NFL 2024 Week 17 Recap

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action has come to an end. The week that was Week 17 brought us some interesting storylines here in the last week of 2024. Such storylines like, a domination in Pittsburgh, a near shutout in Houston, a hockey-esque score in Chicago, a ton of blowouts, and a division battle in Minnesota. All those games and more in this week's recap post.

NFL Week 18 Freaky Stat

Saquon Barkley becomes the 9th running back in NFL history to run at least 2,000 yards in a single season. 

NFL Week 18 Recap

Kansas City 29, Pittsburgh 10

Pick: Chiefs

Three touchdowns from Patrick Mahomes gives Chiefs the win. Mahomes hit 29 of 38 passes for 320 yards with three touchdowns. The touchdowns went to Travis Kelce, Xavier Worthy and Justin Watson. Kareem Hunt had nine carries for 20 yards with a touchdown run. The longest run was a Patrick Mahomes run that went for a 12-yard gain. Travis Kelce had eight catches for 84 yards in the game to be the leading receiver. Justin Watson had a catch that went for a 49-yard gain that was the longest pass play for the Chiefs. Kansas City's offense finally came alive and the defense did its thing against the Steelers. The win gives them back homefield advantage for the 2nd time in three seasons. For the Chiefs, they improve to 15-1 with a chance to get 16 wins next week and had 389 total yards in the game. 

Russell Wilson had 23 of 37 passes for 205 yards with an interception but did have a touchdown run in the game with six carries and 55 yards rushing. Najee Harris had 13 carries for 74 yards in the game. Jaylen Warren had 11 carries for 71 yards and had a run of 22 yards that was the longest run in the game for Pittsburgh. Pat Friermuth had seven catches for 60 yards in the game. George Pickens made his return to action in this game. He caught a pass that went for a 41-yard gain that was the longest pass play for the Steelers. Pittsburgh really couldn't do a whole lot in this game. Their first three drives resulted in a punt or an interception. By the time they would get a touchdown, the Chiefs would have 13 points. By the time the Steelers would hit a field goal, the Chiefs would answer back. It is a trend that their offense is starting to crack. For the Steelers, they drop to 10-6 with 364 total yards in the game. 

Next week:

Kansas City: @ Denver
Pittsburgh: vs Cincinnati

TW: 1-0

Baltimore 31, Houston 2

Pick: Ravens

No scorigami for this one. Sad days. Lamar Jackson had 10 of 15 passes for 168 yards with two touchdowns. Mark Andrews and Isiah Likely were the players that caught the passes from Jackson. Josh Johnson had 1 of 2 passes for 16 yards in the game. Derrick Henry would do his thing and proceed to run over the Texans defense with 27 carries for 147 yards and a rushing touchdown. Lamar Jackson had four carries for 87 yards with a touchdown run of his own. The touchdown run came on a run that was on a 48-yard gain for the score. He reached speeds of over 21 miles per hour. For context, he could beat out a gray squirrel. Mark Andrews had two catches for 68 yards in the game with a 67-yard one that sadly didn't go for a touchdown. He would have a catch for one yard for the score. Obviously a big win for the Ravens who really shut down one of the decent offenses in the league. The only thing that was imperfect was Derrick Henry getting tackled in the endzone for a safety for the Texans. For the Ravens, they improve to 11-5 and had 432 total yards in the game. 

Houston hit 17 of 31 passes for 185 yards with an interception. Davis Mills would hit one pass for a 5-yard gain. Joe Mixon hit nine carries for 26 yards in the game. Dare Ogunbowale had two carries for 12 yards and had one carry go for a 9-yard gain that was the longest run in the game. Nico Collins had three catches for 59 yards and had a catch that went for a 30-yard gain that was the best play out of very few for the Texans. Kamari Lassiter would score the only points for the Texans as he tackled Derrick Henry in the endzone for two points. There was not much else to say for the Texans, it proves that they might be a prime example of a one-and-done team in the upcoming playoffs as they have won the AFC South but are in the 4th seed. For the Texans, they drop to 9-7 with 211 total yards in the game. 

Next week:

Baltimore: vs Cleveland
Houston: @ Tennessee

TW: 2-0

Seattle 6, Chicago 3

Pick: Bears

Three field goals all that was needed for this game. Geno Smith hit 17 of 23 passes for 160 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Zach Charbonnet had 15 carries for 57 yards in the game. Kenny McIntosh had seven carries for 46 yards and had a carry that went for 25 yards that was the longest run in the game for Seattle. Noah Fant had four catches for 43 yards in the game. DK Metcalf had three catches for 42 yards and had one catch that went for a 23-yard gain that was the longest pass play for the Seahawks. The Seahawks would hit a field goal each in the 1st and 2nd quarter. After that, they wouldn't need anymore. Seattle's offense didn't do a whole lot and their defense did its job sort of. For the Seahawks, they improve to 9-7 with 265 total yards. 

Caleb Williams had 16 of 28 passes for 122 yards with an interception in the game. He had five carries for 37 yards with a carry that went for a 16-yard gain that was the longest run in the game. Dandre Swift was the leading rusher with 12 carries for 53 yards. DJ Moore had six catches for 54 yards in the game. Dandre Swift had four catches for 28 yards and had a catch that went for a 24-yard gain that was the longest pass play for the Bears. The game was another frustrating one for the offense. Caleb Williams was sacked seven times in the loss. You just have one more game to get through and then the offseason happens Bears fans. For the Bears, they drop to 4-12 and put up 179 total yards in the game. 

Next week:

Seattle: @ LA Rams
Chicago: @ Green Bay

TW: 2-1

LA Chargers 40, New England 7

Pick: Chargers

Chargers offense dominate in Foxborough. Justin Herbert hit 26 of 38 passes for 281 yards with three touchdowns. Two of those touchdowns went to Ladd McConkey and the other went to Derius Davis. JK Dobbins had 19 carries for 76 yards with a touchdown run. He had a long run of 13 yards that was the longest run in the game for the Chargers. Ladd McConkey had eight catches for 94 yards and had a catch that went for a 40-yard gain that was the longest in the game for the Chargers. Los Angeles would have a 20-7 lead in halftime and wouldn't relinquish that lead as they proceed to score 20 more in the 2nd half. The Chargers would just dominate as the Patriots offense would do not a lot and their defense was at the mercy of Justin Herbert and company. The win gives them a playoff berth in Jim Harbaugh's first season. For the Chargers, they improve to 10-6 with 428 total yards. 

Drake Maye had 12 of 22 passes for 117 yards with a touchdown pass to Demario Douglas. The pass was close to the end of the 1st half and was on a play that was a free play. Douglas would catch the ball and rolled into the endzone untouched. It would be the only thing that the Patriots did right in the game. Antonio Gibson had 12 carries for 63 yards and had a carry of 20 yards that was the longest in the game for New England. Demario Douglas had four catches for 46 yards and his touchdown came on a 36-yard play. That was the longest pass play for the Patriots. It was a rough one to watch as the Patriots would not do a whole lot and would increase an NFL worst stat of 29 fumbles this season with a fumble on a sweep play. It's almost over and then we can try to enjoy the Bruins, Celtics and eventually the Red Sox. For the Patriots, they dropped to 3-13 with 181 total yards. 

