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NFL Playoff Seeding Finalized: Wild Card Weekend Predictions and Complete Postseason Schedule

Week 18 NFL Schedule Finalized: Key Matchups Include Jaguars vs. Colts and Vikings vs. Lions
Week 18 NFL Schedule Finalized: Key Matchups Include Jaguars vs. Colts and Vikings vs. Lions

The 2024 NFL regular season has concluded, and 14 teams are now aiming for the Super Bowl LIX title in New Orleans.

On Sunday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos secured playoff spots in the NFC and AFC, respectively. The Buccaneers also claimed their fourth straight NFC South title.

The Detroit Lions took the No. 1 NFC seed, pushing the 14-3 Minnesota Vikings to No. 5.

The AFC is top-heavy, with five of the seven NFC teams having at least 11 wins.

Now, the postseason is about to begin, and here’s a breakdown of the AFC playoff teams and upcoming games, with insights from NFL experts like Gary Davenport, Brent Sobleski, Kris Knox, and Maurice Moton.

AFC Playoff Teams

  1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-2): Despite some struggles earlier in the season, the Chiefs found their rhythm, winning six games in a row before resting key players in Week 18. With key players like Isiah Pacheco and Marquise Brown back from injury, Kansas City is hoping to make a historic three-peat.
  2. Buffalo Bills (13-4): With Josh Allen playing at an MVP level, the Bills have a strong chance to break through in the playoffs. However, their weak run defense, allowing 4.7 yards per carry, may become an issue, especially if they face the Ravens again.
  3. Baltimore Ravens (12-5): The Ravens surged after their bye week, finishing on a four-game win streak. They’re looking to make a playoff push, hoping to build on last year’s AFC Championship loss, with a solid defense and Derrick Henry to balance the offense.
  4. Houston Texans (10-7): Despite an average performance this season compared to last, the Texans remain a dangerous team. Injuries to key players like Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell hurt their offense, but they’ve been finding momentum late in the season.
Houston Texans celebrate in the 2nd half
  1. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6): Under head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers improved quickly, with a defense that ranked No. 1 in scoring before Week 18. Their defense will be crucial as they look to pull off upsets, backed by rookie wideout Ladd McConkey and running back J.K. Dobbins.
  2. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7): Despite making the playoffs, the Steelers have struggled with a four-game losing streak. Their usually strong defense has allowed 27.3 points per game recently, and they’ll need to refocus quickly to avoid a short playoff run.
  3. Denver Broncos (10-7): The Broncos secured their playoff spot with a win over the Chiefs, clinching a 10-win season. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix has been impressive, and with a top-five defense, Denver is looking to compete in the postseason.

Here’s how the NFC teams are positioned in the playoff bracket:

  1. Detroit Lions (15-2): The Lions have faced a number of injuries to key players like Aidan Hutchinson, David Montgomery, Alim McNeill, and Carlton Davis. Despite this, Detroit has a strong chance of reaching their first-ever Super Bowl. Jahmyr Gibbs has stepped up as a leading running back, Jared Goff directs a powerful passing attack, and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn keeps finding ways to make the defense perform. Head coach Dan Campbell, known for being aggressive, will keep teams on their toes. With home-field advantage, a week to rest, and possibly getting some injured players back, the Lions will be tough to beat in the playoffs.
  2. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3): The Eagles secured the No. 2 seed before Week 18 and rested their key players to focus on the long term. While resting players was important, head coach Nick Sirianni’s decisions have been questioned this season. The Eagles have strong offensive and defensive units, but the big question is whether Sirianni will make the right calls in key moments. Despite leading the team to the Super Bowl two years ago, Sirianni still needs to prove he can be trusted.
  3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7): The Buccaneers have the potential to win a playoff game at home for the second consecutive year. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has been playing well, and offensive coordinator Liam Coen has been successful in exploiting opposing defenses. With playmakers like Mike Evans, Bucky Irving, and rookie Jalen McMillan, the Buccaneers can keep up with high-scoring teams. However, their defense has been an issue throughout the season, and it nearly cost them a win against the New Orleans Saints in the season finale.
  4. Los Angeles Rams (10-7): The Rams clinched the NFC West in Week 17 and rested many of their key players, including quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. With their offensive stars healthy, the Rams are ready to be a force in the playoffs. Although their defense has had issues, it includes some exciting young players. Head coach Sean McVay has shown he can be trusted in the postseason, and after a rough start, the Rams now look like a team others won’t want to face.
  5. Minnesota Vikings (14-3): The Vikings’ loss to the Lions raised some concerns, especially with their secondary struggling and quarterback Sam Darnold facing heavy pressure. However, the loss doesn’t make Minnesota any less dangerous in the playoffs. Darnold has been playing well, and the Vikings have plenty of skilled players. Their defense can create sacks and turnovers, and they reached 14 wins for a reason. This team is likely to be a tough opponent in the postseason.
  6. Washington Commanders (12-5): The Commanders were one of the biggest surprises this season. After securing a playoff berth in Week 17, they have a solid chance to make an impact in the playoffs. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, drafted second overall, has been a key factor in the team’s success and plays with the poise of a veteran. While Washington’s run defense is weak, their pass defense is strong, and they are well-coached by Dan Quinn, who has led a team to the Super Bowl before. The Commanders are prepared for the Wild Card Round.
Washington Commanders players after a pass
  1. Green Bay Packers (11-6): The Packers didn’t want to end the regular season with a loss to the Chicago Bears, but it didn’t matter as Washington’s win dropped Green Bay to the No. 7 seed. Quarterback Jordan Love and wide receiver Christian Watson both left the game with injuries, with Watson’s injury being more concerning. Green Bay is also missing star cornerback Jaire Alexander, who is on injured reserve. While the Packers have an improved defense and a strong running back in Josh Jacobs, they don’t feel as threatening as an 11-win team should, especially with key injuries at a critical time.

