Happy New Year! Week 17 saw a good number of teams punch their tickets to the playoffs while other playoff hopefuls had their postseason dreams cut short as they were eliminated from playoff contention. Other teams in the week lost key players which will greatly impact how they’ll do in week 18 and the playoffs depending on how they do when all of that happens. Here are the grades for all 32 NFL Teams after the week 17 games:
Arizona Cardinals: B- (Last week C-)
The Cardinals shocked the NFL world, with the New Year’s upset of the week, as they defeated the Philadelphia Eagles on the road 35-31. Kyler Murray threw three touchdowns against one interception while James Conner scored a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown. Michael Carter and Michael Wilson both scored receiving touchdowns on the afternoon while Greg Dortch caught seven receptions for 82 yards. On defense, the Cardinals didn’t have any sacks but they did have a Joey Blount interception in the victory. It was a massive day for the Cardinals as they played spoiler and prevented the Eagles from winning the one-seed to the NFC playoffs and kept them from potentially winning the NFC East.
Atlanta Falcons: D- (Last week D)
The Falcons have everything to lose, in a weak but competitive NFC South, as they took a tough 17-37 loss on the road to the Chicago Bears. Taylor Heinicke threw a touchdown against three interceptions and scored a rushing touchdown while Desmond Ridder threw an interception. Bijan Robinson rushed for 75 yards and Tyler Allgeier scored the Falcons’ only receiving touchdown. On defense, the Falcons had three sacks but no defensive turnovers. Not a good afternoon for the Falcons, as they have one last chance to make a push for the NFC South crown, over the likes of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints.
Baltimore Ravens: A (Last week A-)
The Ravens entered week 17 and dominated the Miami Dolphins in a 56-19 statement win that also helped them capture the one-seed and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. Lamar Jackson threw five touchdowns against no interceptions and rushed for 35 yards on six carries on the day. Gus Edwards and Melvin Gordon III both scored rushing touchdowns. Zay Flowers, Justice Hill, Charlie Kolar, and Patrick Ricard all scored a touchdown each while Isaiah Likely scored two touchdowns. On defense, the Ravens had three sacks, a fumble recovery, and two interceptions. It was a very dominating performance by the Ravens as they demolished the Dolphins enroute to securing home-field advantage and a bye-week in the playoffs.
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Buffalo Bills: C+ (Last week B-)
The Bills got their revenge against the New England Patriots in a 27-21 victory, as they try to inch closer to securing a playoff berth and possibly winning the AFC East. It could be a possibility, if they defeat the Miami Dolphins in week 18. Josh Allen threw an interception against no touchdown passes, but he did score two rushing touchdowns. James Cook led the Bills in rushing yards with 48 yards on 16 carries. Dalton Kincaid had 87 receiving yards and Khalil Shakir had 39 receiving yards. On defense, the Bills had three sacks, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery. Rasul Douglas had two of those interceptions and scored a 40-yard pick-six touchdown. The Bills got their revenge over the Patriots and look to possibly make a strong playoff run- if they make it in.
Carolina Panthers: F (Last week C-)
It was a rough afternoon for the Panthers as they were shutout 0-26 to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The frustration was evident with owner David Tepper throwing a drink at a Jaguars fan. Bryce Young threw an interception against no touchdowns and was sacked six times. Chubba Hubbard rushed for 45 yards and Adam Thielen had 38 receiving yards. On defense, the Panthers had three sacks but no interceptions or fumble recoveries. The Panthers’ disastrous season rolled on even as they try to finish the season on a high note.
Chicago Bears: B- (Last week C+)
The Bears played very well at home against the struggling Atlanta Falcons as they won 37-17. Justin Fields threw a touchdown against no interceptions and scored a rushing touchdown. Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson both scored rushing touchdowns and DJ Moore scored a receiving touchdown. On defense, the Bears had two sacks and four interceptions as they made quick work of the Falcons at home, despite being eliminated from playoff contention.
Cincinnati Bengals: C- (Last week D)
The Bengals played well and fought hard but ultimately fell 17-25 to the Kansas City Chiefs. Jake Browning threw a touchdown against no interceptions and scored a rushing touchdown. Joe Mixon rushed for 65 yards, caught four receptions for 22 yards, and scored a receiving touchdown while Ja’Marr Chase had 41 receiving yards. On defense, the Bengals had two sacks and a fumble recovery but no interceptions as they lost on the road, and were eliminated from playoff contention.
