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NFL Nation
Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season started on Christmas Day with an NFC East showdown between the Cowboys and the Commanders. Dallas jumped throughout Washington early however needed to maintain on after permitting a number of huge performs.
Later within the day, the Vikings crushed the Lions’ playoff hopes. Minnesota got here out swinging and held on to beat Detroit at dwelling. And the Broncos closed issues out with a decent win over Kansas Metropolis, holding their hopes of incomes the AFC’s high seed alive.
The motion continued Saturday with the Texans beating the Chargers to clinch a 3rd consecutive playoff berth for the primary time in franchise historical past. Later, the Baltimore Ravens rode Derrick Henry to victory over the Inexperienced Bay Packers.
Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to all of the motion, answering lingering questions popping out of every recreation and detailing all the pieces that you must know for each group. Let’s get to it.
Soar to:
DAL-WSH | DET-MIN
DEN-KC | HOU-LAC | BAL-GB
Atone for the motion: Field rating | Recap
Ravens
How did Ravens prevail with out QB Lamar Jackson? Two phrases: Derrick Henry. The 31-year-old operating again carried Baltimore in an elimination recreation, speeding for 216 yards and 4 touchdowns. After every week of being criticized for not giving Henry the ball sufficient — he did not get a carry within the final 12 minutes of Sunday’s 28-24 loss to the New England Patriots — the Ravens handed it off to Henry 36 occasions, that are a profession excessive and probably the most carries by an NFL participant this season.
Henry’s dominating efficiency helped him transfer into tenth place on the NFL’s all-time speeding listing and fourth in speeding TDs. This was additionally Henry’s seventh profession recreation with 200-plus yards speeding, breaking a tie with Adrian Peterson and O.J. Simpson for probably the most all-time.
This was a clutch efficiency by Henry and the Ravens, who would have been knocked out of playoff rivalry with a loss. With Jackson sidelined by a again harm, backup QB Tyler Huntley saved drives alive along with his legs by totaling 55 yards, probably the most speeding yards by a Baltimore quarterback since Jackson within the season opener.
Largest gap within the recreation plan: Defending the deep move. The Ravens almost failed to carry a double-digit lead for a second straight week as a result of they could not cease the lengthy downfield throws by Malik Willis. Within the first three quarters, Willis was 6-of-7 for 197 yards and a landing on throws of 20 or extra air yards. That is the second-most completions on such throws by a quarterback this season. This has been a problem for Baltimore, which entered this recreation by giving up the sixth-most completions on passes of 20 or extra yards (26). This may need been the worst recreation of the season for Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins. — Jamison Hensley
Subsequent recreation: at Steelers (TBD)
Packers
How ought to Packers deal with the season finale?
With their likelihood to win the NFC North gone after this loss, the Packers should think about making an attempt to get as wholesome as attainable after they go on the street for a wild-card playoff recreation. That may imply holding a number of starters out of subsequent weekend’s regular-season finale on the Vikings, together with quarterback Jordan Love (even when he clears concussion protocol) and presumably backup Malik Willis (who reinjured his proper shoulder within the fourth quarter).
This group isn’t just limping to the end line with three straight losses — it’s banged up after shedding 5 extra gamers to game-ending accidents. This after getting into the sport with out 5 key gamers as a result of season-ending accidents: Elgton Jenkins, Tucker Kraft, Micah Parsons, Devonte Wyatt and John FitzPatrick.
What to make of the QB efficiency: Whether or not it is a group just like the Cardinals, Dolphins, Raiders or one other quarterback-needy group, somebody goes to offer Willis starter’s QB cash in the course of the offseason. Willis got here to the Packers at the beginning of final season in a commerce with the Titans for a seventh-round decide and is within the last 12 months of his unique rookie contract. He’ll most likely be too costly for the Packers to maintain as a backup. Nearly each time he is needed to fill in for Love, he has excelled. He received each of his begins final season and performed nicely in reduction in one other win. Saturday, nonetheless, was subsequent degree. Willis accounted for 348 yards of offense, regardless of exiting briefly within the fourth quarter as a result of his shoulder difficulty. He completed with 288 passing yards and a rating, plus 60 yards and two extra TDs on the bottom. — Rob Demovsky
Subsequent recreation: at Vikings (TBD)
Atone for the motion: Field rating | Recap
Texans
With a playoff berth clinched, what’s the Texans’ largest precedence now? Successful the AFC South. The Texans nonetheless have a shot to assert the division title, but it surely will depend on whether or not the Jacksonville Jaguars lose both of their subsequent two video games. It is so simple as this: If the Jags fall to the Indianapolis Colts or the Tennessee Titans and Houston beats the Colts in Week 18, the Texans will win the AFC South for a 3rd consecutive season.
