The NFL playoffs begin on January 14 but watching week 17 felt like it started two weeks earlier. The NFL is the highest-rated sport in America because it produces drama when you least expect it. A few teams eliminated from playoff contention made life difficult for the contenders. For instance, who could have predicted that the Browns would go on the road to comprehensively defeat a Commanders team desperate for a win to make the playoffs? The situation got compounded by the fact that Ron Rivera did not know his team was effectively facing elimination with a loss and a Packers win. Another team that showed up despite not having any chance to make the playoffs are the Saints, who went to Philadelphia and battered an Eagles team that desperately needs Jalen Hurts to return to the field. These storylines are the tip of the iceberg from a wild week 17, so let’s discuss the top three takeaways from the week.
1. Thrillers-the Buccaneers and the Panthers faced off in week 17 in a winner-takes-the-division scenario. Surprisingly, Sam Darnold started the game like Denzel in Man of Fire by torching the Bucs’ defense with two touchdown passes to grab a 14-0 lead. However, Tom Brady proved once again he is the quarterback you need under center to make a comeback. The number 12 quarterback responded with a hat trick of touchdown passes to Mike Evans including a 63, 57, and a 30-yarder to torch the Panthers’ secondary. It means Buccaneers clinched the division, and no one will want to face Brady in the playoffs. Another thriller was in Las Vegas where the home team gave the 49ers a run for their money. After the team benched Derek Carr, Jarrett Stidham made his starting debut and looked impressive in completing 23 of 34, 365 yards, and three touchdowns against the number 1 defense. However, his two interceptions cost his team, especially the crucial mistake in overtime. Brock Purdy was equally impressive in completing 22 of 35, 284 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in a thrilling game with five lead changes.
2. Slumping Teams Fading Away- As mentioned previously, the Commanders were one of the teams to be eliminated from postseason contention. However, a few teams dreams are hanging by a thread but are about to join them soon. Among those teams are the New York Jets, who went into the Pacific Northwest to get destroyed by the Seahawks 23-6 to put them on the brink of missing the playoffs. The questions about this team will be their quarterback situation, with Mike White giving up two interceptions and the turnover margin being 3 to 0. Like the Jets, the Dolphins have lost five straight games after a loss to the Patriots. The team still can make the playoffs, but with Tua Tagovailoa in concussion protocol and Teddy Bridgewater hand injury, this team is waddling instead of sprinting to the finishing line. Another slumping team are the Titans, and despite showing some fight early in the game, they were soundly defeated by the Cowboys 27-13 for their sixth straight loss. It sets up one of those wild permutations detailed below in week 18.
3. Wild Permutations-Week 18 must watch television because there are permutations at the top and bottom of each conference. In the AFC, the top 3 seeds are still undecided, and the postponement of the Bills vs Bengals game leaves the situation unclear. Buffalo is currently the number one seed, and if they win the next two games, they will be the number 1 seed in the conference. However, if they falter, Kansas City could take advantage, and even the Bengals could sneak into the top spot if both slip-up. In the fight for the wild card, the Patriots control their destiny with a win, but they have the difficult task of beating the Bills on the road. A loss opens the door for the Dolphins, Steelers, and even the Jaguars to pounce. In the NFC, the Eagles hold a slender advantage in the race for home-field advantage but face a must-win against the Giants to present it. If they lose that game, the 49ers and Cowboys could nab the position in that order with wins. The number 7 seed will come down to the wire with the Lions and Packers facing each other in a week 18 showdown. The formula is simple for the Packers, if they win, they are in the postseason. If the Lions win, they would still need the Seahawks to lose. Let’s hope there are no ties which will make the situation even more co