Week 16 Notebook: Tee Higgins Sparks Bengals, Ravens Stumble, Browns Lose Key Rookie
Bengals: Higgins Returns, Reignites Offense
Tee Higgins wasn’t just back on the field in Week 16 - he was back making an impact. After clearing concussion protocol for the second time this season, the Bengals wide receiver admitted he had some nerves heading into his evaluation, unsure of what doctors might say. But once he got the green light, he made sure to remind everyone just how dangerous this Bengals offense can be when it’s fully loaded.
“Obviously, I was very anxious and nervous about what they were going to say,” Higgins said. “Honestly, praying I come here and get positive news and come back with positive news to tell the team.”
He got that good news - and Cincinnati got their full complement of weapons back. The result? An offense that looked like it had finally found its rhythm.
“Offense was at full power today. We had everybody,” Higgins added. “You see what we can do when we have everybody together.”
Joe Burrow certainly noticed. The Bengals quarterback pointed to Higgins’ early contributions as a turning point - not just in the game, but in how Miami’s defense had to adjust on the fly.
“That’s why Tee is who he is and why we value him so much; he just makes plays like that,” Burrow said. “They were pressuring a little bit early, and Tee makes those two plays, and then they can’t pressure as much. When they do, they have to play different coverages behind it, so that lets us get the ball out quickly in space.”
It’s a classic case of a star receiver dictating defensive strategy. Higgins didn’t just make catches - he shifted the entire tone of the game, forcing Miami to back off and giving Burrow the breathing room he needs to operate.
Meanwhile, on the defensive side, Bengals rookie safety Jordan Battle was fined $8,068 for a hit on a defenseless player - a reminder that while Cincinnati is getting healthy and hot on offense, discipline on defense remains a focus.
Browns: Judkins Injury Timetable Set
The Browns took a tough blow to their backfield depth this week. Rookie running back Quinshon Judkins is set to miss four to five months after dislocating his ankle and fracturing his fibula. It’s a significant injury, but the timeline suggests he’ll be ready to return in the spring.
This is a setback for a young player who was carving out a role, but the team remains optimistic about his long-term outlook. For now, Cleveland will have to lean on its remaining backs as they continue their playoff push.
Ravens: Frustration Boils Over After Costly Loss
The Ravens’ Week 16 loss to the Patriots wasn’t just a missed opportunity - it was a gut punch. With playoff implications on the line, Baltimore fell flat in all three phases, and the frustration was palpable postgame.
Safety Kyle Hamilton didn’t hold back when asked about the team’s recurring issues.
“It’s been a theme for the past couple of years, honestly,” Hamilton said. “It’s frustrating at this point to keep having the same conversations with you guys, and I’m sure it’s frustrating on your end to keep asking these questions.
It’s redundant. No excuses at this point.”
That kind of honesty speaks volumes. The Ravens know they’re capable of more - but knowing it and showing it are two very different things.
To make matters worse, Lamar Jackson exited in the second quarter with a back injury and didn’t return. For a player who’s battled through injuries all season, this latest setback clearly hit a nerve.
“I can’t control that,” Jackson said. “I’m on the ground, I’m down, I gave myself up.
Getting injured, and then we’re fighting for a chance to make the playoffs. I can’t finish the game with my guys.
It’s BS.”
Jackson’s absence loomed large down the stretch - especially on Baltimore’s final possession. With the game on the line, Derrick Henry never touched the ball. Instead, Keaton Mitchell got back-to-back carries before the Ravens punted on third down.
Head coach John Harbaugh addressed the decision postgame.
“The play call is the play call. If it works, we’re thrilled about it,” Harbaugh said.
“If it doesn’t work, we’re not happy about it. I don’t like the drive at all.
Looking back, would I rather have had Derrick starting the drive? Yes, but Derrick was kind of ready for Keaton to start that drive, and then he was planning on coming in next.”
It’s a decision that’s sure to be second-guessed - especially with a back like Henry on the sideline during a critical moment. But in a game where nothing seemed to click, it was just one of many missed opportunities for a Ravens team that suddenly finds itself in a precarious playoff position.
Takeaway
Week 16 gave us a snapshot of three AFC teams at very different crossroads. The Bengals look revitalized with their offensive core back in action.
The Browns are dealing with a tough injury but have a clear recovery timeline. And the Ravens - once again - are left asking hard questions after a late-season stumble.
With the postseason looming, the margin for error is shrinking fast.