BRISBANE, Australia — Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios enthralled fans in their debut as a doubles team on Monday, riding a massive wave of support to secure a 6-4 6-7(4) (10-8) win over Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies at the Brisbane International.

The former foes have developed a close friendship during the last couple of years and their camaraderie was on full display at a packed Pat Rafter Arena as the crowd chanted their names and created an electric atmosphere.

‘I want to thank Nick for playing,’ Djokovic said.

‘He said the other day that it should be a pleasure to play with him, and it is. I’m glad to share the court with him on his comeback. I haven’t played too many doubles matches … in the last five years so whatever Nick was saying, I was following.’

Australian Kyrgios, returning to tour-level action after more than 18 months out due to knee, foot and wrist injuries, showed no signs of rust as he almost single-handedly won the opening game with his booming serve.

‘What a game I played, huh?’ Djokovic joked with courtside fans after the Serb hit a volley that clinched it.

Both players revved up the crowd en route to claiming the first set with a break as Djokovic hit a backhand winner around the net and then produced a neat lob that left Kyrgios amazed.

‘I was actually surprised that he doubted himself a little bit in some moments,’ Kyrgios said. ‘I was like ‘brother, you’re the greatest of all time, go for it and do what you got to do’.’

It was a far cry from when Kyrgios had labelled Djokovic a ‘tool’ and ‘boneheaded’ during the COVID pandemic, before their friendship blossomed.

Kyrgios said he did not want to take anything for granted in his comeback.

‘I was just looking around at all the fans, this beautiful stadium. My comeback, this injury has been brutal … I don’t know how many Aussie summers I’ve got left.

‘I was loving the energy. I’m so happy to be back out here. We promised we’d do this one time before either he goes or I go. So I’m glad we’re still alive (in the doubles).’

Kyrgios and Djokovic celebrated like schoolboys when the maverick Australian pulled off an audacious shot between his legs midway through the second set but Erler and Mies pulled level in the contest to force a match tiebreak.

With the crowd getting increasingly raucous, Djokovic took them to match point with two big serves before Kyrgios settled it with an ace.

In the singles event, Australia’s Jordan Thompson battled from a set down to stun Italy’s Matteo Berrettini 3-6 6-3 6-4 while defending champion Grigor Dimitrov got past qualifier Yannick Hanfmann 7-6(5) 6-3.

Third seed Holger Rune fell 7-5 6-3 against Jiri Lehecka in a big blow to his preparations for the Australian Open that will begin on Jan. 12.

Naomi Osaka advances in Auckland

Four-times Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka sealed a 6-4 6-4 win over Israel’s Lina Glushko in Auckland on her return from a back issue that forced her out of several Asian tournaments and the Billie Jean King Cup towards the end of last season.

The former world number one has struggled for consistency on tour since her return from a maternity break at the beginning of 2024 and is currently ranked 57.

But Osaka was far too strong for Glushko, who had to endure loud chants from anti-Israel protesters outside the stadium.

Osaka said on Sunday the 2025 season could determine how long she continues playing, insisting she was not a player who would ‘hang around’ if her ranking did not improve.

‘I have a lot of respect for all the players on tour, but the point of my life that I’m at right now, if I’m not above a certain ranking, I don’t see myself playing for a while,’ the 27-year-old said.

‘I’d rather spend time with my daughter if I’m not where I think I should be and where I feel like I can be.’

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — There’s nothing left now but to accept it. Embrace it, and then change it. 

“There are things that Drew and I can talk about, that maybe no one else can,” James Franklin says. 

Like Franklin’s 3-19 record against top 10 teams as Penn State’s coach. Or Drew Allar’s 0-4 record against top 10 teams as Penn State’s quarterback.

Welcome, everyone, to the life of coach and quarterback. Way too much credit, way too much blame. 

Like Franklin’s 1-14 record against top five opponents at Penn State, or Allar completing 48 percent of his passes against those games against top 10 teams.

Look, we can do this all day long. 

Like Penn State’s average points per game against the top five under Franklin (18.9 ppg.), and a third of Allar’s nine career interceptions in two seasons coming against the top 10.

Or Penn State’s turnover ratio in top 10 games under Franklin (-18), and Allar’s average yards per attempt (5.1) against the top 10.   

“I’m not going to complain about (criticism),’ Allar said. ‘I know what I signed up for.” 

But certainly not to this extent. Not where every game, win or lose, is eventually slammed through the lens of Franklin’s – and of late, Allar’s – failure in games that matter.

Now here we are, staring at another top 10 game in the Fiesta Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal against No. 8 Boise State. Only this time it’s much different. 

This time Penn State has a team that can win it all, a team that could’ve beaten both Ohio State and Oregon this season — but failed to seize the opportunity again. This time it’s Group of Five heavyweight Boise State, which in the past has slain power conference teams in this very game.

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The same Boise State that should’ve beaten Oregon in Week 2, and only lost after Oregon returned a punt and kickoff for touchdowns — then hit the game-winning field goal as time expired. 

The last thing this is going to be is a cakewalk. 

