It seems like Week 16 of the NFL season was quite eventful with notable performances from several teams: The Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, and Philadelphia Eagles stood out, showcasing their strengths as they aimed to secure favorable playoff seeding.
One of the significant highlights of the week was the Detroit Lions winning the NFC North, marking their first division title since 1993 when they were part of the NFC Central. This achievement must have been a thrilling moment for Lions fans who have been eagerly waiting for their team’s success. On the flip side, some playoff-caliber teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys apparently had performances that left football fans questioning their potential Super Bowl runs. Inconsistent or unexpected performances during the regular season can indeed lead to uncertainties about a team’s postseason prospects.
Here are the grades for all 32 NFL Teams after the week 16 games:
Arizona Cardinals: C- (Last week D)
The Cardinals fell in a tough 16-27 loss on the road to the Chicago Bears as they didn’t have enough firepower to stop Chicago. Kyler Murray threw two touchdowns against zero interceptions but was sacked twice. James Conner led the Cardinals’ ground attack with 45 rushing yards caught five receptions for 67 yards and scored a receiving touchdown while Greg Dortch scored a receiving touchdown as well. On defense, the Cardinals had a sack and interception as they look to try and secure a high draft pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL draft.
Atlanta Falcons: B (Last week D)
In a shocking turn of events, the Atlanta Falcons stunned the Indianapolis Colts 29-10 as they look to play spoiler against teams looking to secure playoff spots, as well as try to salvage what’s left of their 2023 season. Taylor Heinicke threw a touchdown against no interceptions, but was sacked once. Bijan Robinson rushed for 72 yards and caught seven receptions for 50 yards, Tyler Allgeier scored a rushing touchdown, and Kyle Pitts scored a receiving touchdown. On defense, the Falcons had six sacks, and an interception from Jessie Bates III. This was a strong performance from the Falcons looking to see what they can put together with two weeks left in the regular season.
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Baltimore Ravens: A- (Last week B)
The Ravens went out west and took on the heavily favored San Francisco 49ers with a 33-19 massive statement win. Lamar Jackson threw two touchdown passes against zero interceptions but, was sacked twice. Gus Edwards scored a rushing touchdown, Zay Flowers scored a receiving touchdown, and Nelson Agholor scored a receiving touchdown. On defense, the Ravens had four sacks and four interceptions against Brock Purdy and one interception against Sam Darnold. They earned a massive win on Christmas night.
Buffalo Bills: B- (Last week B+)
The Bills secured their early Christmas present as they defeated the Los Angeles Chargers in a close 24-22 victory in Hollywood. Josh Allen threw a touchdown pass against an interception and scored two rushing touchdowns. James Cook rushed for 70 yards on 20 carries while Gabe Davis scored the Bills’ only receiving touchdown on the night. On defense, the Bills had five sacks but no interceptions. It was a good performance by the Bills who continue their late push for a playoff spot with two weeks to go in the regular season.
Carolina Panthers: C- (Last week C-)
The Panthers played a very evenly matched game against the Green Bay Packers, but fell short in a very close 30-33 loss. Bryce Young threw two touchdowns against zero interceptions while Chubba Hubbard and Ihmir Smith-Marsette both scored rushing touchdowns. DJ Chark Jr. scored two touchdowns and Adam Thielen had 94 receiving yards. On defense, the Panthers had one sack but no defensive turnovers. The Panthers played very well, but came up short thanks to Anders Carlson kicking the game-winning field goal in the fourth quarter and failing to complete a game-winning drive with seconds left.
Chicago Bears: C+ (Last week D+)
The Bears played well at home against the woeful Arizona Cardinals (who didn’t play badly) as they secured a well-earned 27-16 win. Justin Fields threw a touchdown against an interception and scored a rushing touchdown but was sacked once. Khalil Herbert scored a rushing touchdown and Marcedes Lewis scored a touchdown while Cole Kmet had 107 receiving yards. On defense, the Bears had two sacks but no defensive turnovers. A good day for the Bears but their playoff hopes are at this point in the season, slim to none. That said, a win against the Cardinals does count for something.
