Round The NFL breaks down what you’ll want to know from all of Sunday’s motion in Week 16 of the 2024 NFL season. Atone for every recreation’s largest takeaways utilizing the hyperlinks beneath:

Early Window

Late Window

Sunday Evening

EARLY WINDOW

Atlanta Falcons 34, New York Giants 7

FULL BOX SCORE

• REWATCH: Giants-Falcons on NFL+ Premium

Kevin Patra’s takeaways:

1. Two pick-sixes assist energy Falcons to victory in Penix Jr.’s first begin. The Atlanta protection cushioned rookie Michael Penix Jr.‘s first profession begin with two pick-sixes that took the stress off because the Falcons scored 34 unanswered factors. It marked the primary time ATL put up 30-plus factors since earlier than Halloween (Oct. 27). The 24-year-old rookie was poised from the primary snap, getting crushed however delivering an ideal ball on a comeback that Ray-Ray McCloud could not corral. Penix displayed an as-advertised huge arm, was in a position to put it on the mark, and did not make errors. Coming in with 45 faculty begins, the second wasn’t too huge for the rookie, who was poised. His pocket mobility was a stark distinction from what the Falcons handled underneath Kirk Cousins. Penix took zero sacks regardless of being pressured 14 instances. The numbers aren’t eye-popping, producing 202 yards on 18-of-27 passing (66.7 %) with an interception and no landing tosses, however the offense clearly ran higher than we might seen with Cousins. A restricted offense opened up underneath the rookie from the beginning. Penix Jr. was aggressive focusing on downfield within the first half, throwing over 10 air yards on 43.8% of his makes an attempt — nearly 10% extra usually than Cousins (34.5%), per Subsequent Gen Stats. It’s a small pattern dimension, however this passing offense desperately wanted to do greater than the dink-and-dunk operation it’d turn into. The decide wasn’t on the rookie, with Kyle Pitts flubbing a straightforward seize right into a defender’s palms. There have been some misses, and the offense stalled early – because it has repeatedly carried out the previous few weeks – however the defense-aided blowout gave Penix an opportunity to dip his toe within the water. The Falcons should be thrilled with the strong outing, however the stakes solely elevated for the rookie.
2. Giants proceed to be misplaced within the woods with team-record 10^th consecutive loss. Drew Lock threw two pick-sixes to doom his membership and fumbled, however the loss wasn’t all on the quarterback. The precise facet of the offensive line was atrocious, getting whooped all recreation. Evan Neal continues to be a large disappointment in each aspect – move professional, run blocking, penalties. The bottom recreation could not churn out yards. The passing assault was ineffective and by no means threatened downfield. The protection received shocked by the Falcons run recreation and allowed a rookie QB to select it aside on third downs. And the particular groups chipped in with a botched punt. It was a team-wide failure for Brian Daboll’s membership. The Giants are a close to lock for a top-two decide, and it confirmed Sunday. Lock wasn’t good, however this can be a crew with points all around the area. New York has now misplaced 10 video games in a row for the primary time in crew historical past.
3. Falcons’ protection retains NFC South in putting distance. Jessie Bates‘ pick-six introduced a noticeable sense of aid to Atlanta. Earlier than the star security jumped a Drew Lock move and skated to pay filth, there was an uneasiness about Atlanta. It had missed an early area purpose and stalled on offense twice extra. Atlanta trailed, 7-3. Then Bates thwiped the pigskin and danced to pay filth. It introduced an exhale. The offense discovered its footing, and the protection smothered a woeful Giants membership. Shifting to 8-7 retains stress on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to proceed successful. Atlanta closes the marketing campaign in opposition to Washington and Carolina.

Subsequent Gen Stats Perception for Giants-Panthers (through NFL Professional): The Falcons generated stress on 19 of Drew Lock’s 42 dropbacks (45.2%), their 2nd-highest stress price this season.

NFL Analysis: Jessie Bates is the one participant within the NFL with four-plus interceptions and four-plus compelled fumbles this season.

Carolina Panthers 36, Arizona Cardinals 30 (OT)

FULL BOX SCORE

• REWATCH: Cardinals-Panthers on NFL+ Premium

Eric Edholm’s takeaways:

1. Hubbard stepped up for the Panthers in upset of Arizona. Chuba Hubbard had two huge runs in time beyond regulation for the Panthers – a 28-yard run, adopted by a 21-yard speeding TD – to beat the Cardinals in time beyond regulation Sunday. Hubbard completed a yard shy of his season excessive for speeding yards, gaining 152 on 25 carries with two touchdowns. He scored Carolina’s opening TD and had two fourth-down conversions within the first quarter however did most of his work after halftime, gaining 123 of his 165 yards from scrimmage within the second half and time beyond regulation. The Panthers took a 20-3 lead within the first half, and the Cardinals stormed again a number of instances, however Carolina had simply sufficient. Hubbard now has 10 speeding TDs and stands simply shy of 1,200 speeding yards on the season as he continues to make a robust case to be the Panthers’ RB1 for the foreseeable future. For a crew with out a ton of dependable offensive choices, he’s turn into a borderline star.
2. Cardinals eradicated after Murray’s late errors. Kyler Murray threw a nasty interception late in regulation and took a dangerous sack in time beyond regulation because the Cardinals’ comeback got here up quick. Murray was credited with each of Arizona’s turnovers, together with a first-half fumble, though Michael Carter may need been as a lot responsible for that one. Both manner, the Cardinals discovered themselves in an early 20-3 gap. James Conner helped the Cardinals minimize the halftime deficit to 20-17, totaling 158 yards from scrimmage and a TD within the first half, however he and offensive sort out Connor Williams left with knee accidents within the second half. Murray rallied the Cardinals again with two late scoring drives, though his horrendous, avoidable decide – in Carolina’s finish of the sector – damage badly. After Carter transformed a fourth-and-2 run from Arizona’s 18-yard line in additional time, Murray took his second sack of OT for a 14-yard loss. A drained Cardinals’ protection then allowed the game-winning rating to Hubbard, ending their hopes on the postseason as they had been formally eradicated Sunday.
3. Younger discovered different methods to thrive. Bryce Younger was up and down as a passer on this recreation, doing loads of early work as a runner. He couldn’t get a lot going early, settling for checkdowns, however Younger was opportunistic together with his legs, scrambling for a career-best 34-yard run and, just a few performs later, for a 23-yard TD scramble to place Carolina up, 14-3, early. Younger solely completed with 158 passing yards, however he threw for 2 TDs and no turnovers. He was sturdy within the fourth quarter, regardless of seeing heavier stress, finishing 7 of his 9 passes for 83 yards. His receivers additionally made some huge performs within the win, together with David Moore’s terrific 18-yard TD catch to present them a 10-point lead within the fourth quarter. Hubbard was the moneymaker on offense, however Younger additionally did some good issues that belied his meager statistics. After three picks and two misplaced fumbles the earlier two video games, Younger hanging onto the ball was a key improvement within the win.  

Subsequent Gen Stats Perception for Cardinals-Panthers (through NFL Professional): James Conner carried the ball 15 instances for 117 yards and a landing earlier than leaving the sport halfway via the third quarter on Sunday. Conner compelled six missed tackles, all of which got here within the first half. It was Conner’s sixth time forcing five-plus missed tackles in a half this season, tied for the second-most such halves within the NFL this season. Conner additionally added 4 receptions for a team-high 49 receiving yards.

NFL Analysis: It had been 98 video games because the Panthers scored TDs on the primary three drives, as they did Sunday in opposition to the Cardinals. The final time Carolina did it was Week 17, 2018 versus the Saints.

Detroit Lions 34, Detroit Lions 17

FULL BOX SCORE

• REWATCH: Lions-Bears on NFL+ Premium
• READ: Lions escape loopy trick-play TD in win: ‘It labored like a attraction’

Eric Edholm’s takeaways:

1. Shorthanded Lions toughen up in huge highway win. Studies of the Lions’ demise turned out to be significantly exaggerated. Coming off their first loss in three months, the Lions took care of enterprise in opposition to a Bears crew that took them to the brink again on Thanksgiving, successful comfortably due to a robust begin. The Lions’ banged-up protection compelled two early turnovers, and the offense discovered early rhythm and little resistance in opposition to the Bears. Curiously, the Lions took a reasonably conservative strategy early, settling for 2 red-zone area targets (on fourth-and-3 and fourth-and-6), maybe suggesting that Dan Campbell was taking a extra measured strategy after his hyper-aggression labored in opposition to the Lions versus Buffalo. Even nonetheless, the Lions marched up and down the sector and by no means led by lower than 13 factors after the late first quarter. This was a giant win to take one other step towards clinching the NFC’s prime seed, with the Eagles dropping.
2. One other gradual begin doomed Bears. Chicago opponents have now scored first in 14 of the Bears’ 15 video games, because the offense as soon as once more struggled early. Their first three possessions had been a three-and-out, adopted by back-to-back fumbles, with Rome Odunze concerned in each. That allowed the Lions to take a 13-0 lead and management of the sport. The Bears didn’t roll over, scoring two touchdowns earlier than halftime, however they’d dug themselves in a 27-14 gap. The protection was simply as accountable because the offense, lacking an opportunity for a decide that hit Tyrique Stevenson within the chest and permitting Detroit to attain on its first 5 possessions earlier than Jake Bates missed a 65-yard field-goal attempt earlier than the half. The Bears additionally settled for a area purpose down 20 factors, on a fourth-and-7 play from the Detroit 12-yard line, slicing the result in 17. Credit score them for preventing to remain within the recreation, however the Bears’ early errors doomed them. 
3. Detroit improved 7-0 on the highway. If the Lions win the highest seed and residential area all through the playoffs, it may not matter, however they’re now 7-0 away from Ford Discipline. It’s one other indicator of how mentally robust this crew is, particularly because it navigates a number of huge accidents on either side of the ball, not simply the protection. That unit held its personal early earlier than bending fairly a bit in opposition to Caleb Williams, who racked up 334 passing yards after his gradual begin. The Bears’ remaining 5 drives all went for 58 or extra yards, however they had been swimming upstream all recreation. The Lions’ offense saved the pedal down and ran the ball successfully when wanted. Jared Goff performed a clear recreation, taking one sack and holding the ball out of hurt’s manner. The Lions left some factors on the sector, however it was a robust exhibiting after they wanted it most.