“Boise State has all of our attention,” Franklin said. ‘This is a big game.’

But there’s something different about this game and this Penn State team in this moment, something unique about the way Franklin has accepted the obvious and isn’t avoiding it. He’s actually talking about the idea of he and Allar connected by a path neither wants, but both must endure.

Maybe there’s no other way to deal with big game failure. Maybe it’s that his athletic director (Pat Kraft) and president (Neeli Bendapudi) have told Franklin they, too, know what they’ve signed up for.  

Or maybe the arrival of his good friend Tom Allen as defensive coordinator has made an impact beyond Xs and Os. 

“The all or nothing now in our sport can be overwhelming. It can crush you if you don’t have great balance,” said Allen, who was fired at Indiana after last season. “Its a fine line we walk as players and coaches. The fear of failure has to be out there. Its going to happen. It’s that peace of mind that allows you to go let it rip.”

Earlier this season, after another gutting loss to Ohio State dropped Franklin to 1-10 vs. the Buckeyes, Franklin exchanged words with an unhappy fan in the stands at Beaver Stadium about his inability to win big games. 

Penn State had just failed on four consecutive plays inside the Ohio State 5, the last an interception in the end zone thrown by Allar.  

“If you’re going to be man enough to talk, what’s your name?” Franklin said. 

The fan walked away, and Franklin walked through the tunnel amid boos and chants of “Fire Franklin” from fans. The same fans who earlier booed Allar, who completed only 12 of 20 passes for 146 yards.

Like it or not, fair or not, this is the story of Franklin and his quarterbacks. Christian Hackenberg was booed, and so was Trace McSorley. But no one got it quite like Sean Clifford.

Clifford set nearly every Penn State career passing record, but by the time his final home game arrived, Franklin essentially begged Penn State fans to appreciate him on senior day.  

“I don’t think you can understand the job until you go through it yourself,” said Allar, who was Clifford’s backup as a freshman in 2022. “I’ve wanted to be the quarterback for Penn State since I was a kid. Going through that last year for the first time was different because it’s happening to you, not someone next to you. There’s only one way out of it — winning.”

It’s not just winning, but winning everything. Because no matter how deep Penn State advances in the playoff, any loss will come with another comparison to previous big-game losses. 

Just substitute Boise State for Ohio State, or Georgia for Michigan. Or find a way to win the whole thing.

“Pressure comes with the job, but if you feel that pressure, you probably shouldn’t be doing it,” Franklin said. “Drew and I have been through a ton together. He’s judged in a lot of ways like I am.”

Too much credit and too much blame. 

Matt Hayes is the senior national college football writer for USA TODAY Sports Network. Follow him on X at @MattHayesCFB.

Every week for the duration of the 2024 NFL regular season, USA TODAY Sports will provide timely updates to the league’s ever-evolving playoff picture − typically starting after Sunday afternoon’s late games and then moving forward for the remainder of the week (through Monday’s and Thursday’s games or Saturday’s, if applicable.)

What just happened? What does it mean? What are the pertinent factors (and, perhaps, tiebreakers) prominently in play as each conference’s seven-team bracket begins to crystallize? All will be explained and analyzed up to the point when the postseason field is finalized on Sunday, Jan. 5.

Here’s where things stand with Week 17 of the 2024 season nearly complete:

NFC playoff picture

x – 1. Minnesota Vikings (14-2), NFC North leaders: They weathered Green Bay’s late surge for a massive win Sunday – one that moves the Vikes atop the conference and leaves them one Week 18 win from wrapping up the division, home-field advantage and a first-round bye in the NFC. Who saw this coming? (Detroit will reclaim this position with a win Monday night against the 49ers, but everything boils down to the regular-season finale.) Remaining schedule: at Lions

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

y – 2. Philadelphia Eagles (13-3), NFC East champions: Despite being down to their third-string quarterback, they locked down the division crown Sunday and the No. 2 seed. Not much to play for in Week 18 aside from possibly the single-season rushing record for RB Saquon Barkley. Remaining schedule: vs. Giants

y – 3. Los Angeles Rams (10-6), NFC West champions: They took care of business Saturday against Arizona, and the Commanders clinched the strength-of-victory tiebreaker – meaning the division – for LA on Sunday night. Remaining schedule: vs. Seahawks

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7), NFC South leaders: Their rout of the Panthers moved them back into first place, and Atlanta’s overtime loss keeps them there. Win next week, and the Bucs earn a fourth consecutive division crown. Remaining schedule: vs. Saints

x – 5. Detroit Lions (13-2), wild card No. 1: They don’t play until Monday night, but that pause – at least temporarily – knocks them out of the NFC North lead as well as the conference at large due to Minnesota’s win Sunday. But the Lions can still achieve everything they want from the regular season, including home-field advantage and the NFC North title, by beating the Vikes in Week 18. Winning or losing Monday night’s game in Northern California has no impact on Detroit’s outlook. Remaining schedule: at 49ers, vs. Vikings

x – 6. Washington Commanders (11-5), wild card No. 3: A thrilling overtime victory launches them into the field … and maybe wins QB Jayden Daniels the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. (The result also clinched the NFC West for the Rams.) Washington’s 8-3 record in NFC games is two better than Green Bay’s. Remaining schedule: at Cowboys

x – 7. Green Bay Packers (11-5), wild card No. 2: Getting swept by Detroit and Minnesota relegated the Pack to wild-card status even before Week 17. Should be notable to see how hard they work to engineer a matchup with the No. 3 seed next week rather than facing a trip to Philadelphia. Remaining schedule: vs. Bears

