The penultimate weekend of the 2024 NFL regular season brought a mix of triumphs, heartbreaks, and pivotal moments that have set the stage for a thrilling conclusion in Week 18. Let’s dive into the key matchups from December this past weekend; their outcomes, standout performances, and the playoff implications as teams vie for postseason glory.
Saturday, December 28, 2024
- Los Angeles Chargers 40, New England Patriots 7
- The Chargers showcased offensive prowess, with quarterback Justin Herbert throwing for 320 yards and three touchdowns.
- Wide receiver Keenan Allen was his primary target, amassing 150 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The defense stifled the Patriots, limiting them to a single touchdown. This dominant win keeps the Chargers in strong contention for an AFC wild-card spot.
- Cincinnati Bengals 30, Denver Broncos 24
- In a must-win scenario, the Bengals edged past the Broncos, led by quarterback Joe Burrow’s 280 passing yards and two touchdowns. Running back Joe Mixon added 95 rushing yards and a touchdown. The victory elevates the Bengals to 8-8, keeping their playoff hopes alive as they prepare for a crucial Week 18 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers
- Los Angeles Rams 13, Arizona Cardinals 9
- In a defensive battle, the Rams managed a narrow victory over the Cardinals. Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 210 yards and a touchdown, while the defense held the Cardinals to three field goals.This win secures the Rams’ position in the NFC West, setting up a potential playoff berth.
Sunday, December 29, 2024
- Jacksonville Jaguars 20, Tennessee Titans 13
- The Jaguars’ defense was instrumental, forcing two turnovers and sacking Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill four times. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw for 250 yards and a touchdown, solidifying the Jaguars’ lead in the AFC South and enhancing their playoff prospects
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 48, Carolina Panthers 14
- The Buccaneers’ offense exploded, with quarterback Baker Mayfield passing for 350 yards and four touchdowns. Wide receiver Mike Evans contributed significantly with 180 receiving yards and two touchdowns. This emphatic win propels the Buccaneers to the top of the NFC South, positioning them favorably for a playoff spot
- New York Giants 45, Indianapolis Colts 33
- The Giants ended a 10-game losing streak with a high-scoring victory. Quarterback Daniel Jones threw for 300 yards and three touchdowns, while wide receiver Malik Nabers had a standout performance with a 59-yard touchdown reception.Despite the win, the Giants’ season record stands at 3-13, impacting their draft position.
- Philadelphia Eagles 41, Dallas Cowboys 7
- The Eagles dominated their division rivals, with quarterback Jalen Hurts accounting for four total touchdowns. The defense was relentless, forcing three turnovers. This victory secures the Eagles the No. 2 seed in the NFC, ensuring home-field advantage in the wild-card round.
- Buffalo Bills 40, New York Jets 14
- The Bills’ offense was firing on all cylinders, with quarterback Josh Allen throwing for 310 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Devin Singletary added 120 rushing yards and a touchdown. The win solidifies the Bills’ position as the No. 2 seed in the AFC, setting them up for a strong playoff run.
- Miami Dolphins 20, Cleveland Browns 3
- The Dolphins kept their playoff aspirations alive with a solid win. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley, stepping in for the injured Tua Tagovailoa, managed the game effectively, while the defense held the Browns to just a field goal. Miami now faces a must-win situation in Week 18 against the New York Jets, coupled with a needed loss from the Denver Broncos, to clinch a playoff berth.
- Minnesota Vikings 27, Green Bay Packers 25
- In a closely contested game, the Vikings emerged victorious, with quarterback Kirk Cousins throwing for 275 yards and two touchdowns. This win keeps the Vikings in contention for the No. 1 seed in the NFC, depending on the outcome of Week 18 matchups.
- Washington Commanders 30, Atlanta Falcons 24
- The Commanders clinched their first playoff berth since 2020 with an overtime win. Quarterback Sam Howell led the offense with poise, while the defense made crucial stops. Washington’s victory secures them a wild-card spot in the NFC
Playoff Picture Heading into Week 18
As we approach the final week of the regular season, here’s how the playoff landscape is shaping up:
AFC
- Clinched:
- Kansas City Chiefs: AFC West champions and secured the No. 1 seed with a 15-1 record, earning a first-round bye
- Buffalo Bills: AFC East champions, locked in as the No. 2 seed.
- Baltimore Ravens: AFC North champions.
- Houston Texans: AFC South champions.
- In the Hunt:
- Pittsburgh Steelers: At 10-6, they hold a wild-card spot but need a win in Week 18