Welcome to The Monday Morning Mashup! In this column, I will share all of the things from NFL Sunday that I think are worth your time. It may be good things, it may be bad things, it may be plays or play calls or players, but it will all be rooted in my love for this beautiful, ugly, fascinating, frustrating game we call football.
Jump to:
- First Things First: The Detroit Lions earned the NFC’s #1 seed after beating the Minnesota Vikings 31-9.
- The Matter Meter!
- Awards!
A Quick Thank You
Before we dive into our final Monday Morning Mashup of the 2024-2025 NFL season, I want to extend a sincere thank you to all of you. It has been awesome seeing how many of you have been kind enough to read and follow along, it has been great to discuss all of the happenings in the NFL with all of you, and perhaps most important of all, it has been so much fun watching all of the ups, downs, and all arounds of the NFL season. With that out of the way, let’s get to business.
First Things First: The Detroit Lions earned the NFC’s #1 seed after beating the Minnesota Vikings 31-9.
If you only remember one thing from this Sunday, this is what it should be.
After the Detroit Lions put up 40 points last Monday in San Francisco, it was the Lions defense that stole the show in Week 18 against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings took four trips to the red zone in the first half, with two making their way inside the five-yard line. The results of those four trips were: turnover on downs, field goal, field goal, and turnover on downs. Aaron Glenn’s unit created pressure, mixed up man coverage and zone coverage, and even found ways to double team both Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Sam Darnold was moved off his spot in the pocket and missed a few throws by the slimmest of margins. In the second half, the Vikings scored just three points and failed to reach the red zone as Aaron Glenn broke the blitz dial.
The @Lions defense stops ’em at the goal line AGAIN.
📺: #MINvsDET on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/DPMikfZcI8— NFL (@NFL) January 6, 2025
It is astounding that this Lions group was able to put together this performance on the biggest stage of the regular season. They have lost countless players to injury and even lost rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold in this game. Amik Robertson stepped up in a big way with 35 snaps across from Justin Jefferson that led to just three receptions for 54 yards. Robertson entered this season as Detroit’s nickel corner and played like a stud on the outside in Week 18. Alex Anzalone was also a positive in coverage as he cut off routes and closed space as Minnesota put up a 3/13 third down (and 0/3 fourth down) day. Detroit was able to generate a nearly 50% pressure rate with a heavy blitz menu, and Sam Darnold never got comfortable on the way to 18 completions on 41 attempts.
On the offensive side of the ball, Detroit had what some might look at as an “off” game but still managed to produce 31 points. Jared Goff finished the day with two interceptions, but still was 27/33 as Jahmyr Gibbs carried the unit with four total touchdowns. Ben Johnson was able to find more room over the middle of the field in the second half as Detroit outscored Minnesota 21-3 over the third and fourth quarters. Right guard Kevin Zeitler was injured late in this game and there have not been any details released yet, but he will have the bye week to hopefully recover.
Goff to Gibbs on 4th down!
Lions extend their lead.
📺: #MINvsDET on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/UKEit2O4hp— NFL (@NFL) January 6, 2025
After the game, Dan Campbell had simple words for Kevin O’Connell. “Great job. Great seeing you. I’ll see you in two weeks.” If that is true, we would be in for a treat as the Vikings prepare to head to Los Angeles for a date with the only other team that has beat them this season.
The Matter Meter
How much does what we saw on Sunday actually matter?
It Definitely Matters: All three NFC first-round matchups are rematches from the regular season.
The NFC playoffs will feature three 14-win teams between the Lions, Eagles, and Vikings and three first-round rematches from earlier this season (including two from Week 1). Let’s take a look at the schedule.
(7) Green Bay Packers @ (2) Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday 4:30 p.m. ET
In Week 1 in Brazil, the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Green Bay Packers 34-29 behind three Saquon Barkley touchdowns and 119 A.J. Brown receiving yards. Philadelphia survived three turnovers and a sloppy start while both teams combined for just a 7/25 third down performance. The Packers created explosive plays with motion and shifts to move Vic Fangio’s safeties and nickel cornerback (then Avonte Maddox, now Cooper DeJean), and broke tackles on the way to the end zone. Green Bay had success running into four down fronts in the middle of the game, but the Eagles escaped with a win.
Looking ahead to this matchup, Philadelphia has increased their run rate, their defense has solidified as a top unit in the league, and the Packers will be monitoring a Jordan Love elbow injury from Week 18. All signs point to Love playing in the Wild Card round, though Jaire Alexander will be out for this game and Christian Watson may be out as well. The Packers can play the run well with Edgerrin Cooper emerging as a strong linebacker, but this game could come down to how Green Bay’s defensive line deals with the best offensive line in the league in the run game and in the pass game.
