It took six weeks and a virtuoso efficiency from Jayden Daniels, however the Chiefs are again in first place for the primary time since Week 10. Kansas City is now 14-1, which is difficult to disregard, and the Eagles, beforehand No. gave a giant benefit to the commanders due to Daniels. Philadelphia additionally misplaced quarterback Jalen Hurts to a concussion, which might be much more consequential than a Week 16 loss.
In addition to the Chiefs, the Vikings and Lions profit from the lack of Philly, whereas the Ravens and Commanders are climbing and searching harmful. Baltimore and Washington are two groups that nobody will need to play within the postseason.
Here are my high 10 for Week 16 of the 2024 season.
The Vikings are advancing down the stretch behind the unstoppable Sam Darnold-Justin Jefferson connection. The basis of their aerial circus units the tone for an assault that may whip opponents into the air in a wide range of methods. With Aaron Jones including some persona as a artful perimeter runner, Minnesota’s offense forces opponents to chase factors in opposition to an aggressive protection designed to create unfavorable performs (sacks and tackles for loss) and turnovers.
Will Superman (Josh Allen) be capable of single-handedly take the Bills to the Super Bowl? That’s the million-dollar query when watching the staff rely solely on its playmaking expertise to eradicate enemies. Although operating again James Cook has taken on a complementary position, Buffalo’s lack of star energy might be its deadly flaw within the postseason.
The Lions have returned to their roots by embracing the “Detroit vs. All” mantra which is a testomony to their grit and tenacity. Although the harm downside has stripped the staff of a number of stars, the Lions are proficient sufficient to beat the deficiencies by embracing a distinct type of play on a weekly foundation. Given Dan Campbell’s no-nonsense strategy, the Lions might be robust within the postseason regardless of who fits up.
The finish of a 10-game successful streak and the lack of Jalen Hurts to a concussion uncovered a few of the Eagles’ largest flaws heading into the playoffs. While the return of QB1 might reduce these shortcomings by permitting the Eagles to play away from their opponents, Sunday’s loss to Washington supplied opponents with a blueprint for defeat the NFC East leaders in a win-or-go contest. residence.
The Packers’ opportunistic protection thrives underneath the course of Jeff Hafley. The former school coach turned NFL defensive coordinator has maximized the Packers’ expertise through the use of a high-IQ scheme that showcases their depth and flexibility. With Matt LaFleur intent on presenting a balanced assault that permits Josh Jacobs to take some stress off Jordan Love & Co., the Packers play a kind of complementary soccer that might create issues for potential opponents within the postseason.
Don’t look now, however the Ravens are peaking forward of the playoffs. Lamar Jackson is enjoying at an MVP stage, evolving as a dual-threat playmaker out and in of the pocket. Derrick Henry provides liveliness to the operating sport with a huge again and a stiff, devastating arm. With the protection steadily enhancing underneath defensive coordinator Zachary Orr, the Ravens are beginning to appear like the title contender many imagined earlier than the season.
Jayden Daniels must be included within the MVP dialog primarily based on his quick affect because the Commanders’ beginning quarterback. The rookie has ignited an offense that torments opponents with artistic ideas that showcase his distinctive expertise as a dual-threat attacking midfielder. As offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury digs deeper into his bag of tips, the Commanders’ electrical offense makes them a possible playoff headache.
A two-game dropping streak has raised issues about Pittsburgh’s knockout energy in opposition to the league’s heavyweights. Despite the setbacks, the Steelers’ potent operating sport and stable protection give them an opportunity to outlive in a single-elimination match.
Jim Harbaugh turned the Chargers into playoff contenders by emphasizing toughness, tenacity and resilience. The Bolts outplay and outlast opponents with an old-school method (operating sport + protection + quarterback play = wins) that accentuates the power of their roster. Considering the Powder Blues face a positive schedule down the stretch, this staff is a formidable foe as a decrease seed.
Bucky Brooks is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports. He additionally analyzes the sport for NFL Network and as a co-host of the “Moving the Sticks” podcast. Follow him on Twitter @BuckyBrooks.
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