WHAT I LEARNED FROM SUNDAY'S WEEK 17 GAMES

HERE'S WHAT I LEARNED FROM SUNDAY'S WEEK 17 SLATE OF GAMES

PITTSBURGH STEELERS 16, CINCINNATI BENGALS 13

1.The Steelers had a lot of motivation entering Sunday's game with the postseason on the line and the team would have to do it without Antonio Brown, who was inactive with a knee injury. It wasn't easy. After sleep walking through the first two quarters en route to a 10-3 halftime deficit, the Steelers finally woke up in the third quarter with a big play. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger found rookie wide receiver James Washington on a 47-yard gain, and then Roethlisberger connected with JuJu Smith-Schuster for an 11-yard touchdown to tie the game at 10-10. The Steelers then flipped the halves by outscoring the Bengals 10-3 in the second half, which was capped off by rookie kicker Matt McCrane's game-winning field goal. Roethlisberger finished the game with 287 yards passing, giving him more than 5,000 yards passing on the 2018 season, the first of his career.

2. The Steelers did what they had to do by securing the win, marking an eighth consecutive victory over the Bengals. But with the Ravens surviving a scare against the Cleveland Browns to clinch the AFC North, the Steelers will miss postseason play for the first time since the 2013 season.

3. Despite having nothing left to play for except pride, give the Bengals plenty of credit for giving the Steelers all they could handle with a hard-fought game. Second-year running back Joe Mixon led the offense with 105 yards on 13 carries, and the Bengals defense limited the Steelers to converting 5 of 15 third-down attempts. But a win wasn't meant to be, and the Bengals now head off to the offseason with a third consecutive losing season. Whether head coach Marvin Lewis returns for in 2019 will likely be a big question in the coming days.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 33, TENNESSEE TITANS 17

1. The Colts took control of Sunday night's winner-take-all game from their very first drive, dominating time of possession and eventually grinding the unworthy Titans into submission. Against a Tennessee front seven that was visibly missing injured defensive tackle Jurrell Casey, Indianapolis' offensive line paved holes for Marlon Mack (119 yards, TD) and created a healthy pocket for Andrew Luck, who, save for an overeager pick-six, was stellar in a three-touchdown outing. The Colts' first two drives, both of which went for six, took a combined 28 plays and nearly 17 minutes. Frank Reich's crew finished with a 20-minute TOP advantage. The Colts won by 16, but the margin of victory could have been twice that if not for some foolish unforced errors. The Colts committed 12 penalties for nearly 100 yards. In addition to the Luck interception, Mack fumbled in the red zone after Tennessee gifted Indy great field-goal position with a fumble of its own. The Titans threatened late in the second half as Derrick Henry picked up steam, but the Colts defense forced turnovers on Tennessee's last three drives (one on downs) to thwart a comeback.

2. In knocking Tennessee out of the playoffs, the Colts clinched their first playoff berth since 2014 and their first as a wild-card team since 2012. That year, they lost to the Ravens in Luck's first playoff game. This time around, Indy will travel to Houston on a short week to play a third game against the division-rival Texans in Deshaun Watson's first playoff game. The Colts and Texans split their head-to-head meetings with each team losing at home. In their most recent meeting, Luck threw for nearly 400 yards and Hilton caught nearly 200 of them in a 24-21 Colts win. Another close contest is in the offing.

3. Marcus Mariota was inactive for Tennessee's biggest home game in quite some time, handing the reins to Blaine Gabbert, who filled in dutifully in Week 16 but was overmatched on Sunday evening. Tennessee punted on five of its first six drives, picked up just 11 first downs and converted just one of nine third-down conversions. With Henry slow to start, Gabbert was not equipped to eliminate Indy's first-half 14-point lead, and the Titans laid down on national television.

Mike Vrabel's first season in Tennessee should be considered a minor success -- a rookie head coach finished with an above-.500 record on the doorsteps of the postseason -- but is the future bright in Nashville? The club's franchise quarterback is an injury risk entering the final year of his rookie contract and will be the major question mark around the organization this offseason. The depth at skill positions around him is limited. The two AFC South teams in the postseason meanwhile are settled under center and boast well rounded rosters on the rise. Just one year removed from a playoff victory, Tennessee still has a ways to go before contending deep into winter.

BALTIMORE RAVENS 26, CLEVELAND BROWNS 24

1. Baltimore stuck to the formula with the division on the line, and it worked to perfection -- until it didn't. The troika of Lamar Jackson, Kenneth Dixon and Gus Edwards paced a Ravens running game that racked up a season-high 296 rushing yards on 47 attempts. Baltimore succeeded in dominating time of possession, too, by 17 minutes. The Ravens entered the second half with a 13-point lead -- it would have been 20 points if not for Jackson's late-half fumble on the goal line -- but were a boom-or-bust on offense in the second half. Their long drives ended in field goals; their short ones were too short. After Cleveland cut the lead to two, the Ravens went three-and-out, ending their 95-second drive with a fumbled option play. If not for a clutch defensive stand in its own territory, Baltimore would have been knocked out of the playoffs, given Pittsburgh's win. But after Baker Mayfield completed two impossible passes to Breshad Perriman and Jarvis Landry to get to Baltimore's 39 with over a minute to go, the Browns went four-and-out, choosing not to opt for a game-winning 56-yard field-goal attempt from Greg Joseph. Mayfield threw three straight incompletions short or behind his receivers before throwing a pick at the line to C.J. Mosley.

2. The AFC North is Baltimore's for the first time since 2012, and just barely. Next up for the fourth-seeded Ravens is a familiar foe: the Chargers, who locked up the fifth seed by virtue of Kansas City's win. The Bolts boast the superior record, but are stumbling into this wild-card matchup, having played two of their most uneven games over the past two weeks, including that Week 16 loss to Baltimore. The Ravens played to type in the first go-around, leaning on the run and their swarming defense to hold Los Angeles to season lows. Expect the same game plan next week.

3. Mayfield's record-setting rookie campaign ended with a bang regardless of the result on the scoreboard. The Browns quarterback did what Philip Rivers could not one week ago: Splice the Ravens secondary. Mayfield delivered five completions of at least 28 yards to five different receivers and averaged nine yards per attempt. He threw for 376 yards, the most allowed by Baltimore all season, and three touchdowns, the most surrendered since Week 2. With those three TD tosses, Mayfield broke the rookie passing touchdown record, surpassing Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson as the only rookie to throw 27 TD passes.

Watching the rookies Mayfield and Jackson duel on Sunday afternoon, each young QB leaning heavily on his skillset, one can envision a decade-plus of such standoffs. The first installment of his intra-division rivalry portends great drama and studies in contrasting style to come. Who will be coaching Mayfield's Browns in those installments remains to be seen.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 24, WASHINGTON REDSKINS 0

1. This hasn't been said often this season, but credit the Eagles' defense. Sure, Philadelphia scored 17 of its own points, but Washington didn't score any! You don't need to be a mathematician to figure out how that works. While Nick Foles led an offense that roared (relatively speaking), Josh Johnson's Washington offense couldn't even muster a whimper. Down 17-0 early in the fourth, Johnson resorted to multiple intermediate to deep heaves, which were each broken up by Eagles defensive backs. The defining play was a fourth down strip sack of Johnson by Fletcher Cox, which took a feeble Redskins effort and buried its chances. It feels odd to type, but this week, Philadelphia's defenders deserve praise.

2. Offensively, Foles was excellent. He tied Philip Rivers' record for most consecutive completions with 25 before a throw behind Nelson Agholor at the goal line ended that streak. He finished with a sterling passing line of 28 of 33 for 221 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception. His passer rating of 102.1 said it all, and even when he left due to injury, Philadelphia didn't miss a beat with Nate Sudfeld under center.

Also of assistance: the Eagles' ability to gain yards on the ground. Wendell Smallwood, Adams and Darren Sproles combined to rush for 131 yards and are looking like a poor man's version of the three-headed attack (Jay Ajayi, LeGarrette Blount, Corey Clement) Philadelphia boasted last season. That will go quite a long way toward helping their success in the postseason. The Eagles clinched a playoff berth with the Vikings' loss to the Bears.

3. Washington enters the offseason with uncertainty abound. There likely won't be front office or head coach changes, but Alex Smith's status should be monitored in the offseason after that gruesome leg injury and complications following surgery. A number of other injuries elsewhere (on the offensive line, for example) make next season's outlook more fluid. Will they all return healthy and back to form? Additionally, what is the status of defensive coordinator Greg Manusky? Is this team as good as it appeared before the injuries undercut their season? We'll wait until next season to learn.

LOS ANGELES RAMS 48, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 32

1. The Rams showed up for their regular-season finale so that they could take Wild Card Weekend off. Los Angeles (13-3) earned a first-round bye and the No. 2 seed by easily disposing the 49ers for the second time this season. It sets up another playoff game at the Coliseum, where the Rams will be eager to avenge last year's lackluster showing against the Atlanta Falcons. That came one week after the Rams rested their starters in the regular-season finale. Second-year coach Sean McVay coached to win this time around.

