NFL Week 16 grades from around the league

Although productive in the Eagles’ machinelike offense this season, Sanders making the Pro Bowl over Christian McCaffrey was a surprise. Rather than show the selection was justified, the contract-year Eagles back lost a fumble in a second straight game. It took another four-turnover game to pin a second loss on Philly (13-2) after the team’s miscue-laden outing against Washington. It is still fairly impressive it took this many Eagle giveaways to power the Cowboys to a win in a game without Jalen Hurts. Gardner Minshew totaling 355 yards probably works against Hurts’ MVP case. This will likely be a blip, as the Eagles have winnable games to close the show. But two fumbles and two INTs cost them a shot at the NFL’s first 16-1 regular season.

EAGLES GRADE: C-plus | NEXT: vs. Saints (Sun.)

The Eagles led 10-0 after Josh Sweat’s pick-six, but Prescott’s rebound in this spotlight matchup could prove seminal. The oft-criticized quarterback delivered a multidimensional, season-best performance, totaling nearly 400 yards against a top-five defense. He was not matched with Hurts — both Cowboys-Eagles matchups featured a backup quarterback this season — but Philly’s defense could not contain a starter criticized for big-game shortcomings. And T.Y. Hilton‘s 52-yard grab on a third-and-30, extending a game-tying drive, may also strengthen Jerry Jones’ Odell Beckham Jr. negotiating position. Cowboys-Bucs in Round 1 may be inevitable, but the NFC East squad showing it can topple this Eagles edition is important for a potential divisional-round showdown.

COWBOYS GRADE: A-minus | NEXT: at Titans (Thu.)

Late-season Miami matchups have provided misstep opportunities, but the coldest Dolphins home game since 1989 kept the Packers in their comfort zone. Jaire Alexander, De’Vondre Campbell, and Rasul Douglas accepted the Christmas gifts Tua Tagovailoa provided and stayed in the playoff race. Multiple Aaron Rodgers dimes — during a game in which the downtrodden great did not receive much help from his running backs and lost Christian Watson — boosted Green Bay’s cause as well. The NFC will once again produce a mediocre No. 7 seed, going 3-for-3 here since the playoffs expanded in 2020. FiveThirtyEight gives Green Bay (7-8) a 27% chance to qualify for the postseason. This would be a much scarier 7 seed than the 2020 Bears or ’21 Eagles.

PACKERS GRADE: B-plus | NEXT: vs. Vikings (Sun.)

Explosive strikes to Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill did occur, but the Dolphins (8-7) blowing a 10-point lead en route to a fourth straight loss obviously invites questions about their postseason viability and their quarterback’s status. After starting 8-0 in games he finished and nearly matching Josh Allen in Buffalo, Tagovailoa throwing INTs on the Dolphins’ final three drives burned his team’s chances in a winnable game. Miami’s final two opponents — the Patriots and Jets — bring more formidable defenses. This is suddenly the only team left for the eight-loss AFC contingent to target regarding a late sneak attack. Eight teams have started 8-3 and missed the playoffs since 1990’s expansion to six teams per conference. 

DOLPHINS GRADE: D-plus | NEXT: at Patriots (Sun.)

Even Cris Collinsworth started to turn on Tom Brady this week, with the legendary passer continuing to offer listless performances. With their famed passer’s timing with Mike Evans long lost and his ability to complete downfield passes sketchy in Arizona, the Buccaneers (7-8) leaned on Fournette. The up-and-down bruiser was insistent on displaying his LSU shoulder pads delivered, totaling a season-best 162 scrimmage yards by being a constant outlet for a QB that had little for the Cardinals beyond dump-offs and screens. The Bucs really should consider deploying their no-huddle, where they are less abominable, from now on. It is not like they have much to lose, aesthetically speaking. They continue to get away with this comeback routine.

BUCCANEERS GRADE: C | NEXT: vs. Panthers (Sun.)

The Cardinals probably prevent the Bucs from forcing overtime with Kyler Murray or Colt McCoy at the helm, but Trace McSorley’s presence allowed Tampa Bay’s tightrope season to produce another escape. Circumstances aside, the Cards (4-11) can stand toe-to-toe with the Bucs, Broncos and Rams in the race for the NFL’s most disappointing team. Michael Bidwill surprised most by extending Kingsbury and GM Steve Keim through 2027 this offseason, and it is looking like the owner will soon pull an embarrassing about-face. With Keim unlikely to be back, the Cards keeping Kingsbury after this mess — and steady reports of Murray clashing — looks unrealistic. Even though veteran talent exists on a roster largely responsible for a 2021 playoff berth, this franchise is lost.

