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NFL Week 17 Best Highlights of the Games 2009

Updated on July 25, 2013

Any Given Sunday in the NFL

2009 week 17 football games heat up
2009 week 17 football games heat up

a game of inches

Week 17 in the NFL is over and as the regular season comes to an end, it is time in the football world for the playoffs. There were still things to sort out, like the NFC seeding picture for everyone whose record at 2-6, and who will play in the AFC Wild Card. Here are the NFL weekly highlights with each team and how they did.

The regular season marked the end of 20 team’s dreams of moving on, but now the real fun starts for teams holding a playoff ticket. There are now 12 teams (AFC -- Colts, Chargers, Patriots, Bengals, Ravens, and Jets; NFC -- Saints, Vikings, Cowboys, Cardinals, Packers, and Eagles) who will attempt to live-up to the 2009 NFL’s moniker of “Own the Moment” by making Super Bowl XLIV in Miami, Florida. In the NFC, which saw a whopping five playoff teams from 2007 not return a season ago, three teams have returned -- the Vikings, Cardinals, and Eagles. Gone are the Giants, Panthers, and Falcons, replaced by the Saints, Cowboys, and Packers.

And so in Week 17, we did finally find out which teams are going to the “Big Dance”. For the 14th consecutive season, five or more teams qualified for the playoffs that were not in the postseason the year before.

This upcoming weekend will mark the first time in NFL history that there will be 3 rematches in the Wild Card round from Week 17.

BUFFALO BLANKETS OUT THE COLTS

Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) passes against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. The Bills won, 30-7. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) passes against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. The Bills won, 30-7. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

Cary Harris

Buffalo Bills defender Cary Harris reacts to his interception against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Buffalo Bills defender Cary Harris reacts to his interception against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

Manning Mic'd Up

Indianapolis 7

Buffalo 30

Ryan Fitzpatrick threw three touchdown passes despite near whiteout conditions in the first half as the Bills (6-10) head into an uncertain offseason after missing the playoffs for a 10th straight year. Fred Jackson had a career-best 212 yards rushing, the seventh-highest rushing total in team history, to reach 1,000 yards for the first time. Jackson also scored on an 11-yard catch.

As for the Colts they squandered a chance to become the sixth NFL team to win 15 games in one season. INDIANAPOLIS also had a franchise-best 11-game road win streak snapped.

"It's not much fun to stand on the sideline as you see the score going the other way," said Manning, who was 14 for 18 for 95 yards and an interception before giving way to rookie backup Curtis Painter.

At least Manning and the Colts can look forward to playing a meaningful game when they open the playoffs in two weeks as the AFC's top seed.

"The regular season is over," Manning said. "We're not thinking about it or talking about it."

Manning did take care of some unfinished business. Manning completed seven passes to DALLAS Clark, allowing him to become the NFL's second tight end to have a 100-catch season, joining Tony Gonzalez. Reggie Wayne had five catches to reach 100 for the second time in his career.

Manning also finished with an even 4,500 yards passing, 57 short of matching his 2004 career-high.

Ill Be Back

Indianapolis Colts' Peyton Manning looks on during the first half of the NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/ David Duprey)
Indianapolis Colts' Peyton Manning looks on during the first half of the NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/ David Duprey)

SAINTS SINK IT

The New Orleans Saints tackle Zach Strief, center, talks to teammates during a break in the action as the Saints play the Carolina Panthers in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Jan. 3, 2010. Carolina won 23-10.(AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
The New Orleans Saints tackle Zach Strief, center, talks to teammates during a break in the action as the Saints play the Carolina Panthers in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Jan. 3, 2010. Carolina won 23-10.(AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

MATT MOORE

Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore on the sidelines as the Panthers play the New Orleans Saints in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Jan. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore on the sidelines as the Panthers play the New Orleans Saints in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Jan. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

New Orleans Saints 10

Carolina Panthers 23

Saints head coach Sean Payton decided to not risk further injuries to an already overly banged up New Orleans team in a game that meant absolutely nothing for his team. The 13-3 New Orleans Saints are taking a three game losing streak into their off week before the playoffs begin either January 16th or 17th due to their well-earned first round bye. No team has ever made the Super Bowl after ending the season with three consecutive losses. The Saints will try to become the first this year.

