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We saw an avalanche of NFL teams secure spots in the playoffs this past weekend. Three NFC teams clinched their divisions while two more secured postseason spots. Only one team in the AFC (Kansas City) clinched its division, but the playoff picture must start solidifying as we enter the regular season’s final two weeks.
For now, we’ll take a look at some of the top matchups from Week 16 that featured multiple playoff-caliber teams.
San Francisco traveled to Nashville and found themselves in a 10-0 hole at halftime. Mike Vrabel’s squad scored 17 unanswered points that eventually led to a 20-17 win. Ryan Tannehill played a clean game, completing 22 of 29 attempts for 209 yards and a touchdown.
Tennessee needed the win because Indianapolis is breathing down their necks for the AFC South crown. However, defeating San Francisco nearly secured the division title for the Titans. They won both head-to-head games against Indianapolis earlier this year, meaning Tennessee needs one more win or a Colts loss to secure the division.
The Browns entered the 2021 NFL season with one of the league’s best rosters. However, they’re 7-8 after a 24-22 loss to Green Bay on Christmas. The latest setback marks Cleveland’s fourth loss in the past six games. Baker Mayfield deserves most of the blame. The fourth-year quarterback threw four interceptions but easily could’ve turned it over more often.
Cleveland remains in dead last in the AFC North.
On the other hand, Green Bay clinched the NFC North with their win. Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams were electric, connecting ten times for 114 yards and two touchdowns. The defense played well, recording five sacks and four interceptions.
At 12-3, the Packers are one win away from clinching the top seed in the NFC.
Arizona and Indianapolis played one of the sloppiest games in the NFL this season. The Colts had four backup offensive linemen, and the Cardinals committed 11 penalties for 85 yards. Most of those calls went against Arizona’s offensive line, which regularly jumped offside.
The Colts put together a solid outing, considering their COVID situation and injuries. Jonathan Taylor carried the ball 27 times for 108 yards while Michael Pittman Jr. snagged eight receptions for 82 yards.
Indianapolis won 22-16, claiming their third victory in a row. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have three consecutive losses. Kyler Murray hasn’t recaptured his MVP-level of play since returning from injury.
The 9-6 Colts seem destined to enter the playoffs as a wild card team. At 10-5, the Cardinals have squandered their lead in the NFC West.
The New England Patriots out-gamed Buffalo two weeks ago in exceptionally windy conditions. They couldn’t take care of business in front of their home crowd when Josh Allen came to town on Sunday. The former Pro Bowler passed for 314 yards and three touchdowns as Buffalo poured on 33 points in a 33-21 payback game.
New England got a 100-yard, three-touchdown game out of Damien Harris, but Mac Jones couldn’t get in a rhythm. The rookie threw two interceptions to Micah Hyde and completed under half of his attempts. The Bills eventually outpaced their hated rivals.
Both teams are 9-6, but Buffalo is first in the AFC East because they have a better divisional record.
We already covered how well Allen played, but Joe Burrow transcended all other quarterbacks in Week 16. The second-year stud completed 37 of 46 attempts for four touchdowns and 525 yards, the fourth-most ever in a single game.
A handful of wide receivers went off this past weekend, including Davante Adams, A.J. Brown, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Deebo Samuel. Those five current and future stars combined for 737 yards.
On defense, Dallas’ DeMarcus Lawrence recorded two tackles, a sack, and a pick-six.
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