It’s week 16 and with a lot of holiday work being done at the breakdown residence, there isn’t time for a podcast this week. So, with Sean and I taking a beat, I still had to bring you coverage of the games from this past week. The games haven’t even all been played yet but we had some great action on Sunday, so I jumped on this one to get it out fast. We’ve got four teams to talk about this week so let’s get after it!

First Down

The Iceman Cometh: We begin with Saturday night’s thriller on Lakeshore Drive in Chicago. The cardiac arrest Bears put their fans through hell once again, as they rallied to beat the Packers 22-16 in OT. Chicago trailed most of the night after playing an ugly first half, all while chasing the Packers without Jordan Love under center. Down 16-6 late, the Bears got a field goal following a Malik Willis fumble, which set up the recovery of an onside kick. The Bears drove the field after the recovery and Caleb Williams found Jahdae walker in the back of the end zone on fourth & goal to tie the game. The game went to OT but it didn’t last long, as Williams hit DJ Moore deep to win it. The Bears take over first in the North and the two seed in the NFC with the win, and they clinched a playoff spot after the Lions lost to the Steelers.

Second Down

In First & On the Prowl: It was an unexpectedly big Sunday in Charlotte North Carolina, at least in relation to the preseason expectations for the Panthers. Carolina found themselves in a battle with the Buccaneers for first in the division in front of a raucous crowd. It was a tight battle, one the Panthers pulled out in the fourth quarter 23-20, after their defense sealed it with an interception of Baker Mayfield. Very few teams are as good a story as Carolina in 2025. Bryce Young has improved, the offensive weapons have take some steps and the defense is one of the better units in the league. This is all thanks to the awesome work of second year head coach Dave Canales, who should win coach of the year for pulling this group together!

Third Down

Mauling in Mile High: Talk about an unexpected storyline this season. The first place in the AFC South Jaguars, went on the road to one seed Denver and they took it to the Broncos off their win over the Packers last week. This 34-20 victory was keyed by an offense that has been clicking with a red-hot Trevor Lawrence under center and a defense that is increasingly opportunistic. I have made fun of this franchise for years, but this impressive work in Liam Coen’s first year on the job. At 11-4 they’re firmly in the three seed position in the AFC and have a shot at the one seed in the final few weeks if they can get a couple more wins and some help!

Fourth Down

Thursday Night Thriller: Let’s end where the week began, in Seattle where the Seahawks won an absolute thriller, 38-37 over the Rams in overtime. This might have been the best TNF game…ever?! Seattle trailed most of the night until a punt return touchdown got them going and they followed that up with a clutch drive that ended with a successful two-point conversion that was confirmed by some bizarre officiating. The game went into OT where Sam Darnold took Seattle down the field and hit another two-point conversion to win the ballgame and send the “12’s” into a frenzy. With the win the Seahawks take over first place in the NFC West and the number one seed in the conference. Darnold has some warts still, but Mike McDonald’s squad continues to play well as a unit which will make them very dangerous in the postseason.

That does it for this edition of Four Downs. Stay tuned for some more holiday themed content to come and I hope you enjoy whatever you are celebrating with your family and friends this week! On twitter you can find Mike @Mike_Sheerin, Tyler @TMon_19 and Sean @SeanMartinNFL. Subscribe to the site by hitting the follow button in the bottom right corner and entering your email address. Check out our Instagram feed @thebroadwaybreakdownsports for special gameday and promotional content. Our podcasts are available on Spotify. Visit the Rangers Ed Shop by clicking the link on our homepage. Check out our mailbag page to join the conversation here on the site and on our partners show, The Rangers Ed Podcast! We’ll be back with more soon.