout Brian Thomas Jr for having a 132 yard performance and cleared the 1,000 yard mark and is one of the best receivers in the league. I legitimately think that and I know that may be a hot take, but I am all in on BTJ in the future and absolutely his game. And 4th and 11 the game was on the line and Mac Jones threw a short pass and that summarizes the 2024 Jags. It’s been a nightmare of a season and they can’t wait for it to be over.
Bills 24 – Patriots 21
The Bills beat the Patriots 24-21 and I think the best way to summarize this game for the Bills is an ugly win is always better than a pretty loss. I think one of the most misunderstood things when you have a good team is just because you have a Josh Allen, or a Lamar Jackson, or whoever – does not always mean it’s sunshine and rainbows and you put up 35 points every game and obliterate every team in your path. And this was a perfect example of that. This was the definition of a trap game especially considering the Bills were favored by 14 points at home and playing a rookie quarterback – but they won. This certainly wasn’t Josh Allen’s best game of the year and the defense certainly stepped up with the defensive touchdown from Taron Johnson. The Bills put up 125 points in the last 3 games and tripping up one game does not make me think the Bills are done or destined for a first round exit or anything. They’re fine – and remember – they won. The Patriots played better than I thought they would but I still have a lot of frustration with where this organization is and they opted to punt the ball on their own 46 yard line when it was 4th and 5 with 8.5 minutes to play. This isn’t a bad offensive team. It’s the Bills. The Patriots could have won this game and the situational awareness to call the backwards pass from Alex Van Pelt in that specific situation was not great and it’s a concern I have with this staff moving forward. I have been very critical of Jerod Mayo recently and I still don’t think he’s going to be a great head coach – I’m not flipped after a single competitive game against a good team – but the punt is what I hang my hat on when looking at this game for the Patriots. It’s certainly better for the long term Patriots that they lost – but it also stings losing a game they were up 14-0 to a division rival
Vikings 27 – Seahawks 24
The Minnesota Vikings are 13-2 after a 27-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks and what a road win for the Vikings. It obviously wasn’t pretty, but they now have won 8 straight games and can get the number one seed in the NFC. Sam Darnold threw for 246 yards and 3 touchdowns in this game and Justin Jefferson had his best game of the year as he had 144 yards and 2 touchdowns including the game winner. Like we said with the Bills – not every win is by multiple scores especially on the road against a good Seattle team but the Vikings know how to close out games. Kevin O’Connell now has his second 13 win season in 3 years and I think he is the coach of the year. This became a bit of a punt off at one point as there were 11 total punts in this game – and I also want to shoutout Ryan Wright the Vikings punter for coming through time and time again. Now for Seattle I think this was definitely a winnable game which is frustrating – but I can’t emphasize how much I like their future. The big thing for the Seahawks that has to be remembered – is – Geno Smith is 34 years old and his red zone interceptions have been a problem all year. Although he didn’t throw a red zone interception in this game – he threw two interceptions and turnovers have been a killer for the Seahawks all year. I think there may be a point where they reach a plateau of quarterback play and could be in a tough position – but from an organizational standpoint – this was supposed to be a competitive year while also planning for the future – and they’ve done exactly that. They play Chicago on Thursday and I would be shocked if they don’t finish this season with a winning record.