Subsequent Gen Stats Perception for Lions-Bears (through NFL Professional): Jameson Williams hauled in 5 of seven targets for career-highs in receiving yards (143) and receiving yards over anticipated (+75) in opposition to the Bears. Williams recorded 67 yards after the catch on the day, the 2nd-most in a recreation of his profession. Williams has averaged 8.9 yards after the catch per reception this season, most amongst huge receivers with no less than 40 targets coming into the Week 16 afternoon slate.

NFL Analysis: Jared Goff’s landing to Jameson Williams was the longest scrimmage play for the Lions since Matthew Stafford’s 87-yard completion to Corridor of Famer Calvin Johnson in Week 8, 2013 versus Dallas. 

Indianapolis Colts 38, Tennessee Titans 30

FULL BOX SCORE

• REWATCH: Titans-Colts on NFL+ Premium

Michael Baca’s takeaways:

1. Indy’s floor recreation dominates Titans. The Colts did not fiddle with their slim playoff probabilities on the road, working the ball 50 instances for a complete of 335 yards to return away with a seamless win over a division rival. Operating again Jonathan Taylor led the cost with 218 speeding yards and three touchdowns, exaggerating his positive deal with of the ball for every rating in reference to final week’s gaffe on the purpose line. With the Colts’ offensive line clearing huge paths, Taylor exploded for 65- and 70-yard trots to the tip zone just about untouched and may need had a career-best day if not rested for a superb portion of the second half. Anthony Richardson was the bulldozer briefly yardage conditions, producing 70 yards on 9 carries (TD), and the second-year quarterback caught a fork in Tennessee’s comeback try with a giant 10-yard achieve on third-and-8 within the remaining offensive possession. Barring the late-game cost by the Titans, it was a harmonious day for the Colts resulting from a flourishing floor recreation, however they are going to depend on assist from different groups to assert one of many AFC’s remaining two playoff spots. 
2. Totally different QB, identical difficulty for Titans. Mason Rudolph began the sport in place for Will Levis, however the offensive woes endured for Tennessee. Rudolph began off effectively, connecting with Calvin Ridley on a deep TD move for the sport’s first rating, however he led a sputtering offense that totaled 4 three-and-outs, three within the first half. That does not embrace Rudolph’s interception late within the second quarter, which actually spurred a blowout because it put the Colts straight into scoring place. His second decide within the third body, which led to a different TD, was a part of a 38-point unanswered sequence by the Colts. The Titans crept again into the sport late with 23 unanswered factors, scoring on three straight drives starting late within the third quarter, however the protection’s incapacity to cease the run finally prevented a miraculous comeback from taking place. Rudolph completed 23-of-34 passing for 252 yards with two TDs and three INTs — the final approaching the ultimate play of the sport — however any of the success he offered was too little too late for a crew that’s seemingly trying ahead to 2025. 
3. Richardson teetering on Tebow line. The Colts QB got here into this recreation with a 47% completion price that is threating Tim Tebow’s all-time low mark for certified passers — 46.5% in 2011. Richardson wasn’t requested to move usually due to a dominant speeding assault, however he did enhance his effectivity price on the season by going 7-of-11 passing on Sunday. Nonetheless, the INT he threw on the second drive of the sport was what actually prompted coach Shane Steichen to name run performs a majority of the best way. Richardson did have a pleasant TD move to shut out the second half — a brief, decisive throw to Josh Downs, who galloped 27 yards untouched on a well-designed play name — however there was actually a governor being placed on the 22-year-old venture. Avoiding that Tebow line would require higher accuracy from Richardson within the coming weeks. He goes on to face a strong Giants move protection subsequent week however ends the season in opposition to the league-worst Jaguars in Week 18.

Subsequent Gen Stats Perception for Titans-Colts (through NFL Professional): Jonathan Taylor carried the ball 29 instances for 218 yards and three touchdowns, producing a career-high +102 rush yards over anticipated in Week 16 in opposition to the Titans, the third most by any participant this season. Taylor recorded a max velocity over 21 mph on each of his explosive run touchdowns, two of his three quickest speeding speeds of the season. 

NFL Analysis: The Colts’ 335 speeding yards in opposition to the Titans on Sunday broke the franchise’s crew report of 299, which was set in Week 16 of the 1985 season.