2. The Rams' defense forced a turnover on each of the 49ers' first three possessions -- in less than nine minutes -- and then added a defensive touchdown early in the second quarter. Linebacker Cory Littleton was responsible for two of Nick Mullen's three interceptions, returning one for a 19-yard touchdown to help the Rams build a 28-3 lead. Los Angeles was relentless in its pursuit of the 49ers' rookie quarterback, even though it didn't result in the single-season sack record for Aaron Donald. The reigning (and possible repeat) NFL Defensive Player of the Year took down Mullens just once despite double-digit pressures, giving him 20.5 sacks for the season.

3. Draft positioning was about the only thing on the line for the 49ers entering Sunday. They own the No. 2 overall pick in 2019, their fourth consecutive year drafting in the top 10. San Francisco did manage to finish outside of last place in the NFC West for the first time since Jim Harbaugh's swan song in the Bay (2014). While Kyle Shanahan has had franchise quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo for only eight starts the past two seasons, his 10-22 mark is not the start to his tenure Niners fans envisioned when San Francisco plucked the offensive guru out of Atlanta.

One more note: George Kittle broke Travis Kelce's very short-lived record for most receiving yards by a tight end in NFL history on Sunday. Kittle's nine catches for 149 yards gave him 1,377 yards on the season, pushing him ahead of Rob Gronkowski's previous single-season record of 1,327 yards and Kelce's 1,336 yards this year.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 35, OAKLAND RAIDERS 3

1. Despite widespread concern and rumors of their demise, the Chiefs' defense is in fact still alive. On Sunday, it was well -- or was it? Daniel Sorensen intercepted Derek Carr and returned it for a touchdown, but upon review, its clear Jared Cook (Carr's intended target) gave up on the play after one second of pretending to begin a route. It was really ugly, but so was most of the rest of the half for Carr and the Raiders. Carr tossed another interception on a pass over the middle which was also nearly returned for a score by Reggie Ragland. Carr reached halftime with a passing line of 15 of 23, 114 yards, two interceptions and a passer rating of 40.8. As a whole, the Raiders turned the ball over four times in the first half. Things didn't improve afterward. Not great, Bob.

2. On the bright side, the Raiders got a really nice day out of Doug Martin, who has struggled to find his footing in Oakland. Martin rushed 21 times for 100 yards, finding open space and hitting the hole with speed we expected to see from him in years past. Unfortunately, it is likely his farewell performance, as he's a free agent in March. Jordy Nelson caught nine passes for 78 yards, but he isn't getting any younger, either. The rebuild continues.

3. The Chiefs clinched the AFC West title and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. We don't need to spend a ton of time on the winning team, really, because Kansas City did more of what they've done all season. The difference was their defense's contribution, which should be taken with a grain of salt, due to the aforementioned reasons. What is encouraging, though, is the large amount of takeaways secured by the Chiefs, who were more opportunistic than usual. A couple of those could swing a playoff game in their favor.

CHICAGO BEARS 24, MINNESOTA VIKINGS 10

1. No miracle materialized in Minnesota this time, only bitterness. The Vikings offense laid an egg against a great Bears defense that had little to play for and lost a chance to earn a playoff spot. For the second straight week, Kirk Cousins and the offense didn't convert a first down on its first four possessions. At halftime, Minnesota generated 49 total yards on 25 plays. Cousins will take the brunt of the criticism for another dismal performance. The $84 million quarterback was rattled from the jump, throwing wayward passes that never threatened the Bears. Quarterbacks make their money on third downs and the red zone. Minnesota converted a putrid 1 of 11 on third down, and only got to the red zone once. The Vikes offense was a mishmash of unforced errors, poor plays, bad blocking and zero explosiveness. Minnesota didn't have a reception of 20-plus yards on the day and attempted just one pass beyond 15 yards until the final desperation drives against Bears backup defenders. The Vikings offense has myriad of questions to answer this offseason.

2. While they celebrate in Philadelphia -- beneficiaries of the Vikings collapse -- the loss will rankle Minnesota all year. The frustration began to boil over early in Sunday's crushing loss. FOX cameras caught Cousins and Adam Thielen going back and forth near the end of the first half on the sideline after a miscommunication on a third-down incompletion. The irritation in Minnesota was palpable as an offense with two 1000-plus-yard receivers in Thielen and Stefon Diggs, a healthy Dalvin Cook, and a highly paid quarterback couldn't move the ball once again. For its part, Mike Zimmer's defense couldn't get off the field on third down most of the game and got run over by a conservative Bears offense. For a team that entered the season with Super Bowl aspirations, an 8-7-1 record is bitterly disappointing. Changes could be coming in Minnesota this offseason.

3. The story of the game was the Vikings' dismal output, but give the Bears credit for handling business. Matt Nagy didn't bench his starters until substituting defenders late in the fourth quarter. The first-team offense played the duration and performed well versus a stout defense. Outside of Jordan Howard's 109-yard, two-touchdown day, and the box score won't jump out for Chicago, but Mitchell Trubisky did a great job managing the game and converting on third downs. Against one of the stingiest third-down defenses in the NFL, Trubisky & Co. converted 8 of 14 on the pivotal down. The biggest drive of the game came after Minnesota cut the lead to three points late in the third quarter. Trubisky proceeded to lead a 16-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that took 9:05 off the clock by converting five third downs (one by penalty). Trubisky made several clutch throws on the drive, including three conversions with his arm on third down. Despite playing without Allen Robinson, and seeing Taylor Gabriel and Anthony Miller leave with injuries, Trubisky moved the chains repeatedly. Heading home to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round, Sunday's performance should have Nagy confident in his offense.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 38, NEW YORK JETS 3

1. Clinging to the AFC's No. 2 seed and a first-round bye, the Patriots treated the regular-season finale as if it was a playoff game against a short-handed division rival. New England jumped out to an early lead, holding decisive edges in points (21-3), first downs (15-6) and net yards (232-108) by halftime. Of Gang Green's first 31 offensive plays, 19 went for zero or negative yards. The aura of invincibility may be fading with Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski in obvious physical decline, but Bill Belichick's outfit will enter January in fine shape. Even with Houston's victory at Jacksonville, the Patriots will take next week off for rest and hold homefield advantage through at least the Divisional Round.

2. With starters Marcus Maye and Morris Claiborne on injured reserve and Trumaine Johnson deactivated for disciplinary reasons, the Jets' secondary was comprised of All-Pro candidate Jamal Adams and a cast of practice-squad graduates. Brady found easy rhythm from the opening whistle, spreading the ball around to seven different receivers en route to a season-high 133.8 passer rating. Although Brady enjoyed one of his finest first-half performances of the season, Todd Bowles' defense didn't pose much of a test. The second touchdown came on a pretty pass to Rex Burkhead, who came wide open thanks to miscommunication in coverage. Trey Flowers proceeded to force an Elijah McGuire fumble, handing the ball back to the Pats deep in Jets territory. Brady failed to see Gronkowski break free on the far side of the field on first down and airmailed a pass to a wide open Chris Hogan in the middle of the end zone on the next snap. Gifted a fresh set of downs thanks to a gratuitous shove from Henry Anderson on third down, Brady found Phillip Dorsett for a touchdown and the rout was on. Along the way, the Patriots extended their NFL record by reaching 400 points for the 12th consecutive season.

3. Bowles was relieved of head-coaching duties after the game, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. Although the Jets roster is riddled with holes thanks to subpar drafting and a plague of late-season injuries, the next coach can point to Darnold as his potential franchise savior and Adams as the linchpin on defense.

HOUSTON TEXANS 20, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 3

1. Let's start with a critical bit of housekeeping: The win for Houston seals up the AFC South.

2. This game felt over as soon as Deshaun Watson popped into the end zone on a 5-yard scoring burst to put the Texans up 10-3 against a Jaguars squad refusing to move the ball. That touchdown march began when Jacksonville's Dede Westbrook muffed a punt on Houston's 49-yard line. Facing an edgy defense, Lamar Miller looked healthy barreling in for a touchdown of his own before the half, a feat set up by a bobbled pass that magically landed in the arms of DeAndre Hopkins (12/147) in the red zone. The starry wideout made play after play to cap another brilliant season. Watson galloped 12 times for 67 yards and was still scrambling with two minutes to go. He took far too many hits -- his six sacks on the day made it a league-high 62 on the year -- but that's part of the deal with this Texans attack. On defense, J.J. Watt appeared to hurt his right arm before the half, but returned wearing a brace to finish the game.

