NFL
Reviewing Every NFL Week 17 Game
See the most entertaining highlights, best facts to know, and major takeaways from every NFL Week 17 game: WAS vs. PHI, TEN vs. HOU, & more!
@AroundTheNFL/Twitter
The playoff picture was officially finalized as the 2020 regular season came to a close on Sunday. Many teams fought for their playoff lives, while others played for higher seeding. The Cleveland Browns earned a berth to the dance for the first time since 2002 that ended the longest active playoff drought in the NFL, Justin Jefferson broke the all-time rookie receiving record, Green Bay locked up the top seed in the NFC, Tennessee won a wild game to clinch the division on the back of Derrick Henry, and the Washington Football team capped off the 2020 regular season by overcoming insurmountable odds to win the NFC East.
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KEY FACT: Cleveland Browns have made the playoffs for the 1st time since 2002, the previously longest playoff drought in the NFL
BEST HIGHLIGHT:
NICK CHUBB TO THE HOUSE! @NickChubb21
— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2021
📺: #PITvsCLE on CBS
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/EMdqIO97si pic.twitter.com/o8SYXVCOqj
FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS
MAIN TAKEAWAY: This is the Browns’ best season since the franchise returned in 1999
No matter what happens next week, this season has been a major success for the Cleveland Browns as an organization. Three short years after their infamous 0-16 season, the Cleveland Browns completed an impressive turnaround and clinched their first playoff berth since 2002 after finishing with an 11-5 record. Considered the laughing stock of the NFL for decades, football in Cleveland, Ohio has come a long way since Art Modell moved the team to Baltimore and the Browns were brought back after a three-year hiatus. Now, they’ll compete in the postseason as CLE finally looks like a team that can sustain success for the next few years.
FINAL RESULTS (ODDS): @CLE (-500) d. PIT (+385) 24-22 [PIT +10.5 | o44.5]
CLE STOCK PRICE: $13.75 | PIT STOCK PRICE: $13.33
KEY FACT: Dallas Cowboys have allowed the most 20+ PT games (14) in a single season in franchise history
BEST HIGHLIGHT:
END ZONE INT
— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2021
The @Giants defense comes up BIG. #TogetherBlue
📺: #DALvsNYG on FOX
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/EMdqIO97si pic.twitter.com/mcEKHZZ1eO
FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS
MAIN TAKEAWAY: This game summed up NFC East football in 2020
Somehow, someway, the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys fought for a playoff spot all the way up until Week 17. Even with the loss of Saquon Barkley and Dak Prescott to season-ending injuries, both squads somehow managed to stay in the hunt until the very end despite each losing their star player and finishing 6-10. Both of these teams fought all the way to the end in a wild finish that included an interception by NYG after DAL led a drive down the field and shortly before a Wayne Gallman fumble almost gave Dallas the ball right back. It was a perfect ending to a crazy year where the NFC East champion Washington Football Team won it with a 7-9 record, the third time ever a playoff team possessed a losing record.
FINAL RESULTS (ODDS): @NYG (+114) d. DAL (-134) 23-19 [NYG +1.5 | u44.5]
NYG STOCK PRICE: $10.00 | DAL STOCK PRICE: $6.32
KEY FACT: Josh Allen has the most PASS YDS (4,544) in a single season in Bills franchise history
BEST HIGHLIGHT:
84 yards to the house!
— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2021
Isaiah McKenzie’s 3rd touchdown of the day is a beauty. #BillsMafia
📺: #MIAvsBUF on CBS
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/EMdqIO97si pic.twitter.com/yaMXpsNQID
FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS
MAIN TAKEAWAY: The Bills’ only losses in 2020 were under extremely rare circumstances
The Buffalo Bills have quietly been one of the best teams in the NFL all season long and perhaps still don’t get the recognition they deserve. Completing a 13-3 regular season and earning an AFC East crown, their few low points this year have come under very rare circumstances. Two of their losses came in rescheduled games due to COVID-19, and one came on DeAndre Hopkins’ miracle catch on a last-second Hail Mary. Take away those extremely unique situations and the Bills could have been the No. 1 seed or possibly even undefeated.