Next week:

LA Chargers: @ Las Vegas
New England: vs Buffalo

TW: 3-1

Denver 34, Cincinnati 40 (F/OT)

Pick: Bengals

A pass to Tee Higgins gives the Bengals life in overtime. Bo Nix hit 24 of 31 passes for 219 yards with three touchdowns and an interception in the 4th quarter. Marvin Mims caught two and Cortland Sutton caught the other to the three total passing touchdowns. Jaleel McLaughlin had 10 carries for 69 yards or 6.9 yards/carry. He had a carry that went for a 13-yard gain that was the longest run in the game. Marvin Mims was the leading receiver with eight catches for 103 yards and had a catch that went for a 51-yard gain that was his 2nd touchdown in the game. A back-and-forth affair for the two teams. The thing that might've been the thing that got the Bengals into this game and momentum swinging their way a bit was the interception. The loss might cost them if they lose again next week and the Bengals win next week due to the head-to-head record. For the Broncos, they drop to 9-7 with 329 total yards. 

Joe Burrow hit 39 of 49 passes for 412 yards with three touchdowns. All three of the touchdowns went to Tee Higgins. Chase Brown was the leading rusher with 20 carries for 67 yards. Joe Burrow the runner had four carries for 25 yards with a touchdown run of 1-yard. He had the longest run in the game for the Bengals on a 19-yard run. Cincinnati had two 100-yard receivers with Tee Higgins having 11 catches for 131 yards and Ja'Marr Chase having nine catches for 102 yards. Chase had a catch that went for a 38-yard gain in the game. The game was a tight one and the big thing was that if the Bengals win, they stay alive with some hope of getting in and possibly lose out or loss the game and still lose. Pretty much a 70/30 loss or hopeful but possibly still lose situation. For the Bengals, they improve to 8-8 with 499 total yards in the game. 

Next week:

Denver: vs Kansas City
Cincinnati: @ Pittsburgh

TW: 4-1

Arizona 9, LA Rams 13

Pick: Rams

Akhello Witherspoon saves the day for the Rams. Kyler Murray hit 33 of 48 passes for 321 yards with a touchdown but also tossed two interceptions. One of them being the last play of the game for the Cardinals offense. Michael Carter had 13 carries for 70 yards with a 13-yard run being the longest run in the game. The touchdown pass went to Trey McBride. McBride was also the leading receiver with 12 catches for 123 yards with one catch being a 34-yard gain. The game was a reverse of the Week 2 matchup these two teams had where the Cardinals ran over the Rams. The Cardinals had turnovers, a missed point after, and pressure on Kyler Murray to cause havoc for them in this game. They're out of the playoffs but they had a chance to cause chaos in the NFC West race. For the Cardinals, they drop to 7-9 on the season with 396 total yards.

Matthew Staffort hit 17 of 32 passes for 189 yards but didn't score a passing touchdown. Kyren Williams would get the lone touchdown for the Rams on a 1-yard run to the right that barely crossed the plane. Williams had 13 carries for 56 yards and had one carry go for a 18-yard gain that was the longest run in the game. Puka Nacua had 10 catches for 129 yards to be the leading receiver for the Rams. Cooper Kupp had one catch that went for a 29-yard gain that was the longest pass play for the Rams. It was a game where the Rams offense didn't do a whole lot but when it mattered most, they scored more points than the Cardinals. They effectively did it with opportunistic defense and ball control. The Rams are on the cusp of a division title but need help from a variety of teams on Sunday. For the Rams, they improve to 10-6 with 257 total yards in the game. 

Next week:

Arizona: vs San Francisco
LA Rams: vs Seattle

TW: 5-1

Carolina 14, Tampa Bay 48

Pick: Buccaneers

A rout by the Buccaneers. Bryce Young hit 15 of 28 passes for two touchdowns. Both touchdowns went to Adam Thielen in the game on 17 and 40 yard scores. Raheem Blackshear had eight carries for 20 yards in the game. I guess Chuba Hubbard wouldn't be able to go in this game. The longest run in the game was a eight-yard run by Raheem Blackshear and Mike Boone. Adam Thielen had five catches for 110 yards in the game. He had a 40-yard gain on a catch that was from the aforementioned touchdown. The game wasn't a particularly fun one if you were a Panthers fan. The defense wouldn't be able to do a whole lot but it was their biggest hole this season. Pressure on Bryce Young was also an issue as well that will need to be addressed for the offensive line. For the Panthers, they drop to 4-12 on the season with 204 total yards. 

Baker Mayfield hit 27 of 32 passes for 359 yards with five touchdowns in the game. The five touchdowns went to Mike Evans for two, Jalen McMillan for two and Payne Durham for one to the five total in the game. Bucky Irving had 20 carries for 113 yards in the game and had a run of 34 yards in the game that was the longest run in the game for Tampa. Mike Evans had eight catches for 97 yards in the game. Bucky Irving had a catch that went for a 42-yard gain that was the longest pass play for Tampa Bay. The offense really overpowered the inept Panthers defense with the passing game but it was the running game that got the Buccaneers some added offense. It was a big win for them to keep pace in the NFC South division title race. For the Buccaneers, they improve to 9-7 on the season with 551 total yards in the game. 

Next week:

Carolina: @ Atlanta
Tampa Bay: vs New Orleans

TW: 6-1

Green Bay 25, Minnesota 27

Pick: Packers

The Vikings stave off the Packers. Jordan Love hit 19 of 30 passes for 185 yards with a touchdown pass. The touchdown went to Malik Heath. The running game would get going a bit as Josh Jacobs had 17 carries for 69 yards with a touchdown. Emanuel Wilson had six carries for 29 yards with a touchdown run as well. Wilson had a run of 14 yards that was the longest run in the game for Green Bay. Romeo Doubs had seven catches for 58 yards in the game to be the leading receiver. The longest pass play was a Tucker Kraft catch for a 35-yard gain. Green Bay was down 27-10 by the time the 4th quarter started. They would score 15 unanswered points but would fall short. Emanuel Wilson would get it started with his touchdown run with a successful two-point conversion. Next would be Jordan Love's pass to Malik Heath and the point after. With 2:18 left in the game, Matt LeFleur would choose to kick it into the endzone and hope for a quick three and out. It would never come. For the Packers, they drop to 11-5 with 271 total yards. 

Sam Darnold had 33 of 43 passes for 377 yards with three touchdowns but threw an interception. The touchdowns went to Cam Akers, Justin Nailor and Jordan Addison for the three total. Aaron Jones hit 12 carries for 47 yards in the game. Cam Akers had the longest run in the game with a 16-yard run for a gain. Justin Jefferson had eight catches for 92 yards to be the Vikings leading receiver. He had the longest pass play on a catch that went for a 37-yard gain. Minnesota would jump out early and have a substantial lead going into the 4th quarter. They would hang on and hold off the Packers. The drive that won it was three pass plays from Darnold and one rush play by Cam Akers. The win keeps the conversation of a division title and the #1 seed in play. For the Vikings, they improve to 14-2 with 441 total yards in the game. 

