By Lucas Camacho
Happy holidays to everyone. There’s only one thing that can make the holidays even better. Yep, you guessed it…football! Many teams have now been eliminated from playoff contention as we get into the final stretch of the season. A lot of teams who had very slim hopes of the playoffs saw them easily dashed this week, including a surprising end for one team that once led their division. Let’s have a look at the games.
BRONCOS 27 – CHARGERS 34
I’m going to be honest; I didn’t give the Chargers much of a chance when they went down 21-10. Then, one free kick and a big second half later, the Chargers beat the Broncos to strengthen their hold on one of the last playoff spots. Justin Herbert, after a couple of rough starts, rebounded for 284 passing yards and two touchdowns (while throwing an interception). Just to be clear, the Chargers and Broncos are both still in control of their playoff destinies with only the Colts, Dolphins, and Bengals to challenge them. Both teams are on the verge of clinching the final two spots, but there is a problem they both need to address: their defense. The defense was always one of the greatest strengths of both the Chargers and Broncos. The Chargers’ defense obviously let them down in the first half and the Broncos’ defense blew the lead in the second half. This is something that needs to be fixed or both teams will be facing the prospect of an early exit from the playoffs. (Side note: congrats to the Chargers for pulling off the first successful fair catch kick in the NFL in 48 years.)
RAMS 19 – JETS 9
Like their Los Angeles counterpart, the Rams took total control over their playoff destiny with a win over the spiraling Jets. This was quite the game for Rams Running Back Kyren Williams, who rushed for 122 yards and a touchdown. The NFC West is now in the Rams’ control, as they have fully bounced back from their 1-4 start. A victory next week with a Seahawks loss will mean the Rams win the division. As for the Jets, this is embarrassing at this point. They opened with a 99-yard drive for a touchdown, they didn’t punt, and yet they managed to score…9 points (I hate to do this to New York fans, but the Dodgers’ big three of Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman could outscore the Jets). Let’s get real: this year has been a bust for the Jets. Aaron Rodgers is not getting any younger, and clearly this offense is a disaster area too much for even FEMA to handle. You can say they have all the talent in the world, but clearly, they actually don’t have enough talent to win games on talent alone.
TEXANS 19 – CHIEFS 27
They may be in the middle of the heartland of America, but the Chiefs seem to have the luck of the Irish this year (my apologies to any and all Notre Dame fans). Clearly the high ankle sprain was bothering Patrick Mahomes, and it wasn’t one of his better games, but it was good enough for 260 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. One of the reasons the Chiefs keep winning is rookie phenom Xavier Worthy. With his vaunted speed that shattered records at the NFL Combine, the Chiefs were wise to trade up to get him in the first round (or else risk letting him drop into the second round and potentially to the Chargers). Worthy had 7 catches for the day for 65 yards and a touchdown. It’s a shame that this rookie class is filled to the brim with talent, otherwise Worthy could be a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. As for the Texans, the injuries are mounting. The Texans have lost another weapon in Tank Dell, and the offense is looking thin for the reigning Rookie of the Year, CJ Stroud. With their spot in the playoffs secure, expect the Texans to rest their remaining players to avoid any more injuries. They’ve also brought in reinforcements as they claimed wide receiver Diontae Johnson from waivers.
STEELERS 17 – RAVENS 34
The race for the AFC North took another interesting turn as the Ravens took down the Steelers to tie things up again. Lamar Jackson continued his campaign to keep his MVP title, throwing for 207 yards and 3 touchdowns (and an interception). Despite the result, the Ravens aren’t in first place yet. The tiebreaker concerning conference record still blows the Steelers’ way. The Ravens will need to win out and hope the Steelers lose one. There’s good news and bad news for Steelers and Ravens fans. The Steelers will play the Bengals to close out the season, and the Bengals have been surging in recent weeks (thanks to Bart and Lisa Simpson). But before that, the Steelers face off against the Chiefs on Christmas day. The Ravens have an easier schedule against a banged-up Texans team and then a home game against the Browns. However, the Browns already upset the Ravens earlier this season…and they are more than happy to give them another one.
