Games of the Week

Seahawks 38, Rams 37 (OT)

In one of the best Thursday night games in recent memory, the Seahawks survived an absolute thriller against the Rams. Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua were sensational, piling up huge numbers and leading Los Angeles to 30 points in regulation and another seven in overtime, but it still was not enough.

Sam Darnold continues to be the unsung quarterback of the 2025 season, and he delivered again on a primetime stage. He was not perfect, but he engineered a game-tying drive late in the fourth quarter and then delivered the winner in overtime. With the NFC’s top seed still in play, Seattle looks like the team to beat right now.

Bears 22, Packers 16 (OT)

Did the Bears win this game, or did Jordan Love’s concussion lose it for Green Bay? The answer is probably both.

Chicago reclaimed the NFC North lead after splitting the season series with the Packers. Caleb Williams once again passed the eye test, showing poise late and flashing elite arm talent on the game-winning deep ball to DJ Moore in overtime.

The biggest storyline moving forward is Love’s status. He is in concussion protocol and far from a lock for Week 17. If the Packers are forced to turn to Malik Willis, Chicago inches that much closer to securing the division.

Panthers 23, Buccaneers 20

The wheels have officially come off in Tampa Bay, while Carolina now sits atop the NFC South. Baker Mayfield struggled to generate anything against a middling Panthers defense, finishing with just 145 passing yards and throwing the game-sealing interception with under two minutes remaining.

Bryce Young’s redemption arc continues, and the Panthers are suddenly positioning themselves for a potential home playoff game. These teams meet again in Week 18, so while this win was massive, the division is far from settled.

Top Performers

Matthew Stafford, Rams

The Rams lost, but this one was not on Stafford. The presumptive MVP threw for 457 yards and three touchdowns, and performances like this make it hard to imagine him walking away anytime soon.

Jaylen Warren, Steelers

Pittsburgh needed a win against a strong Lions team to stay alive in the AFC North race, and Warren delivered. He rumbled for 143 yards and two touchdowns in easily his best performance of the season.

Puka Nacua, Ram

 I wanted to highlight someone else, but there was no honest way around it. Twelve catches, 225 yards, and two touchdowns speaks for itself. Nacua is pulling away in the Offensive Player of the Year race.

Has Trevor Lawrence Turned a Corner?

Trevor Lawrence has been one of the NFL’s most polarizing quarterbacks in recent seasons. Supporters cite coaching instability and roster shortcomings, while critics counter that he has been the lone constant throughout the turbulence.

Now, with Jacksonville leading the AFC South and coming off a statement win over Denver, it is fair to ask if Lawrence has finally arrived. He looked confident against a strong Broncos defense and has played with noticeably more swagger in recent weeks. Whether it is comfort in Liam Coen’s system or the addition of Jakobi Meyers, something has clearly clicked.

The real test will be the playoffs. At 11-4, the Jaguars are locked in, and if Lawrence delivers when it matters most, the narrative around him could change very quickly.

Betting Strategy Adjustments After Week 16

Packers Are a No-Go

Until Jordan Love is officially cleared, there is no reason to touch Green Bay. Even if he plays, it is fair to question how effective he will be.

Browns Have Spread Value

Shedeur Sanders has been better than expected, and while Cleveland remains inconsistent, they are competing. Depending on the number against Pittsburgh, the Browns could be worth a look.

Chiefs Unders Are in Play

With Gardner Minshew potentially joining Mahomes on the injury report, this offense is completely broken right now. Bet accordingly.

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