By Lydia Jane Allison
NEW YORK –– Dec. 28, 2023 –– Below are teams, players and coaches that can set historic marks or reach career milestones in Week 17 of the 2023 NFL season, including:
- Teams with division-clinching opportunities
- Pittsburgh (Mike Tomlin)
- Dallas (Micah Parsons)
- Detroit (Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta and David Montgomery)
- L.A. Rams (Puka Nacua)
- Miami (Tyreek Hill)
- Buffalo (Stefon Diggs)
- San Francisco (Christian McCaffrey)
- Cleveland (Joe Flacco)
SEVERAL TEAMS LOOK TO CLINCH DIVISION TITLES
Entering Week 17, 24 teams remain in contention for a trip to Super Bowl LVIII, tied for the most teams still in Super Bowl contention with two weeks to play in the regular season in 20 years.
Two teams have already clinched division titles – the DETROIT LIONS (11-4) in the NFC North and SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (11-4) in the NFC West. San Francisco has an opportunity this week to clinch the NFC’s No. 1 seed in the playoffs for the second time since 2000, having also done so in 2019.
The two other NFC divisions can also be secured this week. The PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (11-4) can clinch the NFC East title for the second-consecutive season, becoming the first repeat NFC East winner in 20 years, since Philadelphia won four straight division titles from 2001-04.
The TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (8-7) can clinch the NFC South title with a victory against New Orleans on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, FOX), securing a third-consecutive division title for the first time in franchise history. It would also mark the second time the franchise has made the playoffs in four consecutive years, also doing so from 1999-2002.
In the AFC, the BALTIMORE RAVENS (12-3) can clinch both the AFC North division title and the AFC’s No. 1 seed with a victory against Miami on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, CBS). It would mark the team’s first division title since 2019 and the second time the franchise has held the AFC’s No. 1 seed in the playoffs, also doing so in 2019.
With a MIAMI DOLPHINS (11-4) victory in Baltimore, they would clinch their first AFC East division title since 2008. It would also mark their first 12-win season since 1990.
The JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (8-7) have an opportunity to clinch consecutive AFC South division titles for the second time in franchise history, also doing so in 1997-98.
With a victory against Cincinnati on Sunday (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS), the KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (9-6) will clinch their eighth-consecutive AFC West division title, surpassing the LOS ANGELES RAMS (seven consecutive NFC West titles from 1973-79) for the second-longest streak of division titles in NFL history. Only the NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (11 consecutive AFC East titles from 2009-19) have a longer streak.
For the full Week 17 NFL Playoff Scenarios, click here.
STEELERS AIM FOR 20TH-STRAIGHT .500-OR-BETTER SEASON
Over the past 20 seasons (2004-23), the PITTSBURGH STEELERS have compiled a .642 winning percentage (205-114-2) in the regular season, the second-highest in the NFL during that span, trailing only New England (.707).
With a victory at Seattle on Sunday (4:05 p.m. ET, FOX), Pittsburgh will earn its ninth win and secure a 20th-consecutive season with a .500-or-better record, surpassing the NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2001-19) for the second-longest streak in NFL history. Only the DALLAS COWBOYS (21 consecutive seasons from 1965-85) have a longer streak.
The teams with the most consecutive seasons finishing with a .500-or-better record in NFL history:
| TEAM | CONSECUTIVE .500-OR-BETTER SEASONS |
| Dallas Cowboys | 21 (1965-85) |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 19* (2004-22) |
| New England Patriots | 19 (2001-19) |
| *active streak | |
MIKE TOMLIN has led Pittsburgh to a .500-or-better record in each season since becoming the team’s head coach in 2007. With a victory on Sunday, Tomlin would surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer GEORGE HALAS (16 consecutive seasons from 1933-42 and 1946-51) for the third-longest streak of consecutive .500-or-better seasons by a head coach in NFL history. Only Pro Football Hall of Famer TOM LANDRY (21 consecutive seasons from 1965-85) and BILL BELICHICK (19 consecutive seasons from 2001-19) have a longer streak.
The head coaches with the most consecutive .500-or-better seasons in NFL history:
| HEAD COACH | TEAM | CONSECUTIVE SEASONS |
| Tom LandryHOF | Dallas | 21 (1965-85) |
| Bill Belichick | New England | 19 (2001-19) |
| George HalasHOF | Chicago | 16 (1933-42, 1946-51) |
| Mike Tomlin | Pittsburgh | 16* (2007-22) |
| *active streak |
COWBOYS HOME COOKING
The DALLAS COWBOYS (10-5) have won each of their first seven home games this season and have won 15 consecutive regular-season home games overall, going back to Week 2 of the 2022 season.
With a victory against Detroit on Saturday night in their final home game of the regular season (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC), the Cowboys can join the NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS as the only teams since 2000 to win at least 16 consecutive regular-season home games. New England accomplished the feat on four different occasions since 2000.
Dallas, which has totaled 279 points in home games this season with at least 30 points in each contest, can also become the first team in NFL history to score at least 30 points in eight home games within a single regular season and the fifth team all-time to score at least 300 points at home in a single regular season.
