NFL 2023 Week 18 Recap

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action has come to an end. The regular season finale brought us some interesting storylines. Such storylines like upsets in New Jersey and Tennessee, football weather in New England, a battle in the AFC East for that division title, and a new champion in the NFC East. All those games and more in this week's recap post!

NFL Week 18 Freaky Stat

For the first time since 1935, an NFL division has all of its teams finish above .500 in the same season as the AFC North has all of its teams with more wins than losses. The last time a division had that happen to them was the Western division in 1935.

NFL Week 18 Recap

Pittsburgh 17, Baltimore 10: TW: Steelers; CV: Ravens

In rainy Baltimore, the Steelers took care of business on their end. Mason Rudolph was nearly flawless in his start as he hit 18 of 20 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown. The touchdown went to Diontae Johnson for a 71-yard big play. The play happened as the first play of the 4th quarter. Najee Harris would do the rest of the work as he ran for 112 yards with a touchdown run of a 6-yard run for the Steelers first touchdown. Jaylen Warren rushed for 33 yards on nine carries. With the 71-yard touchdown, Johnson's game stats accounted for four catches for 89 yards. Pittsburgh finished with 289 yards of offense. Tyler Huntley started for the Ravens as Lamar Jackson rested for the playoff run. Huntley hit 15 of 28 passes for 146 yards with a touchdown pass to Isaiah Likely. The Likely touchdown came on a 27-yard play where the tight end stretched out his arm long enough to get the six. Gus Edwards rushed for 48 yards on 10 carries in the game. Huntley got 40 yards rushing on eight carries. Baltimore got 224 yards of offense in the game. It was a mostly defensive battle as neither team got to 300 yards of offense and would go below 50% in 3rd down conversions. The win might be a costly one for the Steelers as TJ Watt was helped off the field with a knee injury that might impact the Steelers chances the rest of the way of winning a playoff game. For the Steelers, they win with a record of 10-7 and have a shot to get into the playoffs but need a Bills loss, Jaguars loss/tie, or Texans-Colts ending in a tie to clinch a berth. For the Ravens, they drop to 13-4 with a bye week to rest up and play in two weeks for the Divisional playoff. 

Update: With the Jaguars loss, the Steelers are in the playoffs. 

Next week: 
Pittsburgh: Wild Card Playoffs @ Buffalo
Baltimore: Bye week

TW: 1-0; CV: 0-1

Houston 23, Indianapolis 19: TW: Texans; CV: Colts

The turnaround from 3-13-1 in 2022 to 10-7 in 2023 has Houston buzzing. CJ Stroud came out firing hitting Nico Collins for a 75-yard touchdown on the team's first play. Stroud would hit another touchdown, this time to Andrew Beck in the 2nd quarter. Stroud finished with 20 of 26 pass completions for 264 yards. Devin Singletary rushed into the endzone for the Texans 3rd touchdown in the 4th quarter. He rushed for 63 yards in the game. Nico Collins feasted on the Colts defense, catching nine passes for 195 yards, 75 of them coming from the touchdown. Houston finished with 306 total yards in the game. Gardner Minshew played a supporting role in the Colts offense. He hit 13 of 24 passes for 141 yards. The Colts lone touchdown came on a Jonathan Taylor 49-yard run to the house in the 3rd quarter. Taylor finished with 188 total yards in the game. Zack Moss had 30 yards rushing in the game. Indy would get a safety on a Cameron Johnston play on the Texans 23-yard line. There was some oddities in the game as Colts third string running back Tyler Goodson failed to catch a pass on a crucial 4th down play with a 1:05 left in the game. For the Texans, the Cinderella season continues for CJ Stroud and head coach DeMeco Ryans as they head into the playoffs with a 10-7 record. For the Colts, the up and down season ends in heartbreak as they fall to 9-8 and miss the playoffs. 

Next week:
Houston: Wild Card Playoffs vs Cleveland
Indianapolis: Go see a Pacers or Hoosiers game. 

