Jerry Jones este unul dintre cei mai înalți proprietari și cei mai sinceri proprietari de echipe NFL. Miliardarul în vârstă de 82 de ani se ferește rareori să-și împărtășească gândurile pe o varietate de subiecte, mai ales când vine vorba de subiecte legate de fotbalul profesionist.
La începutul acestui an, liga a anunțat că a încheiat un contract de trei ani cu Netflix. Acordul i-a oferit gigantului de streaming drepturile pentru 2024 Dublu antet pentru ziua de Crăciun. Jocul va fi disponibil exclusiv pentru abonații Netflix, fără costuri suplimentare.
În timp ce Crăciunul cade într-o zi de miercuri anul acesta, Jones speră că jocurile vor continua să fie programate anual, indiferent de ziua în care se întâmplă sărbătoarea.
CLICK AICI PENTRU MAI MULTĂ ACOPERIRE SPORTIVĂ PE FOXNEWS.COM
Proprietarul echipei Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones(AP Foto/Gareth Patterson/Fișier)
“Ziua de Crăciun este ziua de Crăciun și nu așteaptă în ce zi este. Vrem să fim acolo în ziua de Crăciun”, a spus Jones în timpul ultimei sale apariții la postul de radio 105.3 The Fan din Dallas.
„Aș crede că viitorul este în orice zi în care este, vom fi acolo de Crăciun”.
LAMAR JACKSON al lui RAVENS, dornic să urmărească emisiunea de la BEYONCÉ HALFTIME: „SORRY FELLAS”
Crăciunul cade într-o zi de joi în 2025. Creatorii programului NFL vor fi probabil pregătiți pentru asta, având în vedere că liga organizează deja jocuri în seara de joi pe tot parcursul sezonului regulat. Cu toate acestea, 2029 ar putea prezenta unele provocări, deoarece vacanța cade într-o zi de marți.
(Fotografia de Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers îl găzduiește pe campionul în vigoare, consecutiv, Kansas City Chiefs, în primul dintre cele două meciuri de vacanță. Baltimore Ravens și Houston Texans se înfruntă, de asemenea, cap în cap în setul special de jocuri de vacanță. Toate cele patru echipe și-au jucat meciurile din Săptămâna 16 sâmbătă pentru a se potrivi pentru competiția de miercuri.
Superstarul muzicii și originar din Houston, Beyoncé, este de așteptat să cânte la pauză a jocului Texans-Ravens de pe stadionul NRG.
Liga a programat meciuri în ziua de Crăciun în ultimii ani. Dar timp de zeci de ani, NBA a dominat în mod tradițional sărbătoarea prin programarea mai multor meciuri pe parcursul zilei de Crăciun. În timp ce NBA încă programează unele dintre echipele sale de vacanță, acele jocuri trebuie acum să concureze cu NFL.
(REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/Fișier)
Nu sunt programate meciuri NHL pentru miercuri.
Netflix a cumpărat, de asemenea, drepturile de a difuza cel puțin un joc de vacanță în 2025 și 2026, conform condițiilor contractului multianual cu liga.
„Anul trecut, am decis să luăm un mare pariu pe live – accesând fandomuri masive din comedie, reality TV, sport și multe altele”, a declarat directorul de conținut Netflix, Bela Bajaria, într-un comunicat de presă din mai, la scurt timp după pachetul de jocuri de Crăciun. a fost anunțat.
„Nu există evenimente anuale live, sportive sau de altă natură, care să se compare cu publicul pe care fotbalul NFL atrage. Suntem atât de încântați că jocurile de Crăciun ale NFL vor fi doar pe Netflix.”
CLICK AICI PENTRU A OBȚINE APLICAȚIA FOX NEWS
Dar Netflix găzduiește jocurile speciale de Crăciun sub o anumită presiune, după ce mulți dintre abonații săi s-au confruntat cu probleme cu fluxul live în timpul luptei recente dintre Jake Paul și Mike Tyson.
Urmărește Fox News Digital acoperire sportivă pe X și abonați-vă la buletinul informativ Fox News Sports Huddle.
Chantz Martin este scriitoare sportivă pentru Fox News Digital.
Happy holidays everyone! The College Football Playoff has kicked off, with a ton of top-end prospects taking part. Here’s our third 2025 NFL mock draft to unwrap as a present, stuff your stocking, or do whatever else you want.
In this edition, Nate Tice makes the selection of the odd-numbered draft picks while Charles McDonald selects the even. Draft order via Tankathon.
Previous mock drafts:1.0 | 2.0
1. New York Giants — Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Ward seeks explosive plays and will bring a calmness to the QB position, both traits that have been desperately missing in recent years in New York. Ward has things to clean up, namely his heat check moments that can get him in trouble, but pairing Ward with the electric Malik Nabers would bring explosive plays in bunches even as Ward continues to refine his game. — Nate Tice
2. New England Patriots — Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
Travis Hunter might be the best overall player in the class, and the Patriots need help at skill positions on offense and defense. Hunter would make a lot of sense as a shutdown cornerback across from Christian Gonzalez and can step in on offense here and there as needed. — Charles McDonald
3. Jacksonville Jaguars — Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Campbell plays like a veteran even at just 20 years old. He can consistently bend and move defenders in the run game and has the footwork, awareness and hand technique to consistently win in pass protection, even without ideal arm length. Whether he stays out at OT (I think he can) or has to move inside, I think Campbell is the best overall offensive lineman in this class and a winning player who would boost a Jags line with his maturity no matter where he ends up starting.
4. Tennessee Titans — Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Titans need a quarterback desperately, but they could also use a topflight cornerback to pair with some of the front seven talent that they already have accumulated. Will Johnson, step on down.
5. Cleveland Browns — Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
Here’s the pass rusher with the most upside in this draft. Carter is twitchy and can bend around the corner. He still has to work on his overall consistency, especially against the run, where he can take himself out of too many plays. The Browns have gigantic questions looming at QB and even the future of their OL beyond 2025, but the thought of pairing Carter with Myles Garrett is exciting. And terrifying for offenses.
Nate Tice and Charles McDonald’s third 2025 NFL mock draft is here, just in time to be unwrapped around the holidays. (Grant Thomas/Yahoo Sports)
6. Las Vegas Raiders — Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Another team with a dire quarterback situation, the Raiders opt to take Sanders to shore up that position for them. They can’t walk into another season with Aidan O’Connell as their best option, even though he’s a good backup option to have moving forward.
After battling an ankle injury at the beginning of the year, Williams has started to ramp up his play — and the production has followed. Williams has an excellent combination of length, strength and explosiveness. With the added bonus of being able to affect the game from multiple spots along the line. His best ball is ahead of him and would be a fun fit next to Derrick Brown for a Panthers defense needing needle-movers.
8. New York Jets — Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Gang Green’s defense still has some of the top players in the NFL, but their depth was lacking this season as their defensive performance took a nosedive following the firing of Robert Saleh. Graham is a solid reinforcement for Quinnen Williams on interior defensive line.
9. Chicago Bears — Kelvin Banks Jr., OT/OG, Texas
Banks is explosive, plays balanced and can have impact snaps in the run and pass games. He’d be best at guard as a pro, which would be a great fit for the Bears who desperately need a boost on the inside and at right guard. The Bears targeting positional versatility doesn’t hurt at all, though.
10. New Orleans Saints—Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
The Saints can’t be picky at this point in their roster building journey. They’ll need help just about everywhere as they try to rebuild while staying cap compliant. Starks is a strong player to add on the backend of their defense who can play any safety position.
11. San Francisco 49ers—Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
Conerly has light feet and can get to the second level in a hurry. His strength was a big question mark heading into this season and even over the first month. But he has really put it together over the second half of the season, showing off the ability to anchor and sustain blocks with much more consistency and playing with much better awareness for post-snap movement. Conerly is athletic enough to stay on the outside, but I could see his skill set translating across the offensive line. Perfect for a 49ers offense that needs to inject talent up front, and possibly start thinking about a Trent Williams succession plan.
12. Miami Dolphins—Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
Miami found a hit last year when they picked Chop Robinson out of Penn State to bolster their pass rush, and they dip in the well again here. Walker can be an all-around weapon for the Dolphins’ front seven, but he’s at his best when he’s moving forward and wreaking havoc against opposing offensive lines.
13. Indianapolis Colts — Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
The Colts’ defense has actually stepped up in recent weeks. They could still use a player at outside cornerback to pair with JuJu Brents when he returns from injury. Enter Revel, a cornerback with a prototypical build and the easy movement ability to develop into a true outside one-on-one defender. Revel suffered a season-ending ACL injury in September, but his aggressive play when he was on the field should keep him high on boards. Plus he has the length and other traits that make sense for what general manager Chris Ballard and defensive coordinator Gus Bradley prefer at the position.
Cincinnati needs to get more stout and physical up front to get back to being a real contender in the AFC — there might not be a better player to do that than the 330-pound Grant. He might not be a stat-stuffer in the NFL, but he can plug holes and has some real upside.
This would be a huge get for the Cowboys. McMillan is my easy WR1 in this class and offers true X-receiver upside at the next level. His size (6-foot-5, 212 pounds), catching range, and surprisingly easy bend for such a big receiver gives him matchup-wrecking potential. Pairing McMillan’s ability to win outside with CeeDee Lamb operating from the slot and Dallas would have ideal synergy between two pass-catchers. Ashton Jeanty is exciting, but McMillan would supercharge this offense and passing attack and has the added boost of fitting their personnel, even down to what Dak Prescott likes.
Arizona needs to shore up its defensive line if it wants to get serious about winning the NFC West. Harmon from Oregon is a talented player who can help the Cardinals get better up front immediately.
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M
It makes sense that Stewart was a former big-time recruit with how easy of a mover he is. Stewart can line up across the defensive line and his size, athleticism and do-everything style fits with what head coach Todd Bowles likes to do up front that changes based on the situation. It might be a bit of a hat-on-a-hat situation with what the Buccaneers have currently on their roster, but the other position that I looked at, inside linebacker, might be a reach here.
18. Seattle Seahawks — Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
No team has a need for offensive line help more than the Seahawks. Booker is a stout interior player who will be able to get them moving in the right direction again — and could be one of the missing pieces they need to beat some of the tougher teams in the NFL.
19. Atlanta Falcons — Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Even with the Falcons starting to pick up some sacks in recent weeks, injecting their defensive front with more talent seems like their obvious near-term plan (I feel like I could have written this every year for the past decade). I actually like where the Falcons sit with their offensive personnel, but adding a talented player like Nolen, a more dynamic interior player than what Atlanta currently has, would give head coach Raheem Morris and defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake a fun player to work with and move around on their front. And his physicality would help the Falcons out on all downs.
