Week 17 is off to a roaring begin after unlikely hero Joe Flacco helped the Cleveland Browns (11-5) clinch a playoff berth with a 37-20 win over the New York Jets (6-10) on “TNF.” Listed below are the highest gamers to observe this weekend, together with two who’re having MVP-worthy seasons.
SUNDAY’S POSTGAME HEADLINE TODAY | Lamar Jackson leads Ravens to No. 1 seed
The Baltimore Ravens (12-3) put the remainder of the league on discover with a dominant 33-19 win over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 16. Now they’ve an opportunity to lock up the No. 1 seed at house with a win over the Miami Dolphins (11-4).
It will not be simple in opposition to Miami, which boasts the league’s greatest offense in complete yards per sport (411.5) and factors per sport (30.9), however Baltimore has Jackson, who’s placing collectively one other MVP-caliber season.
The 2019 MVP has 4,143 yards from scrimmage and 24 touchdowns (19 passing). He’ll solely construct upon these stats in a sport that has all of the makings of a shootout. Jackson is extra motivated than ever to lock up the AFC’s No. 1 seed by the tip of the weekend.
“I consider we’re locked in,” he told reporters.
SUNDAY’S POSTGAME HEADLINE TODAY | Rams’ Puka Nacua stays sizzling, nears rookie file
Nacua, who’s having top-of-the-line rookie campaigns in NFL historical past, is coming off a dominant Week 16 efficiency through which he had 9 catches for 164 yards and a landing. He has 1,327 receiving yards for the Rams (8-7), placing him 147 yards shy of breaking the rookie receiving yards record set by Invoice Groman in 1960.
In opposition to the New York Giants (5-10), who’re permitting 229.7 passing yards per sport, Nacua might break the mark.
Per FanDuel, the No. 177 general decide within the 2023 NFL Draft has the second-best odds to win Offensive Rookie of the Yr, behind Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud.
SUNDAY’S POSTGAME HEADLINE TODAY | 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey cements MVP marketing campaign
A QB has gained NFL MVP for 10 straight years (2013-22), however that streak might finish this season. McCaffrey, who has 1,395 yards and 14 touchdowns speeding and 537 yards and 7 touchdowns receiving, has a robust case to make in a considerably down 12 months for quarterbacks.
Per FanDuel, the Ravens’ Jackson is the brand new favorite to win the award following Niners QB Brock Purdy’s four-interception sport in Week 16, however McCaffrey is not too far behind and has a great shot to hitch former Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, who gained the award in 2012 — the final non-QB to take action.
McCaffrey has an excellent matchup Sunday when the 49ers (11-4) play on the Washington Commanders (4-11). Washington is permitting probably the most complete yards per sport (384.3) within the league.
SUNDAY’S POSTGAME HEADLINE TODAY | Ja’Marr Chase torches stout Chiefs protection
The Cincinnati Bengals (8-7) and Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (9-6) face off in a sport with massive playoff implications. The groups all the time appear to play late within the season, and chatter between the 2 is getting louder the nearer we get to kickoff.
Earlier this week, a reporter requested Chase what stood out with Kansas Metropolis’s protection.
“Nothing,” he said. “It is not likely like they received a Jalen Ramsey on their squad.”
For probably the most half, Chase has been in a position again up his phrases together with his play, however it is going to be troublesome this time. Kansas Metropolis is permitting the second-fewest passing yards per sport (173.8).
Cincinnati QB Jake Browning is trying to bounce again from his three-interception debacle in a loss in Pittsburgh in Week 16. He’ll search for Chase early and infrequently within the hostile surroundings at Arrowhead Stadium.