TW: 2-0; CV: 0-2

Atlanta 17, New Orleans 48: TW: Falcons; CV: Saints

The Saints overcome the Falcons at home. Desmond Ridder had gotten off to a good start with 22 of 30 passes for 291 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. The good start came on the 1st half. The two touchdowns came to Bijan Robinson whose touchdown came on a 71-yard pass play to him. The next touchdown went to Jonnu Smith. Logan Woodside played some quarterback and hit 3 of 4 passes for 27 yards with an interception as well. Bijan Robinson had 28 rushing yards and caught seven passes for 103 yards. Atlanta had 389 total yards in the game. Derek Carr had a good game with 22 of 28 passes for 264 yards with four touchdowns. At Perry caught two, Chris Olave caught one and Rashid Shaheed caught the other pass from Carr. Kendre Miller rushed for 73 yards with a touchdown. Jamaal Williams scored the other touchdown while getting 26 yards rushing. The game was tied at 17 at halftime. The Saints would go ahead and score 31 unanswered points in the game. New Orleans had 400 total yards in the game. There was some controversy at the end of the game as Falcons head coach Arthur Smith was upset at Saints head coach Dennis Allen's decision to go for a late touchdown with less than a minute left. For the Falcons, they are out of the playoffs as they drop to 7-10 with questions a plenty in the offseason. For the Saints, they have slim hope of making it into the postseason as they need help to get in. 

Next week:
Atlanta: Get some Chick Fil-A
New Orleans: eat gumbo

TW: 2-1; CV: 1-2

Cleveland 14, Cincinnati 31: TW: Bengals; CV: Browns

Cleveland falters in the season finale. Jake Driskel started for the Browns. He hit 13 of 26 passes for 166 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Both touchdowns went to David Bell. The two interceptions happened in the first half. Pierre Strong Jr. got 14 carries for 65 yards in the game. Cleveland had 244 total yards of offense in the game. Jake Browning was efficient in the game. He hit 18 of 24 passes for 156 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Browning's touchdowns went to Joe Mixon for one score and two scores to Andrei Iosivas in the game. Joe Mixon would rush into the endzone as well and got 14 carries for 111 yards. Chase Brown had 43 yards rushing with 11 carries. Cincinnati's offense put together 328 total yards in the game. For the Browns, they will drop to 11-6 but will play next week in the playoffs. For the Bengals, their hopeful season ends with disappointment but have a 9-8 record to be hopeful for. 

Next week: 
Cleveland: Wild Card Playoffs @ Houston
Cincinnati: Wait for Cincinnati Reds baseball to happen. 

TW: 3-1; CV: 1-3

Jacksonville 20, Tennessee 28: TW: Jaguars; CV: Titans

Turnovers doom the Jaguars in Nashville. Trevor Lawrence hit 29 of 43 passes for 280 yards with two touchdowns but also tossed two interceptions. The interceptions were what really killed the Jaguars in the game. The two touchdowns went to Calvin Ridley and Evan Engram. Calvin Ridley had six catches for 106 yards. Ryan Tannehill had 17 of 26 passes for 168 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. DeAndre Hopkins and Tyjae Spears had the touchdown catches from Tannehill. The Titans offense had a boost from their running game. Derrick Henry had 19 carries for 153 yards and a touchdown. Tyjae Spears had 25 rushing yards with a touchdown. Both teams eclipsed 300+ yards of offense as the Jaguars had 362 yards and the Titans had 327 yards. The game might've been a somber one as it might've been the last for Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry as Titans. Of course a lot of speculation of course. For the Jaguars, they falter and go from 8-3 to 9-8 to finish the season and miss the playoffs. For the Titans, they help the Bills and Steelers get into the playoffs with their win and jump to 6-11 to finish 2023. 

