NFL PLAYOFFS - Divisional Round Preview

The NFL Playoffs move on to the divisional round this weekend and the four games should be exciting, if not competitive. 

The two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs will get it started on Saturday afternoon with a home game against the Houston Texans, who came to life last week in a wild card game blowout win against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chiefs enjoyed the bye week after a 15-2 regular season and are led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who knows how to get it done come January and February. In just his seventh season as a starter, Mahomes already has three Super Bowl rings to his credit. 

Texans QB C.J. Stroud had a solid game last week after a so-so second NFL season, so he will be looking to get it going right away in this one. Kansas City is a tough place to play, especially in the playoffs. The Texans did battle the Chiefs tough in mid-December, but fell short in that game. The playoffs are a different element, however and the Chiefs should advance to the AFC Championship game once again.

PICK - Chiefs 24, Texans 16 

On Saturday evening in Detroit, the Lions (the top seed in the NFC) will host the upstart Washington Commanders, who knocked off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 23-20 in the wild card game on a game ending field goal. The road win was a bit surprising as rookie QB Jayden Daniels directed the game winning drive and has led several come from behind, last minute victories. The Lions will be ready and Head Coach Dan Campbell knows not to take any team lightly, especially in the playoffs. 

Boasting the highest scoring offense in the league, the Lions can score from anywhere at any time and QB Jared Goff had a big season with all the weapons on the roster. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs has been handling the load since David Montgomery went out with a knee injury, but Montgomery could be on the field for this one, which is definitely a surprise considering the severity of the injury just over a month ago. The key (as always) will be avoiding turnovers and whichever team does that will likely win this one. The Lions should roar yet again and move onto their second straight NFC title game. 

PICK - Lions 34, Commanders 21 

The Philadelphia Eagles and their top flight defense play at home on Sunday against the surging Los Angeles Rams, who come off a 27-9 win against Minnesota in the wild card round. Rams veteran QB Matthew Stafford will be looking to bolster the offense against the best defense in the NFL this past season. Philly held the Green Bay Packers to a meager ten points last Sunday in the wild card home field win. As long as the defense continues to imply its will, the Eagles will be in good shape. 

Offensively, the Eagles will roll with running back Saquon Barkley, who rambled for 2,005 rushing yards in 2024 and he will be the focal point again. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has multiple targets to pass to and he also can provide a boost to the running game as he went for 630 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. The Rams defense will provide a tough challenge and they sacked Vikings QB Sam Darnold nine times last Monday night in the wild card game victory. This game could come down to the final minutes, but the likelihood is the host Eagles will soar ahead to the NFC Championship game. 

PICK - Eagles 26, Rams 17 

On Sunday evening in Buffalo, the "game of the year" in these playoffs will take place between the host Bills and the Baltimore Ravens, who are rolling full steam ahead with their vaunted running game, led by Derrick Henry and quarterback Lamar Jackson, who also threw 41 TD passes this season with only four interceptions. Not to be outdone, Bills QB Josh Allen can do damage both passing and running the football. The Ravens vastly improved defense will have to be ready if they want to beat the Bills once again. Way back in Week Four, the Ravens lambasted the Bills, 35-10 (in Baltimore) and kept Allen and company in check. 

But that was then and this is now . . . as in PLAYOFF FOOTBALL in Buffalo. So look for a much more competitive game in this one. The Bills defense has been better since allowing back-to-back 40-plus point games back in December, giving up just over 16 points on average in the last four games. Containing Jackson in the pocket and keying on Henry in the backfield will be the priority for the defense and if the Bills can do that, they should come away with the win. The odds are against that as Baltimore's offense has been nearly unstoppable since a 24-19 loss to Philadelphia in early December. The Ravens have scored 30 or more points in four of the last five games. 

This game could be the one that goes to overtime to decide the outcome. It's that close folks and the team that makes the big plays on defense will win. 

PICK - Ravens 24, Bills 21

 

Last Week's Playoff Pick Results - 3-3 

Playoff Record - 3-3 

FINAL SEASON RECORD - 187-85

NFL PLAYOFFS - Wild Card Round Recap

 

The Buffalo Bills throttled the Denver Broncos, 31-7 on Sunday afternoon in Buffalo with quarterback Josh Allen (pictured left) throwing for 272 yards and two touchdowns while running back James Cook scored a touchdown and ran for 120 yards on 23 carries. The Broncos only score came right out of the gate as they took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter when QB Bo Nix threw a 43-yard TD pass to wide receiver Troy Franklin. The Bills mixed it up on offense, going for 471 total yards (210 rushing, 261 passing) while their defense limited Denver to 224 total yards and just over 18 minutes in possession time. 

 

The Philadelphia Eagles won at home, 22-10 against the Green Bay Packers to advance to the divisional round as their defense intercepted Packers QB Jordan Love three times, including the game clincher in the end zone by Quinyon Mitchell with less than two minutes remaining. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts had two TD passes and RB Saquon Barkley rushed for 119 yards on 25 carries while kicker Jake Elliott made three field goals to help provide the final outcome. Packers RB Josh Jacobs had a rushing touchdown in defeat. 