CARDINALS GRADE: C-plus | NEXT: at Falcons (Sun.)

The Vikings had persistent trouble stopping the likes of Isaiah Hodgins and Richie James in Week 16, and if this matchup recurs in a 2-7 or 3-6 wild-card game, it will not bring a high point spread. While the Giants (8-6-1) lost on a third walk-off 60-plus-yard field goal in the past six seasons, their quarterback keeps showing form that should bring a skeptical front office to the negotiating table. Jones threw for 334 yards, with Minnesota’s leaky defense unable to deter even New York’s backup-caliber wideouts. Jones and Saquon Barkley being free agents should lead to a Barkley franchise tag and complex Jones talks, but the once-bust-bound QB should have a chance at a second season — with better pass catchers — in Brian Daboll’s offense.

GIANTS GRADE: B | NEXT: vs. Colts (Sun.)

A week after K.J. Osborn‘s career day helped the Vikings to an NFL-record comeback, Kirk Cousins kept finding his hired-gun tight end. A Giants team missing three of its five secondary starters could not contain Hockenson, who caught a career-high 13 passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns. This marked by far the former Lions’ top-10 pick’s best day as a Viking, with his contributions helping the team avoid its odd white-on-white (feat. white end zones) decision backfiring. With Adam Thielen set to turn 33 next year, the Vikings (12-3) were smart to acquire a quality tight end signed through 2023. Given the shape of their defense, the Vikes — a staggering plus-5 on the season, thanks to being 11-0 in one-score games — need all their receiving hands on deck.

VIKINGS GRADE: B | NEXT: at Packers (Sun.)

Other factors contributed, but Wentz quarterbacked the Commanders to a 1-4 hole — to the point they were considering seller’s trades ahead of the deadline. The team’s second Taylor Heinicke experiment, however, is deteriorating. The scrappy starter became the latest QB to prove no match for the relentless 49ers defense, throwing an interception and losing a fumble in a game he did not finish. Wentz is in Washington because he bombed with the Colts down the stretch last year. The one-time MVP frontrunner receiving another chance — with a healthy Brian Robinson and Jahan Dotson — is a higher-upside play for Washington (7-7-1). This rebound opportunity adds a fun subplot to the NFC’s race for the No. 7 seed.

COMMANDERS GRADE: C | NEXT: vs. Browns (Sun.)

The 49ers allowed some unexpected Commanders advancements, with Wentz having the opportunity to create a one-score game late in the fourth quarter. Bosa did not receive credit for his two-point conversion sack, but his de facto third sack stopped Washington from mounting a legitimate rally. He added two official sacks, including a game-turning strip of Heinicke, to his ledger Saturday and exited Week 16 with an NFL-most 17.5. Considering his importance to what appears to be the NFL’s scariest defense in seven years, Bosa should be coasting to his first Defensive Player of the Year award. The 49ers (11-4) should be thankful Josh Rosen busted with the Cardinals. Otherwise, Bosa — 2019’s No. 2 overall pick — would be in Arizona. 

49ERS GRADE: B-plus | NEXT: at Raiders (Sun.)

The Raiders coming up short in a frigid turnover bonanza ramps up questions about Carr’s Las Vegas future. The team’s all-time passing leader threw three INTs (two of them on drop caroms) in yet another Raiders close loss, and he now leads the league with 14 picks. Josh McDaniels following a Vegas playoff slate into likely double-digit losses will give the long-sought-after play-caller a hot seat going into 2023. With the Raiders (6-9) having three days following Super Bowl LVII to jettison Carr — due to his uniquely structured contract — McDaniels will surely consider it. Better options being scarce kept Carr a Raider during Jon Gruden’s stay, but with a new regime in power, a change is in play — Davante Adams‘ feelings notwithstanding.

RAIDERS GRADE: C-minus | NEXT: vs. 49ers (Sun.)

Pittsburgh weather conditions and a continually sputtering offense — one NBC has oddly opted to showcase this week — led to a slog on an emotional night in western Pennsylvania . Not only did the Steelers’ secondary shine — three INTs and Adams wrapping a two-catch, 15-yard night — but Cam Heyward’s late-career Hall of Fame push continued. The consistently disruptive defensive tackle dropped Carr twice and helped the Steelers limit Josh Jacobs (44 yards) by tallying three tackles for loss. Heyward, whose four All-Pro honors have all come since his seventh season, has belatedly become one of the great defenders in Steelers history. Pittsburgh (7-8) has been flexed, despite 4% playoff odds, but its defense remains worth watching.

