The Shenoa Report
December 18, 2025
Regular Season Week 16
This will be the first post season without Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, or Patrick Mahomes since 1998. Yo. Refreshing if you ask me.
Guys, for maybe the second time this season I won in both fantasy leagues. Hooray, I can’t come in last place in either league! In the other league I’ve advanced to the semifinals. Wish me luck. CMC Ya Next Season 8-6, Cursed 6-8
I went 10-6 in picks.
Let’s jump into the recap!
Falcons @ Buccaneers 29-28
The Falcons stunned the Buccaneers, rallying from a 14 point 4th quarter deficit behind Kirk Cousins’ three touchdown passes to Kyle Pitts and Zane Gonzalez’s walk off 43 yard field goal. The loss dropped the Bucs to 7‑7, knocking them out of first place in the NFC South and tightening the playoff race, while Atlanta improved to 5‑9 despite already being eliminated.
Fun fact: the Falcons committed a franchise‑record 19 penalties yet still pulled off the comeback.
Bills @ Patriots 35-31
Holy Buffalo Batman! The Bills rallied from a 21‑0 deficit to stun the Patriots, keeping the AFC East race alive. The win moved Buffalo to 10‑4, just one game behind the 11‑3 Patriots, delaying New England’s chance to clinch the division and tightening playoff seeding.
Fun fact: this was Buffalo’s largest road comeback in franchise history, tying their biggest overall comeback against New England back in 2011.
Ravens @ Bengals 24-0
The Ravens shutout the Bengals, with Lamar Jackson throwing two touchdowns and the defense sealing it with a 95 yard pick six. The win snapped Baltimore’s two game losing streak and kept them in the AFC North hunt at 7‑7, while Cincinnati fell to 4‑10 and saw their playoff hopes effectively end.
Fun fact: it was the coldest game at Paycor Stadium in 25 years, and the first time Joe Burrow has ever been shut out in his career.
Jets @ Jaguars 20-48
The Jaguars crushed the Jets, with Trevor Lawrence throwing a career high five touchdown passes and adding another on the ground. The win pushed Jacksonville to 10‑4, strengthening their hold on first place in the AFC South and playoff positioning, while the Jets fell to 3‑11 and were officially eliminated.
Fun fact: Lawrence’s six total touchdowns marked the most ever by a Jaguars quarterback in a single game.
Chargers @ Chiefs 16-13
The Chargers edged the Chiefs, with Derwin James sealing the win by intercepting Gardner Minshew after Patrick Mahomes left with a torn ACL. The victory improved Los Angeles to 10–4, keeping them firmly in the AFC playoff picture, while Kansas City fell to 6–8 and was eliminated from postseason contention.
Fun fact: rookie KeAndre Lambert‑Smith scored his very first NFL touchdown in the game, a 16‑yard catch just before halftime.
Cardinals @ Texans 20-40
The Texans dominated the Cardinals, with C.J. Stroud throwing for 260 yards and three touchdowns to extend Houston’s winning streak to six games. The victory improved the Texans to 9–5, keeping them one game behind the Jaguars in the AFC South and firmly in the wild‑card race, while Arizona fell to 3–11 and was eliminated from playoff contention.
Fun fact: Cardinals tight end Trey McBride set an NFL record with his 16th straight game of at least five catches, finishing with 12 receptions for 134 yards and two TDs.
Browns @ Bears 3-31
The Bears crushed the Browns, with Caleb Williams throwing two touchdowns to DJ Moore and D’Andre Swift adding two rushing TDs. The win lifted Chicago to 10–4, moving them into first place in the NFC North and giving them the No. 2 seed in the NFC, while Cleveland dropped to 3–11 and was eliminated from playoff contention.
Fun fact: this was one of the coldest games ever at Soldier Field, with a kickoff temperature of just 8 degrees.
Commanders @ NY Giants 29-21
Commanders fans, you’re welcome. We helped you snap an 8 game losing streak! We really are the nicest team, always putting the other team first, making sure they get enough points to win the game. Believe it or not, this win is keeping slim playoff hopes mathematically alive for the Commanders. The Giants were the first team to be eliminated from playoff hopes this season, weeks ago. Old news. Now, we are that much closer to securing the top draft pick.
Fun fact: rookie linebacker Abdul Carter had a breakout game for the Giants, forcing two fumbles and recording 3.5 tackles for loss despite the defeat.
