SATURDAY

My take: Los Angeles (10–6) finally left its conservative ways thanks to the lack of pressure from New England (3–13). Justin Herbert showed off his arm throughout the game, throwing a 40-yard bomb to rookie sensation Ladd McConkey to extend the lead by 20 points in the third quarter. It was the first time this season that Herbert threw for at least three touchdowns in a game, surprising for a quarterback of Herbert’s caliber. We shouldn’t get carried away about the Chargers beating up on the Patriots, but it’s clear this offense is different with J.K. Dobbins in the backfield—Dobbins returned after missing the prior four games due to a knee injury. It remains to be seen whether this Chargers offense will be enough in the postseason, but they’re always going to have a chance with Herbert on the field.

Stock up: Jim Harbaugh quickly got the Chargers into the postseason. They were a five-win team with a poor defense last season and entered 2024 with a depleted offense because tough decisions were made to repair the salary cap. Even with all of those obstacles, Harbaugh again showed why he’s the master at getting fast results as a coach. Harbaugh’s team will be dangerous in the postseason because of Herbert’s connection with McConkey and a top-10 defense thriving under defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.

Stock down: Jerod Mayo needs to prioritize both sides of the trenches once the Patriots’ season ends next week. It also remains to be seen if Mayo gets a second season as the head coach because of how poorly it went in 2024. But if he’s back, the results won’t change without better pass rushers and offensive linemen. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye is the real deal, showing that with a 36-yard touchdown to DeMario Douglas, but Maye was constantly under pressure during Saturday’s rout.  

Up Next: Chargers at Raiders, TBD time and date; Bills at Patriots, TBD time and date

THURSDAY

My take: Both teams should burn the game tape from this ugly game that didn’t have a touchdown. The Seahawks (9–7) kept their playoff hopes alive with the victory, but if they’re in contention after the Week 17 results, this version of Geno Smith (17-of-23, 160 yards, no touchdowns) won’t get it down next week against the Rams, a matchup that could decide the NFC West. Smith struggled with accuracy and DK Metcalf (three catches, 42 yards) failed to keep his cool against the Bears (4–12). But the bigger story from this game is the latest stinker from rookie Caleb Williams, the No. 1 pick in April’s draft. Williams (16-of-28, 122 yards, no touchdowns) missed several throws and had a brutal interception to end Chicago’s comeback hopes on the final drive.

Stock up: Mike Macdonald’s defense was the lone bright spot for the Seahawks, allowing only 179 total yards and forcing the Bears to punt seven times. Leonard Williams had two of Seattle’s seven sacks against Chicago’s abysmal offensive line. The Seahawks’ defense had a bounce-back performance after back-to-back weeks of struggling against the Packers and Vikings. 

Stock down: The Bears’ offensive line has hindered the team’s developmental plan for Williams, who has been sacked a league-high 67 times. Chicago could be on the wrong side of history next week if Williams ties or breaks David Carr’s record of taking 76 sacks in a season, which occurred in 2002.  

Up Next: Seahawks at Rams, TBD time and date; Bears at Packers, TBD time and date

WEDNESDAY

My take: Baltimore (11–5) took over sole possession of first place in the AFC North, shutting out the Houston (9–7) offense. Lamar Jackson (168 passing yards, 87 rushing yards, three total touchdowns) jokingly apologized to his defense for allowing the two points that occurred on a safety. C.J. Stroud (17-of-31, 185 yards, no touchdown, one interception) admitted that the Christmas performance was one of the worst games of his career. It doesn’t appear that the Texans will fix their offensive issues any time soon, possibly leading to an early playoff exit for the AFC South champions. The Ravens could have a lengthy playoff run now that the defense is playing as well as the offense. 

Stock up: This is no longer the same Ravens’ secondary that was constantly getting beat downfield during the first 10 weeks of the season. Marlon Humphrey, who had an interception against Stroud, could find himself on an All-Pro team in a few weeks with how well he’s played during the second half of the season. 

Stock down: Joe Mixon was the lone consistent playmaker for the Texans during the first half of the season. But he has struggled in the past three games, failing to rush for more than 57 yards against the Ravens, Chiefs and Dolphins. Mixon has 993 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns this season. 

Up Next: Browns at Ravens, TBD time and date; Texans at Titans, TBD time and date

My take: The Chiefs (15–1) are the best team in the NFL, a statement that hasn’t been said often this season. Once again, Kansas City is saving its best performances for when it matters most. Patrick Mahomes and his passing game have broken out of their funk, with Mahomes throwing for 320 yards and three touchdowns in Pittsburgh. As for the Steelers (10–6), they appear headed for another one-and-done postseason. Russell Wilson couldn’t get anything going against a stout Chiefs’ defense without Chris Jones, who was ruled out with a calf injury.  

Stock up: Xavier Worthy could be a dangerous weapon come the postseason. The rookie first-round receiver has taken advantage of the better matchups he has seen since Hollywood Brown returned from injury in Week 16 against the Texans. Worthy recorded eight catches for 79 yards and one touchdown against the Steelers. 

Stock down: Wilson’s moon shots are no longer hitting. The veteran quarterback averaged only 5.5 yards per attempt against Kansas City. Wilson rushed throws against pressure and had a killer interception in the end zone during the first half. 

Up Next: Chiefs at Broncos, TBD time and date; Bengals at Steelers, TBD time and date