NFL Week 17 takeaways

The 2018 NFL season is in the past, and despite a few surprises to end the year, there are plenty of takeaways that come with it.
1) The NFC North Division is not as easy as most people think. In fact, their playoff chances might be even more difficult than they thought because of what happened down south.
2) Aaron Rodgers “coming back” was one thing too many for this team’s defense to handle – though Blake Bortles has been known for having bad defenses on his side all season long…except when he plays against Jacksonville who had arguably some of the best defensive players all year long..which obviously resulted in no game-winning drives by him after week 5 or 6 (I’m still trying to figure out how those games went).

The “nfl week 5” is a blog post that gives the nfl week 5 takeaways. It includes how the Patriots are looking to bounce back after their loss in Week 4, and how the Eagles have been struggling as of late.

4:35 p.m. Eastern

• ESPN’s NFL Nation

Week 17 of the 2021 NFL season featured Bears and Patriots blowouts, a three-touchdown game by Bengals rookie Ja’Marr Chase that drove an AFC North-clinching victory against the Chiefs, and a Bucs comeback in which Antonio Brown pulled off his jersey and fled the field during the third quarter. That’s right, you read it accurately.

In other 1 p.m. ET games, the Titans won the AFC South, the Rams defeated the Ravens, the Bills stopped the Falcons with a strong second half, the Raiders shocked the Colts, and the Eagles beat Washington, strengthening their NFC playoff prospects.

Our NFL Nation correspondents provide their thoughts on the game, as well as any unanswered questions. They also consider the broader picture with their current team confidence rating, which is a 0-10 evaluation of how they feel about a club’s prospects at the end of the week. Let’s get started.

KC-CIN | LAR-BAL | ATL-BUF LV-IND | MIA-TEN | TB-NYJ JAX-NE | PHI-WSH | NYG-CHI KC-CIN | LAR-BAL | ATL-BUF LV-IND | MIA-TEN | TB-NYJ JAX-NE | PHI-WSH | NYG-CHI

Bengals

What to know: Without a doubt, the Bengals’ offensive performance in a last-second triumph against the Chiefs was the greatest of the season. The Bengals did not face a depleted Baltimore defense, as quarterback Joe Burrow passed for a franchise-record 525 yards. Kansas City, on the other hand, was in top form and playing like one of the greatest defenses in the league. And when Cincinnati needed scores to prevent a blowout, it delivered, with Ja’Marr Chase leading the way with 266 receiving yards and three touchdowns. After a few shaky weeks earlier in the season, Cincinnati’s offense is now living up to the preseason promise of being one of the best in the league. – Ben Little

What’s the greatest difference between the offense and the defense? Burrow has to be it. The second-year quarterback has been outstanding over the last few weeks, completing many key passes against Kansas City. And, perhaps more critically, he was able to avoid pressure or make minor gains in order to keep drives going. The No. 1 overall selection in the 2020 draft has delivered on its promise. — Little one

Baby’s confidence level (0-10) is now 7.5, up from 7.2 before. This team’s potential has been raised after their most comprehensive offensive performance of the season against a very good Kansas City defense.

The Browns are the team’s next opponent (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Chiefs

What to know: Defensively, the Chiefs are tough to trust. A lot of familiar concerns returned after they played so brilliantly for the most of their eight-game winning run. They missed tackles, committed penalties, and struggled in coverage for the first time since the beginning of the season. Kansas City won’t see many opponents with the Bengals’ firepower, but one terrible game in the playoffs can completely derail a season. Adam Teicher’s remark

Is the AFC’s top playoff seed in jeopardy? That seems to be the case. Next week, the Chiefs must not only defeat the Broncos, but also see the Titans fall to the Texans. They should take care of their own affairs, but expecting Tennessee to lose to Houston is unrealistic. It’s not the Bengals’ defeat that’s to blame. It’s how the Chiefs played during the first half of the season. Teicher’s words

Teicher’s confidence rating (0-10) has dropped to 8.9 from 9.6. The Chiefs are still dangerous, but their defense’s performance against the Bengals is a major issue.