8. Seattle Seahawks (9-7), eliminated: They have a better record than Atlanta but no path to the playoffs. Remaining schedule: at Rams

9. Atlanta Falcons (8-8), in the hunt: A gut-wrenching loss to the Commanders means they need to beat Carolina in Week 18 and hope the Bucs lose in order to win the NFC South. Remaining schedule: vs. Panthers

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AFC playoff picture

yz – 1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-1), AFC West champions: By crushing Pittsburgh on Christmas, they secured home-field advantage and a first-round bye – and really two-plus weeks off in actuality depending on whom they want to play in what’s now a meaningless Week 18 contest for the champs. Remaining schedule: at Broncos, BYE

y – 2. Buffalo Bills (13-3), AFC East champions: They locked up the No. 2 seed by embarrassing the Jets on Sunday. Finishing second in the conference should still have meaning given the road to Super Bowl 59 could go through Western New York if the Chiefs lose their playoff opener. Buffalo won’t have to go on the road for a playoff game unless the AFC championship is staged in Kansas City. Remaining schedule: at Patriots

x – 3. Baltimore Ravens (11-5), AFC North leaders: Catching fire? Probably an understatement. The Steelers’ loss before Baltimore’s Christmas kickoff vaulted the Ravens atop the division, and their dominant win over Houston keeps them there. A win or tie in Week 18 clinches it. Remaining schedule: vs. Browns

y – 4. Houston Texans (9-7), AFC South champions: They rule a weak division for the second straight year, however Wednesday’s loss locked them into the fourth seed … which will likely mean a tough wild-card matchup, albeit in Houston, against an AFC North team. Remaining schedule: at Titans

x – 5. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6), wild card No. 1: That’s three losses in a row, Wednesday’s flat performance against K.C. costing them first place in the AFC North. However they can capture the divisional title by winning in Week 18 if Baltimore also loses to Cleveland. Remaining schedule: vs. Bengals

x – 6. Los Angeles Chargers (10-6), wild card No. 2: Saturday’s rout of the Patriots locked Bolts into the field and ensures Jim Harbaugh has been a playoff participant in four of his five NFL seasons as a head coach. Yet, having lost to the Ravens and Steelers earlier this season, the Chargers will most likely be the sixth seed – and probably head to Baltimore or Pittsburgh for a rematch. Remaining schedule: at Raiders

7. Denver Broncos (9-7), wild card No. 3: They’ve had win-and-in scenarios in their past two games and lost both times. Still, one more victory – or tie – will advance Denver to the playoffs for the first time since they won Super Bowl 50 with Peyton Manning and Von Miller nearly nine years ago. The Broncos’ Week 18 game against Kansas City means basically nothing to the Chiefs – which could be a real advantage for Denver, which can do no better than the seventh seed. Remaining schedule: vs. Chiefs

8. Miami Dolphins (8-8), in the hunt: After handling the Browns on the road – and without injured QB Tua Tagovailoa – they advance if they win in Week 18 and the Broncos lose. Miami’s record in AFC games (6-5) is one better than both Denver and Cincinnati. Remaining schedule: at Jets

9. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8), in the hunt: Still alive thanks to a four-game winning streak, including Saturday’s overtime thriller against Denver. Though they appear like the best team outside the postseason field, the Bengals still need the most help to get in, including at least one loss by the Dolphins after the Indianapolis Colts were eliminated Sunday. Cincinnati must also beat Pittsburgh in Week 18 and hope Denver loses again. Though the Bengals jumped Miami on Saturday, the Dolphins hold the tiebreaker (AFC record) that would move them past Cincinnati if they continue winning. Remaining schedule: at Steelers

NFL playoff-clinching scenarios for Week 18 (incomplete)

Detroit clinches NFC North and NFC’s No. 1 seed (first-round bye and home-field advantage) with:

Win

Minnesota clinches NFC North and NFC’s No. 1 seed (first-round bye and home-field advantage) with:

Win

Tampa Bay clinches NFC South with:

1. Win or tie

2. Atlanta loss

Atlanta clinches NFC South with:

Win + Tampa Bay loss

Baltimore clinches AFC North with:

1. Win or tie

2. Pittsburgh loss

Pittsburgh clinches AFC North with:

Win + Baltimore loss

Denver clinches playoff berth with:

1. Win or tie

2. Cincinnati loss + Miami loss

Miami clinches playoff berth with:

Win + Denver loss

Cincinnati clinches playoff berth with:

Win + Denver loss + Miami loss

NFL teams eliminated from playoff contention in 2024

x – clinched playoff berth

y – clinched division

z – clinched home-field advantage, first-round bye

***

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter, @ByNateDavis

The 2024 NFL regular season will conclude with a winner-take-all matchup that will determine the path of the NFC playoffs.