The Houston Texans woke from their late season slumber and manhandled the visiting Los Angeles Chargers, 32-12 in the AFC Wild Card playoff game on Saturday. Trailing 6-0 in the second quarter, the Texans took the lead when quarterback C.J. Stroud (282 passing yards, one TD, one interception) threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Niko Collins. Houston added a field goal for a 10-6 halftime lead. The second half was dominated by the Texans defense as Chargers QB Justin Herbert was intercepted four times in the game, including a "pick six" 38-yard TD return by Eric Murray for a 20-6 lead late in the third quarter. Houston running back Joe Mixon got loose in the second half, scoring a 17-yard rushing touchdown while finishing with 106 yards on 25 carries in the win. The Texans gained 429 yards in total offense while allowing 261 yards by the Chargers, including just 50 rushing yards. 

 

 

On Saturday night in Baltimore, the Ravens won, 28-14 against the Pittsburgh Steelers as running back Derrick Henry (pictured right) went off for two rushing scores, including a 44-yard jaunt, and 186 yards (on 26 carries) and QB Lamar Jackson passed for two touchdowns and rushed for 81 yards as Baltimore piled up 299 yards on the ground. The Ravens defense had four sacks and limited the Steelers to only 29 rushing yards. Pittsburgh trailed 21-0 at the half and then QB Russell Wilson (270 passing yards) threw a pair of scoring passes in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 14 points entering the fourth quarter, but that was it as the Ravens sealed the game and advanced to the divisional round next weekend. 

The Washington Commanders won, 23-20 over the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay on Sunday night for their first playoff victory since the 2005 season as kicker Zane Gonzalez made a 37-yard field goal that went through the goal posts after hitting the right upright. That break enabled them to advance to the divisional round next weekend and was his third field goal in the game. Bucs QB Baker Mayfield fumbled the ball and the Commanders drove into position for the winning kick. For the game, Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels threw for two touchdowns and 268 passing yards while adding 36 rushing yards. Mayfield threw two scoring passes in the loss.

On Monday night, the Los Angeles Rams used strong defense to win, 27-9 against the Minnesota Vikings. The Rams defense sacked Vikings QB Sam Darnold nine times and scored a touchdown when Jared Verse scooped up a fumble on a sack and raced 57 yards to make it a 17-3 Rams lead. Just before halftime,  Rams QB Matthew Stafford threw his second TD pass in the game for a 24-3 advantage. The Rams will play at Philadelphia next Sunday in the divisional round. 

WILD CARD GAME PLAYOFF RESULTS 

Saturday, January 11

Houston 32, L.A. Chargers 12 

Baltimore 28, Pittsburgh 14

Sunday, January 12 

Buffalo 31, Denver 7 

Philadelphia 22, Green Bay 10 

Washington 23, Tampa Bay 20

Monday, January 13 

L.A. Rams 27, Minnesota 9

 

 

NFL PLAYOFFS - Wild Card Round Preview

The NFL Playoffs get started this weekend with two games on Saturday, three on Sunday and the Monday night game. The Kansas City Chiefs (15-2) are looking to win their third consecutive Super Bowl title and they have the bye in the AFC while the Detroit Lions (15-2) will have the bye in the NFC. 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, January 11

AFC Wild Card Games

Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) at Houston Texans (10-7) - The Chargers are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2022 and this time they want to advance to the divisional round. Led by a stout defense and quarterback Justin Herbert, the Chargers exceeded expectations under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, who has a knack for turning around struggling football teams at both the pro and collegiate level. The Houston Texans are banged up heading into the playoffs, missing wide receivers Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs. Quarterback C.J. Stroud took a step back from his excellent rookie season in 2023, so he will need to rediscover the magic if the Texans want to advance in the wild card round. 

PICK - Chargers 23, Texans 17 

Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) at Baltimore Ravens (12-5) - The Ravens are one of the hottest teams in the NFL heading into the playoffs and they trounced the Steelers just three weeks ago, 34-17 and quarterback Lamar Jackson finally got a win against the Steelers after going 1-7 in recent head-to-head games. The Ravens can score points and Pittsburgh will need to knock Jackson and company off their rhythm while also trying to lock down AFC leading rusher Derrick Henry (1,921 rushing yards, 16 TD) and that could too much to ask. The Ravens will be without their deep threat WR Zay Flowers (knee injury) in this game, so that should benefit the Steelers defense. Meanwhile, the Steelers offense has been sputtering down the stretch (four straight losses) with QB Russell Wilson looking lost out there. The running game has been non-existant and if the Steelers want to win this one, they have to find a way to sustain drives and score enough points to beat the Ravens. 

