NFL Week 18 grades from around the league

Mac Jones took a big step again in his second season, to the level the Patriots’ QB outlook once more seems foggy. The crew’s two kick-return touchdowns allowed — towards a much more gifted opponent — gave Jones little margin for error, and his two crimson zone INTs supplied Josh Allen greater than sufficient runway to make the Pats pay. Jones’ 14 TD passes in 14 video games got here as New England (8-9) dropped from sixth to Seventeenth in scoring offense and fifteenth to twenty sixth in factors. Belichick’s Matt Patricia play-caller gamble proved an awfully dangerous resolution at an important level in his QB’s profession. The Pats’ defensive security web ought to exist so long as Belichick is there, however his managerial error value the crew a playoff berth. Will he rent an precise offensive coordinator?

PATRIOTS GRADE: C-minus 

The NFL shifting the kickoff line again to the 35 in 2011 minimized the kick-return sport; nobody had taken again two kickoffs in the similar sport since the change. Hines, acquired at the commerce deadline, grew to become the first to take action since the Seahawks’ Leon Washington in 2010. It galvanized a Bills crew coping with a spread of feelings. Allen responded from his 14th INT with two marvelous deep strikes, main Buffalo (13-3) to the AFC’s No. 2 seed. It doesn’t really feel proper the Bills, after beating the Chiefs in Missouri, misplaced the No. 1 seed due to Hamlin’s cardiac arrest. The Bills’ ceiling stays increased than anybody’s, and the neutral-site compromise helps. But dropping the bye week may show essential with one other Bengals tilt on the horizon.

BILLS GRADE: B-plus | NEXT: vs. Dolphins (Sun.)

Jamaal Williams’ newest go to to his authentic NFL stomping grounds grew to become the backdrop to the ex-Aaron Jones sidekick ending an unfathomable season. Williams’ two speeding TDs gave him 17, breaking Barry Sanders’ 31-year-old Lions file. Jared Goff, not precisely identified for his cold-weather chops, drove the Lions (9-8) previous the Packers with two fourth-down conversions and is now the seventh QB to throw 300 consecutive passes with out a choose. Detroit’s O-line gained towards a Green Bay entrance (zero sacks, three QB hits) that dominated Minnesota. The Frank Ragnow- and Penei Sewell-powered line unleashed Williams, ending that season-long effort by creating a large lane for a game-winning TD, and helped Goff again on monitor.

LIONS GRADE: A-minus 

The Lions’ win prevents a tenth Packers-49ers playoff conflict and ensures all six wild-card video games are rematches. It additionally ushers in a well-recognized routine for the Packers, whose annual Aaron Rodgers uncertainty is shifting towards the Brett Favre zone. Green Bay erred by not doing sufficient to present Rodgers a veteran receiving presence; the Packers (8-9) could be a playoff crew with a greater effort there. But they’ve a call to make re: Rodgers, who’s flirting with retirement. The Packers should pay Rodgers a $58.3 million roster bonus at any level in 2023, placing a commerce into play for a 3rd straight offseason. Failing to conquer the Lions — and seeing Quay Walker commit a ridiculous penalty that aided their go-ahead drive — with a playoff spot on the line is inexcusable.

PACKERS GRADE: D 

Reports level to McVay waffling on returning for a seventh Rams season. The crew prolonged the Super Bowl-winning head coach final yr amid earlier McVay exit rumors, however nothing went to plan this yr. The Rams do not need a lot for younger cornerstones; their stars are shifting towards the “aging” label. But McVay actually performed a lead position in the Rams (5-12) reaching this level — perpetually chasing stars and sacrificing beneficial draft capital. McVay, 36, leaving now could be a traditionally early sabbatical, and bolting after one dangerous season — and forward of what might be a cliff resulting from the crew’s strikes — would current iffy optics. More than something, the franchise-changing HC leaving would crush the Rams and deal a shock blow to the NFL’s Los Angeles market. 

