Category: C.J. Stroud

All 14 playoff quarterbacks (including C.J. Stroud) ranked by Total QBR

Here’s where C.J. Stroud stacks up in total QBR compared to the 13 remaining quarterbacks entering wild-card round weekend.

Going into the wild-card round weekend, Houston Texans second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud has a Total QBR rating of 50.2. He ranked 24th among primary starters in the regular season.

Among those in the hunt for a Lombardi Trophy, Stroud ranks 14th out of the 14 passers left standing.

Stroud’s traditional passer rating this season was 84.0, which ranked 14th among QBs in the playoffs this year.

Unlike a traditional passer rating, the Total QBR “incorporates all of a quarterback’s contributions to winning, including how he impacts the game on passes, rushes, turnovers and penalties,” according to ESPN.

The metric takes into account scenarios that a traditional passer rating overlooks and considers “a team’s level of success or failure on every play to provide the proper context and then allocates credit to the quarterback and his teammate to produce a clearer measure of quarterback efficiency.”

With that context in mind, here’s a look at how Stroud stacks up against the NFL’s playoffs quarterbacks going into the first round of the NFL postseason.

NFL playoff QBs ranked by Total QBR

  1. Lamar Jackson, Ravens: 77.5
  2. Josh Allen, Bills: 77.2
  3. Jayden Daniels, Commanders: 70.6
  4. Jordan Love, Packers: 69.2
  5. Jared Goff, Lions: 68.5
  6. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs: 67.9
  7. Jalen Hurts, Eagles: 65.6
  8. Justin Herbert, Chargers: 65.3
  9. Matthew Stafford, Rams: 64.9
  10. Baker Mayfield, Bucs: 61.8
  11. Sam Darnold, Vikings: 60.6
  12. Bo Nix, Broncos: 57.2
  13. Russell Wilson, Steelers: 51.3
  14. C.J. Stroud, Texans: 50.2

Stroud and Co. will look to upset Justin Herbert (No. 8) and the Los Angeles Chargers in their playoff showdown on Saturday at NRG Stadium on CBS and Paramount+.

CJ Stroud gives heartfelt message on Bryce Young’s revitalizing career

No one is happier for the resurgence of Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young than Texans’ C.J. Stroud.

Bryce Young was called a bust three games into the 2024 season after being benched.

C.J. Stroud was considered the NFL’s next elite quarterback, surpassing gunslingers like Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert and Tua Tagovailoa after a dominant rookie season.

In retrospect, both statements were extreme reaches from the jump. Stroud has regressed in 2024, but still should be considered among the upper-echelon of players.

Young, who eventually returned as QB1 out in Charlotte, is perhaps the league’s most improved player entering 2025. Only Vikings passer Sam Darnold had a better season than the former No. 1 overall pick once he returned to the starting lineup.

Stroud, who leads the Texans into the playoffs on Saturday, might be the most excited to see what’s next for his California frenemy.

“He’s been balling, I’m so happy for him,” Stroud said of Young. “The guys around him are rallying around him, but he’s leading them. Doing what he needs to do to make plays.”

Young, who grew up playing against Stroud, capped off his 2024 resurgence in style, totaling a career-high five touchdowns while leading the Carolina Panthers to an overtime victory over the Atlanta Falcons on the road.

The former Alabama star and Heisman Trophy winner completed 25-of-34 pass attempts for 251 yards and three touchdowns while tacking on another 24 yards with his legs.

From being benched to breaking out, Carolina fans know the right man for the offense is in the building entering another draft. Even in a roller-coaster season, Young finished on a high note.

Stroud, who’s felt those same bumps en route to a second AFC South title, hopes to provide the same spark before the clock strikes zero on his sophomore season.

“[It’s] inspires me to keep going,” Stroud said.

A year after Stroud took the NFL by storm, some have pondered if they bought the stock outside price value. The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year regressed in all three phases while helping Houston pick up a second 10-win season.