20. Los Angeles Chargers — Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The Chargers’ offense clearly has a vision and a plan, but they need more talented (and physical) players to make that happen. Warren might be one of the best players in the class, but falls to this pick due to that pesky positional value argument.
21. Houston Texans — Marcus Mbow, OT/OG, Purdue
Texans. Offensive line. Texans. Offensive line. We will see this pairing for the next hundred-plus days and thousand-plus mock drafts that happen. Justifiably so! C.J. Stroud is constantly under duress and the Texans’ run game is one of the least efficient in the league, despite Joe Mixon’s best efforts. Mbow is a very good athlete who springs out of his stance. He could look to add some lower body strength, but he plays tough and is able to bend and stay balanced in space, while also already showing off the ability to cut off defenders on the backside. He would boost the Texans’ offensive line no matter what spot he’d end up at.
22. Denver Broncos — Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The quest to continue building around Bo Nix continues for the Broncos. The cupboard might not be as empty as previously thought on offense for the Broncos, but if they’re going to make this Nix thing work, they’ll need a few more wide receivers.
23. Los Angeles Rams — Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
The Rams’ ever-revolving offensive line actually gets a first-round pick to plop in. Alaric Jackson is a free agent after this season and Rob Havenstein is another year older. Ersery would give the Rams a player with dozens of college starts under his belt, with still more to tap into and develop. Ersery has a large frame and plays with some pop on contact, while also being a solid mover in such a big frame and flashing improving hand placement (something that he could still clean up). Ersery would fit the Rams’ preference and give them the best of both worlds of having the experience to potentially play early and a player who could have more to develop for the future.
24. Washington Commanders — Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Campbell is the first true linebacker off the board, and he goes to a team that could stand to get a smidge faster on the second level of the defense. In a world where college football isn’t producing many true first-round talents at the position, the Crimson Tide product could be one of them.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers — Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
I know the Steelers don’t typically (or mostly ever) draft wide receivers in the first round. But this Steelers offense has been lethargic when George Pickens isn’t on the field. And while players at other positions could be intriguing here for the Steelers — another cornerback opposite Joey Porter Jr., swapping out Najee Harris for Ashton Jeanty, possibly even a tight end like Colston Loveland — I went with the dynamic Burden, whose production was up and down in 2024 but his explosiveness was still apparent. Burden lined up mostly in the slot during college as Missouri liked to move him around the formation, but he showed off the ability to win from the outside and has the YAC and big-play potential to add to any offense. He fits perfectly opposite Pickens and in Arthur Smith’s offense.
A big, heavy-handed pass rusher for a team that loves big, heavy-handed pass rushers, Jackson had a solid year for Arkansas off the edge and projects well to the next level for defenses that like their pass rushers to be well-rounded players.
27. Green Bay Packers — Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
The FBS leader in sacks, Green is a riser among prospects. Green plays hard every snap and will even be disruptive against double teams. He’s only a redshirt sophomore but has already flashed secondary pass rush moves. It’s not all perfect and Green can get washed out when he doesn’t connect. Green’s athleticism, hard playing style, and flashes of advanced play remains an intriguing profile for the Packers to include.
28. Philadelphia Eagles — Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
The Eagles always love drafting ahead for future needs on the offensive line, and Simmons could fill that role as an eventual replacement for Lane Johnson. Simmons has the talent to be a starting offensive tackle in the NFL, but needs some refinement.
29. Buffalo Bills — James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
The Bills look to constantly add to their defensive line and do so again with Pearce. While Pearce can be up and down against the run, he has upside as an impactful pass rusher. Pearce is long and can be a handful for offensive tackles right at the snap of the ball. He can be easily taken out of the play a bit too often, especially against the run. Pearce could continue to develop his consistency for a Bills franchise that prefers to have a deep rotational line under head coach Sean McDermott.
30. Minnesota Vikings — Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
A dynamic interior presence would really take the Vikings’ defense to the next level. Williams could be that guy for the Vikings as he’s shown some real penetrative ability at Ohio State.
31. Detroit Lions — Jonah Savaiinaea, OG, Arizona
A team built through the trenches is exactly where my eyes went to to keep the good times rolling in Detroit. The Lions have remained one of the best offenses in the NFL despite signing new guards this offseason. The Lions keep the assembly line going with Savaiinaea, a guard who has a good thick build and plays consistently balanced. Savaiinaea is smart and knows how to use his hands. He plays right tackle for Arizona, but I like him best on the inside at the next level.
32. Kansas City Chiefs — Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
A steal! Ashton Jeanty is one of the two or three best players in the class but winds up in the hands of the Chiefs, who should be thrilled about being able to add him to the offense. Jeanty has a rare combination of strength, balance and speed that will make him a nightmare for NFL defenses.
Pittsburgh Steelers au primit capătul scurt al stick-ului când vine vorba de programul funky NFL.
La un moment dat, NFL a evitat jocurile de Crăciun – iar acum, nu se pot sătura de ele, programând două în acest an, în ciuda zilei care cădea într-o zi de miercuri.
Acest lucru determină unele ciudățenii în programul NFL, Steelers fiind una dintre cele patru echipe care au jucat sâmbăta trecută și acum joacă miercuri. Ce s-a întâmplat vreodată cu „o duminică dată?”
CLICK AICI PENTRU MAI MULTĂ ACOPERIRE SPORTIVĂ PE FOXNEWS.COM
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) părăsește terenul la sfârșitul unui meci de fotbal din playoff NFL cu wild-card împotriva Kansas City Chiefs, duminică, 16 ianuarie 2022, în Kansas City, Mo. Chiefs au câștigat cu 42-21 .(AP Foto/Ed Zurga)
Oricum, restul este echivalent cu cel al echipelor care joacă joi după un meci de duminică, dar odată cu concursul de sâmbătă, totul iese la trei jocuri în 11 zile pentru Steelers, iar fostul fundaș Ben Roethlisberger nu este mulțumit de asta. .
“Este mizerabil. Este păcat că liga face asta. Arată doar că totul este despre bani și acesta este un mod prin care ei pot, știi, să facă mai mulți bani și să-și dea seama, pentru că nu este corect pentru jucători, “, a spus Roethlisberger recent. „Vrei să vorbim despre accidentări și să faceți jocul mai sigur, despre schimbarea regulii de lovire și să preveniți băieții la tack-uri hip-drop, comoții și asta și cealaltă, și îi veți face pe băieți să joace cel mai violent joc din lume. lumea, probabil, trei jocuri în 11 zile, adică nu ai timp pentru ca corpul tău să fie sănătos și să se odihnească.
Ben Roethlisberger, numărul 7 de la Pittsburgh Steelers, trimite o pasă peste o pedeapsă greșită a trecătorului de către Jeffery Simmons, numărul 98 de la Tennessee Titans, în al patrulea sfert al jocului de la Heinz Field pe 19 decembrie 2021 în Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.(Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
LIONS LINEMAN SĂ SUSTRĂ STILUL AGRESIV DE COACHING AL LUI DAN CAMPBELL: „CU TOȚI ÎL adorăm”
Comentariile reflectă sentimentul lui Patrick Mahomes cu privire la programul obositor.
„Nu este un sentiment bun”, a spus Mahomes reporterilor în urmă cu câteva săptămâni. “Nu vrei niciodată să joci atât de multe jocuri în acest timp scurt. Nu este grozav pentru corpul tău. Dar, la sfârșitul zilei, este meseria ta, profesia ta. Trebuie să vii la muncă și să o faci.”
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) se uită spre bancă în al patrulea trimestru în timpul unui meci de fotbal NFL din Săptămâna 12 împotriva Cincinnati Bengals, duminică, 28 noiembrie 2021, pe stadionul Paul Brown din Cincinnati.(Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer/USA TODAY NETWORK)
CLICK AICI PENTRU A OBȚINE APLICAȚIA FOX NEWS
Va fi Chiefs and Steelers într-o confruntare de la 13:00 de Crăciun.
Urmărește Fox News Digital acoperire sportivă pe Xși abonați-vă la buletinul informativ Fox News Sports Huddle.
Clasamentul puterii NFL: Unde stau 49ers după pierderea în fața lui Dolphins a apărut inițial pe NBC Sports Bay Area
Bine ați venit la sezonul simulat de draft, fani ai 49ers.
San Francisco și câteva alte echipe medii au fost eliminate în mod oficial de la playoff săptămâna aceasta și, în timp ce lupta pentru clasamentul postsezon este în desfășurare, cunoaștem aproape cele 14 echipe care nu vor fi într-un zbor către Cancún în trei săptămâni.
Pentru penultima oară în acest sezon…
Aici se află cei de la 49ers în clasamentul de putere din Săptămâna 17 din NFL după o înfrângere cu 29-17 în fața Miami Dolphins.
32. New York Giants (Săptămâna trecută: 32)
Record: 2-13
Cu prima alegere din draftul NFL 2025, New York Giants selectează…
31. Jacksonville Jaguars (Săptămâna trecută: 30)
Record: 3-12
Ei bine, știm că nu vor alege un fundaș după ce i-au oferit lui Trevor Lawrence 55 de milioane de dolari pe sezon. Dacă sezonul s-ar încheia astăzi, ei ar fi al treilea. Te rog, nu-l lăsa pe Travis Hunter să ajungă în Jacksonville…
30. Tennessee Titans (Săptămâna trecută: 29)
Record: 3-12
Noi, ca societate, nu trebuie să uităm niciodată cât de rău este Mason Rudolph. A zburat puțin sub radar în locul lui Will Levis, dar ne-a dat un memento duminică.
29. New England Patriots (Săptămâna trecută: 28)
Record: 3-12
La doar o săptămână după ce l-am numit pe Drake Maye uitat, el se întâlnește cu Josh Allen și Bills. Atins.
28. Las Vegas Raiders (Săptămâna trecută: 31)
Record: 3-12
Felicitări, probabil că tocmai ți-ai distrus șansele de a obține alegerea nr. 1 la general. A meritat o victorie fără sens asupra… *verifică note*… Jaguarii?
27. Cleveland Browns (Săptămâna trecută: 27)
Record: 3-12
Nu contează, pune-l pe Jameis Winston înapoi. Quarterbackul Poporului a acumulat cel puțin puncte în timp ce a întors mingea. Dorian Thompson-Robinson este un ceas dur.
