It all boils down to next week. Week 17 of the NFL season featured a jam-packed schedule with games on Christmas and Saturday, but Sunday’s matchups carried significant playoff implications. The standout performers were the Minnesota Vikings, who dominated their NFC North rivals, the Green Bay Packers, in a pivotal game, setting the stage for a crucial winner-takes-all showdown against the Detroit Lions for the top spot in the NFC. Meanwhile, in the AFC, the Indianapolis Colts stumbled with a disappointing loss to the struggling New York Giants. Here are the highlights and lowlights from the second-to-last Sunday of the 2024 NFL regular season.
Winners:
Vikings outlast Packers, set up epic season finale
The Vikings continue to pass every test this season, as they edged out a hard-fought victory over the Packers to set up a monumental season finale against the Lions. The winner of that game, regardless of Detroit’s outcome against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday, will secure the top seed in the NFC, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Quarterback Sam Darnold once again led the charge, throwing for a career-high 377 yards and showcasing his rejuvenated career. The Vikings’ defense, orchestrated by coordinator Brian Flores, played a key role in frustrating Green Bay and securing the win. With a 9-1 record in one-score games, Minnesota’s culture under coach Kevin O’Connell is thriving, making him a strong candidate for the Associated Press Coach of the Year award.
Culture-changing victories propel Washington forward
Coach Dan Quinn, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury have made a significant impact in reshaping the culture of the Washington Commanders. Their efforts have resulted in a four-game winning streak, securing a playoff spot for the Commanders for the first time since 2020. Daniels has emerged as a rising star, with Washington showing promise for sustained success in the future.
Dolphins keep playoff hopes alive, but obstacles remain
The Miami Dolphins managed to keep their AFC wild-card aspirations alive with a crucial win over the Cleveland Browns. A series of favorable outcomes, including losses by the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts, shifted Miami into the eighth seed in the AFC. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley performed well, but the Dolphins still face significant challenges as they strive to secure a playoff berth.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured a crucial victory in Week 17, putting them in prime position to claim the top spot in the NFC South. Their win over the Carolina Panthers, combined with the Atlanta Falcons’ inability to overcome the Commanders, propelled the Buccaneers into a position of control. A standout performance from quarterback Baker Mayfield, with 359 passing yards and five touchdowns, highlighted their success. The Buccaneers now have the opportunity to secure a postseason berth by defeating the New Orleans Saints in their upcoming game. Additionally, a previous victory over the Saints earlier in the season boosts their chances of advancing to the playoffs. On the other hand, the Indianapolis Colts suffered a significant setback, losing to the underdog New York Giants and effectively eliminating themselves from playoff contention. The Giants’ backup quarterback, Drew Lock, exploited the Colts’ defensive weaknesses, leading his team to a convincing victory. Meanwhile, Philadelphia Eagles’ running back Saquon Barkley continues to impress, nearing the historic single-season rushing record set by Eric Dickerson. Barkley’s exceptional performance this season has garnered MVP consideration, showcasing his impact on the Eagles’ offense.
With Washington’s victory over the Falcons, the Seattle Seahawks (9-7) saw their playoff hopes dashed on Sunday evening, despite their own triumph over the Bears on Thursday. The final result solidified a strength-of-victory tiebreaker in favor of the Rams, who secured the NFC West championship.
Seattle will undoubtedly look back on several key losses throughout the season, none more painful than their defeat at the hands of the Giants in Week 5 at their home stadium.
The disappointments of the Seahawks’ season came to a head as they were officially eliminated from playoff contention, highlighting the highs and lows of their journey. This turn of events underscores the unpredictable nature of the NFL and the fine margins that can separate success from failure in the league.
This article was originally published on USA TODAY, offering a comprehensive overview of the winners and losers of NFL Week 17. The Colts, in particular, suffered a stunning defeat in a manner that will be remembered for its epic proportions.