The league on Sunday night announced the Week 18 schedule, which will wrap up with the Detroit Lions hosting the Minnesota Vikings for the NFC North title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. The Lions (13-2), who still must play Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers, beat the Vikings (14-2) in Week 7, but the rematch will determine the all-important home-field advantage and first-round bye, with the loser being bumped all the way to the No. 5 seed.

Saturday will also resolve the AFC North crown, with the Baltimore Ravens hosting the Cleveland Browns in the afternoon and the Cincinnati Bengals, who are still fighting to stay alive for a wild-card spot, taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Here’s the full Week 18 schedule:

NFL Week 18 schedule for 2024 season

Saturday, Jan. 4

Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens, 4:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers, 8 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN

Sunday, Jan. 5

New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys, 1 p.m. ET, FOX

Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers, 1 p.m. ET, FOX

Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. ET, FOX

New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m. ET, FOX

Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS

Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS

Miami Dolphins at New York Jets, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS

San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS

Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS

Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC

All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY’s 4th and Monday newsletter.

It took nearly a full overtime period but the Washington Commanders won 30-24 over the Atlanta Falcons on ‘Sunday Night Football’ to reach 11 wins for the first time since 1991.

Washington’s offense went 70 yards in seven minutes and culminated in quarterback Jayden Daniels finding tight end Zach Ertz for the game-winning 2-yard touchdown pass.

Daniels had a historic night, completing 24 of 36 passes for 227 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. He also led the Commanders with 127 rushing yards on 16 carries. Daniels broke the rookie quarterback rushing yards record, previously held by former Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III, in the third quarter.

Washington took control early by converting an interception by Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to a touchdown. Atlanta scored 17 unanswered points by halftime, though, and a 10-point deficit was the biggest Washington’s faced all season at the break.

Atlanta running back Bijan Robinson scored two rushing touchdowns in the first half and finished the night with 17 carries for 90 yards and two scores.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

The Commanders came out strong in the second half with a 15-play drive that took up nearly eight minutes of time in the third quarter. Daniels found Ertz for his fifth touchdown of the season to cut the deficit to 17-14.

Washington chewed another seven minutes of clock on their ensuing drive capped off by a go-ahead touchdown run by Chris Rodriguez. Their ensuing drive took 5:30 off the clock but finished off with a field goal.

Atlanta fought back on their next drive as Penix Jr. threw his first NFL touchdown pass to tight end Kyle Pitts on 4th-and-goal and tie the game 24-24. A quick stop by the Falcons’ defense gave the Penix Jr. and company the ball back with 40 seconds to go. They got into field goal range but Riley Patterson couldn’t hit the 56-yard attempt.

Penix Jr. completed 19 of 35 passes for 223 yards, one touchdown, and an interception in his second career start.

Washington began overtime on offense and didn’t let Atlanta’s offense back on the field.

Daniels repeatedly went to former Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus on the night as Atlanta cornerback A.J. Terrell blanketed Terry McLaurin, his typical top target. Zaccheaus tied a career-high with eight catches for 85 yards and a touchdown, but had a critical drop on their final drive of regulation.

Both teams had more success on the ground. Washington had 216 yards rushing and Atlanta tallied 126 by the final whistle.

Washington overcame multiple miscues, including Daniels’ interception and 108 yards in penalties, for their 11th win of the season. The Commanders (11-5) close out the regular season on the road next week against the Dallas Cowboys (7-9).

This loss moves Atlanta (8-8) one game back from NFC South leader Tampa Bay (9-7). The Falcons head home for their regular season finale against the Carolina Panthers (4-12) and need the Buccaneers to lose to the New Orleans Saints to have a chance to win the division and make the playoffs.

NFL PLAYOFF PICTURE: Where things stand in the AFC and NFC

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Commanders vs. Falcons highlights

Commanders 30, Falcons 24: Jayden Daniels-to-Zach Ertz TD puts Washington (and L.A. Rams) in playoffs

Jayden Daniels’ 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Zach Ertz gave the Commanders the win in overtime.

More importantly, the win secured the Commanders’ first playoff berth since the 2020 season. It also clinched a postseason spot for the Los Angeles Rams, who are NFC West winners due to a strength of victory tiebreaker over the Seattle Seahawks.

Commanders call timeout facing third-and-goal

Washington’s gone 68 yards in more than seven minutes to take it deep into the red zone. Washington is facing third-and-goal from the 2-yard line with 2:45 to go in overtime.

Commanders will start with the ball in OT

Washington won the coin toss and elected to receive the ball and start overtime on offense.

Commanders 24, Falcons 24: Missed field goal sends game to overtime

Atlanta’s Riley Patterson attempted a 56-yard field goal but it fell well short and ‘Sunday Night Football’ is headed to overtime.