FINAL RESULTS (ODDS): @BUF (+154) d. MIA (-184) 56-26 [BUF +3.5 | o43]
BUF STOCK PRICE: $16.25 | MIA STOCK PRICE: $20.00
KEY FACT: Justin Jefferson (1,400) has passed Anquan Boldin for the most REC YDS by a rookie in the Super Bowl era
BEST HIGHLIGHTS:
Most receiving yards by a @Vikings rookie:
— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2021
1. @JJettas2
2. @RandyMoss#SKOL
📺: #MINvsDET on FOX
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/EMdqIO97si pic.twitter.com/nOeLAvuRAP
FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS
MAIN TAKEAWAY: The Detroit Lions are about to hit the reset button and go into a full-blown rebuild
Another year, another dismal season for the Detroit Lions. Sunday’s disappointing loss capped off a 5-11 season for the Lions that whose biggest highlight was a lowlight when HC Matt Patricia and GM Bob Quinn were fired midseason. This was just the first step into what will likely be a huge offseason filled with changes for a Detroit team that hasn’t won a division title in 27 years. In addition to searching for a new head coach and general manager, QB Matthew Stafford is likely to get traded and they’ll need a completely new receiving core. Expect the start of a rebuilding process to take place in the Motor City this offseason in order for the Lions to move forward and receive more young assets while also starting fresh under new leadership with a younger roster.
FINAL RESULTS (ODDS): MIN (-172) d. @DET (+144) 37-35 [DET +3.0 | o53.5]
MIN STOCK PRICE: $7.78 | DET STOCK PRICE: $7.69
KEY FACT: This was Tom Brady’s 299th career start, which surpasses Brett Favre for the most by a QB in NFL history
BEST HIGHLIGHTS:
.@TomBrady's 40th TD pass of the season!
— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2021
📺: #ATLvsTB on CBS
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/EMdqIO97si pic.twitter.com/VPD9Em2cgx
FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS
MAIN TAKEAWAY: Tom Brady feasts on weak competition this year, not playoff-caliber defenses
Tom Brady and the Bucs are marching into the playoff on a high note, reeling off four straight wins after the BYE week. However, that won’t inspire as much confidence knowing it came against the Vikings horrendous defense, Atlanta 2x, and the Lions with a makeshift coaching staff. Those results can only be taken with a grain of salt when projecting how the Bucs will perform against much more fierce competitors. Tampa will get to find that out right away against the best D-Line in the league. Tom Brady is the most accomplished player of all-time who should never be doubted in a postseason setting, especially against a team that lacks playoff experience. But, the facts this year show him thriving against non-playoff teams (10-0) while struggling against better competition (1-5) with top-tier defenses. The key to beating the Bucs is pressuring Brady and WAS has the formula to do exactly that. The Wild Card round will say a lot about if Brady is still the same ol’ GOAT or the same QB that has faltered in the face of pressure this season.
FINAL RESULTS (ODDS): @TB (-320) d. ATL (+260) 44-27 [TB -7.5 | o51.5]
TB STOCK PRICE: $14.67 | ATL STOCK PRICE: $5.00
KEY FACT: Cam Newton had the longest RUSH (49 YDS) by a Patriots QB in franchise history
BEST HIGHLIGHT:
CAM NEWTON RECEIVING TOUCHDOWN 🚨 #GoPats
— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2021
📺: #NYJvsNE on CBS
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/EMdqIO97si pic.twitter.com/bUn3amHYn9
FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS
MAIN TAKEAWAY: Cam Newton has played his last game in New England, and maybe in the entire NFL
With the New England Patriots out of playoff contention, the Cam Newton experiment has seemingly come to an end. Newton never really gelled in Belichick’s system, throwing just five touchdown passes all year and having twice as many picks. Signed to just a one-year contract prior to the 2020 season, Newton is now a free agent while Belichick will search for his future QB whether it’s in the draft or via a trade/free agent signing. Potential candidates include Matthew Stafford, who is likely to be in a different uniform next season, or Jimmy Garoppolo, who is expected to be let go by SF and could return to the team that drafted him.
Meanwhile, Cam Newton will look for his third NFL team, but it may be more difficult than it seems. Just like last year, when he was on the market until the 11th hour, he could face another long offseason once again. The thing is, Cam Newton wants to be the starter, has an alpha starting QB type of personality, and warrants starting QB attention from the media, however, he hasn’t played like a staring-caliber QB in over three years before multiple injuries have derailed the 2015 NFL MVP’s career. Hopefully, a team like WAS (with former HC Ron Rivera) adds him to compete for the job, but there won’t be many suitors out there for Newton.
