NFL Week 16 scores: Ravens clinch playoff spot, Vikings win another thriller
virtue of the New York Jets losing on Thursday night. The Bengals joined the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs as the first AFC teams to reach the postseason.
The Baltimore Ravens clinched a spot with a win and the Los Angeles Chargers could do the same this weekend with a little help.
On Saturday, the Minnesota Vikings continued to wow audiences with a record day from both Justin Jefferson and Greg Joseph. The victory keeps them competitive with the Philadelphia Eagles for the top seed in the NFC.
The NFC South is still a race between three teams after the New Orleans Saints got a win while the Atlanta Falcons were eliminated with a loss. The Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans continued their losing streaks as their playoff hopes fade away.
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On Christmas Day, there will be three NFL games. The Green Bay Packers and Miami Dolphins headline the afternoon slate. Week 16 concludes with the Los Angeles Chargers playing the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night.
‘TIS THE SEASON:Which NFL teams and players are getting coal in their stockings this holiday season?
PLAYOFF PICTURE:Jaguars move into playoff field, Bills wrap up AFC East
Here’s a rundown of all the Week 16 action around the NFL.
Jacksonville Jaguars 19, New York Jets 3
Briefly: The Jaguars won their third consecutive game and sit firmly in playoff contention. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was efficient against a stingy Jets defense. He completed 20 of 31 passes for 229 yards while adding 51 rushing yards and a touchdown. Jaguars tight end Evan Engram led all receivers with 113 receiving yards. It was a tough night for the Jets. The offense generated 227 total yards and went 2-for-13 on third down. Fans booed Jets QB Zach Wilson as he was benched in favor of journeyman Chris Streveler. The Jets have lost four straight and are slipping outside the playoff mix.
One highlight to know: Engram returned to MetLife Stadium and turned in a standout performance. He hauled in a 36-yard reception that set up a Jaguars field goal in the second quarter.
Next up: The Jaguars play the Houston Texans in Week 17. The Jets have a road matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
Baltimore Ravens 17, Atlanta Falcons 9
Briefly: The Baltimore Ravens relied on their run game as they punched their ticket to the playoffs, grabbing a victory over the Atlanta Falcons in the team’s third game without Lamar Jackson. Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins and quarterback Tyler Huntley combined for 184 yards. Huntley added 115 yards passing and the lone touchdown of the day, a 6-yard score to Demarcus Robinson in the second quarter. Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder went 22-for-33 for 218 yards, 96 of which went to rookie Drake London. The wideout was responsible for the lone turnover of the day, a lost fumble in the second quarter. With the loss, the Falcons are eliminated from playoff contention.
One highlight to know: In the fourth quarter, the Baltimore defense stopped the Falcons on fourth-and-goal at the Ravens’ 1-yard line. Tyler Allgeier attempted a run from shotgun and was stuffed by Isaiah Mack, who was signed off the practice squad just a day prior.
who are still in the NFC South race, utilized five rushers to combine for 320 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. D’Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard had 165 and 125 yards, respectively. The Lions’ run game was virtually non-existent, running for only 45 yards with quarterback Jared Goff leading with 15 yards on three carries. He did his job through the air, going 25-of-42 for 355 yards and three scores, but the loss dims the Lions’ playoff hopes.
One highlight to know: With the game tied 7-7 in the second quarter, Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold faked a handoff and rushed to his left for a 3-yard touchdown. Carolina took the lead and never looked back.
to clinch the AFC East with a win over the Chicago Bears. Bears’ rookie Kyler Gordon had his second interception in as many games as he picked off Josh Allen in the second quarter and the Bills went into the half down 10-6. Buffalo had 254 yards on the ground and three rushing touchdowns in the game, led by Devin Singletary.
One highlight to know: The Bills came storming out of the break with a score on their first drive of the second half. Devin Singletary powered forward for a 33-yard touchdown that gave Buffalo all the momentum for the rest of the game.
Next up: The Bills travel to face the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football. The Bears have a road matchup against the Detroit Lions.
New Orleans Saints 17, Cleveland Browns 10
Briefly: The Cleveland Browns went scoreless in the second half and dropped a 10-0 lead as they lost to the New Orleans Saints, who are still in the NFC South race. Both Deshaun Watson and Andy Dalton went scoreless through the air and each threw an interception. Watson scored on a 12-yard run in the second quarter. Otherwise, the Saints’ 152 yards on the ground and touchdowns from Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill were enough for the win.
One highlight to know: With the game tied at 10-10 after a Taysom Hill touchdown in the third quarter, Deshaun Watson tried to get his team back ahead, but was intercepted by Daniel Sorensen at the New Orleans 49-yard line. Sorensen rumbled for 36 yards to set his team up for another score.