Commanders go three-and-out for the first time in second half

A zero-yard sack and two incomplete passes meant the Commanders took just 39 seconds off the clock before punting back to the Falcons. Atlanta gets the ball back on its own 19-yard line with 40 seconds to go and two timeouts.

Commanders 24, Falcons 24: Michael Penix Jr. finds Kyle Pitts for his first NFL TD pass

After a 21-yard loss on first-and-goal on a botched snap, the Falcons were able to battle back and score on a Michael Penix Jr. pass to tight end Kyle Pitts on fourth-and-goal. The 13-yard touchdown pass is Penix Jr.’s first as an NFL quarterback and Riley Patterson’s extra point is good to tie the game with 1:19 to go in the fourth quarter.

Falcons lose 21 yards on botched snap at two-minute warning

Facing first-and-goal from the Washington 5-yard line, the Falcons tried a direct snap to running back Bijan Robinson but it went through his hands and back for a 21-yard loss. The Falcons will be facing second-and-goal from the Commanders’ 26-yard line after the two-minute warning.

Commanders 24, Falcons 17: Zane Gonzalez makes 31-yard FG

Washington took more than five minutes to drive 52 yards for their third scoring drive of the second half. A holding call on third-and-goal nullified a touchdown pass from Jayden Daniels to Olamide Zaccheaus to keep the Falcons in contention and force a field goal. Zane Gonzalez knocked it through from 31 yards out to give Washington a seven-point lead with 4:32 to go.

Commanders’ Jayden Daniels sets rookie QB rushing record

The rookie quarterback rushed for 7 yards on first-and-10 from the Falcons’ 48-yard line in the fourth quarter, giving him 820 rushing yards on the season. That mark breaks the previous record of 815 yards held by fellow Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III set in the 2012 NFL season.

Commanders’ pass rush gets to Michael Penix Jr. to force punt

Atlanta’s offense picked up a first down to pass midfield but Commanders defensive lineman Dorance Armstrong sacked Michael Penix Jr. for an eight-yard loss on 3rd-and-10. The Falcons punt for the second time in a row in the second half and Washington’s offense takes over from their own 36-yard line with 10:02 to go in the game.

Commanders 21, Falcons 17: Chris Rodriguez scores go-ahead TD

The Commanders took another seven minutes off the clock with a 14-play, 70-yard drive culminating in a 2-yard touchdown run by second-year running back Chris Rodriguez. Zane Gonzalez’s extra point is good and Washington takes the lead again for the first time since the first quarter.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels used his legs on the drive multiple times, scrambling for 39 yards and two first downs on the drive. He also found Jeremy McNichols for a key conversion on fourth-and-5 in Falcons territory.

Commanders inside the red zone as third quarter ends

Washington’s dominated time of possession in the third frame. The Commanders out-gained the Falcons 125 yards to minus-1 in the quarter. Washington’s offense has the ball at the Falcons’ 14-yard line facing second-and-5 to open the final quarter of the game.

Falcons go three-and-out in first second-half drive

Atlanta managed just five yards before Washington defensive lineman Dante Fowler Jr. got a strip sack on third-and-5. Michael Penix Jr. recovered the ball, but the Falcons had to punt for just the second time all game.

Washington’s offense gets the ball back at its own 30-yard line with 5:06 to go in the third quarter.

Falcons 17, Commanders 14: Jayden Daniels finds Zach Ertz for 10-yard TD

Washington’s offense took nearly eight full minutes off the clock in their opening drive of the second half. Jayden Daniels fired a pass to tight end Zach Ertz on third-and-8 for a 10-yard touchdown. Zane Gonzalez’s extra point is good as the Commanders make it a one-score game.

Multiple key plays kept the drive going at crucial moments. An illegal contact penalty on the Falcons’ defense on 3rd-and-22 kept Washington’s offense on the field. Ertz had a 37-yard catch-and-run — his longest catch in three seasons — to get Washington past midfield. Daniels’ 4-yard run on fourth-and-1 from the Falcons’ 16-yard line gave the Commanders a new set of downs and closer to the end zone.

Falcons lead ‘SNF’ 17-7 at halftime

Atlanta’s field goal with two seconds to go sealed a two-score lead after the first half.

After Washington’s opening drive touchdown, the Falcons have clamped down on defense. The Commanders kicked two punts and threw and interception on their three drives after their first touchdown. Atlanta’s pass rush has sacked Jayden Daniels twice and both quarterbacks have thrown one interception through the first two quarters.

Washington will get the ball to start the third quarter.

Falcons 17, Commanders 7: Atlanta scores field goal right before halftime

The Falcons went 51 yards in less than two minutes to make it a two-score game behind a 39-yard field goal by Liam McCullough. Michael Penix Jr. completed 3 of 5 passes for 32 yards on the drive.

Commanders punt after penalty, sack dooms drive

A holding penalty and 10-yard sack on consecutive plays forced the Washington offense into a third-and-30 from their own 35-yard line. The Commanders couldn’t overcome that and will settle for a punt on the other side of the two-minute warning. Atlanta will have a chance to score before halftime with all three timeouts.