3. This godless campaign can't end quickly enough for a Jaguars operation that put up 119 yards on the day, ran for just 30 yards and saw 10 of 11 drives end with a punt or turnover. In what might be the final appearance by Blake Bortles in black, gold and teal, the embattled signal-caller threw for 29 yards over the first two quarters, tossed a pick and settled for a field goal after Jacksonville recovered a botched Texans punt return at Houston's 10-yard line. The Jaguars were dangerously disorganized through the air and saw next to nothing from Carlos Hyde (10/13) with a banged-up Leonard Fournette sitting it out and finishing his second season with just 439 yards at 3.3 yards per carry in eight disappointing appearances. Jacksonville sending a 2019 fifth-rounder to Cleveland for Hyde, meanwhile, looms as a steal for the Browns. Few teams league-wide have more work to do on offense heading into a busy offseason.

DALLAS COWBOYS 36, NEW YORK GIANTS 35

1. Dak Prescott scrambled on 4th-and-15 to find Cole Beasley for a diving touchdown. The QB then hit Michael Gallup for the two-point conversion to give the Cowboys an entertaining, dramatic win in a back-and-forth affair to close out the regular season.

The Dallas brass insisted all week they would play their starters. Jerry Jones' team did just that for the most part. Ezekiel Elliott sat out, but Dak Prescott and the majority of offensive starters who were active played the duration. With three backup linemen at one point, the strategy to put the starting QB in harm's way was questionable, but the Cowboys wanted a shaky offense to hit the playoffs with a positive performance. They got just that. After a sloppy start, Prescott looked good down the stretch. There are some rickety moments, but when he is in rhythm and hits his reads on time, Prescott proved he can be effective. Dak surpassed the 300-yard barrier for just the second time on the season, compiling 387 yards on 27-of-44 passing with four touchdowns. Perhaps the best news for Dallas was they succeeded in the red zone (three TDs in four trips), a place they've struggled, and Prescott was stellar on third downs. His strike on the game-winning score should provide a boost of confidence for Dallas heading into Wild Card Weekend.

2. Tight end Blake Jarwin was the star for the Cowboys, catching three touchdown passes (13, 19, and 39 yards). The second-year tight end was Prescott's go-to target all game, catching seven of eight targets for 119 yards and the three scores. Jarwin entered the game with 20 catches and 188 total yards in his career. The past month, the 24-year-old has surged to the forefront for a Cowboys team that had been searching for Jason Witten's replacement. Heading into the playoffs, Dallas opponents must account for Jarwin, giving Prescott another needed weapon.

3. Saquon Barkley didn't catch Ezekiel Elliott for the rushing crown, but the Giants running back set a rookie record. Barkley caught four passes Sunday, giving him 91 for the season to pass Reggie Bush (88) for most ever by a first-year player. The Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate was stymied most of the day in the season-ender, but popped two huge runs (26 and 68 yards), compiling 109 yards on 17 totes. Barkley's big 68-yard second-half scamper put him over 2,000 scrimmage yards for the season, becoming just the third rookie to reach the mark, joining Eric Dickerson and Edgerrin James. With Barkley, Evan Engram -- who played fantastic in the season finale -- and receiver Cody Latimer making two fantastic acrobatic one-handed catches, the Giants showed, sans Odell Beckham, they have the pieces to be an explosive offense in 2019 if they can finally figure out their offensive line issues and determine the future at quarterback.

CAROLINA PANTHERS 33, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 14

1. In a game that eventually developed into a battle of backups, the Panthers' second-team players proved better than the Saints on both sides of the football. Rookie quarterback Kyle Allen was sharp, completing 16 of 27 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns before giving way to Garrett Gilbert in the blowout win. Allen's performance proved more impressive when considering he faced most of the Saints defensive starters in the first half. Running back Christian McCaffrey had a short day, playing a series in the first quarter, and linebacker Luke Kuechly left the game in the second quarter. The Panthers finish the season at 7-9 and looking forward to the offseason.

2. The Saints (13-3) clinched the No. 1 seed in Week 16 and signaled their approach to a meaningless game by declaring Drew Brees, Alvin Kamara and Ted Ginn Jr., as inactive. Teddy Bridgewater drew the start at quarterback with an opportunity to showcase himself ahead of free agency. Bridgewater, however, didn't produce eye-popping numbers and completed 14 of 22 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown with an interception on the game. Still, it would be unfair to evaluate Bridgewater based on numbers, as the signal-caller played behind an offensive line that featured just one starter -- center Max Unger - after Andrus Peat left in the first quarter with a hand injury.

3. While there shouldn't be heavy concerns over the Saints' offense given the amount of players not playing, it's probably OK to raise an eyebrow over the defensive performance with the postseason on the horizon. The Saints went with virtually all the starters in the first half, but the Panthers' backups, led by a rookie quarterback, had no issues jumping out to a 23-0 lead. The Saints have been stout on the defensive end over the past month, so Sunday's performance could be an anomaly.

DETROIT LIONS 31, GREEN BAY PACKERS 0

1. Sunday's game was defined by two first-half plays: A fake field goal that produced a touchdown, and a 13-yard Zach Zenner touchdown run that looked far too easy to have occurred in an actual NFL game. The fake field goal is the one that will get more run on social media and TV, thanks in part to the fact it was Matt Prater's first career touchdown pass (complete to tight end Levine Toilolo), and also thanks to former Colts punter Pat McAfee being on the call and losing his mind as the play unfolded. Detroit dominated a game that will quickly be forgotten in what is also a forgotten season in Green Bay. Matt Patricia earned a much-needed blowout win to earn a little positive momentum heading into the offseason after a tumultuous first season at the helm of the Lions. Not bad from a game that had little meaning otherwise.

2. Aaron Rodgers' exit due to a concussion in the second quarter took away the competitive element of this game, but opened the door for intrigue in the form of DeShone Kizer. The second-year quarterback played out the remainder of the contest, and predictably, Green Bay's offense found itself stuck in the mud. Through three quarters, the Lions had run 32 plays in opposing territory. The Packers had run four, and three of the four came in the final 20 seconds of the third.

Kizer's day went like this: A handful of throws that narrowly missed targets (finger-grazing passes, for example), a healthy amount of drops of catchable passes, a couple scares on ill-advised passes that could've easily been turnovers (one eventually was), and more than a few rushes for decent-to-significant gains. A 12-yard scramble on fourth-and-9 extended a drive, woke up the sleepy Lambeau Field crowd and even inspired Kizer to signal that yes, he'd indeed achieved a first down. His final line reflected what we saw with our eyes: 16-of-35 passing, 132 yards, one interception and a 44.0 passer rating. No surprise: Green Bay still doesn't have a reliable option behind Rodgers.

3. Some unheralded Lions who could be key depth players (should Detroit retain them) in 2019 had good games. Zenner rushed for 93 yards and the aforementioned TD. T.J. Jones caught two touchdown passes, including a really well-placed pass from Matt Stafford and equally good catch on the part of Jones. And Toilolo caught a TD pass from a kicker. Fun stuff, friends.

BUFFALO BILLS 42, MIAMI DOLPHINS 17

1. A season ago at this time, Buffalo fans were reaching into their wallets to donate to Andy Dalton's favorite charity in celebration of ending the NFL's longest playoff drought. This time around, Sean McDermott's Bills walked off winners following a 42-17 trouncing of the Dolphins. It was a 6-10 season, though. Yet it was a pleasant day in Buffalo, as much as it can be pleasant in Buffalo in late-December. Kyle Williams, the longest tenured Bill who previously announced he would retire, was celebrated after a career in which he went to five Pro Bowls. He helped an overlooked, but excellent defense that lends promise to the future. And he caught a nine-yard fourth-quarter pass on offense that brought fans to their feet. The pass came from rookie Josh Allen, a one-man roller coaster if ever there was one. Allen's game summed up his season as he missed horribly on some passes, but dazzled with his educated feet to the tune of 95 yards and two rushing scores on nine carries and flexed the big arm and playmaking passing to still go 17 of 26 for 224 yards and three touchdowns. A 6-10 season is never good, but all is not lost in Buffalo at season's end.

2. At the start of the season, the Dolphins were somewhat of a surprising success with a 3-0 start. Three weeks ago, the Miami Miracle pushed them a game above .500. Alas, those highlights seem all but forgotten as tumultuous times have hit the Dolphins, who concluded a 7-9 season. Coach Adam Gase might have coached his last game for the Dolphins and quarterback Ryan Tannehill might have played his last. If so, it ended in brutal fashion with a lopsided defeat. Gase, whose Dolphins record stands at 23-25 after three seasons, reportedly has some suitors if he's dismissed by Miami. Tannehill, the eighth-overall pick in 2012, has gone 42-46 with Miami and never started a playoff game (Matt Moore started the team's 2016 playoff game). If Sunday was Tannehill's swan song in Miami, it was hardly a memorable one. He completed 18 of 31 passes for 147 yards. He caught a touchdown pass from Kenny Stills, too. Elsewhere, he was sacked four times, lost a fumble, had two interceptions and a 43.4 QB rating.

