NFL Week 17 grades from across the league

Kirk Cousins’ optimistic COVID-19 check resulting in Sean Mannion dealing with Aaron Rodgers closed the guide on the 2021 Vikings, will possible result in Mike Zimmer‘s ouster and concluded a brutal run of “Sunday Evening Soccer.” Geared up with flexing powers for years, the NFL let 4 mismatches keep on the schedule over the previous 4 weeks. Only one (Bucs-Saints) ended up being aggressive. The Cousins contracts haven’t labored out, with the Vikings (7-9) going from the Tremendous Bowl LII precipice at 13-3 to at least one double-digit win season over the subsequent 4 years. Some items stay in Minnesota, however they are going to lose a top-tier defensive thoughts after this newest letdown.

VIKINGS GRADE: F | NEXT: vs. Bears (Solar.)

This is without doubt one of the extra spectacular 13-win seasons in reminiscence. Enjoying with one beginning offensive lineman and with out two Professional Bowl defenders for many of the 12 months, Inexperienced Bay (13-3) locked up the NFC’s bye. The Packers are a Tremendous Bowl-caliber workforce as is, however they are going to be susceptible if sure gamers’ rehab odysseys don’t finish quickly. Inexperienced Bay greenlit three extra weeks for All-Professional left sort out David Bakhtiari, Professional Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander and Professional Bowl edge rusher Za’Darius Smith to get well. The workforce’s shorthanded stretch producing a bye is totally essential. The Packers might have their finest workforce in 10 years if these standouts resurface in Spherical 2.

PACKERS GRADE: A | NEXT: at Lions (Solar.)

Penalties went in opposition to the Chiefs in Cincinnati, however the AFC West champions wouldn’t have a lot room to complain. Kansas Metropolis (11-5) allowed Joe Burrow to throw for 446 yards and left its cornerbacks susceptible for Ja’Marr Chase’s demolition. This was clearest when Chase received unfastened for 35- and 30-yard positive factors — the latter after DC Steve Spagnuolo despatched the home on a third-and-27 — on Charvarius Ward in 1-on-1 protection to arrange Cincinnati’s game-winning subject aim. The Chiefs protection started a midseason ascent to place the workforce on the cusp of a No. 1 seed, however its early-season kind re-emerging on one unhealthy day will possible make Kansas Metropolis play within the wild-card spherical. 

CHIEFS GRADE: C | NEXT: at Broncos (Sat.)

Jerry Butler’s rookie receiving record survived Randy Moss and Odell Beckham Jr., however Chase broke the 42-year-old mark in some of the impactful broad receiver video games in fashionable NFL historical past. Chase’s 11-catch, 266-yard, three-TD day broke the Bengals’ single-game document — passing some heavy hitters — and confirmed Burrow’s historic Week 16 outing was not merely a product of the Ravens’ battered protection. It additionally moved the Bengals (10-6) into the playoffs for the primary time in six years. This AFC-reshaping efficiency ought to be sufficient for Chase, who additionally eclipsed ex-LSU teammate Justin Jefferson‘s single-season rookie document (now 1,429 yards), to win Offensive Rookie of the Yr.

BENGALS GRADE: A | NEXT: at Browns (Solar.)

Bruce Arians did not want to signal Antonio Brown in 2020; Tom Brady‘s insistence gained out. The three-time most cancers survivor’s determination to maintain Brown after his vaccine card fiasco now appears to be like silly. Brown’s stupefying determination to bolt on the Buccaneers midgame not solely complicates his Corridor of Fame case — as soon as on a first-ballot trajectory in Pittsburgh — however leaves Tampa Bay susceptible. The Bucs (12-4) escaped in opposition to a foul Jets workforce, however Brady missing each Brown and Chris Godwin will create points within the playoffs. Inside chain-movers have powered the legendary QB all through his profession. The Bucs had each for many of their playoff run final season after they benefited from the Brown signing by successful Tremendous Bowl LV.

BUCCANEERS GRADE: C-plus | NEXT: vs. Panthers (Solar.)

Brady led a predictable game-winning drive to conquer the Jets, however Robert Saleh‘s determination opened the door to that ending. The primary-year head coach inexplicably eschewed a brief subject aim — one that will have put the Jets up 27-20 — to go for a fourth-and-2. To tilt the percentages extra within the Bucs’ favor, the Jets (4-12) ran a QB sneak into the enamel of one of many NFL’s best-run defenses. The poor determination and execution clearly replicate badly on Saleh, whose workforce had the Bucs on the ropes and will have no less than compelled extra time. Saleh’s seat will likely be hotter in 2022. 