Falcons 14, Commanders 7: Bijan Robinson finds the end zone again

Atlanta’s offense capitalized on the interception by marching 72 yards in 11 plays for a go-ahead touchdown. Bijan Robinson’s second-and-2 run from the Commanders’ 4-yard line was initially ruled a touchdown run but was called back due to the ball going out of bounds before crossing the plane of the end zone. Two plays later, he made good on that miss with a 1-yard score.

The Falcons ran the ball eight times on the drive for 49 yards.

Jayden Daniels throws his first INT of the game

After a holding penalty backed the Commanders out of the red zone, Jayden Daniels dropped back and threw an interception to Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss.

Elliss had a short return to give the ball back to the Falcons offense at their own 29-yard line with 10:37 to go in the second quarter.

Michael Penix Jr. overthrows Bijan Robinson, Falcons settle for punt

Facing third-and-6 from their own 33-yard line, Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. dropped back and threw deep for running back Bijan Robinson, who had a step on his defender. The pass fell incomplete and the Falcons were forced to punt. Washington takes over at its own 28-yard line with less than a minute to go in the first quarter.

Commanders go three-and-out for the first time in game

Falcons rookie linebacker JD Bertrand got to Jayden Daniels for a 13-yard sack on second-and-10 and Washington’s offense couldn’t recover. The Commanders punted for the first time tonight and the Falcons will take over at their own 27-yard line with 2:48 to go in the first quarter.

Commanders 7, Falcons 7: Bijan Robinson takes direct snap for TD

Two key penalties against the Commanders kept the Falcons alive for a 10-play, 70-yard drive capped off by a rushing touchdown by Bijan Robinson off a direct snap. Liam McCullough’s extra point is good and the game is tied with 5:10 to go in the first quarter.

Commanders’ offsides penalty keeps Falcons drive alive

The Falcons were lined up for a field goal on fourth-and-4 from the Washington 28-yard line. But rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil was lined up offsides and a 5-yard penalty gives Atlanta another shot near the red zone.

Commanders 7, Falcons 0: Jayden Daniels throws fourth-down TD to open scoring

Following the turnover, the Commanders made the most of a short field with a seven-play touchdown drive in a matter of three minutes. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels faked a handoff and rolled out to his left before finding Olamide Zaccheaus for a 7-yard touchdown on fourth-and-2.

Zane Gonzalez’s extra point is good and Washington takes the first lead of the game with 9:33 to go in the first quarter.

Michael Penix Jr. throws first INT of the game

The rookie dropped back for his third pass of the game and threw it to Commanders safety Quan Martin. Washington’s offense takes over at the Falcons’ 38-yard line with 12:45 to go in the first quarter.

Falcons start the game on offense

Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will have the first drive of the game in his second start of the season.

Commanders vs. Falcons start time 

Date: Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 
Time: 8:20 p.m. ET 

The Commanders and Falcons game will wrap up Sunday’s Week 17 of the 2024 NFL season with ‘Sunday Night Football’ at 8:20 p.m. ET. 

Commanders vs. Falcons TV channel 

Cable TV: NBC 

Commanders vs. Falcons predictions, picks 

Here’s how the USA TODAY Sports staff feels the Week 17 “Sunday Night Football” matchup between the Commanders and Falcons will shape up: 

Lorenzo Reyes: Commanders 31, Falcons 24 
Tyler Dragon: Commanders 27, Falcons 24 
Richard Morin: Commanders 21, Falcons 17 
Jordan Mendoza: Commanders 27, Falcons 23 

Commanders vs. Falcons live stream 

Live stream: Fubo | Peacock 

For cord cutters looking for a live stream for the matchup, you can turn to Fubo. Fubo carries NBC, as well as CBS, FOX, NFL Network and the ESPN family of networks, meaning you can catch NFL action through the remainder of the season. 

Watch’Sunday Night Football’with a Peacock subscription

Commanders inactives vs. Falcons

WR Dyami Brown
QB Jeff Driskel (emergency third QB)
CB Marshon Lattimore
S Tyler Owens
LB Dominique Hampton
LB Jordan Magee
OT Andrew Wylie

Falcons inactives vs. Commanders

RB Carlos Washington
CB Kevin King
DL Brandon Dorlus
OL Elijah Wilkinson
OT Tyrone Wheatley Jr.
OT Brandon Parker
WR Casey Washington

Commanders vs. Falcons odds, moneyline, over/under 

The Commanders are favorites to defeat the Falcons, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Not interested in this game? Check out expert picks and best bets for every NFL game this week. 

Spread: Commanders (-3.5) 
Moneyline: Commanders (-190); Falcons (+155) 
Over/under: 46.5     

Sunday Night Football best bets 

Looking to make “SNF” interesting? Here are some of the best bets for the matchup: 

Jayden Daniels OVER 1.5 passing TDs (+100) 
Terry McLaurin anytime TD (-145) 
Kyle Pitts anytime TD (+220) 

When do the NFL playoffs start? 

