Here are 10 Takeaways from the week that was Week 16 in the NFL, one that included its fair share of holiday miracles.
Merry Kamara-istmas
Saints running back Alvin Kamara logged six rushing touchdowns in their Christmas Day victory over the Vikings, the second players in history to accomplish the feat. Hopefully, fantasy owners playing for a championship started him.
Only the Third to Do It
Jets running back Frank Gore eclipsed the 16,000 career rushing yard plateau. It had previously only been accomplished by Hall of Fame backs Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton. Unfortunately, his season is done after suffering a lung contusion in the game. Hopefully this isn’t the last time he suits up on an NFL field. He deserves better than to go out like this.
Winning Streak Intact
Speaking of the Jets, after getting their first win of the season in an upset over the heavily favored Rams, they upset the Cleveland Browns in decisive fashion, as well. Not to take anything away from Gang Green, but the Browns had their entire receiving core deemed COVID-19 “close contacts” and were not at Baker Mayfield‘s disposal.
Number One Pick is Locked up
With their blowout loss and the Jets win, the Jacksonville Jaguars are officially on the clock, as they own the number one pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Due to trades they could possibly have a second pick in the top-five, as well as a pair of second round selections.
Losing Streak Snapped
It took a major comeback and a late-game head scratching throw from Colts quarterback Philip Rivers that was intercepted but the Pittsburgh Steelers got back in the win column for the first time in the last four weeks.
Full Circle
Washington head coach Ron Rivera lost his previous job as the Panthers head coach after a loss last season to Washington and quarterback Dwayne Haskins. After beating his former team on Sunday, Rivera and Washington released the 15th-overall pick in the 2019 draft after off the field issues and his on-field performance.
Fitz-Magic Rides Again
After trailing the Las Vegas Raiders in a game they all but had to win to keep their playoff hopes alive, Miami head coach Brian Flores benched rookie signal caller Tua Tagovailoa. Ryan Fitzpatrick came in and led the Dolphins in dramatic fashion including a magical late game throw that many are still struggling to comprehend.
JJ Fed Up
After losing to the Bengals, when speaking to the media All-Pro T.J. Watt called out his teammates for basically giving up on their season and not caring. This will be a major storyline to watch in the upcoming offseason.
Sunday Night in the Snow
Sunday night’s matchup between the Tennessee Titans and the Green Bay Packers was expected to be a classic shootout on the snow-covered tundra of Lambeau. The Titans struggled to get any traction on the field and on the scoreboard. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers all but locked up the MVP with his performance and put his team in position for the NFC’s top seed.
16 Years and Counting
While the NFC East title remains in the balance, the Eagles were eliminated after losing to the Cowboys. For the 16th consecutive season there will not be a repeat winner.
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