26. Chicago Bears (Săptămâna trecută: 25)
Record: 4-11
Caleb Williams arată suficient de mult acolo unde Chicago în cele din urmă nu trebuie să folosească alegerea sa de top pe un fundaș. Luați cel mai bun jucător de aliniament ofensiv și spuneți-i o zi.
25. Carolina Panthers (Săptămâna trecută: 26)
Record: 4-11
Bryce Young a răspuns bine după un meci prost împotriva lui Dallas săptămâna trecută. Încă cred că s-ar putea forma o fundație drăguță în Carolina.
24. New York Jets (Săptămâna trecută: 24)
Record: 4-11
New York s-ar putea de fapt să fie suficient de mare pentru a-l prinde pe unul dintre primii fundași. Dacă Aaron Rodgers este deschis să îndrume un alt începător în 2025, viitorul Jets ar putea să nu fie un dezastru total.
23. Sfinții din New Orleans (Săptămâna trecută: 23)
Record: 5-10
Prefer să mă uit la oricare dintre echipele mai rele enumerate mai sus decât New Orleans chiar acum. Sunt atât de invizibili fără Derek Carr și Alvin Kamara.
22. San Francisco 49ers (Săptămâna trecută: 19)
Record: 6-9
Absolut sălbatic să cred că o echipă care aproape că a câștigat Super Bowl anul trecut și, dacă este pe deplin sănătoasă, are încă una dintre cele mai bune liste din ligă, ar putea avea o alegere în top 10 în primăvara viitoare. Poate o binecuvântare deghizată? Cu toate acestea, au prea multă mândrie, așa că nu m-ar surprinde dacă ar învinge cumva pe Lions săptămâna viitoare.
21. Indianapolis Colts (Săptămâna trecută: 22)
Record: 7-8
Jonathan Taylor s-a asigurat să se țină de fotbal în timp ce trecea linia porții. Apoi s-a asigurat că o va face din nou. Și din nou. Doar pentru bună măsură.
20. Arizona Cardinals (Săptămâna trecută: 17)
Record: 7-8
Nici o dată în acest sezon nu arăta ca o echipă care merită un loc în playoff. Ar fi trebuit să numim pică cu câteva săptămâni în urmă.
19. Dallas Cowboys (Săptămâna trecută: 21)
Record: 7-8
Brandon Aubrey este unul dintre cei mai buni lovitori din ligă, iar Cooper Rush este unul dintre cei mai buni fundași de rezervă. Nu mă așteptam să am niciuna dintre aceste conversații în acest sezon.
18. Miami Dolphins (Săptămâna trecută: 20)
Record: 7-8
Similar cu Cincy, probabil că este prea puțin prea târziu. De'Von Achane a avut în sfârșit un joc bun. Ar fi putut folosi această versiune a lui cu săptămâni în urmă…
17. Cincinnati Bengals (Săptămâna trecută: 18)
Record: 7-8
Joe Burrow are un sezon de calibru MVP asemănător lui Patrick Mahomes. El pune numere uimitoare și face aruncări de altă lume care sfidează gravitația.
16. Seattle Seahawks (Săptămâna trecută: 15)
Record: 8-7
După cum spuneam, felicitări lui Los Angeles Rams pentru (eventual) câștigarea NFC West. Geno Smith, tu nu ești acel tip, amice.
15. Atlanta Falcons (Săptămâna trecută: 16)
Record: 8-7
Având în vedere situația neobișnuită în care a fost împins, a fost un debut de start destul de decent pentru Michael Penix Jr. Alegerea la draft, discutabilă atunci, s-ar putea dovedi a fi destul de utilă.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Săptămâna trecută: 12)
Record: 8-7
Nu ar fi NFC South dacă niciuna dintre echipele concurente nu ar dori să câștige divizia. Ai un program cakewalk, iar rivalul din cealaltă divizie tocmai și-a pus fundașul pentru un începător. ce faci?
13. Los Angeles Rams (Săptămâna trecută: 14)
Record: 9-6
Matthew Stafford și jocul de pasageri sunt într-o funk serios. Sunt norocoși să aibă pe Kyren Williams și o apărare care se stinge pe măsură ce se apropie de un titlu de divizie.
12. Los Angeles Chargers (Săptămâna trecută: 13)
Record: 9-6
Se pare că Jim Harbaugh va conduce Los Angeles înapoi în playoff în primul său sezon cu Chargers. Dacă pot rula mingea așa cum au făcut-o împotriva lui Denver, ar putea avea o șansă în postsezon.
11. Denver Broncos (Săptămâna trecută: 11)
Record: 9-6
Sezonul din Denver, indiferent de cum se termină, va fi un succes copleșitor. Bo Nix încă poate dovedi multe în următoarele două jocuri.
10. Houston Texans (Săptămâna trecută: 9)
Record: 9-6
Trag un semnal de alarmă în legătură cu ofensiva de la Houston. Nu doar din cauza rănirii devastatoare a lui Tank Dell, ci și pentru că au arătat ca o coajă a sinelui lor din 2023.
9. Washington Commanders (Săptămâna trecută: 10)
Record: 10-5
Jayden Daniels s-ar putea să-l fi încuiat pe Rookie ofensiv al anului cu o performanță palpitantă de cinci atingeri și îi are pe „Manders” pe punctul de a obține un loc în playoff. Ce sezon special.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers (Săptămâna trecută: 7)
Record: 10-5
Russell Wilson are nevoie de un Najee Harris eficient și de un George Pickens sănătos pentru ca această infracțiune să fredoneze. Apărarea nu câștigă campionate ca înainte.
7. Baltimore Ravens (Săptămâna trecută: 8)
Record: 10-5
Derrick Henry este mai furios pe măsură ce vremea se răcește. Este o priveliște terifiantă pentru orice echipă de playoff AFC. Baltimore arată imbatabil când ambele părți ale mingii joacă bine.
6. Green Bay Packers (Săptămâna trecută: 6)
Record: 11-4
Când Josh Jacobs și fundașii merg bine, ofensiva lui Green Bay are multe asemănări cu cea a lui Philadelphia cu modul în care jocul de pase se joacă în afara jocului de alergare. Sunt un Eagles Lite și, dacă ard cu toți cilindrii, ar putea fi mai bine. Asta e terifiant.
5. Buffalo Bills (Săptămâna trecută: 5)
Record: 12-3
Abia că ai câștigat o victorie în fața unui jucător de jos la sfârșitul sezonului nu este exact ceea ce te-ai aștepta de la una dintre echipele de top din ligă. Oh, stai, da este. Asta face Kansas City aproape săptămânal. O victorie este o victorie.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (Săptămâna trecută: 3)
Record: 12-3
Nici măcar Saquon Barkley nu ar putea duce Philly la victorie fără Jalen Hurts. Șansele lor de a-și asigura clasamentul de top sunt sumbre, dar vor avea nevoie de ajutor de la prietenii lor din San Francisco și Green Bay săptămâna viitoare.
3. Minnesota Vikings (Săptămâna trecută: 4)
Record: 13-2
Acesta ar fi trebuit să fie un an de reutilare, nu? 13-2 record. Journeyman quarterback joacă ca un herghean de franciză. Încă în vânătoare pentru sămânța nr. 1. Kevin O'Connell este antrenorul anului, iar acest lucru nu este dezbătut.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (Săptămâna trecută: 2)
Record: 14-1
Trei lucruri în viață sunt sigure; moarte, taxe, și Patrick Mahomes joacă printr-o accidentare la gleznă. Se pare că playoff-urile AFC se vor desfășura prin Arrowhead.
1. Detroit Lions (Săptămâna trecută: 1)
Record: 13-2
Este sălbatic să credem că trei echipe încă concurează pentru prima cap de serie a NFC, deoarece se pare că Detroit ar fi trebuit să-l blocheze cu săptămâni în urmă. Sunt cu atât mai buni decât toți ceilalți.
Descărcați și urmăriți podcastul 49ers Talk
Acest conținut încorporat nu este disponibil în regiunea dvs.
All the young NFL quarterbacks have their signature moments at some point, a play or a drive that shows off their talent and screams to the rest of the league that they are destined for special things.
Jayden Daniels had his moment Sunday.
The rookie quarterback for the Washington Commanders beat the Chicago Bears earlier this season on a Hail Mary, but that’s essentially an accident, not a moment. Any quarterback with a big arm is capable of that.
What we saw him do Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles is different. It’s career defining. It’s essentially sending out a loud message to the rest of the NFL that they will have to deal with him for at least the next decade.
The Commanders beat the Eagles, 36-33, thanks to a 9-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Jamison Crowder with six seconds left. He started that drive at his own 43-yard line with 1:52 left and promptly led the Commanders to the victory.
Daniels threw five touchdown passes, and he did it against an Eagles defense that had been dominant over the course of their 10-game winning streak heading into Sunday. In addition to the five touchdown passes, he also led the Commanders with 81 yards rushing.
Daniels is the first rookie quarterback to throw for five or more touchdowns and rush for 65 or more yards in a single game in NFL history.
The clutch gene, which all great quarterbacks have, is what makes him special. He never seems to get rattled. On a fourth-and-11 in the third quarter, he ran for 29 yards and a big first down. Before Sunday’s game, I said on our pre-game show that the Eagles game would be a proving game for Daniels and the Commanders.
It was for both in a big way, The Commanders, who are up to eighth in my Power Rankings this week, are 10-5 with two games to play. It’s unlikely they will catch the Eagles to win the NFC East, but they served notice that they will be a tough out come playoff time — no matter who they play.
Daniels made sure that happened Sunday, and in the process locked up the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. It’s special moments that decide those type of awards, and Daniels had his to beat the Eagles, a signature moment for sure.
Biggest Movers
Rk
Teams
Chg
Rcrd
1
Chiefs
They just keep on winning. The offense is starting to click, which is not a good thing for the rest of the league — starting this week against the Steelers.
—
14-1-0
2
Bills
They had a letdown against the Patriots, and it almost cost them. But good teams find ways to win games like that, which they did.
1
12-3-0
3
Lions
The offense showed it can move the football in any type of weather in the blowout of the Bears. The undermanned defense gave up yards, but made stops when needed.
1
13-2-0
4
Vikings
If they win out, they have the top seed in the NFC. But the schedule is tough with games against Green Bay and Detroit to close it out.
1
13-2-0
5
Packers
They can now play a physical brand of football, which will matter come playoff time. They need to show that off this week against the Vikings in a tough game.
