Week 17: In and Out
Joe Burrow had a tremendous game against the Chiefs which should solidify his candidacy for NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
Paid Dirt: Best Games of the Week
Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) defeat Kansas City Chiefs (11-5) 34-31
This was one of the best games of the NFL season. Joe Burrow, who was 30/39 passing with 446 passing yards, and four touchdowns, had his best game of the season when it mattered most in a critical game against Kansas City. On the season, Burrow has 34 passing touchdowns, a 70-completion percentage, more than 4,500 passing yards, and roughly 300 rushing yards. Burrow is flat out an elite NFL Quarterback. Ja’Marr Chase stamped his case on Offensive Rookie of the Year with 11 receptions for 266 receiving yards with three touchdowns. On 68 receptions, Chase has over 1,400 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns in 2021-22. Tee Higgins is a reliable second option for Burrow, and the Bengals should be considered one of the most up-and-coming teams in the NFL. Kansas City’s Darrel Williams is the starting Running Back with Clyde Edwards-Helaire out with a shoulder. Williams reflects why Running Backs can’t be trusted in the first round of the NFL draft. If this matchup happens again in the playoffs, it will be a legendary battle between two playoff-caliber teams.
Los Angeles Rams (12-4) defeat Baltimore Ravens (8-8) 20-19
Matthew Stafford is a true Jekyll and Hyde Quarterback. In the first half, his poor play nearly cost the Rams. Stafford pushed past his mistakes, which not many veterans make, to help the Rams win. People have every reason to doubt him, given Stafford’s history and performances in crucial games this season, with the national spotlight on the former Lions Quarterback for the first time. The Rams' offensive and defensive talent kept their team in the game and was one of the biggest reasons they won. Former Bronco Von Miller had a critical sack to ice the victory. Cooper Kupp needs 171 receiving yards to hit 2,000 on the season, which isn’t a guarantee against San Francisco. The Ravens' Chuck Clark is a premier Slot Cornerback or Strong Safety who can cover shifty slot receivers. The Ravens held the Rams close all game, which is again a testament to their depth. The Ravens may not have a clear shot to the playoffs this season, but next year will be one to watch.
Las Vegas Raiders (9-7) defeat Indianapolis Colts (9-7) 23-20
Hunter Renfrow is a mini-Cooper Kupp, not an insult by any means. Renfrow had seven receptions for 76 yards with a touchdown against Indianapolis. It’s curious to see how his production would improve with a Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers as his starting Quarterback. The Raiders have had a lot of controversies this season, and as mentioned on The Blitz Episode 14, this season should be considered a success for Las Vegas. Byron Leftwich, Kellen Moore, or Eric Bienemy would gel their offense together. Jonathan Taylor had another phenomenal game, which is becoming commonplace for the Colts Running Back, with 20 carries for 108 rushing yards and a touchdown. Taylor leads the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns. The Raiders need to defeat the Chargers in Week 18 to make the playoffs after defeating the Colts on a successful Daniel Carlson field goal.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12-4) defeat New York Jets (4-12) 28-24
The Jets nearly pulled off the upset against the Buccaneers, with a Cover Two coverage resulting in Brady hitting Cyril Grayson on the outside for a touchdown. Tom Brady had a sneaky productive game playing from behind, with 34/50 passes completed with three touchdowns and an interception. Zach Wilson also played at a high level, which Brian Newsome has alluded to in the shows he has appeared on in the past few weeks. Wilson went 19 for 33 with 234 yards and a touchdown and shredded the Buccaneers' defense in the loss. The Bucs defense must improve if they have any shot at winning the Super Bowl. Antonio Brown leaving the game early, his own decision, which spelled the end of his time in Tampa Bay. While Brown has his issues, pointed out by the mainstream media, the people around him, including Tom Brady, must show support and help him find necessary help for Brown. His lifestyle is not sustainable, and a life coach would help him become an established person in the world. If the Buccaneers can look past the AB drama and focus on winning football games without the distractions, which the team is prone to, the team could be one to fear in the playoffs.
