With most of the NFL Week 17 schedule in the book, it is time to take a look at some of the biggest winners and losers from Sunday’s action. Division titles were clinched, opportunities were missed and some winner-take-all games are set for Week 18 next weekend.
NFL Week 17 winners
Drake Maye, quarterback, New England Patriots. The Patriots are AFC East champions, and the rapid development and play of Maye is one of the biggest reasons why. He was absolutely clinical on Sunday, completing 19-of-21 passes for 256 yards, five touchdowns and zero interceptions. He also rushed for 22 more yards on three carries.
Joe Burrow, quarterback, Cincinnati Bengals. It may not have mattered for the season overall, but Burrow is still finishing the season strong. He threw for 305 yards and two touchdowns to help the Bengals win their sixth game of the season.
NFL broadcast partners. It looked like there was a chance the Week 18 schedule could be a dud with no meaningful games. But several division titles are still up for grabs, including two winner-take-all games in the AFC North (Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens) and NFC South (Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers). That makes for a compelling regular-season finale.
Las Vegas Raiders draft position. They lost 34-10 to the New York Giants on Sunday, but it might pay off in the long run. The Raiders are now in position to secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. So they have that going for them.