Here’s the full schedule for this year’s playoffs:

WILD CARD ROUND

Saturday, January 11

  • AFC Wild Card Round—(5) Los Angeles Chargers at (4) Houston Texans: 4:30 p.m. ET (CBS)
  • AFC Wild Card Round—(6) Pittsburgh Steelers at (3) Baltimore Ravens: 8:00 p.m. ET (Prime Video)

Sunday, January 12

  • AFC Wild Card Round—(7) Denver Broncos at (2) Buffalo Bills: 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
  • NFC Wild Card Round—(7) Green Bay Packers at (2) Philadelphia Eagles: 4:30 p.m. ET (FOX)
  • NFC Wild Card Round—(6) Washington Commanders at (3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 8:15 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock)

Monday, January 13

  • NFC Wild Card Round—(5) Minnesota Vikings at (4) Los Angeles Rams: 8:00 p.m. ET (ESPN/ABC)

DIVISIONAL ROUND

Saturday, January 18

  • AFC Divisional Round—4:30 p.m. ET (TV TBD)
  • NFC Divisional Round—8:15 p.m. ET (TV TBD)

Sunday, January 19

  • AFC Divisional Round—3:00 p.m. ET (TV TBD)
  • NFC Divisional Round—6:30 p.m. ET (TV TBD)

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Sunday, January 26

  • NFC Championship—3:00 p.m. ET (FOX)
  • AFC Championship—6:30 p.m. ET (CBS)

SUPER BOWL LIX

Sunday, February 9

  • AFC Champion vs. NFC Champion – Caesars Superdome, New Orleans: 6:30 p.m. ET (FOX)
Denver Broncos players celebrate after an interception in the 2nd half

(7) Denver Broncos at (2) Buffalo Bills

When the Denver Broncos play the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the playoffs, they will face a tough challenge.

First, the Bills have a clear edge at quarterback. Josh Allen might be named the 2024 NFL MVP. He is playing at a high level, and his teammate Von Miller even compared his performance to that of past stars.

“I don’t like to make comparisons; I played with Peyton Manning and Matthew Stafford. Those guys are special in their own right,” Miller said, per ESPN’s Alania Getzenberg. “But this year, Josh is just doing something totally different and he’s not forcing it, he’s not trying too hard, he’s not looking for it, it’s just him.”

On the other hand, the Broncos will rely on rookie Bo Nix. Nix has had an excellent season with 33 total touchdowns and fits well in Sean Payton’s offense. However, he’s still a rookie quarterback about to play in his first playoff game, while Allen has already played in 11 postseason games and led his team to an AFC Championship Game.

Second, the Bills are more experienced as a team. They are familiar with playoff games, while the Broncos are making their first playoff appearance since Peyton Manning led them to a Super Bowl win nine years ago.

The Broncos’ defense will try to pressure Allen and his teammates. Pressuring him will be key to disrupting the Bills’ success, but Allen is playing too well this season to be stopped in the Wild Card Round.

Prediction: Bills 28, Broncos 20

(6) Pittsburgh Steelers at (3) Baltimore Ravens

These division rivals will play for the third time in two months after each team won one game in the season series.

The Steelers have had success against Lamar Jackson in the regular season, but this will be their first time facing him in the playoffs.

Jackson usually plays at a high level during the regular season but has struggled with his passing in January. In the playoffs, he has thrown six touchdowns and six interceptions, completing less than 59 percent of his passes in four out of six games.

Although the Steelers have had some struggles recently on both offense and defense, their experience with Jackson should help them keep the game close while playing on the road.

However, running back Derrick Henry will eventually tire out Pittsburgh’s defense and show why he could be the key to the Ravens’ Super Bowl hopes. Remember, he rushed for 162 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers in Week 16. Henry will rush for over 120 yards in another victory.

Prediction: Ravens 23, Steelers 19

Baltimore Ravens players celebrate after scoring

(5) Los Angeles Chargers at (4) Houston Texans

This will be the first game of the season between the Chargers and Texans, as there was no regular-season matchup.

The two teams are heading in different directions. While the Texans won in Week 18 and became the AFC South champions, they lost two games to playoff teams near the end of the season. On the other hand, the Chargers are entering the playoffs with a three-game winning streak.

These teams are similarly ranked and will try to do similar things. Both teams aim to establish the run with players like Joe Mixon for the Texans and J.K. Dobbins for the Chargers, setting up play-action passes. Both teams also have strong edge-rushers who can pressure quarterbacks C.J. Stroud and Justin Herbert.

However, as the season went on, injuries to the Texans’ receivers have caused their offense to struggle. The Chargers will likely focus on covering Nico Collins and force Houston to try to beat them with other receivers. The Chargers also have a solid defense, with a top-10 pass defense and one of the toughest scoring defenses.

Los Angeles has the better quarterback in Justin Herbert, and a late drive leading to a Cameron Dicker field goal will send the Chargers to the Divisional Round, ending what seemed to be a promising season for Stroud and the Texans.

Prediction: Chargers 26, Texans 24

(7) Green Bay Packers at (2) Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles and Packers played their season opener in Brazil, where the Eagles won 34-29 in a close game.

Since then, not much has changed for the Eagles. Saquon Barkley is still the main player on offense, and quarterback Jalen Hurts continues to target wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, who can make big plays down the field.

