NFL Week 16 Recap: Grading Every Team’s Sunday Performance

The Sunday of Week 16 of the NFL season is in the books. Here is how each team graded out.

Week 16 of the NFL season brought us a few unexpected twists and turns. Here’s how every team that played Sunday graded out.

As always, these grades don’t just take into account how a team played and the final score. It factors in things like expectations, short and long-term goals of the franchise, injuries, and other factors. It’s a long season, and the grade is about more than just who won and who lost. The big picture has to be kept in mind.

New York Giants: D

34-7 (L) @ Falcons

The Giants are an awful football team, so getting blown out here is no surprise. On the bright side, they are currently in position for the first-overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Atlanta Falcons: A+

34-7 (W) Vs. Giants

The Atlanta Falcons had to beat the terrible Giants, and they pounded them. Michael Penix Jr. played great in his first start. With the loss by the Buccaneers, they’re back in first place in the NFC South. It was a fantastic Sunday for the Atlanta Falcons.

Detroit Lions: A

34-17 (W) @ Bears

The Detroit defense continued to show cracks while missing a slew of players due to injury. But, the offense didn’t miss a beat without David Montgomery, and showed it could be good enough to carry the team to a Super Bowl. Plus, it seems like they went through the game without any serious injuries for seemingly the first time in a while.

Chicago Bears: C-

34-17 (L) Vs. Lions

Yes, they lost, their ninth consecutive loss this year. But, Caleb Williams looked really good, as did Rome Odunze. The right head coach can turn this team around next season.

Cleveland Browns: D-

24-6 (L) @ Bengals

Yes, losing helps their all-important draft position. But, the Browns were completely lifeless on Sunday. Their fans have to suffer through that two more times.

Cincinnati Bengals: A

24-6 (W) Vs. Browns

The Cincinnati defense shut down Dorian Thompson-Robinson, as they should have. Meanwhile, the offense continued to be awesome. Their playoff hopes, while slim, are still alive.

Tennessee Titans: D-

38-30 (L) @ Colts

Will Levis had held this team back all year. But, with him on the bench in favor of Mason Rudolph, they got dominated physically. They gave up 335 rushing yards, and that’s a step back for a team that wants to build a physical culture.

Indianapolis Colts: A-

38-30 (W) Vs. Titans

The Colts ran for 335 yards to keep playoff hopes alive, and used Anthony Richardson’s skillset well. It’s a wonder why this wasn’t the offensive gameplan all year. The defense should’ve played better against a bad Titans offense, though.

10. Los Angeles Rams: A

19-9 (W) @ Jets

Normally, a rough offensive outing against a team whose season is already over wouldn’t warrant such a high grade. But, it was a cross-country trip, and it continued to show that the Rams can win games in multiple ways.

New York Jets: F

19-9 (L) Vs. Rams

Yes, it helps their draft position, but the Jets continue to play like a total laughingstock. Given the expectations, it’s one of the most painful seasons in recent NFL history.

Philadelphia Eagles: D-

36-33 (L) @ Commanders

Even without Jalen Hurts for much of the game due to a concussion, Philadelphia should’ve won this game. Ultimately, a bad drop by Devonta Smith cost them the game, as that would’ve essentially sealed it. The number-one seed in the NFC is no longer a realistic possibility, and Jalen Hurts will have to deal with a concussion. It was a bad day for the Eagles.

Washington Commanders: A+

36-33 (W) Vs. Eagles

The five turnovers were ugly. But, the Commanders picked up a huge dvisional win to keep their NFC East hopes alive and all-but assure they will be in the playoffs. Jayden Daniels threw five touchdowns, and showed some ability in the clutch by leading the winning drive. It was a good day at the office.

Arizona Cardinals: F

36-30 (L) @ Panthers

The Panthers have been playing better, but to see your once solid playoff hopes evaporate because you can’t beat one of the worst teams in the league means you get an F. Bad, bad loss.

Carolina Panthers: A

36-30 (W) Vs. Cardinals

I think this team learning how to win is more important than draft position. And, that’s what they did on Sunday. Bryce Young played well, the running game was awesome, and Carolina made winning football plays all game long. Next year could be fun in Charlotte.

Minnesota Vikings: A

27-24 (W) @ Seahawks

Sam Darnold continues to play at a high level, and the Vikings notched yet another impressive win. They kept pace with the Lions, and will be a tough out in the playoffs.

Seattle Seahawks: D-

27-24 (L) Vs. Vikings

There’s no shame in losing a close game to one of the NFL’s best teams in the Vikings. But, this was a game they absolutely could’ve won and let it, and likely the NFC West, slip right through their fingers.

New England Patriots: C+

24-21 (L) @ Bills

The Patriots have played well a few times this year against stronger opponents, and that’s what they did on Sunday. Their high draft pick was preserved, and Drake Maye continues to look like a stud. Bright days are ahead in New England, as long as they fire Jerod Mayo.

Buffalo Bills: B+

24-21 (W) Vs. Patriots

A win is a win at this stage of the season. But, you’d sure like to have seen the Bills play much better against a poor opponent at home.

Jacksonville Jaguars: C

19-14 (L) @ Raiders

The bad news is that a loss to the Raiders is pretty unacceptable given the state of the Raiders roster. The good news is that Mac Jones continues to look like a solid backup, Brian Thomas Jr. is emerging as one of the NFL’s best receivers, and their draft position wasn’t hurt by winning. Overall, a mixed day.

Las Vegas Raiders: C-

19-14 (W) Vs. Jaguars

It’s a win, but at what cost? The Raiders cost themselves a chance at the first-overal pick with the win, a result that could hurt the franchise for a long time. That being said, Brock Bowers rocks.

San Francisco 49ers: D-

29-17 (L) @ Miami

San Francisco was eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday, and their lost season is now essentially over. But, concerningly, Brock Purdy simply is not playing well. They have to decide if they’re going to pay him in the offseason. I’d suggest not doing that.

Miami Dolphins: A

29-17 (W)

The Dolphins used a great rushing attack to keep their postseason hopes very much alive. They still need some help, but if they win out, they wil give themselves a solid shot of making the playoffs for a third-straight year. Tua Tagovailoa continues to shine, also.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: F

26-24 (L) @ Dallas

Dallas is playing hard each week despite their season essentially being over for weeks. But, this was a catastrophic loss, and most of it was self-inflicted. Now, they trail the Falcons in the NFC South, and need help in both the wild card and divisional races to make the playoffs.

Dallas Cowboys: B+

26-24 (W) Vs. Buccaneers

It does hurt their draft position, but they’d mostly ruined that already with this solid stretch of play the last five games. What’s most important is that this team hasn’t quit on their season even after its playoff hopes were slim, and now, officially over. Cooper Rush is going to get paid in free agency this year, as someone may even consider making him a bridge starter next year. Micah Parsons is going to get a record-setting deal this offseason, and had yet another sack.