Every weekend in the NFL, elements attract our attention regarding the forces present, the records that are within reach or in relation to certain historical marks. Here, for the 16th week of activities, are 5 elements to watch out for.
• Also read: Our NFL Week 16 Predictions: Despite Cleveland’s Brown, Myles Garrett Deserves the Spotlight
• Also read: It’s over for Tua Tagovailoa: the Dolphins in the hole with one of the worst contracts in history
• Also read: NFL: time for the biggest Thursday night duel of the season with the team to beat
1. A first in over 20 years?
The National Conference East Division has long been the hardest to predict before the season. This year, several went there with the Eagles to rehearse, but nothing was less certain. Indeed, since the seasons of 2001 to 2004, when the Eagles won the division, no team in this section has been able to win the title two seasons in a row. The Eagles, with a victory late Saturday against the Commanders, would therefore become the first to repeat.
2. The portrait of the series is taking shape
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To date, only the Seahawks, Rams and Broncos officially hold their ticket to the playoffs. Several teams can join them. With a victory against the Browns, in addition to a defeat by the Texans or the Colts, the Bills would formalize their presence. It’s exactly the same scenario for the Jaguars, who qualify with a victory against the Broncos and a defeat of the Texans or Colts. Ditto for the Chargers, if they beat the Cowboys and one of the same two clubs loses. The Patriots only have to win against the Ravens to qualify, or hope for a defeat by the Texans or the Colts too. In the national, the Bears will obtain their place by beating the Packers and if the Lions lose to the Steelers. It’s the same scenario for the Packers. The 49ers enter the playoffs if they beat the Colts or if the Lions lose to the Steelers.
3. A record streak?
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If the Steelers win against the Lions, they will sign a ninth victory this season. It wouldn’t guarantee them a playoff spot, but they would still accomplish something unique. They would thus ensure to conclude a 22nd campaign in a row without having presented a losing record. Since last year, they have shared this mark with the Cowboys, who also had 21 non-losing seasons in a row, between 1965 and 1985.
4. A beast when it counts!
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It is often said that on offense, the best perform on critical third downs. This is often what separates elite quarterbacks from those who are merely efficient. It’s the same constant on defense with the big plays that must be made when things heat up. This season, in third down situations, the quarterback who has imposed himself the most is Will Anderson, of the Texans, with 42 pressures, according to NextGen Stats. Against the Raiders, he should have a field day. He is just one touch away from the record for a season in third down situations, shared by Myles Garrett (in 2024) and Maxx Crosby (in 2021).
5. The next Purdy?
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By giving the ball to Quinn Ewers rather than Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins hope to discover a nugget from the end of their most recent draft. The University of Texas quarterback selected in the seventh round was well regarded by some analysts before the auction. Dane Brugler, a highly respected draft analyst on the site The Athletic ranked him as the sixth-best prospect among quarterbacks. The fact remains that pivots selected in the seventh round who work are a rare commodity. The 49ers had this chance in 2022 by getting their hands on Brock Purdy. In his rookie season, he started the last five games and led the team to the national conference final, before injuring his elbow.