Next week: 
Jacksonville: I don't know, what is there to do in Jacksonville. 
Tennessee: watch a show at the Grand Ole Opry

TW: 3-2; CV: 2-3

Minnesota 20, Detroit 30: TW: Lions; CV: Vikings

Frustration across the board for the Vikings as they fall to Detroit. Nick Mullens hit 30 of 44 passes for 396 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison were the players that caught the touchdown passes from Mullens. Things got a bit heated with Jefferson who showed his frustrations on the sideline. He wouldn't be mad about his 12 catches, 192 receiving yard performance in the game. Tyson Chandler had 69 yards rushing with 12 carries. Minnesota had 448 total yards in the game. Jared Goff had a solid day throwing the ball as he hit 23 of 32 passes for 320 yards with two touchdowns. AmonRa St. Brown and Sam LaPorta were the players that caught the passes from Goff. Detroit's running game wouldn't get a lot but they scored touchdowns. David Montgomery rushed for 40 yards with a touchdown. Jahmyr Gibbs had 30 yards rushing with a touchdown. AmonRa St. Brown caught seven passes for 144 yards. Detroit had 381 total yards of offense in the game. For the Vikings, they are eliminated from the playoffs with a 7-10 record in a season of roller coasters. For the Lions, they improve to 12-5 and will host a playoff game next week for the first time in 30 yards. Jared Goff will play against his old team the Rams and his head coach Sean McVay. 

Next week: 
Minnesota: Eat some lutefisk or something
Detroit: Wild Card Playoffs vs LA Rams

TW: 4-2; CV: 2-4

NY Jets 17, New England 3: TW: Patriots; CV: Jets

Bill Belichick's former team beats him in what possibly was his last game in Foxboro. Trevor Siemian hit 8 of 20 passes for 70 yards. Breece Hall rushed for 178 yards on 37 carries with a touchdown. He had a run of 50 yards that was for the touchdown. Greg Zuerlein hit 3 of 4 field goals in the game for the Jets. Overall, the Jets got 254 total yards in the game. Bailey Zappe hit 12 of 30 passes for 88 yards and had two interceptions. The last interception would help the Jets get the Hall touchdown. Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 54 yards on 13 carries. New England had one of their worst offensive performances in a season full of offensive ineptitude with 119 total yards. The game wasn't designed for the passing game as snow was falling heavily in Gillette Stadium. For the Jets, their long season ends with their first win against the Patriots since 2015 and a 7-10 record. For the Patriots, their roughest season in Bill Belichick's career ends with a 4-13 record. 

Next week: 
NY Jets: attend a wellness retreat with Aaron Rodgers or something
New England: eat some clam chowder or something

TW: 4-3; CV: 3-4

Tampa Bay 9, Carolina 0: TW: Buccaneers; CV: Panthers

Three Chase McLaughlin field goals enough for the Buccaneers to win the NFC South. Baker Mayfield hit 20 of 32 passes for 137 yards. Chris Godwin caught the majority of the passes as he caught six of those passes for 51 yards. Rachaad White had a solid day running the ball with 75 yards rushing on 19 carries. Chase McLaughlin was the scorer as he hit field goals from 57, 36 and 39 yards. Tampa had 228 total yards of offense. Bryce Young hit 11 of 18 passes for 94 yards. A majority of the receiving yards went to DJ Chark for 46 yards. Chuba Hubbard got 23 carries for 83 yards. Carolina got 199 total yards of offense in the game. The Panthers had some chances of scoring as they had a couple of drives that went beyond 10 yards. Two drives that went 64 and 38 yards ended up being fumbles. For the Buccaneers, they clinch the NFC South for the third straight year with a 9-8 record. For the Panthers, they wrap up a terrible season with a 2-15 record. 

Next week: 
Tampa Bay: Wild Card Playoffs vs Philadelphia
Carolina: watch a Tar Heels or Blue Devils baskeball game. 

