Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season featured several games that had direct division championship and playoff implications. By the end of the weekend, the New England Patriots clinched the AFC East, and the Denver Broncos clinched the AFC West. In addition, the Jacksonville Jaguars are one win away from clinching the AFC South division, and the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers will meet head-to-head next week to play for the AFC North division. On the NFC side, the Chicago Bears clinched the NFC North, and the Philadelphia Eagles came into the week as NFC East champions. Next week, the Seattle Seahawks will meet the San Francisco 49ers for the NFC West and the #1 Seed in the NFC, and the Carolina Panthers will travel to Tampa Bay to face the Buccaneers with the NFC South division on the line.
Arizona Cardinals = 23% 3rd Down Rate
During Week 17, the Arizona Cardinals added another to their losing streak, which has now extended to 8 consecutive losses. While the Cardinals have been productive on offense, primarily because backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett has gotten the ball to his weapons, they have failed to execute in key situations. With this in mind, the Cardinals continued to struggle when they needed to execute, converting only 3 of 13 3rd-down opportunities into 1st downs. Subsequently, the Cardinals’ 23% 3rd-down conversion rate demonstrates why they struggled to consistently put together drives to score points, and those issues have extended to the red zone when Arizona has a chance to score.
Atlanta Falcons = +3 Turnover Margin
Despite already being eliminated from the playoffs for the 2025 season, the Atlanta Falcons were still a tough team to beat in Week 17. Atlanta took advantage of the Los Angeles Rams’ Achilles’ heel: turnovers. The Falcons started fast on offense early in the game against the Rams, which meant the Rams needed to take more chances than they normally would. Those chances did not pay off for the Rams, and Rams quarterback ended up throwing three interceptions, including one that was returned by Falcons safety Jessie Bates III for a defensive touchdown. That defensive touchdown was the 32nd of Matthew Stafford’s career, tying him with Brett Favre for the most career pick-sixes thrown.
Baltimore Ravens = 40:16 Minutes of Possession
The Baltimore Ravens continued to extend their slim chances of stealing the AFC North and making the playoffs. Baltimore went into Lambeau Field with backup quarterback Tyler Huntley leading the offense and put on a dominant performance with their powerful running game. Ultimately, by the end of the game, the Ravens had possessed the ball for an impressive 40:16 minutes during their 41-24 win against the Packers. Ravens running back Derrick Henry contributed 216 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns, and quarterback Tyler Huntley contributed 60 additional rushing yards.
Buffalo Bills = 0 for 2 on PAT Conversions
The Buffalo Bills have one of the best offenses in the NFL, except when they face a great NFL defense. There are several games this season that demonstrate that Buffalo and quarterback Josh Allen fail to execute when a defense forces them to perform under pressure. In Week 17, the Bills’ lack of success against an elite defense reared its ugly head once again against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, in the 4th quarter, the Bills’ offense finally broke through and scored a touchdown. The excitement of the Bills’ touchdown waned quickly when kicker Michael Badgley had his PAT kick blocked. In addition, the Bills scored a second touchdown in the final seconds of the game and chose to go for two; unfortunately, Allen missed a wide-open receiver in the backfield, and the Bills lost by one point to the Eagles.
Carolina Panthers = 9% 3rd Down Rate
The Carolina Panthers had a chance to clinch the NFC South division championship when they hosted the Seattle Seahawks. Unfortunately, the Panthers’ offense failed to show up against a fast Seahawks defense. Carolina struggled to put together drives against the Seahawks, and a big part of that was their inability to convert 3rd downs into 1st downs and keep drives going. During the game, the Panthers had 11 3rd-down opportunities, but they converted only one to pick up a 1st down. In addition, Panthers quarterback Bryce Young was only able to pass for 54 yards against Seattle.
