The injury bug has caught a lot of the top contenders this past week, with Tampa Bay and Arizona losing key players of their offense and the Ravens losing their MVP quarterback to an ankle injury. Can these teams overcome the hand they’ve been dealt and get to the playoffs in decent shape?
The Packers managed to hold on against the Tyler Huntley-led Ravens by stopping a 2 point conversion with the game on the line to win 31-30. Rodgers played well again, throwing 3 TDs and tying Brett Favre’s record for TD passes on Green Bay’s career list. With this win, the Packers claimed the NFC North crown for the 3rd consecutive year and are now in the driver’s seat for the top seed in the NFC. In order to keep that lead, they are going to have to beat the Browns on Christmas Day.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are BACK. In a game that they were down 28-21 with 2 minutes left against a very good Chargers team, Patrick Mahomes made magic happen and found Travis Kelce twice: once for the game tying touchdown, and once for the game winning touchdown in overtime. The Chiefs are peaking at the right time and have a 2 game lead with 3 games to go in their division. If the Chiefs can win their game against a desperate Steelers team, they will control their own destiny for the division and the top seed in the AFC.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
To say that the Bucs shutout loss to the Saints 9-0 was ugly would be an understatement. The offense could not muster up a single point against a Saints defense that just seems to have Brady’s number. Making matters worse for Brady and the Bucs is that Chris Godwin is out for the season with a torn ACL, lead back Leonard Fournette is out for a few weeks with a hamstring injury, and Mike Evans is also injured with a hamstring injury. Even though Tampa will most likely win their division, they will be limping into the playoffs and need to figure out how they are going to make their offense work without their main offensive weapons.
4. New England Patriots
The Pats were on pace to attempt late game heroics against the Indianapolis Colts, but Jonathan Taylor ran right through the heart of the Patriot defense for the back-breaking touchdown to end the game 27-17. Mac Jones played decent (299 yards, 2 TDs and 2 INTs) but the running game could not gain any traction. Granted, they were able to battle back from a 20-0 deficit, but they could not finish the comeback. A showdown with the Bills at home on Sunday will be crucial in deciding the fate of the Pats – will they be division champs or fighting for a wild card spot?
5. Arizona Cardinals
With a chance to clinch a playoff spot against the league’s worst team, the Cardinals promptly laid an egg and got humbled by the Lions by a score of 30-12. The Cardinals defense had no answer for Jared Goff and Detroit offense. Kyler Murray looked lost early on, and losing DeAndre Hopkins early in the game did not help matters at all. If the Cardinals want to be able to clinch a playoff spot this season, they are going to have to beat a red-hot Colts team that needs to win to stay in the wild card race.
6. Dallas Cowboys
Against a Giants team that had their 3rd string quarterback playing by the end of the game, the Cowboys were able to handle business on the road, winning the game comfortably by a score of 21-6. The defense wreaked havoc on what was left of Big Blue’s offense, forcing four turnovers on their way to a win. Dak played relatively conservative throughout the game while Tony Pollard and Zeke Elliot combined for 120 yards on the ground to keep the Giants offense off the field. To clinch the NFC East, all the Cowboys have to do is defeat the Washington Football Team, who will pull out all the stops to fight for a chance at the last wild card spot.
7. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams came one game closer to re-gaining the division lead after beating the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday by a score of 20-10. Matthew Stafford continuously found Cooper Kupp, who torched Seattle’s defense for 136 yards and 2 TDs. Sony Michel added in 92 yards on the ground to keep the game in control for the Rams, while the defense kept Russell Wilson in check and limiting his opportunities for big plays down the field. To keep up or possibly overtake the Cardinals in the NFC West division race, the Rams will have to continue to play well, this time against the Vikings.
8. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers once again went toe to toe with the resurgent Kansas City Chiefs, but couldn’t get the job done in overtime. Justin Herbert had led a potential game winning drive with just over 2 minutes left, but the Chargers defense could not stop Travis Kelce from imposing his will. Brandon Staley, the team’s head coach, will be kicking himself for leaving points on the board in multiple 4th and goal situations that could have made the difference. Alas, the Chargers have to take this loss in stride and look to bounce back against the lowly Texans.