1
11-4-0
6
Eagles
Losing Jalen Hurts to a concussion against Washington hurt, but the defense let them down as well. They have to get back on track after Jayden Daniels carved them up.
4
12-3-0
7
Ravens
By beating the Steelers, they are back in the division race. The defense is making strides at the right time.
1
10-5-0
8
Commanders
They can lock up a playoff spot by beating the Falcons this week. Jayden Daniels is on his way to being the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
2
10-5-0
9
Steelers
Two consecutive losses have set this team’s hopes back some in terms of trying to win the division. And here come the Chiefs on Christmas Day. They can’t afford another loss.
2
10-5-0
10
Rams
They just keep on winning and appear to be on their way to the division title. It wasn’t pretty against the Jets, but they found a way.
1
9-6-0
11
Buccaneers
Losing to the Cowboys takes them out of the top spot in the division. Now they need the Falcons to lose one, and they have to win out to make the playoffs.
1
8-7-0
12
Chargers
The Chargers bounced back from the blowout loss to the Bucs with a nice division victory over the Broncos. One more victory and they are in the playoffs.
1
9-6-0
13
Broncos
They haven’t locked up a playoff berth yet, but they are close. The loss against the Chargers wasn’t a good look after taking a lead early.
4
9-6-0
14
Texans
The loss of receiver Tank Dell to a knee injury will be damning for them. When he went out against the Chiefs, the offense became lifeless. Now they face a tough Ravens team.
—
9-6-0
15
Bengals
They aren’t done yet, but they are barely hanging on. They essentially play a playoff game this week with Denver.
3
7-8-0
16
Colts
Jonathan Taylor bounced back from his terrible fumble in the loss to Denver to rush for over 200 yards against the Titans. They are still alive, but need help.
1
7-8-0
17
Seahawks
Losing two straight games has their playoff chances slimming by the week. They need to win their last two and still might not get in.
2
8-7-0
18
Falcons
Michael Penix Jr. didn’t do a ton in his first start, but he didn’t need to against the Giants. But he will have to do a lot more against the Commanders this week on the road.
3
8-7-0
19
Cowboys
Two consecutive victories might be saving Mike McCarthy’s job — and probably should. They are still playing hard, even though they are done.
3
7-8-0
20
Panthers
Bryce Young is playing good football. That has to give them hope for the future.
6
4-11-0
21
Cardinals
They were eliminated from playoff consideration after losing to Carolina. They were a nice little story for a while, but the undermanned roster caught up with them.
5
7-8-0
22
Dolphins
They are still alive after beating the 49ers, but barely. They ran the ball in that game as well as they have all season, which keyed the victory.
3
7-8-0
23
49ers
The season full of misery is done. The injuries did this team in early this season and they never recovered. What a disappointment.
3
6-9-0
24
Bears
The defense didn’t even show up in the loss to the Lions. They looked disinterested, sort of like they were already in vacation mode.
1
4-11-0
25
Browns
They have to figure out the quarterback position next season — and it can’t be Deshaun Watson. They have issues going forward there.
1
3-12-0
26
Saints
The injuries have crippled this team. It’s a shame how bad they are right now. The question is who will be the coach next year.
1
5-10-0
27
Jets
So much for the push by the offense the past two weeks. Aaron Rodgers was bad against the Rams, and the coaching decisions were even worse.
—
4-11-0
28
Raiders
They lost by winning. They now wouldn’t draft in the top-2 spots, which means they would lose out on the top-2 quarterback prospects. Beating Jacksonville was not a good thing.
4
3-12-0
29
Patriots
They competed against the Bills, which is progress. It also sounds like head coach Jerod Mayo will get a chance to be back for his second season.
1
3-12-0
30
Jaguars
The silver lining of their awful season is rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. He is a future star at the position, but he’s one of the few on the roster.
2
3-12-0
31
Titans
They showed some fight in coming back against the Colts, but they fell in too big of a hole. They need to find a quarterback.
2
3-12-0
32
Giants
They are awful and heading for the top pick in the draft. That’s the good news for their failures, but they are tough to watch now.
A fost un sezon urât pentru Aaron Rodgers și New York Jets, iar lucrurile au devenit și mai urâte duminică, când au reușit să realizeze o faptă jenantă pe care o singură altă echipă a reușit-o în ultimii 74 de ani.
În timpul înfrângerii cu 19-9 a New York-ului în fața Los Angeles Rams, Jets nici măcar nu au reușit să marcheze 10 puncte, în ciuda faptului că nu au aruncat o singură dată. Până duminică, au fost opt echipe în acest an care au trecut printr-un joc întreg fără să pună la punct, iar acele opt echipe au avut o medie de 31,3 puncte în jocul lor fără puncte.
Jets nu s-au apropiat de acest număr cu prezentarea lor. De fapt, a fost al doilea cel mai mic punctaj total al unei echipe fără puncte din 1950. Singura notă mai mică a venit în 1991, când Colts au pierdut în fața Patrioților, 16-7, într-un joc în care Indianapolis nu a câștigat. puntea mingea (Indy a ratat patru goluri de teren în acel joc).
Dacă vă întrebați cum Jets au reușit să marcheze doar nouă puncte fără baraje, iată cum s-a încheiat fiecare dintre posesiunile lor:
Touchdown (punct suplimentar ratat)
A eșuat pe locul patru
Gol de teren
A eșuat pe locul patru
Bănuit pierdut
A eșuat pe locul patru
Gol de teren ratat (49 de metri)
Kicker-ul Jets Anders Carlson a costat echipa sa patru puncte cu două rateuri, iar dacă ar fi făcut acele lovituri, Jets nu ar fi pe partea greșită a istoriei, dar acum sunt. Dacă există ceva care descrie Jets 2024 pe scurt, este cu siguranță jocul de duminică.
Având în vedere acest lucru, haideți să vedem încă 12 dintre cele mai sălbatice statistici din Săptămâna 16 (prin CBS Sports Research, dacă nu este menționat):
Joe Burrow face istorie. Bengals QB a aruncat pentru 252 de yarzi și trei touchdown-uri, care este al șaptelea joc la rând pe care l-a aruncat pentru cel puțin 250 de yarzi și trei touchdown-uri. Asta doborâse recordul NFL al lui Tom Brady de șase meciuri la rând, care se menținea din 2007.
Jayden Daniels se alătură clubului exclusivist. Începătorul de la Commanders a terminat cu 258 de yarzi de trecere și cinci pase de touchdown împreună cu 81 de yarzi de rulare, făcându-l doar al doilea jucător din istoria NFL care a aruncat pentru cel puțin 250 de yarzi și cinci touchdown-uri cu cel puțin 75 de yarzi de fuga în același timp. Singurul alt jucător care a reușit acest lucru a fost Cam Newton în 2015. Daniels a devenit, de asemenea, primul începător din istoria NFL care a aruncat două pase TD câștigătoare în ultimele 30 de secunde în orice moment al sezonului său de începători (celălalt a venit pe el. Ave Maria în victoria lui Washington în fața Chicago în săptămâna 8).
Prima pierdere de cinci cifre de afaceri a Eagles în 25 de ani. Eagles au forțat cinci turnover-uri împotriva Commanders, dar tot au pierdut, marcând pentru prima dată din 1999 când au forțat cel puțin cinci turnover-uri într-un joc fără a câștiga.
Jared Goff îi conduce pe Lions pe un nou teritoriu. Lions au câștigat a 13-a victorie duminică, ceea ce stabilește recordul de franciză pentru cele mai multe victorii într-un sezon. De asemenea, Goff s-a alăturat lui Tom Brady și Peyton Manning ca singurii fundași din istoria NFL care au condus mai multe echipe la un sezon de 13 victorii.
NFC North are un sezon fără precedent. Cu Lions și Vikings amândoi acum la 13 victorii, asta face din NFC North doar a doua divizie din istoria NFL care produce două echipe cu 13 victorii, alăturându-se AFC Central din 1999.
Saquon Barkley are un sfert mare. Runnerul Eagles a însumat 109 de yarzi în primul sfert, ceea ce a fost cel mai mult într-un prim sfert de către orice jucător din 2010. Barkley are acum 1.838 de metri în sezon și are nevoie de un total de 268 de metri în ultimele două jocuri ale lui Philly pentru a-l distruge pe Eric Dickerson. record de alergare într-un singur sezon de 2.105 de metri.
Colts alergă peste Titani. Colts au totalizat un record de franciză de 335 de yarzi în cursă împotriva Titanilor. În procesul de a face asta, Jonathan Taylor (218 de metri) și Anthony Richardson (70 de metri) au făcut istorie: a marcat prima dată când un alergător avea 200 de metri sau mai mult, iar un coechipier QB a avut 70 de metri sau mai mult. acelasi joc.
Anthony Richardson face o raritate. Colts au marcat 38 de puncte, chiar dacă Richardson a aruncat doar 11 pase. Acestea sunt cele mai multe puncte ale unei echipe cu 11 sau mai puține încercări de trecere din 1978, când Jets au marcat 45 de puncte într-un joc în care au aruncat doar 10 pase.
Șoimii au o petrecere cu șase. Obținerea a două alegeri șase în același joc nu se întâmplă des pentru Falcons. Înainte de duminică, ultima dată când au reușit să-și îndeplinească isprava a venit în 1983. Jessie Bates III și Matthew Judon au primit amândoi touchdown-uri duminică, după ce l-au luat pe Drew Lock în victoria cu 34-7 a lui Atlanta în fața Giants.
Caleb Williams nu poate lua o pauză. Caleb Williams a pierdut acum nouă meciuri anul acesta, unde a aruncat zero interceptări, ceea ce reprezintă cele mai multe pierderi cu zero interceptări dintr-un singur sezon de către un fundaș de când starturile QB au fost urmărite pentru prima dată în 1950 (prin media NFL).
Ora de putere Bowers. Brock Bowers a prins 11 pase pentru 99 de metri și acum are 101 de prinderi pentru 1.067 de metri în sezon. El este acum la egalitate cu cea de-a treia cele mai multe recepții de către un începător și este la doar cinci capturi distanță de a doborî recordul de începători al lui Puka Nacua, de 105. Bowers este, de asemenea, la doar 10 metri distanță de a doborî recordul de începători al lui Mike Ditka pentru primirea de yarzi la un capăt strâns.
Nu vei fi Naberul meu. Brock Bowers nu este singurul jucător care urmărește recordul de recepții începători. După ce a prins șapte pase împotriva lui Falcons, Malik Nabers are acum 97 în sezon. S-ar putea ca Nabers să nu treacă de Bowers, dar producția sa a fost, fără îndoială, puțin mai impresionantă și asta pentru că a ratat două jocuri. Ambii jucători vor încerca să depășească recordul de recepții începători al lui Nacua, de 105.