Los Angeles Rams 19, New York Jets 9

FULL BOX SCORE

• REWATCH: Rams-Jets on NFL+ Premium

Kevin Patra’s takeaways:

1. Higbee scores game-winning landing in first recreation of 2024. In a 9-9 recreation, Tyler Higbee caught his first pigskin of the season, minimize up the sector and dove into the tip zone for the go-ahead TD. Sunday marked Higbee’s first look this season after struggling an ACL and MCL damage final postseason. Higbee’s teammates swarmed him after his rating, an acknowledgment of his perseverance to get on the sector this season. L.A. dealt with enterprise on the highway in a recreation characterised by lengthy drives. There was one punt within the recreation — coming after the two-minute warning, which the Jets muffed to finish the sport. The Rams generated three drives of 10-plus performs, whereas the Jets generated 4 drives of eleven-plus performs (three of 14-plus). Sean McVay’s protection made key stops, turning the Jets over on downs 3 times and forcing a fumble that arrange the go-ahead rating. The Rams D succeeded on key downs, forcing the Jets into 38% on third downs, 2 of 5 on fourth downs, 1 of three within the pink zone, and 0 for 1 in goal-to-go conditions. It wasn’t a recreation that may go in McVay’s spotlight reel, however the NFC West leaders did what they wanted to get a cross-country highway victory after they didn’t play at their finest. That’s how good groups function.
2. Jets offense exhibits early indicators of life, however can’t convert in huge spots. Aaron Rodgers is trying to string the needle of exhibiting he nonetheless has it whereas not wrecking Gang Inexperienced’s draft place. Early, it regarded promising. A 99-yard opening landing drive contained balanced calls, good balls from Rodgers, and playmaking from Davante Adams to place the Jets up early. Nonetheless, from there, New York failed repeatedly in huge spots. They had been depressing on third downs, ineffective on fourth downs, settled for area targets, and dedicated back-breaking penalties. Jeff Ulbrich tried to be aggressive, and it backfired on the interim, with the offense getting skunked within the second half. The important thing sequence of the sport got here on the halftime swing. New York milked the ultimate 6:22 off the clock within the second quarter with a prolonged 15-play drive however couldn’t discover pay filth, settling for a area purpose and a 9-6 lead. Getting the ball to start out the second half, the Jets once more marched into scoring vary, going 78 yards on 14 performs, however turned the ball over on downs on the L.A. 13. As a substitute of constructing a double-digit lead with out Matthew Stafford touching the ball, it was an easily-wiped away three-point benefit. It’s the kind of failure that has plagued New York all season.
3. Rams take one other step towards the NFC West title. The victory was the following step for Sean McVay’s membership in overcoming a poor begin to the season. Shifting to 9-6 ensures it would enter Week 17 with no less than a tie-breaking benefit over the Seahawks for the NFC West lead. On condition that the Rams began the season 1-4, it’s a powerful turnaround for McVay’s squad. The Rams have now received 4 consecutive video games and eight of their previous 10. L.A. closes with two large NFC West matchups in opposition to the Cardinals and Seahawks.

Subsequent Gen Stats Perception for Rams-Jets (through NFL Professional): Matthew Stafford focused receivers behind the road of scrimmage on 10 of his 19 move makes an attempt (52.6%) within the Rams’ Week 16 win over the Jets, the very best price by any quarterback this season (minimal 5 makes an attempt).

NFL Analysis: The Rams allowed fewer than 10 factors in consecutive video games for first time since Weeks 7-8, 2015.

Washington Commanders 36, Philadelphia Eagles 33

FULL BOX SCORE

• REWATCH: Eagles-Commanders on NFL+ Premium
• READ: Eagles’ Hurts leaves Week 16 loss with concussion
• READ: ‘Heavy hitter’ Daniels leads stirring Commanders victory

Nick Shook’s takeaways:

1. Jayden’s legend grows. As we have realized this season, Philadelphia’s protection will trigger issues for many opponents, and the identical was true for Jayden Daniels and Washington on Sunday. Look no additional than their 5 turnovers for proof. However a key distinction emerged within the latter phases of this recreation, one received nearly solely due to the skills possessed by Daniels. He lit a hearth underneath this offense, tossing a gorgeous 32-yard landing move to Terry McLaurin, extending the play to seek out Olamide Zaccheaus for a rating, then outdoing himself by following the identical system to seek out Zaccheaus once more for a 49-yard catch-and-run rating. His finest second, nonetheless, got here with the sport on the road. Daniels led a nine-play, 57-yard drive within the recreation’s remaining two minutes, pushing the Commanders down the sector and ending it with a brave throw fired into an open window over the center earlier than his receiver had even entered it. That takes belief, conviction and an NFL-caliber arm to perform, which Daniels demonstrated he has — plus sufficient psychological toughness to beat earlier errors and redeem himself and the Commanders. He is a uncommon expertise on this recreation. Daniels turned the third QB (fourth occasion) to have five-plus passing touchdowns and 75-plus speeding yards in a single recreation in NFL historical past. Washington ought to take pleasure in this win and revel within the truth they’ve their future underneath heart.
2. Eagles study worth of Hurts. Philadelphia cruised to a 14-0 lead within the first eight minutes of this recreation, making the feat look elementary. Hidden in that sequence, although, was the lack of Jalen Hurts to a concussion. Backup Kenny Pickett entered the sport and was in a position to end off their second scoring drive, however it did not take lengthy for Eagles followers to know the drop-off in expertise, skill and expertise as soon as Pickett noticed extra snaps. The previous first-round decide of the Steelers accomplished 14 of 24 passes however struggled with accuracy and the velocity of the sport, lacking targets and taking pointless dangers that produced an interception and practically gave away possession through fumble within the fourth quarter (which was overturned upon assessment). With out Hurts, Washington may concentrate on Saquon Barkley, limiting him to 34 yards over the ultimate three quarters after he sprinted to 109 yards and a landing within the first quarter. The Eagles’ receivers did not assist, both, dropping numerous correct passes, particularly in key spots within the fourth quarter. It is honest to consider this recreation may need turned out in a different way had Hurts not exited. Eagles followers will now hope their crew does not should play with out him once more.
3. Commanders overcome litany of errors. In what was a sloppy recreation on either side Sunday in Washington, the Commanders actually gave Philadelphia loads of alternatives to bury them. The record is prolonged: a number of drive-extending move interference penalties, 5 giveaways (together with two Jayden Daniels interceptions), plus three modifications of possession that started in Washington territory for the Eagles all made for a super situation for Philadelphia to win going away. For a interval, that seemed to be how Sunday would unfold, however the Commanders by no means give up. Washington fought its manner again from a 14-point deficit, briefly took a fourth-quarter lead, misplaced it, and managed to get simply sufficient stops to protect one final likelihood to go win the sport. The Commanders’ budding star quarterback delivered, however it would not have been doable with out the persistence of this crew, which performed as if its playoff lives had been on the road. The Commanders are one step nearer to getting there after Sunday’s efficiency.

