NFL Week 17 takeaways: What We Learned from Sunday's 10 games

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Kevin Patra's takeaways:

1. Seahawks defense pounds Panthers for road win to stay atop NFC. Mike Macdonald’s defense controlled the contest, pummeling the Panthers up front and smothering Carolina’s passing attack. Seattle turned the tide of a sloppy game in the second half, forcing back-to-back turnovers to set up short scores that blew the game open. The Seahawks held Carolina to 139 total yards, 1 of 11 on third downs and 10 first downs. Macdonald’s D bamboozled Bryce Young into panicked decisions and ineffective passes. The Panthers QB finished 14-of-24 passing for a paltry 54 yards with an interception. It marked the fewest passing yards in a start in Young's career. How smothering was the Seahawks defense? Carolina didn’t have a play longer than 11 yards the entire game. Demarcus Lawrence was a menace, forcing and recovering a massive fumble with the game still in the balance, and silenced any comeback bid with a sack. The Seahawks D once again proved it is a force, and the reason the Seahawks remain the No. 1 seed heading into Week 18.  
2. Charbonnet powers Seahawks offense. Power runner Zach Charbonnet was the best offensive player on the field Sunday, ripping through arm tackles and gobbling up yards when Seattle’s offense couldn’t get much going. Charbonnet generated 110 rushing yards and two scores. With scampers of 29 and 25 yards, the RB earned the only two plays of the game of 20-plus yards. Seattle needed Charbonnet’s performance, with the passing attack going through stops and starts. Sam Darnold turned the ball over twice, a fumble and an interception in the end zone. The QB is lucky he didn’t have several more INTs on deflected passes. Darnold did have a few excellent darts to Jaxon Smith-Njigba on a big drive after Carolina cut into the second-half lead. However, they were too few and too far between. Entering the postseason, Seattle needs more consistency from the offense for a deep January run.
3. Dismal Carolina loss sets up win-and-in Week 18 in NFC South. A chance to clinch the division title went by the wayside. A sad offensive effort ended with Bryce Young taking knees to speed up the loss. Luckily for the Panthers, they have a chance to wipe away the depressing defeat when they face the careening Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the division title on the line. Dave Canales' club has a lot to clean up in a week. The run defense needs to shore up the gaps, and the offense must wake up after Sunday’s sleepy effort. Beating Tampa in Week 16 gave the Panthers a mulligan opportunity to keep their season alive.  

Next Gen Stats Insight for Seahawks-Panthers (via NFL Pro): All of Bryce Young's production came on passes under 10 air yards, where he completed 14 of 18 attempts for 54 yards (three throwaways). When targeting receivers more than 10 air yards downfield, Young went 0 for 3 with an interception. Young also recorded a rushing touchdown, his second one of the season.

NFL Research: Seattle is now 5-1 in games in which Sam Darnold has two-plus giveaways in 2025 (no other QB has more than two such wins in 2025, entering the late games).

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• REWATCH: Cardinals-Bengals on NFL+ Premium
• READ: Cardinals' McBride sets new single-season TE catch record

Michael Baca's takeaways:

1. Burrow & Co. showcase offense yet again. Coming off a 45-point showing in Miami last week, the Bengals provided their home crowd with another performance that showed off their offensive prowess. Joe Burrow led a unit that converted 27 first downs and scored points on six of seven possessions before he and the starting offense watched the final frame from the sideline. Five of those scoring drives saw 10-plus plays as Burrow diced Arizona's secondary with a 77.4 completion percentage for 305 passing yards and two touchdowns, while running back Chase Brown did all the dirty work, accruing 141 scrimmage yards and scoring twice. Ja'Marr Chase led the receiving attack with 60 yards (seven receptions) and scored his first touchdown since Week 7 on a special catch and run, eluding a defender on a spin move to conclude the game's opening drive. Chase found the end zone again on an easy pitch and catch by the end of the half, which signaled the beginning of Sunday's blowout. Nothing exemplified the one-sided result more than backup offensive tackle Cody Ford running an actual route for a 21-yard catch late in the third quarter, which had Paycor Stadium buzzing. The season is all but over, but Cincinnati witnessed a showcase of what could've been as it looks ahead to 2026.
2. Something's gotta give in Arizona. It was a dark afternoon for the Cardinals, who entered the fourth quarter with as many three-and-outs as they had first downs against the league's 32nd-ranked defense entering Week 17. Without much of a ground game (42 rushing yards) supporting the offensive effort, Jacoby Brissett forced too many throws as the offensive line yielded pressures on 41.5% of his drop backs, per Next Gen Stats. He finished 21-of-37 passing for 212 yards and two touchdowns. Trey McBride saw a large portion of those targets, catching 10 balls for 76 yards and a TD -- setting the single-season reception record for tight ends in the process. A good majority of McBride's production came late with the game out of hand, tempering any celebration such a feat might deserve. Arizona's defense lacked intensity without Budda Baker, and the offense followed suit on Sunday. The Cardinals have yet to eclipse the 30-point mark this season and have allowed five such totals during their eight-game skid. They conclude the season on the road against the Rams next week and are in play for a top-five draft pick, but what direction Arizona goes is a wonder following this Week 17 showing.
3. Bengals D building confidence. Outside of the poor tackling displayed on a 38-yard TD by Michael Wilson early in the second quarter, the Bengals defense played lights out against a lowly Cardinals team. Al Golden's unit feasted on Arizona's offensive line, notching four sacks and eight QB hits. Cedric Johnson led that charge with three quick QB pressures (six total), resulting in one sack. First-round pick Shemar Stewart earned the first sack of his career, while Myles Murphy and TJ Slaton were also able to bring down Jacoby Brissett. The Bengals allowed just 233 yards of total offense, which included the 92-yard drive Arizona mustered in garbage time against Cincinnati's backups. It was by far the best showing from a Bengals defense that has played a major role in another lost year. Golden and his squad have an opportunity to build more confidence in next week's season finale against the Browns at home. 

Next Gen Stats Insight for Cardinals-Bengals (via NFL Pro): Chase Brown recorded 101 yards and two scores on a season-high 22 carries in Week 17 against the Cardinals. Brown forced nine missed tackles, his most in a game in his career (no game with more than six, previously). His 68 yards after contact are his second-most in a game this season and tied for his fourth in a game in his career.

NFL Research: Ja'Marr Chase joined Hall of Famer Randy Moss as the only two players in NFL history with seven-plus receiving TDs in each of their first five seasons. Chase is also the first player in NFL history with 80-plus receptions and seven-plus receiving TDs in each of his first five seasons.

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• READ: Rodgers fully confidence Pittsburgh will rebound to win North
• READ: Garrett: PIT more worried about me breaking sack record than winning

Nick Shook's takeaways:

1. Browns defense slams the door. Cleveland's low-ceiling offense failed to break 17 points again Sunday, but it didn't matter this time because of Jim Schwartz's fierce defense, a unit that stopped the Steelers in their tracks repeatedly throughout the contest and three times in the fourth quarter to preserve the Browns' narrow lead. Nearly every participant played a key role: Alex Wright and Grant Delpit each sacked Aaron Rodgers; Tyson Campbell blanketed pass catchers and recorded two passes defensed (as well as four tight-window targets); Carson Schwesinger fought through an early injury to tie for the team lead in tackles with nine; and Denzel Ward denied the Steelers' trio of end zone shots in the final moments of the one-score game. All their contributions were essential. In a game in which both teams posted nearly identical success rates (Pittsburgh's 36.9% edged the Browns' 36.7%), each tackle, pass breakup and QB pressure was crucial. Fittingly, when Pittsburgh found success in a frantic final drive, the Browns defense stood tall along the goal line, slamming the door on Rodgers by tackling Adam Thielen 7 yards short of the goal line and denying the 42-year-old quarterback on three straight pass attempts to end the game. For this Browns team, it was the only way it would win such a game and it came through, delivering Cleveland fans a much-needed gift of happiness three days after Christmas.
2. Metcalf's absence dooms Steelers. This isn't to diminish the efforts of Cleveland's defense, which has caused problems for plenty of prolific passing attacks in 2025, but it was clear how much Pittsburgh missed DK Metcalf. The suspended receiver's absence limited the Steelers' ability to stretch the field all afternoon and severely hindered their third-down conversion chances (they finished 3 for 15). The proof was in how Aaron Rodgers distributed the ball: When targeting receivers, Rodgers completed just eight of 21 passes (38.1 completion percentage, his lowest of the season) for 60 yards and posted a passer rating of just 46.3, the second-lowest mark for him in 2025. Pittsburgh is plenty deep at tight end, and Rodgers didn't shy from relying on the position, but in a one-score game on a rainy, cold day in Cleveland, the Steelers could have used a fearsome target to occupy Denzel Ward. Instead, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith had the "bright idea" (Ward's words) to target the cornerback three straight times on the Steelers' desperate final drive, asking Rodgers to throw consecutive end zone fades to Marquez Valdes-Scantling and watching all three attempts fall woefully short. It's fair to wonder if Metcalf would have converted one of those targets into a game-tying touchdown. Instead, Steelers fans can only lament his absence and the role in played in setting up a winner-take-all Week 18 showdown with Baltimore.
3. No record, but plenty of holiday joy in Cleveland. With the single-season sack record just one quarterback takedown away, Myles Garrett finished with just one QB hit on Rodgers, battling through an immense amount of extra attention dedicated to keeping him at bay. It was clear Garrett was a central focus of Pittsburgh's offensive game plan. Garrett faced a chip from a tight end or running back on nearly half of his pass rushes, forcing him to fight through multiple blockers in pursuit of the quick-firing Rodgers and coming up painfully short on a few occasions. Cleveland finished with two sacks, but neither were Garrett's, robbing Browns fans of a chance to watch him break the record at home but saving the day with another victory over the Steelers in Cleveland. He'll get one more chance to make history next week against another familiar adversary in Cincinnati: Joe Burrow.