STEELERS GRADE: B-minus | NEXT: at Ravens (Sun.)

It took a late Rhamondre Stevenson fumble for the Bengals to stave off the Patriots, who were down 22-0 late in the third quarter. Although this can be classified as a Cincinnati escape, the team built enough of a lead to hang on, thanks partially to the contributions of an emerging contributor. Trenton Irwin snagged two Joe Burrow TD passes, upping his season total to four. A 2019 UDFA who caught three passes in his first three years, Irwin is now helping an already-loaded passing attack. His TDs helped the Bengals win in Foxborough for the first time since 1986. Not many NFL WR4’s are relevant, but Irwin giving the Bengals (11-4) viable support is a bonus for a team rolling into one of the biggest regular-season games in team history.

BENGALS GRADE: B-minus | NEXT: vs. Bills (Mon.)

Thanks to Marcus Jones‘ pick-six — a third genre of touchdown for the rookie DB — and a tipped Jakobi Meyers TD on a third-and-29, the Patriots nearly upended the Bengals. As odd as that sentence looks, it is emblematic of recent Pats missteps. New England (7-8) totaled 70 first-half yards and did not cross midfield until late in the third quarter. Bill Belichick‘s decision to give Matt Patricia the play-calling reins represents one of the weirdest decisions in recent coaching history, and it has undeniably set Mac Jones back. Be it Bill O’Brien — the team’s Josh McDaniels placeholder once upon a time — or another veteran play-caller, Belichick must rectify this in 2023. Otherwise, enough smoke has emerged regarding an unthinkable coaching transaction: a Belichick ouster.

PATRIOTS GRADE: C-plus | NEXT: vs. Dolphins (Sun.)

Vacillating between allowing opponent rushing sprees and their offense failing to play to its early-season level, the Seahawks (7-8) are venturing close to “They are who we thought they were” territory. Geno Smith’s Pro Bowl — awarded for an undeniably strong first half — is more a product of Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady‘s shortcomings, and his inability (sans Tyler Lockett) to threaten a previously struggling Chiefs defense reflected the Seahawks’ standing. Seattle went 2 of 14 on third downs, and an ugly Smith end zone INT minimized a strong second half from Ken Walker. Losers in five of their past six games, the Seahawks do not appear worthy of a playoff spot. 

SEAHAWKS GRADE: D-plus | NEXT: vs. Jets (Sun.)

Both the Texans and this bizarro Russell Wilson edition nearly tagged the Chiefs with losses, but their front seven showed up against a more proven offense. Chris Jones continued his usual pace, sacking Smith once and hitting him four times, and D-end George Karlaftis made timely contributions. The first-round pick deflected a fourth-down pass and zoomed by Seahawks rookie right tackle Abraham Lucas for a sack. The Chiefs (12-3) need more from Karlaftis (4.5 sacks) and the underwhelming Frank Clark (five) to protect a young secondary, but their defense was the better unit Saturday. Kansas City has benefited from a softer-than-expected schedule and might be the AFC’s third-best team, but with the Bills heading to Cincinnati next week, home-field advantage is still more likely than not.

CHIEFS GRADE: B-plus | NEXT: vs. Broncos (Sun.)

Depending on Baker Mayfield’s late-season work, the Lions are still headed toward beginning a two-first-rounder draft early. Despite the team going from 1-6 to 7-7, that remains the silver lining. Dan Campbell‘s bunch allowed the Panthers — whom the Steelers just shut down — to amass a stunning 570 yards. That is the third-worst total in the Lions/Portsmouth Spartans’ 93-year history. Detroit (7-8) let both D’Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard surpass 120 rushing yards and yielded 250 from Sam Darnold, whom the Panthers have shown little confidence in since his return. This momentum-squashing defeat will probably cost the Lions a playoff spot.

LIONS GRADE: F | NEXT: vs. Bears (Sun.)

After Foreman reached nine yards on 10 carries against Pittsburgh, he dropped 165 on Detroit. Hubbard hit 125. They became the first teammates to each top 100 on the ground in the first half since Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew in 2006. Chunk plays abounded for the Panthers, whose 570-yard day broke a franchise record — by 32. While the Panthers (6-9) have only been around for 28 years, the team has both had Cam Newton and the DeAngelo Williams-Jonathan Stewart pair. Carolina added three new starters up front this offseason — Austin Corbett, Bradley Bozeman, Ikem Ekwonu — to its Taylor Moton-led line. That group mowed down the Lions and has made Darnold’s life easier compared to his sack-filled 2021 starter run. The Bucs will have their hands full.