The Broncos will be the opponent in the next game (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Buccaneers

What you should know: They played down to their opponent and looked flat in Weeks 10 at Washington and Week 15 against the Saints, both of which the Bucs were expected to win by 10-plus points. The Buccaneers defense was unable to pressure Jets quarterback Zach Wilson without Shaq Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul. There were a lot of coverage breakdowns and guys who were able to get out of their gaps. Despite all of this, the Bucs rallied from a 14-point hole, with quarterback Tom Brady connecting with receiver Cyril Grayson for the game-winning 33-yard touchdown with 22 seconds remaining. Jenna Laine is a writer who lives in New York City.

Was it the proper decision for the Bucs to cut Brown? In the third quarter, Brown mysteriously removed his jersey and pads, tossed his undershirt and gloves into the seats, raced across the field naked, and disappeared to the locker room, never to return. He said last week that he “wasn’t like drama,” yet he manufactured another spectacle, similar to the bogus immunization card. After a 101-yard effort last week, there’s no questioning Brown’s incredible skill and effect on the squad. With a player that has a history of proven mental health concerns, we also don’t have all the answers. But, with the playoffs on the horizon, can the Bucs afford to retain him? Laine –

Laine’s confidence rating (0-10) is 7.5, same from the previous level of 7.5. The Buccaneers have a problem playing down to their opponents, and this may have been their ugliest victory of the season…but it’s a win nevertheless.

The Panthers are the team’s next opponent (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Jets

What you should know: In his greatest overall performance of the year, rookie quarterback Zach Wilson accomplished a lot of growing up, but he also learned a painful lesson that many of his contemporaries have learned over the previous two decades: To overcome Bucs quarterback Tom Brady, you’ll need to play 60 outstanding minutes. Wilson and company went cold in the fourth quarter, scoring zero points on their last four possessions and losing a 14-point lead. Until then, Wilson has shown that he has the potential to be a true franchise quarterback. Wilson (18-for-32, 224 yards) tossed one touchdown and orchestrated four big scoring drives against the reigning Super Bowl champions. Here’s where it gets crazy: The offense came into the game with just five starters and lost two more throughout the game, including running back Michael Carter. Wilson remained unfazed, throwing an interception-free game for the fourth time in a row. It was excellent enough to persuade some doubters, but not enough to win. Cimini, Rich

What went wrong for the Jets after they blew a 14-point lead against Tom Brady? The Jets built a 24-10 lead in the third quarter, their largest of the season, but they crumbled in the fourth quarter. With 2:17 remaining, Coach Robert Saleh’s fourth-down choice proved costly. On fourth-and-2 from the Buccaneers’ 7, Saleh went for the victory instead of a field goal that would have put them up seven points. The playcall was a disaster — a stuffed QB sneak. On fourth-and-2, who attempts a quarterback sneak? With no timeouts left, Saleh presumably intended to make a statement with his aggressive choice, but he should’ve played it cautious. Brady, of course, went 93 yards for the game-winning score. Cimini’s

Cimini’s confidence rating (on a scale of one to ten) is now a five, up from four. The Jets lost badly, but they played well for 59 minutes, which is rather amazing given that they were without ten players due to injuries and COVID-19.