PICK - Ravens 31, Steelers 20 

Sunday, January 12

AFC Wild Card Game 

Denver Broncos (10-7) at Buffalo Bills (13-4) - The Cinderella Broncos head to Buffalo after qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since the 2015 season (when they won Super Bowl 50) and have rookie QB Bo Nix leading the offense, which has been super in the second half of the season. The Broncos defense is vaunted, but they can be had, evidenced when the L.A. Chargers lit them up recently for 34 points in a big comeback victory. The Bills are led by MVP candidate quarterback Josh Allen (3,731 passing yards, 28 TD, six INT and 531 rushing yards, 12 TD) and they can put the points on the scoreboard. As long as the Bills do their thing on offense and do not turn the football over, they should win this game. 

PICK - Bills 28, Broncos 20

 NFC Wild Card Games 

Green Bay Packers (11-6) at Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) - These two teams met in the season opener in Brazil and the Eagles won, 34-29. The big question surrounding this one will be whether either starting quarterback will be ready to play. Packers QB Jordan Love (elbow) and Eagles starter Jalen Hurts (concussion) could be game time decisions. When they are on the football field, both of these guys can get it done. The Packers averaged just under 29 points per game this season while the Eagles did the same. The big key favoring the Eagles is the running game, where Saquon Barkley went for 2,005 rushing yards  to lead the NFL and also scored 13 rushing touchdowns. He also out the final game to be fresh for the playoffs. Packers top running back Josh Jacobs rushed for 1,329 yards and scored 15 touchdowns. Green Bay did struggle during December and the January season finale, going 2-3, but all those losses were by three or fewer points. The Eagles had the NFL's top defense this season and also ranked number two in scoring defense, allowing 17.8 points per game. This game should be a close one and could come down to the final possession. 

PICK - Eagles 27, Packers 24 

Washington Commanders (12-5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7) - The Bucs manhandled rookie QB Jayden Daniels and the Commanders, 37-20 in the season opener, but since that time, Daniels developed into a much better quarterback and is favored to win the NFL Rookie of the Year Award. Tampa Bay's defense has been getting it going in recent weeks, allowing just 17 PPG over the final seven games. Washington has the confidence coming into the post-season, having beaten Philadelphia three weeks ago and doing what is necessary to win. The Bucs offense is led by QB Baker Mayfield, who had his best season as a pro, passing for 4,500 yards with 41 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. Rookie RB Bucky Irving has been excellent and of course, WR Mike Evans had another solid season and will be the go to guy in the passing game. 

PICK - Buccaneers 30, Commanders 24 

Monday, January 13 

NFC Wild Card Game 

Minnesota Vikings (14-3) at Los Angeles Rams (10-7) - The Rams have been playing well down the stretch and they won the NFC West division while the Vikings blew a chance at the top seed in the NFC last weekend, losing 31-9 to the Detroit Lions. So they are on the road against a Rams team that features QB Matthew Stafford, wide receivers Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp and running back Kyren Williams. The Vikings defense has been solid most of the season, but the Rams did put up 27 points (Week 8) in a 27-24 win against Minnesota. The Vikings feature QB Sam Darnold (4,319 passing yards, 35 TD, 12 INT), who had his best ever season in the NFL and has a huge target in WR Justin Jefferson, who had 103 receptions for 1,533 yards and ten touchdowns. There is the possibility this game could be moved to Arizona because of the raging wild fires in California, so stay tuned on that aspect. All in all, this could be the best game in the wild card round.  (NOTE - The game has been moved to Glendale, AZ on Monday night.)

PICK - Vikings 31, Rams 24

Last Week's Record - 11-5 

FINAL SEASON RECORD - 187-85 

Lock of the Week Record - 15-3

NFL - Week Eighteen Recap

Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs dominated in big win over the Vikings.

The Detroit Lions took over the football game in the second half and cruised to a 31-9 home victory against the Minnesota Vikings (14-3) on Sunday night to clinch the top seed for the NFC playoffs. The Lions led 10-9 in the third quarter when running back Jahmyr Gibbs (139 rushing yards on 23 carries, four touchdowns) scored his second touchdown of the game on a 10-yard reception from quarterback Jared Goff for a 17-9 lead. The Lions (15-2) increased the lead to 24-9 when Gibbs scored on a 13-yard run with 13:06 left in the fourth quarter. Gibbs scored another rushing TD with 5:14 left to go for the final outcome. Detroit had a balanced offense (216 passing yards, 178 rushing yards) totaling 394 total yards in offense and controlling the ball for 36:12 to help win the game. 

The Denver Broncos (10-7) clinched the seventh and final AFC playoff spot with a 38-0 shutout win at home against the top seeded Kansas City Chiefs (15-2), who rested their starting players. Broncos rookie QB Bo Nix passed for 321 yards and four touchdowns to lead the rout. The Chiefs managed just five first downs in the loss and only 98 total yards in offense. 