Next Gen Stats Insight for Steelers-Browns (via NFL Pro): Myles Garrett generated a team-high six pressures on 39 pass rushes in Week 17, with five of his pressures coming in the second half. Garrett failed to record a sack and sits one sack away from the NFL record with one game left to play. The Steelers had a clear plan to limit Garrett, chip blocking him or double teaming him 16 times (41.0%).

NFL Research: Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. caught his sixth receiving touchdown Sunday, the most by a Browns rookie since receiver Andre' Davis also had six in 2002.

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• REWATCH: Jaguars-Colts on NFL+ Premium
• READ: Colts QB Rivers has no regrets on returning, despite 0-3 record

Nick Shook's takeaways:

1. Jaguars play with food but finish the job. Jacksonville's 12th win didn't come easily, but the Jaguars will likely also reflect on this performance and spot where they could have built a larger advantage had they gotten out of their own way. An early, overly ambitious hook-and-lateral call saw Jacksonville fumble away possession, Trevor Lawrence's lone passing mistake (leaving a pass short of his intended target in the end zone) resulted in a points-robbing interception and an aggressive fourth-and-1 conversion attempt in a tie game ended short of the line to gain, giving the Colts multiple chances to stay in the fight. Ultimately, the better team won. Jacksonville's defense denied Indianapolis' late attempts to move into scoring position and the Jaguars picked up the necessary yards to seal the victory, but only after they had to settle for a field goal following a crucial interception that briefly appeared destined to finish in the end zone. All of the wins count the same; this one could prove to be a valuable lesson in the importance of details as the Jags prepare for the playoffs.
2. Rivers' comeback falls short again. Indianapolis tried to save its fading playoff hopes by bringing Philip Rivers out of retirement, which made for a compelling watch, but on Sunday, it was clear Rivers' age-related limitations couldn't carry them to victory. One play stood as the best example: Facing second-and-10 in a 14-10 game midway through the third, Alec Pierce toasted corner Montaric Brown on a fade and had a clear path to the end zone, but Rivers' lack of downfield arm strength failed him. Rivers lobbed a balloon of a pass toward Pierce, forcing the speedster to slow down and come back to the ball and affording Brown enough time to close the distance, breaking up a pass that would have been an easy score had Rivers possessed the arm strength to lead Pierce into the end zone. Indianapolis' vertical limitations limited its offensive potential, and even when Rivers was able to string drives together with shorter completions, his inability to connect downfield -- plus a lack of velocity on deeper passes -- handcuffed the Colts and ultimately prevented them from overcoming a late deficit. If this is Rivers' last game in the NFL, he deserves commendation for steadying Indianapolis' ship amid a storm of adversity. He also received a reminder of why he'd spent most of this season coaching high school football.
3. Washington continues to thrive. Trevor Lawrence is playing the best football of his career right now, and the same is true for diminutive Penn State product Parker Washington, filling the role of Lawrence's favorite receiving target. Washington is quickly proving himself as one of the most reliable third-down targets, racking up contested catches and playing much larger than his 5-foot-10 frame. One week after he set a career high with 145 receiving yards and a touchdown in the Jags' win over Denver, Washington delivered again, catching a team-best eight passes for 115 yards against the Colts. On a day in which Lawrence went without a passing touchdown (but ran it in for two scores), Washington was an essential part of a Jacksonville air attack that is suddenly very diverse thanks to the presence of Brian Thomas Jr., acquisition of Jakobi Meyers and ascension of Washington and tight end Brenton Strange.