GIANTS 7 – FALCONS 34
The last few games have been rough for the Falcons. So much so that they benched Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. It seemed like a gamble, but with the division title on the line…the Falcons had little left to lose. For this week, it worked out as the Falcons trounced the Giants. Penix didn’t have the best of games as he threw an interception, but he still had 202 yards passing. What Penix did have going for him was that the Falcons’ defense stepped up big time to help their rookie quarterback. Safety Jessie Bates III and edge rusher Matthew Judon both had pick sixes, the first time the Falcons managed a two in one game since 1983. The Falcons are back in control of the NFC South as they hold the tiebreaker over the Buccaneers (fortunately they’ve done very well against teams in their own division…or they would be in a bad way…). They’ll need to keep up the momentum as the race for the division title will most likely come down to the wire. As for the Giants, they sure are looking good for the number one pick. Their only hope of another win this season will be against the Colts next week, as they end the season against the Eagles. However, the Colts need next week in order to keep their meager playoff hopes alive…and that makes them more desperate and determined. That doesn’t bode well for the Giants for next week as their mediocre season comes to a slow and painful end that might yield the top draft pick in next year’s draft (whether or not that number one pick is Cam Ward from Miami or Shedeur Sanders from Colorado seems to be the debate)
EAGLES 33 – COMMANDERS 36
This game had huge ramifications for the playoff race. The Commanders pulled off an improbable win that not only shook up the race for playoff seedings, but it also officially eliminated a handful of teams that had very little hope to begin going into the week. Rookie Jayden Daniels was picked off twice, but he still threw for 258 yards and 5 touchdowns in a performance that should seal the deal for his bid for Rookie of the Year. This is truly a remarkable draft class that came out of the 2024 NFL Draft, so to be crowned the best offensive rookie among all of them is a true testament to how good Jayden Daniels is and how high his ceiling might be. Over to the Eagles, disaster time. Quarterback Jalen Hurts went down early in the game and the Eagles’ chances at the number one seed may have ended. Now they’ll have to hope the Lions lose, preferably next week, for them to have any kind of shot. Saquon Barkley is capable of carrying the Eagles, but it would have been nice to have the number one seed and the bye that comes with it.
LIONS 34 – BEARS 17
Speaking of the Lions, they managed to bounce back after last week’s disappointing loss to the Bills. The Bears, already eliminated from playoff contention, was clearly overmatched by the Lions in spite of the injuries the Lions have suffered (David Montgomery being the latest casualty). Still, it was quite the duel between Jared Goff and Caleb Williams. Goff barely won the faceoff throwing for 336 yards and 3 touchdowns against Williams’ 334 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Lions’ chances of securing the number one seed is now soaring. If they can win next week, all that’s left standing between them and a bye in the first round of the playoffs is their hated divisional rival: the Vikings led by top receiver Justin Jefferson. As for the Bears, the search is on for a coach that can help Caleb Williams consistently put up numbers like the ones he had in this game. Surprisingly, one name that has come up in the Bears’ search was on the other sidelines in this game: Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Ironically, Johnson had nothing but praise for Williams’ performance in the game. If he could turn around the career of Jared Goff…maybe he can do the same for Williams.
BROWNS 6 – BENGALS 24
It may be too little too late for the Bengals, but they’re still playing like they still have a shot at the playoffs as they steamrolled the rival Browns. Joe Burrow has been quietly putting together a solid MVP caliber campaign, and Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are one of the best wide receiver pairs in the league, but I want to highlight the stellar play of the young running back Chase Brown. He was held out of the endzone in this game, but he still put up great numbers rushing for 91 yards while catching 3 passes for 18 yards. After being four games under .500 just several weeks ago, the Bengals have gone on a tear, bringing their playoff chances from none to slim. They’ll still have to overtake either the Broncos or the Chargers, as well as outsprint the Colts and Dolphins to the finish line. It’s a possibility, not a very likely one…but it’s still a possibility. As for the Browns, there isn’t much for the Browns to accomplish in their last two games. Obviously, they’d love to play spoilers and beat the Dolphins next week to end their playoff hopes, but that doesn’t seem to be a possibility with this very shaky offense. All the mistakes and injuries have crippled this team, who have a long offseason ahead of them.