Cincinnati Bengals: D (Last week B-)
The Bengals’ three-game winning streak came to an end, as they lost a tough 11-34 contest on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jake Browning threw one touchdown against three interceptions while the Bengals rushing attack had 59 total rushing yards on the ground all afternoon. Tee Higgins caught the only offensive touchdown of the day while Ja’Marr Chase was inactive due to a right shoulder injury. On defense, the Bengals had one sack and no interceptions or defensive fumble recoveries. The Bengals need more than a Christmas miracle, if they want to make the playoff. Standing 0-5 in division play doesn’t help their case, as other AFC teams close in on securing the remaining playoff spots.
Cleveland Browns: B- (Last week B+)
The Browns are playing lights-out football as they secured a Christmas Eve 36-22 win over the Houston Texans, inching closer and closer to securing a wildcard spot in the playoffs. Joe Flacco threw three touchdowns against two interceptions while Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt scored a rushing touchdown each. Amari Cooper scored two receiving touchdowns and David Njoku scored a receiving touchdown. On defense, the Browns had three sacks and two interceptions. They can make a serious playoff run when the postseason begins depending on who they square off against.
Dallas Cowboys: B- (Last week D)
The Cowboys played better than their week 15 showing against the Buffalo Bills, only to lose to the Miami Dolphins 20-22 on a last-second field goal. Dak Prescott threw two touchdowns against no interceptions but was sacked four times and lost a fumble. Tony Pollard had 38 rushing yards on 12 carries while CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks scored the only two touchdowns for the Cowboys on the evening. On defense, the Cowboys had one sack but no turnovers which hurt the Cowboys at the very end. They have lost their grasp on the NFC East title- which is now on the wings of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Denver Broncos: C (Last week D)
The Broncos played slightly better than they did against the Detroit Lions in week 15 but came up short in a failed comeback attempt in their 23-26 loss to the New England Patriots. Russell Wilson threw two touchdowns against zero interceptions but was sacked five times. Javonte Williams scored a rushing touchdown. Brandon Johnson and Lucas Krull both scored receiving touchdowns while Marvin Mims Jr. caught three receptions for 63 yards. On defense, the Broncos had two sacks and a fumble recovery. The Broncos did try a come back against the Patriots, but fell just short with time expiring on the clock.
Detroit Lions: B (Last week A-)
Christmas came early for the Detroit Lions as they not only defeated the Minnesota Vikings 30-24, but became division champions for the first time since the 1993 season. Jared Goff threw a touchdown against no interceptions but was sacked once. Jahmyr Gibbs scored two rushing touchdowns and David Montgomery scored a rushing touchdown. Amon-Ra St. Brown scored a receiving touchdown in the third quarter. On defense, the Lions had four sacks and four interceptions. They celebrated winning the NFC North at home as well as securing a playoff game at Ford Field- for the first time in franchise history.
Green Bay Packers: C (Last week C-)
The Packers played a very competitive and very close matchup with the Carolina Panthers and came up with the 33-30 win thanks to Anders Carlson kicking the game-winning field goal in the fourth quarter. Jordan Love threw two touchdowns against no interceptions and scored a rushing touchdown but was sacked once. AJ Dillon scored a rushing touchdown while Aaron Jones had 127 rushing yards on the afternoon. Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks both scored receiving touchdowns while Tucker Kraft had 60 receiving yards. On defense, the Packers had two sacks but no defensive turnovers on the afternoon.
