–Saturday
Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) at New England Patriots (3-12), 1 p.m. ET, NFL Community
No. 1 within the NFL in scoring protection at 18.3 issues consistent with recreation, the Chargers haven’t begun to surrender greater than 20 issues in a street recreation this season. That is been completed best by way of 5 groups in league historical past, maximum lately the 2010 Chicago Bears and 2001 Philadelphia Eagles. Turnovers were a problem for New England. The Patriots have misplaced 5 immediately video games whilst breaking in rookie quarterback Drake Maye (14 touchdowns, 10 interceptions). Maye has thrown a landing cross in seven immediately video games to tie Jim Plunkett (1971) for the longest streak by way of a rookie in franchise historical past. He has finished 67.6 % of his passes, simply in the back of the rookie document set by way of Dak Prescott (67.8) of the Dallas Cowboys in 2016. He additionally has a pick out in seven consecutive video games. Chargers QB Justin Herbert has best 3 interceptions — 18 touchdowns — this season, however two of them got here up to now two video games. New England is 12-2 all-time as the house staff on this matchup.
Denver Broncos (9-6) at Cincinnati Bengals (7-8), 4:30 p.m. ET, NFL Community
The whole thing is at stake for the Broncos because the end line to a shocking season approaches. Denver misplaced the scoop to the wild-card berth to the Chargers remaining week. However the franchise can nonetheless land a playoff berth and 10-win season for the primary time since 2015, when Peyton Manning piloted the Tremendous Bowl 50 champions. Denver leads the NFL with 51 sacks and rookie QB Bo Nix has six video games with two or extra TD passes and no interceptions this season. That is an excellent feat however Bengals QB Joe Burrow is atmosphere the bar some distance upper. He leads the NFL with 4,229 passing yards and 39 landing passes. He is the fourth participant with 4,000 passing yards and 30 landing passes in 3 of his first 5 seasons (Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Dan Marino). Burrow’s consistency is to be recommended. He is the primary participant ever to document 250 passing yards and 3 landing passes in seven consecutive video games, a streak he can stretch to 8 on Saturday. WR Ja’Marr Chase leads the NFL with 108 receptions for 1,510 yards and 16 touchdowns, giving him 45 in his profession. Most effective Randy Moss (53) and Jerry Rice (49) had extra of their first 4 NFL seasons.
Arizona Cardinals (7-8) at Los Angeles Rams (9-6), 8 p.m. ET, NFL Community
Beat the Cardinals and the Rams can have fun a 6th season with double-digit wins beneath Sean McVay. However to succeed in the playoffs for the fourth time up to now 5 seasons, Los Angeles has to watch for Week 18 and a matchup with the Seahawks. The Rams are cooking defensively, a credit score to the manufacturing in their younger entrance seven. WR Puka Nacua leads the NFL with 57 receptions since Week 10, with five-plus receptions and 50-plus receiving yards in each and every of his seven video games all the way through the span. The Cardinals misplaced in OT at Carolina remaining week to take themselves out of the combination for the postseason. It was once Arizona’s 3rd loss in a row at the street, and the Rams beat the Cardinals 26-9 in Los Angeles remaining season. The Rams have gained 8 of 10 video games since their bye week, once they had been 1-4. Kyren Williams has supplied beef up for quarterback Matthew Stafford all the way through the Rams’ 4-0 run in December. Williams, a Professional Bowl variety remaining season, has a career-high 1,243 yards and 13 dashing touchdowns on 303 carries following his 122-yard recreation in opposition to the Jets remaining week.
–Sunday
New York Jets (4-11) at Buffalo Expenses (12-3), 1 p.m. ET, CBS
The Expenses are hoping to get huge receiver Amari Cooper going. Obtained from the Cleveland Browns in October, Cooper has 17 receptions for 241 yards and one landing in seven video games with Buffalo. He had only one catch for 10 yards remaining week in opposition to the Patriots. Buffalo wishes a win to complete 8-0 at house — the Chiefs also are undefeated at house — for the 3rd time in franchise historical past (1988, 1990). Expenses QB Josh Allen has 75 profession regular-season wins, tied with Russell Wilson for probably the most regular-season wins by way of a quarterback in his first seven seasons in NFL historical past. There are giant numbers at the line for the Jets, however none of them relate to the playoffs. Aaron Rodgers has 499 regular-season TD passes. He is one clear of becoming a member of the five hundred Membership of Tom Brady (649), Drew Brees (571), Peyton Manning (539) and Brett Favre (508). Manning (244 video games) is the one participant to succeed in 500 in fewer than 250 profession video games; Rodgers is taking part in No. 247 on Sunday. The Jets are 1-5 over their previous six video games and misplaced the primary matchup between those groups 23-20 in Week 6.