Since their Week 10 bye, the Packers have relied on a run-heavy offense with Josh Jacobs, who has scored a touchdown in eight straight games, totaling 11 touchdowns in that span.

However, Green Bay’s offense may not be at full strength for this game. Quarterback Jordan Love (elbow) and wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) were both injured on Sunday. While Love is expected to play in the Wild Card game, Watson’s status is uncertain.

Green Bay’s defense might also be weaker for this matchup. They lost cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) for the season. While safety Xavier McKinney can help with coverage, he cannot cover everything on the field.

Barkley, Brown, and Smith will lead the Eagles to a victory.

Prediction: Eagles 27, Packers 24

Green Bay Packers players celebrate after an interception

(6) Washington Commanders at (3) Buccaneers

In Week 1, the Buccaneers beat the Commanders 37-20 in Tampa. That was Jayden Daniels’ first NFL game, and Washington has become a much stronger team since then.

The Commanders ended the regular season with four straight wins, entering the playoffs with a powerful offense, an experienced coach in Dan Quinn, and a lot of confidence. The playoff game is expected to be much different.

This game is likely to be an offensive battle. Both teams have top-10 offenses and defenses that allow a lot of points. Daniels and Baker Mayfield are expected to trade touchdowns, but the game might be decided by the run game.

Washington’s defense has been weak against the run and was ranked 30th in yards allowed per carry before Week 18. The Buccaneers have one of the best rushing attacks, led by Rachaad White and rookie Bucky Irving. They were ranked 3rd in yards per carry and 4th in rushing yards after being the worst in almost all rushing categories last year.

Washington can also run the ball well, and Daniels has shown that he can perform in big moments. However, the Buccaneers are built to run their way into the Divisional Round.

Prediction: Buccaneers 34, Commanders 28

(5) Minnesota Vikings at (4) Los Angeles Rams

The Los Angeles Rams will host the Minnesota Vikings on Monday as the higher seed in the playoffs, but they are technically the underdog.

Minnesota is the No. 5 seed mainly because it shares a division with the Detroit Lions, who are the best team in the NFC. The Vikings were fighting for that spot until the last regular season game.

Sam Darnold and the Vikings proved that they are a strong team, with only two losses all season.

The Rams were one of the teams to beat the Vikings, winning 30-20 in Week 8.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell said, “I think we were close on some plays. But when you’re playing against that quarterback, and those receivers getting healthy and making some plays, it just comes down to whether we can get enough rush and coverage working together to not give a quarterback like that extra time.”

The Rams made sure to rest quarterback Matthew Stafford and receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua in Week 18 to ensure they were healthy for this rematch. After seeing Detroit beat the Vikings, the Rams know they need to be very aggressive on defense to disrupt Sam Darnold and the Vikings’ offense.

Like the Lions, the Rams have the tools to beat the Vikings again.

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NFL (American Football)

Texans’ Azeez Al-Shaair describes being in a “really dark place” following his suspension for the hit on Lawrence

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair reacts after a play against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair shared that he was in a “really dark place” and questioned whether he would ever play football again after being suspended for three games due to his hit on Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence, which caused a concussion.

Speaking to reporters for the first time since his suspension, Al-Shaair opened up about his feelings during the time away from the game.

“When somebody says they’re in a dark place, as dark as you can go is where I was truthfully,” he said.

Al-Shaair mentioned that it was difficult to imagine playing football again before meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and league executives Troy Vincent and Jon Runyan.

The hit on Lawrence caused the quarterback to clench both fists in a reaction that is often seen after a brain injury. Lawrence was down for several minutes as his teammates rushed to his side, leading to a brawl. While Al-Shaair was leaving the field after being ejected, fans began yelling at him, and a further altercation occurred with Jaguars guard Brandon Scherff.

Texans teammate Will Anderson tried to escort Al-Shaair off the field when a fan threw a water bottle, hitting Anderson in the helmet.

Al-Shaair understood the suspension but disagreed with how Runyan described him in the letter informing him of the punishment. The letter mentioned Al-Shaair’s “lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football,” which he found troubling.

“I really had a moment of, there’s no way I can go out and play football again if this is how people that I work with view me,” Al-Shaair said.

He said Runyan clarified that he was referring only to the hit and the subsequent brawl and not to his entire career. Al-Shaair admitted that he made a mistake by taking off his helmet and starting another fight, but he insisted that he never intended to hurt Lawrence.

Trevor Lawrence throws a pass in the 1st half

After his suspension, Al-Shaair spent about five days without doing much. He described the experience as “a blur,” where he didn’t eat or go anywhere.

However, messages of encouragement from children at a foster care organization in Tennessee, which he had met during his time with the Titans, helped him get out of his slump.

“I can just keep sitting here sad and sulking, or I can just do what I always do, which is just try to be positive and spread positivity,” Al-Shaair said.

He flew to Nashville to attend a foster care event he had previously attended, and the positive reception from people there helped him feel better.

“When you see people that were happy to see me, it kind of snapped me back,” he said. “Regardless of what’s being said, you know who you are and just lean into that.”

Now, as the Texans prepare for their game against the Titans on Sunday, Al-Shaair is ready to return to the field for the first time since the hit on Lawrence. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans is excited to have him back, as the team has struggled with injuries and two consecutive losses heading into the playoffs.

“We’ve missed him over these past three weeks, just missed his presence, his leadership, missed his playmaking ability on the field,” Ryans said. “So, we’re excited to get him back out there and let him knock some of the rust off.”