TITANS 30 – COLTS 38
I’m just gonna start by saying this in response to the amazing performance from Colts running back Jonathan Taylor: HOLY MOLE HOLES! Taylor lit up the Titans in a big way as the Colts once again survived to fight another day for one of the last playoff spots. I’m still not sure where it came from, but Taylor rushed for 218 yards and 3 touchdowns (and NO that is NOT a misprint!). It seems the run game suits the Colts just perfectly (that may not sit well with some fantasy football managers, but that’s the reality). Nevertheless, the Colts’ chances are still not great, but they’re the best situated of the remaining outside teams looking in. As for the Titans, it’s encouraging to see them make that late comeback attempt. They’ve been out of playoff contention for a while and had nothing to play for, but the way this team came together and nearly pulled off the comeback and the upset may have saved head coach Brian Callahan’s job.
CARDINALS 30 – PANTHERS 36 (OT)
This was an epic upset as the Panthers came through in overtime to end the Cardinals’ playoff hopes. Running back Chuba Hubbard was the hero for the Panthers, rushing for 152 yards and 2 touchdowns, including the winning touchdown. So, does this mean that Bryce Young won back his starting quarterback job for next year? It’s more like they’re stuck with him next year. They’re the ones that made the big trade for the pick that landed them Young in the first place. They made their bed…now they must lie in it. Young has shown some improvement, but he hasn’t convinced me that he’s the prospect that was hyped up during the 2023 NFL Draft. Because if he could truly deliver in any situation…the Panthers wouldn’t have been eliminated so soon from playoff contention. As for the Cardinals, how the mighty have fallen. A month ago, the Cardinals were on top of the NFC West with the 49ers having a surprisingly horrible season. But now, they’ve been eliminated from playoff contention. They were 6-4 going into their bye, and now they’ve dropped four of their last five games (including twice against the Seahawks). Coach Jonathan Gannon took the blame for the Cardinals’ sudden nosedive in the final stretch of the season. There are a lot of questions that need to be answered for the Cardinals this offseason. But for now, they can only watch as the Rams and Seahawks battle it out for the NFC West title that so many “experts” thought the Cardinals had in the bag.
VIKINGS 27 – SEAHAWKS 24
Speaking of the Seahawks, they dropped a crucial game against the Vikings by making a huge mistake: failing to cover top receiver Justin Jefferson in the final stretch of the game. Jefferson reminded the league why he’s the best receiver in the game with a magnificent performance, catching 10 of 13 targets for 144 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Vikings are still hot on the Lions’ heels for not just the division, but also the number one seed. Both of those races may end up being decided in the season finale as the Vikings and Lions face off in an anticipated rematch (but this time, the Lions’ banged up defense may not be up to the task of keeping Justin Jefferson contained). As for the Seahawks, their playoff hopes are now on life support with their destiny no longer in their own hands. They’ll need the Cardinals to shake off their overtime loss to the Panthers and beat the Rams next week before they take their own shot at the Rams in the season finale. Only then can the Seahawks clinch the division…and one of the final playoff spots.
PATRIOTS 21 – BILLS 24
This was definitely a down game for the same Bills team that put up big numbers against the Lions in the possible Super Bowl preview last week. Nevertheless, the Bills managed to avoid the upset against their division rivals, the Patriots. Josh Allen has been putting up MVP numbers throughout the season, so this week’s performance, throwing for 154 yards with both a touchdown and an interception, was a head-scratcher. Look, everyone is gonna have a bad game, but this should give the Bills some concerns. They’re still by far the best team in the AFC, but there’s some issues that should be addressed before the playoffs begin. As for the Patriots, I’m still not sold on Drake Maye. He’s thrown 14 touchdown passes this season, but he’s also thrown 10 interceptions. That kind of touchdown to interception ratio is NOT acceptable in the NFL. If he doesn’t improve next season, the Patriots may be faced with the possibility that they drafted another dud in their futile quest to replace legendary quarterback Tom Brady.