FINAL RESULTS (ODDS): @NE (-164) d. NYJ (+138) 28-14 [NE -3.0 | o41]
NE STOCK PRICE: $6.67 | NYJ STOCK PRICE: $2.86
KEY FACT: Lamar Jackson is the 1st QB to have multiple 1,000 RUSH YD seasons in NFL history
BEST HIGHLIGHT:
A 72-yard sprint for @Jkdobbins22! #RavensFlock
— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2021
📺: #BALvsCIN on CBS
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/EMdqIO97si pic.twitter.com/dnEXB7ZbqC
FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS
MAIN TAKEAWAY: The Ravens ended the season on one of the greatest rushing sprees ever
The Baltimore Ravens have gotten hot at just the right time thanks in large part due to their major presence in the running game. They put an exclamation point on their winning streak to close out the regular season by rushing for 405 yards against the Bengals, the most in a game since their opponent in Week 17, Cincy did it in 2000 with 407.
Perhaps nearly as impressive is the fact that Lamar Jackson rushed for over 1,000 yards once again and is the team’s leading rusher this season, all while still leading BAL to an 11-5 record despite missing time due to COVID. J.K. Dobbins’ continued scoring streak increased with another two TDs, and with Gus Edwards right by his side, the Ravens might have the most dynamic backfield in the NFL. A year after setting the NFL record for the most RUSH YDS in a season during Lamar’s MVP campaign, Baltimore once again broke the record for highest YPA (5.3) thanks to ending the season with 267.4 RUSH YDS/game over the final five weeks.
FINAL RESULTS (ODDS): BAL (-950) d. @CIN (+610) 38-3 [BAL -13.5 | u46]
BAL STOCK PRICE: $10.48 | CIN STOCK PRICE: $6.67
KEY FACT: Derrick Henry is the 1st player to lead the NFL in RUSH, RUSH YDS, & RUSH TD in consecutive seasons since 1968
BEST HIGHLIGHT:
OFF THE UPRIGHT AND IN!
— NFL (@NFL) January 4, 2021
The @Titans win the AFC South! #Titans #TENvsHOU pic.twitter.com/Ywi2uT36vr
FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS
MAIN TAKEAWAY: Tennessee will go as far as Derrick Henry takes them (not Ryan Tannehill)
Even after rushing for 250 yards against a below-average Houston defense, Derrick Henry’s monster performance that has become the norm at this point couldn’t completely put away a team he rushed for over 200 yards against twice this year. Last week against Green Bay, Henry was held to under 100 yards and the Titans got clobbered 41-14. Without a solid defense that can get off the field fast, the Titans are going to have some trouble in the playoffs when they have to face teams more complete than the Texans. TEN’s only chance of going far again is Henry pounding the rock time-and-time again and controlling the clock en route to close dubs.
FINAL RESULTS (ODDS): TEN (-310) d. @HOU (+250) 41-38 [HOU +7 | o55.5]
TEN STOCK PRICE: $12.94 | HOU STOCK PRICE: $5.00
KEY FACT: Aaron Rodgers is the 1st player to have 40+ PASS TD with as few as 5 INT during a season in NFL history
BEST HIGHLIGHTS:
.@AaronRodgers12 sees the blitz and floats it to Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a 72-yard TD! #GoPackGo
— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2021
📺: #GBvsCHI on FOX
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/fohj8JnptQ pic.twitter.com/hKkBs9dieP
FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS
MAIN TAKEAWAY: GB is poised to host an NFC Championship game for the first time in Aaron Rodgers’ career
The Green Bay Packers locked up the No. 1 seed with a win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday and will have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The last time the Packers had the top seed was in 2011 when they suffered a major upset to NYG in the divisional round, so there’s potential for history to be made this season. While it’s hard to believe, Aaron Rodgers has never played in an NFC Championship game at Lambeau Field; each time he’s played in one (2010, ’14, ’16, ’19), it has been on the road. Now in his 16th season, he will have an opportunity that is unexpectedly unique to him that could lead to attaining another Lombardi Trophy.