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NFL (American Football)

Netflix’s NFL Christmas Day doubleheader attracts over 30 million viewers worldwide on average

Fans watch the players warm up before the game

Netflix’s first NFL Christmas Day doubleheader turned out to be a success around the globe.

The Baltimore Ravens’ 31-2 win over the Houston Texans attracted an average of 31.3 million viewers, while the Kansas City Chiefs’ 29-10 victory over Pittsburgh reached 30 million worldwide, according to data Netflix released on Tuesday.

These two games also became the most streamed NFL games in U.S. history.

The Ravens-Texans game now has an updated average of 27.2 million viewers, with the Chiefs-Steelers game getting 25.8 million, according to Nielsen and Netflix.

Both games surpassed the previous record of 23 million viewers set by last season’s AFC wild-card game between the Miami Dolphins and the Chiefs, which aired on Peacock.

Nielsen also reported that 65 million U.S. viewers watched at least one minute of one of the two games, making it Netflix’s most-watched Christmas Day.

Netflix and the NFL said that viewers from 218 countries and territories watched at least one of the games.

This was also a good recovery for Netflix after they experienced widespread streaming issues during the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight on November 14. The only noticeable technical issue on Christmas Day was that the stream sometimes failed to go to live action, restarting at the beginning when viewers tuned in.

“In terms of the big picture, it went as well as we could have hoped,” said Brandon Riegg, Netflix’s vice president of nonfiction series and sports.

“Given the weight of expectations, especially coming off a fight, I think we acquitted ourselves as well as we could have hoped.

Travis Kelce runs in the 1st half

I’m glad that the narrative changed and there was at least an acknowledgment that we didn’t run into any of those issues that plagued us before.”

The Chiefs-Steelers game was in the daily top 10 in 72 countries, with high viewership in Canada, Germany, Ireland, and Britain. The Ravens-Texans game was in the daily top 10 in 62 countries, with high numbers in Australia, Austria, and Mexico.

The viewer numbers include those who watched on Netflix, mobile viewers on NFL+, and those who tuned in on CBS stations in Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Baltimore, and Houston.

Although the NFL’s Christmas numbers were lower compared to last season, the drop wasn’t as steep as it often is when broadcast games move to streaming.

Last year, three games averaged 28.68 million viewers. The early afternoon game between the Las Vegas Raiders and Chiefs led the way, with an average of 29.48 million on CBS.

This year’s games marked the start of a three-year partnership between Netflix and the NFL for Christmas Day games. Netflix will have at least one game next season, and there’s a possibility of another doubleheader since Christmas falls on a Thursday in 2025.

This would bring three games on Christmas next year, as Amazon Prime Video holds the Thursday night package. The NFL has had three Thanksgiving Day games since 2006, so this wouldn’t be unusual.

“This proves a couple of things. One, that Christmas Day as an event, and then I think with our reach and the production partners that we had in terms of execution (CBS, NFL Network, and EverWonder Studio), we did create something that was both buzzy and with high engagement,” Riegg said.

The success of Christmas Day also gives Netflix momentum going into the new year, as its worldwide partnership with World Wrestling Entertainment will begin on Monday when “Monday Night Raw” moves to the streaming service.

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NFL (American Football)

Jimmie Ward’s Season Ends Early with Foot Injury, Texans Adjusting for Playoff Push

Jimmie Ward’s Season Ends Early with Foot Injury, Texans Adjusting for Playoff Push
Jimmie Ward’s Season Ends Early with Foot Injury, Texans Adjusting for Playoff Push

Jimmie Ward’s 2024 season has come to an early end, mirroring his 2023 campaign, as he has been placed on injured reserve following a foot injury. Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed that Ward will undergo season-ending surgery after being carted off during the team’s 27-19 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite the injury, Ward is expected to make a full recovery and should be cleared for offseason workouts. His absence will leave a significant hole in the Texans’ defense as they prepare for a Christmas Day matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

Ward’s injury occurred just before halftime when he attempted to tackle Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt. The veteran defensive back landed awkwardly on his foot and was immediately taken to the locker room for further evaluation. He later traveled back with the team, but the injury was severe enough to require surgery, effectively ending his season.

Jimmie Ward’s Season Ends Early with Foot Injury, Texans Adjusting for Playoff Push
Jimmie Ward’s Season Ends Early with Foot Injury, Texans Adjusting for Playoff Push

Ward’s absence will be especially challenging for the Texans because of his versatility in the defensive backfield. Initially starting the season at safety, Ward was forced to move to the nickel position after Jalen Pitre, a third-year starter, suffered a season-ending injury. This shift allowed Ward to continue contributing at a high level, but now the Texans will need to adjust once more without him.

To fill the void, the Texans have several options. Rookie Kamari Lassiter, drafted with the intent to start at nickel, has already seen action in that role after Ward’s injury. The Texans could also shift former No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okudah to the outside cornerback spot opposite Derek Stingley Jr. Another possibility is starting Myles Bryant inside while keeping Lassiter on the edge to handle one-on-one matchups.

In 2024, Ward finishes his season with 48 tackles, four pass breakups, and two interceptions over 10 games. Despite his strong individual performance, his injury leaves the Texans with a difficult challenge as they look to continue their playoff push without one of their key defensive players. The team’s next game against the Baltimore Ravens will take place at NRG Stadium on Christmas Day at 3:30 p.m.