In Dallas, the Washington Commanders (12-5) toppled the Cowboys, 23-19 when wide receiver Terry McLaurin hauled in a five-yard TD pass from backup QB Marcus Mariota with just three seconds remaining in the game. Dallas finished the season at 7-10 and missed the playoffs for the first time in four years. The Commanders are the sixth seed in the NFC playoffs.

The Chicago Bears (5-12) snapped a ten game losing streak and played spoiler (of sorts) by knocking off the host Green Bay Packers, 24-22 on a 51-yard field goal by Cairo Santos as time expired. The Packers (11-6) took a 22-21 lead when Brandon McManus kicked a 55-yard field goal with 58 seconds left to play. Green Bay slipped to the seventh seed in the NFC playoffs as a result of them loss. The Bears took a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter when Josh Blackwell took a punt back 94 yards for a touchdown. The lead increased to 21-13 with 4:53 left to go in the fourth quarter when Bears QB Caleb Williams threw a 32-yard TD pass to wide receiver DJ Moore. The Packers trimmed the deficit to 21-19 on a 21-yard TD run by Emanuel Wilson with 1:30 left, but the two-point conversion failed.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7) clinched the NFC South division with a 27-19 win against the visiting New Orleans Saints (5-12) by scoring two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Bucs QB Baker Mayfield threw his second scoring pass of the game with 10:09 left and then RB Bucky Irving scored on an 11-yard run with 1:51 remaining.

The Atlanta Falcons (8-9) lost at home, 44-38 in overtime against the Carolina Panthers (5-12) to finish out of the playoffs (by virtue of Tampa Bay winning their game) by losing for the sixth time in the final eight games this season. Panthers QB Bryce Young threw for three touchdowns and also ran for two more scores to pace the offense, which gained 425 yards. The Falcons totaled 537 yards in offense in the loss, as rookie QB Michael Penix, Jr. had two TD passes and a scoring run and RB Bijan Robinson (170 yards on 28 carries) scored two rushing touchdowns.

In Philadelphia, the Eagles (14-3) beat the New York Giants, 20-13 with many starters sitting out the game. Backup QB Tanner McKee had two TD passes along with 269 passing yards in the win. The Giants (3-14) only touchdown came on a 45-yard pass from QB Drew Lock to WR Malik Nabers.  

The Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) jumped past the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC playoff standings with a 34-20 road win against the Las Vegas Raiders (4-13) as QB Justin Herbert passed for a pair of touchdowns along with 346 passing yards. The Chargers defense led the NFL is scoring defense this season (301 points allowed) as they stifled the Raiders in the second half after trailing 10-3 in the second quarter. Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers let a record for receptions in a season and hauled in a 12-yard TD pass from Aidan O'Connell in defeat. 

 

In the two Saturday games, the Baltimore Ravens (12-5) clinched the AFC North division title with a 35-10 thumping of the visiting Cleveland Browns (3-14) behind two rushing touchdowns and 138 yards (on 20 carries) from running back Derick Henry and two TD passes from QB Lamar Jackson. (both pictured right) On defense, cornerback Nate Wiggins had a 26-yard interception return for another score as the Browns managed just 230 yards in total offense. 

 

Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh later that night, the Cincinnati Bengals (9-8) won, 19-17 against the Steelers (10-7) as Cade York made four field goals and Joe Burrow threw for a touchdown. The Steelers lost their fourth consecutive game to end the season as Najee Harris scored a rushing touchdown and QB Russell Wilson threw a scoring pass in the loss. The Bengals were eliminated from playoff contention when Denver won on Sunday while the Steelers made the AFC playoffs as a wild card team.

The New England Patriots (4-13) beat the visiting Buffalo Bills (13-4), who already had sewn up the number two seed in the AFC and rested many players, by a 23-16 score and after the game, the Patriots fired first year Head Coach Jerod Mayo. New England QB Joe Milton III scored a rushing touchdown and also had a scoring pass and kicker Joey Slye made three field goals in the second half to help provide the winning margin.

The New York Jets won 32-20 at home against the Miami Dolphins (8-9) to finish the season at 5-12 as QB Aaron Rodgers threw four TD passes (surpassing 500 touchdown passes in his career). Dolphins RB De'Von Achane scored a touchdown and ran for 121 yards on just 11 carries in the loss. 

The Houston Texans (10-7) finished up the regular season with a 23-14 road win against the hapless Tennessee Titans (3-14 and the team that will have the number one pick in the NFL draft) as C.J. Stroud threw a TD pass and RB Dameon Pierce scored on a 92-yard run and totaled 176 rushing yards on 19 carries to lead the way. Texans defensive lineman Derek Barnett had a 36-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown as well. Titans QB Will Levis had a TD pass in defeat.

Indianapolis rode the legs of running back Jonathan Taylor (177 yards on 34 carries and two TD) in a 26-23 overtime victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-13). The Colts (8-9) also got a scoring pass from QB Joe Flacco and Matt Gay's 38-yard field goal in the OT made the difference. Following the season ending game, the Jaguars fired Head Coach Doug Pederson.