The Bills’ next game is on the road (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Raiders

What you should know: The Raiders’ improbable march to the playoffs continued with a last-second, 23-20 win at Indianapolis, their fifth walk-off win of the season. As ugly and frustrating as this season has been – this game was a microcosm of said season with the quick start and a 13-3 first-half lead before falling behind – the team’s improbable march to the playoffs remained on track with the last-second, 23-20 win at Indianapolis, their fifth walk-off win of All it takes is a win against the Los Angeles Chargers at home next Sunday. This isn’t the first time we’ve been here. Remember how the Raiders lost to the Chargers in Oakland in 2011 and Hue Jackson blew down? Keep an eye out for updates. Gutierrez, Paul

Is Derek Carr helping the Raiders win, or is he hurting them? Yes, I believe so. Look, I’ve been saying for years that Carr isn’t the issue per se, but I’ve always questioned whether he’s the solution, and if you have to pose that question, you probably have a problem. Carr’s eighth-year career included 29 fourth-quarter comeback victories. A triumph that was needed in part by his two terrible interceptions. Carr’s life is like that. Gutierrez’s words

Gutierrez’s confidence level (on a scale of one to ten) is now at 7, up from 6. Let’s bump this up a notch because, despite squandering an early lead and surviving, the team’s confidence is increasing following their third consecutive nail-biting victory.

The Chargers are the team’s next opponent (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Colts

What to know: The Colts’ path to the playoffs now passes through Jacksonville, where they haven’t won since Andrew Luck’s third season in the NFL. Yes, the Jaguars have only made the playoffs once since 2008, but they are now in first place in the battle for the first overall choice in the 2022 draft. The Colts, on the other hand, haven’t won in Jacksonville (or the Jaguars’ second home, London) since 2014. The Colts needed only to win on Sunday to clinch their third postseason berth in four seasons under head coach Frank Reich. Now they must deal with the Jaguars while also hoping for other AFC situations to unfold. Mike Wells’ remark

With Carson Wentz’s inconsistency, can the Colts make the playoffs and win? This is an issue that Wentz will ponder, particularly as defenses try to shut down running back Jonathan Taylor. Wentz hasn’t placed the Colts on his shoulder to win a game this season, with the exception of a fourth-quarter effort against Arizona in Week 16. Wells’s

Wells’ confidence rating (on a scale of one to ten) is 6.2, down from 7.5. The Colts squandered a chance to clinch a postseason berth on their own turf. They can only blame themselves.

Jaguars’ next game is on the road (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Rams

What to know: The Rams won their second straight game despite quarterback Matthew Stafford’s three turnovers. Despite his struggles, Stafford led his 42nd career game-winning drive with little over a minute to go, connecting with Odell Beckham Jr. for a 7-yard score. The Rams have 12 victories and will finish the regular season against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, who have defeated the Rams in each of their previous five encounters. Lindsey Thiry (Lindsey Thiry)

Cooper Kupp, how essential is he to the Rams? This season, Kupp, who is in his fifth year and is a first-time Pro Bowl pick, is making history. Kupp caught an 18-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, becoming the fourth player in NFL history to have 100 catches, 1,500 receiving yards, and 15 receiving touchdowns in the same season, following Randy Moss (2003), Marvin Harrison (2001), and Jerry Rice (1995). Kupp caught a 21-yard ball late in the fourth quarter to break Isaac Bruce’s single-season receiving yardage record of 1,781 set in 1995. — Thirty

Thirty’s confidence level (0-10): 9, same from the previous week. Despite a hard-fought victory on the road, the confidence level remains unchanged. Stafford, who has seven mistakes in three games, including back-to-back games with three giveaways each, must improve and be more consistent if the Rams are to reach the Super Bowl. They won’t be able to overcome several turnover performances in the playoffs.

The 49ers are the team’s next opponent (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Ravens

What you should know: The Ravens’ failure to finish will prohibit them from making the playoffs. The Ravens’ five-game losing run was decided by a total of five points in four of them. The Ravens, who had a 91 percent probability of making the playoffs in Week 13, now have an 8 percent chance of making the playoffs. Because backup quarterback Tyler Huntley, who came in for the injured Lamar Jackson (ankle), couldn’t complete drives, the Ravens were unable to upset the NFC-leading Rams. For the first time in three years, the Ravens offense failed to score a touchdown in a game, settling for Justin Tucker’s four field goals. Then, late in the fourth quarter, the Baltimore defense, which had caused three turnovers, failed to make a crucial stop, enabling a nine-play, 75-yard game-winning drive. Jamison Hensley (Jamison Hensley)