FINAL RESULTS (ODDS): GB (-220) d. @CHI (+184) 35-16 [GB -4.5 | o48]
GB STOCK PRICE: $13.68 | CHI STOCK PRICE: $10.00
KEY FACT: John Wolford is the 1st Rams QB to make his NFL debut & complete a pass in Week 17 since Kurt Warner (1998)
BEST HIGHLIGHT:
Troy Hill takes it back 84 yards. @RamsNFL take the lead! #RamsHouse
— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2021
📺: #AZvsLAR on CBS
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/fohj8JnptQ pic.twitter.com/SddICNwSIl
FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS
MAIN TAKEAWAY: Regardless of who starts at QB for LA next week, Seattle has a huge advantage
It’s widely known that having a good quarterback makes life much, much easier in the NFL, especially in the playoffs. Rarely has a team been able to succeed and win it all with even an average QB, and the Rams are not one of those teams. No matter who suits up at the position for LA next week against Seattle, whether its Goff or Wolford, the Seahawks will still have a major advantage with a future HOFer on their side. Additionally, SEA’s defense has started to round into shape the last few weeks and will likely give LAR a minimal chance to win that will require numerous turnovers or big-play TDs to neutralize the difference in quarterback quality.
FINAL RESULTS (ODDS): @LAR (-116) d. ARZ (-102) 18-7 [LAR -1 | u42]
LAR STOCK PRICE: $11.11 | ARZ STOCK PRICE: $11.43
KEY FACT: D.K. Metcalf has the most REC YDS (1,303) in a season in Seahawks franchise history
BEST HIGHLIGHTS:
How? @gkittle46
— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2021
📺: #SEAvsSF on FOX
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/EMdqIO97si pic.twitter.com/uvwYvlQFP7
FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS
MAIN TAKEAWAY: SEA is a legitimate title contender entering the playoffs with a strong offense AND defense
Steadily and surely, the Seattle Seahawks have quietly earned a 12-4 record and divisional crown thanks in big part to their defense coming together after a rocky start to the season. Their game has become more balanced and no longer relies solely on Russell Wilson to have a monster performance in order to keep them in games. After Wilson went on a turnover spree midseason, the ‘Hawks corrected themselves at the right time as they head into the postseason, and could potentially make a deep run as the possibility of them hosting 2+ playoff games is now possible in the new playoff format if the Saints choke once again.
FINAL RESULTS (ODDS): SEA (-330) d. @SF (+265) 26-23 [SF +7 | o44.5]
SEA STOCK PRICE: $12.63 | SF STOCK PRICE: $5.71
KEY FACT: Darren Waller has the most single-season REC (107) in Raiders franchise history
BEST HIGHLIGHT:
CARR TO WALLER.@Raiders take the lead with 24 seconds left! #RaiderNation
— NFL (@NFL) January 4, 2021
📺: #LVvsDEN on CBS
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/fohj8JnptQ pic.twitter.com/7lfeBKFMzA
FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS
MAIN TAKEAWAY: Most in Jon Gruden’s position would be gone after a third consecutive non-winning season
Rarely is an NFL coach able to keep his job after three straight seasons without a playoff appearance or winning record. However, when Jon Gruden signed a 10y/$100M deal offered by an owner that has more affection for him than most, he was therefore given a bigger leash than even some coaches who have won a Super Bowl since he was hired (i.e. Doug Pederson). With a good chunk of his contract still remaining, Gruden will likely remain the HC in Vegas for the foreseeable future barring a complete collapse with his team that is unlike any other HC in the league without a single winning season in their current position.
FINAL RESULTS (ODDS): LV (-148) d. @DEN (+126) 32-31 [DEN +2.5 | o50.5]
LV STOCK PRICE: $10.67 | DEN STOCK PRICE: $7.14
KEY FACT: Jonathan Taylor put up the most RUSH YDS (253) in a game in Colts franchise history
BEST HIGHLIGHT:
Jonathan Taylor surpasses the 200-yard mark with this 45-yard TD! #ForTheShoe @JayT23
— NFL (@NFL) January 4, 2021
📺: #JAXvsIND on CBS
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/fohj8JnptQ pic.twitter.com/jrXLuyEmyr
FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS
MAIN TAKEAWAY: The next month will be the most important in Jaguars history
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a lot of big decisions to make over the next few months. By next month, they will likely have picked their new GM and HC which will be the first steps in laying the groundwork for their future. Then later in April, the Jags will have the first overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft where they will likely select their future QB which is almost guaranteed to be Trevor Lawrence. These decisions for their front office and coaching staff will have a major ripple effect on the organization as a whole over the next five-plus years that will prove to be the difference in whether the culture in Jacksonville changes for the better or not.