The Los Angeles Rams (10-7) were already in the NFC playoffs as West division champions, so they went with many backups in a 30-25 loss against the visiting Seattle Seahawks (10-7), who got four TD passes from QB Geno Smith to offset two scoring passes from Rams backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo.

The Arizona Cardinals (8-9) opened it up in the fourth quarter (scoring 21 points) as they blasted the visiting San Francisco 49ers, 47-24 as QB Kyler Murray had four TD passes. The 49ers (6-11) went with Joshua Dobbs at quarterback and he had 326 passing yards and two TD passes and one interception in the loss.

WEEK EIGHTEEN RESULTS 

Baltimore 35, Cleveland 10 

Cincinnati 19, Pittsburgh 17

Houston 23, Tennessee 14 

New England 23, Buffalo 16 

Chicago 24, Green Bay 22 

Philadelphia 20, N.Y. Giants 13 

Washington 23, Dallas 19

Tampa Bay 27, New Orleans 19

Indianapolis 26, Jacksonville 23 (OT) 

Carolina 44, Atlanta 38 (OT)

L.A. Chargers 34, Las Vegas 20

N.Y. Jets 32, Miami 20

Denver 38, Kansas City 0

Arizona 47, San Francisco 24

Seattle 30, L.A. Rams 25

Detroit 31, Minnesota 9 

 

 

NFL - Week Eighteen Preview

 

The NFL regular season comes to a close this weekend as the battle for the final two playoff spots will happen. The Denver Broncos (9-7) can wrap up the seventh spot in the AFC with a win while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7) will look to win the NFC South division. The Atlanta Falcons (8-8) can still get that division title with a win and a Tampa Bay loss. If the Broncos lose their game, either the Miami Dolphins (8-8) or Cincinnati Bengals (8-8) can sneak into the AFC playoffs with a win. The Bengals need to win and have both Denver and Miami lose to get in the playoffs. 

The biggest game this weekend will take place in Detroit on Sunday night as the Lions and Minnesota Vikings (both 14-2) play each other for the NFC North division crown and the top seed in the NFC playoffs. On Saturday, two games featuring AFC North teams will take place as the Baltimore Ravens (11-5) host the Cleveland Browns (3-13) and the Cincinnati Bengals face the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6) in the Steeel City. If the Ravens win, they clinch the division title. But if the Browns can pull off the upset, the Steelers can win the division with a win against Cincinnati.

One interesting note this weekend sees Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley likely sitting out the final game, thus ending his bid to break the 40-year old record for most rushing yards in a single season held by Eric Dickerson (2,105 yards in 1984). Barkley has 2,005 yards, but with the Eagles (13-3) already secured as the number two seed in the NFC, it's likely he won't play against the New York Giants (3-13) on Sunday afternoon. 

The capsule style previews for all 16 games are featured and then the final regular season Heftyinfo picks follow up.  
 

Cleveland (3-13) at Baltimore (11-5) - The Ravens need this one to secure a home game in the first round of the AFC playoffs. Browns are looking forward to the NFL Draft next spring. 

Cincinnati (8-8) at Pittsburgh (10-6) - Can the Steelers stop their three game skid and knock the Bengals (and red hot quarterback Joe Burrow) out of playoff contention? 

N.Y. Giants (3-13) at Philadelphia (13-3) - The only drama in this one would be running back Saquon Barkley breaking the single season rushing record. 

Buffalo (13-3) at New England (3-13) - The Bills will be resting many starters, so the Patriots could win this one.

Houston (9-7) at Tennessee (3-13) - The Texans have already sewn up the number four seed in the AFC, which could mean the host Titans could get the win. 

Carolina (4-12) at Atlanta (8-8) - Falcons must win this one and get some help to reach the NFC playoffs. 

Washington (11-5) at Dallas (7-9) - The Commanders could move up in the NFC playoff picture so the Cowboys better be ready. 

Chicago (4-12) at Green Bay (11-5) - The Packers have owned this rivalry over the last decade plus . . . expect more of the same in this one. 

Jacksonville (4-12) at Indianapolis (7-9) - Colts really blew it last week losing to the lowly New York Giants. They are out of playoff contention and the Jaguars could win this one. 

New Orleans (5-11) at Tampa Bay (9-7) - The Buccaneers should roll in this one and win the NFC South division. 

Kansas City (15-1) at Denver (9-7) - The Chiefs will sit many starters, including QB Patrick Mahomes . . . Broncos can make the playoffs for the first time in nine years with a win. 

L.A. Chargers (10-6) at Las Vegas (4-12) - The Chargers could move up to the number five spot in the AFC playoff picture, so they have incentive to win this game. 

Miami (8-8) at N.Y. Jets (4-12) - The Dolphins need this one, but will likely be without starting QB Tua Tagovailoa again this week. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers likely playing his last game with the Jets. Take the Dolphins. 