Chicago Bears = 232 Combined Receiving Yards
On Sunday Night Football, the Chicago Bears found themselves in a high-tempo shootout with the San Francisco 49ers. While both offenses were able to move the ball up and down the field, the biggest playmakers for the Bears were wide receiver Luther Burden III and tight end Colston Loveland. Burden and Loveland contributed 232 receiving yards toward the Bears’ 330 receiving yards. In addition, Burden and Loveland both scored touchdowns for the Bears. As a result of his outstanding weapons, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams had 330 passing yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 7.9 yards per pass attempt.
Cincinnati Bengals = 40:56 Minutes on Offense
The Cincinnati Bengals have failed to find consistency on offense or defense this season. But during their Week 17 game against the Arizona Cardinals, the Bengals put together their best offensive performance of the 2025 season. By the end of the game, the Bengals had held the ball for 40 minutes and 56 seconds, allowing them to control the tempo at home against Arizona. In addition to the time of possession, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow completed 77% of his passes for 305 yards and two passing touchdowns. Cincinnati running back Chase Brown added two more touchdowns and 101 rushing yards.
Cleveland Browns = 0 Touchdowns Allowed
The strength of the Cleveland Browns has been their defense and edge rusher Myles Garrett all season in 2025. Most weeks, the Browns’ outstanding defense has not been enough to secure wins, but in Week 17, it led the way as the Browns upset the Pittsburgh Steelers 13-6. While Garrett did not achieve his individual milestone of breaking the NFL sack record by recording a single quarterback sack, the Browns’ defense did an excellent job of forcing the Steelers to kick field goals rather than score touchdowns. In a game where the Steelers could have clinched the AFC North division championship, the Browns’ defense refused to let the Steelers’ offense get into the end zone.
Dallas Cowboys = 100% 4th Down Rate
The Dallas Cowboys offense put together a dominant display on Christmas Day against the Washington Commanders. Dallas dominated time of possession, running 87 offensive plays to the Commanders’ 41. A big factor in that overwhelming offensive performance was the Cowboys’ ability to keep their drives going while picking up 1st downs on 4th downs. During the game, the Cowboys went for 1st down on 4th down 6 times, and they had a 100% success rate, going 6-for-6.
Denver Broncos = 4 Drives of 14+ Plays
The Denver Broncos could end up being the #1 Seed in the AFC this season, but they will not have reached that spot easily. On Christmas Night, the Broncos went on the road to face their long-time division rival in Kansas City. Statistically, the Broncos’ offense dominated the game, putting together 4 drives of 14 or more plays, which gave them the time of possession. Despite holding a 71-play to 42-play advantage over the Chiefs, the Broncos still needed a 4th quarter trick play and a defensive stop to clinch a 20-13 win over the Chiefs.
Detroit Lions = 4 Turnovers Lost by Jared Goff
The Detroit Lions came into their Christmas Day matchup with the Minnesota Vikings hoping to keep themselves in the race for a return to the playoffs this season. That was before Lions quarterback Jared Goff melted down by committing four turnovers against an aggressive Vikings defense. Goff started the game with a fumbled snap, he threw two interceptions in the 3rd quarter, and Goff ended the game with a sack-fumble in the 4th quarter. Detroit only turned the ball over eight times this season before this game in Minnesota, but they made up for the lack of turnovers when they needed to play their best football.
Green Bay Packers = 307 Rushing Yards Allowed
Heading into the Green Bay Packers’ home game against the Baltimore Ravens, the absence of Packers quarterback Jordan Love was the focus of the game. However, the Packers’ offense, led by backup quarterback Malik Willis, was not the reason Green Bay lost to the Ravens. Before Week 17, the Packers’ run defense ranked 9th in the NFL. In this Saturday night matchup, the Packers failed to stop the Baltimore Ravens’ ground game, allowing the Ravens to run for 307 total rushing yards. That includes 216 rushing yards by Derrick Henry, which is the most rushing yards a visiting back has ever gained at Lambeau Field.
