Significant Signings and Number Changes
This past week in the NFL saw several key signings and number changes. The **Green Bay Packers** signed veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to a one-year deal. Hopkins, a five-time Pro Bowler, aims to bolster the Packers’ receiving corps. Meanwhile, the **New York Jets** signed defensive end Jadeveon Clowney to a two-year contract, adding depth to their defensive line. In other news, **Kansas City Chiefs** quarterback Patrick Mahomes changed his jersey number from 15 to 5, a move that has fans buzzing.
Notable Visits and Retirements
Several teams hosted notable visits this week. The **Dallas Cowboys** welcomed free-agent linebacker Bobby Wagner for a visit, sparking speculation about a potential signing. The **San Francisco 49ers** also hosted wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who is looking to make a comeback after recovering from an ACL injury. On the retirement front, **New Orleans Saints** quarterback Drew Brees officially announced his retirement, ending a storied 20-year career. Brees leaves behind a legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
Injury Updates and Roster News
Injury updates dominated the headlines this week. **Baltimore Ravens** quarterback Lamar Jackson suffered a sprained ankle during their game against the **Cleveland Browns**. Jackson is expected to miss at least two weeks. The **Tampa Bay Buccaneers** received good news as wide receiver Chris Godwin returned to practice after recovering from a hamstring injury. In roster news, the **Chicago Bears** released veteran tight end Jimmy Graham, making room for younger talent on their roster.
Other News: Coaching Changes and Legal Issues
The NFL coaching carousel continued to spin this week. The **Houston Texans** hired Josh McCown as their new head coach, a move that surprised many given McCown’s limited coaching experience. The **Minnesota Vikings** fired offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak after a disappointing season. In legal news, **Seattle Seahawks** cornerback Richard Sherman was arrested on charges of domestic violence. Sherman has since been released on bail and is awaiting trial.
Game Highlights and Player Performances
Week 17 of the NFL season provided plenty of excitement. The **Green Bay Packers** dominated the **Minnesota Vikings**, with quarterback Jordan Love throwing three touchdown passes. Love joined Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre as the only Packers quarterbacks with five-plus games of three passing touchdowns and zero interceptions in a single season. The **Pittsburgh Steelers** also had a standout performance, with quarterback Mason Rudolph completing all nine of his out-breaking route attempts for 149 yards.
Late Window Takeaways
In the late window games, **Denver Broncos** wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey gained 35 yards after catch over expected on his 54-yard touchdown reception, the most by a Broncos player this season. **Los Angeles Chargers** linebacker Khalil Mack set a season career-high with his 16th sack in 2023. **Kansas City Chiefs** cornerback L’Jarius Sneed shadowed **Cincinnati Bengals** wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase on 21 of 34 routes, holding Chase to two receptions and 27 yards.
Early Window Highlights
The early window games also featured impressive performances. **Baltimore Ravens** quarterback Lamar Jackson completed five of six passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns against the **Miami Dolphins**’ blitz in the first half. **New England Patriots** wide receiver Jalen Reagor reached a top speed of 20.62 mph on his kick-return touchdown, the fastest by a Patriots ball carrier this season. **Chicago Bears** quarterback Justin Fields faced his lowest pressure rate this season at 35.9%, with most of his production coming from longer dropbacks.
Additional Player Highlights
**Indianapolis Colts** wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. became the first Colts player to have over 100 receptions since Reggie Wayne in 2012. **Buffalo Bills** defensive end Josh Allen tied his single-game best with three sacks against the **Carolina Panthers**. **Philadelphia Eagles** safety Sydney Brown reached a top speed of 21.52 mph on his 99-yard pick-six, the fastest play by an Eagles ball carrier over the past two seasons.
Upcoming International Games
The NFL announced its 2024 international games schedule, featuring five games across three countries. The league will host its first game in South America, with a Week 1 kickoff in São Paulo, Brazil, between the **Green Bay Packers** and the **Philadelphia Eagles**. Three games will be played in London, and the series will conclude with a matchup in Munich during Week 10.
Playoff Race and Week 18 Stakes
As the regular season nears its end, the playoff race heats up. The **Baltimore Ravens** and **San Francisco 49ers** have secured the top playoff seeds in their respective conferences. Four division titles are still undecided, including the AFC East and NFC East. The **Buffalo Bills** and **Miami Dolphins** will face off in a crucial game that will determine the winner of the AFC East. The **Dallas Cowboys** and **Philadelphia Eagles** are also competing for the NFC East crown.
In summary, this past week in the NFL was filled with significant signings, notable visits, injury updates, and exciting game highlights. As the playoff race intensifies, fans can look forward to more thrilling action in the coming weeks.