Next week:

Green Bay: vs Chicago
Minnesota: @ Detroit

TW: 6-2

Indianapolis 33, NY Giants 45

Pick: Colts

The Giants give their fans some joy. Joe Flacco hit 26 of 38 passes for 330 yards with two touchdowns but also tossed two interceptions in the loss. Jonathan Taylor had 32 carries for 125 yards with two touchdowns and had a run of 26 yards that was the longest run in the game for the Colts. Alec Pierce had six catches for 122 yards in the game and had one catch that went for a 49-yard gain. he also made a catch that was quite remarkable. Michael Pittman had nine catches for 109 yards in the game. The turnovers in the game were kind of costly but but allowing 45 points to the Giants offense has to hurt. What hurts more is that the Colts won't sniff the playoffs as they were eliminated from the loss. For the Colts, they drop to 7-9 on the season with 446 total yards. 

Drew Lock was spectacular in the game with 17 of 23 passes for 309 yards with four touchdowns. Of the touchdowns, two of them went to Malik Nabers had two touchdowns, Wandale Robinson had one and Darius Slayton had one of the four touchdowns. Tyrone Tracy Jr. had 20 carries for 59 yards in the game and had one carry that went for a 40-yard gain that was the longest run in the game. Malik Nabers had seven catches for 171 yards in the game and had one catch that went for a 59-yard gain that was the result of one of his touchdowns. A big day for him. It was a shootout but the Giants will get a win for the first time since beating the Seahawks on the road 29-20 on October 6th. It ends a 10-game losing streak. For the Giants, they improve to 3-13 on the season with 389 total yards in the game. 

Next week:

Indianapolis: vs Jacksonville
NY Giants: @ Philadelphia

TW: 6-3

Las Vegas 25, New Orleans 10

Pick: Saints

The Saints falter against the Raiders. Aidan O'Connell hit 20 of 35 passes for 242 yards with two touchdowns. The two touchdowns went to Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker. Ameer Abdullah had a good game with 20 carries for 115 yards in the game and had a carry that went for a 17-yard gain that was the longest run in the game for Las Vegas. Brock Bowers would have a good game and more as he had seven catches for 77 yards in the game. He would break a single season record for receptions for a rookie with 106 catches. The longest pass play was a 29-yard gain for a catch by Jakobi Meyers. Las Vegas is kind of riding a winning streak as they have won two straight games. This game was a bit of a good one as both the offense and defense would do what they potentially can be. For the Raiders, they improve to 4-12 on the season with 388 total yards. 

Spencer Rattler hit 20 of 36 passes for 218 yards with a touchdown but also tossed an interception in the game. The touchdown was a deep pass from Rattler to Foster Moreau for a 30-yard gain for the score that gave the Saints their only lead in the game. Spencer Rattler also had three carries for 46 yards in the game and had a run of 28 yards that was the longest run in the game for New Orleans. Juwan Johnson had six catches for 66 yards in the game for the Saints. The longest pass play was the Foster Moreau touchdown pass. Not quite a good game for the Saints as turnovers would hurt them in this one. For the Saints, they drop to 5-11 on the season with 269 total yards in the game. 

Next week:

Las Vegas: vs LA Chargers
New Orleans: @ Tampa Bay

TW: 6-4

NY Jets 14, Buffalo 40

Pick: Bills

An ugly game for the team that wore the green and white jerseys. Aaron Rodgers had 12 of 18 passes for 112 yards with two interceptions. Tyrod Taylor saw some action in the game and had 11 of 14 passes for 83 yards and two touchdowns. Garrett Wilson and Tyler Conklin were the two Jets players that caught the passes from Taylor. The touchdowns came in the 4th quarter during garbage time but a score is a score. Breece Hall had 10 carries for 45 yards and had a 17-yard gain that was the longest run in the game. Garrett Wilson had seven catches for 66 yards in the game and had one catch that went for a 28-yard gain that was the longest pass play for the Jets. New York would go down with a rough deficit in the game as the Bills manhandled their rivals for most of the game. The offense couldn't do anything and the defense couldn't stop the Bills. For the Jets, they drop to 4-12 on the season with 281 total yards in the game. 

Josh Allen hit 16 of 27 passes for 182 yards with two touchdowns and rushed five times for 17 yards with a rushing touchdown. A good game for him. The rushing touchdown for Allen was on a 1-yard play. The passing touchdowns went to Amari Cooper and Keon Coleman. Mitchell Trubisky would get some play time and hit a pass to Tyrell Shavers for a 69-yard scoring play. James Cook had 15 carries for 53 yards in the game. The longest run in the game was a 10-yard gain by Josh Allen. Tyrell Shavers was the leading receiver in the game with that catch for a touchdown and had the longest pass play in the game on that 69-yard score. Buffalo would play a tight game last week against New England but would blow the Jets defense out of the water in this one as they were up 40-0 before the two touchdowns by the Jets. The win secures a #2 seed for the Bills and will hold a home playoff game in two weeks. For the Bills, they improve to 13-3 on the season with 348 total yards. 

Next week:

NY Jets: vs Miami
Buffalo: @ New England

TW: 7-4

Tennessee 13, Jacksonville 20

Pick: Jaguars

Antonio Jackson with the batted ball gives the Jags a win. Mason Rudolph hit 19 of 31 passes for 193 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The touchdown pass went to Nick Vannett on a one catch for an 8-yard score. Tyjae Spears had 20 carries for 95 yards with a carry for a 23-yard gain being the longest run in the game for the Titans. Calvin Ridley had five catches for 84 yards in the game to be the leading receiver for the Titans. He had a catch that went for a 24-yard gain that was the longest pass play for the Titans. Not doing enough on offense was one of the things that caused the Titans to lose this game but the early interception was also part of the reason. The Titans wouldn't score a point until they hit a field goal with 2:02 left in the 2nd quarter. For the Titans, they drop to 3-13 with 337 yards of offense. 

Mac Jones would do as well as he could in this one. He hit 15 of 22 passes for 174 yards with two touchdowns. The passing touchdowns went to Brian Thomas Jr. and Parker Washington. Travis Etienne had 15 carries for 49 yards. Brian Thomas Jr. had one carry that went for a 18-yard gain that was the longest run in the game. Brian Thomas Jr. had seven catches for 91 yards in the game and had a catch that went for a 31-yard gain that was the longest pass play for the Jaguars. The Jags haven't had a lot to celebrate but a win is a win and it is their first win since beating the Titans four weeks ago. It was a good game for Mac Jones who hasn't had a lot of them in his time with Jacksonville. Maybe it'll be something to build off. For the Jaguars, they improve to 4-12 with 295 total yards. 

Next week:

Tennessee: vs Houston
Jacksonville: @ Indianapolis

TW: 8-4

Miami 20, Cleveland 3

Pick: Dolphins

The Dolphins handle business in raining Cleveland. Tyler Huntley hit 22 of 26 passes for 225 yards with a touchdown pass. He would start over Tua Tagovailoa. The touchdown pass went to Jonnu Smith. Huntley would also score a rushing touchdown on a 13-yard run and finished with seven carries for 52 yards. The longest run was also a Huntley carry for a 18-yard gain. De'Von Achane had 10 carries for 25 yards. Tyreek Hill had nine catches for 105 yards and had a catch that went for a 25-yard gain that was the longest pass play for the Dolphins. In general, the Dolphins really got a good game from Tyler Huntley in spite of Tua Tagovailoa not being able to start. The defense of Miami would do the rest but they were facing against a banged up Browns offense. For the Dolphins, they improve to 8-8 on the season with their playoff hopes still alive and had 280 yards of offense. 

