2024 3GML Season - Week 17

Texans Dominate Ravens 44-7 to Stay in Playoff Hunt

HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Texans delivered a statement win on Sunday, dismantling the Baltimore Ravens 44-7 at NRG Stadium to move one step closer to securing a playoff spot.

The Texans (10-6) erupted for 560 yards of total offense in a game they controlled from start to finish. Derrick Henry spearheaded the attack, rushing for 168 yards and three touchdowns, bullying the Ravens’ defense on every carry. Quarterback Drake Maye added to the dominant performance, throwing for 398 yards and a touchdown while also scoring on the ground.

Houston’s defense matched the offensive fireworks, stifling the Ravens and ensuring they never found their footing. Baltimore managed just one score and struggled to sustain drives against a motivated Texans squad.

The win keeps Houston firmly in the AFC playoff picture, with one game remaining to solidify their postseason berth.

Chargers Eliminated from Playoff Contention with 23-20 Loss to Patriots

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The Los Angeles Chargers’ playoff hopes came to an end on Sunday with a 23-20 loss to the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.

In a disappointing season under first-year GM BD, the Chargers (8-8) were unable to overcome inconsistent play and fell short in a must-win game. 

New England relied on a balanced attack, controlling the tempo and capitalizing on key mistakes from Los Angeles. While the Chargers’ defense kept the game close, their inability to convert on crucial possessions proved costly.

GM BD now faces an offseason full of tough decisions, starting with the quarterback position, as the team looks to bounce back in 2025. "We didn’t meet expectations, plain and simple," BD said after the game. "We have a lot of work to do, and it starts with figuring out what direction we want to take moving forward."

Packers Defeat Vikings 34-27, Stay in Hunt for NFC Top Seed

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers kept their pursuit of the NFC’s top seed alive with a 34-27 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday at Lambeau Field.

Wide receiver Justin Jefferson continued his stellar season, catching seven passes for 103 yards, while running back Isiah Pacheco, stepping in for the injured David Montgomery, delivered an impressive performance. Pacheco rushed for 85 yards and two touchdowns, helping the Packers (12-4) maintain their offensive balance.

With the win, the Packers move one step closer to securing home-field advantage in the playoffs, adding to the high stakes of their remaining schedule. “We’re focused on finishing strong,” said head coach Matt LaFleur. “We know what’s at stake, and this team is ready for the challenge.”

49ers Stumble in 26-3 Loss to Lions, Eye NFC West Title Next Week

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers suffered a significant setback on Sunday, managing only a field goal in a 26-3 loss to the Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium.

San Francisco’s (10-6) high-powered offense, led by quarterback Jordan Love, struggled to find rhythm throughout the game. The Lions controlled the game from start to finish behind a balanced attack and a strong defensive performance that stifled the 49ers' usual explosiveness. .

Despite the loss, the 49ers remain in control of their destiny in the NFC West. Sitting at 5-0 in division play, San Francisco can clinch the title with a win over the Arizona Cardinals next week.

“We didn’t execute today, plain and simple,” said head coach Kyle Shanahan. “But everything we’ve worked for this season is still right in front of us. We’ll regroup and be ready for Arizona.”