Cleveland Browns: B+ (Last week B-)
The Browns played their hearts out in their 37-20 victory over the New York Jets and secured their spot in the upcoming playoffs. Joe Flacco threw three touchdowns against one interception while Kareem Hunt bulldozed his way into the endzone, scored a rushing touchdown, and celebrated by doing a couple of pushups. Elijah Moore scored a touchdown pass and Jerome Ford scored two touchdowns while David Njoku had 134 receiving yards. On defense, the Browns had two sacks, and a fumble recovery, and Ronnie Hickman had an interception returned for a 30-yard pick-six. The Browns are a terrifying team to go up against on defense, and with Joe Flacco leading the way on offense, they have the firepower to potentially go on a strong playoff run and potentially a trip to the AFC Championship game.
Dallas Cowboys: B- (Last week B-)
The Cowboys played a good game at home and got the 20-19 razor-thin win against the Detroit Lions, despite a penalty controversy against the Lions at the very end. Dak Prescott threw two touchdowns against an interception while Tony Pollard rushed for 49 yards. CeeDee Lamb had an amazing night with 227 receiving yards and scored a touchdown while Brandin Cooks also scored a touchdown on the night. On defense, the Cowboys had a sack and two interceptions. The Cowboys played well, despite controversy from the referees, as they look to finish the 2023 season on a high note- just in time for the playoffs.
Denver Broncos: B- (Last week C)
The Broncos played well, despite benching Russell Wilson, in their 16-9 victory over the woeful Los Angeles Chargers. Jared Stidham threw a touchdown pass against no interceptions but was sacked twice. Jaleel Mclaughlin rushed for 44 yards, Javonte Williams rushed for 41 yards, and Lil’Jordan Humphrey scored a touchdown. On defense, the Broncos had one sack and no interceptions but did have a fumble recovery from Josey Jewell. The Broncos were also eliminated from playoff contention, despite their lackluster victory, as they set their eyes on finishing the 2023 season on a positive note in week 18.
Detroit Lions: C- (Last week B)
In a very controversial game, where a penalty was called against the Lions, even though Taylor Decker reported to the referees as eligible- as they fell to the Dallas Cowboys in a heartbreaking 19-20 loss. Jared Goff threw one touchdown against two interceptions on the night. David Montgomery scored a rushing touchdown and Amon-Ra St. Brown scored a receiving touchdown. On defense, the Lions had three sacks and Ifeatu Melifonwu had an interception returned for 24 yards. This was a painful, if seemingly, unfair penalty against the Lions. At this time in the season, every call can make or break a team’s playoff chances. This is the case for the Lions, as this loss hurts their seeding chances in the playoffs.
Green Bay Packers: B+ (Last week C)
The Packers are making a last ditch effort to reach the playoffs as they defeated the Minnesota Vikings 33-10. Jordan Love threw three touchdowns against zero interceptions and scored a rushing touchdown. Aaron Jones rushed for 120 rushing yards on the night, Jayden Reed scored two touchdowns, and Bo Melton scored a touchdown. On defense, the Packers had four sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery as they kept their playoff hopes alive with a statement victory over their NFC North rival.
Houston Texans: B- (Last week D+)
The Texans had a great Sunday afternoon as they defeated the Tennessee Titans 26-3. C.J. Stroud returned to action as he threw a touchdown against no interceptions. Devin Singletary rushed for 80 yards on 15 carries while Brevin Jordan scored the only touchdown for Houston. Ka’imi Fairbairn kicked four field goals for the Texans which helped the team out. On defense, the Texans had six sacks and a fumble recovery from Sheldon Rankins who also scored a defensive touchdown. The Texans need to win their last game of the regular season if they want to secure a berth in the upcoming playoffs and watch the Jacksonville Jaguars or Indianapolis Colts lose.
Indianapolis Colts: C+ (Last week D)
The Colts rebounded from their week 16 upset loss to the Atlanta Falcons as they defeated the Las Vegas Raiders in a 23-20 victory. Gardner Minshew threw a touchdown against no interceptions but was sacked once. Jonathan Taylor scored a rushing touchdown in the first quarter. Alec Pierce caught one reception for 58 yards and scored a touchdown while Michale Pittman Jr. caught five receptions for 46 yards. On defense, the Colts had two sacks but no defensive turnovers. This was a good rebound victory for the Colts, as they look to duke it out for control of the AFC South, and try to lock down a playoff spot over the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans respectively.
Jacksonville Jaguars: B- (Last week D-)
The Jaguars started slow before turning on the ignition in the second half and shut out the Carolina Panthers 26-0. C.J. Beathard didn’t throw any touchdowns or interceptions but managed a good game. Travis Etienne Jr. scored two rushing touchdowns while Evan Engram caught six receptions for 60 yards. On defense, the Jaguars had six sacks and Antonio Johnson had an interception returned for 27 yards. It was a good Sunday for the Jaguars as they tried to win out and secure the AFC South from the competition- the Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans respectively. This was certainly no cat fight, as the Jaguars made quick work of the Panthers.