Dorian Thompson-Robinson had 24 of 47 passes completed for 170 yards with an interception. D'Onta Foreman had 13 carries for 49 yards in the game to be the Browns leading rusher. The longest carry was a 19-yard gain by Pierre Strong Jr. and Jerome Ford. Strong wouldn't finish the game as he was injured after taking a hit. Jerry Jeudy was the leading receiver with 12 catches for 94 yards. He had a 17-yard gain on a catch that was the longest pass play for the Browns. It seemed unlikely that the Browns would win this game if they had better offensive numbers from their quarterback. Thompson-Robinson would be limited in his passes as he would nearly throw for 47 attempts and would only complete about 50% of them. For the Browns, they drop to 3-13 on the season with 276 total yards in the game. 

Next week:

Miami: @ NY Jets
Cleveland: @ Baltimore

TW: 9-4

Dallas 7, Philadelphia 41

Pick: Eagles

A blowout for the Cowboys in Philly. Cooper Rush had 15 of 28 passes for 147 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Trey Lance even played a bit and threw a pass for a 1-yard gain. The touchdown pass went to Jake Tolbert. Rico Dowdle had 23 carries for 104 yards in the game and had a carry that went for a 17-yard gain that was the longest run in the game. Brandin Cooks had four catches for 52 yards in the game. He had a catch that went for a 22-yard gain that was the longest pass play for the Cowboys. Dallas certainly had their hopes of getting to play spoiler in this game but turnovers and not sustaining drives would doom them in this one. For the Cowboys, they drop to 7-9 on the season with 268 total yards. 

Kenny Pickett would start in the game. He hit 10 of 15 passes for 143 yards with a touchdown pass to Devonta Smith. Tanner McKee would come in his stead and hit 3 of 4 passes for 54 yards with two touchdowns. The two touchdowns went to Devonta Smith again and AJ Brown. Saquon Barkley had 31 carries for 167 yards in the game and had a carry that went for a 23-yard gain in the game. He would have 2,000 yards clinched in this game. He needs 101 yards next week to pass Erik Dickerson's single season rushing record of 2,105 yards. Kenny Pickett had a touchdown run of 1-yard in the game.  Devonta Smith had six catches for 120 yards in the game with a 49-yard gain in the game that was the longest pass play for the Eagles. Defense would get a touchdown as CJ Gardner-Johnson had a pick six on a Cooper Rush pass and returned it for a 69-yard score. For the Eagles, they improve to 13-3 and had 376 total yards in the game. They have also clinched the NFC East. 

Next week:

Dallas: vs Washington
Philadelphia: vs NY Giants

TW: 10-4

Atlanta 24, Washington 30

Pick: Commanders

Jayden Daniels to Zach Ertz and Washington is in the playoffs. Michael Penix Jr. had 19 of 35 passes for 223 yards with a touchdown and an interception. His first career touchdown went to Kyle Pitts. Perhaps the first of many in his career. Bijan Robinson had 17 carries for 90 yards with two touchdowns. One of them being on a direct snap for the touchdown. The longest run of the game was a RayRay McCloud carry for a 14-yard gain for Atlanta. Drake London had seven catches for 106 yards in the game. He caught a pass that went for a 31-yard gain that was the longest pass play for the Falcons. Atlanta would have a better game showing in this one for their quarterback. The rookie will be learning more and more as he goes on. The loss will likely makes it difficult for them to get into the playoffs. They'll need help. For the Falcons, they drop to 8-8 on the season with 337 total yards in the game. 

Jayden Daniels had 24 of 36 passes for 227 yards with three touchdowns with an interception. Of the three touchdowns, Zach Ertz caught two of them and Olamide Zaccheaus caught one. The 2nd Ertz touchdown was the game-winner on a 2-yard score. Jayden Daniels had 16 carries for 127 yards in the game. He had a carry that went for a 25-yard gain that was the longest run in the game. Chris Rodriguez Jr. had five carries for 16 yards with a touchdown run. Olamide Zaccheaus had eight catches for 85 yards to be the leading receiver for Washington. Zach Ertz caught a pass that went for a 37-yard gain that was the longest pass play for the Commanders. The game was a struggle but sometimes the close fought wins make it much sweeter and special. What is even sweeter is that Washington is playoff bound for the first time since 2020. For the Commanders, they improve to 11-5 with 412 total yards in the game. 

Next week:

Atlanta: vs Carolina
Washington: @ Dallas

TW: 11-4

Detroit 40, San Francisco 34

Pick: Lions

Detroit holds off the 49ers to get a win. Jared Goff hit 26 of 34 passes for 303 yards with three touchdowns. Of the three touchdowns, they went to Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta and Amon Ra St. Brown. Jahmyr Gibbs had 18 carries for 117 yards with a touchdown run. He had one carry that went for a 30-yard gain that was the Lions last touchdown in the game. Jameson Williams had a touchdown run on a 3-yard run. Jameson Williams had five catches for 77 yards in the game. He had one catch that went for a 41-yard gain that was the longest pass play for the Lions. Detroit would have a fight on their hands in this one. The defense would have its challenges but the Lions offense would keep pace. The win gives the Lions back control for the #1 seed in the NFC with a date next week against rival Minnesota. For the Lions, they improve to 14-2 on the season with 439 total yards. 

Brock Purdy hit 27 of 35 passes for 377 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Of the three touchdowns, Ricky Pearsall, Kyle Juszczyk, and Deebo Samuel caught the passes from Purdy for scores. Isaac Guerendo had nine carries for 34 yards in the game with a run of 11-yards that was the longest run in the game for the 49ers. Ricky Pearsall had eight catches for 141 yards. George Kittle had eight catches for 112 yards in the game. The longest pass play was catches by Ricky Pearsall and Isaac Guerendo for a 40-yard gain each. San Francisco was close to playing spoiler to the 49ers but the turnovers were costly. The biggest interception was the 2nd interception. It would lead to the Jahmyr Gibbs touchdown. Turnovers typically mean a 14-point swing if the opposing team can score. Suffice to say, the 49ers made a valiant effort but didn't get a win. For the 49ers, they drop to 6-10 on the season with 475 total yards. 

Next week:

Detroit: vs Minnesota
San Francisco: @ Arizona

TW: 12-4

Records

2024:
Week 1: 14-2
Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 10-6

Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 3-11

Week 6: 13-1

Week 7: 13-2

Week 8: 9-7

Week 9: 12-3

Week 10: 10-4

Week 11: 11-3

Week 12: 7-6

Week 13: 14-2

Week 14: 11-3

Week 15: 13-3

Week 16: 12-4

Week 17: 12-4

Total: 184-73

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
2023: 161-111

See you all on Thursday/Friday for the Week 18 Picks post! Enjoy your week!