His completion percentage decreased by over 3%.

His touchdown total dropped by five.

His interception total doubled before Christmas Day.

But like Young, Stroud closed out the regular season with a much-needed spark. He was nearly perfect Sunday, going 6-of-6 pass for 50 yards and a touchdown on the drive.

That was enough to set the tone for a 23-14 victory at Nissan Stadium.

“The main thing is just every play going forward, not taking anything back,” Stroud said. “But even when things happen, just staying positive, that’s something I learned.”

Unlike Young. Stroud hasn’t missed the postseason. He’s set to do battle with Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers, but a performance like Sunday’s could set the tone for the postseason.

Last year, Stroud completed 76.9% of his throws for 259 yards and two touchdown passes while helping Houston in the AFC South. A week later, he completed 76.2% of his throws for three scores en route to a wild-card round win over the Cleveland Browns.

Young, who threw for 15 TDs against six interceptions while adding five rushing scores in the Panthers’ final 10 games, will eventually get to playoffs. For now, Stroud takes inspiration from his resilience.

“I’m always a big fan of his and always will be,” Stroud said. “I’ll probably watch highlights when I get to the bus.”

All 32 NFL quarterbacks (including C.J. Stroud) ranked by Total QBR

Here’s where C.J. Stroud stacks up in total QBR compared to all other quarterbacks entering the 2024 postseason.

Houston Texans second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud posted a Total QBR rating of 95.4 in the team’s 23-14 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 18, bringing his season-long Total QBR average to 50.2.

With the regular season wrapped up, Stroud’s 2024 Total QBR rating (50.2) has remained idle since last week’s 31-2 loss against the Baltimore Ravens, but his overall rank among primary starters (No. 24) in 2024 is up two from his rank among last week’s starters (No. 26).

Stroud’s traditional passer rating this season was 87.0 which ranked 24th during the 2024 season.

Unlike a traditional passer rating, the Total QBR “incorporates all of a quarterback’s contributions to winning, including how he impacts the game on passes, rushes, turnovers and penalties,” according to ESPN.

The metric takes into account scenarios that a traditional passer rating overlooks and considers “a team’s level of success or failure on every play to provide the proper context and then allocates credit to the quarterback and his teammate to produce a clearer measure of quarterback efficiency.”

With that context in mind, here’s a look at how Stroud stacked up against the NFL’s other starting quarterbacks this season.

Note: This list only includes each team’s primary 2024 quarterback, so some QBs are listed despite not finishing the year as a starter (or with a different team).

NFL QBs ranked by Total QBR in 2024

  1. Lamar Jackson, Ravens: 77.5
  2. Josh Allen, Bills: 77.2
  3. Joe Burrow, Bengals: 75.0
  4. Jayden Daniels, Commanders: 70.6
  5. Jordan Love, Packers: 69.2
  6. Jared Goff, Lions: 68.5
  7. Brock Purdy, 49ers: 68.0
  8. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs: 67.9
  9. Kyler Murray, Cardinals: 66.5
  10. Jalen Hurts, Eagles: 65.6
  11. Justin Herbert, Chargers: 65.3
  12. Matthew Stafford, Rams: 64.9
  13. Derek Carr, Saints: 63.1
  14. Baker Mayfield, Bucs: 61.8
  15. Sam Darnold, Vikings: 60.6
  16. Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins: 60.3
  17. Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars: 59.2
  18. Drake Maye, Patriots: 58.4
  19. Bo Nix, Broncos: 57.2
  20. Jameis Winston, Browns: 56.4
  21. Bryce Young, Panthers: 54.5
  22. Geno Smith, Seahawks: 53.8
  23. Russell Wilson, Steelers: 51.3
  24. Kirk Cousins, Falcons: 51.0
  25. C.J. Stroud, Texans: 50.2
  26. Aaron Rodgers, Jets: 48.2
  27. Daniel Jones, Giants: 47.7
  28. Anthony Richardson, Colts: 46.5
  29. Caleb Williams, Bears: 46.7
  30. Dak Prescott, Cowboys: 45.8
  31. Gardner Minshew, Raiders: 38.3
  32. Will Levis, Titans: 27.6

Stroud is now set to face the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs. Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

Texans QB C.J. Stroud closes out regular season with on top with TD

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud concludes sophomore season after the opening drive against the Tennessee Titans.