(6) Washington Commanders @ (3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday 8 p.m. ET
Before the legend of Jayden Daniels was spread through the land, the Washington Commanders dropped a 37-20 Week 1 game to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both of these teams seem to have gone through several seasons since then as Tampa Bay’s run game has moved from an outside zone approach to more attacking gap scheme runs and Washington’s offense has ascended above preseason expectations. Both of these teams have had emerging offensive lines and creativity in the run game that has been fun to watch on film.
Washington’s defense likes to send pressure, and that could be easier if Marshon Lattimore ends up playing in this game. Dan Quinn did say Lattimore was close to playing in Week 18, so signs point to another chapter in the Mike Evans-Marson Lattimore rivalry.
(5) Minnesota Vikings @ (4) Los Angeles Rams, Monday 8 p.m. ET
The Vikings have lost to two teams this season: The NFC North champion Detroit Lions and their first-round opponent, the Los Angeles Rams. Before going on a nine-game win streak, Minnesota lost a 30-20 Week 8 Thursday game to the Rams. That game was an admirable effort for the Rams offense as Matthew Stafford was able to get rid of the ball quick but also find chances to push the ball down the field. Stafford faced little pressure in that game, and Minnesota will look to change that in this rematch.
Minnesota did a good job in pass protection early in their first meeting with the Rams but lost left tackle Christian Darrisaw during the game. Sam Darnold has elevated his play since Week 8, improved against pressure, and has all of Kevin O’Connell’s trust. The Vikings will need to perform better against the blitz and in the red zone than they did in Week 18 to help their chances of postseason success.
It Definitely Matters: The Chiefs, Bills, and Ravens lead the way in the AFC playoffs.
As is usual in recent years, the AFC playoffs will go through Kansas City. The Chiefs will enjoy the bye week on top of resting starters in Week 18 and have solidified their offensive attack with Joe Thuney taking snaps at left tackle and Hollywood Brown opening up Xavier Worthy’s role.
(7) Denver Broncos @ (2) Buffalo Bills, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
After a 38-0 win over Kansas City’s backups, the Denver Broncos clinched the #7 seed in the AFC. Sean Payton has settled in with rookie Bo Nix at quarterback with thoughtful screens, quick throws, and some personnel diversity in the run game. Quinn Meinerz and Garett Bolles are rock solid up front for Denver as the Broncos will look to deal with Buffalo’s four player pass rush.
The Bills offense against the Broncos defense will be a great matchup between an MVP candidate and a defense that has an argument to be seen as the best in the league. The Broncos have a Defensive Player of the Year caliber talent in Pat Surtain II, but their front of Nik Bonitto, Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers, and Jonathon Cooper can get after any quarterback. Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown have impressed at both offensive tackle spots for Buffalo, and Denver will need an answer for Buffalo’s six offensive linemen package to compete in this one.
(6) Pittsburgh Steelers @ (3) Baltimore Ravens, Saturday 8 p.m. ET
The Ravens and Steelers will meet for the third time this season, though the Ravens will likely be without Zay Flowers after an injury in Week 18 against the Browns. Lamar Jackson capped off an unbelievable year where he somehow took another step forward as a passer in his second year with offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Derrick Henry has also helped Baltimore in the under center run game and is a true closer. Pittsburgh has lost their last four games while Baltimore’s defense has figured out their own issues with communication on the back end. The Steelers offense will need to right the ship to make this one competitive.
(5) Los Angeles Chargers @ (4) Houston Texans, Saturday 4:30 p.m. ET
In the first season of the Jim Harbaugh era, the Los Angeles Chargers won 11 games and earned the #5 seed. Before all that, with the fifth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Chargers faced the choice of an offensive tackle or a wide receiver in the first round. The Chargers ended up selecting Joe Alt, another foundational piece for their offensive line, and landed Ladd McConkey in round two. McConkey finished the year with over 1,000 receiving yards as Harbaugh’s first draft with Los Angeles went swimmingly. Jesse Minter’s defense has been strong with Daiyan Henely in the middle, Khalil Mack turning back the clock, and positive performances from Tarheeb Still, Kristian Fulton, and Derwin James Jr. in the secondary.
The Texans have had ups and downs in C.J. Stroud’s sophomore season along with injuries to Steffon Diggs, Nico Collins, and Tank Dell. Collins will be the only one available for the playoffs and has the potential to be a top five receiver in the league. Houston will look to sure up their offensive line play in their first-round matchup and win behind play makers Danielle Hunter, Will Anderson Jr., and Derek Stingley Jr. on defense.
It Definitely Matters: The Tennessee Titans are on the clock with the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
With 14 teams looking ahead to the playoffs, 18 teams know where their first-round pick will fall in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Tennessee Titans have the first pick in a draft where two quarterbacks, Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward, are seen as likely first-round picks. This year’s draft board does feature some defensive players towards the top, though, so we should expect a change from last year’s draft that saw offensive players taken with the first 14 picks. Still, quarterback selections will define this draft for years to come.