Carolina Panthers (4-11) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7), 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Carolina post 36 issues and took down the Cardinals remaining week. The Panthers are taking part in impressed ball and could be overjoyed to proceed within the spoiler position by way of bumping Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers out of the highest spot within the NFC South. Mayfield, who began for Carolina to open the 2022 season, discovered his Professional Bowl shape beneath present Panthers trainer Dave Canales, Tampa’s offensive coordinator remaining season. Mayfield has 5 video games with no less than 300 passing yards and a couple of TD passes this season. That is the bar Panthers QB Bryce Younger aspires to, however he is content material letting RB Chuba Hubbard elevate the offense when important. Hubbard has profession highs in yards from scrimmage (1,366), dashing yards (1,195) and dashing TDs (10) in 2024. The Buccaneers are seeking to jump again from a expensive loss at Dallas. Down two past due within the fourth quarter, Buccaneers RB Rachaad White misplaced a fumble that ended the prospective game-winning force. Mayfield is adamant he desires WR Mike Evans to get to at least one,000 yards for the eleventh consecutive season. Evans wishes 182 yards and has owned Carolina with a median of 140.5 yards in his previous 4 house video games in opposition to the Panthers.
Dallas Cowboys (7-8) at Philadelphia Eagles (12-3), 1 p.m. ET, FOX
RB Saquon Barkley may just elevate the burden this week with QB considerations for the Eagles. Jalen Hurts (concussion) and Kenny Pickett (ribs) had been each harm within the 36-33 loss to the Washington Commanders remaining Sunday. That is best a part of what is other since Dallas was once whipped 34-6 by way of the Eagles on Nov. 10. Even with the Cowboys running their long ago towards .500, Dallas subtracted any other height playmaker in WR CeeDee Lamb. 2d within the NFL with 101 receptions, Lamb is at the shelf for the remainder of the season proper along QB Dak Prescott. The Eagles are primed to lean on their consistent risk in Barkley, who leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage (2,114) and dashing (1,838). With Lamb out, lifestyles turns into harder for QB Cooper Rush on the controls of the Cowboys’ offense. Rush has guided Dallas to wins in 4 of the remaining 5 video games, throwing 9 landing passes and only one interception. The Eagles’ protection had 5 takeaways at Washington remaining week however has a minus-10 turnover margin (28 turnovers, 18 takeaways) whilst the Cowboys are tied for 5th within the NFL at plus-10 (26 takeaways, 16 turnovers).
Indianapolis Colts (7-8) at New York Giants (2-13), 1 p.m. ET, FOX
Indianapolis is mathematically alive within the playoff hunt however trails the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos by way of two video games with two contests left. The Chargers and Broncos each have video games on Saturday. If each nine-win golf equipment win, the Colts will likely be eradicated and omit the playoffs for the fourth immediately season. Colts QB Anthony Richardson could be held out if there is not any spoils at the line for Indy, as he is struggling with foot and again accidents. A heavier workload fits Jonathan Taylor, who rushed for 218 yards and 3 rankings on 29 carries all the way through remaining weekend’s 38-30 house win over the Tennessee Titans. New York is in peril of shedding an eleventh consecutive recreation in the back of an offense striking up best 14.3 issues consistent with recreation this season. The Giants are beginning Drew Lock at quarterback for the fourth time up to now 5 video games. Lock underwent an MRI on his passing shoulder Monday however no injury was once discovered. He harm it all the way through Sunday’s 34-7 street loss in opposition to the Atlanta Falcons. Lock is 0-3 as a starter this season and has finished simply 52.7 % of his passes. He has one landing and 4 interceptions in 129 makes an attempt.
Tennessee Titans (3-12) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12), 1 p.m. ET, CBS
For the second one time in 21 days, the Titans and Jaguars sq. off with a place within the AFC South cellar — and close to the highest of the NFL draft order — putting within the stability. It may well be argued that the loser will pop out forward in the end. In the end, that staff would improve its possibilities to earn the No. 1 general pick out within the 2025 NFL Draft. Mason Rudolph, who threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns in remaining Sunday’s 38-30 loss at Indianapolis, will get the beginning over Will Levis for the Titans this week. Rudolph additionally threw 3 interceptions, including to the staff’s NFL-high general of 32 turnovers. The Titans’ offensive line has authorised 47 sacks this season — 40 with Levis on the helm. Levis additionally has thrown 12 interceptions and misplaced two fumbles, whilst Rudolph has thrown 8 choices and misplaced a fumble. When the groups met on Dec. 8 in Nashville, Jacksonville notched a 10-6 win, retaining Tennessee to 272 general yards and restricting Levis to 168 yards passing. It is the Jaguars’ best street win of the season. Jacksonville is coming off a 19-14 loss remaining week in Las Vegas, any other three-win staff. The defeat moved Jacksonville as much as the projected No. 3 general pick out, one spot forward of the Titans. The Jaguars may well be with out as many as six standard starters on offense this week.