Turning level: Quarterback C.J. Stroud acquired sacked on third down with 2:32 remaining within the fourth quarter. The Chargers have been poised to get the ball again, however cornerback Tarheeb Nonetheless was flagged for unlawful contact, which gave Houston the primary down. Working again Woody Marks then picked up a primary down two performs later to safe Houston’s seventh straight victory. — DJ Bien-Aime
Greatest quote from the locker room: On an evening through which the Texans sacked Justin Herbert 5 occasions and picked him off as soon as, security Jalen Pitre mentioned: “God is the best. The Texans protection is possibly second.”
Subsequent recreation: vs. Colts (TBD)
Chargers
How far can Justin Herbert take the Chargers? The field rating would not fairly mirror the efficiency (236 passing yards, one interception, 37 speeding yards), however Saturday’s recreation was considered one of Herbert’s most spectacular. The quarterback evaded sacks, ran by way of opponents and delivered throws with defensive linemen draped on him — all whereas enjoying with a damaged left hand. It was the type of effort that reinforces why the Chargers imagine Herbert can will them to a title. Nonetheless, anticipating Herbert to copy that degree of play is not sustainable for a deep postseason run; and even with how nicely he performed, he could not overcome the errors round him.
Key stat to know: Cameron Dicker missed a discipline purpose try from underneath 40 yards for the primary time in his profession. Dicker, probably the most correct place-kicker in NFL historical past and a first-time Professional Bowl choice this season, pushed a 32-yard kick extensive proper to finish the primary half and later was unsuccessful on an additional level try. Dicker has been chargeable for a big portion of the Chargers’ wins this season, however his misses loomed giant for L.A. on Saturday. — Kris Rhim
Greatest quote from the locker room: The Chargers pleasure themselves in not permitting explosive performs, however allowed two 40-plus yard touchdowns to start the sport as a result of busted coverages. “The secondary was simply all out of whack, not on the identical web page,” cornerback Donte Jackson mentioned. “We won’t give s— away. We have got to be cleaner, extra detailed, and execute manner higher.”
Subsequent recreation: at Broncos (TBD)
Atone for the motion: Field rating | Recap
Broncos
Is the Broncos’ grind-it-out offense playoff prepared? The Broncos took care of what they wanted to Thursday to remain within the driver’s seat for the AFC West title and the No. 1 seed within the playoffs. However there have been excellent news/dangerous information vibes from the Denver offense. The excellent news was that the Broncos had three scoring drives of eight or extra minutes. The dangerous? Solely a type of resulted in a landing. They might want to shut the cope with extra authority (and touchdowns) within the postseason as a result of after they do not, they depart themselves open to what occurred towards the Chiefs — the place they’re in a down-to-the-wire scrap regardless of giving up solely 95 yards of whole offense previous to Kansas Metropolis’s last drive.
What to make of the QB efficiency: Bo Nix guided one other fourth-quarter, game-winning drive, ending with a 1-yard TD move to RJ Harvey with 1:45 to play, so he acquired the big-picture job accomplished as soon as once more. However the Broncos did not have a play of greater than 9 yards till Nix scrambled for 14 yards with 5:35 left within the second quarter and did not have a move play of greater than 9 yards till the two-minute warning within the first half. Nix, who completed 26-for-38 for 182 yards, additionally had some accuracy points crop up once more, serving to end in a deflected-ball interception within the first half. — Jeff Legwold
Subsequent recreation: vs. Chargers (TBD)
Chiefs
What did we study Chris Oladokun? Nicely, the Chiefs possessed the ball for fewer than 21 minutes Thursday evening, which wasn’t nice for Oladokun, Kansas Metropolis’s third-string quarterback. However when he had restricted alternatives, Oladokun confirmed he’s able to being a top quality recreation supervisor. In simply 16 makes an attempt previous to the ultimate drive, Oladokun by no means put the ball in peril. As a substitute, he had some good moments scrambling and improvising to create yards. Even in suboptimal circumstances late — lower than two minutes left and just one timeout — Oladokun was in a position to get the ball to the Broncos’ 21-yard line. However his last move of the sport, a deep move into the tip zone on fourth-and-8, was too excessive for receiver Hollywood Brown.
Most stunning efficiency: With out their high two cornerbacks, Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, the Chiefs’ protection did greater than maintain its personal towards Denver’s offense. Kristian Fulton and rookie Nohl Williams carried out nicely in fill-in roles regardless of the Broncos making an attempt time and again to get receiver Courtland Sutton in one-on-one alternatives. Fulton completed with three move breakups, considered one of which led to an interception by linebacker Nick Bolton. Williams had eight tackles, together with three behind the road of scrimmage.
