With most of the NFL Week 16 schedule complete, it is time to take a look at some of the biggest winners and losers from Sunday’s games. Playoff spots were clinched, and seasons were pushed to the brink of elimination.
NFL Week 16 winners
Jacksonville Jaguars. Every couple of years, the Jaguars put together an out-of-nowhere, unexpected great season. This is that season. The Jaguars continued that on Sunday with an emphatic — and impressive — 34-20 win on the road against the Denver Broncos. They are now in the playoffs. They are in control of the AFC South. The No. 1 seed is in play. Do not overlook them.
Bryce Young, quarterback, Carolina Panthers. Just when it looked like the Panthers might have lost their chance in the NFC South, they scored a massive 23-20 win on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to retake the division lead. Young played an efficient game with some highlight reel plays to lead his team to a win.
Justin Herbert, quarterback, Los Angeles Chargers. When Herbert really starts to cook, there are not many quarterbacks in the NFL who are better than him. On Sunday, he cooked. He completed 23-of-29 passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for an additional 42 yards and a touchdown in a 34-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys.
Mike Tomlin, head coach, Pittsburgh Steelers. With their 29-24 win over the Detroit Lions, the Steelers won their ninth game of the season. That not only keeps them on top of the AFC North, but it also gives Tomlin a 19th consecutive season as the team’s head coach without a losing record. In a league that is built around parity, that is an impressive accomplishment.