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NFL (American Football)

Texans Claim Diontae Johnson Off Waivers Following Tank Dell’s Season-Ending Injury

Texans Claim Diontae Johnson Off Waivers Following Tank Dell's Season-Ending Injury
Texans Claim Diontae Johnson Off Waivers Following Tank Dell's Season-Ending Injury

The Houston Texans made a move to bolster their receiving corps by claiming wide receiver Diontae Johnson off waivers on Monday, following the news that Tank Dell had suffered a season-ending knee injury. Dell sustained a torn ACL and dislocated kneecap during the Texans’ 27-19 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. The injury left the Texans thin at wide receiver, prompting the team to act quickly to add depth.

Earlier in the day, the Texans announced Dell’s injury, which marked a significant blow to their offense. With the loss of Dell, who had been a key contributor, the Texans turned to the waiver wire for help. The Los Angeles Chargers were the only other team to place a waiver claim on Johnson, according to ESPN’s Field Yates, indicating there was limited competition for his services at the time.

Texans Claim Diontae Johnson Off Waivers Following Tank Dell's Season-Ending Injury
Texans Claim Diontae Johnson Off Waivers Following Tank Dell’s Season-Ending Injury

Johnson had been waived by the Baltimore Ravens on Friday, bringing an end to his tumultuous seven-week stint with the team. His time in Baltimore was marked by controversy, including a suspension for refusing to play in a Dec. 1 game against the Philadelphia Eagles, followed by his excusal from team activities the following week. Johnson was acquired by the Ravens in a trade with the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 29 but had limited playing time, managing just 39 snaps and one catch for 6 yards in his brief tenure.

Before his time in Baltimore, Johnson had been with the Carolina Panthers, who had traded for him prior to the season. In Carolina, he recorded 30 catches for 257 yards and three touchdowns. Johnson’s early career was spent with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he was drafted in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Over four seasons with the Steelers, he accumulated 391 receptions for 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 after his career-high 1,000-yard season.

The Ravens, in turn, claimed wide receiver and kick returner Steven Sims off waivers from the Texans on Monday. Sims had shown his value on special teams this season, averaging 27.9 yards on kickoff returns and 6.2 yards on punt returns. With the Texans set to host the Ravens on Christmas Day, both teams made roster adjustments as they looked to improve their depth ahead of their upcoming matchup. Johnson, who will be an unrestricted free agent after the season, hopes to revive his career with the Texans.

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NFL (American Football)

The Texans aim to regain momentum before the playoffs following their heavy defeat to the Ravens

C.J. Stroud looks to pass in the 1st half

The Houston Texans definitely didn’t play like a playoff team in their heavy loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday.

With only one game remaining before the playoffs, the AFC South champions understand they need to improve a lot to compete in the postseason.

“That’s not who we are. That’s not what we represent,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “What we put out there on the field, that’s not Texans football. For anybody to come back and bounce back from it, you’ve got to check yourself and make sure you’re playing with elite execution and elite energy.”

The 29-point loss to the Ravens was Houston’s biggest defeat of the season. The defense allowed a season-high 251 rushing yards, and the offense failed to score any points, with the only points coming from a safety in the second quarter.

Quarterback C.J. Stroud threw an interception and missed several throws in a game he called “one of the worst games of my whole career.” When asked how he and the team would move on from such a tough loss, he said, “That’s the only thing we can do.

Baltimore Ravens players celebrate after scoring

There is nothing in life you can go … back and re-do, so it’s all about how you respond. You hit rock bottom; the only way is up. So, we still have a lot of hope. At the end of the day, we clinched our division. We still have an opportunity in the playoffs.”

The Texans (9-7) failed to convert in the red zone twice during the game, which lowered their red zone efficiency to 50.94%, ranking 26th in the NFL.

After their safety, they had a chance to close the gap or possibly tie the game when they had a first down at the 10-yard line. Joe Mixon gained 7 yards on the first down, but the drive stalled.

He was stopped for a 1-yard loss on second down, and Stroud’s incompletion brought up fourth-and-4. Stroud threw a short pass to Mixon, but he was stopped at the 1-yard line, giving the Ravens the ball back. Lamar Jackson then led a 99-yard drive, ending with a 9-yard touchdown pass to make the score 17-2.

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NFL (American Football)

Lamar Jackson sets new NFL quarterback rushing record, scores 3 touchdowns in Ravens’ dominant 31-2 victory over Texans

Houston Texans players celebrates in the 1st half

Lamar Jackson set the NFL career rushing record for quarterbacks during the Baltimore Ravens’ win over the Houston Texans on Wednesday.

A standout moment came when Jackson sprinted 48 yards for a touchdown, reaching a top speed of 21.25 mph, his best career speed. “I was jogging,” Jackson said. “I didn’t have to do anything.”

It was that kind of game for Jackson, who led the Ravens to a 31-2 win, strengthening his case for MVP as the Ravens edged closer to securing the AFC North title.

“It’s just another phenomenal performance,” coach John Harbaugh said. “He set the all-time NFL record for rushing yards (for a quarterback) in pro football. That kind of speaks for itself. It’s just kind of what he does every week.”

Jackson passed Michael Vick’s record with a career-high 6,110 rushing yards, as he ran for 87 yards and threw for 168 yards and two touchdowns. He also had a long touchdown run.

“Michael Vick, one of my favorite players,” Jackson said. “That’s just dope.”

Lamar Jackson warms up before the game

The Ravens (11-5) have secured their third consecutive playoff spot and need a win over Cleveland next week to win the division, with the Steelers losing their third straight to Kansas City.

Jackson, who won MVP in 2019 and last season, gave a performance that rivaled Beyoncé’s Super Bowl-caliber halftime show. He played just over three quarters before giving way to Josh Johnson with about 10 minutes left in the game, which was already decided.

“Just having fun,” Jackson said. “The NFL is not easy. I don’t care what nobody says. It looks easy, but it’s not.”