Greatest quote from the locker room: “That is the primary time I’ve ever seen somebody strive to attract the protection to them by fumbling it,” Chiefs tight finish Travis Kelce mentioned of Oladokun whereas laughing. “That was like a bit yo-yo trick he placed on. I am pleased with him, man, all through the week, his consideration to element and his professionalism and his management. I could not be happier for the man. Clearly, I want we might’ve gotten that win for him [in] a giant recreation towards a rival. I am pleased with the best way he led us and saved preventing.” — Nate Taylor
Subsequent recreation: at Raiders (TBD)
Atone for the motion: Field rating | Recap
Vikings
Was this sufficient to get security Harrison Smith to play one other season? It has been some time because the 36-year-old has made so many high-impact performs in a recreation. However Smith produced a sack, an interception, two batted passes and two tackles for loss because the Vikings’ protection pressured six turnovers. Smith hasn’t mentioned that he plans to retire, however there are numerous individuals in and across the franchise who suspect he’ll. But when he can nonetheless play like this, maybe he might as soon as towards delay that call.
Key stat to know: The Vikings completed with 3 internet passing yards, the fewest by a successful group in an NFL recreation since 2006, as rookie quarterback Max Brosmer took six sacks and struggled to seek out open receivers. They have been at minus-7 internet passing yards till Brosmer’s last throw, a 10-yard move to receiver Justin Jefferson to transform a 3rd down and seal the sport. — Kevin Seifert
Subsequent recreation: vs. Packers (TBD)
Lions
How regarding was quarterback Jared Goff‘s efficiency? Very regarding. Goff could not get a lot going because the offensive line struggled to guard him with out beginning LT Taylor Decker, who was dominated inactive with an sickness. The robust Vikings protection sacked Goff 5 occasions and compelled 5 turnovers by him (two interceptions, three fumbles), which tied a profession excessive. The Lions’ eight turnovers by way of Week 16 have been the fewest within the NFL, however they ended with a season-high six turnovers in Minnesota as Goff went 18-for-29 for 197 passing yards and a landing whereas dealing with fixed stress. With the loss, the Lions have been eradicated from playoff rivalry.
Key stat to know: That is the primary time the Lions have misplaced a number of fumbles in a recreation this season with 4. Goff fumbled his snap within the first quarter, then RB Jahmyr Gibbs fumbled whereas speeding at 14:22 within the second quarter. Goff fumbled twice within the fourth quarter. Previous to this recreation, Detroit’s final time shedding no less than two fumbles in any recreation was in Week 12 of 2023 towards the Packers. The Lions’ 38-game streak with out shedding a number of fumbles was the fourth-longest energetic streak within the NFL getting into Thursday behind the Falcons (42), Chiefs (41) and Texans (40). — Eric Woodyard
Subsequent recreation: at Bears (TBD)
Atone for the motion: Field rating | Recap
Cowboys
Does ending with a non-losing file matter? It does to Brian Schottenheimer, who has incessantly referred to this being the primary 12 months of this system. The Cowboys are 7-8-1 with their Week 18 finale towards the New York Giants looming, and Schottenheimer has given no indication that the Cowboys plan to sit down regulars equivalent to Dak Prescott to keep away from harm. The quarterback has mentioned he desires to play and can combat to stay within the lineup. If the Cowboys lose to the Giants — whether or not they play their important guys or not — it will likely be the primary time Dallas has had consecutive seasons with a shedding file since three straight 5-11 finishes from 2000 to 2002.
Key stat to know: The Cowboys transformed 4 of 9 third downs within the first half and all 4 probabilities on fourth down. They completed with six — probably the most fourth-down conversions the Cowboys have had in any recreation over the previous 45 seasons. The final group to have 4 first-half fourth-down conversions was the 2006 New Orleans Saints, who additionally had 4 towards the Giants. The Cowboys had 17 first downs within the first half, whereas the Commanders ran simply 18 performs. Dallas added two extra fourth-down conversions within the fourth quarter. — Todd Archer
Subsequent recreation: at Giants (TBD)
Commanders
Will Dan Quinn finish the season on the recent seat? There was no indication that Quinn’s job is in jeopardy, however even when he would not finish the season on the recent seat, his future job safety will probably be a subject getting into subsequent season. Washington has misplaced 12 of its previous 13 video games — one 12 months after successful 12 within the common season. However a lineup depleted due to accidents has been the principle perpetrator to Washington’s season, giving Quinn and his workers a reprieve. Nonetheless, Quinn could have a choice to make at defensive coordinator. He took over playcalling duties from Joe Whitt Jr. in Week 11. A number of gamers have mentioned Quinn hasn’t misplaced the locker room, and regardless of being undermanned towards Dallas — beginning their No. 3 QB in Josh Johnson — the Commanders made it a recreation thanks partially to sturdy performances from operating again Jacory Croskey-Merritt (105 yards speeding) and defensive deal with Jer’Zhan Newton (three sacks).
Largest gap within the recreation plan: Third- and fourth-down protection. Dallas transformed 8 of 19 third downs, which wasn’t horrible. There was one 14-yard achieve on third-and-18 that arrange a fourth-and-short. That is the place the Commanders faltered, as Dallas transformed all of its fourth-down makes an attempt, resulting in 17 factors. Dallas was in a position to run 87 performs — 19 greater than some other group has had towards the Commanders this season. — John Keim
Subsequent recreation: at Eagles (TBD)