Carolina wasted no time in asserting their toughness with Jonathan Stewart running for a gritty 67 yard touchdown on the second play of the day giving the Panthers a 7-0 lead. Both teams failed to move the ball for the majority of the first half as teams traded short drives and punts as the average drive length lasted just over a minute for almost the entire second quarter. With New Orleans managing just a single field goal.

The Panthers' defense again proved to be a standout and the cornerstone of what the 2010 season should be built around. QB Matt Moore put in a solid performance without Steve Smith to finish the game 14/23, 162 yds, 1 TD, 96.6 rating.

New Orleans' top-ranked offense was completely ineffective with Mark Brunell filling in for Drew Brees. The Saints gained just 213 total yards and were only 2-of-13 on third down.

Julius ~ This Is For My New Contract

Carolina Panthers' Julius Peppers reacts after recovering a New Orleans Saints fumble in the second half of the Panthers' 23-10 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Julius Peppers reacts after recovering a New Orleans Saints fumble in the second half of the Panthers' 23-10 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

CLEVELAND CRANKS IT OUT

Followed by teammate Nick Sorensen, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs (16) runs with a kick return against the during pre-game warm ups before their NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
Followed by teammate Nick Sorensen, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs (16) runs with a kick return against the during pre-game warm ups before their NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)

Mangini

Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini gets doused by fullback Lawrence Vickers, not seen, at the end of the Browns' 23-17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini gets doused by fullback Lawrence Vickers, not seen, at the end of the Browns' 23-17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)

Jacksonville Jaguars 17

Cleveland Browns 23

It was a cold day in Cleveland, the wind chill was announced at negative one at kickoff. The temperature was 15 degrees. And as cold as it was the smoking hot Browns (5-11) ended the season with four straight wins, their longest single-season win streak since a five-game win streak in 1994. Jacksonville's razor-thin AFC playoff hopes were crushed as the Jaguars (7-9), had to win this game while at the same time they needed four other teams to lose just to qualify, now have the months ahead to think about what went wrong. They dropped their last four games.

The Browns defense, which held Maurice Jones-Drew to 82 rushing yards, made strides in the second half of the year, but nothing compared to those by the offense. Clevelands offensive coordinator Brian Daboll group averaged 20.9 points in the last eight games, up from 9.8 before the bye. Jerome Harrison rushed for 127 yards with a TD to finish with three straight 100-yard games. His 561 rushing yards over the final three weeks of the season were the second most since 1960. QB Derek Anderson was 7-of-11 for 86 yards with one interception.

 Its not too many times that you see a coach get a Gatorade bath in finishing a 5-11 season. The win was another notch in Eric Mangini’s campaign to stay retained as head coach of the Browns as new president Mike Holmgren takes over on Monday. Starting the season 1-11, the Browns looked like a team totally in disarray, but to their credit, in the end they came together to win their remaining games.


Jason Trusnik

# Cleveland Browns linebacker Jason Trusnik (93) calls a play at the line over Jacksonville Jaguars guard Vince Manuwai (67) during their NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
# Cleveland Browns linebacker Jason Trusnik (93) calls a play at the line over Jacksonville Jaguars guard Vince Manuwai (67) during their NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)

Matt Schaub Pulls It Out

HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 03: Quarterback Matt Schaub #8 of the Houston Texans celebrates after his team scored a touchdown against the New England Patriots at Reliant Stadium on January 3, 2010 in Houston, Texas. The Texans defeated the Patriots 34-27.
HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 03: Quarterback Matt Schaub #8 of the Houston Texans celebrates after his team scored a touchdown against the New England Patriots at Reliant Stadium on January 3, 2010 in Houston, Texas. The Texans defeated the Patriots 34-27.

Bernard Pollard

Houston Texans' Bernard Pollard celebrates the Texans' 34-27 win over the New England Patriots in an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
Houston Texans' Bernard Pollard celebrates the Texans' 34-27 win over the New England Patriots in an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)

New England Patriots 27

Houston Texans 34

The Houston Texans did what they could on Sunday, but didn't get enough help to make their first trip to the playoffs. They entered the day competing primarily with the Jets, Ravens and Broncos for a wild-card spot and needed a win and losses by two of those teams to get in.The Ravens grabbed the first spot with a victory, but Houston stayed in the hunt for a few extra hours with Kansas City's win over Denver Broncos.The New York Jets win over the Bengals crushed the Texans hope for the first postseason trip in their wight year history.