The teams to score at least 300 points at home in a single regular season in NFL history:
| TEAM | SEASON | HOME POINTS | |
| New Orleans | 2011 | 329 | |
| Green Bay | 2011 | 321 | |
| Green Bay | 2014 | 318 | |
| Denver | 2013 | 316 | |
| Dallas | 2023 | 279* | |
| *entering Week 17 | |||
Linebacker MICAH PARSONS has 13 sacks this season and joined Pro Football Hall of Famer REGGIE WHITE as the only players to record at least 13 sacks in each of their first three NFL seasons since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic. Since entering the league in 2021, Parsons ranks fourth among all players with 39.5 sacks.
With a half sack on Saturday night, Parsons will become the fifth player since 1982 with at least 40 sacks in his first three seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers REGGIE WHITE (52 sacks) and DERRICK THOMAS (43.5) as well as ALDON SMITH (42) and DWIGHT FREENEY (40).
The players with at least 40 sacks in their first three NFL seasons since 1982:
| PLAYER | TEAM | SACKS |
| Reggie WhiteHOF | Philadelphia | 52 |
| Derrick ThomasHOF | Kansas City | 43.5 |
| Aldon Smith | San Francisco | 42 |
| Dwight Freeney | Indianapolis | 40 |
| Micah Parsons | Dallas | 39.5* |
| *in third season |
FIRST-YEAR LIONS MAKING HISTORY
The DETROIT LIONS (11-4) have clinched their first division title since 1993 and can attribute their success to several offseason additions that have made immediate impacts in Detroit.
Running back JAHMYR GIBBS (10 scrimmage touchdowns) and tight end SAM LAPORTA (nine) were each selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, while running back DAVID MONTGOMERY (11) was signed as a free agent.
With another touchdown this season from LaPorta, Detroit will become the first team in NFL history to have three players each score at least 10 touchdowns in their first season with the team. They will also become the first team ever to have multiple rookies with 10 touchdowns.
LaPorta can become the third rookie tight end in NFL history to record at least 10 touchdown receptions, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer MIKE DITKA (12 touchdown receptions in 1961) and ROB GRONKOWSKI (10 in 2010).
The rookie tight ends with the most touchdown receptions in NFL history:
| PLAYER | TEAM | SEASON | TD RECEPTIONS | |
| Mike DitkaHOF | Chicago | 1961 | 12 | |
| Rob Gronkowski | New England | 2010 | 10 | |
| Sam LaPorta | Detroit | 2023 | 9* | |
| Junior Miller | Atlanta | 1980 | 9 | |
| *entering Week 17 | ||||
With his next reception, LaPorta will surpass JEREMY SHOCKEY (74 receptions in 2002) for the second-most receptions by a rookie tight end in NFL history. Only KEITH JACKSON (81 in 1988) has more.
The rookie tight ends with the most receptions in NFL history:
| PLAYER | TEAM | SEASON | RECEPTIONS | |
| Keith Jackson | Philadelphia | 1988 | 81 | |
| Sam LaPorta | Detroit | 2023 | 74* | |
| Jeremy Shockey | N.Y. Giants | 2002 | 74 | |
| *entering Week 17 | ||||
With 24 receiving yards, LaPorta will become the sixth rookie tight end all-time with at least 800 receiving yards, joining Ditka (1,076 receiving yards in 1961), KYLE PITTS (1,026 in 2021), Shockey (894 in 2002), Jackson (869 in 1988) and CHARLIE YOUNG (854 in 1973).
The rookie tight ends with the most receiving yards in NFL history:
| PLAYER | TEAM | SEASON | RECEIVING YARDS | |
| Mike DitkaHOF | Chicago | 1961 | 1,076 | |
| Kyle Pitts | Atlanta | 2021 | 1,026 | |
| Jeremy Shockey | N.Y. Giants | 2002 | 894 | |
| Keith Jackson | Philadelphia | 1988 | 869 | |
| Charlie Young | Philadelphia | 1973 | 854 | |
| Sam LaPorta | Detroit | 2023 | 776* | |
| *entering Week 17 | ||||
NACUA CHASING ROOKIE RECORDS
Los Angeles Rams rookie wide receiver PUKA NACUA ranks fourth in the NFL with 1,327 receiving yards this season and tied for eighth with 96 receptions. Last week marked his sixth game with at least 100 receiving yards, the third-most by a rookie in the Super Bowl era.
With six receptions at the New York Giants on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, FOX), Nacua will surpass ANQUAN BOLDIN (101 receptions in 2003) for the second-most receptions by a rookie in NFL history. Only JAYLEN WADDLE (104 in 2021) has more.
The rookies with the most receptions in NFL history:
| PLAYER | TEAM | SEASON | RECEPTIONS | |
| Jaylen Waddle | Miami | 2021 | 104 | |
| Anquan Boldin | Arizona | 2003 | 101 | |
| Puka Nacua | L.A. Rams | 2023 | 96* | |
| *entering Week 17 | ||||
With 73 receiving yards, Nacua will become the fourth rookie ever with at least 1,400 receiving yards, joining BILL GROMAN (1,473 receiving yards in 1960), JA’MARR CHASE (1,455 in 2021) and JUSTIN JEFFERSON (1,400 in 2020).
