Knights in the NFL – Week 16

The NFL regular season has just one week remaining. This past weekend, Week 16, saw some interesting games and off the field moves. The New York Giants who looked so good early in the season now need help to make the playoffs. The New York Jets have backed into the playoffs once again, clinching a spot despite losing. The San Francisco 49ers fired head coach Mike Singletary after a 25-17 loss to the St. Louis Rams this week.

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Gary Brackett is our Knight of the Week after recording 6 tackles and one assist in the Colts 31-16 win over the Oakland Raiders. The win keeps Indy’s playoff hopes alive.

Eric Foster played but did not record any stats for the Colts.

Rookie offensive lineman Anthony Davis once again started for the 49ers, who fell to St. Louis and ended their playoff hopes. As mentioned earlier, head coach Mike Singletary was fired after the game.

The St. Louis Rams now stand atop the NFC West standings despite a 7-8 record. Defensive lineman Gary Gibson had a season high four tackles in the win, three solo’s and one assist. Gibson also added a ½ sack.

Jamaal Westerman was inactive once again in the New York Jets 38-24 loss to the Chicago Bears. With the Jets likely to rest some players after clinching a playoff berth, will Westerman be active for Week 17?

Nate Jones and the Denver Broncos defeated the Houston Texans by a score of 24-23 on Sunday. Jones recorded one tackle.

Running back Brian Leonard did not play in the Cincinnati Bengals 34-20 win over the San Diego Chargers due to an ankle injury. Clark Harris handled the long snapping duties for Cincinnati.

Ryan Neill is on injured reserve for the Chargers.

Ray Rice and the Baltimore Ravens are headed to the playoffs once again. On Sunday, the Ravens defeated the Cleveland Browns, 20-10 as Rice carried the ball 25 times for 95 yards. He also caught one pass that did not gain any yardage. Baltimore is now tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the division lead at 11-4.

Shaun O’Hara started at center for the New York Giants in their 45-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Due to losing, the Giants now need Green Bay’s help to make the playoffs. The Giants will need to defeat the Washington Redskins on Sunday and have the Packers loss to the Chicago Bears.

The Tennessee Titans fell to the Kansas City Chiefs by a score of 34-14. Wide receiver Kenny Britt caught four passes for 89 yards including a 53 yard touchdown.

Cornerback Jason McCourty did not start for the Titans but did play. He recorded one tackles and two pass deflections.

Jeremy Zuttah started at center for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their 38-15 win over the Seattle Seahawks.

The New England Patriots just continue to win games. With their 34-3 win over the Buffalo Bills this week, New England has clinched the AFC East as well as home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Rookie of the Year candidate, Devin McCourty recorded three tackles and one assist in the win. He also forced a fumble.

Courtney Greene returned to the field for the Jacksonville Jaguars after missing two games with a shoulder injury. The Jaguars fell to the Washington Redskins, 20-17, but Greene recorded three tackles, two assists, and a pass deflection.

Tiquan Underwood was inactive for Jacksonville and offensive lineman Kevin Haslam is on injured reserve.

This article is also featured on StateOfRutgers.com.