JETS GRADE: C-plus | NEXT: at Payments (Solar.)

The Cardinals entered the season with a robust four-wideout corps consisting of DeAndre Hopkins, A.J. Inexperienced, Christian Kirk, and Rondale Moore. But Sunday, with Hopkins out and Arizona on a three-game skid, Antoine Wesley stepped in to re-route his workforce’s season. Wesley’s leaping landing catch preceded a strong focus effort on a tipped ball. The previous Kliff Kingsbury Texas Tech recruit’s two TDs helped the Playing cards (11-5) keep within the combine for the NFC West title. With the Rams having a 49ers drawback (5 straight losses on this rivalry), the Cardinals’ hopes of incomes a playoff dwelling recreation are instantly very stay once more.

CARDINALS GRADE: A | NEXT: vs. Seahawks (Solar.)

Dallas’ four-game win streak got here principally in opposition to downtrodden NFC East groups. After their Washington romp seemingly answered some questions on a slumping offense, Sunday’s loss to the Cardinals reinserted doubt in regards to the Cowboys’ Tremendous Bowl prospects. The Cowboys (11-5) rushed for 45 yards, with its operating backs accounting for simply 23 of these. Whereas Dak Prescott submitted high quality fourth-quarter work (minus the fumble on Chandler Jones‘ sack), he didn’t do sufficient earlier. This bumps the Cowboys all the way down to the NFC’s No. 4 slot, and whereas Dallas would nonetheless be favored in a 4-5 rematch in opposition to the Playing cards, their offensive inconsistency is the central concern coming into the playoffs.

COWBOYS GRADE: C-minus | NEXT: at Eagles (Sat.)

Considered by most as a workforce in transition, after abruptly ending the Carson Wentz-Doug Pederson period, the Eagles have pushed their shock season to the playoffs. They clinched a wild-card berth in Washington, with their mixture of younger expertise and Tremendous Bowl LII holdovers shutting out the hosts within the second half. Josh Sweat tallied 1.5 sacks, whereas Fletcher Cox logged 5 pressures. Avonte Maddox’s fourth-down cease led to a vital fourth-quarter subject aim, and sixth-year Eagle Rodney McLeod’s INT ensured Philadelphia (9-7) will play an 18th recreation. Whereas this area doesn’t agree with the workforce’s new white-on-black highway apparel, this has been a exceptional season on most different fronts.

EAGLES GRADE: B | NEXT: vs. Cowboys (Sat.)

Whereas John Bates falling made McLeod’s game-sealing choose simpler, Taylor Heinicke put only one landing on the board Sunday. The Previous Dominion product has been intermittently efficient as Washington’s sudden QB1 this season, however the workforce will once more have to attempt for an improve. After failing in its bid for Matthew Stafford, Washington (6-10) opted in opposition to buying and selling up for Justin Fields or Mac Jones. The workforce may not want to maneuver up for certainly one of 2022’s first-round QBs, a part of a lesser-regarded crop than current courses. However with Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson within the NFC, it is a prime candidate to spend money on a type of first-round prospects. 

WASHINGTON GRADE: C-plus | NEXT: at Giants (Solar.)

When the Broncos moved Chris Harris outdoors in 2019, Kenny Moore got here for the All-Decade slot nook’s throne. The Colts’ inside stopper has been possibly the very best over the previous three years and is Professional Bowl-bound. Renfrow beat him Sunday to maintain the 9-7 Raiders surge going. Renfrow caught seven passes for 76 yards and a go-ahead TD to safe his first 1,000-yard season. His 24-yard seize on Las Vegas’ last drive arrange a game-winning subject aim and organized the Raiders’ largest recreation in 5 years. The Raiders’ 2019 offseason featured unhealthy misses (Antonio Brown, Trent Brown, Lamarcus Joyner, Clelin Ferrell), however the workforce getting Renfrow in Spherical 5 proved very important.

RAIDERS GRADE: A-minus | NEXT: vs. Chargers (Solar.)