Kansas City Chiefs: C+ (Last week D+)
The Chiefs improved from their Christmas meltdown and secured a 25-17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Patrick Mahomes threw a touchdown pass against zero interceptions while Isiah Pacheco had 130 rushing yards, caught four receptions for 35 yards, and scored a receiving touchdown. Rashee Rice caught five receptions for 127 yards and Travis Kelce had 16 receiving yards. On defense, the Chiefs had six sacks but no defensive turnovers. It was a better week for the Chiefs, but there is still a lot of work to be done, if they want to make a strong playoff push.
Las Vegas Raiders: C- (Last week B-)
The Raiders attempted a comeback against the Indianapolis Colts but fell short in a tough 20-23 loss on the road as well as got eliminated from playoff contention. Aidan O’Connell threw two touchdowns against zero interceptions but was sacked twice. Zaimr White rushed for 71 yards on 20 carries while Davante Adams caught two receiving touchdowns. On defense, the Raiders had one sack and no defensive turnovers. This loss hurts, but the Raiders need to focus on finishing the 2023 season on a positive note and retooling the team for a better 2024 season.
Los Angeles Chargers: D (Last week D)
The Chargers were nonexistent in their 9-16 loss to the Denver Broncos. Easton Stick threw no touchdowns or interceptions but was sacked once. Austin Ekeler rushed for 46 yards and lost a fumble, Alex Erickson had 98 receiving yards, and Gerald Everett had 31 receiving yards. On defense, the Chargers had two sacks and a fumble recovery but no interceptions. The Chargers need the 2023 season to end, with one more week to go, before they focus on bringing in a new coach for some serious regime change.
Los Angeles Rams: C- (Last week B-)
The Rams came into the Meadowlands and barely survived in their 26-25 nail-biting win over the New York Giants. Matthew Stafford threw a touchdown over two interceptions. Kyreen Williams scored three rushing touchdowns and Cooper Kupp scored a receiving touchdown while Puka Nacua caught five receptions for 118 yards. On defense, the Rams had six sacks and a Jordan Fuller interception. The Rams not only won a very close game, but secured a spot in the upcoming playoffs.
Miami Dolphins: D (Last week B)
The Dolphins entered week 17 looking to secure the AFC East, but clinching the division was put on hold, as they were demolished by the Baltimore Ravens in a 19-56 loss. Tua Tagovailoa threw two touchdowns against two interceptions while De’Von Achane rushed for 107 yards on the day as the team was without Raheem Mostert. Achane and Cedrick Wilson Jr. both scored receiving touchdowns on the afternoon while Tyreek Hill had 76 receiving yards. On defense, the Dolphins had one sack and a fumble recovery, but no interceptions in the beat down of a loss. Miami needs to regroup and rebound in week 18, if they want to secure the AFC East and where they’ll be seeded in the upcoming playoffs.
Minnesota Vikings: D (Last week D+)
The Vikings had an off night as they suffered a tough 10-33 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Jaren Hall threw an interception against no touchdowns and was sacked three times before getting replaced by Nick Mullens who threw a touchdown against no interception and was sacked once. Ty Chandler rushed for 40 yards, Justin Jefferson had 59 receiving yards, and Johnny Mundt scored a touchdown. On defense, the Vikings had no sacks or interceptions but they had a fumble recovery as they need to finish the season on a positive note in week 18 if they want to try and make the playoffs.
New England Patriots: D- (Last week B)
The Patriots started their week 17 matchup against the Buffalo Bills with a bang, with a Jalen Reagor kick-return for a touchdown, but the Pats fell to the Bills in a 21-27 loss. Bailey Zappe threw interceptions against no touchdown passes but scored a rushing touchdown. Ezekiel Elliot also scored a rushing touchdown. On defense, the Patriots had one sack and interception as they looked to move on from the 2023 season and hit the reset button for the 2024 season.
New Orleans Saints: B+ (Last week C)
The Saints played spoiler as they defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-13 and look to potentially win the NFC South outright if the Buccaneers lose in week 18. Derek Carr threw two touchdowns against no interceptions. Jamaal Williams rushed for 58 yards while Alvin Kamara rushed for 45 yards. Juwan Johnson scored a touchdown and Taysom Hill scored a touchdown. On defense, the Saints had two sacks, two fumble recoveries, and interceptions as they showed they still have a chance to potentially win the NFC South.
