Week 17 Recap: Henry's Historic 4-TD Day, Patriots Clinch East

The King Reclaims His Throne

In a performance for the ages, Derrick Henry reminded the entire NFL world—and fantasy managers everywhere—why he is a generational talent. The Baltimore Ravens (8-8) kept their AFC North hopes alive by demolishing the Green Bay Packers (9-6-1) 41-24, fueled entirely by Henry's historic night.

The "King" rushed for a staggering 216 yards and found the end zone four times, single-handedly wrecking the Packers' defensive game plan. It was vintage Henry: stiff-arming defenders into the turf, outrunning secondary players, and looking stronger in the fourth quarter than the first. For fantasy managers who survived to the championship round with Henry on their roster, this was likely the week-winning performance they had been praying for.

Patriots Crowned AFC East Champions

The New England Patriots (13-3) have officially returned to the top of the mountain. With a comprehensive 42-10 victory over the rival New York Jets, the Patriots clinched the AFC East division title for the first time in the post-Belichick era.

Drake Maye continued his impressive sophomore campaign, throwing for 280 yards and 3 touchdowns without a turnover. The Patriots' defense suffocated the Jets offense, forcing three interceptions. With this win, New England remains neck-and-neck with the Denver Broncos for the AFC's No. 1 seed heading into the final week of the season.

Playoff Picture: The Final Week Scenarios

With Week 17 concluding, the playoff picture is clearer but far from settled.

AFC:

• Denver Broncos (13-3): Defeated the Chiefs 20-13 to maintain the inside track for the #1 seed. A win in Week 18 secures the bye.
• Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4): Continue to lead the South but face a must-win situation next week to hold off the Texans (11-5).
• Wild Card Race: The Bills (11-5), Chargers (11-5), and Texans have all clinched playoff berths, but seeding is wide open.

NFC:

• Seattle Seahawks (13-3): remain the team to beat in the NFC, controlling their destiny for home-field advantage.
• Chicago Bears (11-5): Despite a high-scoring loss to the 49ers (42-38), they have already wrapped up the NFC North.
• NFC South Chaos: The division title will come down to Week 18, with the Panthers (8-8) and Falcons (7-9) still in the mix.

Injury Fallout

• Lamar Jackson: Missed Week 17 with a back injury, which allowed Henry to take over the offense completely. His status for the critical Week 18 game vs. Pittsburgh is uncertain.
• Christian McCaffrey: Limited action in the 49ers' win, raising concerns for playoff availability.