Dealt a blow in Carson Wentz’s optimistic COVID-19 check, the Colts (9-7) noticed their passing recreation wrestle. They wanted a ricochet to T.Y. Hilton to maintain tempo with the Raiders, who’ve overachieved to remain within the playoff race. Hilton’s 45-yard TD accounted for almost a 3rd of Wentz’s passing complete. Indianapolis’ QB solely performed Sunday due to the NFL’s second in-season virus protocol adjustment, and the efficiency will make it more durable for the Colts to belief their commerce acquisition within the playoffs. The Colts will play their third win-and-in finale in 4 years. That may be seen as each successful after a 1-4 begin and a letdown given a few of this workforce’s losses.

COLTS GRADE: C-minus | NEXT: at Jaguars (Solar.)

Matthew Stafford has not loved seeing purple uniforms the previous two weeks, possible becoming a member of a large football-viewing sect on that entrance. The Rams QB has submitted back-to-back three-turnover performances. Three of Stafford’s 5 INTs in opposition to the Vikings and Ravens got here inside his personal 20-yard line. Chuck Clark’s quick pick-six put the Rams (12-4) in peril. Fortunately, Cooper Kupp — on tempo for the NFL’s first receiving triple crown since Steve Smith in 2005 — and Odell Beckham Jr. got here by way of late. L.A.’s Stafford-led game-winning drive stored the Rams in first place, however going right into a recreation in opposition to a hard foe, his current work supplies concern.

RAMS GRADE: B-minus | NEXT: vs. 49ers (Solar.)

From the inception of the six-team playoff bracket in 1990 to final season, 95 groups had began 8-3. Eighty-eight went to the playoffs. This 12 months’s Packers, Buccaneers, and Titans will be part of that group. It doesn’t appear like the Ravens will. Baltimore (8-8) is on monitor to be simply the fifth workforce this century to begin 8-3 and miss the postseason, dropping one other one-point recreation Sunday. Lamar Jackson‘s damage possible price Baltimore a playoff spot, although Tyler Huntley has performed properly. John Harbaugh‘s two two-point failures doomed the Ravens as properly. The Ravens will quickly need to construct round a monster Jackson contract, making 2021 a hard-luck missed likelihood.

RAVENS GRADE: B-minus | NEXT: vs. Steelers (Solar.)

These skeptical of the Dolphins’ seven-game win streak, which principally got here in opposition to poor opposition, took a victory lap after their Week 17 disaster in Tennessee. Tua Tagovailoa threw an interception and fumbled thrice within the rain. Though the NFL’s lone southpaw QB starter misplaced simply a type of, the Dolphins’ 31-point loss shortly booted them out of the playoff pursuit. Miami (8-8) went from 1-7 to 8-7, however the questions on Tagovailoa’s future are coming again. Buying and selling out of future first rounds for Deshaun Watson will likely be again on the desk quickly, creating extra controversy after a high quality run by this 12 months’s workforce.

DOLPHINS GRADE: F | NEXT: vs. Patriots (Solar.)

Information of Henry’s imminent return modifications the AFC bracket, however certainly one of his replacements has used the All-Professional’s damage to redeem himself. D’Onta Foreman totaled 29 carries from 2018-20, but when the Titans (11-5) find yourself leapfrogging the Chiefs for the AFC’s No. 1 seed, they’ll thank the midseason pickup for very important contributions. Foreman rushed for 132 yards on 26 carries. After starting the season on the exercise circuit, the previous Texas Longhorn has three 100-yard outings in his previous 5 video games. The Titans have struggled to provide Henry a viable backup. They’ve discovered one, which can make this resurgent outfit stronger come playoff time. 

TITANS GRADE: A-plus | NEXT: at Texans (Solar.)

It didn’t appear like the Texans might win 4 video games this season, however they’ve gotten there. Whereas the Jaguars one way or the other outflanking the Texans for 2021 apathy performed a component, David Culley has stored the workforce an fascinating spoiler outfit. The Chiefs will likely be lending their help to Culley’s squad subsequent week. Reviews of Culley being set to return as head coach make sense; the overmatched squad is taking part in laborious. Nonetheless, the Texans (4-12) hiring a 66-year-old non-play-calling head coach to basically be a caretaker throughout lean years makes for an odd place for Culley, who possible is not going to be there when the workforce is able to contend. 

TEXANS GRADE: C-minus | NEXT: vs. Titans (Solar.)