Jackson threw touchdown passes of 9 and 1 yards and was untouched on his 48-yard touchdown run that made it 24-2 in the third quarter.

Derrick Henry ran for 147 yards and set the Ravens’ season record with his 16th touchdown, a 2-yard run in the first quarter, surpassing Ray Rice (2011) and Mark Ingram (2019).

Baltimore dominated a Houston team that had lost dynamic receiver Tank Dell to a season-ending knee injury on Saturday.

“This game comes down to guys making plays and they had two exceptional playmakers on their side in Lamar and Derrick Henry,” Houston coach DeMeco Ryans said. “They made plays and that was the game.”

The AFC South champions struggled to finish drives, scoring only a safety in the second quarter. C.J. Stroud passed for 185 yards but was sacked five times, threw an interception, and Joe Mixon ran for just 26 yards as the Texans (9-7) lost their second straight game.

Mixon declined to speak to reporters after the game, but Stroud took responsibility for the loss.

Lamar Jackson and Ben Cleveland in the 2nd half

“Terrible on my behalf, probably one of my worst games in my whole career,” he said. “Just came out flat, didn’t have any energy. I didn’t lead the offense the way I should have.”

Rookie Kamari Lassiter stopped Henry for a 4-yard loss for a safety about 10 minutes before halftime, making it 10-2.

Dameon Pierce returned the kickoff 45 yards to the Texans’ 43-yard line, but the drive ended when Mixon was stopped on the 1-yard line after catching a short pass on fourth-and-3.

Jackson then led the Ravens on a 99-yard drive to extend their lead. He scrambled to avoid the rush and found Mark Andrews for a 67-yard gain, bringing the Ravens into the red zone with just over two minutes left in the first half.

Isaiah Likely’s 9-yard touchdown reception two plays later made it 17-2. It was the first 17-2 halftime score in NFL history.

Kyle Hamilton intercepted Stroud’s pass on the first drive of the second half. Two plays later, Jackson ran for a long touchdown, making it 24-2.

Jackson set the rushing record on a 6-yard run on Baltimore’s next drive. Later in the drive, he scrambled again to avoid defenders before finding Andrews for a 1-yard touchdown, leaving Baltimore with a 31-2 lead.

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NFL (American Football)

Texans seek solutions following humiliating 31-2 defeat at home against the Ravens

Joe Mixon and Marlon Humphrey in the 1st half

Quarterback C.J. Stroud described Houston’s performance in their embarrassing 31-2 loss to Baltimore on Wednesday.

“Sometimes you go out there and lay an egg,” Stroud said. “It’s not easy to say that, but that’s what happened. Didn’t play well from the first play to the last.”

The AFC South champion Texans (9-7) managed only a safety and faced their worst loss of the season in front of a home crowd that booed them frequently in the second half.

“That’s nothing that we represent, nothing that we talked about all year, all season, all week,” receiver Robert Woods said. “And pretty much it’s just an embarrassment to show up like that, and that’s not the Texans’ way and mentality of playing football and showing up in the first place.”

The Texans gave up a season-high 251 rushing yards, with the Ravens’ Derrick Henry running for 147 yards and quarterback Lamar Jackson adding 87 yards, breaking Michael Vick’s NFL career rushing record for quarterbacks.

“This game comes down to guys making plays and they had two exceptional playmakers on their side in Lamar and Derrick Henry,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “They made plays and that was the game.”

A loss like this is especially worrying for a team with only one week left before the playoffs. Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. said the issues weren’t due to lack of effort, but from continuing to make simple mistakes.

“It’s embarrassing,” Anderson said. “That’s not playoff football, and I think everybody in this locker room knows that from the top to the bottom.

C.J. Stroud walks off the field after the game

We have to do a better job and the coaches can do their part, but I feel like as players we have to do our part. The leaders and captains, we have to step up and… we have to hold guys accountable and make sure that everybody’s doing their job.”

Rookie Kamari Lassiter tackled Henry for a 4-yard loss for the safety with about 10 minutes left in the first half, making it 10-2.

Dameon Pierce returned the following kickoff 45 yards, getting the Texans to their 43-yard line. But they couldn’t convert, as Joe Mixon was stopped on the 1-yard line after catching a short pass on fourth-and-3.

Stroud threw for 185 yards, but was sacked five times, threw an interception, and Mixon rushed for just 26 yards as the Texans lost their second straight game. They struggled to finish drives in their first game since star receiver Tank Dell was lost for the season with a knee injury in a previous loss to the Chiefs.

Mixon declined to speak to reporters after the game, but Stroud took responsibility for the loss.

“Terrible on my behalf, probably one of my worst games in my whole career,” he said. “Just came out flat, didn’t have any energy. I didn’t lead the offense the way I should have.”

Stroud said he’s not concerned about the team and believes that dwelling on the loss won’t help. He plans to do everything he can to help the Texans move forward and improve in their next game.

“I’m sure a lot of people in their careers have had this type of game before,” he said. “I’m not going to sit here and act like this is just foreign. But it is necessary to wake you up and that’s what it’s going to do for me and this team.”

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NFL (American Football)

Texans’ WR Tank Dell Out With A Significant Injury in Match Against Chiefs

Texans' WR Tank Dell injured

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell was carted off the field with what coach DeMeco Ryans described as a “significant” knee injury following a touchdown catch during Saturday’s 27-19 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Dell was transported to the University of Kansas Hospital, a Level 1 trauma center located about 12 miles from Arrowhead Stadium. Ryans reported on Sunday that Dell was scheduled to fly back to Houston but was still set to meet with doctors for further evaluation.