RAMS GRADE: B-minus 

The Seahawks entered Sunday 0-13 over the previous two years when behind after three quarters, and extra Geno Smith rockiness put them on the ropes. Smith threw two INTs and noticed the Rams bungle a possible third. But the Seahawks persevered, thanks largely to Ken Walker’s 114-yard speeding day. Back in the kind that launched an Offensive Rookie of the Year marketing campaign, Walker delivered change-of-direction scampers to maintain the Seahawks afloat and ultimately arrange Jason Myers’ game-winning subject aim. Walker dropped his third straight 100-yard sport and fifth this season, changing into the first Seattle rookie to hurry for 1,000 yards since Curt Warner (1983). The Hawks (9-8) could also be a sitting duck for the 49ers, however their season was not precisely anticipated to increase this far.

SEAHAWKS GRADE: B-minus | NEXT: at 49ers (Sat.)

Robert Saleh oversaw the Jets’ enchancment from being the NFL’s worst protection in 2021 to fielding a top-10 unit this season. But the crew closed the season with seven straight losses. An offense held down by what seems like a mega-bust at QB (Zach Wilson) and accidents pushed the Jets (7-10) to this place. The crew closed the season with 31 consecutive touchdown-less drives. It is difficult to make a case this problem wouldn’t be mitigated with even common quarterback play, so firing OC Mike LaFleur — a Kyle Shanahan protégé dealt a foul hand in Wilson — appears untimely. But it does seem to be somebody pays for this collapse. With a brand new beginning QB nearly actually coming, the Jets’ younger wideouts could properly have to study a brand new system as properly.

JETS GRADE: C

The strong day from Miami’s backfield (143 mixed yards from Jeff Wilson and Raheem Mostert) apart, the Dolphins (9-8) be part of the Ravens as playoff nonfactors of their present kind. QB3 Skylar Thompson averaged 4.9 yards per try in an unpleasant overcome the depleted Jets. The Bills will mow down this Dolphins model, and so they in all probability won’t have a lot bother with a Teddy Bridgewater-led outfit. Tua Tagovailoa stays in concussion protocol two weeks after struggling both his second or third head harm this season. Mike McDaniel will face a dilemma, ought to Tua obtain clearance. Can Miami play him? The Dolphins began then-backup Matt Moore of their most up-to-date playoff sport; it seems extra possible than not they may roll with the same setup six years later.

DOLPHINS GRADE: C-plus | NEXT: at Bills (Sun.)

Watt’s efficiency this season — his finest in 4 years — made a case for a thirteenth yr, whereas his renewed well being introduced one for leaving at the proper time. Watt’s two sacks Sunday gave him 12.5 in his finale, and 49ers followers gave the all-time nice a standing ovation. The Cardinals (4-13) now should face an unpleasant actuality. They dedicated to the flawed GM-HC combo. Steve Keim and Kliff Kingsbury are about to go from signing through-2027 offers to being canned. Aging starters headline Arizona’s O-line, pass-catching corps, and backfield (Year 7 is growing old for a operating again, in James Conner’s case). It is odd to counsel blowing up a crew that simply licensed a franchise-QB deal, however the Cards want a reset.

CARDINALS GRADE: D 

A starter-for-hire for a few years, Gipson bounced from Cleveland to Jacksonville to Houston to Chicago from 2012-21. He was a stopgap for 3 playoff groups in that span. At 32, Gipson continues to be moving into that position for the highest-ceiling crew of his profession. The 49ers (13-4) have used Gipson at security in all 17 video games; his presence has allowed the league’s No. 1 protection to maintain its finest 5 DBs on the subject, with the versatile Jimmie Ward seeing elevated slot obligation. Gipson picked up his fourth and fifth INTs this season Sunday. The picks led to 10 49ers factors. This sport additionally concerned Deebo Samuel and Elijah Mitchell retuning for the 49ers, who zoomed previous the Cardinals and current the NFC’s most formidable operation coming into the playoffs. 

49ERS GRADE: A-minus | NEXT: vs. Seahawks (Sat.)

The Giants pressured the Eagles to kick 5 subject targets; their backups oddly fared much better towards Philly than their starters did final month. While the Giants (9-7-1) didn’t present curiosity in profitable, they hung around to the level a 3rd Eagles matchup won’t current clear blowout prospects for the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Showcasing their new workers’s teaching chops, the Giants displayed development in every of their rematches this season. They now draw possibly the most weak 13-win crew in fashionable NFL historical past. After well resting its key principals, New York might be a reside underdog in Minnesota. Had this unlikely window opened in 2021, the Giants would have confronted the Rams. Fortunately, Big Blue’s timetable pits them towards a Thirty first-ranked protection.