Houston Texans: D+ (Last week C+)
The Texans did everything they could to stop the Cleveland Browns only to fall short 22-36, hindering their chances of possibly making the playoffs. Case Keenum threw two interceptions against no touchdowns and was sacked three times before getting benched for Davis Mills who threw two touchdowns in the game and was not sacked at all. Devin Singletary rushed for 44 yards on nine carries while Nico Collins and Andrew Beck both scored receiving touchdowns. On defense, the Texans had one sack and two interceptions in the afternoon. The Texans may have lost, but they did have an epic kick return for a 98-yard touchdown in the second quarter by Dameon Pierce. Even though this gave Houston a little bit of momentum the team could not pull out the win in the end.
Indianapolis Colts: D (Last week B)
The Colts stumbled and fell, as they suffered a 10-29 loss on the road to the woeful Atlanta Falcons. Gardner Minshew threw an interception against no touchdowns but was sacked six times. Jonathan Taylor scored the Colts’ only touchdown on the afternoon while Kylen Granson caught five receptions for 62 yards. On defense, the Colts had one sack but no interceptions or fumble recoveries. It was a very unusual loss for the Colts, who have been playing spoiler against the Jacksonville Jaguars, looking to win the AFC South. The Colts have time to rebound from this loss with two more weeks left in the regular season. They need to regroup and continue on their quest for the playoffs.
Jacksonville Jaguars: D- (Last week D)
It was a very rough afternoon as the Jaguars, as they fell on the road in Tampa to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12-30. Trevor Lawrence threw a touchdown against an interception but was sacked three times and left the game with a shoulder injury. C.J. Beathard took over and threw a touchdown pass of his own. Calvin Ridley had an excellent day with two touchdowns while Evan Engram had 95 receiving yards. On defense, the Jaguars had two sacks but no defensive turnovers. It was a rough outing for the Jaguars with Lawrence missing some serious time, with his shoulder injury, and losing the AFC South title to possibly the Indianapolis Colts even though the Colts lost to the Atlanta Falcons.
Kansas City Chiefs: D+ (Last week C+)
The Chiefs were stunned at home, with a 14-20 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, in a shocking upset. Patrick Mahomes threw a touchdown pass against an interception and was sacked five times. Isaiah Pacheco scored a rushing touchdown and Justin Watson caught a receiving touchdown. On defense, the Chiefs had two sacks but no defensive turnovers, as they were given a lump of coal, from the Raiders. This shocking turn of play is delaying the Chiefs from their bid to secure the AFC West crown.
Las Vegas Raiders: B- (Last week A-)
After defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 63-21, the Raiders followed up that win with a surprise 20-14 Christmas victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Aidan O’Connell didn’t throw any touchdowns or interceptions but was sacked twice. Zamir White rushed for 145 yards on 22 carries and Jakobi Meyers caught three receptions for 42 yards. The Raiders did all of their scoring on defense with a Bilal Nichols fumble recovery for a touchdown and a Jack Jones interception for a 33-yard pick-six. The Raiders stunned the Chiefs on the road and spoiled their chances of securing the AFC West- for now.
Los Angeles Chargers: D (Last week D-)
The Chargers had another tough outing as they fell to the Buffalo Bills 22-24 on a week 16 Saturday Night. Easton Stick didn’t throw any touchdowns or interceptions and scored the Chargers’ only touchdown on the night but was sacked five times. Austin Ekeler rushed for 65 yards on 15 carries and Joshua Palmer caught five receptions for 47 yards. On defense, the Chargers had a sack, two fumble recoveries, and an interception. It’s tough to lose a close thriller but this loss continued to hurt the Chargers’ chances of a possible playoff run.
Los Angeles Rams: B- (Last week C+)
The Rams are trying to rebound from last year’s dreadful 5-12 season, with a possible playoff push. That momentum got stronger with their 30-22 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Matthew Stafford threw two touchdowns against zero interceptions. Kyren Williams scored a rushing touchdown while Puka Nauca and Demarcus Robinson scored touchdowns. On defense, the Rams had two sacks and Jordan Fuller had an interception returned for 21 yards. It was a good showcasing for the Rams, as they continue their push toward locking down a potential playoff spot.