New York Giants (2-13) sunt din nou în fruntea ordinii NFL Draft 2025 după ce au suferit a zecea înfrângere consecutivă, de data aceasta în fața quarterback-ului începător Michael Penix Jr. și Atlanta Falcons. Și cu două săptămâni de joc, își controlează propriul destin pentru alegerea nr. 1.
În spatele New York-ului se află New England Patriots, care au luptat curajos împotriva lui Buffalo Bills, dar au rămas cu trei puncte mai puțin. După aceea, sunt Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans și Cleveland Browns — toți care au suferit și ei înfrângeri duminică după-amiază. Raiders Las Vegas, care au deținut alegerea nr. 1 în săptămâna 16, au coborât pe locul 6 după ce i-au învins pe Jaguars pentru a treia victorie a sezonului. Există acum șansa ca Raiders, una dintre cele mai nevoiașe echipe din NFL, să rateze unul dintre cei mai buni potențiali, și anume Cam Ward din Miami și Shedeur Sanders din Colorado.
Cu Săptămâna 16 aproape finalizată, CBSSports.com analizează unde ar alege echipele în acest moment. De asemenea, sunt enumerate agenții liberi în așteptare ale fiecărui club și nevoile potențiale în funcție de acei jucători care ar putea pleca.
Ordinul de schiță, prin Tankathon.com, este ordonat în funcție de recordul câștig-înfrângeri, iar egalitățile sunt întrerupte în funcție de puterea programului. Nevoile echipei sunt o combinație a nevoilor actuale și a așteptării agenților liberi în așteptare. Agenții liberi noti în așteptare sunt listați mai degrabă decât lista completă.
Nevoile echipei: QB, IOL, CB, WR, TE Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: WR Darius Slayton, LB Isaiah Simmons, CB Adoree' Jackson, S Jason Pinnock, QB Drew Lock
Nevoile echipei: OT, IOL, WR, EDGE, CB Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: CB Jonathan Jones, QB Jacoby Brissett, OT Chukwuma Okorafor
Nevoile echipei: CB, OT, S, IOL, TE Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: QB Mac Jones, S Andre Cisco
Nevoile echipei: OT, IOL, EDGE, WR, LB Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: S Quandre Diggs, WR Tyler Boyd, OG Dillon Radunz, LB Jerome Baker
Nevoile echipei: QB, OT, WR, RB, DL, EDGE Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: OT Jedrick Wills, WR Elijah Moore, DT Maurice Hurst, RB Nick Chubb, QB Jameis Winston
Nevoile echipei: QB, CB, RB, EDGE, LB Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: CB Nate Hobbs, EDGE Malcolm Koonce, OG Cody Whitehair, LB Robert Spillane, S Marcus Epps
Nevoile echipei: QB, WR, IOL, EDGE, DL, CB, S Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: QB Andy Dalton, C Austin Corbett, LB Shaq Thompson, P Johnny Hekker
8. Jeturi (4-11)
Nevoile echipei: OT, WR, EDGE, S, DL, QB Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: EDGE Haason Reddick, OT Tyron Smith, OT Morgan Moses, DT Javon Kinlaw, S Chuck Clark
9. Urși (4-11)
Nevoile echipei: IOL, EDGE, DL, OT, RB Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: WR Keenan Allen, OG Teven Jenkins, EDGE Darrell Taylor
Nevoile echipei: TE, EDGE, DL, CB, S, WR Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: EDGE Chase Young, S Tyrann Mathieu, TE Juwan Johnson, LB Willie Gay Jr., OG Lucas Patrick, CB Paulson Adebo
11. 49ers (6-9)
Nevoile echipei: OT, IOL, CB, S, DL Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: CB Charvarius Ward, LB Dre Greenlaw, S Talanoa Hufanga, CB Deommodore Lenoir, RB Elijah Mitchell
Nevoile echipei: IOL, S, DL, QB, LB, WR Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: S Jevon Holland, OG Liam Eichenberg, S Jordan Poyer, DL Calais Campbell
14. Colts (7-8)
Nevoile echipei: CB, S, LB, DL, IOL, QB Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: C Ryan Kelly, S Julian Blackmon, DT Dayo Odeyingbo, LB EJ Speed, QB Joe Flacco
Nevoile echipei: CB, DL, WR, EDGE, TE, RB Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: WR Tee Higgins, TE Mike Gesicki, CB Mike Hilton, OT Trent Brown, DT BJ Hill, RB Khalil Herbert
Nevoile echipei: EDGE, DL, IOL, WR, RB, OT Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: S Budda Baker, RB James Conner, WR Greg Dortch, DT Roy Lopez, EDGE Dennis Gardeck
Nevoile echipei: LB, IOL, S, EDGE, OT Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: DT Jarran Reed, LB Tyrel Dodson, C Connor Williams, LB Ernest Jones
Nevoile echipei: CB, LB, EDGE, DL, WR Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: EDGE Matt Judon, S Justin Simmons, CB Antonio Hamilton, WR Rondale Moore
Nevoile echipei: CB, IOL, LB, EDGE, WR Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: WR Chris Godwin, EDGE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, LB Lavonte David, OG Sua Opeta
Nevoile echipei: WR, TE, DL, EDGE, CB Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: EDGE Khalil Mack, CB Asante Samuel Jr., RB JK Dobbins, WR Josh Palmer, QB Taylor Heinicke
Nevoile echipei: DL, IOL, WR, EDGE, CB Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: WR Stefon Diggs, EDGE Derek Barnett, OG Kendrick Green, DT Foley Fatukasi, QB Case Keenum
Nevoile echipei: OT, LB, WR, S, TE, RB Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: OT Garett Bolles, QB Zach Wilson, RB Javonte Williams, CB Levi Wallace
23. Berbeci (9-6)
Nevoile echipei: OT, CB, LB, TE, WR Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: OT Joe Noteboom, OT Alaric Jackson, WR Demarcus Robinson, LB Troy Reeder
Nevoile echipei: EDGE, CB , WR, OT, IOL, LB, S Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: LB Bobby Wagner, S Jeremy Chinn, TE Zach Ertz, CB Benjamin St-Juste, P Tress Way
Nevoile echipei: CB, WR, LB, S, RB Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: OG James Daniels, QB Russell Wilson, OT Dan Moore Jr., QB Justin Fields, RB Najee Harris, CB Donte Jackson, WR Mike Williams
26. Corbi (10-5)
Nevoile echipei: OT, IOL, WR, LB, EDGE Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: OT Ronnie Stanley, OT Patrick Mekari, WR Nelson Agholor, S Eddie Jackson, LB Malik Harrison, WR Diontae Johnson, CB Tre'Davious White
Nevoile echipei: IOL, CB, LB, DL, OT Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: RB AJ Dillon, C Josh Myers, OT Andre Dillard, LB Isaiah McDuffie, CB Eric Stokes
28. Vulturi (12-3)
Nevoile echipei: EDGE, IOL, LB, WR, TE Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: EDGE Josh Sweat, EDGE Brandon Graham, LB Devin White, OG Mekhi Becton, CB Isaiah Rodgers
29. Facturi (12-3)
Nevoile echipei: CB, S, LB, DL, WR, IOL Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: CB Rasul Douglas, WR Mack Hollins, S Damar Hamlin, DT Austin Johnson, WR Amari Cooper
Nevoile echipei: CB, IOL, S, RB, DL Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: QB Sam Darnold, RB Aaron Jones, OG Dalton Risner, CB Stephon Gilmore, CB Byron Murphy, OT Cam Robinson
31. Lei (13-2)
Nevoile echipei: EDGE, DL, CB, WR, IOL Agenti liberi proiectati pentru 2025: EDGE Marcus Davenport, OG Kevin Zeitler, DT Levi Onwuzurike, CB Emmanuel Moseley, CB Carlton Davis
32. Sefi (14-1)
Nevoile echipei: DL, CB, IOL, WR, LB Agenți liberi proiectați pentru 2025: S Justin Reid, WR Hollywood Brown, DT Tershawn Wharton, LB Nick Bolton, OG Trey Smith, DT Derrick Nnadi, EDGE Josh Uche, WR DeAndre Hopkins
The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Denver Broncos on “Thursday Night Football” to open Week 16. On Saturday, the Kansas City Chiefs bested the Houston Texans 27-19. Then, the Baltimore Ravens rolled over the AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers 34-17 to clinch a playoff spot.
The action continued on Sunday. Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor rushed for 218 yards and three touchdowns, and rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. performed well in his debut, leading the Atlanta Falcons past the New York Giants.
Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to all the action, answering lingering questions coming out of each game and detailing everything else you need to know for every team. Let’s get to it.
Will Bryce Young be the Panthers’ starting quarterback going into next season? One hundred percent. Panthers coach Dave Canales was impressed by how Young handled himself following a four-turnover game last week and said before Sunday’s game that Young was his guy for the rest of this season. The top pick of the 2023 draft came through with an impressive performance in beating the Cardinals (two touchdown passes and one rushing score) and proved time and again over the past two months that he can deliver at a high level.
Describe the game in two words: Building block. The Panthers had nothing to play for but pride, while the Cardinals needed a win Sunday to remain in playoff contention. Even with its porous run defense (the Cardinals had 206 yards rushing), the Panthers showed they can play with anybody. Over the past month, they came close to upending the Chiefs, Buccaneers and Eagles.
Early prediction for next week: Carolina will continue to play spoiler as they did Sunday and will beat Tampa Bay, a team the Panthers came within a lost fumble in overtime of beating in Week 13. The Bucs are battling with Atlanta for the NFC South title, but the Panthers are showing they won’t be a pushover down the stretch. — David Newton
Next game: at Buccaneers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Cardinals
What will the next two weeks look like for the Cardinals? Now that they’ve been eliminated from playoff contention, the Cardinals will head into the offseason after games at the Rams and at home versus the 49ers. Arizona has already been playing a number of younger players, but that number could increase as it tries to evaluate who it has for the future. Specifically, offensive linemen Christian Jones and Jon Gaines II could see more snaps in the last two games.
Eye-popping stat: Before he left the game with a knee injury, running back James Conner averaged 6.2 yards before contact per rush in the first half, according to ESPN Research. Entering Sunday, he was averaging 2.3 yards before contact per rush. He had 111 rushing yards in the first half, including 74 before contact.
