Despite speculation of his status for Wednesday’s showdown at NRG Stadium, the Baltimore Ravens second-year receiver should be good to go come kickoff against the Houston Texans.
Here’s the latest surrounding Flowers’ status entering Christmas afternoon.
Zay Flowers injury update
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Ravens’ No. 1 target is expected to play in his team’s Week 17 Christmas Showdown against the Texans.
Flowers was listed as questionable on the final injury report on Tuesday afternoon before the team departed for Houston that evening.
For Baltimore-Houston:
— #Ravens WR Zay Flowers, questionable with a shoulder injury, is expected to play.
— #Texans WR Diontae Johnson, just acquired via waivers, is planning to make his Houston debut in Week 18 vs. the #Titans. Today is too quick.
While the former Boston College star didn’t practice on Sunday and Monday, he returned to practice on Tuesday in a limited capacity, giving reason for optimism that he could be cleared.
The Ravens have already clinched a playoff berth following last week’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, but another victory inches them closer to securing a division title for the second straight season.
Zay Flowers stats
Slowing down Flowers should be Houston’s top priority for Wednesday’s contest. He’s having a surging sophomore season with a team-leading 109 targets, 71 receptions, 1,016 yards and four touchdown catches.
As for the Texans, they’ll be down to one weapon following a season-ending knee injury to Tank Dell. The second-year target caught a 30-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud in Week 16’s loss against the Kansas City Chiefs but suffered a dislocated knee and multiple torn ligaments.
DeShon Elliot’s absence highlights his immense impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense during their tough late-season stretch.
Much to the dismay of Steelers fans, the team’s Week 15 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles brought their Super Bowl aspirations crashing back down to Earth. Coupled with an extremely difficult final three weeks to close out the 2024 season, the negativity in the air is palpable.
However, analyzing what went wrong during these trying times has brought about a newfound appreciation for perhaps the best player on the Pittsburgh Steelers defense in 2024: SS DeShon Elliot.
PFF, while known for their less-than-remarkable grades for the Black and Gold, recognizes Elliot as the second-best run-stopping safety in the 2024 season.
Elliot missed the team’s Week 15 contest and is scheduled to miss the Week 16 contest against the Baltimore Ravens as well. His ability to stop the run, drop back into coverage, rush the passer, consistently make great tackles, and lead the secondary were all aspects sorely missed in the team’s loss to the Eagles. Without Elliot, the defense failed to stop the Philadelphia Eagles offense from taking over the second half in Week 15.
Could the absence of Elliot in Week 16 lead to consecutive losses for the Black and Gold, further solidifying his position as the MVP of the Steelers defense?
The Commanders won their ninth game of the 2024 season Sunday when they held on for a 20-19 escape from the New Orleans Saints.
Washington led 17-0 early in the third quarter. The last half-hour was troublesome for the Commanders and disappointing for fans.
Plain and simple, though I wish it were much, much different; the Commanders weren’t good enough to defeat a bad Saints team on Sunday. They couldn’t run the ball when needed in the second half, and they couldn’t effectively protect Jayden Daniels, giving up eight sacks.
In the final 25 minutes of the game, Joe Whitt’s defense resembled the version from the Week 11 loss to the Eagles. On the Saints’ last four offensive possessions, the Commanders’ defense was… well… poor.
I hesitated because I honestly wouldn’t say I like to overstate things. But consider this: the Saints, on their second-half possessions, drove 71 yards for a touchdown, 51 yards for a field goal, 59 yards for a field goal, and 56 yards for a touchdown.
Keep in mind, on Sunday, the Saints lost running back Alvin Kamara during the game due to injury, and they never had wide receiver Chris Olave nor quarterback Derek Carr.
In addition, keep in mind that the Commanders’ defense was outplayed late by the Bears, Giants, Steelers, and Eagles for four consecutive weeks. Yes, Chicago outscored Washington 15-0 before the ‘Hail Mary’ rescued them.
The reality is that the Commanders’ second-half defense has become an ongoing problem. It’s a dilemma, a predicament.
This has to be a significant part of Dan Quinn’s, ‘Tell the Truth, Monday’ in Ashburn.