PANTHERS GRADE: A-plus | NEXT: at Buccaneers (Sun.)

One of several games impacted by this weekend’s vicious temperature drops, this mismatch — to the chagrin of millions of fantasy GMs awaiting Josh Allen teeing off on a thin Bears secondary — included quality doses of their ground dimension. Devin Singletary and James Cook combined for 205 rushing yards, and the Bills’ 254 were their most since the LeSean McCoy-Tyrod Taylor duo eclipsed 300 in 2016. Both current Buffalo backs bedeviled Bears defenders with open-field cuts on long TD scampers, helping Allen during a two-INT day. This game was close for a bit too long, and the Bills (12-3) will need to have their passing attack in high gear if they want to secure the AFC’s bye. But their run game has shown flashes as of late. 

BILLS GRADE: B-minus | NEXT: at Bengals (Mon.)

The Bears sent out a near-comically overmatched team to face a Super Bowl contender. Backups dotted their offensive line, receiving corps, and secondary — for a team that already traded Robert Quinn and Roquan Smith. Still, Chicago’s defense accounted itself well for a while. Despite their offense going 2-for-12 on third downs, the Bears were within one score until late in the fourth quarter. Rookie Kyler Gordon recorded one of the team’s three turnovers, intercepting a pass for the second straight week. If the Bears stay on this mission — which does not appear a secret, per the deactivations — they can obtain the No. 1 pick. One more Texans win, assuming the Bears lose out, would do it. Chicago has not picked first overall since 1947.

BEARS GRADE: C-plus | NEXT: at Lions (Sun.)

Mills’ second season has not gone as the Texans hoped, and he fumbled near the goal line Saturday. The recently reinstalled starter, however, showed signs of life on a well-executed final drive. Mills hit four different receivers — fifth-rounder Brevin Jordan, journeyman Phillip Dorsett, waiver claim Amari Rodgers and the disgruntled Brandin Cooks — on a 73-yard go-ahead march. The Texans (2-12-1) do need to secure the No. 1 pick to prevent another QB-needy team from trading into the Bears’ slot. Even if Houston does land the draft’s top passer, Mills should still factor into the equation next season.  

TEXANS GRADE: B-plus | NEXT: vs. Jaguars (Sun.)

Since the NFL expanded to 16 games in 1978, only one team — the 1994 Eagles — has started 7-3 and lost the rest of its games. Tennessee’s loss to Houston — and its preposterous run of injuries, the most notable afflicting Ryan Tannehill — looks likely to give that Rich Kotite-coached team some company. Willis showed his run-game chops, particularly on his touchdown scurry. But the third-round rookie is so far away from being a competent NFL passer it is hard to see the Titans (7-8) beating the Cowboys or Jaguars. Now 0-for-2 in clearing 100 passing yards against the Texans, Willis threw two INTs and recovered his own fumble on the team’s last-ditch drive. This is setting up to be one of the tamest endings to a season in modern NFL history.

TITANS GRADE: D | NEXT: vs. Cowboys (Thu.)

A Rams offense that totaled 156 yards Monday did not punt against the Broncos (4-11), whose defense finally caved after supporting a miserable offense all season. Randy Gregory also came unglued during and after the game, and Brett Rypien challenged a poor O-line to block better for Russell Wilson. Nathaniel Hackett’s goodwill from the past two games is long gone; he will be a one-and-done. But George Paton, whose first season in GM chair went well via a strong 2021 draft class, will face incredible pressure soon. His Hackett-Wilson fit has been one of the NFL’s signature modern disasters. Paton is expected to receive another chance, but after being part of successful Vikings teams that struggled to get the QB spot right, Paton faces a defining test to salvage his Wilson trade.

BRONCOS GRADE: F | NEXT: at Chiefs (Sun.)

Showing the kind of burst that generated buzz two seasons ago, Akers gashed a usually stout Broncos defense for 147 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns. Akers may not be all the way back from his troublesome 2021 Achilles tear, but he looked more explosive Sunday than he has since the July 2021 setback. This situation improving from an October standoff and incessant trade rumors to Akers being back as the unquestioned Rams starter represents a nice twist for a Rams team (5-10) devoid of much good news this season. Akers and Baker Mayfield, each attempting to regain some semblance of their former versions, accounted themselves quite well in a nationally televised rout.

RAMS GRADE: A-plus | NEXT: vs. Chargers (Sun.)

