Tag: Week 17

Packers PFF grades: Best, worst players from loss to Vikings in Week 17

Based on grades from PFF, here are the best and worst players from the Packers’ Week 17 loss to the Vikings.

The Green Bay Packers earned their lowest overall grade from Pro Football Focus since the bye week during Sunday’s 27-25 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

A big part of the overall grade? The Packers finished with their lowest coverage grade on defense of the 2024 season as Sam Darnold sliced up a secondary missing Jaire Alexander and Evan Williams.

Based on grades from Pro Football Focus, here are the best and worst players from the Packers’ Week 17 loss to the Vikings:

Top 5 offense

1. WR Romeo Doubs: 76.5
2. QB Jordan Love: 72.3
3. RB Josh Jacobs: 71.8
4. RT Zach Tom: 71.3
5. LG Elgton Jenkins: 71.3

Doubs caught seven passes, created five first downs and averaged 1.87 yards per route run. Love didn’t have a turnover worthy play and was effective when not pressured or blitzed. Jacobs fumbled on the opening possession but created 54 yards after contact and scored another touchdown. Tom gave up a sack and three pressures but earned the offense’s top run-blocking grade. Jenkins allowed zero pressures and was the highest graded pass-blocker.

Top 5 defense

1. DL Devonte Wyatt: 91.8
2. LB Edgerrin Cooper: 80.1
3. DL Karl Brooks: 68.8
4. LB Isaiah McDuffie: 65.1
5. S Zayne Anderson: 65.0

Wyatt had four pressures, all hurries, on 10 pass-rushing snaps before exiting with a concussion. Cooper got picked on in coverage (seven catches for 91 yards), but he delivered a career high six stops and earned an elite run defense grade (91.5). Brooks had a sack, a hurry, a batted pass and two run stops. McDuffie had a run stop and didn’t give up a catch in coverage. Anderson didn’t allow a catch over 11 snaps before exiting.

Bottom 5 offense

1. WR Jayden Reed: 46.1
2. TE Luke Musgrave: 47.1
3. RG Sean Rhyan: 59.1
4. C Josh Myers: 60.2
5. WR Dontayvion Wicks: 62.8

Reed dropped a fourth down pass and finished with only one catch for six yards on four targets and 24 routes run. Musgrave caught one pass for four yards on eight routes run and was poor as a blocker. Rhyan gave up a pressure, got flagged for holding negating a touchdown run and was the offensive line’s lowest graded run blocker. Myers gave up four pressures, including a sack. Wicks failed to make a diving catch in the first half and had a procedural penalty negating a first down.

Bottom 5 defense

1. DE Kingsley Enagbare: 37.4
2. S Javon Bullard: 37.7
3. DE Arron Mosby: 41.4
4. LB Eric Wilson: 47.6
5. DL Colby Wooden: 48.2

Enagbare didn’t have a pressure over 20 pass-rushing snaps and gave up a catch into his coverage. Bullard gave up six completions on six targets for 72 yards and two touchdowns into his coverage, but he did make 11 tackles without a miss. Mosby had two pressures, including a hit, but he earned a poor run defense grade. Wilson missed a tackle and gave up four catches for 60 yards. Wooden didn’t have a pressure over 16 pass-rushing snaps or a run stop over 13 run-defending snaps.

Special teams

Edgerrin Cooper had another special teams tackle but was flagged for a (questionable) offsides penalty on a field goal. Kingsley Enagbare and Zayne Anderson also had tackles covering kicks or punts. Karl Brooks had a penalty on special teams. Daniel Whelan had a 50-yard punt and one punt put inside the 20. His net was 42.3 yards.

Quarterback play

Jordan Love: 72.3

Love didn’t have a big-time throw or turnover worthy play. He was 16 of 22 for 148 yards and a touchdown from clean pockets but just 3 of 8 for 37 yards and three sacks under pressure. He completed just 1-of-5 passes thrown 20 yards or more in the air. The play-action passing game was almost non-existent (2 of 4 for 19 yards). When not blitzed, Love completed 6 of 9 passes for 71 yards, but he averaged only 5.4 yards per attempt when blitzed.