Houston Texans = 14 Points in Six Minutes
The Houston Texans picked up a tough win against the Los Angeles Chargers to clinch a playoff spot and eliminate the Indianapolis Colts. Houston had a fast start on offense against the Chargers, jumping out to a 14-point lead during the first six minutes of the game. Those 14 points were the result of Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud hitting wide receiver Jayden Higgins for a 75-yard touchdown pass and then connecting with wide receiver Jaylin Noel for a 43-yard touchdown pass. The early lead allowed the Texans to outlast the Chargers, with five quarterback sacks by the Texans’ defense.
Indianapolis Colts = 2 Crunch Time Interceptions
While the Indianapolis Colts were eliminated from the playoffs by the Houston Texans, the Colts still came ready to fight the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts jumped out to an early lead against the Jaguars, but Jacksonville mounted a comeback and eventually tied the game at 17. During the moment when Philip Rivers and the Colts’ offense needed to step up, Rivers threw an interception to allow the Jaguars to take control of the game. Later in the 4th quarter, the Colts had another chance to score and steal a win, but quarterback Riley Leonard ended the game with another interception.
Jacksonville Jaguars = 2 Rushing Touchdowns
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense and quarterback Trevor Lawrence have not always handled pressure well. This week, the Jaguars needed to win on the road against the Indianapolis Colts to maintain their lead at the top of the AFC South over the Houston Texans. Defensively, the Colts came ready to shut down the Jaguars’ passing game with the return of cornerback Sauce Gardner. While Lawrence struggled against the Colts’ pass defense, the Jaguars quarterback found other ways to contribute to a winning effort for Jacksonville. While not throwing a passing touchdown, Lawrence did run the ball well and scored two rushing touchdowns, which were enough for the Jaguars to win against the Colts and keep their lead over the Texans in the standings.
Kansas City Chiefs = 2.6 Yards per Pass Attempt
The Kansas City Chiefs entered their Christmas Day matchup against the Denver Broncos knowing they needed to protect 3rd-string quarterback Chris Oladokun. While Kansas City did accomplish that goal, only allowing one quarterback sack against the Broncos’ elite pass rush, the price the Chiefs paid for that protection was their ability to produce explosive plays. The result was that Oladokun gained only 66 total passing yards on 22 completions. That gave the Chiefs an average gain of 2.6 yards per pass attempt, which is not enough to sustain offensive drives or score enough points to beat a great team like the Broncos. A good example of how the Chiefs’ very short gain passing attack hurt their performance is their 28.1% success rate on 3rd Down, where they converted only 2 of 7 3rd-down situations with a first down.
Las Vegas Raiders = 23% 3rd Down Rate
The Las Vegas Raiders have an 80% chance of being the team that gets the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. That distinction for the Raiders came after Las Vegas lost another game, this time to the New York Giants. While there was some controversy this week revolving around the Raiders placing edge rusher Maxx Crosby on the season-ending injured list despite Crosby’s claims that he was not injured. That situation put the Raiders in the spotlight due to what appeared to be their commitment to tanking the rest of the season to get the first pick in next year’s draft. While the Raiders have denied accusations of tanking, their offense did its part, converting only 23% of their 3rd-down attempts into 1st downs.
Los Angeles Chargers = 2 Missed Kicks
The Los Angeles Chargers clinched a spot in the AFC playoffs last week, but they still had their eyes on the AFC West division championship. However, the Chargers have come up short several times this season due to their inability to be consistent while doing the smaller details. The Chargers’ offense played solid football against the Texans’ elite defense. But on special teams, the Chargers came up short twice: first in the 2nd quarter, when kicker Cameron Dicker missed a 32-yard field goal, his first miss under 40 yards in his NFL career. And then in the 4th quarter, the Chargers running back Omarion Hampton scored a touchdown, and with the extra point, it would have been a 3-point game. However, Cameron Dicker missed the extra point kick, which was enough for the Texans to hold on for a big win.
Los Angeles Rams = 3 Interceptions Thrown
The Los Angeles Rams have had a successful season during the 2025 NFL season. On the other hand, when the Rams lose, it is usually because they turn the ball over multiple times. When the Rams faced the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football this week, the Rams found themselves on the wrong end of a 21-point deficit in the first half of their game in Atlanta. A major contributor to the Rams’ slow start on offense was quarterback Matthew Stafford’s three interceptions. Coming into Week 17, Stafford had only thrown 5 interceptions for the 2025 season. However, the Falcons’ defense played aggressively against the Rams, which allowed them to force three interceptions, including a pick-six by Falcons safety Jessie Bates III.