Subsequent Gen Stats Perception for Eagles-Commanders (through NFL Professional): Jalen Hurts’ departure prompted the Commanders to lean closely on single-high shells, committing extra defenders to stopping Saquon Barkley. The outcomes supported this transformation in technique: Barkley gained 99 of his 109 speeding yards earlier than contact on his first seven carries and was not hit behind the road of scrimmage as soon as. On his remaining 22 carries, Barkley gained negative-4 speeding yards earlier than contact and was hit behind the road of scrimmage 13 instances (59.1%).

NFL Analysis: Sunday marked the primary time Washington has received a recreation with five-plus giveaways since Week 17 of the 2002 season versus Dallas. It is also the primary time Washington has received a recreation with five-plus giveaways and 30-plus factors allowed within the Tremendous Bowl period.

Cincinnati Bengals 24, Cleveland Browns 6

FULL BOX SCORE

• REWATCH: Browns-Bengals on NFL+ Premium
• READ: Browns’ Garrett ties HOFer Smith as fourth quickest to 100 sacks

Nick Shook’s takeaways:

1. Burrow continues to amaze. Cleveland’s protection made for a superb foil to Joe Burrow‘s excellence for a superb portion of Sunday’s recreation, however could not maintain him from making some magic. Look no additional than his landing move to Tee Higgins, through which Burrow stepped up into the pocket, escaped left, stumbled and threw an on-target move to Higgins whereas in the midst of what is usually generally known as a face plant. Burrow continues to be a grasp of creating one thing out of nothing, finishing 23 of 30 passes for 252 yards and three touchdowns even on a day through which he confronted a stress price north of 33 %. Doing so in opposition to a crew that Burrow admitted afterward has had the Bengals’ quantity makes it even sweeter.
2. Standard story for Browns. As a 3-12 crew tends to do, the Browns failed within the particulars division as soon as once more Sunday. They fumbled away possession on the purpose line after a powerful first drive, had two touchdowns worn out by holding calls within the third quarter, and turned it over 3 times (it may’ve been extra). Every occasion through which they appeared to have a superb likelihood of climbing again into the sport, they discovered a approach to inflict harm on themselves. Cleveland’s experiment with Dorian Thompson-Robinson flopped tremendously, because the second-year passer was compelled to run for his life all afternoon in opposition to a protection that had earned a repute for giving opposing offenses no matter they wished. The ultimate product — no less than offensively — was completely forgettable, losing one more strong defensive exhibiting with an offense that merely does not function at a baseline normal for the NFL. These points start with quarterback, however on Sunday, it was extra than simply Thompson-Robinson. It will likely be fascinating to see if the Browns pressure the difficulty with DTR once more or lastly admit defeat after Sunday’s ugly exhibiting.
3. The Bengals protection lastly did it! Cincinnati’s protection is the rationale the Bengals are solely 7-8 with two video games to play. We have recognized this for months, however that modified Sunday. For simply the second time in 2024, Cincinnati held an opponent beneath 10 factors, dominating the Browns by harassing Thompson-Robinson and forcing turnovers in key spots. The Bengals set the tone by bouncing again from giving up a 66-yard Jerome Ford run, forcing a D’Onta Foreman fumble alongside the purpose line for his or her first takeaway. They stood tall within the pink zone by permitting simply six factors on Cleveland’s three journeys inside Cincinnati’s 20, and barely gave the Browns an opportunity to construct any momentum. If Bengals followers are in search of a whole win to spice up their confidence, it was this one. Most significantly, they saved their slim playoff hopes alive.

Subsequent Gen Stats Perception for Browns-Bengals (through NFL Professional): Joe Burrow was environment friendly from a clear pocket in opposition to the Browns, finishing 20 of 24 for 223 yards and two touchdowns.