GIANTS GRADE: B-minus | NEXT: at Vikings (Sun.)

The Eagles completed the common season with 70 sacks — tied for the third-most in the sack period (1982-present) — and A.J. Brown broke Mike Quick’s 39-year-old single-season receiving yardage file on Philly’s first drive. The Eagles have a No. 1 seed for the second time in six seasons, however the well-rounded model that destroyed groups earlier than Jalen Hurts’ harm couldn’t bury the Giants’ second-stringers. An MVP candidate earlier than his shoulder harm, Hurts completed with a 24.9 QBR and, per Next Gen Stats, went 0-for-9 on performs with at the least 2.5 seconds to throw. There might be appreciable stress on the 14-3 crew popping out of the bye; dominance has confirmed elusive since its Meadowlands journey a month in the past.

EAGLES GRADE: C-plus | NEXT: bye

Ravens-Bengals seems to be the first of NBC’s two playoff picks; the AFC North rubber match’s Sunday-night placement proves mildly shocking. Baltimore (10-7) poses little menace to a superior Cincinnati squad with both Tyler Huntley or Anthony Brown. Either enjoying presents a actuality by which the Lamar Jackson contract deadlock could develop into second-half dialog fodder for the Mike Tirico-Cris Collinsworth duo. The Ravens haven’t scored multiple landing in a sport since Jackson’s Week 13 PCL harm, although they rested key starters Sunday and gave Brown little probability at triggering the coin-toss state of affairs. This is verging on a misplaced season for the Ravens, who could have to compete with a Jackson franchise-tag wage on the books come September.

RAVENS GRADE: C | NEXT: at Bengals (Sun.) 

Bengals fury over probably dropping out on a house playoff sport commandeered a number of information cycles in the wake of the NFL’s compromise plan. Fortunately, that a part of the equation is over. The Bengals’ protection teed off on Brown. Bates pressured two turnovers, intercepting a go and later stripping the ball from Sammy Watkins. The franchise-tagged security has a career-high 4 INTs. With the Bills submitting a mistake-prone second half and the Chiefs gifted an unimposing docket since their Bengals loss, Cincinnati (12-4) could current the AFC’s highest ground. Deprived of the probability to upend the Bills for the No. 2 seed, the Bengals will possible have to show it in Buffalo and Kansas City. There have been 17 situations of groups reserving back-to-back Super Bowl berths. None have completed so on the street each occasions.

BENGALS GRADE: B-plus | NEXT: vs. Ravens (Sun.)

Locked into the NFC’s No. 6 seed, the Giants managed to relaxation the bulk of their high expertise and can head to Minnesota unscathed. The Chargers assured the AFC’s No. 5 slot, inexplicably used their starters properly into the fourth quarter. Keenan Allen, who missed practically half the season with a hamstring harm, performed all through. Justin Herbert, Austin Ekeler, and Derwin James have been on the subject till the last stanza. The Chargers (10-7) would seemingly have adopted go well with with Joey Bosa (12 missed video games this season) and Mike Williams (4), besides every suffered accidents. While Williams’ again X-rays have been unfavourable, regardless of being carted to the locker room, Brandon Staley — in control of a notoriously injury-prone crew — bungled a free bye and didn’t even choose up a win to point out for it.

CHARGERS GRADE: D-plus | NEXT: at Jaguars (Sat.)

In what could be considered one of the prime Rooney Rule mockeries, the Broncos are believed to have agreed on commerce compensation with the Saints for Sean Payton. While an interview and a rent haven’t occurred, Payton could be the highest-profile Broncos HC since Mike Shanahan. His curiosity in Denver and Russell Wilson just isn’t totally identified, but when the course of has progressed this far, the 16-year Saints chief possible views this as a suitable spot. Wilson completed off a depressing season properly, averaging 11.8 yards per try (his fourth-best profession mark) and delivering two of his finest throws all season — each to Jerry Jeudy, who totaled a career-high 154 yards. Denver’s Wilson commerce leaves restricted draft property to present New Orleans, however salvaging Wilson, Jeudy, and Co. could make the excessive value price it.

