Week 16 NFL games reshaped the playoff race, with the Chargers’ 34-17 win over the Cowboys, the Giants’ 16-13 loss to the Vikings, and the Bengals’ 45-21 rout of the Dolphins setting the tone.
Chargers vs. Cowboys
The Los Angeles Chargers topped the Dallas Cowboys 34-17 at AT&T Stadium. Justin Herbert poured in 300 passing yards and three total touchdowns, completing 23 of 29 passes. He generated +23.9 EPA across 33 dropbacks, the second-most for any quarterback this season and his second-most career. Herbert finished 9 of 11 passes under pressure for 108 yards and a touchdown, never being sacked. #LACvsDAL | #BoltUp pic.twitter.com/pKBmC2I67Q- Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) December 21, 2025
Giants vs. Vikings
In a game between two already-eliminated teams, the New York Giants fell 16-13 at home to the Minnesota Vikings. JJ McCarthy exited early with an injury after throwing 108 yards, 9 of 14 completions, and a pick. Max Brosmer finished the game, while Justin Jefferson recorded 85 receiving yards. Jaxson Dart struggled, completing 7 of 13 passes for 33 yards and a pick, marking a painful stretch for the Ole Miss rookie.
Bengals vs. Dolphins
The Cincinnati Bengals routed the Miami Dolphins 45-21 after a tight first half. Joe Burrow threw for 309 yards and four touchdowns on 25 of 32 completions. Miami’s rookie Quinn Ewers started in place of Tua Tagovailoa, completing 20 of 30 passes for 260 yards and two picks. The Bengals’ third-quarter surge, scoring 21 unanswered points, sealed the win.
Buccaneers vs. Panthers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced the Carolina Panthers in a contest for the NFC South lead. Baker Mayfield’s late-game pick sealed a 23-20 loss for Tampa Bay. Carolina’s Bryce Young finished 21 of 32 completions for 191 yards and two touchdowns. The Buccaneers’ 8-7 record keeps them in contention, but the Panthers now lead the division heading into Week 18.
Saints vs. Jets
The New Orleans Saints dominated the New York Jets 29-6 at home. Rookie Tyler Shough threw 308 yards and a touchdown on 32 of 49 completions. With a negligible running game, the Saints relied heavily on Shough’s arm to secure the victory. The win pushes New Orleans toward a better playoff position, though uncertainty remains about Shough’s long-term role.
Chiefs vs. Titans
Kansas City’s Chiefs fell 26-9 to the Tennessee Titans after Patrick Mahomes suffered an ACL tear earlier in the season. Backup Gardner Minshew left early with a possible torn ACL, and Chris Oladokun finished the game. Kansas City’s record slipped to 6-9, potentially improving their draft position. Tennessee’s 3-12 record moves them slightly away from the No. 1 pick battle.
Bills vs. Browns
The Buffalo Bills edged the Cleveland Browns 23-20, keeping their playoff hopes alive. Josh Allen played through an injury, while James Cook added a touchdown. Shedeur Sanders, despite a pinky finger issue, completed 20 of 29 passes for 157 yards, one touchdown, and two picks. Myles Garrett recorded a half-sack, inching closer to the single-season record.
Jaguars vs. Broncos
The Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Denver Broncos 34-20, a key AFC game with the No. 1 seed on the line. Trevor Lawrence completed 23 of 36 passes for 279 yards and three touchdowns, also adding 20 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. The Jaguars’ 11-4 record now places them tied with the Patriots for the top seed, with the race likely to come down to Week 18. Bo Nix finished 28 of 47 for 352 yards, one touchdown, and a pick.
Falcons vs. Cardinals
The Atlanta Falcons beat the Arizona Cardinals 26-19, a game that mattered little for the playoff picture. Bijan Robinson rushed for 76 yards on 16 carries and added 92 receiving yards, scoring on seven catches. The win moves Atlanta to 6-9, while Arizona remains 3-12 with Jacoby Brissett still under center.
Texans vs. Raiders
The Houston Texans narrowly beat the Las Vegas Raiders 23-21 at home. C.J. Stroud finished 23 of 35 completions for 187 yards and a touchdown. Ashton Jeanty rushed for 128 yards on 24 carries and a score, providing a bright spot for Houston’s struggling offense. The win improves Houston’s record to 10-5.
Steelers vs. Lions
The Pittsburgh Steelers won 24-17 at the Detroit Lions, a controversial finish dominated by penalties. Aaron Rodgers threw 266 yards and a touchdown on 27 of 41 completions. Jaylen Warren rushed for 143 yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns. Detroit’s Jared Goff threw three touchdowns on 365 passing yards, but the Lions fell to 8-7, leaving their playoff chances slim.
Key Takeaways
- The Chargers’ 34-17 win over the Cowboys moves them to 11-4, bolstering their playoff prospects.
- The Jaguars’ 34-20 victory over the Broncos ties them for the No. 1 AFC seed, making Week 18 decisive.
- The Chiefs’ loss to the Titans and the Bills’ narrow win over the Browns highlight the shifting dynamics of the AFC playoffs.
The Week 16 outcomes have tightened the race for the top seeds in both conferences, with the Chargers, Jaguars, and Chiefs all fighting for playoff positioning. As the season heads into its final stretch, teams will need to capitalize on their momentum or risk falling behind.