Dell dislocated his kneecap, corroborating an earlier report from NFL Network. The extent of any additional knee injuries was not immediately known.

The injury occurred on the Texans’ first possession of the second half when quarterback C.J. Stroud connected with Dell for a 30-yard touchdown pass that brought the Texans within one point at 17-16.

However, during the reception, Dell collided with teammate Jared Wayne’s lower leg deep in the end zone. Dell immediately grabbed his leg and remained mostly immobile.

Several players gathered around Dell, some visibly emotional, as medical staff placed his leg in an air cast before he was lifted into the cart.

At the time of the injury, Dell had a team-high 98 yards on seven catches, including the touchdown, and had been playing a major role for the Texans.

“It hurts to see him go down like that,” Ryans said on Saturday. “He was having a fantastic game.”

After Dell’s injury, the Texans had three more possessions but only managed to score three points.

With 5:13 remaining and trailing 27-19, the Texans had a chance to rally, but two negative plays were followed by a sack of Stroud on third down, resulting in a punt. The Chiefs’ offense then ran out the clock, securing the victory.

Stroud, visibly shaken after the injury, expressed his emotional support for Dell in the postgame interview.

Texans’ WR Tank Dell (Photo: NFL)

“It’s not easy seeing your brother go down like that,” Stroud said. “I’m just tore up. But at the same time, I have to be strong for him.

For anything, whether it goes left or right, up or down, I have to praise my Lord and savior. It’s not easy, but after [the injury], I try to use it as motivation. It’s not easy to just let it go.

That’s my best friend. It’s not easy to move on and just keep playing. I tried to do the best that I could. My teammates helped me up, Joe [Mixon] helped me up, and Dalton [Schultz]. I appreciate the guys just talking to me because I was going through it.”

Texans wide receiver Nico Collins, who finished the game with seven catches for 60 yards, struggled to find the words to describe his emotions postgame.

“That s— hurts. It hurts. We know how much he meant to this team,” Collins said of Dell. “But losing one of your brothers, man, it hurts. Speedy recovery for my dog. Mentally, he’s going through it, but we have to keep stepping, keep climbing for him.”

Dell’s rookie season in 2023 was cut short after a broken leg suffered in early December during a game against the Denver Broncos.

Later that same year, in late April, Dell was shot at a private event in Sanford, Florida, where a teenage gunman injured 10 people following an altercation. Dell’s injury was minor, and he was released from the hospital shortly after.

This season, Dell has 667 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

The Texans’ injury woes didn’t end with Dell. Guard Shaq Mason sustained a knee injury during a pileup in the first quarter and was ruled out shortly thereafter. Safety Jimmie Ward also suffered a foot injury in the second quarter and was carted off the field.

The Texans have just three full days to recover from this loss before they host the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day.

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NFL (American Football)

Stingley excels in his third season with the Texans, following a challenging start to his career

Houston Texans celebrates in the 2nd half

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans praised cornerback Derek Stingley in the locker room on Sunday after his second interception in the fourth quarter helped seal a win over Miami.

“That’s probably the best play I’ve ever seen,” Ryans told the team before giving Stingley a game ball after the 20-12 victory.

With just under two minutes left, Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami offense got the ball back, hoping to tie the game. On the first play of their drive, Tagovailoa tried a deep pass to Tyreek Hill, but Stingley stretched out to intercept the ball between Hill’s hands.

Tagovailoa slowly took off his chin strap and shook his head as he watched Stingley and the Houston defense celebrate their fourth turnover of the game. Stingley and his teammates ran to the end zone, where several players pretended to place a crown on his head while he held the ball.

“It’s very impressive,” Ryans said. “It’s very rare you see a player make a play that way to end the game. That was an All-Pro-type play.

Tua Tagovailoa passes in the 1st half

That’s what it looks like when you’re one of the top guys at your position in the league going up, matching it up against one of the best wideouts in the league.”

Earlier in the quarter, Stingley made another key play, intercepting a pass meant for Hill inside the 10-yard line with about 10 1/2 minutes left in the game.

Stingley has played well all season but has really stepped up in the last month, with four of his five interceptions coming in the past four games. He also recorded two tackles for loss on Sunday, becoming the first cornerback in NFL history to have two interceptions and two tackles for loss in a single game.

His strong performance earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

“Can’t say enough about how impactful Stingley has been throughout not only those plays (Sunday), but Stingley has been impactful throughout the entire year,” Ryans said. “I think for the past three wins, he’s been our defensive player of the game. So, when he’s making impact plays, it’s putting us in position to win football games.”

Houston’s win over Miami, along with a loss by Indianapolis, gave the Texans (9-5) their second straight AFC South title. Next, they will travel to Kansas City on Saturday to play the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs.

Stingley, the third overall pick in the 2022 draft, faced criticism for not living up to expectations in his first two seasons due to injuries. He missed 13 games while his fellow cornerback, Sauce Gardner, was selected a pick after him by the New York Jets and won AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, as well as earning All-Pro honors twice.

This season, Stingley has started every game and set career highs with 17 defended passes, 46 tackles, and four tackles for loss.

The former LSU standout was asked if he feels like he’s proven his critics wrong with his play this season. He says that’s not something he thinks about.

“My teammates, they know who I am,” he said. “So, really it’s just showing my teammates that they can trust me.”

Jets’ Sauce Gardner Talks Disappointment With Kendrick Lamar’s Drake Diss ‘Euphoria’
Sauce Gardner (NFL)

It’s easy for teammates and coaches to praise Stingley for his performance this season, but it’s much harder to get him to talk about it himself. He’s not just shy around reporters; he doesn’t seem to talk much to anyone.

