Consistent with the vacation spirit, NFL groups gifted their fan bases merry wins (Buccaneers over Jaguars, Ravens over 49ers) or lumps of coal (Chiefs fall to Raiders, Broncos lose to Patriots). This is a take a look at 4 aftershocks from Week 16.
Adjustments are doubtless coming for the Broncos
The Broncos’ roller-coaster season took one other downturn in Week 16 with a 26-23 loss to the lowly Patriots in Denver. At 7-8, the playoffs are actually doubtless out of attain for Denver.
Sean Payton’s first season as Broncos HC is tough to evaluate. Denver started the season 1-5, however then went on a five-game successful streak earlier than dropping three of its subsequent 4. Quarterback Russell Wilson is taking part in nicely (26 TD passes to eight interceptions), however he hasn’t gained constantly, posting an 11-19 document as a Bronco.
Denver can transfer on from Wilson subsequent season, but it surely would not be low cost.
“There can be vital cap penalties for shifting on,” per Mike Florio of NBC Sports activities’ Professional Soccer Discuss. “A pre-June 1 commerce would end in a $72 million cap cost for 2024. A launch with a post-June 1 designation would restrict the cap cost in 2024 to $35.4 million ($10 million signing bonus proration, $8.4 million choice bonus proration, $17 million fully-guaranteed wage). Then, in 2025, the Broncos would soak up one other $53.6 million in useless cash.”
If Payton is inclined to maneuver on from Wilson and construct round one of many prime quarterback prospects within the 2024 NFL Draft, he most likely should transfer up within the first spherical. Per tankathon.com, the Broncos maintain the 14th total choose. Denver has alternatives within the first, third, fourth, fifth and sixth rounds. As a part of its deal to amass Payton, Denver despatched a first-round choose in 2023 and second-round choice in 2024 to the Saints.
The highest QBs within the draft are extensively thought to be North Carolina’s Drake Maye and Southern Cal’s Caleb Williams, whom Payton known as a “generational participant” final November.
Large receivers Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy — who had been on the commerce block earlier this season — may very well be dealt to recoup draft capital misplaced within the Wilson commerce and provides Denver extra ammo to maneuver up within the draft.
Wager on Payton making an enormous transfer and beginning over at QB.
The Buccaneers have discovered their Tom Brady substitute
Although Baker Mayfield is not the “GOAT,” he’s the quarterback who offers the Buccaneers the very best likelihood to win now and within the close to future.
Mayfield turned in one other dominant efficiency within the Buccaneers 30-12 win over the Jaguars, finishing 26-of-35 passes (74%) for 283 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. In December alone, he’s 4-0 with 10 complete touchdowns (9 passing, one speeding) and only one interception.
Due to their lively four-game win streak, the Buccaneers (8-7) have a transparent path to a division title and playoff berth. As long as they win considered one of their two remaining video games — both in opposition to the Saints or Panthers — Tampa Bay will finish the season atop the NFC South.
Mayfield is an unrestricted free agent after the season. Rely on the Bucs bringing him again with a multi-year deal.
Antonio Pierce has earned the full-time teaching job in Las Vegas
The Raiders traveled to Kansas Metropolis seemingly hoping for a Christmas miracle in opposition to Kansas Metropolis, who they hadn’t overwhelmed in six straight video games. But Las Vegas pulled out a 20-14 victory in Arrowhead Stadium, including one other spectacular bullet level to Pierce’s head teaching utility.
It wasn’t all clean crusing for the Raiders, who had been taking part in with out star working again Josh Jacobs because of a quad harm. Rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell did not commit a turnover, but additionally did not full a cross after the primary quarter.
Due to a powerful recreation plan and stellar play on protection, Las Vegas saved its slim playoff hopes alive after starting the season 3-5 beneath former HC Josh McDaniels. If the Raiders end the season on a excessive notice, Pierce — who’s 4-3 after taking on — needs to be a lock for a full-time teaching job. He has the endorsement of CBS analyst Tony Romo, a former NFL QB.
