NFL Week 17: Biggest questions, takeaways for every game

Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season began on Christmas Day with an NFC East showdown between the Cowboys and Commanders. Dallas jumped all over Washington early but had to hold on after allowing several big plays.

Later in the day, the Vikings dashed the Lions’ playoff hopes. Minnesota came out strong and held on to beat Detroit at home.

Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to all the action, answering lingering questions arising from each game and breaking down everything you need to know for each team. Let’s go.

Go to:
DAL-WSH | DET-MIN

Follow the action: Boxed Sheet Music | To summarize

Vikings

Was that enough for safety Harrison Smith to play another season? It’s been a long time since the 36-year-old made so many high-impact plays in a game. But Smith produced a sack, an interception, two batted passes and two tackles for loss as the Vikings defense forced six turnovers. Smith hasn’t said he plans to retire, but many people in and around the franchise suspect he will. But if he can play like that again, maybe he could once again delay that decision.

Key statistic to know: The Vikings finished with 3 net passing yards, the fewest by a winning team in an NFL game since 2006, as rookie quarterback Max Brosmer had six sacks and struggled to find open receivers. They were minus-7 net passing yards until Brosmer’s final throw, a 10-yard pass to receiver Justin Jefferson to convert a third down and seal the game. -Kevin Seifert

Next game: against packers (to be determined)

Lions

How concerning was quarterback Jared Goff’s performance? Very worrying. Goff couldn’t do much as the offensive line struggled to protect him without starting LT Taylor Decker, who was ruled inactive due to illness. The Vikings’ strong defense sacked Goff five times and forced five turnovers (two interceptions, three fumbles), which tied a career high. The Lions’ eight turnovers in Week 16 were the fewest in the NFL, but they ended with Minnesota’s season-high six turnovers as Goff went 18 of 29 for 197 passing yards and a touchdown while facing constant pressure. With this loss, the Lions were eliminated from the playoffs.

Key statistic to know: This is the first time the Lions have lost multiple fumbles in a game this season with four. Goff fumbled his snap in the first quarter, then RB Jahmyr Gibbs fumbled while rushing at 14:22 in the second quarter. Goff fumbled twice in the fourth quarter. Prior to this game, the last time Detroit lost at least two fumbles in a game was in Week 12 of 2023 against the Packers. The Lions’ streak of 38 consecutive games without losing multiple fumbles was the fourth-longest active streak in the NFL on Thursday behind the Falcons (42), Chiefs (41) and Texans (40). — Eric Woodyard

Next game: in bears (to be determined)

Follow the action: Boxed Sheet Music | To summarize

Cowboys

Does finishing with a non-losing record matter? This is the case for Brian Schottenheimer, who often mentioned that this was the first year of the program. The Cowboys are 7-8-1 with their Week 18 finale against the New York Giants looming, and Schottenheimer has given no indication that the Cowboys are considering sitting regulars such as Dak Prescott to avoid injuries. The quarterback said he wants to play and will fight to stay in the lineup. If the Cowboys lose to the Giants — whether they play their core players or not — it will be the first time Dallas has had back-to-back losing seasons since three straight 5-11 games between 2000 and 2002.

Key statistic to know: The Cowboys converted 4 of 9 third downs in the first half and all four chances on fourth down. They finished with six – the most fourth-down conversions the Cowboys have had in any game over the past 45 seasons. The last team to have four fourth-down conversions in the first half was the New Orleans Saints in 2006, who also had four against the Giants. The Cowboys had 17 first downs in the first half, while the Commanders had just 18 plays. Dallas added two more fourth-down conversions in the fourth quarter. -Todd Archer

Next game: among the giants (to be determined)

play

Dak goes deep to KaVontae Turpin for an 86-yard TD

Dak Prescott hits KaVontae Turpin in stride for a touchdown to extend the Cowboys’ lead over the Commanders.

Commanders

Will Dan Quinn end the season in the hot seat? There’s no indication that Quinn’s job is in jeopardy, but even if he doesn’t finish the season on the hot seat, his future job security will be a topic for next season. Washington has lost 12 of its last 13 games, a year after winning 12 in the regular season. But an injury-depleted roster was the primary culprit in Washington’s season, giving Quinn and his team a reprieve. However, Quinn will have a decision to make at defensive coordinator. He took over for Joe Whitt Jr. in Week 11. Several players said Quinn didn’t lose the locker room, and despite being short-handed against Dallas — starting their No. 3 QB in Josh Johnson — the Commanders made a game out of it thanks in part to strong performances from running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (105 rushing yards) and defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton (three sacks).

Biggest hole in the game plan: Defense on third and fourth downs. Dallas converted 8 of 19 third downs, which wasn’t horrible. There was a 14-yard gain on third-and-18 that resulted in a fourth-and-short. That’s where the Commanders faltered, as Dallas converted all of its fourth-down attempts, leading to 17 points. Dallas has made 87 plays, 19 more than any other team against the Commanders this season. -John Keim

Next game: at Eagles (to be determined)