The Desmond Ridder switch has meant more volume for this year’s first receiver chosen, but the No. 8 overall pick has also played a key role in the 5-10 Falcons’ playoff elimination. London lost a fumble for the second consecutive week and has now lost three during his rookie season. The 6-foot-5 wideout has still racked up 261 receiving yards over the past three weeks after failing to hit that total over the previous nine. So, some momentum for the USC product. But the Falcons did not do him any favors by throwing him into the Marcus Mariota offense for so long. This Atlanta season was not supposed to produce a contender, and London’s miscues — including a costly one in a close Chargers loss — helped see to it the final games will be for draft positioning.

FALCONS GRADE: C | NEXT: vs. Cardinals (Sun.)

With Lamar Jackson and almost every relevant receiver out, the Ravens (10-5) are doing well to stay in the AFC North race. The now-playoff-bound team has needed big efforts from its run game and defense. Both delivered in one of Saturday’s chillier atmospheres. Continuing to form an elite off-ball linebacking tandem with Patrick Queen, Smith compiled 15 tackles — his most as a Raven. The ex-Bear has 10-plus stops in three of his past four games. While Smith will be vital to a playoff journey that may not involve much offensive help, he will need to be extended to stay with the team beyond this season. The Jackson saga is barreling toward a tag, meaning the Ravens — who failed to re-sign C.J. Mosley — must reach a deal with Smith before free agency to avoid a bidding war.

RAVENS GRADE: B | NEXT: vs. Steelers (Sun.)

As evidenced by the Browns’ upper-deck attendance, Cleveland did not present ideal Christmas Eve passing conditions. But Taylor smothered the Browns’ efforts directed at him. The second-round rookie allowed just two receptions for 15 yards on five targets. He deflected a Deshaun Watson pass that led to a Daniel Sorensen INT — which set up the 6-9 Saints’ go-ahead score — and deterred a Donovan Peoples-Jones look on a Browns potential game-tying drive. Taylor’s recent emergence has been crucial, as Marshon Lattimore has not played since Week 5. The Saints’ defense did well as a whole to hold the Browns to 10 points in the third-coldest game the Browns have ever played in Cleveland. 

SAINTS GRADE: A-minus | NEXT: at Eagles (Sun.)

Watson needed to be handed an outrageous $230 million guaranteed to choose Cleveland, with Atlanta and New Orleans pursuing the polarizing QB until the end. The reluctant cold-weather passer has been bad both in and out of Ohio since returning from his 11-game suspension. He submitted a career-worst 47.1 QB rating against the Saints. Though Amari Cooper and David Njoku’s end zone drops hurt, Watson — the 2020 passing yards leader — has cleared 165 yards once in four games. The Browns’ offensive line also afforded their prized acquisition considerable time Saturday. The Browns (6-9) have record-setting cap charges of $54.9 million attached to Watson from 2023-26. Will Watson’s now-concerning on-field issues force out Kevin Stefanski?

BROWNS GRADE: D-plus | NEXT: at Commanders (Sun.)

Only six teams — one of them the 1996 Jaguars — have gone from 3-6 to the playoffs. With the Titans evidently in the process of gift-wrapping the AFC South to this Jags iteration, FiveThirtyEight pegs Doug Pederson’s squad at a 77% playoff shot. Jacksonville may have provided the Zach Wilson dagger, doing Jets fans a favor on a rainy night. Given Tennessee’s form, NBC execs — saddled with the Saturday afternoon wild-card game that will undoubtedly involve the AFC South champ — certainly have a vested interest in seeing the Jags (7-8) finalize this climb. The Jags, however, have not beaten the Texans since 2017 — three coaches and a few QB1s ago. 

JAGUARS GRADE: A-minus | NEXT: at Texans (Sun.)

Wilson was not locked in as BYU’s starter to open the 2020 season, and the Cougars’ COVID-altered schedule — featuring seven opponents from Conference USA, the Sun Belt or Division I-FCS — propelled a flawed passer into a draft slot he did not warrant. The Jets fell for workout bait, as other teams have. It is still too early to put Wilson on the JaMarcus Russell-Ryan Leaf bust tier, but just about nothing he has done to this point suggests he will come close to justifying that No. 2 draft slot. The frequency of the Jets fans’ booing spurts (and Wilson being benched for a practice squad call-up) marks the point of no return. The Wilson investment has likely cost the team a chance to end its NFL-leading playoff drought.

JETS GRADE: F | NEXT: at Seahawks (Sun.)