Lions

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams is on the verge of hitting the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career, having taken some time to find his rhythm in the league. Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson praised Williams’ potential and highlighted that they anticipated his breakout once he received more opportunities to connect with quarterback Jared Goff.

“We struggled in his first year when he returned from injury to truly sync up,” Johnson mentioned, as reported by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “As coaches, we recognized his potential, and with Jared being a timing and rhythm quarterback, he requires repetitions just like any great player. It was just a matter of time, and once it clicked, it was incredible to witness those two-play drives.”

“Jameson has the potential to elevate this offense, and seeing him execute a post route against single-high coverage is remarkable. It has significant implications for our offense as we approach the end of the season and prepare for the playoffs.”

• Williams was fined $11,255 for unsportsmanlike conduct (taunting) in Week 16.

Packers

The Green Bay Packers have suffered defeats in all five of their matchups against the top three teams in the NFC, leading to questions about their true capabilities. Safety Xavier McKinney emphasized that they are the only ones who can alter this narrative with critical victories in the postseason.

“We have to take it upon ourselves to change that narrative,” McKinney stated, via ESPN’s Rob Demovsky. “We can’t just sit here and talk about it. We’ve experienced this feeling before. Either we change it, or we don’t. If we don’t, it won’t bode well for us.”

Cornerback Keisean Nixon countered the negative narrative by referencing their win over the Rams and highlighting how competitive they have been against the top-tier teams in the NFC.

“I don’t think that’s accurate,” Nixon asserted. “We beat the Rams, who will be in the playoffs. We lost to Philly by a mere three points, Minnesota by two points, and Detroit by three. We need to focus on finishing strong. It’s not about who we can or can’t defeat. If we learn how to close out games, we will win.”

“Now is playoff time. It’s win or go home. We must figure out how to finish strong or head back home.”

• Packers defensive lineman Colby Wooden was fined $6,150 for unnecessary roughness (striking/kicking/kneeing) in Week 16.

Vikings

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold had a standout performance during their Week 17 victory over the Packers, keeping the team’s hopes alive for the top seed in the NFC. Darnold reflected on the postgame celebration, sharing how special it felt to be embraced by teammates given his tumultuous career thus far.

“It was pure chaos,” Darnold recounted, as per Kevin Patra of NFL.com. “I think I blacked out when Aaron Jones picked me up!”

“In that moment, I didn’t know what to do with my hands — it was so overwhelming, like a Ricky Bobby moment. It was unique but fun to be celebrated like that by my teammates.”

“That was pretty special.”