Here is what we know about the first round before any potential trades:
- Tennessee Titans
- Cleveland Browns
- New York Giants
- New England Patriots
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Las Vegas Raiders
- New York Jets
- Carolina Panthers
- New Orleans Saints
- Chicago Bears
- San Francisco 49ers
- Dallas Cowboys
- Miami Dolphins
- Indianapolis Colts
- Atlanta Falcons
- Arizona Cardinals
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Seattle Seahawks
And the Award Goes to…
Here are some very real, very important awards handed out by an esteemed committee based on this week’s performances.
The Triple Crown: Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinatti Bengals
The NFL’s receiver triple crown is bestowed upon a player that leads the league in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns at the end of a season. After the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, just four players have donned the diadem: Jerry Rice (1990), Sterling Sharpe (1992), Steve Smith Sr. (2005), and most recently, Cooper Kupp (2021).
Ja’Marr Chase joined the illustrious club with 127 receptions, 1,708 receiving yards, and 17 touchdowns in 2024. Chase is incredibly difficult to tackle after the catch, hard to cover before the catch, and has a beautiful connection with Joe Burrow.
Burrow. Chase. Back shoulder. Too good.
📺: #CINvsPIT on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/ccXIzcL35I— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025
Along with Chase’s achievement, Joe Burrow led the league in completions, passing yards, and passing touchdowns while Trey Hendrickson led the league in sacks. Still, with all of that statistical star power, the Bengals will not be in the playoffs as the Denver Broncos win over the Kansas City Chiefs’ backups settled the #7 seed in the AFC. The Bengals are in for an interesting offseason as they face questions about the future of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and their defense.
The Streak Continues: Mike Evans finished his 11th straight NFL season with 1,000 receiving yards.
It took until the last play of the regular season, but Mike Evans crossed the 1,000 receiving yard mark, again. He has done so for all 11 of his NFL seasons (tying Jerry Rice for the most consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons) as well as his only two college seasons. The Buccaneers played a close game against the Saints on Sunday that included a 94-yard drive to go up by eight points that left Evans just five yards short of the milestone. Tampa Bay kicked the ball back to New Orleans with just 1:51 on the clock and hope was slipping. The Saints turned the ball over on downs with 36 seconds left and the Bucs had a choice. Take the knee and secure the win, or go for glory:
MIKE EVANS. 1,000 YARDS ONCE AGAIN. pic.twitter.com/V4S7S8APUX
— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025
I appreciate the play call from Liam Coen here. A jet sweep touch pass would have guaranteed a catch, but this sort of shield play was a nice one to reach the mark.
Play of the Day: Josh Blackwell, Chicago Bears
Sometimes on punt plays you can hear “LEFT, LEFT, LEFT” caught by the broadcast. This may be the punter letting the coverage unit know where the ball was booted or the returner giving his team the same information. Ideally, the punt team can trust the pre-called direction in the huddle since coverage players also have making a block, avoiding a block, staying in their lane, and making a tackle on their mind, but the ball doesn’t always go where it is meant to.
Another important point of information for where the ball will land is where the returner ends up positioning himself after the punt. Returners are incentivized to catch the punt in most areas of the field, but that can change on the goal line where returners want to convince the outside coverage players (gunners) on the punt team to shift their focus from downing the ball inside the five to the potential threat of a catch and return.
The Bears took all of that and put some seasoning on top of it for a trick play touchdown in Week 18. On what could have been a routine punt, DJ Moore, aligned as the typical returner, floated to one side of the field while one of the return team’s gunner blockers tracked the ball on the opposite side of the field, caught the punt to everyone’s surprise, and strolled away for a 94-yard touchdown.
Entire team went to the left. Josh Blackwell returned it on the right and took it all the way 👏
📺: #CHIvsGB on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/YoXkMX5OZX— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025
This particular play between these particular teams is reminiscent of the Bears trying it back in 2011. Unfortunately for all of us, a Johnny Knox surprise return touchdown was called back on a penalty. The Bears special teams coordinator at the time, Dave Toub, is currently with the Kansas City Chiefs and surely still has these shenanigans up his sleeve. Other teams have tried it as well, including the then St. Louis Rams and the Arizona Cardinals.
4 NFL fake out punt returns:
1. 2011 Chicago Bears, Week 3: Johnny Knox
2. 2014 St. Louis Rams, Week 7: Stedman Bailey
3. 2021 Arizona Cardinals, Week 16: Byron Murphy Jr.
4. Today’s Chicago Bears: Josh Blackwell pic.twitter.com/RDJPOOulrv— Shawn Syed (@SyedSchemes) January 5, 2025
Special thanks to NFL Pro and RBSDM.com for the stat assistance!