Quarterback C.J. Stroud shared how their conversations go when he jokes that Stingley should play offense because of his great hands.

“He doesn’t really talk much … he’s just like mm-hmm,” Stroud said, laughing. “He doesn’t say nothing. Not too many words out of Sting.”

For now, Stingley is letting his play do the talking. While others predict that he will make his first Pro Bowl and possibly even earn All-Pro honors, he’s staying focused on the team.

“I don’t know,” he said. “I’m trying to get to the Super Bowl. If it happens, it happens. If it don’t, it’s cool.”

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NFL (American Football)

Dolphins Playoff Hopes Dim After Crushing Loss to Texans, Tua Tagovailoa Struggles With Three Interceptions

Tua Tagovailoa
Tua Tagovailoa (NFL)

The Miami Dolphins entered Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. A win was essential to keep those dreams alive, but instead, they suffered a crushing 20-12 defeat. With their record now standing at 6-8, the Dolphins’ postseason aspirations are now in serious jeopardy, and they face a tough road ahead under head coach Mike McDaniel, who had hoped to secure a third consecutive playoff appearance.

A key factor in the Dolphins’ loss was quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s performance. He threw three interceptions during the game, two of which came in the fourth quarter and dashed Miami’s chances of staging a comeback. Although Tagovailoa completed 29 of 40 passes for 196 yards and a touchdown, the turnovers proved to be costly. His struggles were a microcosm of Miami’s larger issues in the game, as mistakes on offense left the team unable to recover.

Tua Tagovailoa
Tua Tagovailoa (NFL)

The first half was particularly difficult for the Dolphins. Their offense sputtered, managing just two field goals, while the Texans capitalized on their opportunities. Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud threw two short touchdown passes to Nico Collins, giving the Texans a 13-6 lead at halftime. Miami’s inability to find the end zone in the first half left them in a difficult position, trailing throughout the game.

Stroud, on the other hand, delivered a solid performance for Houston. The rookie quarterback completed 18 of 26 passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing poise and efficiency. His ability to keep the chains moving and avoid major mistakes was crucial in allowing the Texans to maintain control of the game. While Tagovailoa struggled with his decision-making, Stroud’s performance helped Houston secure the win.

Despite the loss, there were a few bright spots for the Dolphins. Running back De’Von Achane led the ground game with 41 yards on 12 carries, and wide receiver Malik Washington had five receptions for 52 yards. However, these individual efforts couldn’t overcome the team’s overall struggles. Now, the Dolphins must win their remaining three games against the 49ers, Browns, and Jets while hoping for help from other teams to make the playoffs. The defeat to Houston has made the road to the postseason much more difficult, and their margin for error is now razor-thin.

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NFL (American Football)

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes intends to play against Houston despite dealing with a high-ankle sprain

Patrick Mahomes speaks at the news conference

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is getting ready to play against Houston on Saturday, unless his injured ankle prevents him from being able to protect himself or puts the team in a difficult situation.

Mahomes hurt his ankle late in the Chiefs’ 21-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. He started treatment on the plane ride home—“I wasn’t doing high-knees or anything like that,” he joked—and then spent over 12 hours receiving further treatment at the practice facility on Monday, even though most of the team had the day off.

Mahomes returned to practice on Tuesday, with Carson Wentz as his backup.

“You don’t want to go out there and put yourself in harm’s way. It’s football. You’re going to take hits. But you want to be able to protect yourself,” Mahomes said. “And I don’t want to limit the game plan. I want to be able to move around the pocket.”

Mahomes has dealt with ankle injuries before. He had a similar injury in Week 1 of the 2019 season and a more serious one during the 2022 playoffs. In that case, he couldn’t finish the game but received enough treatment to play against Cincinnati in the AFC Championship and Philadelphia in the Super Bowl.

Houston Texans celebrate in the 2nd half

“Jacksonville was worse. That one was pretty significant,” Mahomes said. “Obviously it’s responded better, quicker. That would be the best thing to say. But I want to be in a better spot than I was that next game going up against the Bengals.”

The Chiefs have more time to manage Mahomes’ injury than they did two years ago. They’ve already secured the AFC West title and a playoff spot, so he might be able to miss a game or two if it means he’ll be fully healthy for the postseason.

However, the next three games—against Houston on Saturday, the Steelers on Christmas Day, and the Broncos in the final week of the regular season—are important. The Chiefs (13-1) are holding onto a two-game lead over the Bills for the No. 1 seed and the only playoff bye, but Buffalo has the tiebreaker because of their win earlier this season.

“Every game counts,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “If your guys can play, they play, as long as medically they’re fine to go.”

Kansas City Chiefs players celebrate after the win

While Mahomes is known for playing through injuries, and even arguing with Reid to stay in games when hurt, Reid believes Mahomes will be honest about how his ankle feels.

“He’s going to go through some stuff and we’ll see how that works out for him. And if he can’t work, then Carson will take those reps that Pat doesn’t,” Reid said. “We have full confidence in Carson if he has to step in and play. I think everybody—coaches and players—have full confidence he can go in and do a nice job.”

Wentz, who signed a $3.325 million contract with the Chiefs to replace Blaine Gabbert as Mahomes’ backup, has played nearly 100 NFL games. He completed both of his pass attempts for 20 yards in the final moments of the game against the Browns, helping the Chiefs run out the clock.

“Got my feet wet a little bit at the end of last game and felt good out there,” Wentz said. “Nothing is going to change this week. Patrick has had some nicks and bruises all year and I’ve prepared myself the same way.”