The Commanders could get Jonathan Allen back before the end of the season.
When Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen suffered a pectoral injury in Washington’s Week 6 loss at Baltimore, almost everyone believed it would be season-ending.
Allen underwent surgery, and things were quiet regarding his status.
On Friday, ahead of the Commanders’ Week 15 game at New Orleans, John Keim of ESPN reported there’s a chance that Allen could return before the conclusion of the 2024 season.
From Keim’s report:
Allen suffered the injury in a Week 6 loss at Baltimore, but during surgery doctors discovered that his muscle was only partially torn, sparking the initial hope for a late-season return. Further checkups have at least helped him maintain the belief that a return is possible, sources said.
Since being sidelined, the Commanders have used rookie Johnny Newton, Phidarian Mathis and Sheldon Day in Allen’s place alongside Daron Payne. Allen’s potential return would be a big boost for a defense that has struggled to stop the run in 2024.
Washington will have cornerback Marshon Lattimore on the field for the first time Sunday since acquiring him via trade last month.
Allen, 29, is a two-time Pro Bowl selection with 41 career sacks. As Keim noted, there’s no guarantee of a return this season, but Allen is working toward a potential return.
The Steelers face a grueling 10-day stretch against top contenders, a test that could define their playoff trajectory in 2024.
From December 15th to December 25th, the Pittsburgh Steelers will face one of the toughest 10-day stretches in NFL history, as the Black and Gold take on not one, not two, but three potential Super Bowl contenders during this period. If competition truly breeds excellence, Pittsburgh could emerge from these games completely transformed.
Any team being tasked with playing three games in 10 days is daunting enough, but the Steelers must contend with the 11-2 Eagles, the 8-5 Ravens, and the 12-1 Chiefs with little time to rest, let alone prepare for these matchups.
Fortunately, the Ravens and Chiefs are also scheduled to play three games in 10 days, but their opponents are not nearly as challenging as the Steelers’ gauntlet from Weeks 15 to 17.
NEWS: #Steelers are the only team in the entire NFL who are undefeated this season against teams with winning records.
This stretch has the potential to make or break the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ playoff aspirations in 2024, and I’m confident the Black and Gold will come out stronger than ever. Fans can witness this 10-day test begin in Week 15, when the Steelers take on the Eagles on December 15th at 4:25 PM EST.
Russell Wilson proves critics wrong as the Steelers surge to a 10-3 record, solidifying his role in their impressive season.
Sorry, Cam Newton, you were wrong about the Pittsburgh Steelers and Russell Wilson. The former 2015 NFL MVP has transitioned to life after football through analysis on ESPN and his podcast, 4th and 1 with Cam Newton. However, his assertion that the Steelers are pretenders rather than contenders has been thoroughly disproved, as the Black and Gold improved to 10-3 on the season following a Week 14 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
His coldest take of the 2024 NFL season? The belief that the Pittsburgh Steelers were carrying QB Russell Wilson through this incredible start.
Where does one begin to assess how wrong this analysis was? Not only has Wilson achieved the fifth-most wins by a quarterback in his first 13 seasons, but if he hadn’t missed the first six games of 2024, he would be on pace for 4,336 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, and an impressive 103.9 passer rating.
LEGENDARY: #Steelers QB Russell Wilson now has the 5TH MOST REGULAR-SEASON WINS IN #NFL HISTORY by a quarterback in his first 13 seasons.
Only Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, Tom Brady, and Ben Roethlisberger have won more than Russ.
It’s safe to say Newton might have been a little envious of Wilson’s career resurgence in 2024, but ‘Mr. Unlimited’ and his remarkable start speak for themselves. Wilson will aim to extend his hot streak against the Eagles in Week 15 on December 15th, at 4:25 PM EST.
Broncos QB Bo Nix (24) is the seventh-youngest starting quarterback in the NFL.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix entered the NFL this spring as a 24-year-old rookie after spending five years in college.
He’s older than a typical rookie, but Nix still ranks among the youngest starting quarterbacks in the NFL going into his first season.
