Thursday Night Football kicked off NFL Week 16 with a critical NFC West showdown between the 11-3 Los Angeles Rams and the 11-3 Seattle Seahawks. Despite L.A. leading by a score of 30-14 in the 4th quarter, the Seahawks mounted an amazing 16-point comeback that stunned the Rams and won in overtime 38-37.
Los Angeles Rams v. Seattle Seahawks
Harrison Mevis, Los Angeles Rams kicker (Birmingham Stallions)
Former Birmingham Stallions “Thiccer kicker,” Harrison Mevis, converted three of four field goals on Thursday night, including a 41-yarder. He added a 23-yard field goal, a 28-yard field goal, and made four of four extra points.
However, Mevis missed a crucial 48-yard score late in the fourth quarter that would have tied the game. It was his only missed kick this season, converting 8/9 field goals and all 32 extra points. But it was a costly one. The Rams lost the NFC’s Number 1 seed and the bye week, but clinched a Wild Card berth.
Next week, the 11-4 Rams travel to Atlanta to take on the 6-9 Atlanta Falcons, who’ve already been eliminated from playoff contention.
Green Bay Packers v. Chicago Bears
In a blistering Saturday night game, the Green Bay Packers traveled to Soldier Field to take on their division rival, the 10-4 Chicago Bears.
Daniel Whelan, Green Bay Packers punter (D.C. Defenders)
With the NFC North Division leading Packers’ offense dominating for most of the game, the team didn’t punt once. Former D.C. Defenders punter Daniel Whelan’s only role was as holder for kicker Brandon McManus, who converted three field goals. The Packers held a 16-6 lead late in the fourth quarter after McManus converted a 22-yard field goal, a 26-yarder, and a 28-yard boot. He also made one extra point.
But in a devastating turn of events, the Bears pulled off a shocking 22-16 overtime victory. As a result, Green Bay lost its number one standing in the NFC North, along with starting quarterback Jordan Love, who was knocked out of the game early on with a concussion. Backup quarterback Malik Willis performed admirably under the circumstances, completing 9/11 for 121 yards with one touchdown. Willis added another 44 yards on 10 carries.
Next week, the 9-5-1 Packers hope to rebound with a win to secure a Wild Card berth when they welcome the Baltimore Ravens to Lambeau Field.
New York Jets v. New Orleans Saints
With both teams already eliminated from playoff contention, the New York Jets squared up to face the New Orleans Saints, where they lost a blistering 29-6 battle.
Kevin Austin, Jr., New Orleans Saints wide receiver (Birmingham Stallions)
Elevated to the 53-man roster last week, former Birmingham Stallions wide receiver Kevin Austin, Jr. contributed to the Saints’ victory with two passes for 18 yards as the New Orleans Saints routed the New York Jets by a score of 29-6.
Next week, the 5-10 Saints will travel to Tennessee to take on the 3-12 Titans.
Adrian Martinez, New York Jets, quarterback (Birmingham Stallions)
On December 16th, former UFL League MVP and Birmingham Stallions quarterback Adrian Martinez was released from the Jets’ practice squad.
In week 17, the 3-12 Jets host the red-hot 12-3 New England Patriots.
Cleveland Browns v. Buffalo Bills
Andre Szmyt, Cleveland Browns kicker (St. Louis Battlehawks)
Former St. Louis Battlehawks kicker Andre Szmyt made both of his field goals, a 24-yarder and a 41-yard kick, along with two of two extra points. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to defeat the Buffalo Bills, who struggled on their way to a 23-20 victory. Making matters worse for the Browns, they lost promising young rookie running back Quinshon Judkins to a gruesome leg injury.
Rex Sunahara, Cleveland Browns long snapper (San Antonio Brahmas)
Cleveland Browns long snapper Rex Sunahara (San Antonio Brahmas) snapped the ball for Szymt’s field goals, two kickoffs, and two punts for 103 yards for Corey Bojorquez, who kicked a 52-yarder as his longest.
Next week, the 3-12 Cleveland Browns will host the 9-7 Pittsburgh Steelers.
Los Angeles Chargers v. Dallas Cowboys
It’s been a frustrating season for the Dallas Cowboys, who were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs on Saturday after the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Washington Commanders by a score of 29-18.
Making matters even worse on Sunday afternoon for the struggling team, the Cowboys lost 34-17 to the playoff-bound Los Angeles Chargers.
Brandon Aubrey, Dallas Cowboys kicker (Birmingham Stallions)
Former Birmingham Stallions kicker Brandon Aubrey had a quiet outing, making his only field goal, a 33-yarder, along with two of two extra points. Converting 32 of 36 field goals this season, along with 42 of 43 extra points, Aubrey continues to be one of the most reliable kickers in the league.
KaVontae Turpin, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver (USFL New Jersey Generals)
Former USFL New Jersey Generals wide receiver and return specialist KaVontae Turpin caught two passes for 14 yards, bringing his season total to 25 receptions for 310 yards with one touchdown. He also had two carries for 13 yards with a 9-yard rush as his longest. Turpin’s biggest role is as a return specialist, and he logged six kickoff returns for 148 yards with a longest of 31 yards.