9. Baltimore Ravens
Even with Lamar Jackson out with an ankle injury, the Ravens gave it their all against the top seeded Green Bay Packers. All of the talk will be about the failed 2 point conversion at the end of the game, but some of the talk should also be about Huntley playing well in Lamar’s absence (28/40 for 215 and 2 TDs). With that loss, the Ravens are out of the current playoff picture as the 8 seed. In order to claw their way back, they have a must win game against the Bengals this coming Sunday.
10. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are absolutely red hot and are in the thick of the wild card race, thanks to Jonathan Taylor’s huge game against the Patriots. Without much help from Carson Wentz (who threw for under 60 yards total for the game, 1 TD and 1 INT), Taylor put the team on his back and carried the offense to the tune of 170 yards and a TD, including the 70 yard TD run to seal the game. The Colts defense were able to force Mac Jones into crucial mistakes that gave them a big lead early in the game that was never relinquished. As the current 5 seed at 8-6, they are going to have to beat one of the best teams in the NFL in the Arizona Cardinals if they want to stay there.
11. Buffalo Bills
What better way to end a small losing streak than playing a bad team? That is exactly what the Bills did against the Carolina Panthers this past week, winning the game handily by a score of 31-14. Devin Singletary came alive with just under 90 rushing yards and a touchdown, which is a pleasant surprise considering the Bills have struggled to run the ball as of late. Josh Allen wasn’t the most accurate passer on Sunday but completed 3 touchdown passes to put the game away. As the final seed in the AFC playoff picture, the Bills are going to need the offense to execute at a high level if they are going to beat the Patriots on Sunday and keep their playoff spot.
12. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are right back in the thick of the AFC North division race with their win over the Broncos this past week. The main highlight of the game for Cincinnati was the goal line fumble that the defense caused to seal the win. Joe Burrow struggled to find rhythm against a stout Broncos defense and Joe Mixon tried to get himself going on the ground, with mixed results. Even with their offensive struggles, they were able to pull out the win and find themselves in a tie for 1st place with the Ravens. To be in 1st place outright, the Bengals are going to have to find rhythm on offense against the Ravens this coming Sunday.
13. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers may have started slow, but they have caught fire as of late, winning another game against a mediocre Falcons team. The rushing attack was the star of the show this past Sunday for the 49ers, with 3 different backs rushing for a TD. Jimmy G kept the game in control and threw for 1 more score, just for good measure. At 8-6, San Francisco is the 6th seed in the NFC and has a critical game against the Titans if they want to keep themselves there with 3 weeks to go in the regular season.
14. Tennessee Titans
The depleted Tennessee Titans could not muster enough offense to beat the Steelers, losing by a final score of 19-13. Without Derrick Henry, Julio Jones or AJ Brown, Ryan Tannehill struggled to move the ball down the field and didn’t find the end zone. On the final drive on 4th down, instead of trying to throw past the down marker, Tannehill threw a quick pass and it was short, thus ending the game and hurting their chances at the bye week in the playoffs. The Titans desperately need to beat the 49ers on Thursday night and for the Chiefs to lose to have a claim for the playoff bye, which they so desperately need.
15. Las Vegas Raiders
Against the COVID-ravaged Browns this past Tuesday, the Raiders pulled out an ugly win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Kicker Daniel Carlson sent a 48 yard field goal through the uprights as time expired to bring the Raiders to 7-7 and the 10th seed in the AFC. Luckily for the Raiders, the top seeds are within a game or two of each other. That way, if the Raiders can defeat the Broncos this coming Sunday, they may be able to jump into the final wild card spot.