3. No stranger to racking up fines, Kiko Alonso's likely to dig deep again after he launched himself like a missile at a sliding Allen in the third quarter. It looked as though at the last second Alonso, despite going in full speed, might have tried to avoid Allen and missed a helmet-to-helmet, though his leg whipped around and hit Allen in the face. Allen jumped up and got out of the way as a melee ensued with Alonzo, Dolphins defensive end Robert Quinn and Bills offensive tackle Jordan Mills ending their seasons earlier than expected with ejections. So, Alonso's rep for questionable play grows and there was still a little fire shown between AFC East rivals in a game with nothing riding on it.

ATLANTA FALCONS 34, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 32

1. Plagued by close losses throughout the season, the Falcons (7-9) found a way to win a close one -- and they did so by rallying back from an early two-touchdown deficit. With the teams trading leads in the second half, the Falcons managed to close to within a point of the lead late in the fourth quarter to give Matt Bryant a chance to win it. The veteran kicker didn't disappoint, hitting a 37-yard field goal as time expired to deliver the Falcons' third straight victory. Matt Ryan spearheaded the comeback, connecting on 31 of 44 passes for 378 yards and two touchdowns after starting out slow. While changes could be coming to head Coach Dan Quinn's staff this offseason, the Falcons have to take some solace in knowing they finished the year on a strong note.

2. In what was the final game of the Dirk Koetter era in Tampa, the Buccaneers (5-11) showed flashes of the early-season promise that was supposed to break their 11-year playoff drought. Winston had one of his best games of the season, connecting on 22 of 35 passes for 345 yards and four touchdowns. The chemistry he had on-field with Mike Evans showed how lethal the duo can be to opposing defenses when they're on their game -- even if it came against an injury-hampered Falcons secondary. Evans' TD catch over Desmond Trufant was pure perfection from Winston and Evans. Unfortunately, they needed more of it after Tampa Bay's defense failed to slow down the Falcons. With the Buccaneers closing out the season with four straight losses, Koetter's stay in Tampa ultimately became an untenable situation for the parties involved.

"Look, I've been hired and fired before, and if you can look in the mirror and know you did everything you could to win, then you can hold your head high," Koetter said after the game.

3. Discovering their inner Philly Special helped spark the Falcons' comeback from a 17-0 deficit. Atlanta's version of the play -- let's call it the Dirty Bird Special -- was executed to perfection. Mohamed Sanu found Ryan in the end zone wide open from five yards out to cap off an impressive, 14-play, 75-yard drive that helped serve as a momentum changer for the Falcons. The touchdown cut the Bucs' lead to three points and put them back in the game after they scored a touchdown just before halftime. The 2018 season will go down as the year the Philly Special became the most trick play in the NFL.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS 23, DENVER BRONCOS 9

1. With the Chiefs running away with the division 600 miles away, the Chargers had little to play for save for pride past 3 p.m. local time in Denver. And yet, the Bolts kept their starters in for three-and-a-half quarters of Sunday's sloppy victory over the Broncos, their 12th of the season. Philip Rivers and L.A.'s offense looked sluggish for the second consecutive week; their first six possessions ended in either punts or picks. Their lone score of the first half came on defense, courtesy on a flubbed backward pass from Case Keenum. L.A. committed four turnovers, including a fumble on an INT return from Denver's goal line. This is not the way the Bolts want to enter the postseason, especially with a rematch with the Ravens in Baltimore looming.

2. A cause for concern in Carson heading into postseason play: Rivers has thrown as many interceptions in his last three games (6) as he had in his previous 13 contests. Four of them, including the two picks he threw Sunday, have come in the first quarter. If he keeps up that trend in Baltimore next week, it'll be a long night and a longer winter for the Bolts.

3. It's hard to imagine Sunday afternoon wasn't Vance Joseph's last game as head coach in Denver. Two seasons into his tenure, Joseph has an 11-21 record and has overseen the first consecutive losing seasons in Broncos history in 46 years. The Broncos' fan base has given up, too. There were 12,073 no-shows in Denver on Sunday, the most since the end of the Josh McDaniels era. We know how that ended.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 27, ARIZONA CARDINALS 24

1. If Russell Wilson is the heart of the Seahawks' offense, Chris Carson is the backbone. Seattle's final selection in the 2017 draft topped 100 rushing yards for the third consecutive game to finish the year with 1,151 yards. His career-high 122 rushing yards Sunday paced an offense that struggled to move the ball through the air. After Pete Carroll discussed utilizing a running back committee midway through the season, Carson has instead established himself as the Seahawks' feature back. His touchdown in the second quarter gave Seattle a 14-3 lead, and his 11-yard scamper in the final seconds of the fourth set up Sebastian Janikowski's game-winning chip shot.

2. If this was first-year coach Steve Wilks' finale, the Cardinals gave him all they had. Arizona's defense forced Seattle to keep its starters in for four quarters at CenturyLink Field, collecting six sacks while holding the Seahawks to 291 total yards and 16 first downs. But the Cardinals' own offensive woes (198 total yards) resurfaced in what was another tough outing for rookie quarterback Josh Rosen (18 of 34, 149 yards, 1 TD). He dropped a dime on a late third-and-12 that was dropped, forcing a game-tying field goal attempt rather than advancing toward the potential go-ahead touchdown.

3. The No. 1 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft belongs to the Cardinals (3-13) and the Seahawks (10-6) claimed the NFC's fifth seed. The latter won for the sixth time in seven games and will play at the Cowboys next weekend. The Seahawks boast a potent rushing attack again and still have a strong defense, despite all the turnover. Of course, that was their winning formula prior to last year's playoff absence. Meanwhile, the Cardinals own the draft's top pick for the first time in the Common Draft Era.

MY NEW 2018 NFL POWER RANKINGS

SAINTS, CHIEFS TOP CONFERENCES

After 17 weeks of action, the 2018 NFL playoffs are set. So which teams head into the postseason at or near the top of the Power Rankings? Let’s find out.

32: ARIZONA CARDINALS 3-13

Last week: L, 27-24 at SEA
Last rank: 32nd

Recap: Steve Wilks’ club made its way to the Pacific Northwest owners of the NFL’s worst record after 16 Weeks of play.  But it was certainly worth mentioning that the Cardinals had won three straight at Seattle as they took on the playoff-bound Seahawks. The feisty Cards gave Pete Carroll’s playoff-bound team all they could handle despite gaining a paltry 198 total yards by game’s end. Rookie quarterback Josh Rosen threw for only 149 yards, including a 15-yard TD to Larry Fitzgerald, but was sacked six times and lost two fumbles. The Arizona special teams did their best to keep Wilks’ team in the game. But the Cardinals wound up in the basement of the NFC West.

Draft Talk: A team that struggled to move the football and stop the run obviously has some big-time needs in the trenches. Rosen could lots more help in terms of the skill positions, especially at wide receiver as well as some depth behind David Johnson. This was easily the worst offense in the NFL in 2018.

Offseason Priorities: The Cardinals finished the season with only three victories, the franchise’s worst showing since going 3-13 in 2000. So will this be Wilks’ only season at the controls? And will ageless wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald return for 16th NFL campaign? It could be the end of an era in the desert.

31: NEW YORK JETS 4-12

Last week: L, 38-3 at NE
Last rank: 29th

Recap: No doubt Todd Bowles’ team was still smarting from last Week’s 44-38 overtime loss to the Green Bay Packers in which the Jets owned a 35-20 lead.  Now the team made its way to Foxborough to take on the AFC East champion Patriots. The Green and White fell behind early and never caught up as the club was down 21-3 by intermission and never really challenged the reigning AFC East champions. Sam Darnold threw for only 167 yards and was sacked four times. And the rookie quarterback had one of the team’s three lost fumbles; his miscue returned 46 yards for a touchdown by Patriots’ linebacker Kyle Van Noy.

Draft Talk: Could the Jets be thinking wide receiver early in April’s draft? Pro Football Weekly’s Eric Edholm reported last Friday that the team had agreed to a four-year contract extension with wide receiver Quincy Enunwa. The team doesn’t have a second-round pick but does have a pair of selections in the third round.

Offseason Priorities: The team announced on Sunday night that it did indeed part ways with head coach Todd Bowles. It’s been a disappointing three-year run for the 2014 NFL Assistant Coach of the Year while with the Cardinals. Since finishing 10-6 in 2015, the Jets lost at least 11 games each of these past three seasons.

30: OAKLAND RAIDERS 4-12

Last week: L, 35-3 at KC
Last rank: 31st

Recap: The Silver and Black headed east to Arrowhead Stadium looking to snap a five-game road losing streak in this longtime rivalry. Back in Week 13 at Oakland, Andy Reid’s team handed the Raiders a 40-33 loss. Running back Doug Martin ran for 100 yards on 21 carries but also had one of the club’s four turnovers. Quarterback Derek Carr threw for only 185 yards, was sacked three times, fumbled twice (1 lost) and threw a pair of interceptions – one of those returned for a first-quarter touchdown. Meanwhile, the Raiders’ defense gave up touchdown passes of 67 and 89 yards – not surprising considering they failed to record a sack in the game.