Start date: Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 

The format remains unchanged from previous years, with wild-card weekend getting things started on Saturday, Jan. 11. Sunday will feature a tripleheader before the round wraps up on ‘Monday Night Football’ on Monday, Jan. 13. 

What needs to happen for Falcons to make playoffs? 

The Falcons have a fairly simple task ahead of them because they control their destiny. Here’s how Atlanta can get to the playoffs. They clinch a playoff spot with wins in their last two games. 

Week 17: at Commanders 
Week 18: vs. Panthers 

However, things get dicey with a Falcons loss tonight. Atlanta would hand control of the division back to Tampa Bay with one week to go. Under that scenario, here is how Atlanta can make the postseason: 

Week 18: Falcons win (vs. Panthers) and Buccaneers loss (vs. Saints) 

The Falcons cannot make the playoffs as a wild-card team. 

What needs to happen for Commanders to make playoffs? 

The Commanders have several different paths into the postseason. They are as follows: 

The Commanders win one of their last two games; 
The Buccaneers lose or tie against the New Orleans Saints in Week 18; 
The Falcons lose to the Carolina Panthers in Week 18. 

The only way the Commanders can be eliminated from postseason contention is if they finish with the same record as the Falcons and Buccaneers. That would allow the Falcons to win the NFC South and the Buccaneers to displace the Commanders in the wild-card race by virtue of Tampa Bay’s head-to-head win over Washington in Week 1. 

NFC East standings  

Here’s how the NFC East stacks up entering the “SNF” matchup between the Commanders and Falcons: 

Philadelphia Eagles (13-3) 
Washington Commanders (10-5) 
Dallas Cowboys (7-9) 
New York Giants (3-13) 

NFC South standings  

Here’s how the NFC South lines up entering the “SNF” matchup between the Falcons and Commanders: 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7) 
Atlanta Falcons (8-7) 
New Orleans Saints (5-11) 
Carolina Panthers (4-12) 

NFL playoff picture

Here’s how the AFC and NFC stack up entering “SNF”:

AFC

yz – Kansas City Chiefs (15-1), AFC West champions
y – Buffalo Bills (13-3), AFC East champions
x – Baltimore Ravens (11-5), AFC North leaders
y – Houston Texans (9-7), AFC South champions
x – Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6), wild card No. 1
x – Los Angeles Chargers (10-6), wild card No. 2
Denver Broncos (9-7), wild card No. 3

In the hunt: Miami Dolphins (8-8), Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)

NFC

x – Minnesota Vikings (14-2), NFC North leaders
y – Philadelphia Eagles (13-3), NFC East champions
Los Angeles Rams (10-6), NFC West leaders
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7), NFC South leaders
x – Detroit Lions (13-2), wild card No. 1
x – Green Bay Packers (11-5), wild card No. 2
Washington Commanders (10-5), wild card No. 3

In the hunt: Seattle Seahawks (9-7), Atlanta Falcons (8-7)

x – clinched playoff berth

y – clinched division

z – clinched home-field advantage, first-round bye

NFL draft 2025 order entering ‘Sunday Night Football’ 

Here’s how the top 15 picks of the first round of the 2025 NFL draft stack up entering the “SNF” game: 

New England Patriots: 3-13 record; .447 strength of schedule
Tennessee Titans: 3-13; .508
Cleveland Browns: 3-13, .529
New York Giants: 3-13, .534
Jacksonville Jaguars: 4-12, .475
Carolina Panthers: 4-12, .496
New York Jets: 4-12, .502
Las Vegas Raiders: 4-12, .541
Chicago Bears: 4-12, .544
New Orleans Saints: 5-11, .506
San Francisco 49ers: 6-9, .554
Indianapolis Colts: 7-9, .471
Dallas Cowboys: 7-9, .508
Arizona Cardinals: 7-9, .545
Miami Dolphins: 8-8, .427

Where is Commanders vs. Falcons? 

The Falcons travel North to take on the Commanders and Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. 

The stadium has been home to the Washington NFL team since 1997.

Commanders vs. Falcons weather updates 

It’s going to be a rainy night outside the nation’s capital. According to the AccuWeather forecast, it will be near 60 degrees at kickoff and there is a 75% chance of rain with wind gusts maxing out at 27 MPH. There’s a 75% chance of rain at kickoff decreasing to 50% at 10 p.m. ET. 

Which NFL team has the most Super Bowl wins? 

The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers are tied for the most Super Bowl wins with six. 

Washington has won three Super Bowls win five appearances, with the most recent victory coming in Super Bowl XXVI during the 1991 season.

The Falcons have made two Super Bowl appearances, losing both games. The most recent appearance came during the 2016 season, in which the Falcons’ famously lost to the Patriots in Super Bowl 51.

NFL franchises with most Super Bowl wins:

New England Patriots — 6
Pittsburgh Steelers — 6
Dallas Cowboys — 5
San Francisco 49ers — 5
Green Bay Packers — 4
Kansas City Chiefs — 4
New York Giants — 4

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And put a cherry-on-top of what was a historic night for him and one Washington Commanders fans won’t forget any time soon.