The rookies with the most receiving yards in history:
| PLAYER | TEAM | SEASON | RECEIVING YARDS | |
| Bill Groman | Houston Oilers | 1960 | 1,473 | |
| Ja’Marr Chase | Cincinnati | 2021 | 1,455 | |
| Justin Jefferson | Minnesota | 2020 | 1,400 | |
| Anquan Boldin | Arizona | 2003 | 1,377 | |
| Puka Nacua | L.A. Rams | 2023 | 1,327* | |
| *entering Week 17 | ||||
HILL CLOSING IN ON HISTORIC RECEIVING MARKS
Miami wide receiver TYREEK HILL leads the NFL with 1,641 receiving yards this season, ranks second with 12 touchdown receptions and tied for third with 106 receptions.
With 59 receiving yards at Baltimore on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, CBS), Hill – who had a career-high and franchise-record 1,710 receiving yards last season – will become the first player in NFL history to record at least 1,700 receiving yards in multiple seasons.
With four receptions, Hill will become the third player ever to record at least 110 receptions in three consecutive seasons, joining ANTONIO BROWN (2013-15) and WES WELKER (2007-09).
Since entering the league in 2016, Hill has totaled 704 receptions, 9,981 receiving yards and 75 touchdown receptions. He can become the second player in NFL history with at least 700 receptions, 10,000 receiving yards and 75 touchdown receptions in his first eight seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer MARVIN HARRISON.
DIGGS EYEING 100 CATCHES ON SEASON, 800 CAREER
Buffalo wide receiver STEFON DIGGS has totaled 96 receptions for 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns this season, his sixth-consecutive season with at least 1,000 receiving yards and fourth-consecutive season with at least eight touchdown receptions.
With four receptions against New England on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, CBS), Diggs will become the third player ever with at least 100 receptions in four-or-more consecutive seasons, joining ANTONIO BROWN (six consecutive seasons from 2013-18) and Pro Football Hall of Famer MARVIN HARRISON (four consecutive seasons from 1999-2002).
With four receptions and two touchdown receptions, Diggs can become the fourth player ever with 100 receptions and 10 touchdown receptions in three-or-more consecutive seasons, joining Harrison (four consecutive seasons from 1999-2002), DAVANTE ADAMS (three seasons from 2020-22) and Brown (three seasons from 2014-16).
Since entering the NFL in 2015, Diggs ranks third among all players with 799 receptions. With a catch on Sunday, Diggs – playing in his 135th career game – will surpass ANDRE JOHNSON (137 games) and DEANDRE HOPKINS (137) as the fifth-fastest player to reach 800 career receptions in NFL history.
The players to reach 800 career receptions in the fewest games in NFL history:
| PLAYER | TEAM(S) | GAMES | |
| Antonio Brown | Pittsburgh | 126 | |
| Keenan Allen | San Diego/L.A. Chargers | 127 | |
| Julio Jones | Atlanta | 127 | |
| Marvin HarrisonHOF | Indianapolis | 131 | |
| Andre Johnson | Houston | 137 | |
| DeAndre Hopkins | Houston, Arizona | 137 | |
| Stefon Diggs | Minnesota, Buffalo | 134* | |
| *has 799 receptions | |||
Diggs would also become the fourth player ever to reach 800 receptions in his first nine seasons, joining Brown, Harrison and TORRY HOLT.
MCCAFFREY CLOSING IN ON 2,000 YARDS
San Francisco running back CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY leads the NFL with 1,932 scrimmage yards (1,395 rushing, 537 receiving) and ties for the lead with 21 touchdowns (14 rushing, seven receiving).
With 68 scrimmage yards at Washington on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, FOX), McCaffrey – who totaled a career-high 2,392 scrimmage yards and 15 rushing touchdowns in 2019 with Carolina – will become the third player in NFL history to record at least 2,000 scrimmage yards in a season for two different franchises, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers ERIC DICKERSON (L.A. Rams and Indianapolis Colts) and MARSHALL FAULK (St. Louis Rams and Colts).
With 68 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown, McCaffrey can also become the fifth player ever to record at least 2,000 scrimmage yards and 15 rushing touchdowns in multiple seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers TERRELL DAVIS (1997-98) and EMMITT SMITH (1992 and 1995) as well as PRIEST HOLMES (2002-03) and LARRY JOHNSON (2005-06).
FLACCO TURNING BACK TIME IN CLEVELAND
Since becoming Cleveland’s starting quarterback in Week 13, JOE FLACCO leads the NFL with 1,307 passing yards and ties for the lead with 10 touchdown passes. He has totaled at least 250 passing yards and two touchdown passes in each of his four starts, and over the past three weeks, has recorded over 300 passing yards in three straight games for the first time in his 16-year career.
On Thursday Night Football against the New York Jets (8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video), Flacco can become the first player in NFL history to record at least 250 passing yards and two touchdown passes in each of his first five games with a team.
Flacco can also become the second player ever to record at least 300 passing yards in four of his first five games with a team, joining BRIAN HOYER (four of his first five games with Chicago in 2016).
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