Draft Talk: The Raiders not only have three first-round picks in April – thanks to trades with the Chicago Bears (outside linebacker Khalil Mack) and the Dallas Cowboys (wide receiver Amari Cooper), the club also has an extra fifth-round selection after dealing Ryan Switzer to the Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s going to be a busy April.

Offseason Priorities: Will there be a new general manager in place? Where will the team play in 2019? In terms of free agency, will the Raiders retain any of their 23 potential unrestricted free agents? Regardless, the Oakland defense has been a liability for too many years and yes, the team is in desperate need of a consistent pass rush.

29: JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 5-11

Last week: L, 20-3 at HOU
Last rank: 28th

Recap: Quarterback Blake Bortles was back at the helm for the Jaguars as they made their way to Houston to take on a Texans’ team that had defeated them in Jacksonville (20-7) back in Week 7. And despite the fact that the Jaguars’ pass rush dumped Texans’ quarterback Deshaun Watson six times, the club allowed Houston to control the football for 35:07 and watched Watson throw for 234 yards and run for another 66. The Jacksonville ground game managed a paltry 30 yards, part of an offensive attack that totaled a mere 119 yards on 47 plays. And Bortles was sacked three times and picked off once in a somewhat-fitting end to he and the club’s forgettable season.

Draft Talk: The team has pretty well in the draft when it comes to the defensive side of the football in recent years. But the franchise may want to use their first-round pick in April on a quarterback, just as was the case in 2014 when the Jaguars used the third overall pick on Bortles.

Offseason Priorities: Via ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jaguars’ owner Shad Kahn made it clear that Marrone and general manager David Caldwell will be back in 2019. In terms of free agency, right guard A.J. Cann may be a player the team will try and retain. And one-time Colts’ wide receiver Donte Moncrief could be asked back as well.

28: SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 4-12

Last week: L, 48-32 at LAR
Last rank: 26th

Recap: Last season in Week 17, Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers went to the L.A. Coliseum and blasted a Rams’ team that sat many of its starters in preparation for the NFC Wild Card Playoffs. And the Niners never knew what hit them early on as turnover set up Los Angeles’ first two touchdowns. Quarterback Nick Mullens finished the game with 282 yards through the air and did throw for three scores. But he was also picked off three times, one returned for a touchdown. Tight end George Kittle caught nine passes for 149 yards in the 16-point loss. But keep in mind that Shanahan’s squad was down 38-10 early in the third quarter.

Draft Talk: General manager John Lynch hit a home run in the first round last April by grabbing Mike McGlinchey. And the club has some talent on defense, with interior presence DeForest Buckner easily leading the team in sacks. Rookie Fred Warner is the club’s top tackler but the 49ers could use more help at linebacker.

Offseason Priorities: Making sure quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is healthy in time for training camp should be tops on the Niners’ list. The club has a decision to make on 2014 first-round defensive back Jimmie Ward, a potential free agent who has struggled to stay healthy. Is veteran kicker Robbie Gould in the team’s 2019 plans?

27: TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 5-11

Last week: L, 34-32 vs ATL
Last rank: 27th

Recap: A season that began with consecutive wins over the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles is winding up to be yet another disappointed. Now the Buccaneers hosted the Atlanta Falcons looking to avoid being swept by Dan Quinn’s team for the second consecutive year. Things looked good for Dirk Koetter’s squad as the club got two early TD passes from Jameis Winston and opened up a 17-0 second-quarter lead. But the Tampa defense would once again fail this squad and the Falcons would wind up rolling up 489 total yards. Winston would finish with 345 yards and four scores (1 interception) but it added up to a fourth straight loss to end the year.

Draft Talk: It’s a team that has drafted well in the first round in recent years. But what does the future hold for Winston, who will be entering the final year of his rookie contract next season. General manager Jason Licht has tried to fix the pass rush via free agency and trades and may have to use a high pick in this department.

Offseason Priorities: Via ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Winston will be the starting quarterback in ’19. But Koetter was fired a few hours after his team lost (via Schefter). After a 9-7 debut in ‘16, the club managed a combined 10-22 record. Will the Bucs retain defensive coordinator Mark Duffner – who took over for Mike Smith in mid-October)

26: DETROIT LIONS 6-10

Last week: W, 31-0 at GB
Last rank: 30th

Recap: Lambeau Field used to be a house of horrors for the Detroit Lions. But the Men from Motown had actually won two of their previous three games on the Packers’ home field heading into this season finale. And make it three wins in four years as the Lions routed a seemingly-disinterested Green Bay team that lost quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the first half. Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 266 yards and two touchdowns and Matt Patricia’s club rolled up 402 total yards and played turnover-free football. And kicker Matt Prater not only hit on four PATs and a 43-yard field goal, he would throw an eight-yard TD pass to Levine Toilolo off a fake field goal.

Draft Talk: The Lions could use some more offensive line help despite the fact that this is the area that general manager Bob Quinn has focused on in the first rounds. The Lions got a third-round pick from the Eagles for wide receiver Golden Tate in October, offsetting a deal that saw then send a third-rounder to the Patriots last April.

Offseason Priorities: It’s been a rough debut for Patricia but there have been some positives. Veteran defensive end Ezekiel Ansah signed his franchise tender a year ago but can now test free agency if the Lions allow him to. He was limited to a career-low seven games this season and finished with only four sacks.

25: BUFFALO BILLS 6-10

Last week: W, 42-17 vs MIA
Last rank: 25th

Recap: Sean McDermott’s team wrapped up its disappointing 2018 campaign looking to avenge a 21-17 loss to the Dolphins at South Florida in Week 13. The Bills jumped out to a 14-0 first-quarter lead but by intermission, Miami had drawn even. Quarterback Josh Allen continued to get the job done with his legs, running nine times for 95 yards and a pair of scores. He also threw for 224 yards and three touchdowns (2 to wide receiver Zay Jones) but did have an interception returned for a score. But the best moment of the afternoon was quite the sendoff for veteran defensive tackle Kyle Williams, who hauled in a nine-yard from Allen in his final NFL game.

Draft Talk: With Allen in place, general manager Brandon Beane’s biggest priority this offseason is not only finding more weapons for the strong-armed signal-caller but to surround him with a more efficient offensive line. The rookie signal-caller was sacked 28 times and led the team in rushing in 2018 – not exactly part of the game plan.

Offseason Priorities: Sunday was the last game for veteran defensive tackle Kyle Williams, who announced his retirement last week. That means the club could be looking for some more experience at defensive tackle in free agency help to pair alongside Star Lotulelei and 2018 third-round picks Harrison Phillips.

24: CINCINNATI BENGALS 6-10

Last week: L, 16-13 at PIT
Last rank: 24th

Recap: Marvin Lewis’s team made its way to Heinz Field looking to play postseason spoiler for the second consecutive year. In Week 17 last season, the Bengals knocked off the Ravens in Baltimore and kept them from clinching a wild card berth. Pittsburgh needed a win to keep its playoff hopes alive and got all they could handle from a game Cincinnati club. Joe Mixon ran 13 times for 105 yards but Jeff Driskel threw for only 95 yards and was sacked four times. The Bengals’ only touchdown of the game came on a 58-yard interception return by safety Shawn Williams. Lewis’ offense managed only 196 total yards to close out a very disappointing campaign.

Draft Talk: With the possible exception of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Geno Atkins, the Cincinnati defense failed miserably this season. It could be a unit overhauled in a big way in 2019 and that figures to come via the draft and not free agency. If Lewis remains, who will be the club’s new defensive coordinator in 2019?

Offseason Priorities: Is this the end for Marvin Lewis? The Bengals owned a 4-1 record after five games and now the club is guaranteed to finish last in the AFC North. It is a third straight losing season for the club after five consecutive appearances in the playoffs from 2011-15. But injuries played a part in this team’s demise in ‘18.

23: NEW YORK GIANTS 5-11

Last week: L, 36-35 vs DAL
Last rank: 23rd

Recap: Big Blue had played better as of late and the club look to close the season on a high note as the Giants hosted the Dallas Cowboys. Back in Week 2 on a Sunday night at Arlington, the Giants came up short by a 20-13 score. This time around, Pat Shurmur’s club was facing a team that really had nothing to play for save for momentum. It was a wildly entertaining game and another big outing for rookie running back Saquon Barkley, who gained 142 total yards from scrimmage and scored his 15th touchdown of the season. Eli Manning threw for 301 yards and two scores but also turned over the ball twice. The Giants finished 1-5 vs. their NFC East rivals.

Draft Talk: General manager Dave Gettleman added Barkley and guard Will Hernandez last April. In 2019, Big Blue won’t have a third-round pick after giving that up in the 2018 supplemental draft for cornerback Sam Beal. But the Giants have the Saints’ fourth-rounder after sending cornerback Eli Apple to the Big Easy earlier this year.

Offseason Priorities: This was an improved football team from a year ago and by all indications, Manning will be back at the controls for a 16th season with the franchise in 2019. Gettleman must find some answers on defense this offseason as this unit has steadily declined these past two years.

