The NFL playoff picture saw massive changes in week 16 action, with several division titles clinched and postseason spots secured. The Detroit Lions were among the biggest winners, claiming the NFC North crown for the first time since 1993. Meanwhile, the surging Miami Dolphins outlasted the Dallas Cowboys to stay in the AFC hunt.
Lions Top Vikings to End Long Division Title Drought
The Detroit Lions dominated the Minnesota Vikings 41-10 on Christmas Eve to win their first NFC North title in over 30 years. Quarterback Jared Goff threw for 330 yards and three touchdowns as the Lions cemented themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the NFC.
Detroit’s victory capped off a remarkable turnaround under second-year coach Dan Campbell. After winning just three games last season, the Lions will now host at least one playoff game at Ford Field. Veteran running back Jamaal Williams continued his outstanding year with 95 total yards and two scores against Minnesota.
Many questioned the Lions after they started 1-6 on the year. But Campbell’s squad has since won eight of nine games, taking the division lead in week 14 and never looking back. Rookie defensive end Aidan Hutchinson has powered the Lions defense all year, adding three sacks on Saturday.
What This Means for Detroit
30 years of frustration have finally ended for the Lions franchise and their long-suffering fans. This marks only the fourth divisional title in Detroit history. Moving forward, they will likely host either the New York Giants or Seattle Seahawks on wildcard weekend.
If the season ended today, the Lions would be the #2 seed in the NFC. They have an outside chance at earning a first-round playoff bye if they win in week 17 and get some help. Expectations will be high for Detroit to record their first playoff victory since 1991.
| NFC North Final Standings | |
|---|---|
| Team | Record |
| Detroit Lions | 8-8 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 13-3 |
| Green Bay Packers | 7-8 |
| Chicago Bears | 3-12 |
Dolphins Rally to Stun Cowboys, Tua Outduels Dak
If the Miami Dolphins make the postseason, they may look back on their thrilling Christmas Day victory over Dallas as the turning point. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa led a 98-yard TD drive in the final minutes to outlast the Cowboys 34-31 in Texas.
Both Miami and Dallas needed a win badly to boost their playoff odds. The Dolphins delivered under pressure, improving to 8-7 heading into a crucial week 17 home finale versus New England. Tagovailoa was very sharp overall against the Cowboys defense, throwing for 302 yards and 3 TD passes.
Meanwhile, it was another devastating December loss for Dallas QB Dak Prescott. The Cowboys led 31-27 with under four minutes left before Miami’s epic comeback. Star running back Tony Pollard managed just 37 rushing yards as the Dolphins made Prescott try to beat them.
Big Playoff Implications
The Dolphins currently hold the AFC’s seventh seed but control their own destiny from here. If Miami wins out, they will qualify for the postseason regardless of other results. The week 17 home game against the Patriots will essentially serve as a playoff play-in matchup.
As for Dallas, back-to-back road defeats leave them clinging to the NFC’s top wild-card spot. But the surging Giants and Seahawks are hot on their trail, while Tampa Bay and Detroit could also challenge. America’s team will need to bounce back quickly if they want to snap their 26-year title drought.
| AFC Wild Card Standings | |
| ———– | ———– |
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 5 | Los Angeles Chargers | 8-6 |
| 6 | New England Patriots | 7-8 |
| 7 | Miami Dolphins | 8-7 |
| 8 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 7-8 |
The next two weeks will shape up as the most pressure-packed in recent Dolphins history. But based on Sunday’s incredible resilience, Miami seems to be peaking at just the right time. Don’t count out Tagovailoa and the Fins just yet in the AFC playoff chase.
Other Notable Week 16 Storylines
Beyond the Lions and Dolphins, several other clubs boosted their postseason hopes with important wins on Sunday. Here is a quick look at some of the other major week 16 developments:
-
The New York Jets pulled off a shocking 21-20 comeback win over Jacksonville to keep their slim playoff hopes alive at 7-8. Rookie receiver Garrett Wilson was unstoppable, racking up 154 yards and making a clutch fourth-down catch to set up the game-winning field goal.
-
Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson returned from injury to lead the Ravens past Atlanta 17-9 and boost Baltimore’s chances of taking back the AFC North. Jackson threw for 131 yards while rushing for another 54 in an MVP-caliber performance. The 9-5 Ravens can win the division by beating Pittsburgh next week.
-
Aaron Rodgers and the Packers stayed alive in the NFC race by handling Minnesota on the road 41-17. Rodgers had three touchdown tosses while receiver Christian Watson exploded for 105 yards and two long scores. If Seattle loses on Sunday, Green Bay can sneak into the playoffs by winning their finale versus Detroit.
The next two weeks will feature wall-to-wall drama as the final 2022 playoff spots get locked up. Teams like the Dolphins, Ravens and 49ers need victories to qualify for the postseason tournament. Meanwhile, squads like the Cowboys and Patriots find themselves clinging to wildcard positions despite up-and-down years.
Buckle up for what promises to be a thriller finish across the NFL landscape!
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