Nobody knew exactly how long C.J. Stroud would play on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, but after completing his first six passes for 50 yards and a touchdown, his sophomore season appears to be over.

Well, at the least for the regular season.

The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year will be on the field next week for the Houston Texans in the wild-card round. Entering the afternoon slate, Houston will host against the Pittsburgh Steelers or Los Angeles Chargers as the No. 5 seed.

After a stellar rookie debut, Stroud completed 63.1 % of passes for 3,727 yards with 20 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. Stroud finished with better statistics in all of the categories as a rookie when he won Offensive Rookie of the Year and finished 8th in MVP voting.

Stroud’s regression statistically can partially be blamed on the struggles from Houston’s offensive line, which allowed 52 sacks. Only Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked more.

Aside from the regular season finale, opponents sacked Stroud at least once, including a season-high eight in a Halloween night loss to the New York Jets.

Houston began the season 5-1 with Stroud throwing for more than 250 yards in half of the contests. Stroud also threw 10 touchdown passes in the opening six-game stretch, matching his touchdown total in the last 11 games of the season.

Stroud did close his 2024 season with a strong first drive against the Tennessee Titans by completing six consecutive passes for 50 yards a touchdown.

With a win, the Texans will secure back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time since 2019.

Is C.J. Stroud playing Sunday? Latest updates for Texans QB

C.J. Stroud will see action on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

The Houston Texans are at a crossroads entering Week 18 of the regular season.

Starters are expected to play against the Tennessee Titans, but the question is for how long? Texans coach DeMeco Ryans initially didn’t plan on playing starters, but after an abysmal outing against the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day, plans changed.

“For us right now, we’ve got to go play better,” Ryans said. “Our last outing on the field was not good enough. It was not representative of who we are. Defensively, offensively, just not a good representation of our team entirely. So we’ve got to go out and play better football.”

Among those who could miss the second half is quarterback C.J. Stroud. Last week, following what he described as the “worst performance of his NFL career,” Stroud revealed that he was playing “just a little banged up.”

Even in a year where Stroud has struggled, he provides the best chance for Houston to secure a 10-win season and a victory in the wild-card round next week at NRG Stadium.

Stroud also wants to end the season on a high note after failing to find the end zone against Baltimore on Christmas Day.

“I am excited and it is a blessing to be able to go out and play in this league whenever it is,” Stroud said Wednesday. “We are excited to play Tennessee and even more excited to play in the playoffs. I do think that this could help us.”

C.J. Stroud update

Stroud will play on Sunday at Nissan Stadium. Should the Texans pull out to a significant lead, Ryans could elect to rest him for next week’s wild-card round.

The same goes for Houston’s struggles and trails entering the fourth quarter. While the second-year passer is dinged up, he didn’t appear on the team’s injury report.

“It’s the end of the season,” Stroud said. “Everybody is banged up.”

C.J. Stroud stats

In 16 starts, Stroud has thrown for 3,677 yards and 19 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. He’s completed 62.7% of his throws while posting a passer rating of 86.0.

Texans QB depth chart

Davis Mills would start or replace Stroud should the Texans bench their starters on Sunday. He filled in for the final drive last week against the Ravens and completed one pass for five yards.

Mills also replaced Stroud in Week 3’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings, going 7-of-12 for 79 yards.

All 32 NFL quarterbacks (including C.J. Stroud) ranked by Total QBR

How did C.J. Stroud perform during the team’s 31-2 loss against the Baltimore Ravens? The QBR ranking is not kind.