22: CAROLINA PANTHERS 7-9

Last week: W, 33-14 at NO
Last rank: 22nd

Recap: With Cam Newton sidelined and Taylor Heinicke placed on injured reserve, head coach Ron Rivera would now turn to rookie quarterback Kyle Allen as the team traveled to New Orleans looking to snap a four-game overall losing streak to the Saints. And the Panthers saw their seven-game skid come to an end against a New Orleans’ team that sat its share of starters. Allen threw for 228 yards and a pair of scores and ran for another touchdown before leaving the game late after being shaken up. Ron Rivera’s club ran out to a 23-0 halftime lead and won a game for the first time since a Week 9 home victory over Tampa Bay.

Draft Talk: An heir apparent to tight end Greg Olsen must be high on the list. The team could also look at some offensive and defensive line help. Protecting Newton is still an issue and grooming some young tackles might be the best solution instead of free agency this spring.

Offseason Priorities: By all indications, Rivera will be back with the club. “I feel pretty good,” he told Max Henson of Panthers.com “My intention, everything I’ve been doing is working towards the future…My conversations with the owner have been all positive…” Meanwhile, will the Panthers attempt to re-sign wide receiver Devin Funchess?

21: MIAMI DOLPHINS 7-9

Last week: L, 42-17 at BUF
Last rank: 17th

Recap: The Dolphins hope to finish at the .500 mark but it would take a victory at chilly Orchard Park to even the team’s record in 2018. Thanks to a 21-17 win back in Week 13 at South Florida, Adam Gase’s club was in position to sweep the Buffalo Bills for the second time in three years. But much-maligned quarterback Ryan Tannehill was sacked four times while throwing a pair of first-quarter interceptions. Still, he was on the receiving end of a three-yard touchdown pass from wide receiver Kenny Stills. Miami’s much-maligned defensive unit allowed 381 total yards and allowed quarterback Josh Allen and the Bills to gain 166 yards on the ground.

Draft Talk: The Dolphins’ recent drafts have been a little hot and cold, especially in the first round. A year ago, the team added defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick and seven other players in April’s selection process and got good value from that class. The club needs a lot of help on defense, most notably run-stoppers.

Offseason Priorities: The Miami Herald speculated that Tannehill would not be back in 2019. That’s a decision that hasn’t been officially made to date but the 2012 first-round pick has expressed a desire to return to the team. But executive vice president of football operations Mike Tannebaum was the subject of some recent criticism, so…

20: GREEN BAY PACKERS 6-9-1

Last week: L, 31-0 vs DET
Last rank: 19th

Recap: The Packers closed out a disappointing season by hosting the Detroit Lions, who were in position to sweep this NFC North rivalry for the second consecutive year. Back in Week 5 at Ford Field, Green Bay came up short in a sloppy 31-23 setback. In this rematch, the team looked lifeless on both sides of the ball. And quarterback Aaron Rodgers would wind up exiting in the first half and was evaluated for a concussion. It added up to 175 total yards for Joe Philbin’s club, which had the football only 23:06 while the visiting Lions rolled up 402 yards. All told, it was a very ugly effort for a team that never found its footing in 2018.

Draft Talk: The last time the franchise used a pair of first-round draft choices was 2009, when the Packers added outside linebacker Clay Matthews and nose tackle B.J. Raji. The club has used its first selection in the draft on a defensive back four of the previous five years dating back to 2014, including second-rounder Kevin King in ‘17.

Offseason Priorities: Early last week, numerous sources announced that both Jim Caldwell and Chuck Pagano had been interviewed for the head coaching job. But it also wouldn’t be a surprise to see current interim head coach Joe Philbin remain at the helm in 2019. Kutekunst has quite the workload ahead of him the next few months.

19: DENVER BRONCOS 6-10

Last week: L, 23-9 vs LAC
Last rank: 18th

Recap: Despite three straight losses after evening their record at 6-6, the Broncos could play AFC West title spoiler if Vance Joseph’s team could complete a sweep of the rival Chargers. Back in Week 11 at Los Angeles, Denver came away with an unlikely 23-22 victory. This time around, both the Bolts and Broncos turned over the football four times. And despite the fact that quarterback Case Keenum threw for 291 yards and one score, he was picked off once and lost one of his two fumbles. And after his lone TD pass of the day, his two-point conversion attempt was picked off by Casey Hayward and gave the Chargers an additional two points.

Draft Talk: Come April, the Broncos will have extra selections in both the fourth and fifth round in the 2019 draft. The first is part of the deal that sent wide receiver Demaryius Thomas to the Houston Texans. The fifth rounder comes via the Minnesota Vikings for the 2018 trade as part of a deal involving quarterback Trevor Siemian.

Offseason Priorities: By the time anyone gets around to reading this, Vance Joseph (11-21 in 2 seasons) may no longer be the Broncos’ head coach. That seems to be the feeling, as reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. If that’s indeed the case, it will be interesting to see just who is on head honcho John Elway’s short list.

18: WASHINGTON REDSKINS 7-9

Last week: L, 24-0 vs PHI
Last rank: 21st

Recap: On Thursday, the Redskins signed well-traveled defender Marcus Smith and placed tight end Jordan Reed and quarterback Colt McCoy on injured reserve. Now Jay Gruden’s club hoped to salvage a .500 season by cooling off the still playoff-hopeful Philadelphia Eagles. But a once-promising campaign ended on an extremely sour note as Washington’s offense totaled 89 yards on 44 plays. Washington’s defense got zero support from the other side of the ball and that was a big reason Philadelphia controlled the football for 43:19 and ran 71 offensive plays. The ‘Skins ground attack managed a paltry 21 yards on 12 attempts.

Draft Talk: The last time the Redskins used a first-round draft choice on a quarterback was 2012 for Robert Griffin III. As for 2019, the club doesn’t have a fourth-round pick (Ha Ha Clinton-Dix) or a sixth round selection. The latter was forfeited when the team chose cornerback Adonis Alexander in the 2018 supplemental draft.

Offseason Priorities: What does the future hold for both Gruden and team president Bruce Allen? The former was dealt a tough hand when quarterback Alex Smith went down in Week 11 and the club used three more different starting quarterbacks. Meanwhile, Allen has been the subject of much criticism over the last few years.

17: ATLANTA FALCONS 7-9

Last week: W, 34-32 at TB
Last rank: 20th

Recap: The Falcons made their way to Tampa in position to sweep the Buccaneers for the third straight season and finish the year with a three-game winning streak. Dan Quinn’s club trailed their hosts, 17-0, in the second quarter but quarterback Matt Ryan would enjoy a huge afternoon. The 11-year signal-caller hit on 31-of-44 throws for 378 yards and a pair of touchdowns (1 interception). Wide receiver Julio Jones caught nine passes for 138 yards and one score. But the play of the game came from wideout Mohamed Sanu, who threw a five-yard TD pass to Ryan midway through the third quarter. Matt Bryant’s hit on a 37-yard field goal at the gun for the victory.

Draft Talk: The team will finish with its first losing season under Quinn and will draft in the upper half of the first round. It’s a team that could use a little more oomph on defense as the injuries to middle linebacker Deion Jones (who eventually returned) and safeties Keanu Neal and Ricardo Allen proved to be devastating.

Offseason Priorities: Last offseason, the Falcons were fairly quiet when it came to free agency and made a key signings geared towards depth. Could the organization change that philosophy in 2019? As far as retaining players, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and running back Tevin Coleman figure to top the club’s list.

16: MINNESOTA VIKINGS 8-7-1

Last week: L, 24-10 vs CHI
Last rank: 8th

Recap: A win by Mike Zimmer’s team on Sunday against the NFC North champion Chicago Bears and the Vikings would be back in the playoffs for a second straight year – a feat that this franchise hasn’t achieved since the 2008 and ‘09 seasons. But the club struggled in the trenches on each side of the ball, especially on defense as the Bears orchestrated touchdown drives of 71 and 85 yards in the first half. Quarterback Kirk Cousins was harassed by the Chicago defense throughout the afternoon sacked four times and limited to 132 yards through the air. And Zimmer’s team was an unimaginable 1-of-11 on third down and 1-of-4 on fourth-down conversion attempts.

Draft Talk: General manager Rick Spielman will likely focus his efforts in April on the team’s troubled offensive line. The Minnesota running game slumped badly in 2018 and keeping Cousins out of harm’s way throughout the season was an even bigger problem. The Vikings allowed a disturbing 40 sacks this season.

Offseason Priorities: The league’s top-ranked defensive unit from 2017 was pushed around far too many times this past season and that was evident in both losses to the Bears this year. The team may also look for some help at running back in the draft or free agency given Dalvin Cook’s penchant for injuries his first two seasons.