The Patriots were unable to piece together a comeback leaving Reliant Stadium with a huge loss. Bigger concerns await the Patriots as the extent of Wes Welker's injury is unknown. The loss ends a three-game winning streak for the Patriots.

Tom Brady, Randy Moss and Isaiah Stanback

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and receivers Randy Moss (81) and Isaiah Stanback (15) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and receivers Randy Moss (81) and Isaiah Stanback (15) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

FALCONS END WITH A WINNING SEASON

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) claps as he breaks the huddle during an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) claps as he breaks the huddle during an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)

Josh Freeman

Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans greet quarterback Josh Freeman (5) after a 20-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons during a NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans greet quarterback Josh Freeman (5) after a 20-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons during a NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)

Atlanta Falcons 20

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10

Matt Ryan went 23-35 for 223 yards and two touchdowns, including the go ahead TD pass to Roddy White from 12 yards, and the Atlanta Falcons dispatched the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a 9-7 record, which gives them their first back-to-back winning seasons in the 44 year history of the franchise, which is a good omen for the future for this team. Ryan also threw a two yard TD pass to Justin Peelle.  Kicker Matt Bryant made good on two field goals for the Falcons.

Josh Freeman had a rough day, going 16-32 for 174 yards with a touchdown to Antonio Bryant but he also threw two late interceptions that sealed the deal. Jason Snelling, filling in for the injured Michael Turner, ran 25 times for 147 yards, most of them coming off the Freeman turnovers. The Buccaneers started 0-8, but finished pretty strong at 3-13, and have something to look forward to in Freeman and he and the team will get better as the years go by.

Matt Ryan Hands Off to Jason Snelling

Atlanta Falcons Jason Snelling (44) takes the hand off from quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Atlanta Falcons Jason Snelling (44) takes the hand off from quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)

Jay Cutler Looks Like He Had the Sh*t Beat Out Of Him

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is shown against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. Chicago won 37-23. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is shown against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. Chicago won 37-23. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

BEARS V LIONS

Chicago Bears during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Chicago Bears during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Chicago Bears   37

Detroit Lions   23

Jay Cutler had a great game, going 22-36 for 276 yards, and tying a career high with four touchdowns, and the Chicago Bears (7-9) finished their season strong with a win over their NFC North rival Detroit. Cutler hooked up with Greg Olsen, Devin Aromashadu twice, and Desmond Clark. It was Cutler’s second straight game with four touchdowns, but after 26 interceptions (23 in the nine straight losses), the Bears were plagued for most of the season, and it could mean the end of the Lovie Smith era in Chicago, who has not reached the playoffs in three straight years after making the Super Bowl in 2006.

The Detroit Lions (2-14) were led by Daunte Culpepper, who possibly played for the last time in a Lions’ uniform, going 23-34 for 262 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Jim Schwartz has a lot of work to do, it won’t be easy to undo a decade of losing with a team that went 33-111 since 2001 and is the first NFL team to have 30 losses in a two season span.

Jim Schwartz

Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz argues against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz argues against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

49NERS STOMP RAMS

St. Louis Rams cornerback Justin King, left, nearly intercepts a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree, right, during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in St. Louis. San Francisco won 28-6.
St. Louis Rams cornerback Justin King, left, nearly intercepts a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree, right, during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in St. Louis. San Francisco won 28-6.

Steve Spagnuolo

St. Louis Rams Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)
St. Louis Rams Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

San Francisco 49ers 28

St. Louis Rams 6

Vernon Davis tied the NFL record for most touchdown receptions by a tight end with 13, Frank Gore ran for 107 yards on 23 carries, and the San Francisco 49ers (8-8) finished with a .500 record for the first time since 2002. The 49ers started out slow in the first half, but came on strong in the second half to obtain victory.