-Tom

NFL 2024 Week 17 Picks + NFL Christmas Wishlist

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is coming upon us yet again. The week that was Week 16 brought me good things in picks as I was 0-0 in picks. Week 17 used to be the final week of the regular season up until a few years ago but at this point more football is still an okay thing for the fan. Week 17 still has a few teams that are hoping for a playoff spot or a division spot. In this post, I will do a wishlist for all 32 teams this Christmas, a playoff picture of the week, a preview of the games and the picks of the games, as well as the early and late TV broadcast pairings that FOX and CBS will put forth for the Sunday afternoon games. A lot to get to this week so let's get to work!

Note: This post will be done partial due to the week starting on a Wednesday. Games that don't have a pick will be updated later. 

NFL Christmas: 2024 Edition

With Christmas happening (depending on when you actually read this) this week, the NFL surely has to have its wishlist for all the 32 teams that it has. Here is the list of what the teams would like to have this Christmas if they had an Amazon wishlist. 

Arizona Cardinals - a time machine to take them back to when they were 6-4 on the season. 

Atlanta Falcons - a warranty for Kirk Cousins contract and a Chick Fil-A gift card. 

Baltimore Ravens - Don't really need anything specific but a great gift would be a some new cleats for Derrick Henry

Buffalo Bills - a massage recliner for Josh Allen. 

Carolina Panthers - maybe a new owner, David Tepper not quite working out. 

Chicago Bears - a copy of the 1985 Bears VHS tape

Cincinnati Bengals - a sandbag for the defense to stop a flood and a copy of I Robot to Joe Burrow. 

Cleveland Browns - A case of beer for the defense. 

Dallas Cowboys - a copy of the 1995 Cowboys championship season VHS tape and a pair of zubaz pants for the offensive line. 

Denver Broncos - A Rookie of the Year trophy for Bo Nix, just give it to him already. 

Detroit Lions - 60 years of pain eraser for their fans. 

Green Bay Packers - a gift card to Wisconsin Dells or Cheesecake Factory

Houston Texans - a cure to injury for Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell. 

Indianapolis Colts - a copy of how to run a football team for Jim Irsay. 

Jacksonville Jaguars - a do-over for this season. 

Kansas City Chiefs - you don't need anything for this season but I guess season tickets for Kansas City Royals games. 

Las Vegas Raiders - a copy of the 1983 Los Angeles Raiders VHS tape. 

Los Angeles Chargers - a free ticket to return to San Diego

Los Angeles Rams - a prime version of Matthew Stafford. Many years for Detroit can do that to you. 

Miami Dolphins - a chance to go back to the old logo and some bottles of chardonnay for the rest of the 1972 Dolphins. 

Minnesota Vikings - a Super Bowl win. Seriously, you're due. 

New England Patriots - a brick wall for Drake Maye. It might not be enough. 

New Orleans Saints - some gumbo and tickets to Super Bowl LIX. 

New York Giants - tickets to go to Atlantic City. You had a rough season. 

New York Jets - a chance to part ways with Aaron Rodgers and give their fans a recliner. 

Philadelphia Eagles - a gift card to some philly cheesesteak place. 

Pittsburgh Steelers - a pierogi gift card to the team and a copy of Jesus Christ Superstar for Russell Wilson.

San Francisco 49ers - a copy of the 1994 49ers championship season VHS tape

Seattle Seahawks - a new defense. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - sailboats for the offensive line. 

Tennessee Titans - acoustic guitars and tickets to the Grand Ole Opry. 

Washington Commanders - a pair of zubaz pants for the team and a VHS copy of the 

NFL Playoff Picture: Week 17

With the regular season just having two weeks left of the regular season, teams still have chances to clinch a spot but at this point there's still matters in seeding. Remember, the #1 seed will have the first round bye and get to play the following week. Let's look at the AFC. 

Seeding

1st seed: Kansas City Chiefs (14-1) (clinched AFC West)

2nd seed: Buffalo Bills (12-3) (clinched AFC East)

3rd seed: Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5) (clinched playoff berth)

4th seed: Houston Texans (9-6) (AFC South)

5th seed: Baltimore Ravens (10-5) (clinched playoff berth)

6th seed: Los Angeles Chargers (9-6)

7th seed: Denver Broncos (9-6)

Super Wild Card Weekend Matchups

Denver @ Buffalo

LA Chargers @ Pittsburgh

Baltimore @ Houston

In the Hunt

Indianapolis (7-8), Miami (7-8), Cincinnati (7-8)

Better Luck Next Year

NY Jets (4-11), Cleveland (3-12), Jacksonville (3-12), Tennessee (3-12), Las Vegas (3-12), New England (3-12)

Pittsburgh is ahead of Baltimore based on conference record (Steelers have 7-3 record while Ravens have 6-4). The Chargers are ahead of the Broncos based on head-to-head record. The Chiefs would need to win and they clinch the #1 seed. Let's look at the NFC. 

Seeding

1st seed: Detroit Lions (13-2) (clinched playoff berth)

2nd seed: Philadelphia Eagles (12-3) (clinched playoff berth)

3rd seed: Los Angeles Rams (9-6)

4th seed: Atlanta Falcons (8-7)

5th seed: Minnesota Vikings (13-2) (clinched playoff berth)

6th seed: Green Bay Packers (11-4) (clinched playoff berth)

7th seed: Washington Commanders (10-5)

Super Wild Card Weekend Matchups

Washington @ Philadelphia

Green Bay @ LA Rams
Minnesota @ Atlanta

In the Hunt

Tampa Bay (8-7), Seattle (8-7)

Better Luck Next Year

Dallas (7-8), Arizona (7-8), San Francisco (6-9), New Orleans (5-10), Chicago (4-11), Carolina (4-11), NY Giants (2-13)

A bit quieter on the NFC front. Detroit has the tiebreaker with the head-to-head with Minnesota. The Lions would need to win and have Minnesota lose to clinch the NFC North. That would mean Lions fans would have to be Packers fans for at least a day. Atlanta is ahead of Tampa Bay based on head-to-head record (2-0). They would need to win and a Buccaneers loss. 

Week 17 Preview

The seventeenth week of the regular season will start in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and finish up in Santa Clara, California. The week has a 16-game slate where all 32 teams will play. Week 17 will have six division games, two interconference games, five AFC games and three NFC games. There will be two Wednesday games, a Thursday night game, three Saturday games, six early games, two late games, a Sunday night game and a Monday night game. FOX will have the doubleheader this week and CBS will have the single, regional game Let's get to the picks! 

Week 17 Picks

Note: All game times are in US Eastern.

Kansas City (14-1) @ Pittsburgh (10-5) (Netflix; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Chiefs

The Chiefs beat the Texans and the Steelers lost to the Ravens last week. The first of two games on Christmas Day. Hopefully it doesn't buffer on Netflix. All that aside, the game will be an intriguing game as both teams have similar ways of winning games. They have a good defense. Kansas City's defense is just about as good as their offense, perhaps even better. They have been pretty lucky this season. The offense plays well enough to get enough points to get them to a one-score game. If they get to that situation, they will win games. 