Next Gen Stats Insight from Jaguars-Colts (via NFL Pro): The Colts defense blitzed Trevor Lawrence on 47.7% of his dropbacks in Week 17, their second-highest blitz rate in a game this season, trailing only Week 14, when they blitzed Lawrence and Nick Mullens on 51.5% of their combined dropbacks. Lawrence was efficient against the blitz, completing 13 of 18 passes for 190 yards (10.6 yards per attempt). 

NFL Research: With two rushing scores, Trevor Lawrence became the fourth player in NFL history to have 25-plus passing touchdowns and nine-plus rushing touchdowns in a single season, joining Josh Allen, Kyler Murray and Cam Newton.

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• READ: Baker on Bucs still having shot to win division: 'We've been blessed with a chance'

Eric Edholm's takeaways:

1. Turnovers haunted Bucs in another disappointing loss. Baker Mayfield was picked twice and lost a fumble on a late strip-sack, ending any hopes for a comeback in Miami. The Bucs took a 7-0 lead early, but the offense stalled several times thereafter, as the Dolphins took control of the game. Mayfield’s first interception was an underthrow to Jalen McMillan, and the Dolphins converted it into a touchdown. A blocked field goal also hurt the Bucs, and Miami took a 20-10 lead as Tampa Bay had no answers. A three-and-out was followed by Mayfield’s second pick, one he was baited into throwing, and the strip-sack in the waning minutes. A desperation TD drive (and a few coverage busts) allowed the Bucs to make it a one-score game with less than a minute left, but the ensuing onside kick was recovered by Miami. Thankfully, Carolina also lost Sunday, setting up a win-or-go-home Week 18 game between the Panthers and Bucs for the NFC South in Tampa. But the way the Buccaneers are playing, with seven losses in eight games since the bye, it’s not easy to see them rising up to the challenge.
2. Ewers did his job for the Dolphins. Quinn Ewers' first start last week started well but ended poorly with two second-half interceptions in a blowout loss to the Bengals. His second start on Sunday was a much steadier performance all around, throwing for two first-half TDs and playing turnover-free ball, as he tries to convince the Dolphins to keep him in their long-term plans. Ewers hit practice-squad pal Theo Wease Jr. for a 63-yard TD pass for each of their first NFL touchdowns to tie the game early, and Ewers’ pretty TD toss to Greg Dulcich gave Miami a 17-7 lead before the half. Although Ewers didn’t complete a third-quarter pass and only attempted seven after halftime, Miami’s run game did enough to keep the Buccaneers at bay, with De'Von Achane and Jaylen Wright both gashing the Bucs. Jaylen Waddle had no catches on only one target, and there were some limitations to the passing game, but it was all around a very solid showing for the Dolphins’ seventh-round QB. Ewers might not enter next season as the Dolphins’ projected starter or anything, but he has provided the stability Mike McDaniel likely was seeking after benching Tua Tagovailoa. 
3. Bucs’ defense, special teams came up short. The Buccaneers’ offensive inconsistencies are a big part of their struggles down the stretch, but the defense and special teams must take their share of the blame. Facing a rookie QB making only his second NFL start, the Bucs allowed Miami to score on three straight drives in the first half to take a double-digit lead thanks to some missed tackles and busted coverages. Jamel Dean looked to be guilty on the 63-yard TD allowed, and too many times Quinn Ewers had clean pockets from which to work. On Greg Dulcich’s TD before the half, multiple Bucs DBs appeared to look at each other with confusion as if there was a miscommunication on the play. Don't forget the special teams, which allowed a blocked field goal and a 47-yard kick return that set up a late Miami field goal to give them the winning edge. Certainly being minus-three in the turnover department didn’t help offensively, but the Bucs’ defense couldn’t come up with enough big plays to turn the game back in their favor.  

Next Gen Stats Insight for Buccaneers-Dolphins (via NFL Pro): Bucs OT Benjamin Chukwuma struggled in his second NFL start, allowing two sacks and five pressures (two of them quick pressures).

