Week 17 NFL Recap - Flopped Christmas Games saved by a Spectacular Sunday Slate

NFL games on Christmas usually feel special. Something about opening gifts and spending time with family while watching just hits differently, but this year did not quite deliver. Injuries to quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Jayden Daniels, and J.J. McCarthy took the shine off the Christmas slate, though the Sunday games helped make up for it and gave us plenty to talk about.

Cowboys 30, Commanders 23

On Christmas afternoon, the Cowboys and Commanders delivered an unexpectedly competitive game that felt like more than just a Holiday Week footnote. Dallas came out firing, mixing efficient quarterback play with timely third-down conversions, building a lead early and forcing Washington to play from behind. The Commanders never quit rookie RB Croskey-Merritt exploded for over 100 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including a highlight-reel 72-yard score that reminded everyone he’s one to watch despite the loss. Dallas ultimately closed it out 30-23, but Washington’s effort turned a lopsided preview into an actual fight through all four quarters.

Vikings 23, Lions 10

Detroit’s Christmas Day visit to Minnesota didn’t go according to plan. The Vikings controlled this game with a physical, disciplined approach, forcing turnovers and applying pressure on both sides of the ball. Minnesota built a lead in the first quarter and steadily expanded it, while the Lions plagued by multiple turnovers couldn’t find the offensive rhythm needed to close the gap. The 23-10 result not only snapped Detroit’s rhythm but also officially eliminated them from playoff contention, extinguishing a season that once held more promise.

Broncos 20, Chiefs 13

Denver’s Christmas night battle with Kansas City was a rugged AFC West slugfest, as the Broncos snuck out a 20-13 win to keep the No.1 seed in the AFC. Denver’s defense made the difference, flustering backup quarterback Chris Oladokun and limiting explosive plays from the Chiefs offense, while the Broncos did just enough on offense to take control late. This game was physical football grounded in discipline, the kind that feels like playoff preparation in December.

Ravens 41, Packers 24

Baltimore looked every bit like a team with postseason momentum in their 41-24 victory over Green Bay on Saturday. The Ravens dominated on the ground and through the air, with Tyler Huntley steering a balanced offense that hit explosive plays and methodically chewed up yards. Derrick Henry’s impact was obvious with over 200 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns, and tight ends and receivers blocked like their season depended on it because it does. Defensively, Baltimore kept relentless pressure on the Packers and forced key mistakes, turning what could’ve been a close NFC contender game into a convincing road win.

Browns 13, Steelers 6

Cleveland and Pittsburgh gave the league exactly what AFC North football is supposed to be: grinding drives, heavy hits, and defensive stands that feel like playoff football even before January arrives. In a game with minimal scoring but maximum intensity, the Browns eked out a 13-6 win thanks to timely stops and a rugged, physical offensive approach. The result sets up a winner-take-all feel heading into Week 18 for the Ravens and Steelers, with seeding and playoff bragging rights on the line.

Eagles 13, Bills 12

One of the most intriguing games of Week 17 saw the Eagles outlast Buffalo by a single point. It was a defensive chess match for much of the afternoon, with both teams grinding for every yard in the cold, wet conditions. The Bills had a crucial two-point conversion late that could have swung the result but came up just short, allowing Philadelphia to celebrate a hard-fought win. Philly fans are left in an interesting spot, as just 17 yards of offense in the second half against a weaker Buffalo defense is not encouraging, but it is hard to complain with a likely 12-win season.

49ers 42, Bears 38

Sunday night’s matchup in Santa Clara delivered one of the week’s most exciting games. San Francisco and Chicago traded punches in a high-scoring affair, with Brock Purdy steady at the helm and Christian McCaffrey again impacting the game as a dual threat. The Bears kept pace behind strong performances from Caleb Williams and Luther Burden but fell just short in a 42–38 thriller. With elite play calling and weapons on offense, both of these teams look dangerous heading into playoff time.

Falcons 27, Rams 24

Wrapping up the Week 17 slate Monday night, the Falcons stunned the Rams 27-24 in a game that swung wildly from start to finish. Atlanta built a huge early lead behind a ridiculous performance from Bijan Robinson, but the Rams battled back in the second half, cutting the deficit and even flirting with a late go-ahead score. In the end, a 51-yard field goal with just seconds left sealed it for the Falcons, marking a huge seeding-impact win and a tough Monday night disappointment for the playoff-bound Rams. This game had every ounce of drama as you could imagine, a hot start to the Falcons was nearly washed as Jared Verse blocked a FG and returned it for a touchdown, added to what looked like a catch from Puka Nacua on the sideline to bring the Rams within FG range was upheld and called incomplete which ended the comeback bid for the Rams.

Rocket TD Scores

Once again, I came up one touchdown short last week. With the final week of the season here and several teams resting key players, there may be more opportunity to find the end zone. Here are the plays I have lined up for this week. Combine these two Rocket picks for a 4.6x multiplier!

Bucky Iriving

The Buccaneers need a win to secure a playoff spot, and Bucky continues to get healthier each week. With Carolina’s strong pass defense led by Jaycee Horn, this sets up as a spot where the run game could open things up.

George Kittle

Kittle returns this week in his usual TE1 role. Expect him to take on a big share of the 49ers’ passing game, giving CMC a breather after his 140-yard rushing performance last week.

Surely I will win one more touchdown pick in the last week of the regular season.