NFL Grades Week 15: Minnesota Vikings' NFC North title earns them top marks
Tuesday 19 December 2017 23:04, UK
Top marks are reserved for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams after Week 15 in the NFL.
At the other end of the spectrum, there's major fails for the Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals and Seattle Seahawks.
Which other teams stood out and which flopped? Here's a look at our weekly team grades...
AFC EAST
New England Patriots (W 27-24 @ Pittsburgh)
A statement win from the Patriots, laying down the marker that they are still king of the AFC - they secure the East for the 14th time in 15 years, and have a playoff bye week firmly in their sights. It took some luck, a game-ending Antonio Brown injury and a touchdown chalked off due to the dubious "catch rule", but New England also showed their quality in spades.
When it mattered, Tom Brady led his team on a 77-yard touchdown drive with little more than a minute to play, Rob Gronkowski racked up 168 yards and a two-point conversion, and Duron Harmon secured the game-ending interception when the Steelers went into panic mode. Grade A
Buffalo Bills (W 24-16 v Miami)
Two touchdowns in the second quarter was the turning point for a Bills franchise which is looking to end the longest running playoff drought in NFL history, standing at 18 years. LeSean McCoy caught an 18-yard pass to put Buffalo 14-6 ahead, before Miami went three-and-out, handing the ball back to Tyrod Taylor, who added a score of his own to prematurely crush the hopes of travelling 'Fins fans. Grade B
Miami Dolphins (L 16-24 @ Buffalo)
Just as Dolphins fans began to buy in once more to the idea that they might sneak a Wild Card spot, their hopes were dashed in upstate New York, where Jay Cutler's three interceptions crushed any chance of a last-gasp comeback. Grade C-
New York Jets (L 19-31 @ New Orleans)
Back-up QB Bryce Petty had a troubled afternoon standing in for the injured Josh McCown, going 19 of 39 for 179 yards, one TD and two interceptions. The Jets defense made it tough for New Orleans but a failed onside kick with less than two minutes to play provided Mark Ingram with a 50-yard touchdown. Grade D
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens (W 27-10 @ Cleveland)
It may not be the most glamourous brand of football, but the Ravens are playing mistake-free and winning turnovers, a recipe for success in the NFL. Baltimore's defense claimed two interceptions and two forced fumbles, while Joe Flacco threw for 288 yards without an interception. After throwing 10 picks before the bye week, he's thrown just two in his last five appearances. Taking care of the football actually works. Who knew? Grade B
Pittsburgh Steelers (L 24-27 v New England)
It looked as though the Steelers were going to secure themselves a valuable victory in the race for the all-important home advantage and bye week. However, Jesse James' touchdown was ruled an incomplete pass and Ben Roethlisberger's last minute 'fake-spike' fiasco ensured that the Patriots walked away with their 11th win of the season. Grade C-
Cleveland Browns (L 10-27 v Baltimore)
Two chances remaining. Winless this season, the Browns continue to be the creators of their own downfall as Deshone Kizer missed open passes to Josh Gordon, throwing for -12 yards in the first quarter, and the team went under 20 points for the 20th time in Hue Jackson's tenure. Grade E
Cincinnati Bengals (L 7-34 @ Minnesota)
With the entire Bengals organisation in a state of disarray on Sunday following head coach Marvin Lewis' announcement he would leave the team, confusion continued onto the field. Quarterback Andy Dalton had one of the worst games of his career and the injury-ravaged Cincinnati defense was put to the sword by Case Keenum and a surging Vikings offense.
After the loss, Lewis rubbished reports of him leaving, but it remains to be seen what the future holds for this franchise. An injection of fresh ideas just might prove to be what is required, in order to re-establish themselves among the perennial powerhouses of the AFC. Grade F
AFC SOUTH
Jacksonville Jaguars (W 45-7 v Houston)
For the first time since 2007, the Jaguars will play meaningful snaps in January. A comprehensive victory over their divisional rival - the largest margin of victory in franchise history - secured Doug Marrone's side a playoff berth. Blake Bortles impressed again, throwing for 326 yards and three scores, while undrafted wide receiver Keelan Cole took his opportunity to shine with 186 yards and a touchdown. Calais Campbell added two more sacks and Barry Church intercepted T.J. Yates. Grade A+
Tennessee Titans (L 23-25 @ San Francisco)
This one went down to the wire but it was Robbie Gould's 45-yard field goal that proved the difference, snatching victory for the 49ers and condemning the Titans to their second loss to the NFC West in as many weeks. The Titans now face an uphill battle for the playoffs. Two games behind the Jaguars, with the Rams and Jags still to play, Mike Mularkey's men will have to save their best for last if they are to pull off the impossible and return to the postseason for the first time since 2008. Grade D
Houston Texans (L 7-45 @ Jacksonville)
The Texans really didn't stand a chance this weekend and it looked as if both sides knew it from the opening drive. Houston had less than 50 yards of total offense in the first half and back-up QB T.J. Yates struggled under the pressure of a dominant Jaguars defense. One highlight for Texans fans was DeAndre Hopkins' touchdown score, breaking free from cornerback Jalen Ramsey to reel the ball in after a 25-yard pass from Yates. Grade E
Indianapolis Colts (L 13-25 v Denver)
It may be Cleveland's losing record that everyone is focused on, but the Colts are one more collapse away from their own bit of unwanted NFL history. Chuck Pagano's side have led at half-time in nine of their games so far this season, managing to lose seven of those contests, five in the final quarter. One more second-half implosion would equal the NFL record. Grade E
AFC WEST
Kansas City Chiefs (W 30-13 v Los Angeles Chargers)
The Chiefs added another twist to the topsy-turvy AFC West with a completely dominant performance over their division rivals. Alex Smith threw for two touchdowns, Kareem Hunt ran for 155 yards and two scores, and Tyreek Hill pulled in a 64-yard touchdown catch, putting the surging Chargers to the sword at Arrowhead Stadium.