Next up: The Saints travel to face the Philadelphia Eagles, who may or may not have Jalen Hurts back at quarterback. The Browns are on the road against the Washington Commanders.
Kansas City Chiefs 24, Seattle Seahawks 10
Briefly: D.K. Metcalf warmed up for the 14-degree day without a shirt on, but his confidence wasn’t enough to overpower the Kansas City Chiefs, who are still vying for the top playoff seed in the AFC. Patrick Mahomes was 16-of-28 for 224 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Travis Kelce for 113 of those yards. For the Seahawks, Kenneth Walker III had 107 yards rushing, but quarterback Geno Smith struggled, going 25-of-40 for 215 yards, a touchdown and an interception as they watch their playoff hopes slip away.
One highlight to know: Kadarius Toney scored his second touchdown of the season after returning from a hamstring injury. The score was the first of the day as Patrick Mahomes tossed the ball to the wide receiver from shotgun. Toney faked a pass before rushing forward for the 8-yard score.
Next up: The Chiefs host the AFC West rival Denver Broncos. The Seahawks host the New York Jets. Both games are on New Year’s Day.
Minnesota Vikings 27, New York Giants 24
Briefly: The Minnesota Vikings won another thriller as kicker Greg Joseph nailed a 61-yard field goal as time expired against the New York Giants. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson had a historic day with 12 receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown, which passed Randy Moss for the Vikings’ single-season reception yards record and Cris Carter for the franchise-best single-season catches mark. Saquon Barkley had 14 carries for 84 yards and a touchdown, but with the Winter Whiteout, the Vikings go 8-1 at home.
One highlight to know: Justin Jefferson had a record-breaking day, but kicker Greg Joseph made history of his own. He won the game on a 61-yard field goal, the longest in Vikings’ history.
extend their win streak to seven games with a win over the New England Patriots. Joe Burrow went 40-of-52 for 375 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Tee Higgins snagged eight of those receptions for 128 yards and one of the scores. Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson was held to 30 yards on 13 carries and lost a fumble in the fourth quarter. Nick Folk missed both of his extra points.
One highlight to know: With the Patriots threatening to score on the Bengals’ 5-yard line late in the fourth quarter, Stevenson powered into a pile of players. He dropped the ball as he was tackled and BJ Hill landed on it to give Cincinnati possession.
The Houston Texans upset the Tennessee Titans on the road to push Derrick Henry and company into a five-game losing streak. Starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill was out with an ankle injury, leaving rookie Malik Willis at the helm in a game that started an hour late due to a weather delay. Henry was held to 23 carries for 126 yards and a touchdown, capping his streak of games with 200 yards against the Texans at four. Davis Mills was 17-of-28 for 178 yards, a touchdown and an interception as he led his team to their second victory of the season.Odds, moneyline and more
What to know: The Steelers will celebrate the 50th anniversary of “The Immaculate Reception” on Saturday night. The team will also retire the No. 32 jersey of late running back Franco Harris. The Steelers legend died Tuesday at 72. His legacy left an impact within the Steelers organization and the NFL community. Expect the Steelers to play with emotion and try to win one for the Pro Football Hall of Famer.
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What to know: The Dolphins welcome the Packers to Miami on Christmas Day. The Dolphins look to rebound after a close loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 15. The Packers have slim chances to extend their playoff streak. This matchup will feature a clash of styles. The Dolphins’ high-octane offense will get a stiff challenge against the Packers’ second-ranked passing defense. Green Bay is allowing 185.1 passing yards per game. How the Packers defend the Dolphins duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle will be a matchup to watch on Sunday.
Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Rams
Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET
TV: CBS, Nickelodeon
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What to know: This matchup looks totally different than when it was scheduled this offseason. Both teams have failed to reach expectations. There is not a lot to play for on both sides, but at least the matchup between quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Russell Wilson will provide some reason to tune in.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Arizona Cardinals
Kickoff: 8:20 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
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What to know: The Buccaneers are leading the NFC South but not because of their recent play. A matchup against the lowly Cardinals is enticing to right the ship. The Cardinals will start third-string quarterback Trace McSorley on Sunday. It’s must-win territory for the Buccaneers and Tom Brady needs to pull them out of the fire again.
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What to know: The Chargers have a chance to clinch a playoff spot on Monday. Los Angeles will need to win and get some help. The Colts are reeling after being on the losing end of the largest comeback in NFL history. How will that impact the psyche of the team? The Colts will find out soon as they turn to backup quarterback Nick Foles to start in a lost season.
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