Houston Texans second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud posted a Total QBR rating of 13.4 in the team’s 31-2 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17, bringing his season-long Total QBR average to 49.0.

Nix’s season-long rating has dipped since last week (51.1) and his overall rank (No. 21) among current starters is down two spots since last week (No. 19).

Nix’s traditional passer rating this season is 86.0, which ranks 24th.

Unlike a traditional passer rating, the Total QBR “incorporates all of a quarterback’s contributions to winning, including how he impacts the game on passes, rushes, turnovers and penalties,” according to ESPN.

The metric takes into account scenarios that a traditional passer rating overlooks and considers “a team’s level of success or failure on every play to provide the proper context and then allocates credit to the quarterback and his teammate to produce a clearer measure of quarterback efficiency.”

With that context in mind, here’s a look at how Stroud stacks up against the NFL’s other starting quarterbacks entering the Week 18 regular-season finale.

NFL QBs ranked by Total QBR after Week 17

  1. Lamar Jackson: 78.0
  2. Joe Burrow: 76.7
  3. Josh Allen: 76.7
  4. Jayden Daniels: 72.4
  5. Jordan Love: 69.8
  6. Patrick Mahomes: 68.5
  7. Brock Purdy: 67.8
  8. Jared Goff: 67.1
  9. Kyler Murray: 66.9
  10. Jalen Hurts: 66.1
  11. Matthew Stafford: 64.7
  12. Sam Darnold: 63.4
  13. Justin Herbert: 61.8
  14. Baker Mayfield: 59.4
  15. Drake Maye: 59.0
  16. Bo Nix: 54.1
  17. Russell Wilson: 53.0
  18. Geno Smith: 52.7
  19. Aidan O’Connell: 50.6
  20. Drew Lock: 50.3
  21. C.J. Stroud: 49.0
  22. Aaron Rodgers: 48.3
  23. Bryce Young: 48.0
  24. Anthony Richardson: 46.5
  25. Caleb Williams: 45.5
  26. Michael Penix: 44.1
  27. Cooper Rush: 40.4
  28. Mac Jones: 39.3
  29. Spencer Rattler: 36.9
  30. Tyler Huntley: 36.7
  31. Will Levis: 30.2
  32. Dorian Thompson-Robinson: 18.9

Stroud will look to improve his Total QBR rating when the Texans travel to Nashville to take on the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Kickoff from Nissan Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Is Texans QB C.J. Stroud playing hurt entering Week 18?

C.J. Stroud hasn’t been at 100 percent over the last several games, including the season finale against the Tennessee Titans.

Late in the season, every player is dealing with something.

It could be a bruised ribcage.

It could be a jammed finger.

Some players are playing through broken bones just for a chance to secure a Lombardi Trophy.

So, is Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud dealing with something? According to the second-year passer, following what he called “one of the worst games” of his career in a 31-2 loss against the Baltimore Ravens, he’s been playing “a bit banged up.”

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans addressed the news but also said Stroud wasn’t the only player dealing with an injury entering Week 18’s regular-season finale.

“I think that’s real and that’s real for everyone in the league at this time of the year,” Ryans said.“The amount of games guys have played, the snaps they play, everybody is banged up. It’s what it is. That’s NFL football this time of year.”

During the second quarter, Stroud left the game after being sacked by Odafe Oweh but returned a play later.  Even though the offense was struggling, it dived in the second half.

Stroud tossed an ugly interception to begin the third quarter as the Ravens pulled away behind the legs of Lamar Jackson. He finished 17 of 31 passing for 185 yards.

The sack totals continue to pile up entering the postseason. Stroud was hit five times by a revamped Ravens’ front seven on Christmas, which totaled on to the other 48 sacks issued this season to bring the total to 53.

But sacks can’t be the only issue in Stroud’s game. The turnover woes have allowed opponents to not just remain in close battles but eventually pull away with victories in the final quarter.