In the season finale, who will start as quarterback for the Ravens? Jackson was still hobbling on the sidelines throughout the game, so a decision may not be made. With 248 yards, Huntley has shown to be a more than sufficient substitute for Jackson. However, he has struggled to complete drives. In Baltimore, there is no quarterback debate. When Jackson is healthy, he is the team’s starting quarterback and the franchise’s future. However, even if he isn’t at full power, Huntley is definitely Baltimore’s best shot to win. Hensley’s words

Hensley’s confidence level (on a scale of one to ten) is 2, down from four. For the first time in coach John Harbaugh’s 14 seasons, the Ravens have lost five games in a row after having the top record in the AFC five weeks ago. To avoid missing the playoffs for the first time since 2017, Baltimore must win the Steelers in what seems to be Ben Roethlisberger’s farewell game and receive plenty of assistance elsewhere.

The Steelers are the team’s next opponent (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Titans

What to know: The Titans’ defense is on the verge of being a championship-caliber squad. Tennessee restricted the Dolphins to three points and only allowed them to convert three of their twelve third-down chances. Kevin Byard underlined the necessity of the pass rush complementing the back end coverage. That is precisely what is taking place in Tennessee. Tua Tagovailoa was sacked four times against the Titans, bringing his season total to 41. Tennessee applied relentless pressure to Tagovailoa. Kristian Fulton’s tenacious back-end covering was also beneficial. The Titans’ defense has been energized by the addition of linebacker Zach Cunningham (six tackles Sunday). Turron Davenport (Turron Davenport)

Do the Titans have a distinct offensive identity? At this point, it’s fair to conclude that Ryan Tannehill dropping back 40 times to throw isn’t the Titans’ winning recipe. D’Onta Foreman has progressively established himself as a pass rush danger. Against Miami, Foreman carried 26 times for 132 yards and a score. Because of Foreman’s prowess on the ground, the play-action passing game blossomed. The Titans have an old-school, ‘grind em out’ offensive that continuously wears down the opponent, even without Derrick Henry. With Henry’s inevitable comeback, the offense will be even more lethal. Davenport, Iowa

Davenport’s confidence rating (on a scale of one to ten) is now 9, up from 8.5. It’s uncommon for a team to be able to dominate both on attack and defense. But that’s exactly what the Titans did to the Dolphins in their rout. Now that linebacker Bud Dupree is returned, the pass rush has progressively revived. With Dupree back in the lineup, Tennessee has nine sacks in their previous three games, and David Long is about to return. Foreman has been excellent offensively, and the possibility that Henry may return adds to the confidence. The Titans are hitting their stride at the perfect moment.

The Texans are the team’s next opponent (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Dolphins

What you should know: Tua Tagovailoa’s performance had been inconsistent for the previous two weeks heading into Sunday’s game, and it finally came to a head against the Titans. The NFL’s leading passer completed just 50% of his 30 throws for 186 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception, with at least three more passes sliding between Titans defenders’ hands. His ball security was shoddy, as he dropped the ball three times on the grass, one of which he lost deep in Miami’s territory. In the end, it was Tagovailoa’s worst game of the season, especially given the stakes: the Dolphins would have secured a postseason spot if they won both of their last two games. To escape a four-season postseason drought, they’ll have to defeat New England in their season finale and get a lot of assistance. — Louis-Jacques Marcel

What needs to change on offensive for Miami in the future? The situation was dire. The Dolphins performed precisely like one would expect a South Florida club to play in such circumstances on Sunday — chilly and wet. Miami must focus this summer on upgrading its offensive line and recruiting playmakers to surround Tagovailoa. Jaylen Waddle was taken out of the game by Tennessee, and Miami had no response. At the same time, Tagovailoa struggled in a crucial game; he must improve going forward and is not blameless for this offense’s struggles. Louis-Jacques –

Louis-Jacques’ confidence rating (on a scale of one to ten) is 6.8, down from 8.7. If Tagovailoa can’t get out of his funk, the Dolphins’ offense won’t be able to compete against a top-ranked Patriots defense. And if Miami’s defense stops the run as well as it did tonight next week, the Patriots will win comfortably.