NFL Research: Dolphins RB De’Von Achane now has had 11 straight games with 90-plus scrimmage yards (the longest active streak in NFL) after totaling 112 against Tampa Bay on Sunday.

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• REWATCH: Patriots-Jets on NFL+ Premium
• READ: Pats clinch AFC East with win, Bills loss

Eric Edholm's takeaways:

1. Shorthanded Patriots had no trouble dispatching the Jets, finishing 8-0 on road. Despite some depth issues thinning their ranks, the Patriots jumped all over the down-and-out Jets in the first half, taking a 35-3 lead and moving closer to the AFC East title. New England clinched an 8-0 mark away from home with Sunday’s blowout. Drake Maye also bolstered his MVP case with five TD passes (four in the first half), each to a different receiver, including rookie Efton Chism III. Things were so smooth that Joshua Dobbs took Maye’s place late in the third quarter. The Patriots are now 13-3 -- heights they’ve not reached since the peak Brady-Belichick years -- and they could be as dangerous as any team in a wide-open AFC field. The injuries have piled up late in the year, but the Patriots easily took care of business with several backups playing expanded roles, and they should receive some reinforcements for the postseason  
2. Jets defense hit a new low, with December blues worsening. Aaron Glenn’s defense has struggled most of the season, and certainly since the team traded two of its biggest stars (Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams), but Sunday represented a new low. The Patriots scored touchdowns on their first six possessions, with the Jets offering little resistance before the streak was broken with a missed field-goal try with the Patriots leading by 42 points. Glenn’s first season has been a disappointment, and while all of the blame can’t fall on his head, this can’t be what owner Woody Johnson was hoping for this late in the season, even with Will McDonald IV and a few other contributors out on defense. After beating the Falcons on the final day of November, the Jets have now lost all their December games by at least 23 points, with a minus-107 point differential during the 0-4 month. 
3. Patriots' offensive line, run game also stepped up. With multiple offensive line starters out, the Patriots still were able to hum offensively with few bumps along the way. It wasn’t perfect up front, but you can’t argue with the overall execution up front. Rhamondre Stevenson continued his late-season ascent with two TDs (one rushing, one receiving), and TreVeyon Henderson returned to the lineup after being knocked out last week to ring up 82 yards on the ground. If we’re nitpicking, the Patriots were stuffed on two third-and-short situations in the second quarter, but Drake Maye cleaned up both with a first-down run and a TD pass on the ensuing fourth downs. That’s what makes this offense so dangerous heading into the postseason, and they hope to get rookies Will Campbell and Jared Wilson back soon to bolster the unit even more up front.  

Next Gen Stats Insight for Patriots-Jets (via NFL Pro): Drake Maye totaled a plus-30.7 EPA in Week 17 against the Jets, the most of any quarterback in a game this season. Maye now leads the NFL with plus-0.24 EPA per dropback. Seven of the past nine NFL MVPs have led the league in the category.

NFL Research: The Patriots are the fifth team in NFL history to win 13-plus games in a season after having four or fewer wins in the previous season.

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• REWATCH: Saints-Titans on NFL+ Premium

Kevin Patra's takeaways:

1. Shough powers Saints to comeback victory. Once again, the New Orleans offense got off to a slow start, but when it hits the gas pedal, it’s to the floor. The Saints generated 92 total yards, four first downs and zero offensive touchdowns at halftime of a 20-10 game. New Orleans finished with 423 yards, 16 first downs and 34 total points. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough was off the mark early as the offense was stuck in the mud, but shined like an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate in the final two quarters. The QB deftly avoided pressure after pressure from the Tennessee front and picked apart a moribund secondary. Shough showed tremendous deep-ball accuracy, lobbing bombs and slinging quick strikes to avoid sacks. The QB generated five passes that gained 30-plus yards, including a picture-perfect 60-yard dime to Chris Olave. After 82 first-half passing yards, the rookie finished with a season-high 333 with two TDs on 22-of-27 passing (81.5%). Shough continues to show intelligence, where to go with the ball, and when to take his shots deep. It was a sterling effort from the still-growing quarterback, who has powered the Saints to four consecutive victories. The stats came against a wobbly opponent, but good quarterbacks should do exactly what Shough showed Sunday.
2. Ward, Titans come up short. No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward again rode the roller-coaster. Ward flashes jaw-dropping plays with regularity. His ability to make pinpoint passes on the move is breathtaking. A 34-yard dime to Mason Kinsey while rolling right was one example. Later, on a fourth-and-11, he evaded multiple rushers and somehow muscled a first-down pass to Elic Ayomanor. Ward continues to make the right reads and doesn’t force as many dangerous throws as earlier this season. His ability to do a lot with a little is an excellent sign of things to come. Yet there were a few negatives. A strip-sack for a New Orleans score, when the Titans were cruising early up 10 with the ball, let the Saints back in the game. Ward was also fortunate not to throw an INT late. He finished 21-of-40 passing for 251 yards and two TDs. The Titans had a chance to put the hammer down in the fourth quarter and come back late, but they put up just three points in the final frame, allowing the Saints to rally for the victory. The next level of Ward’s development will be to even out the lulls, but he remains a bright spot for the rebuilding Titans.  
3. Young changes the game. With the Saints offense unable to find traction, and the Titans offense marching the ball up-and-down the field, Chase Young flipped the tenor of the tilt. Young came screaming off the edge and grabbed Ward, who was trying to escape the pocket. Young didn’t just sack the QB -- he ripped the ball away and raced to the end zone. In a blink, it was a ballgame. The former No. 2 overall pick was all over the field Sunday, proving his worth to an improved Saints D. He generated a game-high eight QB pressures, notched 1.5 sacks, forced penalties, and earned four tackles, one tackle for loss and the forced fumble touchdown.

Next Gen Stats Insight for Saints-Titans (via NFL Pro): Tyler Shough finished strong in the fourth quarter, accounting for 164 of his 333 passing yards while going 5 for 7 for 164 yards and a touchdown. He generated 3.8 EPA on fourth-quarter dropbacks, after producing 2.7 EPA across dropbacks in the first three quarters.

NFL Research: Tyler Shough joined Joe Burrow (2020) and Dak Prescott (2016) as the only rookie QBs since the 1970 merger with 300-plus passing yards and zero interceptions in back-to-back games.

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• REWATCH: Giants-Raiders on NFL+ Premium

Eric Edholm's takeaways:

1. Raiders have inside track for No. 1 overall pick after 10th straight loss. Sunday’s Draft Bowl pitted the two teams entering the week with matching nine-game losing streaks and the best chances to be awarded the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Raiders haven’t officially clinched the top pick, but they’re in prime position to do so with a loss next week securing it. The Raiders played to win against the Giants, even after placing tight end Brock Bowers and edge Maxx Crosby on injured reserve this week. They converted four straight fourth downs and cut the Giants’ lead to 20-10 in the third quarter, but they just weren’t good enough to win, allowing a 95-yard kick-return TD immediately after. Geno Smith threw two picks and was clobbered all game, having to give way to Kenny Pickett in the second half, reinforcing the idea that the Raiders could use that draft clout to upgrade at the position next season. After an encouraging offensive performance last week at Houston, the Raiders took a step back on that side Sunday -- even if the loss perhaps changed the franchise’s future in a positive way.  
2. Giants won’t pick first, but victory had meaning. With the Browns upsetting the Steelers earlier on Sunday, the Giants would have clinched the top pick in the NFL draft had they lost to the Raiders, and after putting four players on IR this week, it wouldn’t have been shocking. Instead, the Giants played hard and well in Mike Kafka’s first win as interim coach, taking control of the game in the first half and withstanding a brief Raiders push in the second half. The Giants played more efficiently than the Raiders in all three phases, and there were several standout performances, from established veterans such as Brian Burns (1.5 sacks) to younger ones, such as Jaxson Dart. Losing grip of the No. 1 pick stings a bit, as that pick could bring a windfall to a team not in need of selecting a quarterback. But the Giants can look at it like Dart would be QB1 if he was in the 2026 draft class, and they’re still likely to get a good player picking as high as they will. This game might not guarantee any Giants (or non-players) are definitely staying next season, but it was a sign that they’re not as in bad of shape as some other teams are right now.
3. Dart answered critics with good showing. Some Giants fans might still have had some reservations about Jaxson Dart’s ceiling entering Sunday, but his strong performance against the Raiders was a positive development after a few nondescript games recently. He completed more than 70 percent of his passes and ran for two scores in an efficient game. Dart led the Giants on two straight TD drives and a field goal march before halftime, looking sharp in the process. The talk of his regression has felt forced, considering the situation, but Dart nonetheless quieted that chatter, especially on a pretty 12-yard TD run. He made several plays with his legs and also threw with command and composure, even if Dart didn’t attempt a pass of 20 yards or longer. He didn’t need to, and with two starting offensive linemen on IR, the Giants probably didn’t want to expose him to more time in the pocket. The Giants still must surround Dart with a better cast, but his play and the promise of several injured standouts returning next season offer a pretty encouraging starting kit for whomever the next head coach is.