Trey Lance regarded higher Sunday than he did in his earlier outing — an October loss in Arizona — however San Francisco is restricted with its uncooked rookie. That ought to be anticipated, given the 21-year-old’s inexperience, however Jimmy Garoppolo‘s damage places the 49ers (9-7) in a troublesome spot. Lance might have to hold the keys the remainder of the way in which, which clearly opens the door to the Garoppolo period ending early. Lance confirmed some promise, making just a few good throws from the first-half two-minute warning throughout a 249-yard outing. However this specific workforce will likely be a more durable promote as a playoff underdog — if it could get there after Lance faces the Rams — with out Garoppolo. 

49ERS GRADE: B | NEXT: at Rams (Solar.)

Carolina’s quarterback drawback will take priority, however the workforce has seen its go safety crater this season. The Panthers (5-11) gave up seven sacks for the second straight week. Cam Jordan beat a number of blockers, most obviously proper guard John Miller, for his 3.5 sacks. C.J. Gardner-Johnson got here untouched on his sack. Sam Darnold deserves some blame for these skyrocketing sack totals, however Carolina’s entrance surrendered 13 second-half pressures. Rookie left sort out Brady Christensen allowed six within the recreation. The Panthers have proper sort out ( Taylor Moton) checked off however function questions all through the remainder of the unit.

PANTHERS GRADE: D-plus | NEXT: at Buccaneers (Solar.)

After the Ian Book debacle virtually actually led to the NFL additional stress-free COVID protocols, the Saints extra intently resembled themselves Sunday. Their offense produced simply 18 factors, however Jordan continued his late-season havoc spree with 3.5 sacks and three tackles for loss. The Eleventh-year veteran entered Week 15 with 4 sacks; he’s as much as 11.5. The seven-time Professional Bowler now has six double-digit sack seasons. Jordan’s current run has helped the Saints keep on target. New Orleans’ sturdy protection is a win over Atlanta and a Lance L.A. letdown from seeing playoff time, which might be fairly the assertion given their offensive points this season.

SAINTS GRADE: B | NEXT: at Falcons (Solar.)

Peyton Manning and Josh Allen are two notable names who recovered from unhealthy rookie seasons to develop into superstars. There are way more first-round QBs who couldn’t rebound after introductory stumbles. Trevor Lawrence has performed poorly with and with out Urban Meyer. Whereas the since-fired HC’s disastrous tenure set Lawrence on this course, the No. 1 choose’s three-INT day Sunday stored it going. Lawrence has now thrown an NFL-most 17 picks. A bottom-tier group for a very long time, the Jaguars now face the problem of rebuilding their prized prospect. Overlook capitalizing on a rookie QB contract; the Jags (2-14) simply have to stabilize him as a starter. 

JAGUARS GRADE: F | NEXT: vs. Colts (Solar.)

The Patriots (10-6) haven’t wasted a lot time with the NFL’s dregs. This marks New England’s second 50-point outing. Just like the Pats’ 54-13 win over the Jets, their offensive line managed the Jaguars all through. Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson scored twice, main a 181-yard dashing effort that noticed restricted yardage probabilities due to Lawrence’s turnovers. The Pats O-line additionally allowed simply two pressures (with no sacks and no hits) on Jones, who rebounded after his regarding span. This O-line didn’t produce a Professional Bowler, however it’s (once more) one of many NFL’s finest in a troublesome interval for blocking success.

PATRIOTS GRADE: A-plus | NEXT: at Dolphins (Solar.)

Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams not too long ago possessed an honest likelihood at becoming a member of the 1,000-1,000 membership. Solely seven backfield duos have achieved this. The Raiders and Chargers, nevertheless, possible ensured neither Broncos again will attain 1,000 yards. After Las Vegas made Denver’s once-reliable tandem a nonfactor in a detailed loss, Los Angeles put the sport on Drew Lock’s shoulders. Williams and Gordon mixed for 73 dashing yards and couldn’t convert key early-game crimson zone probabilities to stop a blowout. A Broncos workforce lacking Teddy Bridgewater due to a concussion and several other starters as a consequence of COVID is taking part in out the string. 

BRONCOS GRADE: D | NEXT: vs. Chiefs (Sat.)

Not recognized for particular groups reliability, the Chargers made a transfer that shored up certainly one of their items this season. The Bolts (9-7) signed Andre Roberts as a free agent in October, including him after the Texans jettisoned him from their island of lower-middle-class veterans. The Twelfth-year professional stored shifting the needle Sunday, taking the opening kickoff again 47 yards to arrange a TD and later scoring on a well-crafted 101-yard return. A Professional Bowler from 2018-20, Roberts leads the NFL in kick-return yardage and has bumped the Bolts to fourth in that class since his arrival. The Chargers are inconsistent, however the AFC contenders will possible root for the Raiders subsequent week.