16. Cleveland Browns
Even with a third of the team on the COVID-19 exception list, the Cleveland Browns were still able to put up a fight against the Las Vegas Raiders. 3rd string QB Nick Mullens was able to play relatively well in a spot start, all things considered. Nick Chubb was the main focus of the offense, rushing 22 times for 91 yards and a touchdown. With the loss to the Raiders, the Browns drop to the 12th seed. With that being said, because many of the playoff hopefuls are within a game or two of each other, the Browns still have a chance to make it. It will be a difficult path, however, as the Browns have to play the Packers on Christmas.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Joe Haden’s return to the Pittsburgh secondary made a world of difference against a depleted Titans team. With the game on the line and the Titans needing to a first down to advance the ball, Haden was able to make the tackle short of the sticks and seal the win for the Steelers to put them at 7-6-1 on the season. The offense may have sputtered, but it was the defense that shined this game and kept them competitive. The Steelers need everyone on defense to keep playing well, as they have to win against the top-seeded Kansas City Chiefs to keep them in playoff contention.
18. Denver Broncos
In a must win game to keep themselves to put themselves in the wild card, the Broncos struggled against and ultimately lost to the Cincinnati Bengals. While Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon were able to combine for 120+ yards on the ground, Teddy Bridgewater struggled mightily all game before injury forced Drew Lock into the game, who was strip sacked in the red zone with time winding down in the 4th quarter. The Broncos need to have a plan for Lock to face off against the Las Vegas Raiders, who are also fighting for that last playoff spot.
19. Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota may have played ugly, but matters is that they won ugly. While yes, Kirk Cousins may have thrown for 2 TDs on paper, he also only threw for 87 yards against the Bear’s 2nd and 3rd string cornerbacks. Defensively, they were able to get stops and frustrate Justin Fields all game before he threw a TD pass on the final play of the game. At 7-7, Minnesota is still in the wild card race, and with a game against the Rams up next, Cousins is going to have to play much better to give his team a chance to win.
20. Miami Dolphins
Against the worst run defense in the league, Duke Johnson was able to have his homecoming moment in Miami. When it was all said and done, Johnson rushed for over 100 yards and 2 touchdowns, which propelled Miami against their New York Rivals. The game was a lot closer than Miami probably wanted it to be late in the game, but Tua Tagovailoa connected with DeVante Parker with under 4 minutes left to score the go-ahead TD and bring the Dolphins to 7-7. Because everyone is only separated by at most 2 games in the AFC, if the Dolphins can defeat the Saints on Monday night, they are that much closer to a playoff spot.
21. Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts led his team to victory over the Washington Football Team this past weekend 27-17. After an early fumble, Hurts was able to recover just fine, rushing for 2 touchdowns (QB sneaks) and threw for another touchdown in order to help the Eagles get to 7-7 and in the thick of the NFC wild card race. As of this current moment, they are the 8 seed in the playoffs and can possible move up if they can defeat the Giants this upcoming week and the Vikings lose their game against the Rams.
22. New Orleans Saints
The Saints defense came to play against one of the top offenses in the NFL and was arguably the biggest reason for the Saints beating the Buccaneers. Star defensive lineman Cameron Jordan got to Brady twice and the Saints got to him two more times and kept the Bucs out of the end zone the entire game, while Taysom Hill played just well enough to not lose the game. At 7-7, the Saints are sitting at the 9 seed and can finesse their way in if they can beat the Dolphins in a crucial game.
23. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks were no match for the Rams on Tuesday night. Seattle’s defense had no answer for Cooper Kupp, who ran wild up and down the field all night on them. Offensively, Russell Wilson could not get much going and struggled against a talented Rams defense. Now that the Seahawks are the 13 seed and essentially out of the playoff race, the front office has a lot of questions to answer this offseason, especially when it comes to their offensive line and cornerbacks. If they are going to compete next season, they are going to have to address these 2 points of issue.
24. Atlanta Falcons
What was left of the playoff pipe dream for Atlanta disappeared last weekend against the 49ers. San Francisco ran roughshod over the Atlanta defense, gashing them for 3 touchdowns. Offensively, Matt Ryan struggled again against the 49er defense and there wasn’t much of a rushing attack to speak of. With Atlanta as the 11 seed in the current playoff picture, they would not only need to win against the Cowboys (which is a tough task to begin with) but would also need a good amount of help if they want to make the 7 seed.