“I think C.J. would be the first to tell you he has to play better,” Ryans said. “And our entire team has to rally around him and play better as well. I think collectively as a team, we all have to play better.”

The Texans are expected to play their starters in the regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, Stroud included. For how long? That will be determined by the game’s outcome.

Stroud could be on a snap count since the team needs him to win a playoff game in two weeks, but Ryans wants him to play better and close out the year on a high before the elimination game.

“For us right now, I think it’s a feel for where your team is at this point of the season,” Ryans said. “For me right now, our team needs to be playing better before we head into the postseason.”

Kickoff from Nissan Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Former NFL LB makes bold take on C.J. Stroud vs. Jayden Daniels’ rookie seasons

So, who had a better rookie season between Jayden Daniels and C.J. Stroud? One person thinks its clearly the 2024 No. 2 overall pick.

C.J. Stroud’s breakout rookie season for the Houston Texans will go down as one of the greatest seasons in franchise history.

The same must be said for Jayden Daniels as he closes the chapter on Year 1 with the Washington Commanders.

But which former No. 2 overall pick had the better first season when looking back at the year?

If you ask former All-Pro linebacker Teddy Bruschi for an opinion, he’s rocking with the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner and face of D.C. Football.

The ESPN analyst claimed that while Stroud’s heroics ended a four-year playoff drought in Houston, Daniels’ overall numbers are more impressive for Washington entering the postseason.

“C.J. Stroud had a great year last year,” Bruschi said on ESPN’s NFL Countdown. “He won Offensive Rookie of the Year last season. This [Jayden Daniels] blows that season away in my mind.”

While Bruschi’s take is bold, it might not be entirely wrong. And it’s not based on records or accolades for either team, but rather on individual stats between the passers and their inconsistencies.

Daniels closed out the 2024 calendar year with a three-touchdown performance against the Atlanta Falcons, including the game-winning pass in overtime to secure a playoff berth for the first time since 2020.

He also became the second quarterback in NFL history with 5+ passing touchdowns, 250+ passing yards and 75+ rushing yards in a game for his performance in a comeback win against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17.

If that’s not enough, Daniels also became the first rookie in NFL history with multiple game-winning passing touchdowns in the final 30 seconds of a game.

Stroud, who led the NFL with a 23:5 touchdown-to-interception ratio in 2023, only accomplished that feat once, dating back to Week 9’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In 16 games, Daniels has completed 69.4% of his passes for 3,530 yards with 25 touchdowns to nine interceptions for a 101.3 passer rating. He also has 864 rushing yards and six scores, thus bringing his total to 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns.

In 15 games, Stroud completed 63.9% of his passes for 4,108 yards with 23 touchdowns to five interceptions and a 110.8 rating. He also became the first quarterback to throw three touchdown passes in the first half of their first playoff game in a win over the Cleveland Browns.

What could separate the two is overall talent. Daniels’ impact has guided a semi-average roster to a potential 12-win season and a five-game winning streak to close out 2024.

Washington’s also missing a secondary receiver, unlike the Texans in 2023 behind Tank Dell and Nico Collins.

“I see Jayden and I’m like, ‘This guy is going to be a problem for the next decade,'” Bruschi said. “I truly believe that because of what the pressure does to him and how tough he is to get to.

“He’s not just a passer. He does so much more.”

Fans on both sides of the fence will complain until they see the two take the field. One can only hope that instance becomes a reality within the next few years.

Perhaps this season in New Orleans?

C.J. Stroud give brutally honest response on being booed vs. Ravens

C.J. Stroud called his day against the Baltimore Ravens “one of the worst performances of his career,” and it’s hard to blame him.

As the Houston Texans headed into the locker room before halftime, a swarm of boos reverbed off the steel beams inside NRG Stadium.