Miami Dolphins = 14 Points off 3 Turnovers
While the Miami Dolphins have already been eliminated from the playoffs this season, Miami is embracing the opportunity to play a spoiler role. In the 2nd half of the Dolphins’ game against the Buccaneers, the defense forced three turnovers, accounting for a 14-point swing. First, Jason Marshall Jr. intercepted a Baker Mayfield pass, setting up a field goal. Then the Dolphins had a second interception that helped Quinn Ewers and the Miami offense score a touchdown. Near the end of the game, as Tampa Bay was on a drive that would have won the game if they scored a touchdown, the Dolphins’ defense forced them to settle for a field goal. The Buccaneers’ loss of 4 potential points allowed Miami to pick up a 20-17 win.
Minnesota Vikings = +6 Turnover Margin
While the Minnesota Vikings’ offense has been the picture of mediocrity this season, the defense has consistently created chaos for opposing offenses. On Christmas Day, the Vikings’ defense gift-wrapped a victory for Minnesota by forcing the Detroit Lions offense to turn the ball over six times. Many of those takeaways occurred near the Lions’ end zone, setting up Max Brosmer and the Vikings’ offense for success. By the end of the game, the Vikings had recovered four fumbles and intercepted two passes. Andrew Van Ginkel led the way for the Vikings’ defense with two fumble recoveries and 1.5 quarterback sacks. In addition, Harrison Smith and Byron Murphy Jr. intercepted two of Jared Goff’s passes in the 3rd quarter.
New England Patriots = 6 TD to Start the Game
The New England Patriots came into Week 17 knowing that they would need to defeat the New York Jets to have a chance to clinch the AFC East division championship this week. Patriots Drake Maye and the Patriots offense wasted no time getting that win in New York. During the Patriots’ first six offensive possessions, they scored six touchdowns. In addition, Maye put on an offensive clinic, completing 19 out of 21 passes for 256 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions, giving Maye an impressive 157.0 passer rating this week.
New Orleans Saints = 100% Red Zone TD Rate
Over the last four weeks of the 2025 NFL season, the New Orleans Saints have played their best football. This week, the Saints went on the road to visit the Tennessee Titans while riding a three-game winning streak. Early on, the Saints struggled to score against the Titans, but when they scored 2 touchdowns on 2 trips to the red zone, they put themselves in position to take the game back. When the Saints can produce a 100% red zone TD rate, New Orleans is a very difficult team to beat, whether at home or on the road.
New York Giants = 11 Receptions for 113 Yards
While the New York Giants would have benefited from a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, the Giants players and coaches valued winning over the first overall draft pick in 2026. One of those players who contributed to the Giants’ victory was wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, who caught 11 passes for 113 yards. Robinson also became the first NFL wide receiver with a height of 5’8″ or shorter to have a 1000-yard season. The 11 catches in one game were a career record for Robinson in a season where the Giants’ slot receiver has caught 92 passes.
New York Jets = 13 Total Offensive Yards
The 2025 NFL season has been a difficult season for the New York Jets. Consequently, the Jets’ season did not get any easier this week when they hosted the New England Patriots. While the Patriots’ offense stormed the Jets’ defense to start the game, the Jets’ offense, led by quarterback Brady Cook, was unable to respond effectively. During the 1st quarter of the game, Cook and the Jets offense produced only 13 total offensive yards, allowing the Patriots to take a lead that the Jets could not come back from this week.