San Francisco (6-10) at Arizona (7-9) - This season cannot end quick enough for the 49ers. The Cardinals have been a pleasant surprise this year. Toss up here. 

Seattle (9-7) at L.A. Rams (10-6) - The Rams are already in the playoffs and the Seahawks are out. Toss up in this one. 

Minnesota (14-2) at Detroit (14-2) - The game of the year between two NFC powerhouses . . . Take the Lions in a squeaker. 

The Heftyinfo picks for Week Eighteen  . . . . . . . . . . .      (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS) 

BALTIMORE over Cleveland 

Cincinnati over Pittsburgh 

Philadelphia over N.Y. Giants 

New England over Buffalo

Houston over Tennessee

Atlanta over Carolina 

Washington over Dallas 

Green Bay over Chicago 

Jacksonville over Indianapolis 

Tampa Bay over New Orleans 

Denver over Kansas City 

L.A. Chargers over Las Vegas 

Miami over N.Y. Jets 

Arizona over San Francisco 

L.A. Rams over Seattle 

Detroit over Minnesota 

 

Last Week's Record - 11-5 

SEASON RECORD - 176-80 

Lock of the Week Record - 14-3

NFL - Week Seventeen Recap

Rookie QB Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders are playoff bound.

There are just two playoff spots left heading into the final game of the season next weekend as three more teams clinched post-season spots in Week Seventeen. 

On Saturday, the Los Angeles Chargers (10-6) wrapped up a wild card spot in the AFC while the Washington Commanders (11-5) did the same on Sunday night with a win in overtime. 

The Commanders won, 30-24 in the OT against the Atlanta Falcons (8-8) when quarterback Jayden Daniels (277 passing yards, three TD, one interception and 127 rushing yards on 16 carries) threw a two-yard scoring pass to tight end Zach Ertz. The Falcons led 17-7 at the half as running back Bijan Robinson scored two rushing touchdowns. In the second half, Washington surged ahead with a TD pass from Daniels to Ertz (10 yards) and a two yard scoring run by Chris Rodriguez, Jr. The Falcons tied it up at 24-24 with 1:19 left in regulation on 13-yard TD pass from QB Michael Penix, Jr. to tight end Kyle Pitts. The Falcons had a chance to win it in regulation, but kicker Riley Patterson missed a 56-yard field goal attempt as time ran out.

The Chargers smoked the host New England Patriots, 40-7 on Saturday as QB Justin Herbert (281 passing yards) threw for three scores and running back J.K. Dobbins added a scoring run to lead the way. The Patriots (3-13) gained just 181 yards in total offense and QB Drake Maye was sacked four times with one touchdown pass in the blowout loss. 

The Los Angeles Rams (10-6) wrapped up a playoff spot (coupled with the Washington win on Sunday night) with a hard fought 13-9 home win against the Arizona Cardinals (7-9) as the defense came up with two interceptions in the fourth quarter, including the clincher (by Ahkello Witherspoon) with just 37 seconds remaining. Rams RB Kyren Williams had a rushing score along with a pair of field goals by Joshua Karty to offset a TD pass from Cards QB Kyler Murray (321 passing yards, one TD, two INT) to help them win their fifth straight game. 

Another Saturday game saw the host Cincinnati Bengals (8-8) stay alive in the AFC playoff chase with a 30-24 overtime win against the Denver Broncos (9-7), who for the second straight game failed to clinch a playoff spot. Bengals QB Joe Burrow (412 passing yards, three TD, one rushing TD) threw a three-yard scoring pass to wide receiver Tee Higgins, who had 11 receptions for 131 yards and three touchdowns in the win. The game was back and forth and tied 17-17 in the fourth quarter when Burrow scored on a one-yard TD run with 1:29 left. The Broncos came right back and scored the tying touchdown with just eight seconds left when QB Bo Nix hit WR Marvin Mims, Jr. for a 25-yard scoring pass between two defenders on fourth down. In the OT, Bengals kicker Cade York missed a 33-yard field goal, but Denver twice could not muster a drive and the Bengals finally emerged with the win. 

The Philadelphia Eagles (13-3) clinched the NFC East title with a 41-7 thumping of the Dallas Cowboys (7-9) as the defense forced four turnovers (two fumbles, two INT), including the first score of the game when C.J. Gardner-Johnson took an interception back 69 yards for a score. Dallas tied the game 7-7 on a TD pass by Cooper Rush and then the onslaught by Philly began. Quarterback Kenny Pickett had a scoring pass and run and reserve QB Tanner McKee had two TD passes along with RB Saquon Barkley rushing for 167 yards on 31 carries, giving him 2,005 yards this season and only 101 yards away from breaking the all time NFL single season rushing record set by Eric Dickerson (2,105 yards) back in the 1984 season. 