Next Gen Stats Insight for Giants-Raiders (via NFL Pro): Giants KR Deonte Banks hit a top speed of 21.25 mph and recorded a total distance of 113.21 yards on his 95-yard kick return TD.

NFL Research: The Raiders were kept out of the end zone in the first half on Sunday for the seventh time this season. The Titans, Jets and Vikings are tied for the most TD-less first halves this season, with eight.

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• REWATCH: Eagles-Bills on NFL+ Premium

Nick Shook's takeaways:

1. Eagles remain a one-half team. Philadelphia has fought the allegations at varying points in 2025, however it was indisputable on Sunday. The Eagles jumped all over the Bills in the first half -- forcing a fumble and cashing in on the takeaway seven plays later via a Jalen Hurts touchdown pass -- dominated the first two quarters of play and appeared poised to cruise to victory entering halftime. Then, the Eagles reminded us of who they are. Philadelphia gained 16 total yards in the second half (13 came on their first drive of the third quarter). Hurts didn't complete a pass in the final two quarters and the Eagles needed their defense to carry them to victory, weathering two touchdown drives in the fourth quarter and pressuring Josh Allen into an errant throw on the game-deciding two-point conversion attempt. They might as well build Vic Fangio a statue like Bud Light once commissioned a bronze likeness of Doug Pederson and Nick Foles for this showing alone, an effort that kept Allen and the Bills off the scoreboard until the final six minutes of the game in what could be seen as a playoff tune-up between two postseason-bound squads. The Eagles better study this tape so their offense doesn't repeat the same performance once elimination is on the line.
2. Allen's foot ailment is a problem. Josh Allen tweaked his foot in the Bills' close Week 16 win over the Browns, was day to day throughout the week and showed signs that he isn't fully healthy during Sunday's soggy affair. Yes, the inclement weather didn't help; multiple pass catchers dropped on-target throws from Allen amid the driving rain, and an attempt to rely on James Cook didn't produce desired results, either. Allen showed concerning signs, though, when attempting to scramble and don the superhero cape the Bills have too often relied on when all else fails. He lacked the upper-quartile mobility that makes him such an elusive and effective runner, struggling to escape rushers while extending plays and coming up short on scrambles. His fourth-and-goal scramble that came up just short of a touchdown early in the fourth demonstrated this, as did his attempt to buy time on third-and-8 earlier in the final period, resulting in a drive-killing 19-yard sack. Buffalo has the talent to win in a variety of fashions, but seeing Allen as a somewhat limited scrambler takes away their most dangerous element and makes the rest of their operation easier to defend. With the AFC East title now out of the question, the Bills might be wise to spend the next week focusing on Allen's recovery.
3. Carter is back and making a difference. Jalen Carter returned from an in-season procedure on both of his shoulders and instantly upgraded the Eagles' defensive line Sunday. He played 75.3% of snaps -- the most of any defensive lineman -- logged two QB pressures and a sack, and made arguably the most important play of the game on special teams when he blocked Mike Badgley's extra-point attempt late in the fourth quarter, preserving Philadelphia's seven-point lead. Those numbers might not mean all that much, but considering he underwent operations on both shoulders less than one month ago, that's an incredibly encouraging showing in his first game back. And if there's any player who can instantly increase the Eagles' defensive ceiling -- and thus, the entire team's chances of winning -- it's Carter.

Next Gen Stats Insight for Eagles-Bills (via NFL Pro): The Eagles recorded all five of their sacks in Week 17 with a four-man rush, their third game out of their last four where they had at least four sacks with a four-man rush. The Eagles have accumulated 18 sacks over their last four games with a four-man rush, seven more than any other defense entering Sunday Night Football.

NFL Research: Sunday marked the second time Jalen Hurts has won a game without completing a pass in the second half this season. No other starting quarterback has attempted a pass without a completion in the second half in a win over the last two seasons. Hurts also became the first QB since at least 1991 with multiple such wins in a season.