Philadelphia Eagles = 16 Yards of Total Offense
During the first half of the Philadelphia Eagles’ game against the Buffalo Bills, the Eagles’ offense came out ready to dominate a struggling Bills defense. The Eagles’ dominant performance yielded only a 13-0 halftime lead. In the second half, the Eagles’ offense struggled to get going and stalled throughout the rest of the game. The Eagles’ result was a disappointing offensive performance, as they gained only 16 yards in the second half. That lack of offensive production allowed the Bills to get back into the game, but the Eagles benefited from the Bills’ missed PAT and 2-point conversion in the 4th quarter.
Pittsburgh Steelers = 0% Red Zone TD Rate
The Pittsburgh Steelers came into Week 17 knowing that if they could pick up a win against the Cleveland Browns, then they would clinch the AFC North division championship and the last playoff spot in the AFC. However, the Steelers were missing wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, who is serving a two-game suspension after having an altercation with a Detroit fan last week. Without Metcalf, Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers struggled to get in a rhythm. Most notably, Rodgers struggled to execute the passing game in the red zone, resulting in the Steelers posting a 0% red-zone TD rate and settling for field goals, which allowed the Browns to preserve their lead over Pittsburgh.
San Francisco 49ers = 100% Red Zone TD Rate
The San Francisco 49ers put on an explosive display on offense against the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football. While the 49ers quarterback, Brock Purdy, started the game by throwing an interception for a Bears defensive touchdown, the rest of the game, Purdy played well. By the end of the game, Purdy had thrown three touchdown passes and run for two rushing touchdowns to help the 49ers win a shootout against Chicago. Purdy also led the 49ers offense to a 100% red zone TD rate by scoring touchdowns during all four of the 49ers’ trips to the red zone.
Seattle Seahawks = 14-Points Off Turnovers
The first half of the game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Carolina Panthers was a defensive standoff between two teams that needed to win this week. At halftime, the two teams were deadlocked at 3 points, but in the 3rd quarter, the Seahawks took over, forcing two turnovers that they converted into two touchdowns. While the Seahawks are now one win away from being the #1 Seed in the NFC with a win over the San Francisco 49ers next week, they have struggled with offensive inconsistency. However, this week, Sam Darnold and the Seahawks offense capitalized on the success of their defense, taking the lead that led to Seattle earning a 27-10 win over the Panthers on the road.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers = Three Turnovers
The theme of the second half of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2025 season has been missed opportunities. Week 17 was another example of a lost opportunity by Tampa Bay. Coming into this week, the Buccaneers were in a deadlock with the Carolina Panthers at the top of the NFC South standings. Tampa Bay went on the road to face a struggling Miami Dolphins team that had been eliminated from the playoffs, while the Panthers went to Seattle and ultimately lost to the Seahawks. A win against the Miami Dolphins would have allowed the Buccaneers to pull back ahead of the Panthers in the NFC South standings. Consequently, the Buccaneers lost to the Dolphins after Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield turned the ball over to the Dolphins three times. Mayfield’s three giveaways included two interceptions and one lost fumble, which allowed Miami to pull off the upset win over Tampa Bay.
Tennessee Titans = -24 Points Swing
The Tennessee Titans had a golden opportunity to get their 4th win of the 2025 at home against the New Orleans Saints. Early in the game, the Titans jumped out to a 13-point lead over the Saints. Heading into halftime, the Titans’ lead started to slip away, but Tennessee still led the game by 10 points. However, the Titans’ winning streak was dashed in the 2nd half, when the Saints outscored them by 18 points. Ultimately, the Saints forced Tennessee into a 24-point swing, leading to the Titans losing 34-26 to a hot New Orleans Saints team.
Washington Commanders = Six QB Sacks
Defensively, the Washington Commanders had a big day against the Dallas Cowboys during their Christmas Day game. The Commanders’ defense produced a strong pass rush, sacking Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott six times. Commanders defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton had 3 of the Commanders’ 6 quarterback sacks, leading the way for the Commanders’ defense. Most of the time, generating six sacks would lead to a victory for the Commanders, but the Washington defense could not follow up those sacks with another play on 4th down. Six times in this game, the Dallas Cowboys went for it on 4th down, and the Commanders’ defense failed to get a stop in any of those situations, negating the benefit of their six quarterback sacks.
