Another week, another full schedule of NFL action almost in the books. And Week 16 has already been packed with drama, from Bryce Young helping the Carolina Panthers ruin another team’s playoff hopes to the Philadelphia Eagles losing one of their MVP candidates to injury.
Here are some of Sunday’s biggest winners and losers:
Winner: Sam Darnold
Faced with a struggling Seattle Seahawks defensive front in a close road game, the Minnesota Vikings’ surprisingly authoritative caller didn’t bat an eyelid. Their fearless attack on the field ensured that Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison could outlast Seattle, and once again backed by Brian Flores’ opportunistic defense, kept the Vikings in the mix for the No. 1 seed by advancing to 13- 2.
Loser: Josh Allen’s hands
The Buffalo Bills star came into Sunday’s matchup against the New England Patriots reportedly battling a fracture in his left hand, then his right hand began shaking after throws late in the game, requiring medical attention. The Bills officially diagnosed him with a right elbow contusion, and Allen didn’t miss a snap despite Mitchell Trubisky warming up, but his health is something we’ll need to monitor going forward.
Winner: The Lions
A week after falling in a shootout to the Buffalo Bills, the reigning NFC runners-up returned to work in Chicago, where Jared Goff pulled off a fake trip to earn laughs from Dan Campbell, then torched the Bears’ secondary while He was getting A- plus the help of the new number one running back, Jahmyr Gibbs. With the Eagles’ loss on Sunday, Detroit reaffirmed its status as the favorite for the top seed in the NFC playoffs.
Loser: The Eagles
Looking to win their 11th straight title and stay in the race for the NFC’s No. 1 seed, the Eagles lost Jalen Hurts to a concussion, lost their cool with multiple personal fouls and ultimately lost a very winnable game to the rival Washington Commanders . At 12-3, they’re still in position to make a solid run, but Sunday was also a step back for Vic Fangio’s normally solid defense. Maybe it’s a wake-up call.
The rookie didn’t light up the stat sheet in his first start in place of Kirk Cousins, but he was much more prepared than his numbers suggest, as evidenced by the Atlanta Falcons’ blowout victory over the New York Giants. In fact, if not for a drop by Kyle Pitts, Penix could have justified the club’s quarterback change with a single dart in the red zone. The youngster’s smart play has Atlanta back in the open NFC South mix.
While Penix and Jayden Daniels showed up Sunday, Murray went the opposite direction in a must-win situation, throwing his sixth interception of the last four games for the Arizona Cardinals. While he’s had flashes this year, the former No. 1 overall pick has now missed the playoffs, finished the season hurt or both in five of his six NFL seasons. Is it crazy to think the team could consider competing in 2025?
Winner: Bengals’ playoff chances
A day after their rival Pittsburgh Steelers fell to the Baltimore Ravens to bolster the AFC North standings, Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase returned to action, connecting for another big play in a rout of the Cleveland Browns. The win not only puts Cincy within one game of .500, but also keeps the Bengals in the postseason conversation; It is possible to get a wild card spot with the help of other clubs.
