A Summary of All the Matches from Week 16 in the 2019-2020 NFL Season

Introduction

With 16 weeks now behind us in the 2019-2020 NFL season, most playoff spots have already been filled. The decision for the NFC East will rely on the results of week seventeen, alongside which teams will secure wild card spots and their overall seeding for the upcoming NFL postseason. It will be intriguing to see the outcomes after the regular season wraps up.

FINAL

Texans (10-5, 5-3 Away)  23

Buccaneers (7-8, 2-5 Home)  20

TOP PERFORMERS

PASS

Jameis Winston - TB

25-48, 335 YDS, 1 TD

RUSH

Ronald Jones II - TB

14 CAR, 77 YDS, 1 TD

REC

Breshad Perriman - TB

7 REC, 102 YDS

The Houston Texans have secured the AFC South title, setting the stage for a crucial playoff match in the wild card round against a yet-to-be-named rival. Their formidable defense was on display as they forced five turnovers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Additionally, J.J. Watt is anticipated to make a timely return from injury, just in time for the playoffs. On the other hand, Tampa Bay needs to devise a strategy to manage the frequent turnovers caused by quarterback Jameis Winston, who often attempts risky downfield throws.

Week 17 Games

Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans

Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

FINAL

Bills (10-5, 6-2 Away)  17

Patriots (12-3, 6-1 Home)  24

TOP PERFORMERS

PASS

Tom Brady - NE

26-33, 271 YDS, 1 TD

RUSH

Sony Michel - NE

21 CAR, 96 YDS

REC

Cole Beasley - BUF

7 REC, 108 YDS

You can never underestimate Tom Brady and those infamous Patriots when it comes to playoff season. They are not content with their current performance level, which is a step down from what we are used to, yet they've still managed to secure 12, possibly 13, wins in the regular season. New England might come up against the Buffalo Bills in the postseason, a matchup that was closely contested and could tilt in favor of the Bills in their next encounter. In my view, the success of the Patriots heavily relies on the contributions from Julian Edelman and their steadfast defense.

Week 17 Games

New York Jets at Buffalo Bills

Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots

FINAL

Rams (8-7, 4-4 Away)  31

49ers (12-3, 6-2 Home)  34

TOP PERFORMERS

PASS

Jared Goff - LAR

27-46, 323 YDS, 2 TD

RUSH

Raheem Mostert - SF

11 CAR, 53 YDS, 1 TD

REC

Robert Woods - LAR

8 REC, 117 YDS

With their victory, San Francisco effectively removed one of their divisional rivals from playoff contention in the Los Angeles Rams . Despite Jared Goff passing for 323 yards and two touchdowns, it wasn’t enough for the Rams last Sunday. Emmanuel Sanders has truly found his form since joining the 49ers mid-season, contributing significantly with a crucial 46-yard reception from Jimmy Garoppolo. George Kittle continues to showcase his All Pro talent as San Francisco aims to establish themselves in the NFL playoff scene. The 49ers have positioned themselves as key contenders in a competitive NFC.

Week 17 Games

San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (SNF)

Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams

FINAL

Jaguars (5-10, 3-5 Away)  12

Falcons (6-9, 3-5 Home)  24

TOP PERFORMERS

PASS

Matt Ryan - ATL

32-45, 384 YDS, 1 TD

RUSH

Leonard Fournette - JAX

15 CAR, 71 YDS

REC

Julio Jones - ATL

10 REC, 166 YDS

The Atlanta Falcons started strong with two quick touchdowns, building a lead that was insurmountable for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Matt Ryan and Julio Jones had an impressive performance, connecting for 10 receptions totaling over 160 yards. The Jaguars face a challenging offseason ahead, trying to rebuild their struggling franchise after parting ways with Tom Coughlin. However, unloading Nick Foles , with his significant contract signed less than a year ago, may prove to be complicated. Atlanta must weigh the options of keeping their seasoned veterans or shifting focus toward acquiring younger talent. Both teams have critical decisions to make as they approach the 2020-2021 NFL season.