25. Washington Football Team
Even with a 10 point lead after the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Washington Football Team could not hold on and only scored 7 more points for the rest of the game. The WFT QB, Garrett Gilbert, played mediocre at best, only competing 20 passes for under 200 yards while the running game was essentially nonexistent. At 6-8, the WFT would need a serious amount of help to get into the playoffs, including winning their next game against the Cowboys, who are looking to clinch the division.
26. Chicago Bears
Bears fans are wishing the season would end already, especially after a brutal 17-9 loss to the Vikings that is a lot closer on paper than it actually was throughout the game. On both sides of the ball, the Bears were thoroughly outplayed and outcoached. Justin Fields, their appointed franchise quarterback, didn’t play well either and struggled to move the ball all game until the final play, where he threw a garbage time touchdown pass. All the Bears need to see from here on out is improvement from Fields, and a game against the lowly Seahawks should be a good test.
27. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers still haven’t found any of their mojo that they had at the beginning of the season, losing to the Bills on Sunday by a score of 31-14. Cam Newton continued to struggle throwing accurate passes to his receivers and Chuba Hubbard could not get anything going on the ground. Defensively, even though Josh Allen struggled with accuracy all day, they still could not stop him from scoring. With the season pretty much over now that Carolina is essentially eliminated from the playoffs, Matt Rhule has to decide whether to let Cam play the rest of the season out or see if PJ Walker can be the main quarterback for the immediate future.
28. Houston Texans
Of all of the teams that Houston cannot beat, Jacksonville is not one of them. Last Sunday’s contest makes it eight straight victories over the Jaguars. Davis Mills played well, throwing for 209 yards and 2 touchdowns. The main highlight for the Texans, though, is the kick return for a touchdown in the first quarter, bringing life to the Texans while destroying any momentum the Jaguars may have had, Now that the Texans are eliminated, the main concern from here on out should be talent and coaching evaluation, and their upcoming game against the Chargers will be a solid test.
29. New York Jets
Yet again it was a tale of 2 halves offensively for Gang Green. In the first half, Zach Wilson looked more confident in their decision making and spread the ball around through the air. In the second half, however, the offense could not move the ball at all, with the only score coming from a pick-six on defense. This feels like a repetitive statement every week, but if Wilson can put together a complete game for both halves, he may pan out to be the Jets’ franchise QB. The visiting Jacksonville Jaguars should serve as a great test to see if he can do that.
30. New York Giants
The season cannot end soon enough for the New York Giants. Not only did they lose Daniel Jones for the season, but Mike Glennon clearly cannot even keep them competitive in games. The offense looked completely lifeless against the Cowboys and only mustered up chunks of yards when the game was already out of reach for them. The defense could not get off the field on 3rd down and could not stop Dallas’s two pronged rushing attack. Evaluations should continue for both the roster and the coaching staff, as every job in the organization may be on the line.
31. Detroit Lions
Last week against the Cardinals, the Lions had by far and away their best game of the season. Jared Goff played well against a tough Cardinals defense and was able to throw 3 TDs to put the Lions in a good position to win. The Lions defense kept the Cardinals running game in check and forced Kyler Murray into scrambling in the pocket and taking away his safety valves in the passing game. Even though they may be the worst team in the league based on winning percentage, the Lions play hard week in and week out and cannot be taken lightly. In a season that is already pretty much over, that is all you can possibly hope for.
32. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars were still as just as underprepared as they have been all season long, head coach or no head coach. They were thoroughly outplayed by the lowly Houston Texans by a final score of 30-16, with the game not being as close as the score indicates. Trevor Lawrence played an average game, which is an upgrade from the awful games he has been having the past few weeks. From here on out for Jacksonville, they should be trying to figure out two main things. The first is who the right head coach should be. The second should be surrounding Lawrence with a supporting cast to help him succeed.