That sound carried over as players left the field for the final time in the regular season as the Texans couldn’t muster up a sign of offense in a 31-2 loss against the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day.

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud understands the fan frustration, especially admitted his performance in Wednesday’s Christmas showdown was “probably one of my worst games” in his career.

“People are entitled to their opinions. They care about the game. Their emotions matter, so I understand,” Stroud said after failing to find the end zone. “This is not my first time and probably won’t be my last. It’s not something to internalize and point the finger at yourself but it is something that you can use to motivate you, to not want those moments anymore.

Last season, Stroud took the NFL by storm. Media pundits declared the 2023 No. 2 overall pick the league’s next “elite QB” after guiding Houston to its first 10-win season and a playoff berth in four years.

But with all the success came expanded expectations for an encore in Year 2. Fans believed after a bountiful offseason, plus a sure-fire quarterback,

Houston would be a force in the AFC next to Buffalo and Kansas City.
Instead, the Texans are trudging their way to an underwhelming division title while being booed off the field to make room for Beyoncé’s halftime show.

“What are you going to do? Cry and weep about it?,” Stroud said. “Of course, it’s not easy, but at the same time, it’s part of the game, sometimes you go out there and lay an egg. It’s not easy to sit out here and say that, but that’s what happened tonight.”

Stroud, who finished 17-of-31 passing for 185 yards and an interception, can’t take all the blame. He was sacked five times, including three times on third down to knock Houston out of range for a conversion.

The passing attack was limited without Tank Dell following his season-ending injury. John Metchie III stepped up as the No. 2 option, but his 48 receiving yards could only provide so much.

The Texans finished 4-of-15 on third-down conversions and could only muster up 211 total yards of offense compared to Baltimore’s 423. Wednesday marked the worst performance from a DeMeco Ryans-led defense in two seasons.

“Nobody played good enough for us to win the football game today. There were opportunities we had that we didn’t make, not only from C.J., but defensively, the tackling, all those things,” Ryans said postgame. “In position to make plays, at the end of the day you have to make plays.”

Stroud, who’s doubled his interception total from his Offensive Rookie of the Year season, could make up for his rocky when they return to NRG Stadium as the No. 4 seed in the AFC Playoffs.

Houston currently sits at rock bottom following the chants of boos from fans. That’s a good thing in his mind since the only place to go is up.

“At the end of the day we clinched our division. We still have an opportunity to go in the playoffs,” Stroud said. “Got to finish this year the right way against Tennessee, and hopefully by that time we’re in a groove and rolling when the playoffs come.”

Updated playoff bracket: Where do the Texans rank following Christmas loss to Ravens?

The Houston Texans will host a playoff game following Week 18 against the top wild-card team.

Well, that’s one to throw out and never watch again.

The Houston Texans have not only clinched the AFC South, but also the No. 4 seed in the conference playoff race following a 31-2 loss on Christmas Day to the Baltimore Ravens.

Lamar Jackson made history and catapulted Josh Allen in the race for MVP.

Derrick Henry turned back into the Tennessee Titan Tyrant that tortured  Houstonians every time he stepped foot inside NRG Stadium.

And the Texans? They just sat and watched. There was nothing even an above-average performance would have changed following a Kamari Lassiter safety against the All-Pro runner.

Houston (9-7) knows its fate. It also knows who likely is headed to the postseason in the AFC based on the outlooks of Week 17’s matchups. The Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) and Denver Broncos (9-6) can clinch a spot in the AFC wild-card hunt with wins on Saturday afternoon.

The Kansas City Chiefs (15-1) have already clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC, while the Buffalo Bills (12-3) need one more win to secure the No. 2 spot. And the Ravens (11-5) need one more victory to clinch the AFC North and not repeat a Christmas massacre in the wild-card round later next month.

Below is a look at the potential NFL playoff bracket ahead of the rest of Week 17’s battles.

Who is in the NFL playoffs so far?

A total of nine teams have clinched playoff berths thus far. They are listed below by conference.

