Brock Purdy<\/strong> continues to shine for the San Francisco 49ers, becoming just the sixth player since the NFL merger to post back-to-back games with 5 or more total touchdowns (passing and rushing). He joins an elite group that includes Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, Deshaun Watson, Ben Roethlisberger, and Daunte Culpepper. The high-scoring effort came during a rare game that was tied at 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 points\u2014only the second time in NFL history that sequence has occurred in a game.<\/p>\n Tyler Shough<\/strong>\u2019s impressive rookie campaign continues in New Orleans. He becomes the first rookie quarterback since C.J. Stroud in 2023 to throw for 300+ yards in back-to-back games. Additionally, he’s the first Saints quarterback to win four consecutive starts since Drew Brees in 2020.<\/p>\n In Buffalo, Josh Allen<\/strong> remains winless against one opponent: the Philadelphia Eagles. Following the Bills’ most recent loss, Philadelphia maintains its unique distinction as the only team Allen has never defeated.<\/p>\n The New England Patriots have officially clinched the AFC East title following the Buffalo Bills’ latest defeat. This marks a return to division dominance for New England, capitalizing on a tight race that extended deep into December.<\/p>\n In the AFC North, a showdown is set for Week 18 between the Baltimore Ravens<\/strong> and Pittsburgh Steelers<\/strong>. The matchup in Pittsburgh will determine the division champion. Baltimore will aim to secure the crown on the road, while Pittsburgh hopes to use home-field advantage to punch their playoff ticket.<\/p>\n Over in the NFC South, the Carolina Panthers<\/strong> will travel to Tampa Bay in Week 18, with the division title on the line. Despite an up-and-down season for both teams, the winner of this contest will host a Wild Card playoff game.<\/p>\n The NFC West remains in play for the top seed. The San Francisco 49ers<\/strong> will face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 18 in a matchup that will decide the NFC’s No. 1 seed. The stakes are significant: the winner claims home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, while the loser drops to the No. 5 seed and hits the road in the first round to face the NFC South champion.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams<\/strong> have been eliminated from NFC West contention heading into the final week despite a late-season push.<\/p>\n The New York Jets<\/strong> are closing in on an unprecedented NFL record for defensive futility. With just one week remaining in the regular season, they have yet to register a single interception in 2025. Opposing quarterbacks have thrown 32 touchdowns and zero interceptions against the Jets defense. Historically, no team has ever finished a season without at least one pick.<\/p>\n Elsewhere, Myles Garrett<\/strong>\u2019s chase for the single-season sack record appears to be affecting opposing game plans. According to analysts, both Aaron Rodgers<\/strong> and the Steelers were overly focused on Garrett\u2019s presence, which may have ultimately cost them in matchups against the Browns, highlighting the disruptive impact of elite edge pressure.<\/p>\n Veteran quarterback Philip Rivers<\/strong> may have played his final NFL game. After returning for a brief stint in 2025, Rivers said, \u201cIf it’s the last one, it’s the last one,\u201d reflecting on what he called a “bonus” stretch of games that occurred after he previously thought his career had ended in 2021. The 44-year-old quarterback was brought back as emergency support and expressed gratitude for the unexpected opportunity.<\/p>\nPlayoff Picture & Division Races<\/h2>\n
Defensive Struggles<\/h2>\n
Player Updates<\/h2>\n
Off-Field News<\/h2>\n