The AFC North division will be decided in the final Sunday Night Football matchup of the season, instead of Week 16.
The AFC North division will be decided in the final Sunday Night Football matchup of the season, instead of Week 16.
Pittsburgh Steelers had a chance to win the division in Week 17 with a victory over the Browns, but their offense crumbled and they lost 13-6. In Week 18, the Steelers will face the Baltimore Ravens with the division on the line and a place in the playoffs.
Pittsburgh’s offensive line was unable get going against Browns’ tough defense. Aaron Rodgers failed to throw a touchdown as he only completed 21 of his 39 pass attempts. Pat Freiermuth and D.K. were the top receivers, with Jaylen Warren leading the way with 64 yards in 12 carries. Metcalf is suspended. The fifth-year tight ended finished with 63 yard on three catches. The Steelers will be without Metcalf and Darnell Washington for the Ravens game in Week 18. The third-year tight ended suffered a broken elbow while playing in Cleveland. Washington finished the year with 31 receptions for 364 yard and 1 touchdown, and an excellent performance as a blocking.
Steelers defense did its part, even without T.J. Watt. They only allowed one touchdown and forced two turnovers. Watt’s return to the Steelers for Sunday’s season-ending game is still uncertain.
Baltimore Ravens won 41-24 over Green Bay Packers even without Lamar Jackson.
Tyler Huntley took over for Jackson who was injured. He completed 16 of his 20 pass attempts, totaling 107 yards with one touchdown and avoided any turnovers. Huntley has now started both Ravens games this season. Derrick Henry was the star of the show, racking up 216 yards rushing and four touchdowns in a career high 36 carries. Derrick Henry, who will be 32 in a few months, now holds the record for the NFL’s 10th most rushing yards and fourth most touchdowns. Zay Flowers, who led the team in receiving yards with only 30 and scored the lone air touchdown, was the leader of the team. Jackson has a tendency to play in Week 18. However, Baltimore will continue to rely heavily on Henry even if Jackson plays.
The Ravens defense struggled to slow down the Packers, and their backup quarterback Malik Willis. He completed 18 of 21 passes for 288 yard and a touchdown. Willis also added 60 yards and another two scores in nine rushing attempts. Green Bay’s unlucky mistakes and Willis’ late injury prevented the game from becoming a high scoring shootout.
Cincinnati Bengals won a blowout the second time in a week with a victory of 37-14 over the Arizona Cardinals.
Burrow, who had thrown four touchdowns the week before, played another solid game. He completed 24 of 31 passes for 305 yard and two touchdowns. Joe Flacco completed three of five passes for 24 yards to finish the game. Chase Brown led the team with 101 rushing yard and two touchdowns, on 22 carries. Ja’Marr Chase was the leading passer on the offensive side of the ball, with 60 yards on seven catches and both Burrow’s touchdowns.
The Bengals defense limited the Cardinals offense to 233 yards total while sacking Jacobybrissett 4 times. Arizona didn’t score its second touchdown until just under two minutes remained in the fourth quarter. Despite a historically poor start to the season, the Bengals’ defensive unit has ended the year strongly.
The Browns beat the Steelers 13-6 on Sunday, their fourth win of the season. Cleveland’s win ensured Pittsburgh didn’t clinch its division before Week 18, and Baltimore’s hopes of making the playoffs were kept alive for one more week.
Shedeur Sanders continued his ups and downs rookie season with another performance of two interceptions. Shedeur Sanders, a fifth-round draft pick, has thrown 10 interceptions overall and seven in the last three matches. Sanders’ lone touchdown was scored by Harold Fannin Jr. who left the game after suffering a groin strain. Jerry Jeudy, a rookie running back, led the team in receiving yards with 54 yards from five catches. Dylan Sampson was the leading ground attacker with 27 yards after 11 carries.
Myles Garrett failed to sack Rodgers in the game, so it will be another week before the record is broken. Garrett will play one last game next week against Cincinnati and needs to sack 0.5 to tie the record, and a sack to beat it.