Stat to know

Sam Darnold completed 26 of 30 passes for 315 yards and three touchdowns when not pressured. The Packers got pressure on only 14 of his 44 dropbacks. Darnold averaged only 4.6 yard per attempt and threw an interception when pressured.

Chiefs veteran wide receiver continues to play a significant role in the offense

Kansas City #Chiefs wide receiver Justin Watson continues to play a significant role in the offense | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs have seen multiple players stand out at wide receiver during different times this season. The additions of DeAndre Hopkins, Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown, and Xavier Worthy have been essential to the team’s success but also has the reliable veteran Justin Watson, who continues to be available for big plays when needed.

Shortly after Watson’s 49-yard catch down the sideline to set up the Chiefs in scoring position, Mahomes found him open again in the back of the end zone for an 11-yard touchdown to extend Kansas City’s lead to 13-0 over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day. Watson finished his day with two catches for 60 yards and a touchdown en route to the Chiefs Week 17 victory.

“He (Justin Watson) stacked his corner. I put it out there; let him make a play. I’m happy for him.” said Mahomes during his postgame press conference. “This is home for him. To be able to make a couple (of) plays and get a touchdown, it’s always special to get a touchdown in your homestay.”

The Pennsylvania native has continued to make the most of his opportunities on and off the field throughout his Chiefs tenure, actively mentoring younger receivers.

“We feel like we can continue to get better and better. But obviously, we’re playing, especially offensively, our best football at the end of the year, getting guys healthy,” said Mahomes. “We’re excited. We’re going to keep working. This isn’t the end. This is just the beginning. We’ll continue to work to get even better as we go into the Playoffs.”

Watson joined the Chiefs in 2022 and has known plenty of winning in the NFL since being drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2018 and securing the first of his three Super Bowl titles.

Good, bad and ugly from Packers’ 27-25 loss to Vikings in Week 17

The good, the bad and the ugly coming out of the Packers’ 27-25 loss to the Vikings in Week 17.

The Green Bay Packers dropped to 11-5 entering the season’s final week after losing 27-25 to the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday.

The Packers took an early 3-0 lead but trailed by 10 at halftime and twice trailed by 17 in the second half before scoring 15 straight points in the fourth quarter to make the final couple of minutes interesting.

A couple of completions from Sam Darnold — who finished with a career high 377 passing yards — finished the deal on the final drive.

Here’s the good, the bad and the ugly coming out of the Packers’ loss to the Vikings:

The Good

The late fight: The Packers fell behind 20-3 and 27-10 but never folded. During a three-possession stretch, the Packers went touchdown-stop-touchdown to turn 27-10 into 27-25 with just over two minutes to go. Unproductive for three quarters, Jordan Love completed 9-of-11 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter. But it was too little, too late. The Packers couldn’t get another stop to give Love a chance to win it on the final possession. The Packers can’t expect to sleepwalk through three quarters and beat one of the NFL’s best teams, especially on the road.

The Bad

The passing defense: The Packers gave up 33 completions and produced only one sack on 44 dropbacks from Sam Darnold, who shredded Green Bay’s injury-riddled pass defense. The Vikings quarterback consistently navigated the pocket and found big plays over the middle of the field. Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor combined for 19 catches, 242 yards and two touchdowns. The Packers finished with only five quarterback hits. Combine with a secondary missing two starters with a pass-rush struggling to disrupt the pocket and a good passing offense likes the Vikings is going to take advantage every time.

The Ugly

The second and third quarters: The Vikings dominated the middle quarters, outscoring the Packers 27-7. Minnesota scored five times in six possessions and only gave up seven points after Sam Darnold’s third-quarter interception. The Packers gave up three points on a long field goal as time expired in the first half and then a touchdown to the Vikings on the opening drive of the second half, turning a 10-3 game into a 20-3 deficit. Thanks to a big advantage created in the second and third quarters, the Vikings were able to survive a late rally.

