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