The Monday edition of the Pick Six newsletter brings the latest updates from the NFL as the season reaches its climax. The Pittsburgh Steelers faced a disappointing setback on Sunday, squandering their opportunity to secure the AFC North title with a loss to the Cleveland Browns. Now, the Steelers must defeat the Ravens in their final game of the regular season for a shot at the playoffs.
As Week 17 wraps up, the playoff landscape is coming into focus. Out of 14 postseason spots, 12 have already been claimed, leaving one position available in each conference. This newsletter covers the playoff picture, provides grades for the weekend’s games, and highlights notable overreactions.
In one of the most pivotal games, the Browns triumphed over the Steelers with a final score of 13-6. The Steelers entered the match hoping to clinch the division but fell short as Aaron Rodgers struggled under pressure, leading to an overall performance graded as a D. The Steelers’ playoff hopes hinge on their upcoming matchup against the Ravens, where they must win to advance. Meanwhile, the Browns, despite their own playoff elimination, delivered a stout defensive performance, earning them an A grade for their efforts.
Additionally, the Eagles edged out the Bills 13-12, showcasing exceptional defensive play against quarterback Josh Allen, who struggled to find rhythm for most of the game. Despite Allen’s late-game push, the Bills were unable to clinch a victory. The Eagles’ offense showed resilience and took home a B grade for the win.
The Bears nearly secured a victory against the 49ers in an exhilarating 42-38 shootout. Caleb Williams led a potent offensive effort despite the Bears’ defensive vulnerabilities. Williams’s strong performance hints at a dangerous team heading into the playoffs, helping the Bears earn a B grade.
In terms of the overall playoff picture, six out of seven spots in the AFC are secured. The final spot will depend on the outcome of the crucial Ravens-Steelers game. Likewise, the NFC has six positions clinched, while the last spot remains within reach for the NFC South. Importantly, the upcoming showdown between the Seahawks and 49ers will determine the division winner and No. 1 seed.
As the regular season draws to a close, all eyes are on the last Monday night game featuring the Rams and Falcons, which carries significant implications for playoffs seeding. The Rams are poised to capitalize on their high-scoring offense, while the Falcons will need strong performances from players like Bijan Robinson to keep pace.
As fans gear up for the final week of the season, hope remains alive for many teams as playoff ambitions hang in the balance. The excitement surrounding the league makes for an engaging conclusion to this NFL season, setting the stage for a memorable postseason.