Pittsburgh comes into this game having a bit of a skid of a season as they have lost three of their last five games. The offense has scored just 15 points/game in the last two weeks. They will need to do more against the two-time defending champions in this game. The good news is that George Pickens should be back to form in this game. They will need him to play a good game. It seems like it is an all hands on deck sort of deal for the Steelers as they could possibly get a division championship depending on how well they do in this game and if the Ravens lose in the game after this one. This could be a bit of a challenge but I'll take the Chiefs. 

All-time series: Steelers lead 23-14

Baltimore (10-5) @ Houston (9-6) (Netflix; 4:30 pm)

Pick: Ravens

The Ravens beat the Steelers and the Texans lost to the Chiefs last week. The 2nd of two games on Netflix. The matchup is a rematch of the AFC divisional of last January. Baltimore has had its success come from its reinvigorated running game. Derrick Henry has been the workhorse of the team. He has given some of the pressure off of Lamar Jackson and the rest of the offense. They even defeated the Steelers in just the 2nd time in nine games. The Ravens come into this game with a very good shot to win this one. The Ravens just need to continue their formula of offense with maybe a bit more passing to throw the Texans defense off. I think the game will be won on the Ravens defense watch. 

Houston comes into this game with a rough loss to the Chiefs. They didn't play their best game but they still only lost by eight points. Houston gave up the ball a bit too many times. You can't do that against the two-time defending champions. The Ravens will make you pay if you do that as well. I question on how well the Texans offense can do in this game with Tank Dell being out for likely a decent amount of time. CJ Stroud hasn't played that great of a season in his sophomore campaign. This game will likely need to be on the shoulders of Stroud again as the Ravens will attempt to shut down the running game of Joe Mixon. I'll take the Ravens. 

All-time series: Ravens lead 12-2

Seattle (8-7) @ Chicago (4-11) (Amazon; 8:15 pm)

Pick: Bears

The Seahawks lost to the Vikings and the Bears lost to the Lions last week. The Thursday night contest will feature two teams in opposite directions. The Seahawks in this game are still in a spot to win the division but at this point, it is their only shot to getting into the tournament. They have to win this game and get some help from the Cardinals this week. The Seahawks offense has been pretty rough to watch at times this season. That and a defense that has given up just one more point this season than they have scored. It doesn't spell good things for them the rest of the season. The running game has been lacking a bit as well. 

Chicago has had a bad season. The season that had such promise has been reduced to a 4-win campaign. The Bears haven't won a game since beating up on the Jaguars in London two months ago. The reason for their downturn was a rough loss to Washington on a hail mary play that they have yet to recover from. The game would do well for their confidence if they can just get a win. The Bears might just be able to do that if they can get their running game off to a good start. The thing that has been pass protection that has killed the Bears hope of scoring. The Seahawks offense just hasn't been playing well and if their defense can play up to their level I think they have a shot to win. I'll take the Bears. Why not? 

All-time series: Seahawks lead 11-8

LA Chargers (9-6) @ New England (3-12) (NFL Network; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Chargers

The Chargers beat the Broncos and the Patriots lost to the Bills last week. Los Angeles is currently in a spot to get their first playoff berth in two seasons and the first under head coach Jim Harbaugh. The Chargers currently have the 6th seed and have some cushion over the Broncos should they lose this game and Denver wins against Cincinnati. The big thing to the Chargers offense was the pressure off of Justin Herbert and giving it to JK Dobbins and the emergence of wide receiver Ladd McConkey. The defense has been an average unit with a better pass defense than their rushing defense. Might spell doom a bit if the Patriots can get some daylight in the higher levels of the Chargers secondary. 

New England has had a rough season for sure. It was to be expected as they are close to repeating the same record they had last year sadly the previous year's team had 4 wins. Some conversation is that it might be head coach Jerod Mayo's first and only stint as a head coach. But that's looking past into the future. For this game, the Patriots offense is not a great one but they are slightly better than last year. Drake Maye is a special quarterback and needs to have some stability at offensive line and wide receivers that can catch a ball and be reliable. The defense has been the sad part of the Patriots this season as they have lost a few players via trade and injury. At this point, the end of the season is near. I think the Chargers will take this one. 

All-time series: Patriots lead 27-16-2

Denver (9-6) @ Cincinnati (7-8) (NFL Network; 4:30 pm)

Pick: Bengals

The Broncos lost to the Chargers and the Bengals beat the Browns last week. The Broncos were having a good season then the Chargers came and ruined everything. Cameron Dicker and all. The Broncos are still in position to get into the playoffs but they need to get a win in this one. Can't let these Bengals and Colts get in while currently looking outside in the playoff picture. The Broncos might face their biggest test of the season in taking on the higher scoring offenses in the league. There has to be something to give in the whole Broncos defense vs Bengals offense sort of deal. I'm just wondering about the Broncos offense vs the Bengals defense sort of deal. Denver's run game hasn't been playing that great as the great Javonte Williams has been a bit of a bummer this season with just 485 rushing yards. Bo Nix has been great but he needs help as well. 

Cincinnati has been playing better as of late. Yes they had a bit of a rough start to the season with no wins past the first three weeks or just one in five weeks. The defense has been the real stinker this season for Cincinnati. With the numbers that Joe Burrow has, you would assume that the Bengals would be the best team in the AFC. Sadly the Bengals are at 7-8 and in danger of missing the playoffs for the 2nd straight year. I think the matchup will be the Broncos offense and the Bengals defense that might be the thing to keep an eye on. If they can go after Bo Nix and force him to make bad throws, they have a shot to win. They currently have 14 interceptions as a unit so they aren't all give up yards and points. The 14 interceptions number is also shared by the Bills, Lions, Packers and Chargers, all of them potential playoff teams. I think the Bengals will take this but it is risky.

All-time series: Broncos lead 22-11

Arizona (7-8) @ LA Rams (9-6) (NFL Network; 8:00 pm)

Pick: Rams

The Cardinals lost to the Panthers and the Rams beat the Jets last week. Arizona has been at a bit of a tumble the last few weeks. They were at one point 6-4 and have been 1-4 since then. The offense has been not playing well to a point but also the defense that had been playing really well has been falling off a cliff as well. Things aren't really great in Birdland. The turnovers have been costly for the Cardinals and the passing game has just been in sputters most of the time. Seems like something is off about Kyler Murray recently. Allowing 36 points to the lowly Carolina Panthers has to be disheartening as well.

The Rams have been playing like the opposite of the Cardinals. I kind of forgot how bad they were at the start of the season with a 1-4 record past week 5. They have been 8-1 since then only losing to Miami in November. The Rams offense has been the reason why for the slow start and also the reason for the recovery as well. With Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua healthy they are a dangerous team. Most NFC teams would not want to face them in a playoff situation. For this game, it is a division game and anything could happen in it. Last time these two teams met it was a 41-10 rout by the Cardinals. The Rams weren't quite there yet but at least this go around the two teams are somewhat evenly matched and will be a battle of offenses. I think the Rams will take it.