Steven Jackson ran the ball 20 times for 63 yards, but the St. Louis Rams (1-15) finished the season winless at home, and 1-15 for the season, but they do get the #1 pick in the draft. Ndamukong Suh anyone?

Paris Lenon leaps over umpire Steve Wilson

St. Louis Rams linebacker Paris Lenon (53) leaps over umpire Steve Wilson, bottom right, after he was knocked down by San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore, left, as Gore runs for a short gain before being brought down by St. Louis Rams cornerb
St. Louis Rams linebacker Paris Lenon (53) leaps over umpire Steve Wilson, bottom right, after he was knocked down by San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore, left, as Gore runs for a short gain before being brought down by St. Louis Rams cornerb

Steven Jackson

St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson, right, runs for a short gain past San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin, left, during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson, right, runs for a short gain past San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin, left, during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Santonio Holme celebrates a touchdown with Hines Ward

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes (10) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Hines Ward (86) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes (10) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Hines Ward (86) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Dolphins

Miami Dolphins players and staff look on as quarterback Pat White (not shown) is attended to and then carted off the field with a head injury following a helmet-to-helmet collision with Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback IkeTaylor. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter
Miami Dolphins players and staff look on as quarterback Pat White (not shown) is attended to and then carted off the field with a head injury following a helmet-to-helmet collision with Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback IkeTaylor. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter

Miami Dolphins 24

Pittsburgh Steelers 30

The Pittsburg Steelers got a win, but they will miss out on the playoffs. The Steelers dominated the Dolphins, taking out Chad Henne with an eye injury, and  Pat White with a head injury. Ben Roethlisberger went 18-27 for 220 yards and three touchdowns, but after the Texans win over New England, and later, the Ravens victory over the Raiders, the Steelers were eliminated from the playoff picture, as the Steelers needed the Jets, Ravens, and Texans to lose. However the Texans won, and sealed the fate of the defending champs, whose five game losing streak really hurt them.

Not only did Houston’s win eliminate Pittsburgh, it eliminated the Miami Dolphins, who had a very distant shot to begin with, and the defending AFC East champions were in the playoff hunt at 7-6, but lost three straight to miss the playoffs. Davone Bess led Miami with five catches for 85 yards in the loss.

Brian Hartline

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline (82) reacts as he hits the ground after Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay, right, broke up a pass intended for him during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Miami. (AP
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline (82) reacts as he hits the ground after Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay, right, broke up a pass intended for him during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Miami. (AP

Don Shula Turns 80

Former Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula, center, and his wife, Mary Anne, stand near a birthday cake on the field during a celebration for Shula's 80th birthday, which is Monday, during halftime of an NFL football game between the Dolphins and the
Former Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula, center, and his wife, Mary Anne, stand near a birthday cake on the field during a celebration for Shula's 80th birthday, which is Monday, during halftime of an NFL football game between the Dolphins and the

Bill Sheridan Bums Out the Giants

NY Giants defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan looks on during the team's blowout loss to the Carolina Panthers.(Andrew Mills/The Star-Ledger)
NY Giants defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan looks on during the team's blowout loss to the Carolina Panthers.(Andrew Mills/The Star-Ledger)

Tom Coughlin

N ew York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin watches during the Giants' 44-7 loss to the Minnesota Twins in an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
N ew York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin watches during the Giants' 44-7 loss to the Minnesota Twins in an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

NY Giants 7

Minnesota Vikings 44

The New York Giants have to be embarrassed about how they ended their season. They were outscored 85-16 in their last two games to close the season. Danny Ware, a rookie out of Georgia starting for Brandon Jacobs, scored their only touchdown, and had five carries for 22 yards on the day The Giants finished a disappointing 8-8 after starting the season 5-0. You would expect more from a team that won the Super Bowl in 2007.

After lackluster performances over the past few weeks, it appears as if the the Minnesota Vikings (12-4) are back. At least for now. Brett Favre went 25-31 for 316 yards and threw four touchdowns, and the Vikings easily got the second seed and a first-round by annilhating a Giants defense that just quit a long time ago. In less than three quarters, Favre threw touchdown passes to Visanthe Shiancoe, Sidney Rice (twice), and Naufahu Tahi. Adrian Peterson ran nine times for 54 yards and scored a touchdown.