Breaking down Packers’ 27-25 loss to Vikings in Week 17

Vikings 27, Packers 25: Here’s what went right, what went wrong and what it means for the Packers moving forward.

The Green Bay Packers scored three touchdowns in the second half and 15 points in the fourth quarter but were unable to overcome deficits of 20-3 and 27-10 in a 27-25 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Packers are now 11-5 entering the final week of the 2024 season, while the Vikings are 14-2 and preparing for a showdown with the Detroit Lions that will determine both the NFC North winner and No. 1 seed in the NFC.

All five of the Packers’ losses this season came against the Vikings, Lions and Philadelphia Eagles, the three teams with the best records in the NFC.

Here’s what went right, what went wrong and what it means for the Packers moving forward:

What went right

— The Packers overcame an early giveaway, got a big defensive stop and eventually drove for a field goal to take an early 3-0 lead.

— After the Vikings missed a 43-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, the Packers went touchdown-stop-touchdown to get back into the game. The offense drove 67 yards and 62 yards for touchdowns and the defense delivered a quick three-and-out.

— Carrington Valentine intercepted Sam Darnold in the third quarter, and Josh Jacobs scored a rushing touchdown for the seventh consecutive game.

— The Packers offense actually finished 8-for-14 on third down against one of the NFL’s best third down defenses. Four of the conversions came on the final two drives.

— The Packers held the Vikings to just 69 rushing yards on 26 attempts (2.7 per attempt). Aaron Jones managed just 47 yards on 12 carries.

— Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper produced a season-high four tackles for loss. He wasn’t perfect but he made big play after big play.

— Vikings kicker Will Reichard missed two field goals — one from 57, another from 43 — and the Packers scored points after each miss. Reichard had a third miss negated by a highly questionable offsides call before the half.

— Karl Brooks had a sack, and he also recovered a fumble after Carrington Valentine’s interception.

— Tucker Kraft, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks all had a catch of at least 18 yards on the final two drives, and Bo Melton converted a third down with a contested 13-yard catch.

What went wrong

— Sam Darnold dropped back to pass 43 times and was sacked just once. The Packers finished with only four quarterback hits. Pressure wasn’t nearly good enough, and Darnold ended up completing 33 passes for a career-high 379 yards.

— Four different Vikings pass-catchers had at least 60 receiving yards, and all four had a catch of at least 20 yards. Minnesota’s passing game tore apart Green Bay’s injury-depleted secondary.

— Josh Jacobs fumbled inside Minnesota territory on the opening drive. Turnovers after winning the toss and taking the ball are especially damaging.

— Jordan Love and the Packers passing game had only 64 total yards through the first three quarters. Love was pressured frequently and receivers dropped at least three passes. The passing game wasn’t good enough early on and played a big role in the Packers trailing big entering the fourth.

— Jayden Reed dropped a fourth-down conversion deep in Vikings territory. Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks also failed to make what could have been big catches in various spots.

— The Packers finished with seven penalties, including several ill-timed infractions. A questionable offsides call on Edgerrin Cooper helped hand the Vikings three points, and a few procedural penalties wiped out first down gains on offense.

— Cam Akers caught a touchdown pass on a wide open screen play and ended the game with a tumbling catch on third down with under two minutes to go.

What it means

The Packers missed their final opportunity to beat one of the NFC’s best teams during the regular season and will now be either the No. 6 or No. 7 seed in the playoff field. That means the Packers will either go on the road to play the NFC West or South winner OR go on the road to play the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Round. The Packers believe they can beat one of the NFC’s top teams, but the results suggest they are a tier below the Vikings, Eagles and Detroit Lions.