Raiders @ Eagles 0-31
The Eagles snapped a three game losing streak with a shutout of the Raiders, as Jalen Hurts threw three touchdown passes and the defense held Las Vegas to just 75 total yards. The win improved Philadelphia to 9‑5, keeping them in the thick of the NFC playoff race, while the Raiders dropped to 2‑12 and were officially eliminated.
Fun fact: this was the second time this season the Raiders were shut out 31‑0 on the road, the exact same score they lost to the Chiefs earlier in the year.
Colts @ Seahawks 16-18
The Seahawks edged the Colts, winning on Jason Myers’ franchise record sixth field goal, a 56 yarder with 29 seconds left. The victory improved Seattle to 11‑3, keeping them tied with the Rams atop the NFC West and firmly in the playoff race, while Indianapolis fell to 8‑6 and dropped out of AFC South contention.
Fun fact: Philip Rivers, at 44 years old, returned to the NFL after nearly five years away, throwing his first touchdown since the 2021 playoffs.
Packers @ Broncos 26-34
The Broncos rallied past the Packers, with Bo Nix throwing four touchdown passes and Pat Surtain II’s interception sparking the comeback. The win clinched Denver’s playoff berth and solidified their hold on the AFC’s No. 1 seed at 12–2, while Green Bay fell to 9‑4‑1 and slipped in the NFC playoff race.
Fun fact: Josh Jacobs ripped off a 40‑yard touchdown run for the Packers, his longest score of the season.
Titans @ 49ers 24-37
The 49ers beat the Titans, with Brock Purdy throwing three touchdown passes and San Francisco scoring on its first five possessions. The win improved the 49ers to 10–4, tightening their grip on NFC playoff positioning, while Tennessee fell to 2–12 and was eliminated from postseason contention.
Fun fact: Jeffery Simmons, a defensive lineman for the Titans, caught his second career touchdown pass in the game.
Panthers @ Saints 17-20
The Saints stunned the Panthers, winning on Charlie Smyth’s 47 yard field goal with two seconds left. The loss dropped Carolina to 7‑7, tying them with Tampa Bay in the NFC South and complicating their playoff path, while New Orleans improved to 4‑10 and played spoiler for the second straight week.
Fun fact: Smyth, a rookie kicker from Northern Ireland, nailed the game‑winner in just his third NFL appearance.
Lions @ Rams 34-41
The Rams outlasted the Lions, clinching a playoff berth behind Matthew Stafford’s 368 passing yards and two touchdowns. The loss dropped Detroit to 8–6, leaving them outside the NFC playoff picture and likely needing to win out to stay alive.
Fun fact: Rams running back Kyren Williams surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the third straight season, joining Eric Dickerson and Marshall Faulk as the only backs in franchise history to do so.
Vikings @ Cowboys 34-26
The Vikings upset the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, with QB J.J. McCarthy throwing two touchdowns and rushing for another. The win gave Minnesota back‑to‑back victories despite being eliminated earlier in the day, while Dallas fell to 6‑7‑1, putting their playoff hopes on the brink.
Fun fact: fullback C.J. Ham scored the go ahead touchdown on his very first carry of the season.
Dolphins @ Steelers 15-28
The Steelers defeated the Dolphins, with Aaron Rodgers throwing two second‑half touchdowns to spark four straight scoring drives. The win moved Pittsburgh to 8–6, keeping them atop the AFC North playoff race, while Miami fell to 6–8 and was officially eliminated from postseason contention.
Fun fact: Rodgers completed 23 of 27 passes for a passer rating of 125.9, his best since Week 1.
WEEK 16
Thursday, December 18th
Rams (11-3) @ Seahawks (11-3) (8:15pm PRIME VIDEO)
This is a divisional matchup with both teams at 11‑3, where the winner will take sole possession of first place and be in prime position for the NFC’s No. 1 seed. The Rams won the first matchup in Week 11 and have historically had success against the Seahawks. I’ve got a ton of fantasy implications in this game and it will most likely sway my pick. I am going to pick the Rams to win this game because I need points.
Saturday, December 20th
Eagles (9-5) @ Commanders (4-10) (5pm FOX)
The Commanders have already been eliminated from the playoffs and would LOVE to spoil the day for the Eagles. I am usually allllll on board for this kind of spoiler BUT I am in the Championship Semi Finals in fantasy and I need Hurts to have another spectacular game. I NEED POINTS! I’m picking the Eagles to win this game.
