The NFL’s regular is finally complete.
After a rocky start to the season, the league picked up with several intriguing games.
Here’s a look at some of the noteworthy games from the regular season finales.
CLEVELAND IS “PERFECT”
Well the Browns did it. After falling 28-24 to the Steelers’ backups (for the second year in a row), the Browns finished 0-16. Only the Detroit Lions have accomplished that “feat” since the NFL schedules expanded to 16 games. Cleveland is now 1-31 in its last two full seasons, an unprecedented level of futility. Showing their dark sense of humor, Cleveland fans have already planned and received a city permit to hold a parade to celebrate their 0-16 season. Adding to the embarrassment, head coach Hue Jackson said he would make good on his promise to jump in Lake Erie if his team again lost 15 games.
🏀🌴Joey Kinsley🌴🏀 on Twitter
I’m done with Hue Jackson and the 0-16 Browns… Jumping into Lake Erie? Here are my top places to do it in Cleveland… https://t.co/jUtkVTVTAK
BUCCANEERS STEAL ONE LATE
In one of the most shocking outcomes of the day, Tampa Bay notched only their 5th win of the season by knocking off the New Orleans Saints 31-24, who fell from the 3rd seed to the 4th seed as a result. The Saints will now host a wildcard game against an opponent they know very well, the Carolina Panthers. However, one of the most dramatic and tense moments of the game occurred at an unexpected event, the post-game coaches’ handshake.
Scott Smith on Twitter
Interesting exchange between Dirk Koetter and Sean Payton following the game. The shoulder pats getting a little aggressive. Sounds like unresolved matters from the week 9 scuffle involving Winston, Evans and Lattimore. (credit @JeffTewksFox13 for video) #Bucs https://t.co/IWDdml3LLM
SEATTLE SINKS
The Seattle Seahawks were the poster child for team dysfunction this year. What used to be considered a tight-knit group burst at the seams. Between players trying to fight opposing teams’ fans and calling each other out on twitter, the Seahawks never had the necessary chemistry to rally and overcome a spate of key injuries. It was a fitting end for them to lose 26-24 to a depleted Arizona team at home; the home loss was Seattle’s fourth of the season. A .500 home record would’ve been unthinkable for a Seahawk team that used to be invincible at home. The loss was doubly fitting because Blair Walsh, the kicker who missed the game-winning chip shot field goal against Seattle in a playoff game two years ago, missed the kick that lost the game.
gifdsports on Twitter
One last LOL BLAIR WALSH for 2017 https://t.co/LleIKvGJpF
BENGALS MAUL RAVENS
With nothing to play for, the Cincinnati Bengals played the role of Grinch and stole the playoffs from the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens controlled their own destiny, but fell 31-27 at home on a shocking last-minute touchdown. Head coach John Harbaugh burst onto the coaching scene with five straight playoff appearances and a Super Bowl victory. But since then, the Ravens have been entirely mediocre. The team also has a lot of money invested in quarterback Joe Flacco, who hasn’t been able to duplicate the magic of his flawless Super Bowl run.
Jurado on Twitter
Andy Dalton to Tyler Boyd for the #Ravens eliminating TD. #Bengals win Marvin Lewis’ (expected) final game as head coach and eliminate rival Ravens from the playoffs. #Bills officially take the final playoff spot. https://t.co/TyH4UucQMI
BEDLAM IN BUFFALO
Buffalo took care of business by defeating the division-rival Miami Dolphins on the road 22-16, but they were forced to watch the scoreboard to find out their playoff fate. As a result of the Bengals’ shocking victory over the Ravens, the Buffalo Bills are going to the playoffs for the first time since 1999, the year they lost to the Titans on the “Music City Miracle.” Bills fans watched the conclusion of the Cincinnati-Baltimore game on pins and needles, and their Christmas present came late.
NOT_SCTop10 on Twitter
Bills fans reacting to Andy Dalton and the Bengals scoring a touchdown against the Ravens is awesome https://t.co/Ge5PBy8XOG