Las Vegas Raiders (3-12) at New Orleans Saints (5-10), 1 p.m. ET, FOX
Las Vegas employed Antonio Pierce as head trainer after the staff had an encouraging 5-4 document all the way through his stint as meantime head trainer remaining season. Nonetheless, the disappointing 2024 season leaves Pierce’s long run in query. New Orleans is 3-3 beneath meantime head trainer Darren Rizzi, who was once promoted when Dennis Allen was once fired after a seven-game shedding streak this season. The Raiders are anticipated to begin second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell, who has shared that position with Gardner Minshew and Desmond Ridder. Rizzi earned victories in his first two video games in fee and 3 of the primary 4, however the staff had by way of some distance its worst efficiency beneath him in a 34-0 street loss to the Inexperienced Bay Packers on Monday night time. Former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, who’s in his moment season in New Orleans, is attempting to go back from an harm to his left (non-throwing) hand. Rookie fifth-round pick out Spencer Rattler, who’s 0-4 as a starter and performed poorly in opposition to the Packers, is much more likely to begin Sunday. Las Vegas ended a 10-game shedding streak by way of beating the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars 19-14 remaining week.
Miami Dolphins (7-8) at Cleveland Browns (3-12), 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS
Saturday’s NFL slate may just decide whether or not the Dolphins are taking part in for greater than pleasure. Miami hopes to have a possibility on the playoffs, whilst the one factor Cleveland can do is discover a uncommon successful feeling in a disappointing season. Anticipated to contend for a moment immediately playoff berth, the Browns as a substitute have an out of doors probability to earn the No. 1 general pick out in April’s NFL Draft. A 3rd beginning quarterback of the 12 months, second-year professional Dorian Thompson-Robinson, will get the decision with Jameis Winston (shoulder) sick and Deshaun Watson (Achilles) out for the season. In a 24-6 street loss to the Cincinnati Bengals remaining week, Thompson-Robinson completed 20 of 34 for 157 yards whilst tossing two interceptions and soaking up 5 sacks. Thompson-Robinson, who was once restricted in follow on Thursday as a result of a quad factor, desires to do a greater task heading off the ones results. The Dolphins’ protection may just lend a hand in that subject as they entered the weekend twenty sixth in sacks (31) and tied for twenty second in interceptions (8). Dolphins head trainer Mike McDaniel mentioned he may not relaxation avid gamers even supposing the Chargers and Broncos push Miami out of the playoffs on Saturday.
Inexperienced Bay (11-4) at Minnesota Vikings (13-2), 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX
There may be nonetheless so much at the line for the Vikings and Packers, who’re in the back of the Detroit Lions within the NFC North however competing for playoff place. Loose agent signee Sam Darnold is the primary quarterback to win 13-plus video games in his first season with a staff since Dak Prescott with the Cowboys in 2016 and primary non-rookie since Peyton Manning with the Broncos in 2012. He is had immense manufacturing from former Packers RB Aaron Jones and All-Professional WR Justin Jefferson (92 receptions for 1,387 yards, 10 TDs). Head trainer Kevin O’Connell has 13 wins in two of his first 3 years with the Vikings — best present Packers trainer Matt LaFleur and previous 49ers trainer George Seifert have performed that. Inexperienced Bay additionally has a playoff spot clinched for the 5th time in six seasons beneath LaFleur. Powered by way of Jones’ substitute Josh Jacobs (career-high 13 dashing TDs) and QB Jordan Love, the Packers fell wanting a livid comeback within the Week 4 assembly. Love had 389 yards and 4 TDs however was once intercepted thrice. He additionally had 4 general TDs in remaining season’s win at Minnesota on New Yr’s Eve.
Atlanta Falcons (8-7) at Washington Commanders (10-5), 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC
A matchup of top-10 draft choices headlines the “Sunday Evening Soccer” showdown in Week 17. With just one profession get started beneath his belt, Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr., the No. 8 general variety within the 2024 NFL Draft, makes an attempt to spice up Atlanta’s playoff possibilities in opposition to Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 pick out. The Commanders are searching their first playoff berth since 2020. Washington will have a playoff spot wrapped up if the Panthers beat the Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon. If Tampa Bay wins, Washington can clinch with a win over Atlanta. Atlanta is in search of its 3rd immediately victory whilst Washington has gained 3 in a row and may just get to 11 wins for the primary time since 1991. Penix gained his debut get started at house remaining week, finishing 18 of 27 passes (66.7 %) for 202 yards with an interception and led the Falcons to 4 scoring drives in a 34-7 house win in opposition to the Giants. Daniels is coming off a five-touchdown efficiency, together with the game-winner with six seconds ultimate, to guide Washington to an disappointed win over the visiting Eagles. He handed for 258 yards and ran for 81. Daniels has rushed for a team-high 737 yards in conjunction with six touchdowns. Washington entered Week 17 3rd in dashing (152.7 yards consistent with recreation) and sixteenth in passing (220.9 yards consistent with recreation).
–Box Stage Media