BRONCOS GRADE: A 

Calling the Cowboys the NFC’s Chargers could also be harsh; the former affords larger playoff frequency. But the Cowboys match the Chargers’ unreliability; their streak of seasons with out a convention championship sport cameo far outpaces the Bolts’. Dallas (12-5) delivered its worst sport all season, dropping by three scores towards a Washington crew enjoying a third-string quarterback. Dak Prescott performed 3 1/2 quarters, throwing a pick-six and finishing 14 of 37 passes. Special groups errors raised Dak’s diploma of issue, however this was a stunning loss. The Buccaneers beat the Cowboys 19-3 in Week 1. Just because it appeared like the Cowboys had moved properly forward of the underwhelming Bucs, immediately, the upcoming journey to Florida seems dicey.

COWBOYS GRADE: F | NEXT: at Buccaneers (Mon.)

Sam Howell outplaying Prescott, providing intrigue as a passer and a runner, gave the Commanders a .500 season (8-8-1) and provides promise heading into what appeared like one other sobering offseason. The fifth-round rookie’s cutback landing run preceded a Commander mob in the finish zone, and his 52-yard dime to Terry McLaurin marked considered one of the crew’s season highlights. Sunday shouldn’t be sufficient for the Commanders, who’re all however sure to chop Carson Wentz and save $26.2M, to keep away from diving again into the QB pool. But after Wentz’s dud towards the Browns, this could save Ron Rivera’s job. Because what higher possibility would need to take over with Dan Snyder nonetheless operating the present?

COMMANDERS GRADE: A-plus 

The Eagles and Cowboys are limping into the playoffs; the Vikings boast by far the worst protection left; the 49ers ransacked the Buccaneers final month however nonetheless use a third-string QB. The finest model of the Bucs (8-9), shamefully, has a sneaky probability to make noise in the NFC. But Tampa Bay has confoundingly appeared little like its previous two variations, regardless of comparable personnel. Still, Tom Brady confirmed in Week 17 he stays able to high-end play. Brady broke his personal single-season completion mark in Atlanta earlier than leaving the sport, including 13 to his ledger (for a season-closing 490). With the NFC missing a superpower, the door is barely ajar for the Bucs. Though, they’ve far much less margin for error in comparison with their 2020 and ’21 iterations.

BUCCANEERS GRADE: D | NEXT: vs. Cowboys (Mon.)

Although he has obtained a fraction of the consideration Ken Walker and even Breece Hall have, Tyler Allgeier crossed the 1,000-yard barrier in the Falcons’ finale. His 4.9-yard common surpasses Walker. Allgeier slithered previous the Bucs’ entrance seven — albeit partially towards backups — usually Sunday, totaling 135 yards. This was solely Allgeier’s second 100-yard sport, making Offensive Rookie of the Year acclaim unlikely. Allgeier broke the Falcons’ file for many rookie-year speeding yards, topping the underrated William Andrews’ mark from 1979. The Falcons (7-10) finish their season with questions at many positions, together with quarterback, however they discovered their backfield reply in Round 5.

FALCONS GRADE: A-minus 

Against a Bears crew rolling out the crimson carpet — as the No. 1 choose being in the stability — the Vikings intercepted two passes and allowed their fewest factors (13) since Week 1. Nathan Peterman and Tim Boyle have been factored in prominently right here, and the Vikings (13-4) entered this throwaway sport Thirty first in complete protection and in scoring. Only one 13-win crew has ever misplaced in the wild-card spherical — the 2019 Saints, who fell to the Vikings — however Ed Donatell’s protection places Minnesota in peril of doubling that checklist. Daniel Jones’ 30 completions in Minnesota marked a career-high. While the Vikes weren’t anticipated to return close to 13 wins this season, it nonetheless seems unusual to see a protection of this caliber hooked up to that win complete.

VIKINGS GRADE: B | NEXT: vs. Giants (Sun.)