Miami Dolphins: B (Last week B+)
The Dolphins played very well against the Dallas Cowboys in a physically close 22-20 victory on Christmas Eve. Tua Tagovailoa threw a touchdown against zero interceptions but was sacked once. Raheem Mostert rushed for 46 yards on 11 carries and scored the Dolphins’ only touchdown of the evening while Tyreek Hill had 99 receiving yards. On defense, the Dolphins had four sacks and a fumble recovery. They gave the Cowboys a lump of coal, and secured a win, inching themselves closer and closer to the AFC East crown.
Minnesota Vikings: D+ (Last week C)
The Vikings had a rough go-around as they fell 24-30, at home, to the Detroit Lions on Christmas Eve. Nick Mullens threw two touchdowns against four interceptions. Ty Chandler scored a rushing touchdown while Justin Jefferson had a monster game and scored a touchdown, and K.J. Osborn scored a touchdown as well. On defense, the Vikings had a sack but no turnovers. It was a very rough outing for Minnesota, as they look to regroup and focus on finishing the 2023 season on a positive note, as they try to potentially secure what may be a very elusive playoff spot.
New England Patriots: B (Last week D)
The Patriots may not be a playoff team this season, but they are a great spoiler against opponents like the Denver Broncos, who they defeated 26-23. The Pats conceivably may have dashed The Broncos’ playoff hopes. Bailey Zappe threw two touchdowns against zero interceptions but was sacked twice while the Pats running attack combined for only 59 yards all night. Ezekiel Elliot and Mike Gesicki both scored receiving touchdowns on the night. On defense, the Patriots had five sacks and three fumble recoveries but no interceptions. It’s was a good Christmas Eve for the Patriots, as they try to salvage what’s left of their 2023 season and finish on a positive note.
New Orleans Saints: C (Last week B)
The Saints traveled to the City of Angels and suffered a tough 22-30 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. This loss at this time, has playoff implications for the Saints. Derek Carr threw three touchdowns against one interception while the Saints’ running attack only had 35 combined rushing yards. Rashid Shaheed, Juwan Johnson, and A.T. Perry scored touchdowns on the night. On defense, the Saints had one sack but no interceptions or fumble recoveries. A tough loss nonetheless, but the Saints are technically still alive in the playoff hunt and need to win out when they see their rivals, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week 17. If the Atlanta Falcons potentially lose out- the Saints may still have their playoffs wishes granted.
New York Giants: C- (Last week D)
The Giants started the game slowly and almost pulled off a Christmas miracle, only for Tyrod Taylor to throw a game-ending interception, as the G-Men lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 33-25. Tommy DeVito didn’t throw any touchdowns or interceptions but was sacked once while Tyrod Taylor threw a touchdown against an interception. Saquon Barkley scored a rushing touchdown and Darius Slayton scored a receiving touchdown. On defense, the Giants had a fumble recovery, a sack, and an Adoree’ Jackson interception returned for a 76-yard pick-six touchdown. The Giants did everything they could, only to have their hopes dashed at the very end of the game, with an interception that also got them eliminated from the playoffs.
New York Jets: C (Last week F)
The Jets played far better than they did in their previous weeks, as they secured a well-needed 30-28 win over the Washington Commanders. Trevor Siemian threw a touchdown against an interception while Breece Hall scored two rushing touchdowns. Hall and Garrett Wilson also had great performances on the receiving end of the field and Jason Brownlee scored a receiving touchdown. On defense, the Jets had one sack, a fumble recovery, and two interceptions on the afternoon. It was a solid win for Gang Green, but the downside is the win count in the playoff quest, as the Jets have been eliminated from playoff contention.