Highlights

What’s next

A visit from the Chicago Bears in the season finale. The Bears have lost 10 straight games and haven’t won at Lambeau Field since 2015. The Packers need to get healthy at some key spots, get back on track on offense against a team that just gave up only six points to the Seattle Seahawks and take care of business at home. Finishing 12-5 with a win over the Bears entering the postseason is now the best-case scenario.

Instant analysis of Packers’ 27-25 loss to Vikings in Week 17

Instant analysis of the Packers’ 27-25 loss to the Vikings in Week 17.

The Green Bay Packers fell behind early and were unable to complete the comeback in the fourth quarter in a 27-25 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Despite scoring 15 fourth quarter points, the Packers didn’t get the final stop down two points late.

The loss dropped the Packers to 11-5 and eliminated any chance to get the No. 5 seed. The Vikings improved to 14-2 and kept open the door to winning the NFC North and securing the No. 1 seed.

Here is an instant analysis of the Packers’ loss to the Vikings in Week 17:

Final score: Vikings 27, Packers 25

1 2 3 4 F
GB (11-5) 3 0 7 15 25
MIN (14-2) 0 13 14 0 27

Live scoring

First quarter

GB 3, MIN 0: Brandon McManus 22-yard field goal (1:47)

Second quarter

MIN 7, GB 3: Jalen Nailor 31-yard catch (11:52)
MIN 10, GB 3: Will Reichard 25-yard field goal (2:16)
MIN 13, GB 3: Will Reichard 50-yard field goal (0:00)

Third quarter

MIN 20, GB 3: Jordan Addison 18-yard catch (9:44)
MIN 20, GB 10: Josh Jacobs 2-yard run (5:07)
MIN 27, GB 10: Cam Akers 9-yard catch (0:57)

Fourth quarter

MIN 27, GB 18: Emanuel Wilson 5-yard run (6:12)
MIN 27, GB 25: Malik Heath 3-yard catch (2:18)

It was over when…

… Cam Akers corralled Sam Darnold’s low throw on 3rd-and-2 with under two minutes to go, which gained the first down and allowed the Vikings to kneel out the remaining clock.

Game balls

Offense — TE Tucker Kraft: He had an 18-yard catch-and-run setting up the Packers’ first score, and his 35-yard catch was the Packers’ only play over 20 yards in the game.

Defense — LB Edgerrin Cooper: The rookie linebacker produced four tackles for losses and a team-high 11 tackles overall.

Special teams — K Brandon McManus: He made all three of his kicks.

Key stat

33 for 377: Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold completed 33 passes for a career-high 377 yards against the Packers’ injury-riddled secondary. Four different players had 60 or more receiving yards for the Vikings. Darnold threw three touchdown passes and had a 116.1 passer rating despite throwing an interception. The Vikings passing game dominated the game.

Deciding factor

Another slow start against top team: The Packers lost a fumble in Vikings territory, settled for a 22-yard field goal in the red zone, failed on fourth down after the Vikings went up 7-3 and then sat idlily as Kevin O’Connell’s team rattled off three consecutive scoring drives to build a 20-3 lead early in the second half. The Packers trailed 28-0 and 20-3 in two losses to the Vikings this season.

Jordan Love watch

Love hit his first two passes — a pair of completions to Dontayvion Wicks on the drive — but struggled for the first three quarters, producing only 64 passing yards entering the fourth quarter. He led back-to-back touchdown drives in the fourth quarter and finished 19 of 30 passing for 185 yards and a touchdown. He didn’t have a turnover but did take three sacks. The passing game wasn’t nearly good enough for three quarters, leading to a big deficit.

Play of the game

Carrington Valentine’s interception in the third quarter gave the Packers a pulse. Pressure from Arron Mosby helped create a hurried throw, and Valentine made the leaping interception. Credit Karl Brooks for following the play and recovering Valentine’s fumble.

Injury updates

Safety Zayne Anderson and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt both exited for concussion evaluation and did not return to the game.

What’s next

The Packers will host the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field next Sunday in the season finale. Chicago has lost 10 straight games since starting 4-2. The Bears haven’t won in Green Bay since 2015.