Of the six QBs younger than Nix, three are rookies. Bryce Young (23), Jayden Daniels (23; rookie), C.J. Stroud (23), Caleb Williams (23; rookie), Anthony Richardson (22) and Drake Maye (22; rookie) are the youngest starting QBs in the league.
J.J. McCarthy (21) would have had a chance to become the NFL’s youngest starter this year, but he’s out for the season with a torn meniscus.
Aaron Rodgers (41) is the oldest quarterback in the league, with Kirk Cousins (36), Matthew Stafford (36) and Russell Wilson (36) behind him.
Up next are Geno Smith (34), Derek Carr (33) and Dak Prescott (31).
We’ve listed the ages of all 32 starting quarterbacks below with parentheses providing context of younger QBs waiting in the wings.
NFL quarterbacks ranked oldest to youngest
Aaron Rodgers (41)
Kirk Cousins (36)
Matthew Stafford (36)
Russell Wilson (36)
Geno Smith (34)
Derek Carr (33)
Dak Prescott (31)
Jameis Winston (30)
Jared Goff (30)
Baker Mayfield (29)
Josh Allen (28)
Drew Lock (28)
Patrick Mahomes (29)
Lamar Jackson (27)
Sam Darnold (27) (J.J. McCarthy: 21)
Kyler Murray (27)
Joe Burrow (27)
Tua Tagovailoa (26)
Justin Herbert (26)
Jalen Hurts (26)
Aiden O’Connell (26)
Mac Jones (26)
Jordan Love (26)
Will Levis (25)
Brock Purdy (24)
Bo Nix (24)
Bryce Young (23)
Jayden Daniels (23)
C.J. Stroud (23)
Caleb Williams (23)
Anthony Richardson (22)
Drake Maye (22)
Earlier this year, Nix became Denver’s first rookie quarterback to start in Week 1 since John Elway in 1983. He has since broken numerous franchise rookie records.
The Steelers eliminated the Browns from playoff contention, sparking reactions from fans celebrating Cleveland’s 2024 downfall.
Sorry, Cleveland, but the Browns have officially been eliminated from the 2024 playoff picture, all thanks to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
This bitter rivalry in 2024 had nothing short of a storybook ending for the Black and Gold, and a nightmarish continuation of mediocrity for the Cleveland Browns.
Despite spending an enormous payroll in 2024, “Cleveland sucks” chants rang out throughout the Week 14 contest, ultimately foreshadowing the Browns’ demise as the team dropped to 3-10 on the season.
Browns DE Myles Garrett and CB Greg Newsome II had plenty to say following their team’s Week 12 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, it is the Steel City that got the last laugh.
With Browns fans making arrangements to watch other NFL teams compete in the playoffs come January, Steelers fans were having a blast on social media with the news. Here are some of the best reactions from Steelers fans to the Cleveland Browns being eliminated from the 2024 playoff picture.
Browns is the Browns. Cleveland is such a pathetic city.
So glad I don’t have to quit my job & move out of state 🤣🤣 love these boys 💛 Don’t MESS with the STEEL CURTAIN 💪🏻💛🖤
Cleveland have fun watching us in the playoffs from your couches. Xoxo ❤️
Entering the bye week, they remain the AFC South favorites and the fourth seed in the conference standings, trailing Kansas City Chiefs (11-1), Buffalo Bills (10-2) and Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3).
Kansas City and Buffalo have already clinched playoff berths, with the latter clinching the AFC East title. The Texans likely would need chaos to ensue, along with a win next week, to guarantee their spot in the College Football Playoff.
Should Houston somehow drop the division title, it would remain in the hunt for a wild-card berth. Well, at least for the time being alongside the Denver Broncos (8-5), Baltimore Ravens (8-5) and Los Angeles Chargers (8-4).
The Texans will play the Miami Dolphins, Chiefs and Ravens following the bye. They also hold a two-game lead over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South division race.
Houston controls its playoff fate. According to Andrew Mason of DenverSports.com, if the Broncos beat the Colts in Week 15, Houston would need to defeat the Dolphins at NRG Stadium to clinch a playoff berth.
So, what are the Texans’ chances of reaching the postseason?
