With most of the NFL Week 18 schedule in the books, it's time to take a look at some of the biggest winners and losers around the NFL.
Winners
Bo Nix, quarterback, Denver Broncos
For the first time since the 2015 season, the Denver Broncos are back in the playoffs, and their rookie quarterback is a big part of that return. Nix was sensational on Sunday in a 38-0 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, completing 26-of-29 passes for 321 yards and four touchdowns. He finished his rookie season with 29 touchdown passes and rapidly improved as the season progressed. The Broncos have their quarterback.
Bryce Young, quarterback, Carolina Panthers
The Panthers embraced the role of playing spoiler on Sunday and picked up a 44-38 overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons. It was not only another strong game for their second-year quarterback, it also might have been the best game of his career. Young completed 25-of-34 passes for 251 yards, three touchdowns and ran for two more. The Panthers played close games throughout the entire second half, while Young showed real signs of progress after his early season benching. They ended the season on a very high note.
Mike Evans, wide receiver, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
What a great day for Evans. Not only did he help the Buccaneers get a win over the New Orleans Saints to clinch the NFC South, but he also caught nine passes for 89 yards. While that might not seem like a huge stat line, it had significant meaning for Evans. His catch on the last play of the game put him over the 1,000-yard mark to give him 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, matching a record held by Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. It also gave Evans a $3 million performance bonus.
THE CELEBRATION FOR MIKE EVANS. CHILLS. pic.twitter.com/YNc0gAHoZD
— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025
Jim Harbaugh, head coach, Los Angeles Chargers
Harbaugh's first year with the Chargers was a huge success. He got the Chargers back to the playoffs, completely turned their defense into one of the best units in the league and helped quarterback Justin Herbert play winning football and dramatically cut down on his turnovers. Now the Chargers get a very winnable first-round playoff matchup against the Houston Texans.
Aaron Rodgers, quarterback, New York Jets
Rodgers has not had a chance to be a winner much this season, but Sunday was a big day for him. He reached a big milestone with his 500th career touchdown pass and played, by far, his best game of the season.
Losers
New England Patriots draft position
Sunday turned out to be a huge, franchise-altering day for the Patriots. Not only did they fire head coach Jerod Mayo after just one season, but their win also took them from the No. 1 pick in the draft to the No. 4 pick in the draft.
Tennessee Titans uniform choice
The Titans' loss, combined with the Patriots' win, made the Titans winners in the sense they earned the No. 1 pick in the draft. But the Titans' decision to wear Houston Oilers uniforms and colors against the Houston Texans was a petty, bush-league look. It is the second year in a row they have done this. They lost both games. Looking petty and finishing with the worst record in the league is a tough look. The Texans made sure to troll them on social media after the game.
found the oiL in tennessee pic.twitter.com/ZnOLkdjnfi
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 5, 2025
Green Bay Packers playoff situation
The Packers' loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday was a costly one for several reasons. For one, it pushed them down to the No. 7 seed and will send them to the Philadelphia Eagles for their first playoff game. They also saw two significant injuries in the game as quarterback Jordan Love and wide receiver Christian Watson both exited the game. They seem to have avoided a major issue with Love, and he should be fine for the playoffs. Watson remains more of an unknown.
Cincinnati Bengals
Despite their 19-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night, the Bengals missed the playoffs thanks to the Broncos' win over the Chiefs. It is a tough result for them, but it is one they absolutely deserve.
Los Angeles Rams playoff seeding
The Rams made the decision to sit some starters on Sunday, and as a result, their loss to the Seattle Seahawks dropped them to the No. 4 seed in the NFC playoff field. While they will still get a home playoff game, it is going to come against one of the best teams in the NFL.
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