Week 17 of the 2024 NFL season proved to be the most action-packed yet, highlighted by Christmas Day games that featured the Kansas City Chiefs triumphing over the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens dominating the Houston Texans. The day was capped off with an entertaining halftime performance by Beyoncé, adding a festive flair to the holiday football action.
The excitement continued with a low-scoring matchup on Thursday Night Football between the Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears, followed by a thrilling triple-header on Saturday. A critical game saw the Denver Broncos face off against the Cincinnati Bengals, where quarterback Joe Burrow played a pivotal role in keeping his team's playoff hopes alive. With just over a minute left in the game and the score tied, Burrow executed a decisive run to score, leading to an overtime victory after a dramatic finish.
Burrow's performance marked a significant moment for the Bengals, as they secured their first offensive touchdown in overtime in franchise history. Meanwhile, creative plays and impressive performances were a theme throughout the week. The New Orleans Saints showcased a trick play that led to a touchdown, while the Minnesota Vikings delighted fans with a spirited dance routine.
Surprise performances included Drew Lock of the New York Giants, who delivered an outstanding game despite the team's draft aspirations. Joe Flacco stepped in for the Indianapolis Colts and put up respectable numbers despite the loss. Additionally, Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals finally scored a touchdown after an extensive wait, setting a record for the most receptions in a season without a touchdown.
Highlighting the best catches from the week, players demonstrated remarkable skill with impressive grabs and toe-taps. Off the field, memorable moments included Chiefs head coach Andy Reid embodying the Christmas spirit in the locker room after clinching the AFC No. 1 seed and a humorous incident involving a duck that invaded the Buccaneers' game against the Panthers.