The Athletic gives Houston a 97% chance of reaching the playoffs. ESPN has given the team a 96% chance of making the playoffs and a 94% chance of winning the division. DVOA has the most optimistic outlook, giving the Texans a 96.8% chance to reach the postseason.
Houston has a week to prepare for the Dolphins, but players are currently resting. That’s a positive since the team will come ripping back after the bye to face off against three teams in 11 days, including the Ravens on Christmas.
The good, bad and the ugly from Washington’s first 13 games.
The Washington Commanders were the NFL’s biggest surprise through the first half of the season. At 7-2, Washington led the NFC East before a Week 10 meeting against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Commanders had many chances to win the game but made too many mistakes, losing 28-27. The loss started a three-game losing streak that allowed the Philadelphia Eagles to take over first place in the division.
Washington snapped the three-game skid on Sunday with a dominant 42-19 win over the Tennessee Titans. As the Commanders head into their bye week, they are 8-5, with four games remaining.
What’s gone right for Washington through 13 games? What’s gone wrong? Remember, the Commanders won four games last season, so there isn’t much bad to say. General manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn have the team ahead of schedule.
It’s time to review the good, bad, and the ugly from Washington’s first 13 games.
Jayden Daniels: The No. 1 takeaway from the 2024 season is the Commanders have their quarterback. There’s nothing more important than finding that guy. Washington has searched for a quarterback for years, even before Kirk Cousins’ three record-breaking seasons from 2015-17. Daniels was in the MVP conversation through the first half of the season. His worst performances came in back-to-back games against Philadelphia and Dallas, but Daniels still hasn’t looked like a rookie this season.
The leading contender for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, Daniels is getting the job done with his arms and legs. He’s completing 70% of his passes and has 21 combined 21 touchdowns. The great quarterbacks make those around them better. Daniels is doing that as a rookie.
The offense as a whole: Kliff Kingsbury has pushed all the right buttons for much of the season. Washington has consistently ranked in the top five for total offense, scoring offense, and rushing offense. The offensive line was expected to be a weakness, but it has been a pleasant surprise. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin is having a terrific season and has already set a new career-high for touchdown receptions. Washington’s rushing attack has thrived with a combination of Daniels, Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Several individual defensive players: Washington’s defense has improved throughout the season. The Commanders still need help, but many of the new additions have proven beneficial. Linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr., safety Jeremy Chinn, and rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil have all been excellent this season. After the bye, the Commanders should see cornerback Marshon Lattimore for the first time.
The bad
Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs by Michael Davis #24. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Run defense: The Commanders have overachieved through the first 13 games. Their pass defense is surprisingly good, considering Washington’s issues at cornerback. Part of the reason for the success against the pass is because everyone can run on the Commanders. Washington has the No. 27 run defense in the NFL, allowing 137 yards per game. Those numbers certainly do not dramatically improve in-season. If the Commanders make the playoffs as they are currently projected to do, good teams will expose their inability to stop the run.
Austin Ekeler’s concussions: In the Week 4 win at Cincinnati, Ekeler suffered a concussion. He missed the following week but returned. Unfortunately, in the Week 12 loss to Dallas, He suffered his second concussion of the season and was placed on injured reserve. Ekeler must sit out four games, making him eligible to return in Week 18. It was a scary injury for Ekeler, who offered details on his condition this week. He could miss the remainder of the season.
The ugly
Washington Commanders place kicker Austin Seibert (3) reacts after missing a potential game-tying extra point. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Loss to Dallas: The Commanders were double-digit favorites over the Cowboys in Week 12 and got behind early before finally deciding to come alive with five minutes remaining. Then, the next few minutes of that game were the wildest of the season. After Daniels led a touchdown drive, the Commanders missed a tackle on the kickoff, allowing Kavontae Turpin to return it 98 yards for a touchdown. Washington had one last shot with 30 seconds remaining but 86 yards to go. Unbelievably, Daniels finds McLaurin for an 86-yard touchdown, and kicker Austin Seibert misses the extra point. It was a disastrous loss for Washington. The Commanders made mistake after mistake and, combined with bad luck, blew a very winnable game.