CHARGERS GRADE: A | NEXT: at Raiders (Solar.)

Matt Ryan isn’t recognized for operating his mouth on Sundays, however officers handed the 14th-year Falcons quarterback a uncommon private foul that harm the underdog Falcons’ probabilities. Ryan was flagged for taunting Payments security Jordan Poyer after his obvious TD scramble. After a replay deemed Ryan in need of the aim line, this infraction meant a 15-yard penalty. With the Falcons attempting to chop the Payments’ result in one rating, that posed an issue. A turnover on downs ended Atlanta’s drive. The Falcons (7-9) weren’t anticipated to contend this 12 months. They now should decide if they are going to hold constructing round their 36-year-old QB or take a dead-cap hit with a post-June 1 commerce.

FALCONS GRADE: C-plus | NEXT: vs. Saints (Solar.)

Josh Allen’s fantasy GMs appreciated the twin risk’s 88 dashing yards within the snow, however they have been a necessity given his points by way of the air. The Falcons intercepted the Payments quarterback thrice. This was Allen’s first three-INT recreation since September 2019 and simply the second of his profession. The Payments (10-6) responded by uncommon ground-game reliance, with the resurgent Singletary carrying the ball a career-high 23 occasions. This got here two weeks after Singletary logged 22 totes. The 5-foot-7 again turned his workload Sunday into 110 yards and two TDs. It is a massive step for the pass-reliant Payments, who might use a middling run recreation within the playoffs.

BILLS GRADE: B-minus | NEXT: vs. Jets (Solar.)

Whereas the Lions thrilled O-line lovers with back-to-back tackle-eligible performs, the second going for a Taylor Decker landing, they captivated the fantasy world by permitting 51 factors to the Seahawks. Detroit let Rashaad Penny go off for 170 yards — his most because the 2017 Armed Forces Bowl — in a rout that interrupted a mini-run of frisky Lions play. Sunday’s outing jogged my memory how far the Lions (2-13-1) have to go, talent-wise. Subsequent season will possible be a bridge to hopeful 2023 relevance, however this is not going to be a fast rebuild.

LIONS GRADE: F | NEXT: vs. Packers (Solar.)

Extra read-between-the-lines information got here out of Seattle this week, and Russell Wilson and Pete Carroll separating after 10 seasons is in play. For now, the 2 teamed up on a classic efficiency. Wilson lit up the hapless Lions for 236 yards and 4 TD passes — his most since Week 1. Wilson’s manufacturing has dipped because the “Let Russ Prepare dinner” begin to the 2020 season. The run-oriented Carroll reined in his QB after that begin, and Wilson’s yards per try are all the way down to 7.3 over the previous 25 video games. Not excellent for a deep passer. Every thing factors to the 33-year-old QB attempting more durable to go away the Seahawks (6-10). With Carroll signed by way of 2025, new proprietor Jody Allen’s largest check is coming quickly.

SEAHAWKS GRADE: A | NEXT: at Cardinals (Solar.)

The Bears led all through and gained by 26. Undaunted, the Giants threw 11 passes. The workforce that apparently withdrew a proposal to Colt McCoy to be able to signal Mike Glennon completed with minus-10 passing yards — the worst aerial output since Ryan Leaf‘s 1998 rookie 12 months in San Diego. Saquon Barkley did eclipse 100 yards for the primary time this season. There’s nothing else to take from this recreation. The Giants (4-12) have been outscored 141-49 in 5 video games since Glennon took over for Daniel Jones. Two top-10 picks are coming, however this group has dug a deep gap. 

GIANTS GRADE: F | NEXT: vs. Washington (Solar.)

Most NFL followers most likely can not guess the league’s sack chief. It’s, in reality, a 31-year-old journeyman on a 6-10 workforce. Quinn’s off-radar dominance continued Sunday. The Eleventh-year veteran dropped Glennon for his 18th sack, breaking Richard Dent’s 37-year-old franchise document, and compelled a fumble. Quinn initially broke out with a 19-sack season in 2013 in St. Louis, however he couldn’t come near that manufacturing for the remainder of his Rams days or his Dolphins season. After a bounce-back Cowboys slate in 2019, the Bears gave him a big-ticket deal to enrich Khalil Mack. Even with Mack injured, Quinn is prospering.

BEARS GRADE: A | NEXT: at Vikings (Solar.)