Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton made a significant impact in a playoff-clinching game against the Kansas City Chiefs, completing the game with five receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown. The performance allowed Sutton to trigger a $500,000 bonus by surpassing 1,065 receiving yards for the season, finishing with a total of 1,081 yards. Despite the Chiefs resting key players, Sutton emphasized the importance of winning, stating, 'We have to win this game.' The Broncos will face the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs next.

In other league news, several players capitalized on contract incentives in their final games. Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith earned $6 million in escalators, while Buffalo Bills linebacker Von Miller secured an additional $1.5 million after reaching six sacks. New York Jets guard John Simpson earned $3 million for playing over 90% of offensive snaps, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans tied a record for consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons.

On April 26, 2023, optimism surrounded the New York Jets after acquiring Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers. However, the excitement faded as Rodgers faced a challenging tenure, culminating in a two-win season. Despite injury setbacks and disappointing performances, he expressed gratitude for his time in New York.

Rodgers' debut was cut short when he tore his Achilles in the first game, leading to a string of losses. As the season concludes, the Jets look set to extend their playoff drought, amidst significant organizational changes.

The New York Jets are concluding another disappointing season, marking their ninth consecutive year with a sub-.500 record and extending their playoff drought to 14 years. Despite the team's struggles, linebacker Jamien Sherwood has emerged as a standout player, earning the MVP award from his teammates. This marks the seventh straight year a defensive player has received the honor, highlighting Sherwood's impressive performance in his fourth year in the league.

Originally a fifth-round pick in 2021, Sherwood transitioned from special teams to a key defensive role this season, amassing 996 defensive snaps. He leads the AFC with 95 solo tackles and has tallied 152 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks. As he approaches free agency, Sherwood hopes to secure a contract extension with the Jets amidst anticipated roster changes.

In addition to Sherwood, six other Jets players received awards voted on by their teammates. Right tackle Morgan Moses was honored with the Dennis Byrd Award for inspirational leadership, while guard Alijah-Vera Tucker received the Ed Block Award for courage. Rookie tackle Olu Fashanu earned the Bill Hampton Award for professionalism, and guard John Simpson was recognized with the Selfless Warrior Award. Backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor was named the recipient of the Kyle Clifton Award for being a positive presence on the team. Quincy Williams was the only other defensive player to be awarded, receiving the Marty Lyons Award for his community service efforts.

The Miami Dolphins are facing a challenging injury situation as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's hip issue remains a focal point. On Wednesday, three starters, tackle Terron Armstead, safety Jordan Poyer, and linebacker Anthony Walker Jr., were unable to practice due to various injuries. Armstead had previously exited the Week 17 game against the Cleveland Browns, while Walker missed that game entirely. Poyer, despite his knee and finger issues, managed to start.

Additionally, Tagovailoa, along with wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and safety Jevon Holland, were listed as limited participants in practice. The Dolphins also noted punter Jake Bailey's back injury, while linebacker Duke Riley was a full participant despite a foot issue.

On the other side, the New York Jets' injury report reflected a walk-through practice, leading to an estimation of player statuses. Five players were marked as Did Not Practice (DNP), including cornerback Sauce Gardner, defensive lineman Quinnen Williams, and guard Alijah Vera-Tucker. Tight end Tyler Conklin and tackle Morgan Moses also fell under the DNP category, while guard John Simpson was limited due to a groin injury.

The New York Jets have made significant efforts to enhance their offensive line ahead of the 2024 NFL season, following a tumultuous 2023 campaign where their struggles in the trenches were evident. The team faced challenges due to injuries and depth issues, leading to frequent reliance on third-string players and practice squad members.

To address these shortcomings, the Jets signed veteran left tackle Tyron Smith and guard John Simpson in free agency, while also reacquiring Morgan Moses from the Baltimore Ravens through a trade. Additionally, they selected Olu Fashanu from Penn State in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The combination of new talent and improved health has contributed to a revitalized offensive line.

Center Joe Tippmann, a second-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft, has shown remarkable progress after a challenging rookie season. Initially ranked low in pass protection, Tippmann has emerged as a key player, particularly noted for his stellar performance against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 16, where he did not allow any pressures on Aaron Rodgers. His overall grade has risen significantly, making him one of the top centers in the league.

With Tippmann, Alijah-Vera Tucker, and Fashanu forming a promising core, the Jets' offensive line, once seen as a liability, is now positioned as a strength for the franchise. This transformation is crucial as the team looks to attract potential general managers and head coaching candidates by showcasing their offensive line's potential for success.