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NFL Playoff Scenarios: Packers, Patriots Control Their Own Destinies

MMQB Week 17: Giants Say Playoffs, Brock Purdy Wins Again, Joe Burrow Looks Like Tom Brady

Links to all our coverage of NFL Sunday, including Albert Breer’s conversations with Brian Daboll, Brock Purdy, Geno Smith, Marvin Jones and Kyle Dugger. Plus, J.J. Watt’s former coaches on what made him great, and a preview of Bengals-Bills.

Welcome to Week 17 of the NFL season here at The MMQB. We are trying things a little differently with Albert Breer’s Monday-morning column, publishing items as separate stories throughout the morning. Below are links to everything Albert wrote about Week 17, plus more from our staff.

Finally the Giants Can Say ‘Playoffs’ Again

Daniel Jones throws a pass during a victory over the Colts

The Giants are back in the playoffs after five straight years with 10-plus losses.

Albert Breer speaks to first-year coach Brian Daboll about a team meeting before the clincher, and how the turnaround in New York came to be.

Three Deep: ‘It’s Not All Brock Purdy Saving the Day’ for the 49ers

Brock Purdy throws a pass in a 49ers win over the Raiders

Purdy is now a perfect 4–0 as a starter for the Niners.

Albert Breer talks to Brock Purdy about experiencing a bunch of firsts in a comeback win over the Raiders. Plus, he talks to Geno Smith about why the Jets were just another opponent and Marvin Jones about the belief they have in Jacksonville.

Ten Takeaways: As Bengals Face Bills, Burrow ‘Looks Like Tom Brady’ When He First Started Rolling

Joe Burrow throws a pass during a Bengals win over the Patriots.

On paper, Bengals-Bills is the best Monday night game since Chiefs-Rams in 2018.

Ahead of a huge Bengals-Bills game, front-office execs compare Joe Burrow to Drew Brees and Tom Brady. Plus, more on Derek Carr’s benching, J.J. Watt’s retirement, Kenny Pickett’s dramatics and all the Week 17 action.

Six From Saturday: C.J. Stroud Helped His Draft Stock in Playoff Game Against Georgia

Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud will likely be picked in the top five of the NFL draft.

Stroud definitely helped himself, even in a losing effort.

Plus more scouting notes after the College Football Playoff semifinals.

More From The MMQB Staff

Aaron Rodgers walks off the field after a fourth straight Packers win

Rodgers and the Packers have reeled off four straight. But how far can this team really go?

Conor Orr: The Packers Are a Fun Story, But That Doesn’t Make Them Real Contenders

Conor Orr: Giants Clinch Playoff Spot and Deserve Credit for Organizational Shift With Brian Daboll

Week 17 Game Balls: Recognizing the week’s top performers

MMQB Podcast

Listen to Gary Gramling and Conor Orr break down all the games and every major story line on The MMQB Podcast, in your feed every Monday morning.

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