Although the Bears-Texans competitors introduced drama, the NFL wants to contemplate a lottery. Absent one, the Bears’ 10-game dropping streak ended with the franchise having the probability to make a No. 1 total choose for the first time in 76 years (trivia). The Bears (3-14) sitting Justin Fields, and the crew receiving an inconceivable present from former HC Lovie Smith, units them up for April. After not having a first-round choose in three of the previous 5 years, the Bears can take considered one of the impression SEC D-linemen (Georgia’s Jalen Carter, Alabama’s Will Anderson) or strive for a Jared Goff- or Carson Wentz-type bounty from a QB-seeking crew. With the high choose and an early gargantuan cap-space lead, GM Ryan Poles’ rebuild resides in a really perfect place coming into Year 2.

BEARS GRADE: C-minus 

It took two fourth-and-long conversions — the second of which was a short-range Hail Mary that landed in Jordan Akins’ arms with out a lot Colts resistance — and a do-or-die two-pointer, however the Texans gained their season collection towards the Colts. This didn’t save Smith’s job, however the three-time head coach delivered a parting present to a crew needing to discover a fourth coach in 4 years. The Texans (3-13-1) have made two of the oddest teaching hires in current reminiscence, including 60-somethings (Smith, David Culley) when nobody else had both on their radar. GM Nick Caserio performed the Deshaun Watson commerce brilliantly, however the ex-Patriots exec’s teaching searches have been so baffling it looks as if his job is unsafe. Now with out the No. 1 choose, Houston stays on an old-school rebuild monitor.

TEXANS GRADE: B-plus 

The Colts have changed the Jaguars as an AFC bottom-feeder, delivering considered one of the worst second halves to a season in years. The Gus Bradley-led protection, which deteriorated significantly, providing a horrendous Hail Mary deterrence effort, does give the Colts (4-12-1) their highest draft alternative (No. 4) since Andrew Luck 11 years in the past. The draft is GM Chris Ballard’s energy, and the Colts are in prime quarterback territory at 4. But the crew has slipped into chaos. Jim Irsay’s meddling has modified the franchise’s path, and though the erratic proprietor insists Ballard is staying, the occasions of the previous yr have made this an undesirable scenario. The Colts could have a tricky time attracting good teaching or GM candidates (in the occasion Ballard is out). 

COLTS GRADE: D 

The Browns noticed one other participant (Jadeveon Clowney) go rogue, following Odell Beckham Jr.’s instance, and wrapped up one more disappointing season. Clowney’s explosive feedback solely ding the crew’s repute, as he’s on the method out. But the Browns (7-10) are tethered to Watson for some time. The solely low-cost cap quantity on Watson’s record-smashing contract ended with the embattled passer lastly throwing his first TD passes as a Brown on Sunday. He finishes with two in six video games. Watson confirmed extra flashes of his Houston model but additionally threw two ugly INTs. Nick Chubb additionally was much less efficient with Watson in comparison with Jacoby Brissett. This might be an important offseason for the Browns, who will see Watson’s cap determine rise from $9 million to a file $54.9M.

BROWNS GRADE: D-plus 

Alex Highsmith’s extension worth retains climbing. The former third-round choose totaled two extra sacks in Week 18 and finishes the season with 14. Highsmith not solely greater than doubled his earlier profession sack excessive, however his 5 pressured fumbles lead the league. The Steelers are believed to be eyeing a Highsmith extension. Still, with T.J. Watt the NFL’s highest-paid edge defender, that plan — with Minkah Fitzpatrick additionally the league’s second-highest-paid security — seems harder after this breakthrough season. Although the Steelers misplaced their five-year sack title to the Eagles and didn’t see dominoes fall their method for a playoff berth, Highsmith, Watt, and Cam Heyward did lots to assist Mike Tomlin take this crew from 2-6 to 9-8. 

STEELERS GRADE: A-minus 

Last March, the Panthers, Saints, and Falcons have been Watson finalists. After the Browns’ stunning extension supply, Watson’s plans of enjoying in the NFC South modified. The Panthers (7-10) went with Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold. The latter supplied extra hope however closed his contract yr with considered one of the worst QB performances anybody posted all season. Darnold went 5-for-15 for 43 yards and two INTs. Somehow, Carolina prevailed. Darnold, following a 341-yard effort with this, may trigger bother for his free company. Seeking a QB improve for a fourth straight offseason, the Panthers can’t make Darnold greater than a contingency plan.