The Patriots are the team’s next opponent (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Patriots

What you should know: The Patriots got rookie quarterback Mac Jones back on track, which was a primary objective against the COVID-ravaged Jaguars, who had just two wins. Jones was coming off two of his most shaky outings of the season, but this should help him as the Patriots prepare for the playoffs. Jones completed 22 of 30 throws for 227 yards and three touchdowns, surpassing the team record for most touchdown passes by a rookie in a season (20; previously by Jim Plunkett, who had 19 in 1971). Jones was aided by a turnover-prone defense that intercepted Jaguars rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence three times. So, just as Jones got back on track, the Patriots’ defense did as well — although against one of the weakest teams in the league. — Reiss, Mike

Will the Patriots be able to turn things around in Miami after their late-season struggles? The Patriots haven’t had much luck in South Florida during the Bill Belichick era (2000-present), going 2-7 as visitors versus the Dolphins in those months. Strange things seem to occur under certain circumstances (e.g. the “Miracle in Miami” in 2018). Perhaps Belichick cranks up the heat in the Socios.com Fieldhouse this week to adapt the players to the upcoming climatic shift. — Reiss

Reiss’ confidence rating (0-10) has increased to 7.1 from 6.8. The Patriots accomplished exactly what they wanted to do: take advantage of a weaker opponent early and enhance their overall basic play. After back-to-back defeats in which they didn’t play their best football, proving they could do so was crucial.

The Dolphins are the team’s next opponent (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Jaguars

What you should know: The Jaguars still have a long way to go simply to be competitive. Not for a playoff berth or the AFC South championship, but just to be competitive in games. This isn’t a very good Patriots squad (by their standards), yet they just delivered the Jaguars one of their worst defeats ever. To be fair, the Jaguars were playing without five starters due to COVID, but would it have made a difference? Regardless matter who is selected as the next head coach, it will take many years to effectively construct a team around Trevor Lawrence and bring the club to the point where they have a shot every week. Mike DiRocco’s remark

Can the Jaguars keep their winning run against the Colts going and finish the season on a high note? The Jaguars have defeated the Colts six times in the last seven meetings, including the season opener in 2020, which turned out to be their sole win that season. In a 23-17 defeat to Indianapolis earlier this season, the Jaguars had the ball inside Indianapolis territory and were driving for a possible game-winning touchdown when QB Trevor Lawrence was sacked and fumbled with less than a minute to go. However, the Jaguars had RB James Robinson at the time. However, a win at home to conclude the season would be satisfying for a team that has been a disaster in 2021. DiRocco’s words

DiRocco’s confidence rating (on a scale of one to ten) is 0.2, down from 0.7. The Jaguars aren’t putting up much of a fight against some of the league’s poorest (Texans, Jets), as well as some of the league’s best (Patriots).

The Colts are the team’s next opponent (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Eagles

What you should know: The Eagles have taken a big stride toward sealing a postseason spot. According to ESPN Stats & Information, they had a 91 percent chance of reaching the playoffs with a victory, but those chances would have plummeted to 39 percent if they lost. It wasn’t a pleasant experience — The defense threw a shutout in the second half, while running back Boston Scott scored a pair of touchdowns in the absence of Miles Sanders to spark the comeback. QB Taylor Heinicke started the game 11-of-11, helping Washington race out to a 16-7 halftime lead. This season, the Eagles have scored 24 rushing touchdowns, the most since 1949. Jalen Hurts (six carries, 45 yards) seemed to be in the best shape of his life since sustaining a high ankle sprain against the New York Giants on November 28. Hurts seems to be in terrific shape, the Eagles have won six of their last seven games, and their confidence is as high as it has ever been with the playoffs in sight. — McManus, Tim