NFL Analysis: Joe Burrow turned the primary participant in NFL historical past to have 250-plus passing yards and three-plus passings TDs in seven consecutive video games.

LATE WINDOW

Minnesota Vikings 27, Seattle Seahawks 24

FULL BOX SCORE

• REWATCH: Vikings-Seahawks on NFL+ Premium

Michael Baca’s takeaways:

1. Darnold exhibits grit in crunch time. Going through a four-point deficit with 4 minutes to go, Sam Darnold zipped a 39-yard landing move to Justin Jefferson to take a lead Minnesota’s protection would quickly maintain for the win. However what occurred earlier than that play is what makes the late-game heroics all of the extra spectacular. The Vikings quarterback had simply been crunched on the play prior — getting his left ankle twisted underneath a would-be sack — however Byron Murphy was too aggressive, getting referred to as for a facemask penalty that wiped his effort away. Darnold received up in ache, limping the 15 yards ahead whereas making an attempt to get within the subsequent play. He proceeded to drop again on play-action and stepped into his throw realizing he’d get crunched once more. It was delivered completely over the pair of Seahawks defensive backs failing to cowl the league’s finest huge receiver, and the playoff-bound Vikings now stay in play for an NFC North title and the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Darnold, who completed 22-of-35 passing for 246 yards with three TDs (no turnovers), discovered Jefferson 10 instances for 144 yards and twice ultimately zone.
2. One-dimensional offense catches up with Seattle. The Seahawks received the ball again with loads of time to spare, however their defective offense made it simpler for the blitz-happy Vikings to defend. Regardless of Kenneth Walker III‘s return from a two-game absence, Seattle’s run recreation was non-existent, speeding the ball simply 15 instances (59 yards) all recreation and it produced an offense that struggled mightily on third down (2 of 10). The Seahawks’ reply to Sam Darnold’s late TD was stopped at Minnesota’s 42-yard line, bringing kicker Josh Myers in to aim a 60-yard area purpose to sq. the sport up (it fell quick). Seattle once more received the ball with 55 seconds left after holding the Vikings to a fast three-and-out, however Minnesota’s D was prepared for what was coming, choosing off Geno Smith on the primary play to seal the win. Smith was valiant in defeat, finishing 31 of 43 passes for 314 yards and three TDs (two picks), and orchestrating a go-ahead TD drive simply earlier than the Darnold-Jefferson connection reared its head. In the end, the one-man present wasn’t sufficient, nonetheless. The Seahawks at the moment are mired inside a muddled NFC playoff race following the loss because the Rams’ win on Sunday gave Los Angeles a one-game lead with two weeks to go. Seattle additionally enters a brief week in Week 17 earlier than going to Los Angeles for a possible winner-take-all remaining recreation. 
3. Vikings’ edge in area place should not be neglected. The Seahawks had 12 possessions and the perfect area place they’d all recreation was at their very own 35-yard line (from a kickoff). Level to Minnesota’s mistake-free offense for disallowing any alternative for Seattle, however Ryan Wright additionally had a hand in forcing the Seahawks to always face an uphill climb — or a foot, fairly. The Vikings punter booted six instances for 300 web yards and pinned the Seahawks behind the 20-yard line on 4 events, together with his remaining kick within the recreation’s remaining minute. The benefit in area place was essential in an in depth recreation in opposition to a crew that could not discover an all-around rhythm. Different Vikings making huge performs within the win had been rookie move rusher Dallas Turner, who earned his first-career interception, andAndrew Van Ginkel, who discovered the one two sacks of Smith within the fourth quarter.

Subsequent Gen Stats Perception for Vikings-Seahawks (through NFL Professional): Justin Jefferson caught 10 passes for a season-high 144 yards and two touchdowns, with most of his manufacturing coming in opposition to split-safety protection. Jefferson had 9 receptions in opposition to zone protection for 139 yards and two touchdowns. Getting into Week 16, Jefferson had recorded the third-most receptions in opposition to zone protection with 70.

NFL Analysis: Kevin O’Connell is now 25-9 in one-possession video games (second-best in NFL historical past; minimal 25 such video games coached). It is also the second time in franchise historical past the Vikings have began 13-2 or higher (1998).

Buffalo Payments 24, New England Patriots 21

FULL BOX SCORE

• REWATCH: Patriots-Payments on NFL+ Premium

Eric Edholm’s takeaways:

1. Payments’ protection stepped up when it needed to. In a recreation that may have been harder than anticipated, the Payments’ protection rebounded from a tricky begin – and even helped the purpose complete – to complete off the feisty Patriots. Early on, Drake Maye regarded like essentially the most harmful quarterback on the sector, main the Patriots to a 14-0 lead with touchdowns on their first two possessions. The Payments’ struck again with a landing, however New England managed the clock, possessing the ball for greater than 20 minutes and outgaining the Payments by 100 yards within the first half. That’s when the Payments’ protection – the one which had allowed 100 factors over its previous 10 quarters – badly wanted stops. They did higher than that, nonetheless, forcing three straight turnovers to open the second half. Cam Lewis picked off Maye ultimately zone to thwart a promising drive within the third quarter, and Gregory Rousseau blew up a backward move to Rhamondre Stevenson that ended up a TD restoration for Buffalo. Buffalo’s protection had a number of lapses on the Patriots’ late TD drive, together with 5 penalties, however got here up with the essential turnovers to tilt the sport again of their favor.
2. Turnovers spoiled the Patriots’ upset bid. New England got here in with a superb recreation plan on either side of the ball, executing it pretty effectively exterior of James Prepare dinner’s lengthy TD run, taking management of the sport into the locker room at halftime. However that’s when issues fell aside. Proper after the Payments tied the sport on their first drive of the third quarter, Stevenson coughed up a fumble on the New England 42 that the Payments transformed right into a area purpose and a lead they’d by no means relinquish. The Patriots moved the ball to the Buffalo 16 on their subsequent drive, with Maye making some nice performs, however he compelled a decide ultimately zone that by no means ought to have been thrown. After Taron Johnson’s defensive TD (the fumble was credited to Maye, however Stevenson was responsible), the Patriots simply fell too far behind. Maye had some nice moments within the loss and remains to be forward of Allen in case you put their rookie passing numbers facet by facet, however the Patriots aren’t a ok crew to lose the turnover margin 3-1 in Buffalo and harbor any actual hopes of successful.
3. Prepare dinner carried Payments offensively on off day for Allen. James Prepare dinner ran 46 yards for the Payments’ first landing and caught a TD move, serving to dig them out of a 14-0 gap on a day the place Josh Allen was hemmed in. Prepare dinner completed with 126 yards from scrimmage and was their finest weapon by far. The Patriots did a superb job defensively early, exterior of the lengthy Prepare dinner TD run. They performed loads of single-high man protection within the first half, usually speeding 4 and holding Allen contained in the pocket. The Payments regarded out of rhythm early, as Allen was compelled to verify down usually. The Payments additionally had been killing themselves with penalties. Allen lastly mounted a powerful drive to tie the sport initially of the third quarter, however Allen was seen shaking his hand after an early fourth-quarter run. He closed out the sport with a QB sneak, and the Payments remained within the hunt for the No. 1 general seed within the AFC, however it wasn’t straightforward. 

Subsequent Gen Stats Perception for Patriots-Payments (through NFL Professional): Josh Allen was 3-for-10 passing for 17 yards and a decide versus Cowl 1 within the first half in opposition to the Patriots. Within the second half in opposition to Cowl 1, Allen was solely barely higher, finishing 3 of seven passes for 33 yards and a TD.

NFL Analysis: James Prepare dinner has surpassed 100 speeding yards for the second straight recreation. He’s the primary Payments participant to take action since Josh Allen in 2018 and the primary Payments working again since LeSean McCoy in 2016. The final Payments working again to hurry for 100 yards or extra in opposition to the Patriots was Frank Gore in Week 4, 2019.

Las Vegas Raiders 19, Jacksonville Jaguars 14

FULL BOX SCORE

• REWATCH: Jaguars-Raiders on NFL+ Premium
• READ: Raiders’ Bowers turns into 1st rookie TE with 100 catches, third with 1K yards

Nick Shook’s takeaways:

1. Raiders play clear sufficient to win. When you wanted one indicator that Sunday would possibly lastly be Las Vegas’ day, take into account the Raiders had recovered simply three fumbles as a protection all season, but on this present day, they scooped up two dwell balls for takeaways. Neither produced factors, however did present Las Vegas with key defensive stops. One other indicator of issues going their manner was quarterback Aidan O’Connell made a few desperation throws that appeared headed towards disastrous endings however landed within the palms of teammates for first downs. The Raiders did not run the ball effectively general, however transformed continuously sufficient on the bottom within the pink zone to succeed in the tip zone twice. And for the primary time seemingly in ages, when confronted with a small deficit within the fourth quarter — which got here through a gut-wrenching swing through which Daniel Carlson missed a area purpose, and Jack Jones blew a protection to permit a 62-yard Jaguars landing — Las Vegas lastly responded with a methodical scoring drive that resulted in a landing. It means little when it comes to general report however stands out as certainly one of only a few moments through which the Raiders executed effectively sufficient to return out on prime. These cases have been extremely fleeting in Antonio Pierce’s first full season as coach, however he and his gamers will be capable of savor this one.
2. Consistency escapes Jaguars in newest defeat. The ultimate numbers from this one recommend Mac Jones (25 for 39, 247 yards, one landing) performed effectively sufficient to win, but the Jaguars scored simply twice, and people two touchdowns bookended six possessions through which the Jaguars both punted (4 instances) or fumbled away possession (twice). Jones properly targeted nearly solely on standout rookie Brian Thomas Jr., discovering him 5 instances for 101 yards and a landing (through a wide-open 62-yard connection) within the remaining two quarters to maintain their passing recreation afloat. That wasn’t sufficient, although, as a result of a holding penalty worn out a key fourth-down conversion on Jacksonville’s remaining possession of the day, pushing the Jags right into a fourth-and-11 they did not convert. Extra importantly, the Jaguars wasted numerous alternatives in a winnable recreation, had eight penalties accepted in opposition to them and by no means discovered the rhythm essential to sneak previous the Raiders. That is been the story of those Jaguars this season, and even in opposition to the lowly Raiders, it doomed them.
3. Bowers is closing in on historical past. When you understandably have not been holding tabs on the struggling Raiders in 2024, you may not know they’ve the most effective tight ends in soccer — and he is solely a rookie. Regardless of his positional classification, Brock Bowers very a lot is WR1 in Las Vegas and crammed that position once more Sunday, catching 11 of his 13 targets for 99 yards. He was shut out of the tip zone partly as a result of the working recreation labored too effectively within the pink zone to require his use, however that did not cease him from creeping nearer towards Mike Ditka’s rookie receiving report for tight ends (1,076 yards). At 1,067 yards, 10 extra will get it carried out, and Bowers has two video games to take action. He is already the primary rookie tight finish to snag 100 receptions, eclipsing that mark Sunday to maneuver to 101 on the 12 months. He has 4 receiving touchdowns to his title and lots of, many extra in his future. It is time for the remainder of the soccer world to get hip. Bowers will quickly be a family title.