JAGUARS 14 – RAIDERS 19
It’s been a long time since the opportunity to say this came up, but here it goes victory for DA RAIDERS! Despite their failed season, the Raiders decided to not go for the top draft pick and defeated the Jaguars. The highlight of this game was more of the impressive rookie class of 2024. Rookies Brian Thomas Jr. and Brock Bowers led their teams in receiving, with Thomas catching 9 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown while Bowers had 11 catches for 99 yards. Both teams have nothing to play for, but this is the opportunity to see what their rookies can do. Any given year, either Bowers or Thomas would be frontrunners for the Rookie of the Year award. The only thing is that the draft class of 2024 is so filled to the brim with talent that everyone knew this would be a fierce competition. I remember seeing a post on Linkedin by analyst Robert Griffin III praising Jayden Daniels. I’ll repeat what I said on the comments section of his post: the future of the NFL is looking bright with all these amazing rookies, and the class of 2024 may just be the best class we’ve had in a long time.
49ERS 17 – DOLPHINS 29
This is not what I ever expected to write going into this year, but here it goes: the 49ers’ collapse was complete as they fell to the Dolphins and was mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. Dolphins running back De’Von Achane was the star of the game, rushing 17 times for 120 yards and a touchdown while adding 6 catches for 70 yards. Now, the Dolphins’ playoff chances still aren’t good as they’ll need to overtake the Colts just for a shot at either the Chargers or the Broncos. However, no hope is better than no hope as the Dolphins face-off next week against the Browns with their playoff lives on the line. As for the 49ers, as was said before…their season is mercifully over. Injuries, penalties, and mental mistakes took a Super Bowl contender that won the NFC last season to being eliminated from playoff contention with just two weeks to go. The 49ers will have to do a lot of reflecting in the offseason, but first them must finish this dumpster fire of a season…starting with a rematch of last year’s NFC Championship against the Lions.
BUCCANEERS 24 – COWBOYS 26
Speaking of unexplainable collapses…what happened to the Buccaneers? After defeating the Chargers 40-17 last week, the Buccaneers were stunned by the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. The Cowboys were among the teams eliminated before their game even started thanks to the Commanders’ comeback win against the Eagles, but they still played like a team desperate to salvage their season. Cooper Rush threw for 292 yards and a touchdown for a respectable performance. Kudos to Mike McCarthy for getting his players in the right frame of mind after learning just hours before kickoff when they learned they were officially out of the playoff chase thanks to the Commanders. Just because they’re down and out of the playoff race, doesn’t mean they can’t fight like their lives depend on it. As for the Buccaneers, their pash rush decided to disappear at the wrong time. The missed tackles also hurt the Buccaneers greatly as they’ve lost control of their playoff destinies due to the Falcons winning and owning the tiebreaker over them. The Buccaneers will need to win out and have the Falcons lose one game in order to clinch the division and one of the last remaining playoff spots.
SAINTS 0 – PACKERS 34
Well, we had our first shutout of the season as the Saints, already eliminated from playoff contention thanks to the Commanders, was completely destroyed on the road by the Packers. The Packers, led by the stellar play of Jordan Love and Josh Jacobs, combined for 404 total yards of offense to punch their ticket to the playoffs. It was a perfect performance for the Packers on both sides of the ball. The Packers have nothing left to play for as winning out will not win them the division thanks to their brutal losses at the hands of the Lions. They will have the chance to play spoiler to the Vikings’ chances for the number one seed when they face off next week as both teams ready themselves for the playoffs. As for the Saints, this really is as low as they can go. Being the first team to be shutout is not a title anyone wants. There has never been an NFL season where they have gone a whole season without a shutout (personally my money was on the Giants for this year). So…where do the Saints go from here? Spencer Rattler clearly hasn’t earned the job of starting quarterback for next year, but can they trust Derek Carr? And will their injured players return to form next year? The Saints had better have answers or else they’ll miss out on the playoffs next year, too.