Daniels threw the game-winning touchdown to Zach Ertz with 2:42 left in overtime as the Commanders defeated the Atlanta Falcons 30-24 on ‘Sunday Night Football’ to clinch a wild-card berth in their quarterback’s rookie season.

Daniels now leads all rookie quarterbacks for most rushing yards in a season with 864 following his most prolific game as a runner. He had a game-high 127 yards on the ground (a new career high) on 16 attempts (7.9 yards per carry); 103 yards came in the second half and overtime.

His 16-yard scramble on third-and-2 from midfield in overtime cleared the Commanders’ path to victory, and he ran the ball three times in a row before hooking up with Ertz from 4 yards out for the win.

All things Commanders: Latest Washington Commanders news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

In the fourth quarter, Daniels passed the previous record for a rookie signal-caller in a season, set by Robert Griffin III – who also did it with Washington – in 2012.

Daniels ran his way to the record thanks to his third straight productive game on the ground. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner rushed for 66 yards against the New Orleans Saints and went for 81 last week against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Fans started chanting ‘MVP!’ as the Commanders were on the doorstep of scoring in overtime.

Daniels has six rushing touchdowns to go along with the 25 he’s thrown. He’s been efficient with his legs all season and entered Sunday averaging 5.76 yards per carry. There have been three games this season he rushed for 22 yards or less, and the Commanders lost all three.

‘I wanted Jayden Daniels to break my rookie rushing record because I’m not about rooting against the next generation. He EARNED IT. He is the FUTURE,’ Griffin III wrote on social media. ‘Some of these old heads need to stop drinking all that haterade (sic) and lift up these young guys instead of tearing them down.’

This story has been updated with new information.

Saquon Barkley is in the 2,000-yard club.

The Philadelphia Eagles running back eclipsed 2,000 rushing yards on the season during the team’s dominant 41-7 win against the Dallas Cowboys.

Barkley rushed a season-high 31 times for 167 rushing yards on Sunday. Barkley broke the 2,000-yard mark on a 23-yard run during the fourth quarter.  

The Eagles running back received a standing ovation from the crowd at Lincoln Financial Field when he achieved the mark. He entered Sunday with an NFL-high, career-best and franchise-record 1,838 yards on the ground.

Barkley is the ninth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season. At 2,005 rushing yards on the year, he is just 101 away from surpassing Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson’s single-season record. Dickerson set the record in 1984 with the Los Angeles Rams.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

Barkley has a chance to break Dickerson’s record against his former team, the New York Giants, in Week 18. He played in New York his first six NFL seasons.

Behind Barkley, the Eagles have the NFL’s top rushing offense, with 187.9 yards per game through the team’s first 15 contests.

The Los Angeles Lakers have reached a deal to trade D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round draft pick to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, a person with knowledge of the move confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.

The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the teams announce the deal.

The Lakers get depth on the perimeter, 3-point shooting, defensive help and a smidgen of financial flexibility in the trade, and the Nets, who continue to compile draft picks, get a point guard in Russell who can score and distribute. Russell, who spent 2017-18 and 2018-19 with Brooklyn, is in the final season of a two-year, $36 million deal and will be a free agent after this season.

The Lakers are 18-13 and tied for fifth place with the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference. They are 1½ games behind the fourth-place Dallas Mavericks. The Nets are 12-19 and in 12th place in the Eastern Conference but just 1½ games away from a play-in spot.

ESPN first reported the trade.

Lakers-Nets trade grades

Los Angeles Lakers trade grade: B+

The Lakers are 27th in 3-pointers made per game (11.8) and 18th in 3-point percentage (35.3) and 21st in defensive rating, allowing 114.9 points per 100 possessions. Finney-Smith, who was sought after by other playoff-caliber teams ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline, addresses both issues.

A 3-and-D forward at 6-7, Finney-Smith averages 10.4 points and shoots 43.5% from 3s on 5.4 attempts per game. On a team with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Finney-Smith, 31, will have the opportunity for more attempts and should get better opportunities. He also averages 4.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and almost 1.0 steals per game. Finney-Smith is in the third season of a four-year, $55.5 million contract but has a player option where he can become a free agent after this season.

Milton, a 6-5 guard, averages 7.9 points and shoots 38.9% on 3s. Milton, 28, is in the first season of a three-year, $9.1 million contract.

The Lakers also lowered their team salary, giving them more flexibility to make another deal ahead of the trade deadline.

Brooklyn Nets trade grade: B

The Nets get the expiring Russell’s expiring contract and second-round picks, giving the team more salary cap space and draft capital. According to ESPN front-office insider Bobby Marks, the Nets have 31 draft picks in the next seven years (15 first-rounders and 16 second-rounders), including four first-round picks and one second-round pick in 2025, and $59 million in salary cap space headed into 2025.

The cap space and draft picks give the Nets options, including the option to be aggressive with roster construction. That grade is fluid – it can improve if the Nets make the right moves.

(This story was updated to add new information.)