In Minnesota, the Vikings (14-2) won their ninth consecutive game with a nail biting 27-25 decision against the Green Bay Packers (11-5) as QB Sam Darnold passed for three touchdowns along with 377 yards and one interception. Packers QB Jordan Love threw for two scores in the fourth quarter to make it close after the Vikings built a 27-10 lead in the third quarter. 

 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7) moved back into first place in the NFC South division with a 48-14 trouncing against the visiting Carolina Panthers (4-12) with QB Baker Mayfield (pictured right) throwing five TD passes along with 359 passing yards as the team rolled up 551 yards in total offense, compared to just 204 yards  for the Panthers. 

 

 

The Buffalo Bills improved to 13-3 with a 40-14 thumping at home against the New York Jets. Bills QB Josh Allen had two TD passes and a scoring run while RB James Cook scored a rushing touchdown to pace the rout. The Jets (4-12) turned the ball over three times and QB Aaron Rodgers was sacked four times while becoming the most sacked quarterback in NFL history, passing Tom Brady for the dubious honor. 

On Christmas Day, the Kansas City Chiefs (15-1) clinched home field advantage throughout the playoffs with a convincing 29-10 win on the road against the fading Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6), who lost their third consecutive game since clinching a playoff spot. The game was close (16-10 K.C. lead entering fourth quarter) but then Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (320 passing yards) threw his third TD pass in the game and RB Kareem Hunt scored a rushing touchdown to blow it open. The Chiefs defense registered five sacks and forced a pair of turnovers to help the winning effort. 

The Baltimore Ravens (11-5) also scored a road victory on Christmas Day, 31-2 against the Houston Texans as QB Lamar Jackson went off by throwing for a touchdown and also scoring on a 48-yard run as the Ravens out gained the Texans (9-7) by a 432-211 margin along with the defense sacking Houston QB C.J. Stroud five times. In addition, Ravens RB Derrick Henry scored a touchdown and ran for 147 yards on 27 carries. 

The Miami Dolphins (8-8) kept alive their slim playoff hopes with a 20-3 road win against the Cleveland Browns (3-13) behind backup Tyler Huntley (starting in place of injured starter Tua Tagovailoa) scoring a rushing touchdown and passing for another score. The Browns had two turnovers and struggled throughout the game to sustain offensive drives. 

The Indianapolis Colts (7-9) were eliminated from playoff contention as they were smashed by the host New York Giants, 45-33 as QB Drew Lock (309 passing yards) had four touchdown passes and ran another score to help the Giants (3-13) snap a ten game losing streak. Ihmir Smith-Marsette took the second half kickoff back 100 yards for a touchdown to give the Giants a 28-13 lead. The Colts battled to back to within 28-26 early in the fourth quarter on a 13-yard TD pass by Joe Flacco. The two-point conversion failed and then the Giants drew away as Lock secured the win with a five-yard scoring run with 2:57 left. 

The Las Vegas Raiders (4-12) knocked off the host New Orleans Saints, 25-10 behind a pair of TD passes by QB Aidan O' Connell  and the defense getting four sacks and two interceptions. Spencer Rattler (218 passing yards, one TD, two INT) threw a touchdown pass for the Saints, who fell to 5-11 this season. 

In a game to help to determine draft day positioning, the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12) defeated the visiting Tennessee Titans, 20-13 as QB Mac Jones threw two scoring passes to offset a TD pass from QB Mason Rudolph for the Titans (3-13). 

Last Thursday night, the Seattle Seahawks (9-7) won a 6-3 yawner game against the host Chicago Bears (4-12), who lost their tenth consecutive game. Two field goals by Seahawks kicker Jason Myers was all that was needed to win this one.  

The Monday Night Football game saw the Detroit Lions win, 40-34 on the road against the San Francisco 49ers (6-10) as QB Jared Goff had three TD passes along with 303 passing yards while RB Jahmyr Gibbs (117 yards on 18 carries) scored a 30-yard rushing touchdown to give the Lions (14-2) a 40-28 lead with 2:58 remaining in the fourth quarter. Detroit WR Jameson Williams scored twice (one rushing, one receiving), including on a perfectly executed hook-and-lateral play. Meanwhile, before leaving the game with a elbow injury, 49ers QB Brock Purdy threw for three touchdowns along with 377 passing yards and also scored a rushing touchdown, but was intercepted twice in the loss.

WEEK SEVENTEEN RESULTS 

Kansas City 29, Pittsburgh 10 

Baltimore 31, Houston 2 

Seattle 6, Chicago 3 

L.A. Chargers 40, New England 7 

Cincinnati 30, Denver 24 (OT)

L.A. Rams 13, Arizona 9

Philadelphia 41, Dallas 7

Buffalo 40, N.Y. Jets 14

Jacksonville 20, Tennessee 13

N.Y. Giants 45, Indianapolis 33

Las Vegas 25, New Orleans 10

Tampa Bay 48, Carolina 14

Miami 20, Cleveland 3

Minnesota 27, Green Bay 25

Washington 30, Atlanta 24 (OT)

Detroit 40, San Francisco 34

 

 

NFL - Week Seventeen Preview

 

Week Seventeen in the NFL arrives on Christmas Day as the league looks to compete once again with the NBA and their annual basketball festivities on this day. Two games are on tap as the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5) host the Kansas City Chiefs (14-1) and then the Baltimore Ravens (10-5) travel to face the Houston Texans (9-6). All four of these AFC teams have already clinched playoff spots. 

