The NFL's Biggest Surprises Of Week 17: The Chargers Are Out

The Eagles Won Despite Their Poor Defensive Play

The Giants were on a three-game winning streak prior to Week 17, while the Eagles had lost their last three, and both teams were expected to continue their streaks. The Eagles' defense had been exploited often in their losses, and with both Odell Beckham and Rueben Randle playing well, the Giants' offense was supposed to light them up. Both receivers topped 150 yards, but that was not enough, as the LeSean McCoy-led Eagles came out on top, 34-26.

Chase Daniels Led The Chiefs To A Win Against The Chargers

All the Chargers had to do to make the playoffs was to win. It seemed like a simple task with Alex Smith out and the Chiefs already struggling, having lost four of their last five. Key starters Ryan Mathews and Keenan Allen sat out due to injuries, but the Chargers managed to put up 38 points against the 49ers without them last week. They put forth a strong defensive effort, but they really never got their offense going against the Chiefs, converting just two third downs and turning the ball over three times.

Rex Ryan's Jet Careers Ends With A Victory In Miami

The Jets, who had not put up more than 25 points in any game this year, were seemingly in for a big-time loss to end the season. However, The Jets arguably played their best game of the year. This was easily Geno Smith's best performance, recording a perfect passer rating of 158.3 and it being only the second time he had posted a passer rating north of 100. It was all the more surprising, though, because the Jets did not have a successful running game. Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson combining for just 49 yards off of 23 carries. While trick plays certainly helped, the Jets simply outplayed the Dolphins this time around.

Carolina Won The NFC South In A Convincing Fashion

This was supposed to be a close, well-fought match between two teams fighting for the division crown. The Falcons, though, did not show up, scoring just three points to the Panthers' 34. With Roddy White, Julio Jones, Harry Douglas, and Devin Hester, this is definitely one of the most dangerous passing attacks in the league, but Matt Ryan struggled early on. The seventh-year quarterback threw two picks, both of which that went for touchdowns, and recorded just 260 yards off of 47 attempts. The Falcons did not fare too well on defense either, allowing the Panthers to move the ball with ease. Despite being 7-8-1, Carolina looks to be a solid playoff contender. They will be going up against the Cardinals in the first round, which is definitely a winnable game.