2021 NFL: Week 17

Well, it’s the end of 2021. And I’d like to start this week by presenting some NFL New Year’s resolutions.

Just kidding, that’s pointless. Every resolution in life usually fails miserably by Jan. 2nd. So, why bother with the exercise when it comes to the NFL? The things we’re seeing now will most likely continue into 2022.

Aaron Rodgers will keep amazing us on the field, and have us scratching our heads off of it. There’s no reason to believe the Jets won’t be a dumpster fire. Tom Brady will continue to make documentaries that nobody asked for. The Raiders will start next season well and will fade down the stretch.

There’s a famous quote: “There is no present or future — only the past, happening over and over again now.”

But while history is usually doomed to repeat itself, we can take a minute to focus on the present. More specifically, the Ravens, who are in a dangerous spot. Everyone noticed the injury issues they’ve been dealing with since training camp. And as the regular season has progressed, things have become worse.

Between players getting hurt or going on the Reserve/COVID list, Baltimore has been forced to play with moth-eaten lineups that have undoubtedly contributed to its current four-game losing streak. What’s worse, three of those losses have been to division opponents.

Now sitting at 8-7 and out of the playoff bubble, they need a spark, which could come from QB Lamar Jackson, who has missed the last two games with an ankle injury. But things aren’t looking good. Anyone who saw the — albeit brief — video of him practicing on Wednesday noticed Jackson’s obvious limp. And things have gone downhill as he missed Thursday’s practice.

If Jackson can’t suit up on Sunday, that would leave the Ravens with Tyler Huntley under center to start against the 11-4 Rams. By the way, Huntley was just activated off the COVID list.

All season long, I’ve complimented head coach John Harbaugh and his players for being able to keep it together under difficult circumstances. They didn’t whine or pity themselves. They played hard. And it’s true that they’re not done yet.

But there’s a limit to everything. And the Ravens might have hit the wall. It would be a final shame in a season that once held so much promise. And if that’s the case, let’s hope history doesn’t repeat itself in 2022.

NFL’S TOP 10

1. Packers – Hello, NFC’s top seed. They’re in the driver’s seat to clinch a playoff bye as they own a one-game lead and will finish the regular season against the sub-.500 Vikings and Lions. And despite all the questions about Aaron Rodgers, his future, his views on COVID (let’s not delve deep into that) and more, Green Bay continues to just win, baby.

2. Chiefs – I feel unworthy to take a victory lap about Kansas City. I preached patience as they struggled to start the season, but as those stumbles continued into the middle of October, my lip started to quiver and my resolve began to fade. So, they can take a bow for their eight-game winning streak. I just can’t bask in their shadow.

3. Rams – Look who’s on top of the NFC West! They deserve massive credit for not just moving ahead of the Cardinals, but they did it by winning two games in five days. And even though Matthew Stafford looked awful on Sunday against the Vikings, their offensive line and running game have come alive and the defense has been solid.

4. Cowboys – There’s every reason to love what they’re doing defensively. If you want to argue that Dallas should be above L.A. in these rankings, I’ll allow it. In my opinion, it’s a matter of which division has better competition. And as we’ve seen what the Cowboys have done to the NFC East, there’s really no comparison.

5. Buccaneers – Yes, they had quite the hiccup when they bumbled their way to a shutout loss against the Saints in Week 15, but they responded last week by taking apart the Panthers and looking like a competent football team again. With the Jets and another matchup against the Panthers left on their schedule, they could rest some players and still compete for the No. 1 seed in the conference.

6. Colts – If you remember, this team started the season by losing three of their first four games. Since then, they’ve won eight of their next 10, including back-to-back victories over the Patriots and Cardinals. Nobody wants to face Indy in January.

7. Cardinals – What happened? Arizona had a comfortable division lead before it tripped into a three-game skid, including one shameful loss to the inept Lions. What’s worse, they have to face surging Dallas this week. They’ll make the playoffs, but they might have kissed their chance at getting a home game goodbye. Then again, they’re under .500 in front of their fans, so maybe that’s a good thing.

