NFL Week 17 Chargers Clinch Playoff Berth, Bengals Keep Playoff Hopes Alive with Thrilling Overtime Win

As the NFL playoffs draw near, each game takes on heightened significance, and Saturday's matchups played a pivotal role in shaping the postseason landscape. The Los Angeles Chargers clinched their playoff berth with a commanding performance, the Cincinnati Bengals kept their season alive with a thrilling overtime victory, and the Los Angeles Rams moved closer to securing their spot.

Chargers Dominate Patriots to Secure Playoff Spot
The Los Angeles Chargers delivered a resounding 40-7 victory over the New England Patriots, securing their place in the playoffs with a dominant road performance.

Excelling on both sides of the ball, the Chargers outgained the Patriots by nearly 250 total yards and limited them to just 11 first downs.

Quarterback Justin Herbert and rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey spearheaded the offensive display. The duo combined for 94 yards and two touchdowns on eight completions, with both setting franchise and league milestones. Herbert’s 281-yard game surpassed Peyton Manning's record for the most passing yards in a player’s first five NFL seasons, while McConkey established new Chargers rookie records for receptions and yards in a single season.

It’s a testament to all the hard work we put in this offseason, Herbert said after the game, according to the franchise’s website. The way things have gone, it’s been an honor to play alongside this team. We had a huge opportunity today, and we went out and took it.

The Chargers’ playoff berth underscores their remarkable turnaround under head coach Jim Harbaugh, who has revitalized a team that managed only five wins last season.

For the Patriots, however, the crushing home defeat deepened their struggles, with fans booing the team off the field.

Bengals Edge Broncos in Thrilling Overtime Victory
With just over a minute remaining in overtime and the score tied, the Bengals’ slim playoff hopes seemed to be slipping away.

Needing a win to stay in contention, Cincinnati faced a tough challenge against the Denver Broncos, who were also fighting for their playoff spot. Yet after a chaotic fourth quarter and overtime, quarterback Joe Burrow led a decisive 63-yard drive, capping it with a three-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins to secure a dramatic 30-24 victory.

This is one of the crazier games I’ve been a part of in the NFL, Burrow said afterward, per NFL.com. It feels like we’ve had a few of those this year. It’s nice to come out on top in one.

Burrow delivered an exceptional performance, completing 39 of 49 passes for 412 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Bengals to their fourth consecutive win as they mount a late push for the playoffs.

The game was tied at 10 after three quarters, but the fourth quarter delivered a whirlwind of action. The Bengals took the lead with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Joe Burrow to Tee Higgins, only for the Broncos to respond with a spectacular 51-yard touchdown connection between Bo Nix and Marvin Mims Jr.

With just 89 seconds remaining, Burrow scored on a one-yard quarterback sneak, putting Cincinnati ahead 24-17. Yet the Broncos struck back again, as Nix found Mims for a stunning 25-yard touchdown to tie the game at 24, sparking jubilant celebrations.

In overtime, after the teams exchanged punts, the Bengals had a golden opportunity to win with a 33-yard field goal. However, Cade York’s attempt hit the upright and missed, returning possession to the Broncos.

A tie would have suited Denver while crushing Cincinnati’s playoff hopes, but the Broncos went three-and-out, consuming just 23 seconds off the clock.

Determined to avoid leaving the outcome to the kicker, Burrow took charge. His decisive connection with Higgins sealed the Bengals’ thrilling victory, keeping their playoff aspirations alive. It also offered a storybook ending for Higgins, who could be playing his final home game at Paycor Stadium as he heads into free agency.

Walking into the stadium, that’s what I was thinking, Higgins shared with NFL.com. It’s a possibility. You never know what happens in the future, but if this is it, I’m glad I went out with a bang.

The Bengals’ postseason fate, however, still hinges on other results. They need to win next week, while hoping the Broncos lose and that both the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins drop at least one of their remaining games.

Rams Edge Cardinals in Defensive Battle
The Los Angeles Rams edged closer to a playoff berth with a gritty 13-9 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday, secured by a late-game interception from Akhello Witherspoon.

With less than a minute left and the Rams defending their 5-yard line, Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, under heavy pressure, attempted a pass to the end zone. The throw was deflected and landed in the arms of a diving Witherspoon, whose interception sealed the Rams’ hard-fought win.

It was just a friendly reminder that the game’s never over, Witherspoon said afterward, according to NFL.com.

The Rams extended their winning streak to five games, led by Matthew Stafford’s 189 passing yards and Puka Nacua’s 129 receiving yards. Kyren Williams added 56 rushing yards and a touchdown to the offense.

Los Angeles’ playoff hopes continue to grow as they prepare to host division rivals, the Seattle Seahawks, next week to close out the regular season. However, they could clinch the NFC West division before then, depending on results from the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, Washington Commanders, and San Francisco 49ers. If these teams secure three wins or two wins and a tie, the Rams will be crowned division champions, per ESPN.