Live score, updates and highlights from Packers vs. Vikings in Week 17

Follow along with Packers Wire for live updates and highlights from Packers vs. Vikings in Week 17 of the 2024 season on Sunday.

The Green Bay Packers are in Minneapolis for a big-time showdown with the Minnesota Vikings — who have won eight straight games — on Sunday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium.

The matchup — America’s Game of the Week on FOX — should be the perfect road playoff test for a Packers team that has been ascending on both offense and defense since the bye week.

The 11-4 Packers can still jump the 13-2 Vikings in the standings but would need a win Sunday and both a win over the Chicago Bears and a Vikings loss to the Detroit Lions next Sunday.

Follow along with Packers Wire for live updates and highlights from Packers vs. Vikings in Week 17:

Final score: Vikings 27, Packers 25

1 2 3 4 F
GB (11-5) 3 0 7 16 25
MIN (14-2) 0 13 14 0 27

Live scoring

First quarter

GB 3, MIN 0: Brandon McManus 22-yard field goal (1:47)

Second quarter

MIN 7, GB 3: Jalen Nailor 31-yard catch (11:52)
MIN 10, GB 3: Will Reichard 25-yard field goal (2:16)
MIN 13, GB 3: Will Reichard 50-yard field goal (0:00)

Third quarter

MIN 20, GB 3: Jordan Addison 18-yard catch (9:44)
MIN 20, GB 10: Josh Jacobs 2-yard run (5:07)
MIN 27, GB 10: Cam Akers 9-yard catch (0:57)

Fourth quarter

MIN 27, GB 18: Emanuel Wilson 5-yard run (6:12)
MIN 27, GB 25: Malik Heath 3-yard catch (2:18)

Updates, highlights

Watson inactive: The Packers will be without wide receiver Christian Watson, who is inactive with a knee injury. However, rookie defensive back Javon Bullard is returning from a two-game absence. Three defensive starters — cornerback Jaire Alexander, linebacker Quay Walker and safety Evan Williams — are out. The Vikings are healthy.

Jacobs fumbles early: The Packers picked up a pair of first downs on the opening drive, but Josh Jacobs fumbled inside Minnesota territory at the end of a 7-yard run. Tough start after winning the toss and taking the ball.

Nixon prevents touchdown: Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon broke up what could have been a 39-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Addison, and the Vikings missed a 57-yard field goal two plays later. The score remains 0-0, and the Packers are getting the ball near midfield. Huge potential swing here.

Packers strike first: A couple of nice runs from Josh Jacobs, a first down from Tucker Kraft and a penalty on Minnesota set up the Packers’ first points of the contest. Unable to convert on third-and-long inside the 10-yard line, Matt LaFleur kicked the short field goal. It’s 3-0.

Nailor touchdown gives Vikings the lead: The Vikings took a 7-3 lead on Jalen Nailor’s 31-yard touchdown catch. Nailor got open on a deep post from the slot. Sam Darnold was barely pressured on the drive, which went 77 yards in nine plays.

Vikings add 3: After the Packers failed to convert a fourth down at Minnesota’s 23-yard line, the Vikings drove the field and ended up with a short field goal from Will Reichard.

Vikings lead 13-3 at half: A questionable offside call negated a 55-yard field goal miss from Will Reichard, and the rookie kicker connected given a second opportunity.

Slipping away: The Vikings have a commanding lead after Sam Darnold engineered a nine-play, 70-yard touchdown drive to open the second half. Jordan Addison finished it with an 18-yard scoring catch. It’s 20-3 Vikings, and the Packers are reeling.

Valentine makes huge play: The Packers are alive after Carrington Valentine’s interception of Sam Darnold. Credit Karl Brooks for following the play and recovering Valentine’s fumble. Pressure hurried Darnold’s throw.

Packers convert: Josh Jacobs converted Carrington Valentine’s interception into seven points with a 2-yard touchdown run. Jacobs now has a touchdown run in seven straight games. It’s 20-10. Can the Packers get more stops?