Week 17 Games

Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

FINAL

Ravens  (13-2, 7-1 Away)  31

Browns  (6-9, 4-4 Home)  15

TOP PERFORMERS

PASS

Lamar Jackson - BAL

20-31, 238 YDS, 3 TD

RUSH

Lamar Jackson - BAL

17 CAR, 103 YDS

REC

Mark Andrews - BAL

6 REC, 93 YDS, 2 TD

Lamar Jackson continues to impress, throwing three touchdown passes, including two to his tight end Mark Andrews , who had an outstanding game last Sunday. The Baltimore Ravens are entering the playoffs with significant momentum, posing a serious threat. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns appear bewildered as they reflect on an underwhelming season. They urgently need to regroup, as repeating this level of performance next year is not an option. The Ravens have locked in home-field advantage for the AFC postseason and may opt to rest key players in their upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Week 17 Games

Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens

FINAL

Saints  (12-3, 6-1 Away)  38

Titans  (8-7, 4-4 Home)  28

TOP PERFORMERS

PASS

Drew Brees - NO

27-38, 279 YDS, 3 TD

RUSH

Alvin Kamara - NO

11 CAR, 80 YDS, 2 TD

REC

Michael Thomas - NO

12 REC, 136 YDS, 1 TD

As Drew Brees and Michael Thomas etch their names into NFL history, the New Orleans Saints are aiming for even greater achievements. After last year's heartbreak against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC championship, they are determined to put this year to better use. The Saints are targeting the top seed in the NFC playoffs while the Tennessee Titans, surprisingly, are still contending for a playoff spot. It seems one of these teams, either the Titans or the Pittsburgh Steelers, will secure a position in the AFC bracket, although neither is likely to make a significant impact during the postseason this January.

Week 17 Games

Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans

New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers

FINAL

Panthers  (5-10, 3-5 Away)  6

Colts  (7-8, 5-3 Home)  38

TOP PERFORMERS

PASS

Will Grier - CAR

27-44, 224 YDS, 3 INT

RUSH

Marlon Mack - IND

16 CAR, 95 YDS, 1 TD

REC

Christian McCaffrey - CAR

15 REC, 119 YDS

This game was a blowout from the start, with the Indianapolis Colts overwhelming the Carolina Panthers amidst minimal resistance from the struggling Panthers, who have been in disarray since the latter half of the 2019-2020 season. With the Colts also missing the playoffs, there isn’t much left to say about this matchup.

Week 17 Games

New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers

Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

FINAL/OT

Bengals  (1-14, 0-8 Away)  35

Dolphins  (4-11, 3-5 Home)  38

TOP PERFORMERS

PASS

Ryan Fitzpatrick - MIA

31-52, 419 YDS, 4 TD

RUSH

Myles Gaskin - MIA

16 CAR, 55 YDS, 1 TD

REC

Tyler Boyd - CIN

9 REC, 128 YDS, 2 TD

The Miami Dolphins narrowly triumphed in an overtime thriller against the Cincinnati Bengals, two teams that were never part of the playoff race this season, and were surprisingly both tanking to secure a higher draft pick for April 2020.

Week 17 Games

Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots

FINAL

Steelers  (8-7, 3-4 Away)  10

Jets  (6-9, 5-3 Home)  16

TOP PERFORMERS

PASS

Sam Darnold - NYJ

16-26, 183 YDS, 1 TD

RUSH

Le'Veon Bell - NYJ

25 CAR, 72 YDS

REC

Diontae Johnson - PIT

8 REC, 81 YDS, 1 TD

The New York Jets played a spoiler role by defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, but Pittsburgh still has a flicker of hope to nab a wild card playoff spot, contingent on the final week of the regular season (week 17). The Steelers are set to face the formidable Baltimore Ravens this week, who have already secured their position and may opt to rest players, which could allow the Steelers to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Week 17 Games

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens

New York Jets at Buffalo Bills

FINAL/OT

Giants (4-11, 2-6 Away)  41

Redskins (3-12, 1-7 Home)  35

TOP PERFORMERS

PASS

Daniel Jones - NYG

28-42, 352 YDS, 5 TD

RUSH

Saquon Barkley - NYG

22 CAR, 189 YDS, 1 TD

REC

Golden Tate - NYG

6 REC, 96 YDS

Daniel Jones made a splash upon returning to the New York Giants, throwing five touchdown passes in the game. However, it must be noted that this performance was against one of the weakest teams in the league currently, the struggling Washington Redskins. They are far from playoff contention, and a quality draft pick in April could help them turn things around. The Giants and Redskins will play significant roles in determining the outcome of the NFC East, where the Cowboys and Eagles are vying for supremacy this coming Sunday.

