Not all NFL teams are going into 2024 on a high note. That was certainly the case with the Detroit Lions on Saturday, who lost 20-19 to the Dallas Cowboys after a controversial two-pointer. But on the other hand, some teams are exactly where they want to be.
The Baltimore Ravens took first place in the AFC after a 56-19 home opener against the Miami Dolphins. The San Francisco 49ers did the same in the NFC after beating the Washington Commander 27-10 on the road and getting help from elsewhere.
They can rest in Week 18 before the postseason begins. But before we look any further, let’s break down the action from Sunday and Week 17 with winners and losers: WINNER: Lamar Jacksonand#039; The case of MVP It seems like every week there’s a new favorite for MVP, but Jackson might be here to stay. The 26-year-old led Baltimore to a 33-19 win last time out at San Francisco, then outscored Miami 56-19, completing 18-of-21 passes for 321 yards, five touchdowns and no picks.
Regardless of how Week 18 goes for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jackson could put a stamp on his resume to claim his second league MVP award. The league leader and the team in the best form would have deserved it. Loser: The Eagles stunned at home against the Cardinals The 49ers may have come out on top, but they can thank the Eagles for making it a lot easier than originally expected.
The then 3-12 Arizona Cardinals came to town after head coach Jonathan Gannon returned to the city where he previously served as defensive coordinator. Led by Kyler Murrayand#039’s three touchdown passes and James Connerand’s 128 rushing yards and a touchdown, the Cardinals won 35-31 behind the goal line in the final seconds.
The Eagles have lost four of their last five games after being outscored 10-1 at home by the 49ers. They go to the New York Giants to close the regular season, and they could also claim the NFC East crown if the Dallas Cowboys beat the Washington Commander. WINNER: The 49ers deserve some much-needed cheers While the 49ers offense is going fast, their defense has been pretty weak since beating the Eagles.
Tackles and the accumulation of injured players both contributed significantly, further underscoring how much they needed extra time. After losing three in a row to start the season, San Francisco responded with six straight wins in its next bye. Can they repeat this form and success one more time at crunch time? Loser: Dolphins in big games As good as Miami has been all season, its inability to step up in big games has been a blemish on its resume.
Before the Ravens blowout, the Dolphins lost potential wins to the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Eagles, with the only highlight being a narrow two-point win at home against Dallas. But even then, the Cowboys faced similar questions, so somebody had to give. It’s important to note that Miami didn’t have Raheem Mostert or Jaylen Waddle against Baltimore, but the signs have been there for a while.
The Dolphins will host the Bills in Week 18 and the winner will win the AFC East. The NFL world will follow. WINNER: The Bruins moved up to the No. 1 overall pick in 2024 The Bruins are officially on the clock. In fact, Chicago scored two wins on Sunday. Justin Fields and Co. posted a 37-17 home win against the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers #039; 26-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars with the Cardinalsand number 039; the win against Philadelphia gave the Bruins the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. If you remember, Carolina traded to Chicago last season and used it on quarterback Bryce Young.
The Panthers sent a 2024 first-round pick to Chicago in that deal, which ended up being the best pick as they are 2-14. Loser: The Buccaneers avoid winning the NFC South Tampa Bay had a great opportunity to beat the New Orleans Saints at home and clinch the NFC South. But Baker Mayfield and Co. overcame a disappointing 23-13 loss, with all 13 points coming in the fourth quarter.
Mayfield completed 22 of 33 passes for 309 yards, two touchdowns and two picks, but Derek Carr emerged victorious after going 24 of 32 for 197 yards, two touchdowns and no picks. Both teams are now 8-8 entering the crucial Week 18. Tampa Bay is 2-14 against the Panthers, while the Saints host the 7-9 Falcons, who are still in the hunt but need a lot to make it. Whoever doesn’t win the division could miss the playoffs entirely, with the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks currently in a better position.
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