On the defensive side of the ball, Marcus Peters was responsible for two of Philip Rivers' three interceptions, as well as a forced fumble, and now Kansas City have the opportunity to clinch the title with a win against Miami next week. Grade A
Denver Broncos (W 25-13 @ Indianapolis)
Brock Osweiler looked like… well, the Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler we saw 18 months ago. Playing for his third team over the last year, Osweiler played far beyond anything we saw him do for the Texans or Browns. Throwing for 194 yards and two scores, he carved up an admittedly already-depleted Colts secondary. After an eight-game losing streak, Broncos head coach Vance Joseph appears to have eased the pressure with a couple of wins down the stretch. Grade B
Oakland Raiders (L 17-20 v Dallas)
If Derek Carr were to sum up his season in one moment, it would have been Sunday night's last-minute fumble at the goal line, gifting the Cowboys the win and effectively ending Oakland's season. In a frustrating year, the Raiders have been unable to recreate the magic of last year's golden season, which was cruelly ended by Carr's broken leg, suffered in Week 16. Grade D
Los Angeles Chargers (L 13-30 @ Kansas City)
This felt like a 'prove-it' game for the Chargers, but they came up short in every department. QB Rivers, considered an outsider for this year's MVP honours before this game, threw three picks and the Bolts' defense was overwhelmed by the combination of Hunt and Hill. Los Angeles must now win all of their remaining games if they're still to sneak in the plaoffs. Grade D
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys (W 20-17 @ Oakland)
Dallas managed to sustain their playoff hopes right at the end of this Sunday night game, with safety Jeff Heath showing fantastic effort to pursue a scrambling Carr before the Raiders' quarterback fumbled the ball for a touchback.
This may have been the element of fortune the Cowboys needed to sneak into the playoffs as a Wild Card team. Next week, Ezekiel Elliott returns from suspension to face a Seattle team incapable of stopping the run. Dak Prescott certainly needs him, with the passer making some horrendous decisions and his play fluctuating snap-by-snap in this game. Grade B+
Washington Redskins (W 20-15 v Arizona)
Defensive line coach Jim Tomsula has done a fantastic job coaching his unit. They recovered a strip sack - with the resulting advantageous field position leading to a touchdown - and pressured Blaine Gabbert into mistakes all night.
The other side of the trenches deserves praise too. The offensive line excelled at selling the play-action, giving Kirk Cousins plenty of time off the play-fake to find an open receiver. Grade B
Philadelphia Eagles (W 34-29 @ New York Giants)
Philadelphia survived this 'trap game', but there are worrying signs which should not be ignored. The defense struggled to stop the pass all game: short, intermediate or deep. They did, though, kickstart the comeback from 20-7 down thanks to an impressive interception from safety Ronald Darby.
Under centre, Nick Foles stepped in for Carson Wentz near-seamlessly. On his way to 237 passing yards and four touchdowns, he looked really calm in the pocket and spread the ball around to his weapons well. At 12-2 on the season, the Eagles clinch a first-round bye and the NFC East title. Grade B
New York Giants (L 29-34 v Philadelphia)
The Giants did their best to try and disrupt the Eagles' successful season, showing far more effort and 'want' than they did under Ben McAdoo. Eli Manning showed how foolish McAdoo's decision was to bench him, almost winning this game single-handedly on offence with 57 passing attempts, 434 passing yards and three touchdowns. Grade C
NFC NORTH
Minnesota Vikings (W 34-7 v Cincinnati)
The Vikings skilfully took advantage of a team in disarray, coasting to a simple victory which saw them win the NFC North. The moment was made even better with the return - late on in the game - of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater from his gruesome knee injury.
