The Week 16 slate delivered a mix of decisive victories and narrow defeats, reshaping playoff odds across both conferences. The Los Angeles Chargers’ 34-17 triumph over the Dallas Cowboys not only gave the Chargers a 11-4 record but also nudged them closer to a top-seed finish, while the Cowboys fell to 6-8-1.
Chargers vs. Cowboys
Los Angeles dominated at AT&T Stadium, with Justin Herbert throwing for 300 yards and three total touchdowns-two passing and one rushing-on 23 of 29 completions. Herbert’s 33 dropbacks generated +23.9 EPA, the second-most by any quarterback this season and the second-most of his career. He also completed 9 of 11 passes under pressure for 108 yards and a touchdown and was not sacked. The win lifts the Chargers to 11-4 and boosts their playoff aspirations, whereas the Cowboys drop to 6-8-1.
Giants vs. Vikings
In a game between two teams already out of contention, the New York Giants were edged 16-13 by the Minnesota Vikings at home. Quarterback JJ McCarthy struggled, completing 9 of 14 passes for 108 yards and throwing a pick. Max Brosmer finished the game after McCarthy exited with an injury. Justin Jefferson hauled in 85 yards on 5 receptions. Rookie Jaxson Dart finished with 33 yards on 7 completions and a pick, a disappointing performance that marked a downturn in his rookie season. The loss moves the Giants to 2-13, keeping them atop the draft order.
Bengals vs. Dolphins
The Cincinnati Bengals routed the Miami Dolphins 45-21, with Joe Burrow throwing for 309 yards and four touchdowns on 25 of 32 completions. Miami’s rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers started in place of Tua Tagovailoa, completing 20 of 30 passes for 260 yards and two interceptions. Burrow’s dominant outing helped the Bengals improve to 11-4.
Buccaneers vs. Panthers
Tampa Bay fell to the Carolina Panthers 23-20 in a narrow contest. Baker Mayfield, who had the chance to lead a game-winning drive, threw a pick that sealed the defeat. He finished with 145 yards, one touchdown, and the pick on 18 of 26 completions. Carolina’s Bryce Young threw 191 yards and two touchdowns on 21 of 32 completions, and the win gives the Panthers a 8-7 record while the Buccaneers drop to 6-9.
Saints vs. Jets
The New Orleans Saints cruised past the New York Jets 29-6 at home. Rookie Tyler Shough threw 308 yards and a touchdown on 32 of 49 completions. With a negligible running game, the Saints relied on Shough’s arm to secure the win and move to 11-4.
Chiefs vs. Titans
Kansas City lost to the Tennessee Titans 26-9, a game that highlighted the Chiefs’ ongoing injury woes. Patrick Mahomes suffered an ACL tear on the same day the team’s long-standing playoff streak ended. Backup Gardner Minshew exited early with a potential torn ACL, and Chris Oladokun played the remainder of the game. The loss drops the Chiefs to 6-9 and leaves Tennessee at 3-12.
Bills vs. Cleveland
The Buffalo Bills edged the Cleveland Browns 23-20, with Josh Allen playing through an injury. James Cook contributed to the victory, and Shedeur Sanders threw for 157 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions on 20 of 29 completions. Myles Garrett recorded half a sack, inching closer to the single-season record. Cleveland finished 3-12.
Jaguars vs. Broncos
Jacksonville secured a key AFC win, defeating Denver 34-20. Trevor Lawrence threw 279 yards and three touchdowns on 23 of 36 completions, while Bo Nix finished with 352 yards, one touchdown, and a pick on 28 of 47 completions. The win moves the Jaguars to 11-4 and places Denver at 12-3. The race for the No. 1 AFC seed remains tight, with the New England Patriots at 11-3.
Falcons vs. Cardinals
Atlanta beat Arizona 26-19, with Bijan Robinson rushing for 76 yards on 16 carries and adding 92 receiving yards and a touchdown on seven catches. The win moves the Falcons to 6-9; Arizona stays at 3-12 under Jacoby Brissett.
Texans vs. Raiders
Houston overcame the Las Vegas Raiders 23-21. C.J. Stroud threw for 187 yards and a touchdown to Dalton Schultz on 23 of 35 completions. Geno Smith had a solid outing despite the loss. Ashton Jeanty rushed for 128 yards on 24 carries and a touchdown. The victory improves the Texans to 10-5, while Las Vegas falls to 2-13.
Steelers vs. Lions
Pittsburgh defeated Detroit 9-7, a game that hinged on a controversial ending. Aaron Rodgers completed 27 of 41 passes for 266 yards and a touchdown. Jaylen Warren rushed for 143 yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns. The win brings the Steelers to 9-7, while the Lions drop to 8-7, leaving them with a slim playoff chance.
Key Takeaways
- The Chargers’ win positions them as strong playoff contenders, while the Cowboys slip further behind.
- The Bengals’ dominant performance keeps them at 11-4, matching the Saints.
- The Jaguars’ victory keeps the AFC No. 1 seed race alive, with Denver trailing closely.
- The Steelers’ win and the Lions’ narrow loss highlight a tense NFC North showdown.
The Week 16 outcomes underscore the volatility of the NFL standings, with playoff battles tightening across both conferences while some teams solidify their paths to the postseason.