TW: 5-3; CV: 3-5

Chicago 9, Green Bay 17: TW: Packers; CV: Bears

Chicago limited in the season finale as the Packers clinch a playoff spot. Justin Fields hit 11 of 16 passes for 148 yards. He didn't throw a touchdown but didn't throw an interception either. DJ Moore caught 64 of those 148 yards while catching four passes. Chicago's running game wouldn't amount to much as Khalil Herbert rushed for 28 yards on 12 carries. Justin Fields had 27 yards rushing on 8 carries. Chicago was limited to 192 total yards in the game. Jordan Love hit 27 of 32 passes for 316 yards with two touchdowns. Both of those touchdowns went to Dontayvion Wicks. Jayden Reed caught four passes for 112 yards. Aaron Jones would also eclipse the century mark in the game with 22 carries for 111 yards. The Packers put up a storm on offense with 432 total yards in the game. Though in the points department it looked like they were limited in the yardage department. Suffice to say, I don't think it matters now. For the Bears, the season ends with another loss to the Packers as the Bears finish with a 7-10 record. For the Packers, they clinch a playoff spot with a 9-8 record. 

Next week:
Chicago: Watch a Bulls game or something
Green Bay: Wild Card playoffs @ Dallas

TW: 6-3; CV: 3-6

Dallas 38, Washington 10: TW: Commanders; CV: Cowboys

Dallas wins the NFC East and the #2 seed in the playoffs. Dak Prescott hit 31 of 36 passes for four touchdowns and one interception. At least one of those incompletions was that interception. With the victory in hand, Dallas sent out Cooper Rush for some playtime as the backup hit 3 of 4 passes for 30 yards. CeeDee Lamb caught two, Brandin Cooks caught one and Jalen Brooks caught one of the four passes thrown by Prescott. Joining in the touchdown parade was Tony Pollard who rushed in for six points while getting 70 yards in the game. Dallas put up 440 total yards in the game. Both teams would get some help on special teams as the Cowboys blocked a punt and the Commanders blocked a field goal. Sam Howell was effective in the season finale last year against Dallas. This time, he wasn't as lucky. He hit 19 of 27 passes for 153 yards with a touchdown and threw two interceptions. Washington's lone touchdown went to Brian Robinson Jr. on a 1-yard short pass. Washington was limited on rushing offense as Brian Robinson was held to nine carries for 25 yards. Terry McLaurin had six catches for 56 yards in the contest. Washington's offense was limited to 180 yards of offense. For the Cowboys, they win the NFC East and clinch the #2 seed with a 12-5 record. For the Commanders, they drop to 4-13 and finish the season going 2-13 since starting 2-0 on the season. 

Next week:
Dallas: Wild Card playoffs vs Green Bay
Washington: Go see the Smithsonian Institute's many buildings

TW: 6-4; CV: 4-6

Denver 14, Las Vegas 27: TW: Raiders; CV: Broncos

The Raiders end on a high note against rival Denver. Jarrett Stidham hit 20 of 34 passes for 272 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The touchdown went to Jerry Jeudy. Javonte Williams had 32 yards rushing on nine carries with a rushing touchdown. The touchdowns would come for Denver in the 2nd and 4th quarters. The Broncos had 286 total yards in the game. Aidan O'Connell hit 20 of 31 psases for 244 yards with two touchdowns. Jakobi Meyers and Davante Adams caught the passes from O'Connell. Jakobi Meyers played running back for one play with a touchdown on a 5-yard sweep play. Zamir White had 25 carries for 112 yards in the game. Las Vegas had 359 total yards in the game. For the Broncos, they will not sniff the playoffs and will have to wait for another season to have a chance to make it back with a 8-9 record. For the Raiders, they improve to 8-9 but won't make it to the playoffs. They will get to watch the Super Bowl in their own stadium like the rest of America. 