Biggest hole in the game plan: Containing Bryce Young on the ground. The Panthers quarterback had 68 rushing yards Sunday, 57 of which came within a four-play span in a second-quarter drive. He ripped off a 34-yard run and then scored three plays later on a 23-yard run. — Josh Weinfuss
Next game: at Rams (Saturday, 8 p.m. ET)
Commanders
Does Sunday’s win lock up rookie of the year honors for quarterback Jayden Daniels? It should — by a large margin. It’s hard to imagine a rookie offensive player doing more than Daniels, who started off strong yet is doing more down the stretch. He now has 22 touchdown passes, including five to beat the Eagles and nine over the past three games. He also rushed for 82 of the Commanders’ 114 yards Sunday. Washington’s offense did not have a lot going for it with five turnovers, but Daniels bailed it out with big pass plays, including the 10-yard winning throw with six seconds left.
Describe the game in two words: Unlikely comeback. The Commanders had no business winning after turning the ball over five times, which led to 13 points for the Eagles. Yet, Daniels made all the difference. And the Commanders also contained running back Saquon Barkley to 27 yards on 16 carries in the second half.
Biggest hole in the game plan: The run game. Washington’s run game was all or nothing — and the all was its rookie quarterback. The Commanders’ line couldn’t move the Eagles’ front all afternoon. This has become a reoccurring issue, as their running backs rushed for only 34 yards against the Saints last week. — John Keim
Next game: vs. Falcons (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Eagles
What’s the significance of Jalen Hurts’ injury? Hurts exited the game in the first quarter because of a concussion. Time will tell if he clears protocol for next week. The No. 1 seed is a long shot after the Eagles lost and the Lions won Sunday. According to ESPN Analytics, the Eagles would have a 80% win probability versus the Cowboys and an 84% win probability in the regular-season finale against the Giants with Hurts playing. That drops to 66% against Dallas and 72% against New York with Kenny Pickett as the starter.
Eye-popping stat: Saquon Barkley rushed for 109 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the first quarter, highlighted by a 68-yard TD scamper down the left sideline late. He is the first player with 100-plus rushing yards and two-plus rushing touchdowns in an opening quarter since the Vikings’ Adrian Peterson in Week 14 of 2012. Peterson won MVP that season.
What we learned about the QB on Sunday: Pickett had a roller coaster of a day. He helped cap off a touchdown drive on the series Hurts was injured on a four-yard strike to A.J. Brown but then threw an interception that led to a Commanders score. Overall, it was a grind, with some misfires and streaks of low productivity mixed in with some positive plays. — Tim McManus
Next game: vs. Cowboys (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
play
0:19
Jalen Hurts leaves game after hitting head on the ground
Jalen Hurts picks up yards scrambling but the play ends with his head hitting the turf, leading to Hurts leaving the game.
Lions
Can running back Jahmyr Gibbs continue to carry the load with David Montgomery out? Certainly. Gibbs and Montgomery could be feature backs for nearly any team in the NFL. But even without Montgomery — who is sidelined with a MCL injury — in Chicago, Gibbs finished with 154 scrimmage yards. He rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown, while catching four receptions for 45 yards. Entering the game, he was prepared for a larger workload and his production showed it wasn’t too much for him to handle.
What we learned about the QB on Sunday: Lions quarterback Jared Goff wasn’t fazed by the loss to Buffalo or Detroit’s banged-up roster. Instead, he bounced back in spectacular fashion, finishing 23-of-32 with 336 passing yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions. He also set a career-high mark for passing touchdowns in a season (33) in the win.
Early prediction for next week: Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams will eclipse the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the first time in his NFL career. Williams, who had a career-best 143 receiving yards Sunday, is 110 yards away from the mark. In last year’s NFC title game against the 49ers, he delivered a rushing and receiving touchdown. — Eric Woodyard
Next game: at 49ers (Monday, Dec. 30, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Bears
How did Ben Johnson’s up-close audition land with the Bears? Sources confirmed to ESPN that Johnson, the Lions’ offensive coordinator, is expected to interview for the Bears’ head coaching vacancy. Detroit put up 400-plus yards of offense for a third time in four games and jumped out to an early 20-0 lead. Conversely, Johnson, who praised quarterback Caleb Williams for how the ball “whistles” when he throws it, got a good look at a strong performance from the rookie.
What we learned about the QB on Sunday: Williams is playing with confidence amid a lost season. He became the first rookie in franchise history to pass for 3,000 yards and threw the longest touchdown pass of his career, a 45-yarder to receiver Keenan Allen. Williams has completed at least 10 passes to receivers split out wide in three of his past four games after doing so only once in Weeks 1-12.
Most surprising performance: Allen crossed 100 receiving yards (141 total) for the first time this season after seeing double-digit targets (13) for the fifth time. The 32-year-old veteran scored the longest touchdown of his career and needs two more TD catches to set a single-season career high (nine). — Courtney Cronin
Next game: vs. Seahawks (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Colts
Should the Colts have leaned more on their running game? For starters, the Titans played some abysmal run defense in this game. But the Colts’ dominance on the ground was the closest thing they’ve shown to a true identity. Indianapolis stuck with the run even when the Titans knew it was coming. The Colts’ 335 rushing yards was their biggest output since the final week of the 2020 season. With running back Jonathan Taylor and a physical offensive line, this is the brand of football that best suits this team.
Describe the game in two words: Unnecessarily difficult. The Colts allowed the Titans to score 23 unanswered points in the second half after taking a 38-7 lead. It didn’t need to be that hard. A clutch third-down conversion with under two minutes remaining iced the game, as quarterback Anthony Richardson connected with wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to move the chains.
Eye-popping stat: Taylor became the third player with 200-plus rushing yards and three touchdowns in a game over the past decade. His 218 rushing yards were the second-most of his career, behind 253 yards against the Jaguars in 2020. — Stephen Holder
Next game: at Giants (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
play
0:16
Jonathan Taylor scores his 3rd TD of the game
Jonathan Taylor finds the end zone for the third time vs. the Titans, increasing the Colts’ lead.
Titans
Is the late comeback attempt proof the Titans haven’t quit on first-year coach Brian Callahan? The Titans scored on their second drive but got outscored 38-0 until Tyjae Spears’ touchdown run with 3:02 left in the third quarter. Rather than lay down, Callahan’s team fought back to within one score. The overall performance is unacceptable. But the way the Titans kept pushing forward shows they haven’t quit on Callahan. Next week’s matchup with the Jaguars is the best chance the Titans have to add to their three-win total.
What we learned about the QB on Sunday: Although he has played five more seasons than Will Levis, Mason Rudolph is susceptible to the same mistakes. He threw an interception late in the second quarter that led to the Colts’ third touchdown of the period. The offense was more on schedule, but it’s clear whoever is under center can’t overcome all the reasons the Titans haven’t been winning.
Eye-popping stat: Entering this week, the Titans’ run defense was 12th in the NFL, allowing 115.2 rushing yards per game. The Colts finished with 335 yards on the ground, which was the second-most allowed by a Titans/Oilers defense in franchise history. The Dallas Texans set the record with 398 rushing yards against the Houston Oilers on Oct. 1, 1965. — Turron Davenport
Next game: at Jaguars (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Falcons
How did Michael Penix Jr. do in his first career start? It was only the second time a Falcons quarterback has led his team to a double-digit win in his first NFL start (Matt Ryan, 2008). Ryan, of course, went on to be perhaps the greatest player in franchise history. It’s too soon for any superlatives about Penix. He finished 18-of-27 for 202 yards and an interception that should have been caught by tight end Kyle Pitts. The defense and running back Bijan Robinson were the stars Sunday, but the quarterback’s arm talent, poise and processing were encouraging. It was against the 2-13 Giants, yet Atlanta’s offense looked much better than it had the past five games with Kirk Cousins.
Eye-popping stat: The Falcons had pick-sixes by safety Jessie Bates III and edge rusher Matthew Judon. It was the first time the team has had two pick-sixes in one game since 1983. Bates now has four interceptions on the season, and Judon scored his first career touchdown.
Describe the game in two words: Confidence builder. Things could not have gone better for the Falcons, who were 1-4 in their past five games and had benched their starting quarterback much sooner than they expected. Their 34-7 lead in the fourth quarter was their biggest since 2020. The defense also dominated for a second straight game. — Marc Raimondi
Next game: at Commanders (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Giants
Are the Giants going to win another game this season? The Giants have lost their past two games by a combined 48 points against the Falcons and Ravens. They will be heavy underdogs at home against the Colts and on the road against the Eagles. There is nothing to suggest their season won’t end with 12 straight losses. It might not be the worst thing given the situation. They came into Sunday with a 37% chance for the first overall pick, according to ESPN Analytics. Losing out will only help those odds.
Describe the game in two words: Record futility. That makes it a franchise-record 10th straight loss for the Giants. Their last victory was on Oct. 6 in Seattle. They haven’t even been competitive in a good chunk of games. They have lost three of their past five games by more than 20 points, which is contrary to general manager Joe Schoen’s bye week claim they were close to winning games.
Eye-popping stat: After throwing two pick-sixes against the Falcons, quarterback Drew Lock has now thrown three pick-sixes in three starts. That is the second-most pick sixes this season despite his limited playing time in the Giants’ offense. Only Tennessee’s Will Levis (four) has tossed more. — Jordan Raanan
Next game: vs. Colts (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Rams
What does this win mean for the Rams’ playoff chances? With their victory over the Jets, the Rams still control their playoff destiny, with home games against the Cardinals and Seahawks to end the regular season. The Rams have made the playoffs in five of their seven seasons under coach Sean McVay.
Describe the game in two words: December football. Just like they did in a rainy game vs. the 49ers in Week 15, the Rams leaned on their running game in 23-degree weather. Kyren Williams led the way with 122 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries. It was his 13th rushing score this season, the most by a Rams player since Todd Gurley scored 17 in 2018, per ESPN Research.
Most surprising performance: Sunday saw the season debut for tight end Tyler Higbee, who tore the ACL and MCL in his right knee in last season’s wild-card loss to the Lions. He had only one catch for 11 yards, but it was a touchdown reception that gave the Rams a lead they never gave up in the fourth quarter. It was his first touchdown in 392 days, according to ESPN Research. — Sarah Barshop
Next game: vs. Cardinals (Saturday, 8 p.m. ET)
play
0:18
Kyren Williams barrels into end zone for Rams
Kyren Williams runs in a short touchdown to get the Rams on the board vs. the Jets.