Can they make up for their sluggish start before the playoffs begin? In four of their last five games, including the last three, the Eagles have been kept scoreless in the first quarter. Over that time, they’ve been outscored 35-7 in the first session. Philadelphia has won four straight games, although those victories came against Washington (twice), the New York Giants, and the New York Jets. If they get off to a shaky start against one of the NFC’s stronger teams, they might be out in a hurry. McManus remarked

McManus’ confidence level (on a scale of one to ten) is now at 7, up from 6. According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Eagles have a chance to achieve 10 victories in their first season under rookie coach Nick Sirianni, who is attempting to become the third Eagles head coach to make the playoffs in his first season, after Chip Kelly in 2013 and Ray Rhodes in 1995. They’ve already surpassed popular expectations, and they’re far from finished.

The Cowboys are the team’s next opponent (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Washington

What to know: Washington still has enough players to hang close to a club like Philadelphia, and the squad has shown a lot of resilience despite a 42-point setback to Dallas. However, Washington currently lacks enough playmakers to defeat a strong opponent. A lot of it has to do with injury or personal issues; on Sunday, five defensive starters were out. Even when healthy, though, the defense failed to make enough huge plays to be labeled great. That is something that must not be overlooked. Jamin Davis, a first-round linebacker, has been restricted to certain packages. That’s not a good sign. Washington may rightfully claim a weakened squad, but it can’t expect things to improve in 2022 if those players return. ‘John Keim’

Is their condition better than it was a year ago? Washington looked like a better club during its four-game winning run than it did in 2020, in part because it was playing stronger teams (and quarterbacks) and had finally established its identity. The lack of performance from major offseason signings like as receiver Curtis Samuel, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, Davis, and third-round receiver Dyami Brown has been frustrating for Washington this season. Washington still needs a quarterback to build their offense around. It hasn’t yet developed an offensive persona. Washington seems to be treading water rather than advancing toward 2020. To compete for a postseason place, they’ll have to do a better job of hitting on important acquisitions until they locate a quarterback. Keim’s words

Keim’s confidence rating (on a scale of one to ten) is 4.3, down from 4.9. Washington is out of the playoffs, but the last opponent, the New York Giants, is the reason the rating isn’t worse. Washington plays with tenacity, but it lacks the necessary talent to win.

The next game will be against the Giants (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Bills

What to know: The Bills won in an unexpected fashion for this squad, with the offense leading the way with a season-high 233 yards running. With quarterback Josh Allen and the passing offense trying to get going, offensive coordinator Brian Daboll resorted to the ground game. Allen threw three interceptions. Buffalo scored four rushing touchdowns on the day, two each from Allen and Devin Singletary. The Bills’ running game has been inconsistent all season, but Sunday’s performance is encouraging for the playoffs. Alaina Getzenberg is a writer who lives in New York City.

What should the Bills do in the future at returner? The Bills can’t seem to nail down the returner position. After a major fumble against the Indianapolis Colts, Isaiah McKenzie was a healthy scratch for two games, giving Marquez Stevenson the starting role. However, against the Falcons, the youngster suffered a first-quarter fumble that resulted in a safety. For the most of the game, he served as the returner. McKenzie has established himself as a crucial member of the offense as a receiver, while Stevenson has shown himself as a capable returner in general. Don’t tamper with it because of a rookie’s awful snow fumble. Getzenberg’s words

Getzenberg’s confidence rating (on a scale of one to ten) is 8.2, down from 8.4. There’s not much of a difference here. Despite not having their finest game, the Bills were able to get a much-needed double-digit victory at home after adjusting to the snowy circumstances.