Packers (9-4-1) @ Bears (10-4) (8:20pm FOX)
Ok, so the winner of this game will take control of the NFC North and will clinch a playoff berth. The loser of this game is still alive, but risks slipping into the wild‑card race. Fantasy playoffs, I need points. Blah blah blah. I think the Bears will win this game. I just need it to be high scoring because I have a lot of Packers in fantasy. I’m picking the Bears for the win.
Sunday, December 21st
Jets (3-11) @ Saints (4-10) (1pm CBS)
Both teams have already been eliminated from the playoffs so they are just playing for pride, and hopefully no injuries. I’ve got Chris Olave and Jwan Johnson so I need the Saints to have a good game, it’s just a bummer my opponent is starting Tyler Shough. I need Shough to throw to Olave and Johnson, without scoring enough points to beat me. Regardless, I'm picking the Saints to win this game.
Bills (10-4) @ Browns (3-11) (1pm CBS)
The Bills can clinch a playoff berth with a win combined with losses by either the Colts or the Texans. The Browns have already been eliminated from postseason contention. I’m picking the Bills to win this game. GO BILLS!
Chiefs (6-8) @ Titans (2-11) (1pm CBS)
This is most fun to say. The Chiefs have been eliminated from the playoffs. Neither team will be in the post season so this game is just for fun. I’m picking the Chiefs to win but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Titans got their 3rd win of the season.
Chargers (10-4) @ Cowboys (6-7-1) (1pm FOX)
Technically the Cowboys haven’t been eliminated from the playoffs. But their chances are very slim. First they would have to win out the rest of the season. Not likely. Then they also need the Eagles to lose at least 2 of their last 3 games. Also, not likely. That said, I am picking the Chargers to win this game and get a playoff berth.
Vikings (6-8) @ NY Giants (2-12) (1pm FOX)
Both teams have been eliminated from playoff contention so this game is just a game. I am expecting the Giants will try to win this game but fail to do so. Or maybe they will win and screw up their number one draft pick. I will be rooting for the Giants but picking the Vikings to win this game. Go G-Men!
Buccaneers (7-7) @ Panthers (7-7) (1pm FOX)
This game has first place in the NFC South on the line. Both teams are 7‑7, and the winner will take control of the division heading into the final two weeks. Both teams lost last week, embarrassingly so. I am picking the Bucs to win with no good reason.
Bengals (4-10) @ Dolphins (6-8) (1pm CBS)
Both teams have already been eliminated so it’s just a game of pride. The big news for the Dolphins is that they have benched Tua. Rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers will start for the Miami Dolphins. I’m picking the Bengals to win this game.
Jaguars (10-4) @ Broncos (12-2) (4:05pm FOX)
Both teams are firmly in the playoff race. Denver can clinch the AFC West and potentially the No. 1 seed with a win, while Jacksonville is fighting to stay atop the AFC South. I’m picking the Broncos to win this game.
Falcons (5-9) @ Cardinals (3-11) (4:05pm FOX)
Both teams were never in the playoff contention so this game is just a game. I’m picking the Falcons to win this game but wouldn’t be surprised if the Cardinals got their 4th win of the season.
Raiders (2-12) @ Texans (9-5) (4:25pm CBS)
The Raiders have already been eliminated from playoff contention. A Texans win keeps them in contention for the AFC South title against Jacksonville and also strengthens their wild‑card fallback if they don’t win the division. I’m picking the Texans to win this game.
Steelers (8-6) @ Lions (8-6) (4:25pm CBS)
Both teams are 8‑6, so the game carries major playoff implications. Detroit needs a win to stay alive in the NFC race, while Pittsburgh is trying to hold onto first place in the AFC North. I am rooting for and picking the Lions to win this game and keep their playoff hopes alive!
Patriots (11-3) @ Ravens (7-7) (8:20pm NBC/Peacock)
The Patriots can clinch a playoff berth with a win. The Ravens must win to stay in contention for the AFC North and a wild‑card spot. The Patriots are undefeated on the road this season. I think it will continue. I am picking the Patriots to upset the Ravens at home.
Monday, December 22nd
49ers (10-4) @ Colts (8-6) (8:15pm ABC/ESPN)
Both teams are in the playoff race. The 49ers can strengthen their NFC seeding with a win, while the Colts need a victory to stay alive in the AFC wild‑card hunt. That said, I’m picking the 49ers to win this game. My fantasy outcome hinges on this game. I’ve got CMC and my opponent has Jonathon Taylor. To say I'm nervous doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel. I just want to win.
GO G-MEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the edit Eric!
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