Who can’t afford to slip up in Week 17? And which quarterbacks are separating themselves as the postseason approaches?

Scoop City returns with James Palmer and Chase Daniel breaking down a loaded NFL slate as the holiday week of football brings massive playoff implications. With most postseason spots nearly locked in, James and Chase explain what still matters — from the race for the No. 1 seed to which teams could be dangerous once January arrives.

Attention then turns to last-ditch efforts to save seasons, as the Ravens and Lions are fighting against the odds to make the playoffs. Chase shares which team he’s most disappointed in for potentially missing the postseason.

Chase and James then dive into a huge matchup between the Texans and Chargers. What would a win mean for C.J. Stroud or Justin Herbert as they head toward the playoffs?

The 49ers and Bears face off Sunday night, and San Francisco QB Brock Purdy continues to play some of the best football of his career. James and Chase explain what Purdy does so well that often goes unnoticed — from ball placement to timing to total control of the offense despite the 49ers’ mounting injuries.

Then the quarterback conversation takes center stage. How close is Patriots QB Drake Maye to really winning an MVP? Chase details why Maye’s football intelligence, command of the offense, and late-game confidence have impressed people around the league.

Chase and James both agree that Matthew Stafford’s play this season will secure the veteran his first MVP trophy. Chase explains how Stafford’s pre-snap work and coverage reads make him the best active true pocket passer in the game.

Plus, James shares insight from inside the Jaguars’ locker room as Trevor Lawrence continues the best stretch of his season. With four straight games without an interception and 12 touchdowns over that span, Lawrence looks fully comfortable in Jacksonville’s offense — and the Jaguars are suddenly a team nobody wants to face.

The episode closes with a holiday twist as James and Chase hand out “Stocking Stuffers” — under-the-radar players making playoff-level impacts, from elite offensive linemen to shutdown corners avoiding throws altogether.

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Which quarterback has impressed you most heading into Week 17? Drop us a comment!

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Are the New England Patriots the most dangerous team in the AFC? Did the Jacksonville Jaguars make Sunday's biggest statement against the Denver Broncos? Are the Chicago Bears a playoff threat in the NFC? Will the Carolina Panthers capture the NFC South title?

Scoop City returns following a thrilling Week 16. The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini takes you inside the Patriots’ win over the Ravens on Sunday Night Football. Patriots QB Drake Maye bolstered his MVP résumé with an 11-point fourth-quarter comeback over Baltimore.

Sunday’s other statement game happened in Denver, where the Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Broncos. Scoop City co-host and NFL insider James Palmer shares insights from both locker rooms. Are the Jaguars an underrated AFC threat?

On Saturday, the Chicago Bears continued to perform under pressure. Chicago came from behind to defeat the Green Bay Packers. Should we believe in this group in the postseason? James and Dianna discuss what the league thinks of this Bears team.

Plus, the NFC South took an interesting turn, with Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers handing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers their third straight defeat. The Bucs have now lost six of their last seven games. Meanwhile, the Panthers have taken sole possession of first place in the NFC South with two games to play.

Come for the Week 16 recap — stay for the worst Christmas songs. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to stay up to date on all things NFL with Scoop City.

Drop an emoji to describe your team's Week 16 performance

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The Lions head into the week 16 in must-win territory. How is Detroit is preparing for the final stretch of the season. The Ravens find themselves still with a chance to win the division, will Lamar Jackson get Baltimore back to the postseason. The 49ers continue to win despite their long list of injuries. How Kyle Shanahan kept his team in the fight for the #1 seed in the NFC?

James Palmer takes Scoop City on a Thursday road trip with major playoff stakes across the league. The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy opens the show from Detroit, breaking down the Lions’ slim postseason odds, what winning out vs. the Steelers, Vikings and Bears would mean, and how Dan Campbell’s play-calling has turned this offense into a big-play machine.

In Baltimore, Jeff Zrebiec joins to sort out the Ravens’ playoff path, Lamar Jackson’s reduced rushing and uptick in interceptions, and why a Derrick Henry–powered offense has struggled so badly in the red zone. They also tackle the big-picture question: what happens with John Harbaugh if this finish doesn’t match expectations?

Out west, Vic Tafur explains how Kyle Shanahan has kept the injury-riddled 49ers in the hunt for the NFC’s No. 1 seed, what Brock Purdy has shown about leading a deep playoff run, and how the Brandon Aiyuk situation and defensive issues against the run and in the pass rush could define San Francisco’s postseason.

Jake Ciely closes things out with fantasy advice as the playoffs heat up, from life without Patrick Mahomes to what Gardner Minshew and Baker Mayfield mean for key weapons — plus a quick detour into holiday music rankings.

James wraps with an Extra Point on why this season’s parity, with new teams rising and traditional powers vulnerable, could make this one of the most wide-open postseasons in years.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to stay up to date on all things NFL with Scoop City.

Which Week 16 storyline has your attention? Drop us a comment!

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