Starting quarterback Case Keenum continued to solidify his unforeseen MVP campaign, leaving in the third quarter with a remarkable 87 per cent completion rate, 236 yards and two touchdowns. Furthermore, the defense is vicious enough (they picked off Dalton two times) for the Vikings to be serious Super Bowl contenders. Grade A+
Detroit Lions (W 20-10 v Chicago)
The Lions stay alive in the Wild Card hunt after improving to 8-6 on the year. Matt Stafford was superb, managing to avoid a turnover for the first time since Week 11, going 25 of 33 for 237 yards and two touchdowns. Grade B+
Green Bay Packers (L 24-31 @ Carolina)
This wasn't in the script. On Aaron Rodgers' return from injury, the Packers were supposed to win out and make the playoffs as a feared Wild Card team. Instead, Rodgers flashed the unavoidable rustiness that comes with being unable to play football for several weeks - he threw three interceptions, mixed in with his usual moments of brilliance. Grade C
Chicago Bears (L 10-20 @ Chicago)
Surely John Fox will be fired at the end of this season? The Bears have lost six of their last seven; and his cautious, negative, boring brand of football makes them an even worse watch than their 4-10 record. In Fox's third season in charge, the Bears have double-digit losses for the third successive time. Bring in an exciting coach who will nurture the young quarterback Mitch Tribusky, the 2017 No 2 overall selection. Progress this franchise. Grade F
NFC SOUTH
Carolina Panthers (W 31-24 v Green Bay)
In a time of turmoil for the Panthers off the field, the players performed fantastically. Christian McCaffrey fully demonstrated his first-round talent as a Swiss Army knife on offense, in both the passing and running game. A mismatch nightmare for the Packers all day, he registered 136 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown. Having this sort of weapon firing undoubtedly helps Cam Newton - the quarterback had one of the most efficient, best games of his career, dissecting Green Bay for 242 passing yards and four touchdowns, plus 58 rushing yards. Grade A
New Orleans Saints (W 31-19 v New York Jets)
This Saints team is so effective that it was able to overcome three turnovers - including two Brandon Coleman fumbles - and still win. The blend of Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram in the running game, and the versatility that the pair provide, is something that QB Drew Brees can ride into the playoffs. Another duo, this time in the defensive backfield, also continued to impress, cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore and Ken Crawley. This team are a fun watch. Grade A-
Atlanta Falcons (W 24-21 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Running back Devonta Freeman was the standout performer for the Falcons as they just about squeezed home in this crucial Monday night match-up. Freeman had 126 yards rushing on 22 carries, and a TD, as Atlanta keep hold of the No 6 seed in the NFC and keep the pressure on the Saints and Panthers in the South. Grade B
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (L 21-24 v Atlanta)
Tampa Bay had their chances to cause an upset, but failed with their game-tying field goal try in the final seconds of the game. As such, they slip to their fourth straight defeat. Grade D
NFC WEST
Los Angeles Rams (W 42-7 @ Seattle)
The Rams tore apart the NFC West's hierarchy by smashing the Seahawks on the road. This was a statement victory perfectly masterminded by the man who should be Coach of the Year; Sean McVay. The Rams were able to win with ease as MVP candidate Todd Gurley exploded towards four touchdowns. Also, Aaron Donald and his defensive line wrecking crew took Russell Wilson down seven times. The NFC West has a new bully. Grade A+
San Francisco 49ers (W 25-23 v Tennessee)
Jimmy Garoppolo is the real deal. The third-year quarterback threw for 381 yards and has now become only the second player in NFL history to go 5-0 in his first five starts - Ben Roethlisberger was the first. Most impressive was Garoppolo's expertly-orchestrated game-winning drive. With just a minute left on the clock and one timeout remaining, Garopollo made some brilliant throws to get the 49ers in field-goal range. Where San Francisco can improve though is in the redzone, with only one touchdown being scored. Grade A-
Arizona Cardinals (L 15-20 @ Washington)
Washington are a mediocre team, and this loss is a reminder of how far the Cardinals have fallen. They must overhaul their team around a new core of promising young talent, such as rookie safety Budda Baker. Grade D
Seattle Seahawks (L 7-42 v Los Angeles Rams)
In their most important game of the season, with huge playoff implications on the line, Seattle failed to even execute the most basic of football fundamentals. It felt like they had more missed tackles than the Rams had points, and they consistently blew assignments.
This embarrassing loss for Seattle, their worst home loss since 1997, has an 'end-of-an-era' feel. No longer did Pete Carroll have his vibrant youthful energy. No longer did the Seahawks have their synonymous swagger. No longer are the Seahawks feared. Post-game, signs of discord in the locker room, which have been rumoured for some time, emerged on social media. Grade F