8. Bills – What a roller coaster ride. They’ve gone from presumed division champs, to division chumps and are now back in first place. What a huge win on the road against the Patriots. They still have a lot of talent and are now in control of their own destiny. With the Falcons and Jets left to play, they should be able to clinch that elusive AFC East crown.

9. Patriots – How often does a bye week cause problems? That’s tough to say for sure, but here’s the evidence: New England was riding a seven-game winning streak before going into its week off. Since then, they’ve lost two in a row and have ceded their division lead. The good news is they have the Jaguars to play on Sunday, which should set the Patriots right. They still have a chance at a division title, but it’ll be a stretch.

10. Titans – They’ve won just two of their last five games, but have a one-game lead over the Colts in the AFC South and own the tiebreaker. They’re in good shape. And what’s more, there’s chatter that Derrick Henry — once thought to be lost for the season with a foot injury — might return in Week 18. Now, that has some sizzle.

WHAT’S THE CHATTER?

End of the road: Ben Roethlisberger has set the table for his NFL departure a couple times this season. But this week he said that Monday night’s game against the Browns will likely be his final home game at Heinz Field. It’s true that all things must end, but if there must be a final home game, Big Ben chose the right one. He’s spent most of his career beating up on Cleveland and it would be fitting to see him give the Browns one final kick in the rear on the way out.

Farewell to a legend: There’s not enough space to express how much John Madden has meant to the NFL and the game of football. His voice was one that made me love the sport as a youngster and he gave the world countless hours of entertainment. He’s a legend, a Super Bowl champion, a Hall of Famer, a video game maverick and one of a kind. RIP, coach.

Come on, people: Baker Mayfield, by all accounts, played horrible in the Browns’ Christmas Day loss at Green Bay. But as happens all too often these days, Baker’s wife said he received death threats in the aftermath. Sadly, Baker confirmed his wife’s statement, saying “it’s not like it’s anything new to us.” It’s a bummer that idiots continue to do what they do behind a keyboard, but like I said above, it might be pointless to expect things to change in 2022.

Can’t catch a break: I’ve said it before. Jimmy Garoppolo is a good quarterback, when he can stay on the field. Apparently, that’s too much to ask because the 49ers quarterback is now dealing with a thumb injury and didn’t practice on Wednesday and Thursday. And while Jimmy G keeps saying he’ll be ready to go against the Texans on Sunday, it’s increasingly likely that rookie Trey Lance will be under center. Will he ever give up the starting job? We’ll find out.

APPOINTMENT VIEWING FOR WEEK 17

Chiefs at Bengals: Important game for both teams. Kansas City is looking to lock up the AFC’s top seed while Cincinnati is gunning for a division title.

Dolphins at Titans: Will Miami’s feel-good story continue with an eight consecutive win? The Titans are so up and down, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Dolphins (and their strong defense) come out with a win.

Raiders at Colts: If Vegas has any hope at the playoffs, they’re going to need to come up big on the road. I’m not sure I like their chances.

Rams at Ravens: Los Angeles can wrap up the division title with a win here. But don’t think the Ravens will just lie down and let that happen. Especially at home.

Eagles at Washington: Most experts didn’t have Philly even remotely in the hunt for the playoffs, but here we are with the Eagles in the postseason bubble. What a story. Kudos to first-year head coach Nick Sirianni.

Texans at 49ers: Houston can’t wait for the season to end, but the Niners still have a lot to play for. And they might find out a lot about their future if Lance plays well.

Cardinals at Cowboys: What a tasty NFC matchup chock-full of playoff implications. Grab the popcorn.

Vikings at Packers: Minnesota is nearing the end of a confusing season. But the Vikings would love nothing more than to cause some chaos by beating a hated rival.

Browns at Steelers: It’s Monday night. At least this one shouldn’t be boring. We hope.