Vikings respond, go back up 17: So much for getting stops. The Vikings marched right down the field and scored another touchdown to reclaim a 17-point lead. The Packers are likely going to be heading into the fourth quarter down three scores.

Packers cut lead to 9: Bo Melton made a contested catch on third down, Tucker Kraft created an explosive play for 35 yards and Emanuel Wilson run in a 5-yard touchdown with just over six minutes left. Romeo Doubs converted the two-point to cut the lead to 27-18.

Game on: The Packers got a stop, and then drove 62 yards for a quick touchdown before the two-minute warning. Jordan Love hit Malik Heath for a 4-yard touchdown after connecting on several big plays on the drive. It’s 27-25. Can the Packers get one more stop and one more score to pull this off?

Jamel Dean injury vs. Panthers: Latest news on Bucs CB

The Bucs lose starting cornerback Jamel Dean against the Carolina Panthers with injuries to his knees.

Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean has been ruled out of the Bucs’ Week 17 matchup against the Carolina Panthers with injuries to his knees. Dean was limited in practice when coming into the game, with both knees appearing on the injury report.

Dean has battled injuries all season, spending most of November on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. When he is on the field, Dean is the the Bucs’ most experienced and most consistent cornerback.

Tampa Bay’s secondary overall has been beset by injuries, both throughout the season and coming into today. The Bucs are still without All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and just lost Christian Izien to injured reserve with a hamstring injury.

The Bucs lost their primary reserve cornerback Bryce Hall to a leg injury in Week 1 and have relied on second-year cornerback Josh Hayes and undrafted rookie Tyrek Funderburk. Hayes will likely fill in for Dean, but the Bucs’ pass rush will need to step up its game to prevent Panthers quarterback Bryce Young from exploiting the depleted secondary.

Terry Bradshaw says Steelers were wrong to move on from Kenny Pickett

Terry Bradshaw believes the Pittsburgh Steelers made a mistake moving on from Kenny Pickett, sparking debate over the team’s decision.

The Pittsburgh Steelers had no choice but to move on from Kenny Pickett…right?

Although the former Steelers QB requested a trade following the Russell Wilson signing, some have argued that Pickett was a bust after two failed years in the Black and Gold. However, one legendary quarterback—one with four Super Bowl victories to his name—believes the team should never have moved on from Pickett.

Former Steelers QB Terry Bradshaw, now a Fox analyst, made this bold statement while discussing the Eagles-Cowboys Week 17 matchup with fellow analyst Jay Glazer: “They [Steelers] should have never gotten rid of Pickett.”

While fans may be quick to remind the legendary quarterback of Pickett’s reported trade request during the 2024 offseason, one could argue that Kenny saw the writing on the wall within the Steelers organization.

Wilson has provided the Pittsburgh Steelers with a veteran presence and a breath of fresh air, but questions still remain about who will be the Black and Gold’s future signal-caller in 2025 and beyond.

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Final look at Packers vs. Vikings in Week 17

A final look at Packers vs. Vikings on FOX in Week 17 of the 2024 season.

The Green Bay Packers will take on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 17 of the 2024 season.

Kickoff from Minneapolis is scheduled for 3:25 p.m. CT.

Both teams have clinched a spot in the NFC playoff field and will be fighting for positioning over the final two weeks.

Here’s a final look at Packers vs. Vikings in Week 17:

Team records

Packers: 11-4 (third in NFC North, playoff spot clinched, No. 6 seed)
Vikings: 13-2 (second in NFC North, playoff spot clinched, No. 5 seed)

The 24 combined wins between the Packers and Vikings are the most ever entering a regular season matchup in the rivalry. The Packers are eliminated in the NFC North race but can get as high as the No. 5 seed, while the Vikings are still alive in the race for the NFC North and No. 1 seed.

What channel is the game on?

