Giants snap losing streak, showcasing a remarkable turnaround in Week 17 of the NFL. With just one game remaining, several players delivered outstanding performances, highlighting the thrilling unpredictability of the league.
Drew Lock led the charge for the Giants, breaking a franchise-record 10-game losing streak. Entering the matchup against the Colts, New York had struggled at MetLife Stadium, with an 0-8 record and only three passing touchdowns in those games. However, Lock turned the tide, throwing three touchdowns in the first half alone.
He concluded the game with 309 yards on 17-of-23 passing, tallying four passing touchdowns and one rushing score. This achievement made him the first Giants quarterback since Eli Manning in 2014 to reach 300 passing yards, four passing touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown in a single game. Lock and Manning now share this distinction in the Super Bowl era.
For the first time this season, New York led at home after the first quarter, thanks in large part to Malik Nabers. Nabers recorded seven catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns, joining Tyrone Tracy Jr. as one of the few rookie teammates to each surpass 1,000 scrimmage yards in the same season, a feat previously achieved by notable players like Reggie Bush and Marques Colston.
1. Chiefs keep cruising
The Kansas City Chiefs secured their 15th victory of the season, setting a new franchise record. Coach Andy Reid has now led a team to clinch the No. 1 seed in their conference seven times, tying Bill Belichick for the most in NFL history. Achieving this milestone on Christmas Day marks just the fifth time a team has clinched the top seed on December 25th.
This marks the fourth time in the Patrick Mahomes era that the Chiefs have claimed the top seed, with only two such instances occurring before his arrival. They will enter the playoffs with a 10-game home winning streak, looking to extend that success in the upcoming AFC Divisional Round.
If victorious, Mahomes will achieve his 11th career playoff win at home, surpassing legends Peyton Manning and Joe Montana for the second-most all-time.
Takeaway: Kansas City remains the favorite in the AFC, but Baltimore and Buffalo are not to be underestimated.
2. Here come the Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have had a magical season, improving to 14-2 after defeating the Green Bay Packers. A win against the Detroit Lions next week will secure the division title and the No. 1 seed. Here are some noteworthy highlights from their impressive campaign:
- Kevin O’Connell is the first head coach to win 14+ games in a season with a quarterback in his first year with the team, making Sam Darnold the first QB to achieve this as well.
- The Vikings have recorded their longest in-season win streak since 1975, with nine consecutive victories.
- Darnold has thrown 35 touchdown passes this season, surpassing Brett Favre for the most in a rookie season as a Viking.
- For the first time since 1992, the Vikings have recorded a takeaway in each of their first 16 games of the season, tying the longest streak in franchise history.
Takeaway: The upcoming clash between the Lions and Vikings promises to be thrilling. Will Minnesota continue their winning ways?
3. Saquon makes history
Saquon Barkley reached a significant milestone in Week 17 against the Dallas Cowboys, becoming the ninth player in NFL history to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a season. He needs just 101 yards to break Eric Dickerson’s single-season record:
- Eric Dickerson (1984): 2,105
- Adrian Peterson (2012): 2,097
- Jamal Lewis (2003): 2,066
- Barry Sanders (1997): 2,053
- Derrick Henry (2020): 2,027
- Terrell Davis (1998): 2,008
- Chris Johnson (2009): 2,006
- Saquon Barkley (2024): 2,005
- O.J. Simpson (1973): 2,003
Barkley also set a record for the most rushing yards in the second half of games since at least 1991, accumulating 1,245 yards this season. Regardless of whether he plays next week, his accomplishments this year are commendable. The Philadelphia Eagles secured the NFC East title for the fourth time in eight seasons.
Takeaway: Barkley’s 2024 season highlights the enduring significance of running backs in the NFL and how a change in environment can lead to remarkable success.
4. Joe Brrrrrr!
Joe Burrow’s performance has solidified his status as one of the premier quarterbacks in the league. He has thrown three touchdowns in eight consecutive games, joining an elite group of players who have achieved this feat. Burrow’s ability to consistently deliver impressive performances places him among the greats:
He also boasts 10 games this season with over 250 passing yards and three touchdowns, a milestone reached by only three other quarterbacks in NFL history. This level of play has positioned Burrow as a frontrunner for MVP consideration.
Takeaway: Burrow’s efforts are crucial for Cincinnati’s playoff aspirations, and his stellar performance should not go unnoticed.
5. Rookie pass-catchers thriving
The 2024 season has seen four rookies—Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr., Ladd McConkey, and Brock Bowers—each surpass 1,000 receiving yards, setting a new NFL record for most 1,000-yard rookie pass-catchers in a single season. This achievement highlights the talent emerging from college football:
- Brian Thomas Jr. has now achieved 10 games with at least 75 receiving yards, breaking a tie for the most such games by a rookie in the Super Bowl era.
- Thomas Jr. is one of four rookies to surpass 1,100 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in a season, joining an elite group that includes Randy Moss.
- Malik Nabers became the fifth rookie in NFL history with 100 catches and 1,000 yards, a notable milestone for the Giants.
- Ladd McConkey set the Chargers rookie records for catches and receiving yards this season.
- Nabers and McConkey have recorded 50+ receiving yards in each of their last nine games, tying for the longest streak by a rookie since the merger.
Takeaway: The influx of talented rookie receivers suggests that future NFL Drafts will see a surge in early-round selections for pass-catchers.
6. Brock Bowers breaks record
Brock Bowers has made headlines by breaking the rookie tight end single-season record for receiving yards. With seven catches for 77 yards against the Saints, he now boasts 108 receptions for 1,144 yards, surpassing Mike Ditka’s previous record. His performance solidifies his place as one of the league’s top tight ends:
Takeaway: Bowers is poised to be a standout player in the league, and his future looks exceptionally bright.
7. Monstrous Myles
Myles Garrett continues to demonstrate his exceptional talent on the field. Despite Cleveland’s struggles, his performance remains a highlight, and he is on track to break the all-time sack record.
Takeaway: Garrett’s skills deserve more recognition, as he is a generational talent.
8. Can’t stop Jayden
Jayden Daniels has had an outstanding season, leading the Commanders to their 11th win against the Falcons. This marks Washington’s first 11-win season since 1991. Daniels has amassed impressive stats, including 3,530 passing yards and 864 rushing yards, making him the first rookie quarterback to achieve 10 wins, 30 total touchdowns, and over 4,000 total yards:
His 12 touchdown passes in the fourth quarter or overtime are the most by any rookie since 1991, placing him among an elite group of players.
Takeaway: Daniels is a