All-time series: Rams lead 50-41-2

Carolina (4-11) @ Tampa Bay (8-7) (CBS; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Buccaneers

The Panthers beat the Cardinals and the Buccaneers lost to the Cowboys last week. Carolina might've pulled off one of the bigger upsets in the season in beating the Cardinals. Their offense kept pace with one of the higher scoring offenses in the league. The defense was a bend and break sort of deal but their hopes and prayers were won when Chuba Hubbard ran it into the endzone for the biggest touchdown in the season for Carolina. The game this week features a team that is vulnerable in Tampa Bay. A team that is hoping to win the division but need to win and hope the Falcons lose to a Washington team in Sunday night. Whether or not I think the Panthers offense can score 36 points again I think the odds are a bit off. 

Tampa Bay really had a chance to get a win against Dallas. Their defense really let the cat out of the bag against Dallas and before you know it, they were at a deficit that they almost overcame but almost doesn't do it at this point of the season. The Buccaneers cannot underestimate the Panthers as they outscored the Cardinals offense. Their offense should do well as this is a home game and the defense should try to go after Bryce Young. It is a risk to pick the Buccaneers as they are a bit of a vulnerable team with Baker Mayfield at quarterback. At this point, the Buccaneers needed the wake up call and I really hope I can't be proven wrong in this effort. I don't really want to see Atlanta in the playoffs. I'll take the Buccaneers. 

All-time series: Buccaneers 25-23

Green Bay (11-4) @ Minnesota (13-2) (FOX; 4:25 pm)

Pick: Packers

The Packers beat the Saints and the Vikings beat the Seahawks last week. A battle of two NFC North rivals. The Packers come into this game with a big 34-0 shutout over the Saints. Certainly it would be assuming of me that the Packers would falter a bit because of the blowout. In terms of what is at stake for the Packers, it is mostly seeding. They would need to win their next two games and the Vikings to lose their next two as well. I don't think it'll happen. The Packers may have found somewhat of an advantage of the running game. The Packers possess the 4th ranked rushing offense while the Vikings possess the 2nd ranked rush defense. Something has to break. In these division rivalry games, anything could happen. 

Minnesota has been playing really well this season. Sam Darnold would be a candidate of a Comeback Player of the Year if he is a candidate. The Vikings last week were a bit lucky against the Seahawks. It took a big pass to Justin Jefferson to get them over the hump. There is a bit of a concern for the Vikings pass defense that tends to give up a bit of passing yards. I suppose it is a bend don't break sort of scenario. The Vikings took the game at Lambeau and this rivalry has been typically even in the matchups. It would mean the Vikings would lose in this game. The Packers secondary will have their hands full for sure. I don't know, I'll take the Pack. 

All-time series: Packers lead 66-59-3

Indianapolis (7-8) @ NY Giants (2-13) (FOX; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Colts

The Colts beat the Titans and the Giants lost to the Falcons last week. Indy is pretty much what their record shows. They have a relatively decent offense with a good running game but the passing offense is not really great. It is the Anthony Richardson effect but they have kind of gotten it done with him at quarterback. Their defense isn't great as they are ranked 29th overall in total defense. This week they take on the worst team in the NFC. The team should be able to win this one. If they lose it has to be one of the worst losses in team history. If the Colts lose to the Giants, they should force Jim Irsay to sell the team. 

The Giants are terrible this season. Enough to be the worst team in the NFC. The conference has gotten better this season and the Giants are the proverbial doormat this season. Seems wild that this team two years ago won a playoff game. The Giants are just trying to play out the season and hope to play well enough for teams to pick them up in the offseason and to keep a job on the Giants for another year. I honestly don't see the Giants winning this game as their defense is really terrible. Should the Colts try to go for a passing gameplan, the Giants might do well as they are 6th ranked pass defense. I'll take the Colts. 

All-time series: Colts lead 12-8

Las Vegas (3-12) @ New Orleans (5-10) (FOX; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Saints

The Raiders beat the Jaguars and the Saints lost to the Packers last week. Las Vegas finally got a win against an NFL team for the 3rd time this season. They hadn't won a game since beating the Browns in late September. They currently have one a streak of winning one game at the moment and if they have another win, they're on a streak. The teams in this game aren't great as the Raiders offense is pretty pitiful. Aidan O'Connell made the start last week and could possibly do it again this week. With Desmond Ridder possibly available the Raiders have that as an option. The Raiders running game hasn't lived up to expectations with Josh Jacobs leaving in the offseason and they haven't matched his production. Something that the Raiders will have to figure out in the offseason either free agency, trade, or draft. 

New Orleans has had a rough season. Not as rough as Las Vegas but the Saints had beaten Dallas earlier in the season. They had the best offense in the league before Week 3.The Saints passing game hasn't been great but they do have a better running game for this matchup. Alvin Kamara is certainly a better running back than Alexander Mattison and it isn't much of a comparison.  The confidence of the Saints is a bit low after the blowout loss to Green Bay but perhaps with some rizz from interim head coach Darren Rizzi, maybe the Saints will find themselves again and get a win. I don't trust either team but I'll take the Saints. 

All-time series: Series tied 7-7-1

NY Jets (4-11) @ Buffalo (12-3) (CBS; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Bills

The Jets lost to the Rams and the Bills beat the Patriots last week. New York Jets are still the New York Jets. Death, Taxes, and the Jets losing is something that is inevitable in life. The Jets going somewhere this season was something that was expected. Like the train falling off the track, the Jets faltered after beating the Patriots in Week 3. The Jets in this game will be facing off against the class of the division in Buffalo. The Jets might have some advantage in having true running backs in this game in terms of a plethora. Breece Hall and Braelon Allen for some. The Jets don't seem like to be the team to upset against the Bills. They would have to shut down the Bills offense and have the Bills send out their 2nd stringers in this game. 

The Bills have been quite the team this season. It is to be expected as they have won the division again this season. The offense is quite the daunting one as they score just points and not much else. They don't bring about world peace but scoring points will have to do. Their unit is lead by the real life version of Superman a.k.a. Josh Allen. The quarterback should likely be one candidate for the MVP trophy. I personally would take Lamar Jackson in a tight decision. The Bills in this game should be able to move the ball fairly well but the Jets defense is not a slouch and the Jets defense should not be trifled with. The last time these two teams met was in October 14th and Davante Adams was not a Jet at that time. The Bills defense will have to keep an eye on Adams as well as the Jets running game. The Bills defense does have a bit of a challenge against the pass defense. I'll take the Bills. 

All-time series: Bills lead 70-58

Tennessee (3-12) @ Jacksonville (3-12) (CBS; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Jaguars

The Titans lost to the Colts and the Jaguars lost to the Raiders last week. A dumpster fire game as both teams are the cellar in the AFC South. They could possibly tie this game I'm not sure either. I just have to make a pick as someone has to ultimately win this game. Tennessee's offense is mostly a sputtering one but they do have Tony Pollard who is having a good season in an overall rough team. The Titans defense actually is a decent unit but you wouldn't notice it as the offense overshadows it. The defense might have a good shot to have advantage as Mac Jones is quarterback for the Jaguars. I would try to focus on shutting down the running game of Jacksonville's and force him to beat you. 