FOX will broadcast the game in the late afternoon slot. The matchup is “America’s Game of the Week” on FOX and will be nationally televised.

Stats

Green Bay Packers

Points per game: 27.5 (7th)
Points allowed per game: 19.1 (5th)
Yards per play: 6.2 (3rd)
Yards per play allowed: 5.2 (9th)

Minnesota Vikings

Points per game: 26.4 (9th)
Points allowed per game: 18.4 (3rd)
Yards per play: 5.6 (12th)
Yards per play allowed: 5.3 (13th)

Injury reports

Green Bay Packers

OUT: CB Jaire Alexander, LB Quay Walker, S Evan Williams, OT Andre Dillard
QUESTIONABLE: S Javon Bullard, LB Ty’Ron Hopper, WR Christian Watson

Minnesota Vikings

OUT: CB Fabian Moreau
QUESTIONABLE: LB Ivan Pace Jr.

Last 5 games

Green Bay Packers (4-1)

vs. San Francisco 49ers (W, 38-10)
vs. Miami Dolphins (W, 30-17)
at Detroit Lions (L, 34-31)
at Seattle Seahawks (W, 30-13)
vs. New Orleans Saints (W, 34-0)

Minnesota Vikings (5-0)

at Chicago Bears (W, 30-27 OT)
vs. Arizona Cardinals (W, 23-22)
vs. Atlanta Falcons (W, 42-21)
vs. Chicago Bears (W, 30-12)
at Seattle Seahawks (W, 27-24)

Preview

Broncos PFF grades: Best, worst players from 30-24 loss to Bengals

Riley Moss (32.3) had a nightmare game on defense while Marvin Mims (88.5) stood out on offense. View more Broncos PFF grades here.

Following the Denver Broncos‘ 30-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, Pro Football Focus has released grades for each player’s Week 17 performance.

PFF grades players on a 0 (worst) to 100 (best) scale. Check out the best and worst of Week 17 below.

Best Offensive Players 

  • WR Marvin Mims: 88.5
  • OT Garett Bolles: 79.7
  • OT Mike McGlinchey: 79.3
  • RB Jaleel McLaughlin: 74.0
  • OL Quinn Meinerz: 72.2

QB BO Nix (71.4) was the sixth-best player on offense, followed by offensive linemen Ben Powers (67.9) and Luke Wattenberg (66.9) and receiver Courtland Sutton (66.4).

Best Defensive Players 

  • OLB Dondrea Tillman: 91.3
  • DL John Franklin-Myers: 91.1
  • CB Pat Surtain: 75.9
  • ILB Cody Barton: 74.9
  • DL Malcolm Roach: 69.4

Surtain limited Ja’Marr Chase to three receptions for 27 yards, and the cornerback forced a Tee Higgins fumble that gave the Broncos an opportunity to take a go-ahead lead. PS2 should be considered the clear frontrunner to win the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award.

Worst Offensive Players 

  • TE Adam Trautman: 47.6
  • TE Lucas Krull: 48.0
  • WR Troy Franklin: 52.4
  • RB Audric Estime: 52.6
  • FB Michael Burton: 53.4

We’re beating a dead horse at this point, but tight end remains one of Denver’s biggest positions of need going into 2025.

Worst Defensive Players 

  • CB Riley Moss: 32.3
  • CB Ja’Quan McMillian: 32.4
  • CB Damarri Mathis: 39.2
  • LB Drew Sanders: 45.4
  • OLB Nik Bonitto: 45.6

Moss had a nightmare game in his first game back from a knee injury, allowing Higgins to haul in seven receptions for 101 yards and two touchdowns. The Broncos will need Moss to bounce back next week.

Special Teams 

  • ST Drew Sanders: 87.4
  • LS Mitchell Fraboni: 53.8
  • R Marvin Mims: 58.8
  • K Wil Lutz: 64.3 (FG) 60.0 (KO)
  • P Riley Dixon: 52.8

You can view grades for every player on the paid version of PFF’s website.

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