New York Giants: D+ (Last week C-)
The Giants tried to put up a fight in their week 17, 25-26 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, but came up short, as the Rams also secured a playoff berth. Tyrod Taylor threw a touchdown against an interception while Wan’Dan Robinson scored a rushing touchdown. Darius Slayton scored a receiving touchdown while Darren Waller caught a touchdown. Gunner Olszewski did have a punt return for a touchdown but a two-point conversion attempt failed for the Giants. On defense, the Giants had four sacks and two interceptions from Dane Belton. The Giants now look to finish the 2023 season on a positive note as they need to fix their offensive line in the 2024 offseason.
New York Jets: D+ (Last week C)
The Jets played a lackluster game on the road in their 20-37 loss to the Cleveland Browns, but could’ve played a lot worse. Trevor Siemian threw a touchdown against an interception but was sacked twice. Breece Hall played a good game on the field with 84 rushing yards and scored a receiving touchdown while Garrett Wilson led the Jets with 50 receiving yards on the night. On defense, the Jets had two fumble recoveries and Jermaine Johnson had an interception returned for a 37-yard pick-six. This was not a good week for the Jets, as they look to finish out the 2023 season on a positive note and wait for Aaron Rodgers to return to action in the 2024 season.
Philadelphia Eagles: C (Last week B-)
The Eagles played a good first half but let the Arizona Cardinals come from behind and defeat them 31-35 at home. Jalen Hurts threw three touchdowns against one interception while D’Andre Swift had 61 rushing yards. Dallas Goedert scored a touchdown and Julio Jones scored two touchdowns. On defense, the Eagles had one sack and a Sydney Brown interception returned for a 99-yard pick-six touchdown. The Eagles started well, but were beaten from behind, as they lost the one-seed to the San Francisco 49ers and potentially the NFC East crown to the Dallas Cowboys.
Pittsburgh Steelers: C+ (Last week C+)
The Steelers showed much fight and resilience as they defeated the Seattle Seahawks 30-23 in week 17. Mason Rudolph didn’t throw any touchdowns or interceptions in the afternoon. Najee Harris scored two rushing touchdowns and Jaylen Warren scored a rushing touchdown while George Pickens had 131 receiving yards. On defense, the Steelers had one sack and a fumble recovery but no interceptions, as they try to secure a playoff spot, before the season concludes. Tick-tock, Tick-tock as the clock keeps winding down for who will claim the last playoff spots.
San Francisco 49ers: B+ (Last week D)
The 49ers turned their awful week 16 around with a massive 27-10 win over the Washington Commanders. Brock Purdy threw two touchdowns against zero interceptions in a bounce-back performance. Elijah Mitchell scored a rushing touchdown while Christian McCaffrey rushed for 80 yards. Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel both scored receiving touchdowns on the day. On defense, the 49ers had a sack and two interceptions. The 49ers also were given a gift from the Arizona Cardinals, as they defeated the Philadelphia Eagles giving the 49ers the one-seed and home-field advantage for the NFC playoffs.
Seattle Seahawks: C (Last week B+)
The Seahawks played alright, even as they lost 23-30 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Geno Smith threw a touchdown against no interceptions while Kenneth Walker III scored a rushing touchdown. Jaxon Smith-Njigba scored a touchdown while DK Metcalf had 106 receiving yards. On defense, the Seahawks had one sack but no defensive turnovers. The Seahawks need to rebound and win out if they want to secure a playoff spot before the season concludes.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C (Last week B)
The Buccaneers ship sank as they lost 13-23, at home, to the New Orleans Saints. Baker Mayfield threw two touchdowns against two interceptions while Rachaad White rushed for 42 yards. Trey Palmer and Chris Godwin both scored touchdowns while Mike Evans had 70 receiving yards. On defense, the Bucs had one sack but no turnovers. It was a tough blow for the Bucs as they try to win out in week 18 and secure the NFC South crown along with a playoff berth.
Tennessee Titans: F (Last week C-)
It was a brutal afternoon for the Titans as they suffered a painful 3-26 loss to the Houston Texans. Will Levis left the game with a foot injury as Ryan Tannehill took over. Both Tannehill and Levis didn’t throw any touchdowns or interceptions but Levis was sacked once while Tannehill was sacked five times. Derrick Henry rushed for 42 yards while DeAndre Hopkins had 72 receiving yards. On defense, the Titans had a sack but no interceptions or fumble recoveries. It was a disastrous game for Tennessee as they look to close the 2023 season on a positive note.
Washington Commanders: D- (Last week D+)
It was another tough week for the Commanders as they lost 10-27 to the San Francisco 49ers. Sam Howell threw one touchdown against two interceptions in the afternoon. Brian Robinson Jr. rushed for 44 yards on the day, Terry McLaurin scored a receiving touchdown, and Curtis Samuel had 33 receiving yards. On defense, the Commanders had no fumble recoveries or interceptions as they couldn’t stop the 49ers on all fronts. The Commanders just need this season to end- so they can start the 2024 season fresh.