How does an offense with so much talent continue to underachieve? The Jets opened with a 99-yard touchdown drive. They didn’t punt once and still managed only nine points — yet another reminder that the Aaron Rodgers-led offense has been a major bust. Rodgers missed some open receivers and lost a fumble deep in Jets territory, every lineman committed at least one penalty, the red zone efficiency was terrible (1-for-3) and receiver Allen Lazard dropped two passes. The end result was their sixth loss despite holding a fourth-quarter lead (a league high).
Biggest hole in the game plan: Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich made two questionable decisions on fourth down. The most egregious was going for it on fourth-and-1 from his own 33 in the second quarter when up 6-0. They failed, giving the Rams a short field for an eventual game-tying touchdown (missed PAT). Later, Ulbrich passed up a short field goal on their first drive of the second half and they failed on fourth-and-4.
Describe the game in two words: Where’s Garrett? Garrett Wilson, already unhappy with the state of the offense, was targeted only three times over the first 55 minutes. Interestingly, he has been a nonfactor for the past six quarters, dating back to his sideline outburst last week in Jacksonville. Davante Adams continued to get the bulk of the targets. Wilson finished with six catches for 54 yards. — Rich Cimini
Next game: at Bills (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Bengals
Are the Bengals back in playoff contention? Somehow, yes. After being four games under .500 a few weeks ago, they have their playoff chances still flickering ahead of Week 17. The Bengals have won three straight games. And in their past two victories, they have looked convincingly good against bad teams, something that was an issue for most the season. This win sets up a big home showdown next Saturday.
Early prediction for next week: The Bengals will struggle with Denver’s pass rush if they can’t get healthy. Cincinnati right tackle Amarius Mims left the game with an ankle injury and Orlando Brown Jr. remains out with a fibula injury. The Broncos are fifth in pass rush win rate (45%) and third in sacks per dropback (8.2%). That could be a handful if Mims and Brown aren’t ready.
Most surprising performance: Cincinnati’s young defensive linemen had a big impact. The got sacks from rookie defensive tackles Kris Jenkins Jr. (2) and McKinnley Jackson (1). Cedric Johnson, who has been a healthy scratch often throughout the year, forced an intentional grounding late in the game too. It’s a great sign for a group that has relied on Trey Hendrickson all season. — Ben Baby
Next game: vs. Broncos (Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET)
Browns
What else is there for the Browns to accomplish with two games left? The Browns’ 12th loss of the season was filled with more mistakes — three turnovers — and an offense, now led by quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, that couldn’t sustain drives. Cleveland wraps up the season with games against the Dolphins and Ravens before an offseason that will be filled with tough decisions. The team has been increasingly using its younger players, especially on the defensive line, and that could continue in the final two weeks.
What we learned about the QB on Sunday: Thompson-Robinson isn’t ready to be considered for the Browns’ 2025 starting position. He made his fourth career start but looked like he has for much of his young career: Talented but careless with the ball. He was intercepted twice, including once in the end zone, which brings his career total to nine with just one passing touchdown.
Early prediction for next week: The Browns will hold Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a season-low in passing yards. Cleveland runs Cover 1 at the highest rate in the NFL, and Tagovailoa has struggled against the coverage. He averages 5.4 yards per attempt, which is the second-lowest mark among qualifying passers. — Daniel Oyefusi
Next game: vs. Dolphins (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Ravens
Are the Ravens now the favorites to win the AFC North? Not exactly. It’s true that Baltimore and Pittsburgh are both tied atop the division with 10-5 records. But the Ravens have a 45% chance to win the AFC North, according to ESPN Analytics. If Baltimore and Pittsburgh both win out, the Ravens lose the top spot because their record in common games is worse than the Steelers’. So, the Ravens likely need to win out — at Houston and home against Cleveland — and the Steelers need to lose at least one more time. Pittsburgh’s last two games are at home against the Chiefs and the Bengals. But this was a huge victory and confidence boost for the Ravens — who had lost eight of the previous nine games against the Steelers.
Describe the game in two words: Role reversal. Unlike the previous meetings with the Steelers, it was the Ravens who capitalized on Pittsburgh’s mistakes. Baltimore produced two takeaways — a forced fumble on Russell Wilson inside the Baltimore 5-yard line and a Marlon Humphrey 37-yard interception return for a touchdown. This was the first defensive score of the season for the Ravens. It was a much different story from the previous nine meetings, when Baltimore turned the ball over 19 times.
Most surprising performance: Running back Derrick Henry. He ran for 162 yards, recording his first career 100-yard game against the Steelers and redeeming himself from his 65-yard performance last month in Pittsburgh. It had been a tough stretch for Henry, who had been held under 70 yards rushing in three of his previous five games. Now, Henry is in an elite group with his fourth 1,500-yard rushing season, which trails only Barry Sanders (who had five). — Jamison Hensley
Next game: at Texans (Wednesday, 4:30 p.m. ET)
play
0:23
Marlon Humphrey snags pick-six, taunts Calvin Austin en route to the house
Marlon Humphrey comes up with a big play to snag Russell Wilson’s pass and take it to the end zone to pad the Ravens’ lead vs. the Steelers.
Steelers
Can the Steelers still win the AFC North? After dropping Saturday’s game to the Ravens, the Steelers have to win out to clinch their division and a home playoff game. With games against the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals to finish out the season, that’s not an easy task. While there’s no simple fix to the recent ails of a Steelers team that can’t get off the field on defense or move the ball on offense, the return of S DeShon Elliott and WR George Pickens would go a long way to finishing the season strong.
What we learned about the QB on Saturday: Wilson had two touchdown passes, but he also directly contributed to 14 of the Ravens’ points. Not only did he fumble the ball 4 yards short of the end zone in the first half, but in the fourth quarter, his pass thrown behind tight end MyCole Pruitt was picked off and returned for a touchdown by Humphrey. The pick-six gave the Ravens a 31-17 lead with 13 minutes to go and all but shut the door on a Steelers comeback. Wilson completed 22 of 33 attempts for 217 yards, but the turnovers were his most costly of the season.
Biggest hole in the game plan: What happened to Pat Freiermuth? The Steelers tight end came into Saturday’s game with a touchdown in three straight games, but he was a nonfactor against the Ravens. Freiermuth finished with three catches on three targets for 16 yards. — Brooke Pryor
Next game: vs. Chiefs (Wednesday, 1 p.m. ET)
Chiefs
Is Xavier Worthy the Chiefs’ most valuable receiver? Who else could it be at this point? The Chiefs went to Worthy 11 times as a receiver and three times as a ball carrier. He delivered 7 catches, 65 yards and 1 touchdown as a receiver and 10 rushing yards. The Chiefs had some timely contributions from other receivers, most notably Hollywood Brown and DeAndre Hopkins. But Worthy was their go-to receiver.
What we learned about the QB on Saturday: Patrick Mahomes can be effective with his high ankle sprain. He didn’t have his best game but was good enough for the Chiefs to win. He scored the Chiefs’ first touchdown on a 15-yard scramble and also had a 12-yard scramble on the drive.
Most surprising performance: Brown had a promising game for a player who hasn’t been in a game since suffering a sternoclavicular injury during the preseason. Brown didn’t play a lot but caught five passes for 45 yards. One catch came on fourth down, another on third down. Both plays delivered the Chiefs a fresh set of downs. — Adam Teicher
Next game: at Steelers (Wednesday, 1 p.m. ET)
Texans
How will the Texans overcome injuries? The Texans lost three starters in right guard Shaq Mason, wideout Tank Dell and safety Jimmie Ward. All appear to be long-term injuries, as Ward and Dell had to be carted off the field. Losing Dell is a bigger loss, as he’s another weapon gone for quarterback C.J. Stroud. Wideout Stefon Diggs already suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 8 and now Dell is most likely going to be out.
What we learned about the QB on Saturday: Stroud can and will have to be efficient with Dell out. The only difference-maker he has now is Nico Collins. So whenever teams take him away, Stroud will have to take underneath throws, which he did against the Chiefs, going 10-for-15 for 102 yards.
Biggest hole in the game plan: In four out of the past six games, running back Joe Mixon has under 60 rushing yards. His low production is a result of the shuffling on the offensive line. The Texans are 5-2 when Mixon rushes for over 100 yards but are 2-3 when he rushes for under 60. — DJ Bien-Aime
Next game: vs. Ravens (Wednesday, 4:30 p.m. ET)
Chargers
Are the Chargers’ defensive issues fixable? After being one of the NFL’s best defenses for much of the season, the Chargers’ defense has fallen off in recent weeks. That continued in the first half Thursday night, as the Broncos scored on their first three possessions, the first time a team has done that to L.A. this season. The Chargers’ biggest issue has been on third down. Through the first 11 weeks, they allowed 32.3% of third down conversions (second in NFL), but from Weeks 12-15, they allowed 47.5% (27th). They adjusted against Denver, allowing six points in the second half and holding the Broncos to 5-of-13 on third down, a sign that their issues could be behind them.
Describe the game in two words: Opportunistic Chargers. The Chargers took advantage of the Broncos’ penalties; Denver racked up seven penalties for 61 yards, while the Chargers had only two for eight yards. A fair catch interference penalty at the end of the first half, which led to kicker Cameron Dicker making the first fair catch free kick in 48 years, turned the game around for the Chargers. They outscored the Broncos 21-6 from that moment to win the game.
Early prediction for next week: The Chargers’ defense will get its first shutout. The Chargers seemed to find a spark defensively in that second half against Denver and will face a New England Patriots team next Saturday that is 31st in the NFL in points per game (17). This could be the perfect storm for a defense that has had near-shutouts twice this season and a jolt of momentum ahead of the playoffs. — Kris Rhim
Next game: at Patriots (Saturday, 1 p.m. ET)
Broncos
How big of a missed opportunity was Thursday’s loss? It’s more a blow to the Broncos’ psyche than their actual playoff chances, but the loss to the Chargers showed some immaturity in the big moment. The Broncos dropped from the No. 6 seed to the No. 7 (and final) seed with the loss, but they still have a 2.5-game lead on the Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins for that postseason spot. The real concern is with how the Broncos lost — a flurry of untimely penalties and an offense that went tepid after scoring touchdowns on its first three possessions. Denver scored 21 points in the first 24 minutes of the game, then six in the remaining 36. The Broncos were ready to end their eight-year playoff drought, which makes the loss, according to coach Sean Payton, “disappointing because there was a lot at stake.”