Arizona Cardinals (11-5) defeat Dallas Cowboys (11-5) 25-22
Dak Prescott wanted the spotlight, and while he wasn’t the reason the Cowboys lost, he could’ve played better from the start. Dallas played from behind the entire game, which is a testament to Arizona shredding their annual late-season collapse narrative. Kyler Murray played up to standard, with 26/38 passing and 263 passing yards, and two touchdowns. The Cardinals in this game proved beating playoff teams is possible if their pass rush puts consistent pressure on opposing Quarterbacks, limiting the pressure on the weakness of their team, the secondary. Kliff Kingsbury had perfect game management at the end to help seal the victory, but Mike McCarthy and Kingsbury are two similar pieces in similar situations. The Cowboys and Cardinals have great talent on both sides of the football but are limited by their Head Coach's game management, with their coordinators trying to squeeze the most out of their talent.
Philadelphia Eagles (9-7) defeat Washington Football Team (6-10) 20-16
Washington took this divisional matchup as a must-win game and they played Philadelphia down to the end. Taylor Heinicke has shown NFL flashes, but there isn’t a lot of upside with Taylor starting at Quarterback. Washington will roll with Ryan Fitzpatrick as their starting Quarterback in 2022-23. The Eagles, barring a Week 18 catastrophe, will make the playoffs in 2021-22 but are still a Wide Receiver away from being considered a terrific team. Jalen Hurts is talented, but it is up to his coordinators and supporting cast to get the most out of him. It wouldn’t be shocking to see Philadelphia not pursue a Quarterback in the offseason and put their faith into Hurts.
Fair Catch: Games with Middling Results
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8-1) defeat Cleveland Browns (7-9) 26-14
The Steelers' defensive line wreaked havoc on Baker Mayfield and the Browns offensive line, registering nine total sacks, and raising T.J. Watt’s season total in 14 games to 21.5. Watt has a legitimate case for becoming the 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year, and the race between him and Micah Parsons will be a terrific debate. Big Ben didn’t have a prolific game but did enough to win in his last game at Heinz Field, while Najee Harris had 188 yards on 28 carries with a game sealing touchdown. Baker had a horrid start in the first half, but down the stretch played better. Cleveland can’t be playing behind if they hope to win games, with their ample rushing attack and underrated wideouts. The Browns failed to give the ball to their best playmaker, Nick Chubb, and would have had more offensive production if Chubb were more involved in the offensive game plan.
New Orleans Saints (8-8) defeat Carolina Panthers (5-11) 18-10
Marquez Callaway is a building block at Wide Receiver for the Saints but is a reliable second option in a great offense. The Saints need stability at Quarterback in 2022-23, and Mike Thomas must re-emerge as a viable first receiving option if New Orleans makes a serious push. The Panthers must decide whether Chuba Hubbard is their long-term Running Back given Christian McCaffrey is injury prone. Nevertheless, the Panthers should figure to be in the Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson sweepstakes and find an established veteran Quarterback who can finally turn the tide of their struggles under center. Matt Rhule’s job safety is another story but figures to lead the team next season. Both NFC South teams should be better in 2022-23, but it remains to be seen whether either can make the playoffs next season.
Buffalo Bills (10-6) defeat Atlanta Falcons (7-9) 29-15
The Atlanta Falcons were up 15-14 at one point before their offense couldn’t finish in the red zone, and their defense didn't hold up. After his terrific performance in Foxborough, Josh Allen threw three interceptions with no touchdowns, going 11/26 with 120 passing yards and 81 rushing yards on 15 carries with two rushing touchdowns. Devin Singletary ran all over the Falcons with 23 carries for 110 rushing yards and two touchdowns, but he can't be trusted as the featured back. Matt Ryan (13/23 with 197 yards) failed to stand out, and it was a lackluster performance in the second half.
San Francisco 49ers (9-7) defeat Houston Texans (4-12) 23-7
Trey Lance had a standout game with Jimmy Garoppolo nursing a thumb injury, throwing 16/23 with 249 passing yards, two touchdowns, one interception, and eight carries for 31 yards on the ground. Eli Mitchell had a standout performance with 21 carries for 119 yards. In about half a season, Mitchell rushed 165 times for 759 yards with five touchdowns. The Texans' Brandin Cooks had another solid performance, with seven receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown. Houston has faith in Davis Mills, and rightfully so, along with retaining Head Coach David Culley, the Texans are an emerging team.