FINAL RESULTS (ODDS): @IND (-1350) d. JAX (+810) 28-14 [JAX +15.5 | u47.5]
IND STOCK PRICE: $13.75 | JAX STOCK PRICE: $2.00
KEY FACT: Justin Herbert finished with the 2nd most PASS YDS (4,336) by a rookie in NFL history
BEST HIGHLIGHT:
Add another touchdown pass to Justin Herbert’s rookie season. @darealmike_dub #BoltUp
— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2021
📺: #LACvsKC on FOX
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/fohj8JnptQ pic.twitter.com/qbyCdZP9t3
FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS
MAIN TAKEAWAY: The Chargers can finally get the fresh start they’ve needed for years
The Los Angeles Chargers officially fired HC Anthony Lynn after four seasons. Despite being well-liked by many, Lynn’s questionable play-calling decisions in late-game scenarios costed his team several wins and it finally caught up to him after the 2020 season. After being on the hot seat for a while, the Chargers can finally move forward and hopefully find a coach that can finish games better and help limit offensive turnovers. LA’s biggest appeal is rookie QB Justin Herbert, who despite his team’s late-game struggles is an incredibly promising player with a lot of upside after finishing one of the most productive rookie campaigns of all-time.
FINAL RESULTS (ODDS): LAC (-295) d. @KC (+240) 38-21 [LAC -7 | o55]
LAC STOCK PRICE: $8.75 | KC STOCK PRICE: $12.17
KEY FACT: New Orleans Saints went undefeated (6-0) vs their division for the 1st time in franchise history
BEST HIGHLIGHT:
.@DrewBrees to @JaredCook89 for a @Saints TD!
— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2021
📺: #NOvsCAR on FOX
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/EMdqIO97si pic.twitter.com/nZzeK0p1N0
FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS
MAIN TAKEAWAY: The Saints made a statement that no other team was able to do this season
Several teams have struggled without their star players this season. The Browns fell to the Jets when their WR corps was decimated, the Broncos stood no chance when all of their QBs went down, and the Ravens struggled to hang without their entire starting lineup. The same can’t be said about the Saints though, who’ve been without their top WR, RB and QB on the field together for almost the entire season yet they’ve found numerous ways to win and get to 12-4. The way NOLA has handled business despite their three most important players rarely on the field together for the entire season shows what they can do without them.
Their Super Bowl odds should be as good as any when they have all of them in the lineup this upcoming month with Drew Brees starting to show signs of full health, Michael Thomas expected to return off the IR, and Alvin Kamara likely available from the COVID list for their Wild Card battle with Chicago. They haven’t needed all three to secure the No.2 seed this year, but will need the terrific trio if they want to get over their recent playoff disappointments and win it all in what’s likely Brees’ final year.
FINAL RESULTS (ODDS): NO (-275) d. @CAR (+225) 33-7 [NO -6 | u47]
NO STOCK PRICE: $11.43 | CAR STOCK PRICE: $8.33
KEY FACT: NFC East has extended its record streak of 16 consecutive seasons without a repeat division champion
BEST HIGHLIGHT:
What a grab by Logan Thomas to put #WashingtonFootball ahead!
— NFL (@NFL) January 4, 2021
📺: #WASvsPHI on NBC
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/11BxUJlrSI pic.twitter.com/Rz3Uk4PShn
FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS
MAIN TAKEAWAY: The questions at QB in Philly will be a prominent storyline this offseason
After coming in to relieve Carson Wentz, Jalen Hurts provided a much needed jolt of life to the Eagles’ offense that had been missing all season. Since then, Hurts hasn’t been able to re-create the same spark he did in Philly’s upset victory over the Saints. Drama then ensued when Hurts was benched for Nate Sudfeld in a questionable coaching decision by Doug Pederson.
What seemed to be getting clearer is now becoming more murky as Philly enters the offseason with a big decision to make at QB. Whether the answer still is Hurts, whether or not Wentz gets traded and if he does then where, and if the answer is neither, does PHI go out and sign someone in free agency or try to draft a new leader. There’s a lot of questions behind center in the city of Brotherly Love, and the sizable statement the Eagles made by drafting Hurts is still yet to be fully determined.
FINAL RESULTS (ODDS): WAS (-290) d. @PHI (+235) 20-14 [PHI +6.5 | u44]
WAS STOCK PRICE: $11.67 | PHI STOCK PRICE: $4.21
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