NFL Week 17 Recap: Kittle Shines, DeJean Delivers, and the Playoff Picture Tightens
With just one week left in the regular season, the NFL's playoff race is coming down to the wire-and Week 17 didn’t disappoint. From dominant tight end performances to clutch defensive plays and wild finishes, this penultimate weekend served up a little bit of everything. Let’s break it all down.
George Kittle Keeps Cooking
Let’s start where we often do: with George Kittle. The 49ers’ star tight end continues to be a matchup nightmare, and Monday night was no exception. Kittle hauled in 7 catches for 115 yards and a touchdown as San Francisco cruised past Indianapolis, 48-27.
This marked Kittle’s first 100-yard game of the season-and the 22nd of his career. That puts him third all-time in 49ers history for 100-yard receiving games, behind only Terrell Owens (25) and the untouchable Jerry Rice (66).
That Rice number? It’s in a galaxy of its own.
Kittle’s been on an absolute tear since returning from injury, and his timing couldn’t be better. With the postseason looming, he’s reminding everyone why he’s one of the most complete tight ends in the league-physical in the run game, explosive after the catch, and always a threat in the red zone.
Tight End Check-In: Hockenson, LaPorta, Fant
Elsewhere at the tight end position, it was a quieter week.
T.J. Hockenson managed just one catch for 2 yards in Minnesota’s narrow 16-13 win over the Giants.
The Vikings were once again dealing with quarterback instability, as J.J. McCarthy exited with another injury, forcing Max Brosmer to take over for much of the game.
Detroit was without Sam LaPorta, and Seattle’s Noah Fant missed Cincinnati’s 45-21 win over Miami after getting banged up the previous week against Baltimore.
Cooper DeJean Making Plays
Philadelphia’s win over Washington on Saturday night, 29-18, featured a standout performance from rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean. He filled up the stat sheet with 5 tackles, 4 passes defended, and a key interception-his second of the season and third of his career.
DeJean’s instincts and ball skills continue to show up week after week. Whether he’s locking down receivers or jumping routes, he’s quickly becoming a cornerstone in Philly’s secondary.
Tory Taylor’s Windy Masterclass
In one of the wildest weather games of the season, Bears punter Tory Taylor delivered a performance that had even Tom Brady reacting with an audible “WOAH!” Chicago edged Green Bay in overtime, 22-16, and Taylor’s punting played a pivotal role.
He booted 3 punts for 125 yards, including a beauty that pinned the Packers at their own 2-yard line. The conditions were brutal-gusting winds that looked like they might knock the uprights over-but Taylor’s control and placement were surgical. It was a special-teams clinic in a game where every yard mattered.
Riley Moss: Highs and Lows in Denver’s Loss
It was a mixed bag for Riley Moss and the Broncos in a 34-20 loss to Jacksonville. Denver struggled across the board-missed tackles, stalled drives, and some questionable late-game decisions from Bo Nix, including a couple of hospital balls that left Pat Bryant shaken up.
Moss had his moments: 6 tackles, a sack, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 passes defended. But he also missed a couple of key tackles, one of which turned into a big gain for Parker Washington. Denver’s been living on the edge in close games all season, and this time, the margin for error caught up with them.
Around the League: Jack Campbell, Amani Hooker, and More
Let’s not forget Jack Campbell, who was everywhere in Detroit’s wild 29-24 loss to Pittsburgh. The Lions linebacker racked up 16 tackles in a game that featured a bizarre finish and more than a few head-scratching officiating moments.
Amani Hooker added 3 tackles in Tennessee’s 26-9 win over Kansas City, a result that sent shockwaves through the AFC playoff picture.
And yes, Pat Bryant? Still mostly dead after that Denver game.
Kansas City? All dead-at least for this week.
One Week to Go
With Week 18 looming, the playoff scenarios are still wide open. Teams are jockeying for seeding, wild card spots, and in some cases, just trying to finish strong. If Week 17 was any indication, we’re in for a chaotic, compelling finish to the regular season.
Buckle up.