Week 17 Games

Washington Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys

Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants

FINAL

Lions  (3-11-1, 1-6-1 Away)  17

Broncos  (6-9, 4-3 Home)  27

TOP PERFORMERS

PASS

Drew Lock - DEN

25-33, 192 YDS, 1 TD

RUSH

Phillip Lindsay - DEN

19 CAR, 109 YDS, 1 TD

REC

Kenny Golladay - DET

6 REC, 66 YDS, 1 TD

The Denver Broncos claimed victory over the Detroit Lions with a score of 27 to 17, but the outcome had no bearing on either team’s playoff situation. The Lions will conclude their season facing the Green Bay Packers , who have locked up the NFC North title yet are still fighting for home-field advantage in the playoffs, making that game somewhat crucial.

Week 17 Games

Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions

Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos

FINAL

Raiders  (7-8, 2-5 Away)  24

Chargers  (5-10, 2-6 Home)  17

TOP PERFORMERS

PASS

Derek Carr - OAK

26-30, 291 YDS, 1 TD

RUSH

DeAndre Washington - OAK

23 CAR, 85 YDS, 1 TD

REC

Hunter Renfrow - OAK

7 REC, 107 YDS, 1 TD

Another inconsequential match unfolded between the LA Chargers and the Oakland Raiders. With their upcoming game against Denver marking their last as the Oakland Raiders, they will soon be transitioning to Las Vegas for the 2020-2021 NFL season. Meanwhile, the Chargers aim to hinder Kansas City’s quest for home-field advantage in January's playoffs.

Week 17 Games

Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs

FINAL

Cowboys  (7-8, 3-5 Away)  9

Eagles (8-7, 5-3 Home)  17

TOP PERFORMERS

PASS

Carson Wentz - PHI

31-40, 319 YDS, 1 TD

RUSH

Miles Sanders - PHI

20 CAR, 79 YDS, 1 TD

REC

Michael Gallup - DAL

5 REC, 98 YDS

All the Dallas Cowboys All the Cowboys needed to secure the division title in the lackluster NFC East was to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles held their ground, winning the match to keep their postseason dreams alive. This week, the games for both the Cowboys and Eagles carry significant implications; one of them must emerge victorious to claim that poorly performing division. Both teams face some of the bottom-tier NFC opponents this Sunday.

Week 17 Games

Washington Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys

Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants

FINAL

Cardinals  (5-9-1, 3-4 Away)  27

Seahawks  (11-4, 4-3 Home)  13

TOP PERFORMERS

PASS

Russell Wilson - SEA

16-31, 169 YDS, 1 TD

RUSH

Kenyan Drake - ARI

24 CAR, 166 YDS, 2 TD

REC

Jacob Hollister - SEA

5 REC, 64 YDS

The Seattle Seahawks seem to have eased off their momentum as they approach the concluding stages of the 2019-2020 NFL regular season. In their most recent game, they suffered a defeat against the struggling 5-9 Arizona Cardinals. Although Seattle has secured a playoff spot, they are still eyeing the NFC West , which remains competitive. The San Francisco 49ers currently hold a slim lead with only one game remaining. It will be enthralling to watch their clash on Sunday Night Football!

Week 17 Games

San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (SNF)

Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams

FINAL

Chiefs  (11-4, 7-1 Away)  26

Bears  (7-8, 4-4 Home)  3

TOP PERFORMERS

PASS

Patrick Mahomes - KC

23-33, 251 YDS, 2 TD

RUSH

Damien Williams - KC

16 CAR, 65 YDS

REC

Travis Kelce - KC

8 REC, 74 YDS, 1 TD

Kansas City decisively defeated the struggling Chicago Bears, who have already been eliminated from playoff contention. The Chiefs are looking strong as they head into the postseason, likely emerging as top contenders in the AFC alongside the Baltimore Ravens. Patrick Mahomes appeared fully recovered, throwing for 251 yards and a pair of touchdown passes, suggesting this could be the year for the Chiefs! Chicago needs to wake up and address their issues!

Week 17 Games

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings

FINAL

Packers  (12-3, 5-2 Away)  23

Vikings  (10-5, 6-1 Home)  10

TOP PERFORMERS

PASS

Aaron Rodgers - GB

26-40, 216 YDS, 1 INT

RUSH

Aaron Jones - GB

23 CAR, 154 YDS, 2 TD

REC

Davante Adams - GB

13 REC, 116 YDS

The Green Bay Packers beat the Minnesota Vikings In the final Monday Night Football game of the season, the NFC North division was clinched by the Packers. The Vikings are also set to enter the playoffs as a wild card team, though they could prove to be a mild challenge. This year, Green Bay may end up playing Minnesota three times!

Week 17 Games

Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings

Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions

Sources:

“NFL Scoreboard”  espn.com, December 24, 2019.

“NFL Scoreboard”  espn.com, December 24, 2019.

Written by: David Green