15: CLEVELAND BROWNS 7-8-1

Last week: L, 26-24 at BAL
Last rank: 15th

Recap: Winners of three straight games, the Browns were in position to clinch their first winning season since 2007 with a victory at Baltimore. They also had the opportunity to possibly spoil the Ravens’ AFC North title plans. Back in Week 5 at Cleveland, the home teams came away with a 12-9 overtime win and now look to sweep this series for the first time since ‘07. Rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield was at his gun-slinging best in this contest and burned the league’s top-ranked defense for 376 yards through the air and three scores – setting a new rookie record for TD passes (27) in a season. But despite not being sacked in the game, he was also picked off three times.

Draft Talk: Last April, the club struck gold with many of its draft choices, including Mayfield, running back Nick Chubb, cornerback Denzel Ward and wide receiver Antonio Callaway. General manager John Dorsey did a nice job adding young talent and there’s no reason the Browns won’t rely on this route once again.

Offseason Priorities: Has Dorsey liked what he has seen from interim head coach Gregg Williams in terms of giving him the job full time? The club has certainly responded to him, especially down the stretch. Current offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens has made a big difference as well since being promoted to replace Todd Haley.

14: TENNESSEE TITANS 9-7

Last week: L, 33-17 vs IND
Last rank: 14th

Recap: The surging Titans hosted the Indianapolis Colts rising a four-game winning streak and with a playoff berth on the line. Back in Week 11 at Lucas Oil Stadium, Mike Vrabel’s team was manhandled by Andrew Luck and company, 38-10. Now Tennessee look for its first double-digit win season since 2008, which was the last time this club won a division title. It would be backup Blaine Gabbert behind center in this crucial contest. And the well-traveled signal-caller struggled throughout the game, throwing a pair of fourth-quarter interceptions. Meanwhile, the Tennessee defense was overwhelmed by an Indianapolis attack that rolled up 436 total yards.

Draft Talk: The club needs to address the defensive line in April and may want to add some cornerback help as well. The free-agent addition of Malcolm Butler this year came with a little disappointment. And Tennessee’s front seven just isn’t the same without Pro Bowler Jurrell Casey out of the lineup.

Offseason Priorities: The team could potentially have 14 unrestricted free agents come early March. And starting outside linebackers Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan top the list. Veteran defensive tackle Bennie Logan may be another player general manager Jon Robinson is interested in retaining as well.

13: PITTSBURGH STEELERS 9-6-1

Last week: W, 16-13 vs CIN
Last rank: 11th

Recap: Losers of four of their previous five games after a 7-2-1 start, the Steelers hosted the Cincinnati Bengals looking for a win. Mike Tomlin’s club was needed the Cleveland Browns to surprise the Ravens at Baltimore, hence Pittsburgh would claim the AFC North title for a third straight year. Ben Roethlisberger would not have prolific wideout Antonio Brown, who was nursing a knee injury. And the latest interception by “Big Ben” helped put the team into a 10-0 second-quarter hole. But Roethlisberger completed passes to nine different players, the defense allowed only 196 total yards and Matt McCrane’s 35-yard field goal with 1:56 to play gave the Steelers the win.

Draft Talk: General manager Kevin Colbert has stressed defense in the first round every year since 2013. Over that span, the Steelers have drafted four linebackers and two defensive backs. It will be interesting to see if that philosophy continues in April. Or will the club turn to the offensive side of the ball early on?

Offseason Priorities: It would not be shocking to see the organization make some changes to the coaching staff in 2019. Defensive coordinator Keith Butler could be feeling the heat given the erratic nature of his unit, especially when it comes to stopping the pass. But it would be a shock to see this team part ways with Tomlin.

12: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 9-7

Last week: W, 9-7 at WAS
Last rank: 16th

Recap: The reigning NFL champions were hoping to get a chance to defend their Lombardi Trophy. Philadelphia looked for a second victory of the season over the Washington Redskins and hoped that the Minnesota Vikings came up short at home against the Chicago Bears. And both of those things came to fruition as a team with a 4-6 record after 10 games closed the year with five victories in their last six outings. Quarterbacks Nick Foles and Nate Sudfeld combined to throw for 243 yards and three scores, with Foles being sacked three times and picked off once before leaving the game (ribs). Philadelphia’s defense allowed a mere 89 yards in the shutout win.

Postseason Preview: Pederson’s team will begin defense of its Super Bowl title with a trip to the Windy City to face the NFC North champion Chicago Bears next Sunday. The Eagles have won the last three meetings between the clubs dating back to 2013, including a 31-3 victory last season at Philadelphia (Week 12).

Offseason Priorities: The Eagles will get a chance to restock the cupboard a bit in April. Along with their own first-round selection, the Birds have the Baltimore Ravens’ second-round pick thanks to last year’s deal on the first night of the draft. But Philadelphia did give up a third-round selection in October for wide receiver Golden Tate.

11: BALTIMORE RAVENS 10-6

Last week: W, 26-24 vs CLE
Last rank: 12th

Recap: It was pretty simple. Defeat the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at Baltimore and John Harbaugh’s team would be AFC North champions for the first time since 2012. But the Ravens would be taking on a team that had defeated him earlier this season, 12-9 in overtime, at Cleveland in Week 5. It was another huge outing for the Baltimore ground game as the club rolled up 296 yards on the ground and rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson had 90 of those yards and two scoring runs. He also threw for 179 yards but did lose one of his two fumbles. Browns’ quarterback Baker Mayfield threw for 376 yards and three scores but the Ravens also picked him off three times.

Postseason Preview: Harbaugh has his team back in the playoffs for the first time since 2014. And it’s worth noting that in each of the team’s previous six postseason appearances under their current head coach that the Ravens have won at least one game. The club will host the Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday afternoon.

Offseason Priorities: Longtime team executive Ozzie Newsome conducted his last draft for the organization last April and no team in the league selected more players (12) during the three-day process. Youth will continue to be served by this organization and allowing Lamar Jackson to develop as a passer is a major priority.

10: DALLAS COWBOYS 10-6

Last week: W, 36-35 at NYG
Last rank: 13th

Recap: Jason Garrett’s Cowboys are locked into the No. 4 seed in the NFC. So it would be interesting to see how this club would handle its Week 17 visit to MetLife Stadium to face the improved New York Giants. Back in Week 2 on a Sunday night at Arlington, Dallas came up with an ugly 20-13 victory. Running back Ezekiel Elliott would sit this one out but Garrett’s stuck with quarterback Dak Prescott and many of his starters. He would throw for 387 yards and four touchdowns, three of those scores to tight end Blake Jarwin. Minus Elliott, Dallas ran for only 51 yards on 22 carries. But Prescott overcame four sacks to rescue his team late in the game.

Postseason Preview: The ‘Boys are NFC East champions for the third time in five years. Which means they will host the Seattle Seahawks this coming Sunday. It’s a team that they have lost three straight games to dating back to 2015, including two straight at Dallas. Back in Week 3, the Cowboys fell at Seattle, 24-13.

Offseason Priorities: A year ago, defensive end Demarcus Lawrence was given the franchise tag and he played in 2018 after signing his one-year tender. Can the team get him inked to a long-term deal? Defensive tackle David Irving and wide receiver Cole Beasley could also become unrestricted free agents in March.

9: SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 10-6

Last week: W, 27-24 vs ARI
Last rank: 10th

Recap: The Seahawks are headed back to the playoffs for the sixth time in seven seasons. The team still needed to win over the visiting Arizona Cardinals to ensure the No. 5 seed in the NFC. But Big Red had been successful in its previous three trips to the Pacific Northwest dating back to 2015. And Steve Wilks’ club gave Russell Wilson and companies all it could handle and more, although the Seattle defense did limited a horrid Arizona offense to 198 total yards. Once again, the ‘Hawks ground game was the difference as Chris Carson gained 122 of the team’s 182 rushing yards. He also scored once while Sebastian Janikowski’s kicked the game-winning field as time ran out.

Postseason Preview: The Seahawks travel to Arlington for a clash with the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday evening. It’s the second encounter of the season between these teams as Carroll’s club got its first win of 2018 with a 24-13 home triumph in Week 3. And Seattle has won its last two games at Dallas, prevailing in 2015 and ’17.

Offseason Priorities: It was supposed to be a rebuilding year in the Pacific Northwest. Instead, the Seahawks rallied from a 0-2 start and are postseason bound for the sixth time in seven years dating back to 2012. Carroll and general manager John Schneider have worked well together and that figures to continue this offseason.

8: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 10-6

Last week: W, 33-17 at TEN
Last rank: 9th

Recap: Earlier this season, the rejuvenated Colts welcomed the Tennessee Titans to Lucas Oil Stadium and handed them a 38-10 setback. Now the rematch would take place in prime time at Nashville with a playoff berth on the line for both clubs. Frank Reich’s club made it nine wins in their last 10 games and reached the playoffs after a 1-5 start. Quarterback Andrew Luck threw for 285 yards and three scores (1 interception) while the Colts’ ground attack churned out 158 yards – 119 and a touchdown by Marlon Mack. Indianapolis’ offense rolled up 436 yards on 72 plays – 36 on the ground complimented by 36 passing plays.