Perrion Winfrey, Dallas Cowboys DT (Birmingham Stallions)
Former Birmingham Stallions DT Perrion Winfrey was active for his first snaps since returning from injured reserve a month ago. It was a quiet afternoon for the former UFL star, who assisted on two tackles.
Next week, the 6-8-1 Cowboys will travel to Washington, D.C. to take on the 4-11 Commanders. Both teams have already been eliminated from postseason action.
Minnesota Vikings v. New York Giants
Jalen Redmond, Minnesota Vikings DT (Arlington Renegades)
Despite losing starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy to a hand injury midway through the contest, the Minnesota Vikings pulled off a 16-13 victory over the New York Giants on Sunday afternoon. Former Arlington Renegades DT Jalen Redmond had another impressive outing, delivering a punishing 4th down sack on Jaxson Dart early in the game. Redmond also contributed 4 tackles, including one solo and a critical pass defense. Redmond continues to be one of the leading Vikings defenders with a season total of 27 solo tackles, 5.0 sacks, and one forced fumble.
Next week, the 6-8 Vikings will host the Detroit Lions, who are fighting for a playoff berth.
Atlanta Falcons v. Arizona Cardinals
LaCale London, Atlanta Falcons DT (St. Louis Battlehawks)
In week 16, the Atlanta Falcons traveled to the West Coast to take on the Arizona Cardinals, who were eliminated from playoff contention. The Falcons triumphed in a 26-19 victory over the Cardinals. Former St. Louis Battlehawks defensive tackle LaCale London contributed one solo tackle in the game, bringing his season total to 22 tackles (15 solo), 4.0 sacks, and a forced fumble.
Chris Blair, Atlanta Falcons WR (D.C. Defenders)
Recently elevated from the Falcons’ practice squad, Atlanta Falcons and former D.C. Defenders wide receiver Chris Blair played a total of nine snaps but was not targeted and didn’t record any stats.
In Week 17, the Falcons hope to add another victory when they host the Los Angeles Rams.
Jacksonville Jaguars v. Denver Broncos
In Week 16, the NFL-leading Broncos lost to another AFC playoff contender, the Jacksonville Jaguars, by a score of 34-20. However, at 12-3 team is still tied for an NFL-best record and secured its playoff berth.
Dondrea Tillman, Denver Broncos DT (Birmingham Stallions)
Former Birmingham Stallions‘ linebacker Dondrea Tillman contributed three tackles, with two solo. He now has 36 tackles (12 solo), 3.5 sacks, three pass defenses, and two interceptions on the season.
On Christmas, the 12-3 Broncos will play the 6-9 Kansas City Chiefs in a nighttime game.
Detroit Lions v. Pittsburgh Steelers
In a must-win game to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Detroit Lions lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in perhaps the most confounding, unprecedented penalty call of all time. Although the Lions struggled throughout the game, the team fought back from a 12-point deficit late in the game.
Jared Goff engineered a come-from-behind drive that would put the Lions on top. With under a minute remaining, Amon-Ra St. Brown scored from the one-yard line on a 1st and goal. The Refs signaled touchdown, and Ford Field went wild. But a late flag charged rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa with offensive pass interference, and the TD was taken off the board.
The Lions went back to work with seconds remaining on the clock. St. Brown caught Goff’s 4th and goal desperation throw, but he was stopped just short of the goal line. In a heads-up move, the Sun God pitched the ball to Goff, who ran it into the end zone just before the clock ran out. Touchdown! Once again, the flag was thrown, a lengthy conference ensued, and ultimately the refs declared the game over, charging St. Brown with offensive pass interference.
Jake Bates, Detroit Lions kicker (Michigan Panthers)
Former Michigan Panthers star kicker Jake Bates converted his only field goals, a 36-yarder and three of three extra points.
Jacob Saylors, Detroit Lions running back (St. Louis Battlehawks)
Former St. Louis Battlehawks and All-UFL team running back Jacob Saylors handled two kick returns for a total of 57 yards, including a 31-yard return. Saylors had two special teams tackles as well.
Nick Whiteside, Detroit Lions cornerback (St. Louis Battlehawks)
Former St. Louis Battlehawks cornerback Nick Whiteside returned to the Lions’ 53-man roster, contributing two tackles with one solo.
On Christmas Day, in a desperate bid to keep their playoff hopes alive, the 8-7 Detroit Lions travel to take on division rival, the 7-8 Minnesota Vikings.
Practice Squad Players:
Jashaun Corbin, New England Patriots RB (D.C. Defenders)
Kohl Levao, New York Jets guard (San Antonio Brahmas)
Liam Fornadel, New York Jets guard (San Antonio Brahmas)
Kaden Davis, Cleveland Browns WR (Michigan Panthers)
Jonathan Garvin, Chicago Bears DE (Birmingham Stallions)
Check back here next week to find out who the standout spring players are in NFL Week 17.