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• READ: 'Assassin' Purdy accounts for five TDs in 49ers' thrilling win

Grant Gordon's takeaways:

1. Brock, CMC lead 49ers in shootout classic. When a scorching-hot Brock Purdy hit the field on Sunday night, Jaylon Johnson and T.J. Edwards immediately cooled him off, with the former’s pass breakup leading to an Edwards pick-six on the first play from scrimmage. Unfortunately for the Bears, Purdy’s hot streak was hardly extinguished. The Niners QB rebounded on the ensuing drive with a touchdown toss to Jake Tonges, and the donnybrook had commenced. For the first time in NFL regular-season history, a game was tied at 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 points. The 49ers held serve for most of it thanks to Purdy’s brilliance -- 18 of 24 (72.7%) for 303 yards, three touchdowns plus two rushing TDs – and Christian McCaffrey's exhausting evening’s worth of work (27 touches for 181 scrimmage yards, rushing TD). Falling behind, 38-35, late in the fourth, Purdy commanded a comeback that culminated with a brilliant 38-yard touchdown pass to Jauan Jennings. It left the Bears and Caleb Williams 2:15 to rally. Williams and Chicago came up just short in a riveting final drive, but this was Purdy and the Niners’ night. It’s been their month, too, having gone 3-0 in December and put themselves in position to be the NFC’s top seed with a win next Saturday night against the Seahawks. Much of that success is due to Purdy, who has 10 total TDs over the past two games and, more importantly, has the 49ers hitting their stride at the perfect time. 
2. Porous D doesn’t support comeback Caleb, Bears O's best efforts. Following 60 minutes of dizzying, back-and-forth ball, it was hard to recall that the Bears offense sputtered at the onset after it was spotted a six-point head start in a race to the end zone. Such was the case though, as Caleb Williams aimed to deliver in the clutch yet again. Following back-to-back three-and-outs to begin the game, Williams and the Bears settled in for the roller coaster when the QB hit rookie Luther Burden III for a 35-yard touchdown. As has been crucial to the Bears’ success, the running game got going as well, with D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai providing plenty of punch. But in the end, the golden right arm of Williams wasn’t enough when a pass on second-and-game fell incomplete. Williams (25 of 42 for 330 yards, two TDs) can’t be saddled with this loss, though. The Bears defense has lived and died by the takeaway this year. They led the league coming in and added just one Sunday, while allowing 496 yards and six touchdowns. The Chicago defense entered Week 17 19th in points allowed and 24th in yards -- numbers that will swell after this one. San Francisco’s offense bludgeoned Chicago on the ground and through the air, piling up four touchdowns, 22 first downs and 330 yards (averaging 7.0 per play) in the first half -- with 21:56 in time of possession. The Bears’ turnaround from worst to first place in the NFC North has been so impressive, but if Chicago is to accomplish more than just a playoff berth, the defense has to be shored up and not leave it to the offense to pull off miraculous comeback after miraculous comeback. 
3. Path to No. 1 alive, very well for gritty 49ers. San Francisco has now rolled off six consecutive victories, having overcome massive injuries to Brock Purdy, Nick Bosa and Fred Warner to put itself into position to win the NFC West and the conference’s top seed. The 49ers’ resolve was at the forefront Sunday evening. Purdy’s first throw was returned for a touchdown. A picture of resilience, Purdy responded by throwing a touchdown and rushing for another. Pick-six, passing TD and rushing TD all in one crazy first quarter, which has never been done in league history, per NFL Research. Purdy’s pick-six play was also the first and last of the game for star offensive tackle Trent Williams, who was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, George Kittle was inactive and backup tight end Jake Tonges had a helluva game filling in. Purdy and Christian McCaffrey were sensational and continue to lead a 49ers offense that’s as impressive as any other in the league, but behind all the offensive flash, the squad’s fortitude is driving it to a potential first-round bye. Next Saturday’s showdown with the Seahawks for the division crown and the conference’s No. 1 spot will be must-see TV.

Next Gen Stats Insight for Bears-49ers (via NFL Pro): Niners QB Brock Purdy only faced nine QB pressures on 33 dropbacks (23.7 pressure rate). He was 3 of 5 for 34 yards and a touchdown under pressure.

NFL Research: Christian McCaffrey joined Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson as the only players in NFL history with three seasons of 2,000-plus scrimmage yards and 15-plus touchdowns, while D’Andre Swift became the first Bear with 1,000 rushing yards in a season since David Montgomery in 2020 -- Swift’s rookie season with Detroit, where Montgomery now plays.