Ahmad Bradshaw

New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw runs into Minnesota Vikings safety Jamarca Sanford, right (33), and Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield in the second quarter as Minnesota Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7 in an NFL football game
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw runs into Minnesota Vikings safety Jamarca Sanford, right (33), and Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield in the second quarter as Minnesota Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7 in an NFL football game

Baltimore Ravens Rasing Havoc Ray Lewis

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (52) before an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (52) before an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

JaMarcus Russell

Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) sits on the bench in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. The Ravens won 21-13. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) sits on the bench in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. The Ravens won 21-13. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

McGAHEE STIFF ARMS

Baltimore Ravens 21

Oakland Raiders 13

Willis McGahee has been named Week 17 AFC player of the week. He carried the ball 16 times for 167 yards and three touchdowns as the Baltimore Ravens (9-7) defeated the OaklandRaiders to earn a playoff spot  #6 seed. It was by far McGahee's biggest game of the season; he hadn't even rushed for 80 yards in 15 previous games in 2009. Baltimore now plays a New England team that they are 0-5 all time against. The Ravens out rushed the Raiders 240-51, Ray Rice had 89 total yards (70 rush, 19 rec) to give him 2,041 yards from scrimmage on the season.

The Oakland Raiders (5-11) were led by Charlie Frye, who went 18-25 for 180 yards and a touchdown that kept Oakland in the game, but after he left in the second half with an injured ankle and back, JaMarcus Russell came in and was ineffective again, going 9-14 for 102 yards with an interception and a fumble. Another disappointing season for him and the once-proud Raider franchise. Ravens , Raiders

Willis McGahee

Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee (23) hands the ball to a fan after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee (23) hands the ball to a fan after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

Terence Newman -

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman (41) points to his NFC East Champion cap after an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, January 3, 2010 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won the game, 24-0. (AP Photo/Ja
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman (41) points to his NFC East Champion cap after an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, January 3, 2010 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won the game, 24-0. (AP Photo/Ja

Miles Austin

Dallas Cowboys receiver Miles Austin (19) runs after a catch during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, January 3, 2010 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won the game, 24-0. (AP Photo/James D Smith)
Dallas Cowboys receiver Miles Austin (19) runs after a catch during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, January 3, 2010 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won the game, 24-0. (AP Photo/James D Smith)

Philadelphia Eagles 0

Dallas Cowboys 24

The Cowboys set a record today and that is they now can boast of having a winning record after Dec. 1 for the first time since 1996 and ending a nine-game losing streak in season finales.

Tony Romo threw a pair of early touchdown passes and the defense took over from there, carrying Dallas to a 24-0 victory over Philadelphia on Sunday that was filled with milestones for the Cowboys, the most important being that they won the NFC East and will host a rematch in the first round of the playoffs next weekend.

"This ballclub has done a good job of putting its best foot forward when it has to," Romo said. "We haven't arrived and we haven't accomplished anything. This is a step in the process to continue to get to where we want to go. It's a positive one, definitely, but we still need to keep improving. There's hopefully a lot of season left."

This loss or the Philadelphia Eagles sinks them all the way to the sixth seed, the lower of two wild cards. Philadelphia's game-breaking receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin failed to have any plays longer than 32 yards. Donovan McNabb threw for 223 yards and the Eagles gained just 228 overall.

Tony Romo and Jason Witten congratulates kicker Shaun Suisham

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) and tight end Jason Witten (82) congratulate kicker Shaun Suisham (4) following a successful extra point in the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Arli
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) and tight end Jason Witten (82) congratulate kicker Shaun Suisham (4) following a successful extra point in the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Arli

THE BOLTS DO IN THE REDSKINS

San Diego Chargers' Mike Tolbert. second from left, is surrounded by teammates Louis Vasquez, left, Billy Volek, and Brandyn Dombrowski, right, after scoring the go-ahead touchdown with 39 seconds left in the Chargers' 23-20 victory over the Washingt
San Diego Chargers' Mike Tolbert. second from left, is surrounded by teammates Louis Vasquez, left, Billy Volek, and Brandyn Dombrowski, right, after scoring the go-ahead touchdown with 39 seconds left in the Chargers' 23-20 victory over the Washingt