AFC

  • Kansas City Chiefs (15-1)
  • Buffalo Bills (12-3)
  • Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
  • Houston Texans (9-7)

NFC

  • Detroit Lions (13-2)
  • Philadelphia Eagles (12-3)
  • Minnesota Vikings (13-2)
  • Green Bay Packers (11-4)

NFL division winners 2024

Only three NFL divisions have been clinched entering Sunday’s Week 16. Below is a look at the division winners thus far:

AFC

  • AFC East: Buffalo Bills (12-3)
  • AFC North: TBD
  • AFC South: Houston Texans (9-7)
  • AFC West: Kansas City Chiefs (15-1)

NFC

  • NFC East: TBD
  • NFC North: TBD
  • NFC South: TBD
  • NFC West: TBD

NFL playoff bracket update

AFC bracket

1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-1, AFC West winners): BYE

The coveted No. 1 seed is in the Chiefs’ hands after a beatdown on Christmas morning against the Steelers. The AFC championship game had gone through Arrowhead Stadium for a record five consecutive seasons before the Ravens ended that streak in 2023.

Now, make it six with Mahomes at QB1.

2. Buffalo Bills (12-3, AFC East winners) vs. 7. Denver Broncos (9-6, wild card No. 3)

The Bills are the only team to defeat the Chiefs to this point, but a road loss to the Los Angeles Rams knocked them out of first place entering Week 17. If the season ended today, Buffalo would host Bo Nix and a surging Broncos defense in an intriguing first-round matchup.

3. Baltimore Ravens (11-5, AFC North leaders) vs. 6. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6, wild card No. 2)

This is where things get less sticky. The Ravens must win in Week 18 over Cleveland to clinch the division a second time. Should they lose and Pittsburgh win, it could become a head-to-head based on point advantages. Much like with the head-to-heads elsewhere, Los Angeles won twice against Denver, so Jim Harbaugh would get the last laugh over Sean Payton for seeding purposes.

4. Houston Texans (9-7, AFC South winners) vs. 5. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6, wild card No. 1)

Some are calling this the “mid-off” since both Houston and Pittsubrgh have looked dreadful down the stretch. Since Week 15, the duo has combined for a 1-5 record and have been outscored by 48 combined points.

Houston would host because it won the AFC South. Nothing more should be expected following yesterday’s implosion at NRG Stadium.

NFC bracket

1. Detroit Lions (13-2, NFC North leaders): BYE

2. Philadelphia Eagles (12-3, NFC East leaders) vs. 7. Washington Commanders (10-5, wild card No. 3)

3. Los Angeles Rams (10-6, NFC West leaders) vs. 6. Green Bay Packers (10-4, wild card No. 2)

4. Atlanta Falcons (8-7, NFC South leaders) vs. 5. Minnesota Vikings (13-2, wild card No. 1)

NFL playoff picture entering Week 17

AFC

  1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-1, AFC West winners)
  2. Buffalo Bills (12-3, AFC East winners)
  3. Baltimore Ravens (11-5, AFC North leaders)
  4. Houston Texans (9-7, AFC South winners)
  5. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6, wild card No. 1)
  6. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6, wild card No. 3)
  7. Denver Broncos (9-6, wild card No. 2)

In the hunt: Indianapolis Colts (7-8), Miami Dolphins (7-8), Cincinnati Bengals (7-8).

NFC

  1. Detroit Lions (13-2, NFC North leaders)
  2. Philadelphia Eagles (12-3, NFC East leaders)
  3. Los Angeles Rams (9-6, NFC West leaders)
  4. Atlanta Falcons  (8-7, NFC South leaders)
  5. Minnesota Vikings (13-2, wild card No. 1)
  6. Green Bay Packers (10-4, wild card No. 2)
  7. Washington Commanders (10-5, wild card No. 3)

In the hunt: Seattle Seahawks (8-7), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7)