Punted: Worst Games of the Week
New England Patriots (10-6) defeat Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14) 50-10
The expected blowout of the week. The Patriots made it into the playoffs with a Dolphins loss and a win against Jacksonville. Damien Harris is tied second for rushing touchdowns (14) behind Jonathan Taylor. Myles Bryant played much better after getting shredded by Isaiah McKenzie. Kristian Wilkerson had his first two touchdowns of his NFL career in a day he will forever remember. Trevor Lawrence had a game to forget with one touchdown and three interceptions but did look comfortable throwing to former first-round bust Laquon Treadwell, with six receptions for 87 yards in the air. The Jaguars are due for a lot of change in the offseason, and this game serves as a reminder of how Jacksonville needs to go.
Tennessee Titans (11-5) defeat Miami Dolphins (8-8) 34-3
In one of the most shocking outcomes of the week, the Miami Dolphins were no match for the Tennessee Titans. Tua only put up three points, and the Dolphins couldn’t muster anything offensively. D’Onta Foreman exposed the Miami run defense, with 26 carries for 132 rushing yards and a touchdown. Ryan Tannehill didn’t have to do much, but his team moved into the one seed. Teams should fear Tennessee with a returning Derrick Henry and an improving defense. The Dolphins, while not playing for anything themselves, can spoil New England’s divisional hopes in Week 18.
Chicago Bears (6-10) defeat New York Giants (4-12) 29-3
Darnell Mooney is having a productive season, with 929 receiving yards and four touchdowns despite struggles schematically on offense. Against the Giants, Mooney caught seven passes for 69 receiving yards and a touchdown. In a playoff offense, Mooney is a solid second option. The problems in Chicago are their coaching mistakes and lack of schematic opportunity to put their playmakers into space. A new head coach with an offensive coordinator change could be enough to move the Bears to a borderline playoff team. Saquon returned to his past self, rare in 2021-22, as Barkley rushed for 102 yards on 21 carries with no touchdowns. The Giants have a lot of needs but need accountability first and foremost.
Green Bay Packers (13-3) defeat Minnesota Vikings (7-9) 37-10
On Sunday Night Football Aaron Rodgers and the Packers asserted their dominance over the playoff-hopeful Vikings. However, unvaccinated Minnesota Quarterback Kirk Cousins contracted COVID-19 before the game, ruling him out against Green Bay. The Packers' passing offense will be prolific with Aaron Rodgers at the helm, but their running game will define their season. If opponents stop Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon, force Aaron Rodgers to stay in the pocket, and double Davante Adams on the outside, straight man coverage can defeat Rodgers. The Vikings need a long-term answer at Quarterback, and without Cousins, the Vikings' offense was dormant the entire game. Captain Kirk is an NFL Quarterback who can’t win meaningful games, noted earlier this season. Mike Zimmer figures to be on the way out in the offseason after a second failed playoff run, and the Vikings need a head coach who gets the most out of their players.
Los Angeles Chargers (9-7) defeat Denver Broncos (7-9) 34-13
The Chargers proved they are very much a playoff team, which was in doubt after their 41-29 loss to a then 3-11 Texans team. Justin Herbert had a solid game, with 22/31 passing with 237 passing yards and two touchdowns. Los Angeles needs to defeat Las Vegas, with the loser missing the playoffs, in Week 18 to continue playing this season. Drew Lock isn’t the answer for the Denver Broncos, but he did have a solid game after returning from injury, with 245 passing yards and a touchdown. The Broncos are a sleeper team to watch in 2022-23 if they find an answer to their long-time Quarterback issues, they could be a future playoff team.
Seattle Seahawks (6-10) defeat Detroit Lions (2-13-1) 51-29
In one of the worst games of the week, Rashaad Penny proved he is a legitimate starting Running Back in the NFL. Penny rushed all over the Lions, with 170 yards on 25 carries and two touchdowns. Running Back and Wide Receiver are the least of Seattle’s worries. It was a terrific week from Russell Wilson (20/29 passing with 236 passing yards and four touchdowns) and D.K. Metcalf (6 catches for 63 receiving yards and three touchdowns). Whether this is one of the last instances of these two performing together remains to be seen, but it isn’t looking good for Russ in Seattle. Amon-Ra St. Brown has proved time and time again this season he is a credible NFL Wie Receiver and had eight receptions for 111 yards with a touchdown with Tim Boyle throwing him passes. His season statistics may not be pretty, but the man can flat out ball.
Reference Page
Stats courtesy of Pro Football Reference and NFL.com
Images courtesy of Getty Images
Contract information courtesy of Spotrac
Score information courtesy of NFL.com