The Jets are the team’s next opponent (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Falcons

What to know: This game felt a lot like so many others this season for the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons demonstrated resilience despite their undermanned status in 2021, which was exacerbated on Sunday by COVID-19 difficulties. They put pressure on a Bills club that was on the verge of making the playoffs, but they weren’t able to win. The Falcons’ slim playoff chances were dashed by the defeat, but it also provided a glimmer of optimism for the future. Atlanta stayed in there with the Bills for the most part, keeping it a one-possession game for the most of the game and intercepting quarterback Josh Allen three times. The Falcons were still in the postseason race in Week 17 of their debut season under head coach Arthur Smith, and they were 7-2 in one-possession games — something to build on. The club is still a long way from contending with the best in the NFL, but it made strides against a playoff team on Sunday. Michael Rothstein is a writer and producer.

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What should the Falcons do in the season’s final week? Kyle Pitts, the rookie tight end who exited Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury, might be affected by this question. Pitts is 59 yards away from breaking Mike Ditka’s 60-year-old rookie receiving yardage record for a tight end. However, if the hamstring injury is substantial, it’s not a good idea to let him pursue it. There’s also the matter of whether to play certain veterans or see what some rookies can accomplish with a full week of training, such as receiver Frank Darby and cornerback Darren Hall, who both played Sunday. — According to Rothstein

The confidence rating of Rothstein (0-10) is now 3.8, up from 3.6. Even though the season is practically finished and the playoffs are no longer a possibility, Atlanta might be on to something under Smith.

The Saints are the team’s next opponent (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Bears

What you should know: In what may have been Matt Nagy’s last home game as the Bears’ head coach, his squad performed at a level it hadn’t seen all season. Of course, facing the faltering Giants and quarterback Mike Glennon helped. The game was won in the first minutes when the Bears scored 14 points on a strip-sack and an interception. In the closing two minutes of the first half, they added two field goals and a safety to coast to their sixth victory of the season. In the fourth quarter, Robert Quinn also had a sack, shattering Richard Dent’s team record of 18 for a single season. Rogers, Jesse

Should the Bears play Justin Fields in the season finale versus Minnesota if he is well enough? The answer is clearly yes if Fields is 100 percent healthy, but there’s a decent possibility he’ll still be a bit sore from an ankle ailment that has kept him out of play for the last several weeks. The Bears may always start him and then switch him out if he struggles. However, Nagy has said multiple times that one game of experience should not trump his health. Rogers’ comment

Rogers’ confidence rating (0-10) has increased to 3.5 from 3.0. The Bears showed up in a game between two struggling teams, much as they did last week in a victory against Seattle.

The next game will be against the Vikings (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Giants

What you should know: Imagine participating in an NFL game and not being able to throw or finish passes. That’s where the Giants are right now. Mike Glennon’s offensive line has put them in an unsustainable – and humiliating – predicament. During the first half, the Giants only passed four times on 27 plays. On their four dropbacks, they managed minus-16 yards and two turnovers. It was never going to get any better. Glennon threw for 24 yards on 4-of-11 passing with two interceptions and two fumbles lost. He was dismissed four times throughout his career. Jordan Raanan is a writer.

Did the Giants call it a day? That’s not what I’d name it. Their quarterback fumbled and threw an interception, thus handing Chicago two touchdowns, and they were down 14-0 barely eight minutes into the game. Because of the weakness of their offensive line, the Giants were unable to go back and attempt a real pass. This isn’t due to a lack of effort on the part of the players or a lack of understanding of their roles. This is just a horrible offensive performance that is sinking the club. New York’s defense battled until the finish, allowing 249 total yards, which would generally be considered a strong defensive effort. In the second half, they only gave up seven points. Raanan’s words

Raanan’s confidence level (0-10) has dropped to 0.8 from 1.2. And we thought the Giants’ offense couldn’t possibly be much worse. They continue to disprove our assumptions.

The next game is against Washington (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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The “nfl week 2 2021” is a post that highlights the NFL Week 17 takeaways.

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