Antoine Cason

San Diego Chargers cornerback Antoine Cason, left, fails to haul in an interception while Washington Redskins' Antwaan Randle El, right, watches during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday Jan. 3 , 2010 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Chris Park
San Diego Chargers cornerback Antoine Cason, left, fails to haul in an interception while Washington Redskins' Antwaan Randle El, right, watches during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday Jan. 3 , 2010 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Chris Park

Washington Redskins 20

San Diego Chargers 23

The San Diego Chargers head into the playoffs on an 11-game winning streak, and they mostly did it using their backups. The AFC West champion Chargers (13-3) already clinched the AFC’s No. 2 playoff seed and a first-round bye and had nothing to play for except to avoid injuries.

San Diego took a 10-0 lead after its first two possessions and Phillip Rivers made way for Billy Volek, who hadn’t had significant playing time since leading the winning drive in a 28-24 divisional-round playoff victory at Indianapolis two seasons ago.

 The Redskins scored on consecutive drives in the second quarter to take a 14-13 lead. Jason Campbell threw a 2-yard TD pass to Todd Yoder midway through the quarter. On the first play of the Skins’ next drive, he threw an 84-yard pass to Malcolm Kelly to the Chargers’ 4. Three plays later, Campbell found Mike Sellers wide open in the back of the end zone. And yet they still couldn't pull a win out.

The Redskins (4-12) plan to fire Zorn on Monday, an official within the NFL told The Associated Press during Sunday’s game.

Levi Jones is consoled by coach Jim Zorn

Washington Redskins offensive tackle Levi Jones is consoled by coach Jim Zorn during the fourth quarter of the Redskins' 23-20 loss to the San Diego Chargers in an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Chris Park)
Washington Redskins offensive tackle Levi Jones is consoled by coach Jim Zorn during the fourth quarter of the Redskins' 23-20 loss to the San Diego Chargers in an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Chris Park)

Vince Young Hands Off to Chris Johnson

Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young, left, hands off to teammate Chris Johnson, right, in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young, left, hands off to teammate Chris Johnson, right, in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Chris Johnson

Tennessee Titans' Chris Johnson is congratulated after an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Seattle. The Titans won 17-13. On Sunday, Johnson became the sixth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a s
Tennessee Titans' Chris Johnson is congratulated after an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Seattle. The Titans won 17-13. On Sunday, Johnson became the sixth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a s

Matt Hasselbeck

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) reacts to being sacked in the first half against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, during an NFL football game in Seattle. The Titans defeated the Seahawks 17-13. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) reacts to being sacked in the first half against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, during an NFL football game in Seattle. The Titans defeated the Seahawks 17-13. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

Texas Titans 17

Seattle Seahawks 13

The Titans end their season on a positive note and finish up at the .500 mark after starting the season 0-6. Chris Johnson was the focus on Sunday as he went for several team and NFL records. Early  in the game CJ broke Marshall Faulk’s total yards from scrimmage of 2,429 yards set in 1999 and later set the Titans team record for rushing yards in a season passing legend Earl Campbell’s 1,935 yard mark set in 1980.

A fan in the stands celebrates the rushing performance of Tennessee Titans' Chris Johnson during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
A fan in the stands celebrates the rushing performance of Tennessee Titans' Chris Johnson during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

CJ2K

Packers Cruise To Victory In Playoff Preview

Green Bay Packers' Charles Woodson, second from right, celebrates his interception return for a touchdown with teammates Jarrett Bush (24) and Clay Matthews, front left, and Atari Bigby, back, as Arizona Cardinals' Jeremy Bridges (73) sits on the gro
Green Bay Packers' Charles Woodson, second from right, celebrates his interception return for a touchdown with teammates Jarrett Bush (24) and Clay Matthews, front left, and Atari Bigby, back, as Arizona Cardinals' Jeremy Bridges (73) sits on the gro

Kurt Warner

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner (13) watches from the sidelines against the Green Bay Packers during the first half on an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner (13) watches from the sidelines against the Green Bay Packers during the first half on an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Green Bay Packers 33

Arizona Cardinals 7

The Packers enter the playoffs led by one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks this season. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers became the first quarterback in the NFL to pass for more than 4,000 yards in his first two years as starter. He also tied four players, including Minnesota’s Brett Favre, for the second-fewest interceptions (seven) among qualified quarterbacks. Most importantly, Rodgers brought his career record as a starter to 17-15.