PANTHERS GRADE: C 

Holding Darnold to that stat line and dropping ends a forgettable Saints season. New Orleans rostered veterans throughout its protection and alongside its O-line however gave Andy Dalton 14 begins. With Jameis Winston buried and the Saints (7-10) having dealt their 2023 first-round choose for a 2022 asset (Chris Olave), this nearly needs to be a Derek Carr pursuer. No GM outflanks Mickey Loomis on the subject of cap maneuvering, although including a $40.4 million bonus could be new territory for a GM that had Drew Brees on $25M-per-year contracts for years. The Saints, per standard, are useless final in cap house. Unless they consider Jimmy Garoppolo will start a run of fine well being as he heads towards his mid-30s, it is a prime crew for the 31-year-old Carr. 

SAINTS GRADE: C-minus

Dobbs placing the Jaguars on the ropes (and absolutely horrifying TV execs involved of this Titans version’s rankings impression) displays properly on the journeyman backup’s skill and persistence. The Seventeenth-day Titan performed significantly better than Malik Willis, whose aerial nothingness did little to point he’s Ryan Tannehill’s inheritor obvious, and practically made Tennessee’s injury-wrecked lineup a playoff squad. Dobbs, who entered December with 17 go makes an attempt in six seasons, made a good case for a backup job someplace. The Titans (7-10) can depend on Mike Vrabel, however they took on an excessive amount of water this season. Their formulation of the previous few years crumbling factors to Jon Robinson’s GM alternative dealing with huge selections.

TITANS GRADE: B 

Rarely does an injured reserve disparity attain the stage Saturday evening’s sport introduced. The Jaguars have 5 gamers on IR; the Titans entered the sport with 23. Yet Jacksonville’s run sport did subsequent to nothing, and its protection repeatedly struggled to halt Dobbs-to-tight finish connections. Fortunately for the uneven however intriguing Jags (9-8), Rayshawn Jenkins and Josh Allen’s pressured fumbles prevented what would have been an agonizing loss. Allen and defensive finish Arden Key mixed for 13 pressures. The Jags, who evaded the Saturday afternoon wild-card timeslot normally reserved for the AFC South, are the division’s solely crew on an upward trajectory. 

JAGUARS GRADE: B-minus | NEXT: vs. Chargers (Sat.)

The Chiefs lastly smashed the gasoline pedal, pummeling the Raiders. Continuing a push to overhaul Aaron Donald as the league’s premier D-tackle, Chris Jones upped his sack complete to fifteen.5. The Chiefs (14-3) additionally carry extra run-game punch into these playoffs, through the Isiah Pacheco-Jerick McKinnon minimum-salary tandem. The Bills dropping their path to the No. 1 seed due to a horrifying harm overshadows the AFC playoffs, particularly with the Chiefs dropping to Buffalo and Cincinnati. This just isn’t the finest Patrick Mahomes-era Chiefs crew, however the possible MVP is 4-for-4 in the divisional spherical. And the unprecedented cancelation permits Kansas City to keep away from Cincinnati in Round 2. Coasting alongside for a stretch, the Chiefs have a transparent path — the neutral-site wrinkle however — to Super Bowl LVII.

CHIEFS GRADE: A | NEXT: bye

The Raiders (6-11) are set to unload Derek Carr at the similar time Tom Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo might be free brokers factors to Josh McDaniels making an attempt to safe a reunion. McDaniels viewing Brady, who might be 46 by Week 1 of the 2023 season, as a transparent Carr improve could be fairly daring. Jon Gruden thought-about Brady too outdated at 43. But the gamers with the firmest grasps of McDaniels’ offense are every free agents-to-be. McDaniels tried to commerce for considered one of his Patriots pupils throughout his first head teaching go-round, a Matt Cassel pursuit that alienated Jay Cutler in 2009, and with maybe yet another season to point out Mark Davis he might be the uncommon ex-Pats coach to succeed on his personal, entrusting the gig to maybe the draft’s third or fourth QB prospect is dicey.

RAIDERS GRADE: F