Describe the game in two words: Didn’t listen. Payton has written it on his call sheet: “Run It!” And despite the Broncos’ early success on the ground — they ran the ball on seven of 10 plays to score a touchdown on their opening possession, then ran it just 14 times the remainder of the game. Payton continues to struggle to find a rhythm in how he calls the run game even as he continues to say how important it will be for the Broncos. But he’s not following through on his words.
Biggest hole in the game plan: Chargers rookie Ladd McConkey came into the game leading their offense in receptions and receiving yards by a substantial margin. But the Broncos chose not to match Pro Bowl cornerback Pat Surtain II on him and struggled to contain the damage. McConkey repeatedly moved the sticks, catching six passes for 87 yards. “We dropped coverage five different times … you can’t have one of their top receivers not covered,” Payton said. — Jeff Legwold
Imaginea playoff-ului AFC începe să devină mai clară, deoarece terenul este aproape de a fi pregătit. Los Angeles Chargers i-au luat pe Denver Broncos, blocând un loc în playoff, în timp ce au afectat șansele celorlalte echipe AFC care sunt matematic la vânătoare.
Baltimore Ravens sunt la egalitate cu Pittsburgh Steelers pentru conducerea AFC Nord după victoria lor de sâmbătă, dar Pittsburgh încă deține departajarea în virtutea faptului că are un record de conferință mai bun. Între timp, Kansas City Chiefs sunt la o victorie departe de a-și bloca avantajul pe teren propriu (sau o pierdere a lui Buffalo Bills duminică).
Jocurile NFC încep în această duminică în Săptămâna 16, cu o cursă interesantă pentru avantajul pe teren propriu.
Mai jos este o defalcare a clasamentului conferinței cu câteva meciuri din Săptămâna 16 încheiate:
Poza playoff-ului AFC
1
y – Şefii
14
1
0
.933
2
y – Facturi
11
3
0
.786
3
x – Steelers
10
5
0
.667
4
y – texani
9
6
0
.600
5
x- Corbii
10
5
0
.643
6
Încărcătoare
9
6
0
.600
7
Broncos
9
6
0
.600
8
Colts
6
8
0
.429
9
Delfinii
6
8
0
.429
10
Bengali
6
8
0
.429
11
e – Jeturi
4
10
0
.286
12
e – Maronii
3
11
0
.214
13
e – Jaguarii
3
11
0
.214
14
e – Titani
3
11
0
.214
15
e – Patrioți
3
11
0
.214
16
e – Raiders
2
12
0
.142
y — diviziune strânsă x — a câștigat locul în playoff e — eliminat din playoff
1. Kansas City Chiefs (14-1)
Chiefs sunt în sus cu două jocuri peste Bills pentru capul de serie nr. 1 în AFC. O pierdere a Bills în săptămâna 16 sau o victorie a Chiefs de Crăciun ar oferi Kansas City-ului un avantaj pe terenul de acasă în conferință.
Program rămas: la Steelers, la Broncos
2. Buffalo Bills (11-3)
Buffalo este în urmă cu două meciuri pe Kansas City pentru avantajul terenului de acasă, dar are departajarea cap-la-față. Facturile au unul dintre cele mai ușoare programe în restul drumului.
Program rămas: vs. Patriots, vs. Jets, la Patriots
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5)
Steelers din playoff sunt la egalitate cu Ravens din AFC North, chiar și după ce au pierdut sâmbătă cu Baltimore. Pittsburgh are departajarea record al conferinței (7-3) față de Baltimore (6-4), care le oferă Steelers un avantaj în divizie.
Program rămas: la Ravens, vs Chiefs, vs Bengals
4. Houston Texans (9-6)
Texanii au câștigat deja AFC South. Ei vor fi cel puțin capul de serie nr. 4 în AFC și vor avea un joc acasă în runda wild-card a playoff-ului, dar îi urmează pe Steelers cu un joc pentru capul de serie nr.
Program rămas: vs. Ravens, la Titans
5. Baltimore Ravens (10-5)
Ravens au câștigat un loc în playoff cu victoria lor asupra Steelers sâmbătă și acum sunt la egalitate pentru liderul AFC Nord. Pittsburgh are departajarea record al conferinței față de Baltimore.
Program rămas: la Texans, vs. Browns
6. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6)
Chargers se transformă în capul de serie nr. 6 în AFC după victoria lor asupra Broncos, ținând departajarea cap-la-față după ce au măturat Denver.
Program rămas: la Patriots, la Raiders
7. Denver Broncos (9-6)
Broncos sunt la o victorie de a câștiga un loc în playoff, chiar și cu pierderea de joi în fața Chargers.
Program rămas: la Bengals, vs. Chiefs
8. Indianapolis Colts (6-8)
Colts sunt la 2,5 jocuri din locul final al wild-card-ului din AFC, dar sunt eliminați din playoff cu o pierdere. Colts au meciul de departajare față la față față de Dolphins pentru capul de serie nr. 8, în virtutea victoriei lor în Săptămâna 7 și dețin departajarea față de Bengals pe baza unui record de conferință mai bun (5-5) decât Cincinnati (3-). 6).
Program rămas: vs. Titans, la Giants, vs. Jaguars
9. Miami Dolphins (6-8)
Speranțele lui Dolphins în playoff-ul AFC sunt încă vii, dar Miami va fi eliminat cu o înfrângere. Miami este cu două jocuri în spatele lui Denver pentru locul final în playoff și deține recordul de departajare al conferinței (5-5) în fața Cincinnati (3-6).
Program rămas: vs. 49ers, la Browns, la Jets
10. Cincinnati Bengals (6-8)
Bengalii rămân capul de serie numărul 10 în AFC, având nevoie de ajutor semnificativ pentru a câștiga un loc în playoff. Cincinnati trebuie să sară mai multe echipe și să câștige pentru a avea o șansă în playoff, deoarece Bengalii sunt cu două jocuri în spate de Broncos și îi joacă în Săptămâna 17. Nu pot pierde un alt joc.
Program rămas: vs. Browns, vs. Broncos, la Steelers
Eliminat din competiția play-off
Șase echipe sunt eliminate din cursa playoff-ului din AFC: Raiders, Patriots, Titans, Jets, Jaguars și Browns.
Imagine de playoff NFC
x — a câștigat locul în playoff e — eliminat din playoff
1. Detroit Lions (12-2)
Lions rămân capul de serie numărul 1 în conferință datorită unui record de conferință mai bun (8-1) decât Eagles (7-2). Ei sunt, de asemenea, la egalitate pentru liderul NFC Nord cu Vikingii, dar dețin departajarea cap-la-față. Detroit va rămâne cap de serie numărul 1 atât în fața Philadelphia, cât și în Minnesota.
Program rămas: la Bears, la 49ers, vs. Vikings
2. Philadelphia Eagles (12-2)
Eagles rămân în căutarea avantajului pe terenul de acasă, dar Detroit are încă recordul de departajare al conferinței. Philadelphia poate câștiga duminică NFC Est și capul de serie nr. 2 cu o victorie.
Program rămas: la Comandanti, vs. Cowboys, vs. Giants
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6)
Buccaneers conduc NFC South. Tampa Bay (6-3) deține departajarea record al conferinței față de Los Angeles (5-5) pentru capul de serie nr. Atlanta a măturat Tampa Bay în acest sezon, dar Buccaneers conduce NFC South cu un meci.
Program rămas: la Cowboys, vs. Panthers, vs Saints
4. Los Angeles Rams (8-6)
Rams conduc NFC West. Los Angeles deține meciul de departajare față la față față de Seattle, așa cum Rams au câștigat conducerea diviziei.
Program rămas: la Jets, vs. Cardinals, vs. Seahawks
5. Minnesota Vikings (12-2)
Minnesota rămâne cea mai bună echipă wild-card din conferință și acum este la egalitate cu Detroit pentru primul loc în NFC North. Detroit are încă liderul în divizie prin departajarea head-to-head.
Program rămas: la Seahawks, vs. Packers, la Lions
6. Green Bay Packers (10-4)
Packers sunt semința nr. 6 în NFC. Ei pot câștiga un loc în playoff cu o victorie în fața Saints Monday.
Program rămas: împotriva Sfinților, la Vikingi, împotriva Urșilor
7. Comandanti de la Washington (9-5)
Comandanții îi conduc pe Seahawks cu un joc pentru locul final în playoff din conferință. Aceștia obțin un loc în playoff cu o victorie și o înfrângere sau egalitate pentru Falcons sau dacă Rams sau Seahawks pierd sau egalează.
Program rămas: vs Eagles, vs Falcons, la Cowboys
8. Seattle Seahawks (8-6)
Seahawks rămân cu un singur joc în spatele Comandanților pentru locul final pentru wild-card. Ei sunt la egalitate pentru liderul NFC West, dar Rams dețin departajarea cap-la-față.
Program rămas: împotriva Vikingilor, la Bears, la Rams
9. Atlanta Falcons (7-7)
Soimii îi urmează pe Buccaneers cu un joc pentru liderul NFC South. Atlanta are departajarea record al conferinței (6-3) față de Arizona (3-6) pentru capul de serie nr. 9.
Program rămas: vs. Giants, la Commanders, vs. Panthers
10. Arizona Cardinals (7-7)
Cardinalii rămân în NFC West și vânătoarea de wild-card. Arizona este cu două jocuri în spatele lui Washington pentru locul final în wild-card.
Program rămas: la Panthers, la Rams, vs. 49ers
11. San Francisco 49ers (6-8)
Speranțele slabe ale celor de la 49ers la playoff sunt încă vii. Sunt la trei meciuri de locul final în playoff, așa că șansele lor de wild-card sunt aproape inexistente. Ei sunt cu două jocuri în spatele lui Rams și Seahawks în NFC West.
Program rămas: la Delfini, vs. Lei, la Cardinals
12. Dallas Cowboys (6-8)
Cowboys sunt încă în vânătoarea de playoff. Încă o înfrângere de la Dallas — sau o victorie de la Washington în fața Philadelphia — îi va elimina pe Cowboys din competiția play-off.
Program rămas: vs. Buccaneers, la Eagles, vs. Commanders
13. Sfinții din New Orleans (5-9)
Saints sunt la trei jocuri din liderul NFC South cu trei jocuri de jucat. Vor fi eliminați din playoff cu o altă înfrângere (sau o victorie a Buccaneers).
Program rămas: la Packers, vs Raiders, la Buccaneers
Eliminat din competiția play-off
Bears și Panthers s-au alăturat Giants ca echipe eliminate oficial din playoff cu înfrângeri în săptămâna 15.