The Packers also had a 1,200-yard rusher in Ryan Grant and a pair of 1,000-yard receivers in Donald Driver and Greg Jennings to go with Rodgers' 4,000 for the second straight season. It's the first time in NFL history any team has done that, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

The Quarterbacks to Face Off in Widcard Game

Aaron Rodgers and Kurt Warner (Jim Biever/Packers.com)
Aaron Rodgers and Kurt Warner (Jim Biever/Packers.com)

Broncos Blow It in the End

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel hands off the ball while facing the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Denver. (AP Photo/ Ed Andrieski )
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel hands off the ball while facing the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Denver. (AP Photo/ Ed Andrieski )

Josh McDaniels

Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels looks on against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Denver. (AP Photo/ Ed Andrieski )
Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels looks on against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Denver. (AP Photo/ Ed Andrieski )

Kansas City Chiefs 44

Denver Broncos 24


Josh McDaniels first season as Denvers coach ended the same way Mike Shanahan's last one did, with a late season flop and a blowout that kept the Broncos out of the playoffs. Denver completed a rare feat on Sunday by losing 44-24 to Kansas City, becoming just the third team in NFL history to start a season 6-0 and then miss the playoffs

Jamal Charles ran for 259 yards and 2 touchdowns, a Chiefs record. Broncos WR Jabar Gafney had 14 catches for 213 yards, both career highs.

Derrick Johnson picked off Broncos QB Kyle Orton who had three interceptions and two times returning both for touchdowns of 45 and 60 yards, respectively. Those were costly second-half interceptions that doomed Denver for defeat. Orton threw for a career-high 431 yards.

Elvis

Elvis Dumervil (AP Photo/Chris Schneider)
Elvis Dumervil (AP Photo/Chris Schneider)

Jets Rout Bengals To Earn 1st Playoff Berth Since 2006

New York Jets' Dwight Lowery, right, celebrates with teammate Kerry Rhodes after making an interception during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010.
New York Jets' Dwight Lowery, right, celebrates with teammate Kerry Rhodes after making an interception during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010.

Mark Sanchez

New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez greets fans after the Jets beat the Cincinnati Bengals 37-0 in an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. The Jets won 37-0. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez greets fans after the Jets beat the Cincinnati Bengals 37-0 in an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. The Jets won 37-0. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

J*E*T*S

Cincinnati Bengals 0

New York Jets 37

As the Giant Stadium era comes to an end it was the Jets who turned out to be Giants.

Not only did the Jets jump ahead early, they allowed the Bengals to have possession of the football for about 5 minuets in the first half. The Bengals only ran three plays in the first quarter compared to 24 for the Jets.
Chad Ochocinco suffered a bruised left knee injury during a pregame warmups spill. After dropping two passes in the first half, Ochocinco left the game without having made a reception, ending his streak of making a catch in a game in which he played at 120 games.

Mark Sanchez
completed 8 of 16 passes for 63 yards and didn't throw an interception for the second straight game. Darrelle Revis was outstanding proving that he is the best cornerback in the game. The most receptions any receiver has had over Revis this year was Randy Moss with 5 and the most yards he has allowed by a receiver was 58 by Louis Murphy. With Revis at corner and the New York Jets defense bringing heavy pressure, they might be that one team that enters the playoffs hot and makes some serious damage.
The shutout means that the Jets defense finished the season as the top-ranked unit in the NFL.

JETS SHONN GREEN 53 YD TD BEATS CHARGERS

Mark Sanchez Cheers Brad Smith's TD

New York Jets Brad Smith, right, scores a touchdown past Cincinnati Bengals' Leon Hall as celebrating quarterback Mark Sanchez approaches during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Jan. 3, 20
New York Jets Brad Smith, right, scores a touchdown past Cincinnati Bengals' Leon Hall as celebrating quarterback Mark Sanchez approaches during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Jan. 3, 20

In Rex We Trust

New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan greets fans after the Jets 37-0 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan greets fans after the Jets 37-0 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
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