The NFL playoff image is taking its remaining form with solely a handful of spots nonetheless up for grabs in each conferences.
Denver (9-7) holds the keys to the final AFC spot – a win over Kansas Metropolis (15-1) in Week 18 would seal the deal.
In the meantime, Miami (8-8) stays in rivalry however wants a victory plus a Denver loss, and Cincinnati (8-8) faces a fair steeper climb, requiring a win alongside losses from each groups.
Over within the NFC, whereas Philadelphia, Detroit, Minnesota, and Inexperienced Bay have punched their tickets, they’re nonetheless jostling for playoff positioning.
Washington (11-5) broke their playoff drought relationship again to 2020, clinching the NFC West forward of the Rams (10-6) by way of a power of victory tiebreaker.
Amidst this playoff drama, Tom Brady, FOX Sports activities’ lead NFL analyst, has unveiled his newest 3 Stars of the Week – a weekly custom the place he highlights three standout performances that caught his consideration throughout the common season.
Congrats to @TomBrady‘s 3 stars of Week 17! ✨
First up, @Buccaneers QB @bakermayfield 🏴☠️ pic.twitter.com/JNeYDfxrm0
— FOX Sports activities: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 1, 2025
Main Brady’s checklist is Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, who placed on a present for the ages.
Mayfield carved up the Panthers’ protection for 359 yards and 5 touchdowns, lacking simply 5 passes all sport.
His stellar efficiency has Tampa Bay eyeing an NFC South title, which they will lock up with a victory towards the Saints this Sunday.
Joe Burrow earned the second spot after lighting up the Denver protection in prime time.
The Bengals quarterback threw for greater than 400 yards and located the tip zone 4 instances, conserving Cincinnati’s playoff desires alive.
He’ll look to copy this magic in an important matchup towards Pittsburgh.
Rounding out Brady’s picks is Las Vegas Raiders’ rookie sensation Brock Bowers, who’s rewriting the document books for first-year tight ends.
Bowers has hauled in 108 catches this season, setting a rookie document, and surpassed NFL legend Mike Ditka’s mark for many receiving yards by a rookie tight finish – cementing his place in what’s been a outstanding debut season.
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