Philadelphia Eagles: B- (Last week D+)
The Eagles did not hold back and played well as they fended off a New York Giants comeback attempt in a 33-25 victory on Christmas Day. Jalen Hurts threw a touchdown against an interception and scored a rushing touchdown but was sacked once. D’Andre Swift scored a rushing touchdown and DeVonta Smith scored a receiving touchdown while A.J. Brown had 80 receiving yards. On defense, the Eagles had one sack and Kelee Ringo had the game-ending interception against the G-Men, helping the Eagles with the win, for a well earned Christmas Day present.
Pittsburgh Steelers: C+ (Last week D+)
The Steelers are trying hard to keep their long record of not having a losing season for the first time since 2003, come to an end. They made progress on that with a 34-11 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Mason Rudolph, who started over for Mitch Trubisky, threw two touchdowns against no interceptions while Najee Harris and Calvin Austin III scored rushing touchdowns. George Pickens had a strong performance on the receiving end as he scored two touchdowns. On defense, the Steelers had three sacks and three interceptions, late Saturday afternoon, as they cruised to a strong victory over their struggling division rival, putting them at 8-7 thus far in the season keeping the streak alive so far.
San Francisco 49ers: D (Last week A-)
The 49ers were heavily favored at home against the Baltimore Ravens, but were stunned in a 19-33 loss. Brock Purdy threw four interceptions against no touchdowns while Sam Darnold threw a touchdown against an interception. Christian McCaffrey scored a rushing touchdown on the night, George Kittle had an excellent receiving night with 126 receiving yards, and Ronnie Bell scored a receiving touchdown. On defense, the 49ers had two sacks and no defensive turnovers. It was a very painful loss for the 49ers, as they look to rebound and secure the one-seed for the NFC playoffs. Hard work coming up, as there are two more games to go in the regular season.
Seattle Seahawks: B+ (Last week B-)
The Seahawks extended their win streak with a 20-17 road win against the Tennessee Titans. Geno Smith threw two touchdowns against zero interceptions but was sacked three times. Kenneth Walker III led the Seahawks running attack with 54 rushing yards on the afternoon. DK Metcalf and Colby Parkinson both scored receiving touchdowns while Tyler Lockett had 81 receiving yards on the afternoon. On defense, the Seahawks had six sacks but no fumble recoveries or interceptions. This was a good performance for the Seahawks, as they left the Music City with a close nail-biting win.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B (Last week B)
The Buccaneers played very well in their 30-12 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Baker Mayfield threw two touchdowns against zero interceptions but was sacked twice. Rachaad White scored a rushing touchdown while Mike Evans scored two touchdowns, and Chirs Godwin caught six receptions for 78 yards. On Defense, the Bucs had four sacks, two fumble recoveries, and two interceptions. It was a very strong day for the Bucs as they look to possibly winning their final two games to secure the NFC South crown and punch their ticket into the 2023-24 playoffs.
Tennessee Titans: C- (Last week D)
Despite an awesome performance from Derrick Henry which included a trick play where he threw a touchdown pass to Chigoziem Okonkwo in the second quarter, the Titans still lost 17-20. Ryan Tannehill marked his return from his injury as he threw no touchdowns or interceptions, but was sacked six times and lost a fumble- but recovered it. Henry rushed for 88 yards and scored a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter but threw a touchdown pass to Chigoziem Okonkwo in the first half. On defense, the Titans had three sacks but no interceptions in the close loss. The Titans either need to finish their disappointing 2023 season on a positive note or lose out in hopes of getting a higher draft pick.
Washington Commanders: D+ (Last week C-)
Despite a comeback attempt led by backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett, the Commanders fell to the New York Jets 28-30. Sam Howell threw two interceptions and was sacked twice while Brissett threw a touchdown pass. Chris Rodriguez Jr. scored two rushing touchdowns, Antonio Gibson scored a rushing touchdown, and Logan Thomas scored a receiving touchdown. On defense, the Commanders had no sacks but they did have a fumble recovery from Casey Toohill and an interception from Cody Barton. Not the greatest performance from the Commanders, but they did try to make a comeback in the fourth quarter only to fall short to the Jets.