Jacksonville will get to battle another team that is pretty much at their level in terms of record. The offense which used to be one of the better ones in recent memory, has been reduced to a rough spot with Trevor Lawrence out for the season. Mac Jones is leading the way and the results have been rough to see as the former Patriot has thrown five touchdowns and seven interceptions. The rest of the offense is not too shabby but sadly the offense is centered around the quarterback in football and the Jaguars offense is no exception. Unfortunately, the Jaguars defense isn't that much better either. I really don't know what to pick for the game but I'll take the home team. 

All-time series: Jaguars lead 35-25

Miami (7-8) @ Cleveland (3-12) (CBS; 4:05 pm)

Pick: Dolphins

The Dolphins beat the 49ers and the Browns lost to the Bengals last week. Miami has been on a bit of a run this season. Their offense really depends on the health of Tua Tagovailoa. You have to remember that this season had a portion of it without him and the offense fell apart. The dependency is one of the reasons why the Dolphins are at where they are this season. They still have some hope of a playoff spot but they need to win and get some help. They have a good shot to win against the usual conference cellar team in Cleveland. The Dolphins offense will have some tests against the Browns defense but other than that, the Dolphins should have some advantage. The Browns offense is pretty pathetic as well. 

Cleveland has been having a rough season. At this point last year, Joe Flacco had gotten off the couch and proceeded to lead the Browns to a playoff appearance. Jameis Winston had been doing Jameis Winston things as he throws touchdowns but for every touchdown pass he throws, he also throws an interception. His backup Dorian Robinson-Thompson hasn't been that much of an improvement as well as he threw two interceptions in the loss against the Bengals. I don't know who will start for the Brownies but judging by recent success, it don't look good. The quarterback of the Browns will need to find themselves and not turn the ball over. They would have to outscore them on offense and get Tua off his game in this one. I'll take the Dolphins. 

All-time series: Dolphins lead 12-9

Dallas (0-0) @ Philadelphia (0-0) (FOX; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Eagles

The Cowboys beat the Buccaneers and the Eagles lost to the Commanders last week. It is possibly the Cooper Rush vs Tanner McKee dual that you have always wanted. Cooper Rush has been an alright option at quarterback for Dallas. He has the same amount of touchdowns as Dak Prescott and has lesser the amount of interceptions as his teammate. It is like the store brand vs the national brand that costs less but the value is not too shabby. The matchup last time was a rough one as the Eagles ran over Dallas in the blindingly Jerryworld. The Cowboys have been playing better since the blowout loss to the Texans on Monday night. They can play spoiler in this one. With the possibility of the Eagles going with a new quarterback, the Cowboys defense might be salivating at some sacks like a good old fashioned Texas BBQ.

The game last week against Washington was a bit of a rough one. They almost won against the Commanders but the cost was just as rough as the loss. Jalen Hurts left the game with a concussion and is currently in concussion protocol. He might be able to clear it by the time this game happens but as of Monday night, this is still unknown. His backup Kenny Pickett was also feeling a bit rough around the edges as well. If both can't go in this game it would be 3rd stringer Tanner McKee. McKee is a 2rd year player out of Stanford University could make his first start. The Eagles offense should still do alright without their leader in Hurts. Saquon Barkley will need to once again carry the load as the offense will lean heavily for him. The Eagles are a bit of a tough spot. If they win it could come at a cost if Jalen Hurts gets hurt even more and a loss and Hurts doesn't play might mean rest for him but a missed chance at the #1 spot in the NFC playoffs. I'll take the Eagles.

All-time series: Cowboys lead 74-57

Atlanta (8-7) @ Washington (10-5) (NBC; 8:20 pm)

Pick: Commanders

The Falcons beat the Giants and the Commanders beat the Eagles last week. Atlanta got a glimpse of what life would be like under Michael Penix Jr. The debut went perhaps more of a below average but not awful. The former University of Washington quarterback hit 21 of 32 passes for 240 yards with an interception. The running game of Atlanta's did the work in the win. They will need to get more out of Penix Jr. to get to where they want to go to. The passing game does have some foundation with Darnell Mooney and Drake London as capable wide receivers. 

Washington got a big win against rival Philadelphia. They had a challenge but would take on it as they overcame a deficit while also taking Jalen Hurts out of the game via concussion. There hasn't been a lot of games on primetime for Washington and a lot of eyes will be on Jayden Daniels and how he can handle a fairly decent defense of Atlanta. Washington's defense will need to contain the Atlanta running game that scored three touchdowns against New York last week. They do have the 4th ranked pass defense only allowing 201.7 yards/game. If they can prevent Michael Penix Jr from getting 250-300 passing yards, they should have a good shot to win. I'll take the home team. 

All-time series: Commanders lead 18-10-1

Detroit (13-2) @ San Francisco (6-9) (ABC; 8:15 pm)

Pick: Lions

The Lions beat the Bears and the 49ers lost to the Dolphins last week. Detroit is having one of the greatest seasons in their history. And then there's Minnesota with the same record who is no stranger to having 13 wins in a season. Detroit can't have nice things I guess. To clinch the division and the #1 seed they will likely need to win this game and become Packers fans as they take on Minnesota late in the Sunday slate. For this game, the Lions should be able to get a win based on having a better offense and a defense. I would urge caution as the 49ers are out of the postseason but would like nothing more than to upset the Lions and cause chaos in the NFC North race. 

San Francisco is out of the playoffs. It is a season that is straight out of a nightmare sadly. The NFC title defense was a sad bit as injuries ravaged the 49ers all season and them not being able to close out games. The offseason will be an interesting one as a lot of players are set to be free agents and Brock Purdy is set to be one of the higher paid quarterbacks in the league come offseason. That's in the future, the 49ers are not heavy favorites in this one as they take on the Lions. It is a rematch of the NFC championship game. The 49ers passing game could possibly get some yards on the Lions but the matter of points is a bit of a question. The 49ers defense is a shred of its former self but they can still get turnovers. I don't see the 49ers winning this one but the Lions could lion. 

All-time series: 49ers lead 40-28-1

Early & Late Game TV Broadcast Pairings

Note: Games in bold are being shown in my area, check local listings

CBS Single

NY Jets @ Buffalo

Jim Nantz, Tony Romo

Tennessee @ Jacksonville

Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta

Carolina @ Tampa Bay 

Ian Eagle, Charles Davis

Miami @ Cleveland (Late)

Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Jason McCourty

FOX Early

Dallas @ Philadelphia

Joe Davis, Greg Olson

Indianapolis @ NY Giants

Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma

Las Vegas @ New Orleans

Adam Amin, Mark Sanchez

FOX Late

Green Bay @ Minnesota

Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady

For more information on which game is being shown in your area check out: NFL 2024: Week 17 Maps

Records

2024:
Week 1: 14-2
Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 10-6

Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 3-11

Week 6: 13-1

Week 7: 13-2

Week 8: 9-7

Week 9: 12-3

Week 10: 10-4

Week 11: 11-3

Week 12: 7-6

Week 13: 14-2

Week 14: 11-3

Week 15: 13-3

Week 16: 12-4

Total: 172-69

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
2023: 161-111

See you all after the Monday night game for the Week 17 Recap! Enjoy the games!

-Tom