Postseason Preview: The Colts and Texans will meet for the third time this season. Both teams won on the road this season and each by three points. Houston came away with a 37-34 overtime triumph in Week 4 at Indianapolis, while Luck and company ended the Texans’ nine-game winning streak in Week 14, 24-21.

Offseason Priorities: General manager Chris Ballard has done an outstanding job in his first two drafts with the team. The additions of offensive linemen Quenton Nelson and Braden Smith in April were huge. It’s worth noting that the Colts have an extra second-rounder in 2019 thanks to last year’s deal with the New York Jets.

7: HOUSTON TEXANS 11-5

Last week: W, 20-3 vs JAC
Last rank: 7th

Recap: A home win over the disappointing Jaguars would give Bill O’Brien’s team its third AFC South title in four years. It would also give the Texans their 11th victory of the season, the club’s best win total since finishing 12-4 in 2012. Second-year quarterback Deshaun Watson took his mumps throughout the afternoon, sacked six times by the Jacksonville pass rush. But he also riddled the same defense for 234 yards on 25-of-35 throws. Watson also ran 13 times for 66 yards and one score, part of a ground attack that featured Lamar Miller (17 attempts for 56 yards, 1 touchdown). J.J. Watt had 1.5 sacks and he and his defensive teammates limited the Jaguars to 199 total yards.

Postseason Preview: The Texans will host the Indianapolis Colts this Saturday afternoon. Of course, winning in the first round had not necessarily been a problem for this franchise over the years. But if this club survives the wild card round, can it finally make it to the conference championship game for the first time ever?

Offseason Priorities: When it comes to next April and the 2019 draft, the club will have their own first-round choice and a pair of No. 2s. That’s a big plus for a team that didn’t pick until the third round a year ago. And would the team use the franchise tag on potential free agent outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney?

6: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 11-5

Last week: W, 38-3 vs NYJ
Last rank: 6th

Recap: The defending AFC champions haven’t played their best football as of late. And Bill Belichick’s club was hoping to build a little momentum as they hosted the New York Jets and looked to sweep their AFC East rival for the third consecutive year. The New England offense gained 375 total yards and did not turn over the football. Ageless Tom Brady threw for 250 yards and four touchdowns while the Patriots’ ground attack amassed 131 yards on 30 tries. Belichick’s defense sacked Jets’ quarterback Sam Darnold four times and came up with three takeaways – all fumble recoveries and one of those taken back for a score by Kyle Van Noy.

Postseason Preview: The franchise is headed to the playoffs for the 10th consecutive season, a first in NFL annals. It’s also the ninth straight year that the Patriots are either the first or second seed in the conference. With Brady and under Belichick, the team owns an impressive 27-10 postseason record.

Offseason Priorities: Youth must be served here and the Patriots had put that into place last April. But the majority of the team’s nine selections in the 2018 NFL Draft wound up spending or finishing the season on injured reserve. Still, rookie running back Sony Michel has been a bright spot. Will the team be active in free agency once again?

5: CHICAGO BEARS 12-4

Last week: W, 24-10 at MIN
Last rank: 5th

Recap: A win by the Bears at Minnesota on Sunday combined with a Rams’ loss to the San Francisco 49ers would give Matt Nagy’s club the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. And the reigning NFC North champions had already defeated the Purple Gang, 25-20, on a Sunday night at Soldier Field earlier this year. But this club was out to make a statement and shackled the Vikings to the tune of 164 total yards. Jordan Howard (109, 2 touchdowns) led a ground attack that gained 169 yards on 37 carries. Vic Fangio’s defense sacked Kirk Cousins four times and limited the Minnesota running game to just 63 yards on 15 attempts.

Postseason Preview: The Bears will host the wild card Philadelphia Eagles this weekend are making their first playoff appearance since 2010, which was also the last season the team captured a division title. That club came up just short of Super Bowl XLV, losing the NFC title game at home to the Packers that year.

Offseason Priorities: General manager Ryan Pace has pushed a lot of the right button in recent years, most notably in terms of free agency and trades. As for the 2019 draft, the Bears don’t have picks in either the first or second rounds due to deals with the Raiders (Khalil Mack) or Patriots.

4: LOS ANGELES CHARGERS 12-4

Last week: W, 23-9 at DEN
Last rank: 3rd

Recap: The Chargers were certainly hoping to fare better against the Denver Broncos this time around than they did back at home in Week 11, when the club was stunned on a last-second field goal, 23-22. The Bolts took a 6-1 road record into this tilt in the Mile High City and would battle a team that had dropped three straight games entering Sunday’s clash. Philip Rivers wasn’t sharp, throwing for one score and two interceptions, and the Bolts turned over the football four times – including a lost fumble after an interception and ill-advised lateral. But Lynn’s club also got four takeaways and now prepares to battle the Ravens at Baltimore in the wild card round.

Postseason Preview: The last time the Bolts were in the playoffs was 2013, when the club defeated the Bengals at Cincinnati in the wild card round and then lost to the eventual AFC champion Broncos at Denver one week later. The team is seeking only its second Super Bowl appearance and first since 1994 – a loss to the 49ers (XXIX).

Offseason Priorities: General Manager Tom Telesco has very quietly built a talented and somewhat-deep roster that was able to withstand the absence of Bosa for the first half of the season while dealing with injuries to the running back spot late in the year. The franchise needs to stick with its current game plan.

3: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 12-4

Last week: W, 35-3 vs OAK
Last rank: 4th

Recap: Off back-to-back losses to the Chargers and Seahawks, Andy Reid’s team could still wrap up the AFC West and the top seed in the conference with a win over the Raiders. And the Chiefs wasted little time taking care of business against the Silver and Black as quarterback Patrick Mahomes hit Tyreek Hill for a 67-yard score less than three minutes into the game and later in the quarter, Daniel Sorenson returned a Derek Carr interception 54 yards for a touchdown. Mahomes would throw for two scores (1 interception) and joined Denver’s Peyton Manning (55 in 2013) and New England’s Tom Brady (50 in 2007) as the only players to throw at least 50 TD passes in a season.

Postseason Preview: This will be Kansas City’s fourth consecutive playoff appearance and fifth in six years under Reid. It’s also the first time that the Chiefs are the conference’s top seed since 1997, when the club was led by head coach Marty Schottenheimer. But the team’s playoff record under Reid is a disappointing 1-4.

Offseason Priorities: The Chiefs are one of the most exciting teams but at times for all the wrong reasons. The club still needs a lot of help on defense, especially on its three-man front. Keep an eye on outside linebacker Dee Ford, who is enjoying a career year but could test free agency in ‘19 if the team doesn’t re-sign him first.

2: LOS ANGELES RAMS 13-3

Last week: W, 48-32 vs SF
Last rank: 2nd

Recap: Despite owning a 12-3 record, the NFC West champion Rams had not wrapped up the No. 2 seed in the NFC. They would need a victory over the visiting 49ers or a Bears’ loss at Minnesota to achieve that feat or Sean McVay’s team would slide down to the No. 3 spot. Running back Todd Gurley would sit for a second straight week and C.J. Anderson would get the call. But the Rams were in business early thanks to a pair of early 49ers’ turnovers and took a 14-0 lead just 4:18 into the game. McVay’s squad was never challenged and owned a 38-10 third-quarter lead. It marked the fifth game this season the Rams won after allowing at least 31 points.

Postseason Preview: The Rams have won division titles for the first time since winning seven straight NFC West crowns from 1973-79. And the club is making consecutive playoff appearances for the first time since 2003 and ’04. All told, the franchise is looking for its first Super Bowl appearance in 2001 (XXXVI).

Offseason Priorities: Despite a second straight NFC West title and the conference’s second seed, the Rams still have some big-time question marks, especially on the defensive side of the football. Finding some linebacker help would be a plus. The Rams could also address depth on the offensive line as well as add some young cornerbacks.

1: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 13-3

Last week: L, 33-14 vs CAR
Last rank: 1st

Recap: The Saints welcomed the Carolina Panthers to the Superdome and looked for a 14th victory in 2018, which would set a new franchise record for a season. In Week 15, the Saints shackled Ron Rivera’s team in a defensive struggle at Charlotte, 12-9. On Sunday, both Drew Brees and Alvin Kamara took a seat and Teddy Bridgewater got the start for Sean Payton’s club. And the Saints looked less than inspired in a game that meant nothing to the team, with the exception of setting a new franchise record for wins in a season. Bridgewater hit on 14-of-22 passes for 118 yards and one touchdown (1 interception) in his first start since 2015 with the Vikings.

Postseason Preview: The Saints are back-to-back NFC South champions for the first time in the franchise’s 52-year history. And the club owns the top seed in the conference for the first time since 2009, when Payton’s club went onto capture Super Bowl XLIV thanks to a 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

Offseason Priorities: Perhaps the biggest name on the Saints’ potential free-agent list for 2019 is running back Mark Ingram. The club is well balanced and has plenty of youth on the offensive line. As it stands now, the team does not have a selection in the first, second or fourth round in the 2019 NFL Draft.