Next week:
Denver: see a Denver Nuggets or Colorado Avalanche game
Las Vegas: go see a show at the MGM Grand

TW: 7-4; CV: 4-7

Kansas City 13, LA Chargers 12: TW: Chiefs; CV: Chargers

The Chiefs win in Hollywood. Blaine Gabbert started for the Chiefs. Gabbert hit 15 of 30 passes for 154 yards with an interception. Lamical Perine was the leading rusher for the Chiefs with 21 carries for 76 yards. Mecole Hardman caught six passes for 77 yards. Kansas City was held without an offensive touchdown. They did get a defensive touchdown on an Easton Stick fumble that was caused by Charles Omenihu and recovered by Mike Edwards for a 97-yard touchdown. Harrison Butker hit two field goals in the game. Kansas City had 268 total yards in the game. Easton Stick hit 28 of 47 passes for 258 yards. Donald Parham Jr was the player that caught five of those passes for 83 yards. Easton Stick was also the leading rusher for the Chargers with 13 carries for 77 yards. Austin Ekeler was held to 11 yards rushing on 10 carries. With 54 seconds left in the game, Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker hit the game winning field goal from 41 yards. It would give the Chiefs the win and some momentum going into next week. For the Chiefs, they improve to 11-6 with a home playoff game next week. For the Chargers they drop to 5-12 with a long offseason ahead for them. 

Next week:
Kansas City: Wild Card playoffs vs Miami

LA Chargers: Go see the Hollywood sign

TW: 8-4; CV: 4-8

LA Rams 21, San Francisco 20: TW: Rams; CV: 49ers

The Carson Wentz show takes care of business against the 49ers. Wentz hit 17 of 24 passes for 163 yards with two passing touchdowns and an interception. He also rushed into the endzone for six points while getting 56 rushing yards in the game. Puka Nacua caught one of Wentz's passes and Tyler Johnson caught the other one. Puka Nacua caught the pass while getting 41 yards receiving. He ties a rookie wide receiving record with 1,473 yards, a record that was held by Bill Groman in 1960 when he was with the Houston Oilers. Ronnie Rivers had 52 rushing yards on 13 carries. Los Angeles had 258 total yards in the game. Sam Darnold started in the game for the 49ers. He hit 16 of 26 passes for 189 yards with a touchdown pass to Ronnie Bell. Darnold would also get a rushing touchdown while getting 19 rushing yards in the game. Elijah Mitchell had 52 yards rushing with a touchdown run. It would be the Wentz touchdown rush and the ensuing two-point conversion the win. The two-point conversion was a pass play from Wentz to Tutu Atwell. San Francisco had an even 300 yards of offense in the game. For the Rams, they gain the 6th seed and will go on the road next week with a 10-7 record. For the 49ers, they drop to 12-5 with a bye week and will head into the Divisional playoff. 

Next week: 
LA Rams: Wild Card playoffs @ Detroit

San Francisco: Bye

TW: 9-4; CV: 4-9

Philadelphia 10, NY Giants 27: TW: Eagles; CV: Giants

The Giants play spoiler to the Eagles plans to win the NFC East. Jalen Hurts started the game and hit 7 of 16 passes for 55 yards with an interception. He wouldn't finish the game as Marcus Mariota came in. Mariota hit 13 of 20 passes for 148 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The touchdown pass went to Quez Watkins. Watkins caught eight passes for 93 yards. Kenneth Gainwell had 62 yards rushing on seven carries. Marcus Mariota would get 46 yards rushing on six carries. Philadelphia got 299 yards of offense in the game. Tyrod Taylor started the game and hit 23 of 32 passes for 297 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Darius Slayton was the Giant that caught the pass from Taylor. Folk hero Tommy DeVito came in the game and hit 2 for 2 passes for 14 yards. Truly he was the player of the game. Saquon Barkley got two scores on 46 yards rushing in the game. He was possibly playing his last game in Big Blue colors. New York racked up 415 total yards in the game. For the Eagles, they drop to 11-6 and will have to go on the road to Tampa next week for the playoffs. For the Giants, their disappointing season ends but on a high note as they improve to 6-11. 

