Here are 16 takeaways and observations from the penultimate week of the season.
- Beast Mode 2.0. In the Seahawks’ loss to the Cardinals, they lost two running backs to season-ending injuries. With Rashaad Penny already on injured reserve, they need a running back as they are preparing for the playoffs. Social media was abuzz almost immediately, calling for the team to sign Marshawn Lynch. Apparently, it wasn’t that far-fetched, as the team flew him in for a physical and signed him.
- No Henry, no problem? Titans running back Derrick Henry did not play Sunday against the Saints. Coach Mike Vrabel made the decision to sit him after the Texans locked up the division on Saturday night. So, Sunday’s game had no bearing on the team’s playoff hopes.
- Jimmy Clutch. Another game and another game-winning drive by 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Not one but TWO 3rd and 16 conversions on the game winning drive 😳
That Jimmy G to @BournePoly11 connection is worth another look.
Closing out the regular season next week in Seattle on FOX. pic.twitter.com/EiEhsUNfN7
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 22, 2019
- Another costly pick Jameis Winston once again threw an awful interception, his fourth of the game, sealing the win for the Texans.https://twitter.com/HoustonTexans/status/1208495073442316288?s=19
- Does he miss Pittsburgh? Jets running back Le’Veon Bell showed up to the stadium in Steelers colors.
Le'Veon Bell rocked Steelers colors before the Jets faced off against his former team. Weird!https://t.co/LxbB1NkqrZ
— 12up (@12upSport) December 22, 2019
- … then helps play spoiler for his former team. In the end, Bell got the better of his former team, making the Steelers’ playoff hopes take a major hit. They are still mathematically alive for the final wild card spot.
- All they got is not enough Bills. For the second time this season, the Buffalo Bills gave the Patriots all they could. And for the second time, they came out on the losing end.
- Fitz magical again. Yes, they were playing the Bengals, but Ryan Fitzpatrick had a few highlight reel plays.
TD No. 2 for Gesicki
TD No. 4 for FitzMagic#CINvsMIA #FinsUp pic.twitter.com/4UaGEqV2LJ— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 22, 2019
#14 threw for 419 yards and four TDs in Sunday's win over the Bengals. pic.twitter.com/65vnqKCGtk
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 23, 2019
- Move over, Marvin. Saints receiver Michael Thomas broke Marvin Harrison’s record for catches in a single season.
- Have to rob the bank. With the Ravens’ victory against the Browns, they locked up home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. All teams must go through M&T Bank Stadium.
- Saquon, is that you? Giants running back Saquon Barkley finally looked like the player he was last season, as well as the one fantasy owners were hoping for when they used a top-three pick on him. It’s just too bad it took until Week 16.
All we can say is sheeeesh#GiantsPride | #NYGvsWAS pic.twitter.com/GdsCgPuSbb
— New York Giants (@Giants) December 22, 2019
- Bengals are No. 1. The first overall pick in the upcoming draft officially belongs to Cincinnati. Welcome to Ohio, Joe Burrow.
- Odell, not happy. Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham again showed his frustrations on the sidelines, adding fuel to the rumors saying he wants out.
Odell and Freddie Kitchens discussing their dinner plans perhaps? https://t.co/L7kBODWOnQ
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 22, 2019
- Not once, but twice. Indianapolis Colts running back and punt returner, Nyheim Hines, returned two punt returns for touchdowns against the Panthers. He’s the first player to achieve that since 2010, when Leon Washington did it with the Seahawks.
Decent day for @TheNyNy7:
✅ First #Colts player with two punt return TDs in the same game
✅ Franchise record 195 return yards (4th most in @NFL History) pic.twitter.com/R822FeLsty
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 22, 2019
- Soaring high atop The Eagles beat the Cowboys to move into first place in the NFC East, something that appeared no one wanted, the last couple weeks.
- No Christmas spirit. Panthers defensive tackle Vernon Butler was ejected for throwing a punch at Colts tight end Jack Doyle. He gave fans the middle finger on his way off the field. Another black eye on Carolina’s season.
