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NFL Week 17 Highlights: Playoff places confirmed

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The 2018 NFL regular season has officially come to a close and what an incredible year it has been. Despite the lack of action on Thursday Night, Sunday evening brought with it great entertainment all night long. The fate of many playoff hopefuls were decided, with some narrowly missing out. The pick of the lot being a postseason-decider between the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts. 

Bears squash Viking playoff hopes

The Chicago Bears were unrelenting in their efforts this past Sunday, as they prevented the Vikings reaching the playoffs. 

Kirk Cousins’ $84 million contract has been the cause of much debate this week. This controversy is not unwarranted as he failed to produce in the biggest game of the season. He compiled just 132 yards and one touchdown, in a game where he was completely unprotected from the offensive-line. 

As for the Bears, they appear poised to embark on a deep playoff run. Their defensive unit is easily the best in the league, with their offence also being more than competent. For me, there’s not a team across the league who’d fancy their chances against them. 

Lions destroy the Packers 

Unbelievably, the Detroit Lions absolutely pulverised the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field this Sunday. 

       

Aaron Rodgers’ evacuation from the field early in the first half provided DeShone Kizer with an opportunity to shine. For the record, he did not. Kizer completed just 16 of 35 for 132 yards and an interception, whilst being sacked three times. 

Matthew Stafford arguably demonstrated enough talent to ensure he keeps his role next year. He accumulated 266 yards and two touchdowns on 20 passes, dissecting a poor Packer secondary throughout the game. 

Allen dominates Dolphins

Josh Allen was the best player in the NFL this week against the Dolphins. Not only did he lead the team to a 42-17 victory but he also amassed 319 total yards, three touchdown passes and two touchdown runs. In what was largely an immaculate performance, Allen looked at his best in week 17.

Although it’s been a tricky old year for the people of Upstate New York, the Bills look to build their team from the foundations come February, with Josh Allen spear-heading the franchise. 

Eagles earn postseason placing

Who’d have thought the struggling Super Bowl Champions would make the playoffs without Carson Wentz. However, the unbelievable reigned true, as Nick Foles led a majorly injured Eagles side to the promised land. 

       

Foles was ridiculously accurate, completing 85% of his throws for 221 yards and two touchdowns. As well as his performance, the defence held strong, containing Josh Johnson to a mere 91 yards and an interception. 

Unfortunately for the Eagles, they face the aforementioned Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. It’ll be a tough fixture, but with Nick Foles at the helm anything is possible. 

Indianapolis immense in Tennessee 

Andrew Luck and the offensive-line’s turnaround of the Colts’ season has been startling. Starting the first six games with a 1-5 record to now clinch a playoff berth at 10-6 is a truly remarkable feat. 

The previously alluded to Luck was once again on top form, recording 285 passing yards and three touchdowns. The run game was also effective as Marlon Mack concluded his day with 119 rushing yards and a touchdown of his own. 

As for the Titans, they were bereft of star quarterback, Marcus Mariota. Blaine Gabbert couldn’t step up to the mark. Irrespective of that, Jayon Brown performed exquisitely, as he notched nine tackles, a pick six and even forced a fumble which he then recovered. 

The Indianapolis Colts also look intent on going deep into the playoffs, but they face the tough task of divisional opponents, the Houston Texans. </span

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