Next week: 
Philadelphia: Wild Card playoffs @ Tampa Bay
NY Giants: eat some pastrami sandwiches in New York

TW: 9-5; CV: 5-9

Seattle 21, Arizona 20: TW: Cardinals; CV: Seahawks

A Matt Prater field goal miss dooms the Cardinals in finale. Geno Smith hit 16 of 28 passes for 189 yards and two touchdown passes. Will Dissly caught the first touchdown on a 19-yard short pass. Tyler Lockett caught the 2nd for a 34-yard big play. Kenneth Walker III rushed for 78 yards on 17 carries in the game. Seattle had 327 total yards in the game. Kuler Murray hit 22 of 30 passes for 262 yards with a touchdown pass to Trey McBride that gave the Cardinals a 20-13 lead in the 4th quarter. James Conner had a great day running the ball as he rushed for 150 yards with a touchdown on 27 carries. His longest run was a 29-yard run. Michael Wilson caught six passes for 95 yards in the game. Arizona put out a good offensive performance with 466 total yards. With a second left in the game, Matt Prater tried to hit a 51-yard field goal that would go to the right. For the Seahawks, they won't sniff the playoffs due to the Packers win but improve to 9-8 on the season. For the Cardinals, they fall to 4-13 with some uncertainty for Kyler Murray heading into the offseason. 

Next week:
Seattle: throw fish at the fish market or something
Arizona: go catch a Phoenix Suns game or something

TW: 9-6; CV: 6-9

Buffalo 21, Miami 14: TW: Bills; CV: Dolphins

It was an ugly game but the Bills are AFC East champions. Josh Allen hit 30 of 38 passes for 359 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Dawson Knox caught one pass and Trent Sherfield caught the other touchdown from Allen. Josh Allen was the leading rusher for Buffalo with 67 yards on 15 carries. James Cook had 36 yards rushing on 13 carries. Khalil Shakir caught six passes for 105 yards for the Bills. Buffalo's special teams got a boost in scoring as Deonte Harty ran it back to the endzone for 96 yards. Tua Tagovailoa hit 17 of 27 passes for 173 yards with a touchdown pass to Tyreek Hill and tossed two interceptions. De'Von Achane rushed for 56 yards with a touchdown. Jeff Wilson rushed for 45 yards in the game on nine carries. Tyreek Hill caught seven passes for 82 yards, finishing the regular season with 1,717 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. The total yardage in the game was 473 for Buffalo and 275 for Miami. A certainly interesting offensive showcase for the two teams. The game would see five turnovers in the game. For the Bills, they win the AFC East and a home playoff game with a 11-6 record. For the Dolphins, the loss will hurt as they drop to 11-6 and will have to travel to Kansas City. 

Next week: 
Buffalo: Wild Card Playoffs vs Pittsburgh
Miami: Wild Card Playoffs @ Kansas City

TW: 10-6; CV: 6-10

Records

Cardinal Viking:

2023: 
Week 1: 10-6

Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 8-8

Week 4: 13-3
Week 5: 6-8

Week 6: 9-6

Week 7: 4-9

Week 8: 10-6

Week 9: 8-6
Week 10: 6-8

Week 11: 7-7

Week 12: 9-7

Week 13: 9-4

Week 14: 5-10

Week 15: 10-6

Week 16: 10-6

Week 17: 7-9

Week 18: 6-10

Total: 147-125

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1
2021: 167-104-1
2022: 157-112-2

My record: 

2023:
Week 1: 9-7

Week 2: 11-5
Week 3: 11-5

Week 4: 14-2

Week 5: 7-7

Week 6: 8-7

Week 7: 5-8

Week 8: 10-6

Week 9: 9-5
Week 10: 7-7

Week 11: 11-3

Week 12: 8-8

Week 13: 9-4

Week 14: 4-11

Week 15: 10-6

Week 16: 9-7

Week 17: 9-7

Week 18: 10-6

Total: 161-111

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2
2019: 161-94-1

2020: 167-88-1 

2021: 173-98-1
2022: 166-103-2

See you all on Wednesday/Thursday for the Super Wild Card Weekend Picks post! Enjoy your week!

-Tom