On Thursday night in Chicago, the woeful Bears (4-11 and losers of nine straight games) host the Seattle Seahawks (8-7), who have been struggling and are fighting for their playoff lives heading into that game. On Saturday, three more games as the Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) face the New England Patriots (3-12) in Massachusetts while the Arizona Cardinals (7-8) face the surging Los Angeles Rams (9-6) in California. In between those two games is a huge one between the Denver Broncos (9-6) and the home team Cincinnati Bengals (7-8), who with a win would be just one game behind Denver for the final AFC playoff spot with one game left to play. 

Sunday will feature nine games, including the Sunday night game between the Atlanta Falcons (8-7) and the host Washington Commanders (10-5) and of course, the final Monday Night Football game this season in San Francisco between the 49ers (6-9) and the Detroit Lions (13-2) in what many thought would have huge playoff implications for both teams. The 49ers are out of it this year, but the Lions need this win to stay atop the NFC pile for home field advantage. 

The following Heftyinfo capsule style previews for all 16 games follows up along with the picks for all the games in Week Seventeen. 

Christmas Day Games

Kansas City (14-1) at Pittsburgh (10-5) - Steelers need this game to stay atop the AFC North division while the Chiefs could clinch "home field advantage" throughout the AFC playoffs with a win. Toss up game for sure.

Baltimore (10-5) at Houston (9-6) - Another big game for the visiting Ravens as they hope to take over first place from Pittsburgh in the AFC North division. The Texans are already in the playoffs after winning the AFC South crown. 

Thursday Night Game 

Seattle (8-7) at Chicago (4-11) - The Seahawks need this game to stay alive in the NFC playoff chase. Meanwhile, if the Bears (losers on nine in a row) are going to get a win in their final two games this season, this would be it.

Saturday Games 

Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) at New England (3-12) - Chargers should get the win, but the Patriots will battle them. 

Denver (9-6) at Cincinnati (7-8) - It's simple here . . . If the Broncos win, they are in the playoffs and the Bengals are out. If Cincy gets the win, they would own the tie breaker over the Broncos for the final AFC wild card playoff spot. Toss up game.

Arizona (7-8) at Los Angeles Rams (9-6) - The Rams are rolling and should wrap up the NFC West division with a win in this one. 

Sunday Games

New York Jets (4-11) at Buffalo (12-3) - The Bills struggled last week to beat New England and that should be a wake up call for them in this game. The Jets are awful. 

Indianapolis (7-8) at New York Giants (2-13) - The Colts are the visitors and need this one to keep that flicker of playoff hopes alive. Giants have lost ten straight games. 

Tennessee (3-12) at Jacksonville (3-12) - Who cares? 

Las Vegas (3-12) at New Orleans (5-10) - See above comment. 

Green Bay (11-4) at Minnesota (13-2) - The Packers could still finish in second place in the rugged NFC North division and this game would be huge for them to win. Vikings are battling the Detroit Lions for the division title. Toss up here. 

Carolina (4-11) at Tampa Bay (8-7) - Buccaneers hosting a Carolina team that could play spoiler yet again this week. Beware! 

Miami (7-8) at Cleveland (3-12) - Dolphins should get the win here, but the Browns and their tough defense will not just roll over in this game. 

Dallas (7-8) at Philadelphia (12-3) - Cowboys showed some spunk last week with a win over Tampa Bay while the Eagles must rebound after blowing a big lead on the road at Washington. Take the Eagles. 

Atlanta (8-7) at Washington (10-5) - Falcons finally got a win last week and control their own destiny in the playoff hunt. However, the Commanders will likely put the Falcons back in uncertainty in this one. 

Monday Night Football Game 

Detroit (13-2) at San Francisco (6-9) - The Lions roar yet again.  

The Heftyinfo picks for Week Seventeen   . . . . . . . . . . . . .        (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS) 

Pittsburgh over Kansas City 

Baltimore over Houston 

Chicago over Seattle 

L.A. Chargers over New England 

Cincinnati over Denver 

L.A. Rams over Arizona 

Buffalo over N.Y. Jets 

Indianapolis over N.Y. Giants 

Jacksonville over Tennessee 

New Orleans over Las Vegas 

Green Bay over Minnesota 

Tampa Bay over Carolina 

Miami over Cleveland  

PHILADELPHIA over Dallas 

Washington over Atlanta 

Detroit over San Francisco 

Last Week's Record - 14-2

SEASON RECORD - 165-75

Lock of the Week Record - 13-3