Subsequent Gen Stats Perception from Jaguars-Raiders (through NFL Professional): After lacking final week’s loss to Atlanta, Aidan O’Connell returned to motion Sunday, finishing 24 of 38 makes an attempt for 257 yards. He fared effectively when getting the ball out fast (underneath 2.5 seconds), finishing 14 of his 16 makes an attempt for 152 yards (9.5 yards/try). On dropbacks over 2.5 seconds, he was much less environment friendly, finishing 10 of his 22 makes an attempt for 105 yards (4.8 yards/try). O’Connell additionally thrived on play-action passes, finishing 11 of 16 for 153 yards (+2.9% CPOE).

NFL Analysis: With 9 catches for 132 yards and a landing, Brian Thomas Jr. recorded his seventh recreation with 60-plus receiving yards and no less than one receiving landing. Solely Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer Randy Moss has had extra such video games (eight) as a rookie within the Tremendous Bowl period.

Miami Dolphins 29, San Francisco 49ers 17

FULL BOX SCORE

• REWATCH: 49ers-Dolphins on NFL+ Premium

Kevin Patra’s takeaways:

1. Achane powers Dolphins previous 49ers. The Dolphins moved the ball in opposition to San Francisco, gobbling up 382 yards, with De’Von Achane icing the sport with a 50-yard landing scamper. For a lot of the competition, Miami calmly moved the chains however had drives stall, with Jason Sanders bailing them out with 5 area targets. On 9 non-end-of-half drives, Miami punted twice, scored two touchdowns and settled for 5 area targets. Tua Tagovailoa peppered the Niners within the left flat, notably hitting Achane for yards after the catch. The working again led the Dolphins in speeding (17 carries for 121 and a landing) and receiving (six receptions for 70 yards). With no Jaylen Waddle, and Tyreek Hill having a pair would-be touchdowns slide via his palms, the Dolphins wanted Achane’s dual-threat skill Sunday. His season-high 191 scrimmage yards was exactly half of all of Miami’s yardage in a must-win recreation.
2. Victory retains Dolphins postseason hopes alive. Odds aren’t nice, however Mike McDaniel’s membership stays within the hunt. A loss would have eradicated Miami from the postseason event. The win saved it mathematically alive. Subsequent Gen Stats offers Miami a 7% likelihood to make the playoffs. On paper, the proportion isn’t nice, however there’s a path. The Dolphins face the Browns and Jets within the subsequent two weeks. Beating these struggling golf equipment would get the Dolphins to 9 wins. Then they’d want Denver (Cincinnati, Kansas Metropolis) to lose out and the Colts (Giants, Jags) to lose certainly one of their remaining two.  
3. Deebo lastly has a superb recreation. The Niners had been formally eradicated earlier than kickoff, so it was apropos in a tough season that Deebo Samuel lastly went over the 100-yard mark. The wideout generated 96 yards receiving on seven catches with a TD and added 25 speeding yards on 5 totes. The 121 scrimmage yards had been essentially the most for Samuel this season. It was the primary time he’s been over the 100-scrimmage-yards mark since Week 6 — first time over 35 yards since Week 10. Samuel’s landing catch was classic, successful off the road of scrimmage and plowing via would-be tacklers into the tip zone. It was too little too late, however it reminds us of the kind of playmaker Deebo may be. The loss sinks the Niners to 6-9. With one other defeat, they’ll clinch the cellar of the NFC West – and a last-place schedule in 2025.

Subsequent Gen Stats Perception for 49ers-Dolphins (through NFL Professional): Brock Purdy struggled underneath stress in Week 16, finishing simply 4 of 11 passes for 44 yards with an interception and three sacks (-22.5% CPOE).

NFL Analysis: De’Von Achane turned the primary participant to have a recreation with 120-plus speeding yards and 70-plus receiving yards since Christian McCaffrey in Week 17, 2022 at Las Vegas.

SUNDAY NIGHT