One thing we learned about each NFL team in Week 16: Derek Carr era may be over; Panthers may have starting QB

The NFL season has hit the home stretch, as eight teams have clinched playoff spots, while 16 teams still have an opportunity to take one of the six spots still available. The race to the finish line should be one of the most exciting playoff chases in recent memory.

The league has seen the most games decided by six points or less through the first 16 weeks of all-time, as well as the most games being within one score (eight points) in the fourth quarter through the first 16 weeks in NFL history. While there aren’t many dominant teams, there are a lot of them on the same tier in the contending pyramid — resulting in some exciting finishes. 

With two weeks left to play in the regular season, here’s one thing we learned about each team in Week 16. 

DeAndre Hopkins is ineffective with Trace McSorley at QB: Hopkins was targeted 10 times by the Cardinals’ third-string quarterback, but had a measly one catch for four yards. McSorley and Hopkins don’t work together much in practice, but Hopkins was essentially ineffective in the passing game in a Cardinals offense that was limited to begin with. 

Greg Dortch had 10 catches for 98 yards on 11 targets. It made sense he had a big game due to his reps with McSorley on the second and third team. Hopkins has 15 catches for 143 yards and no touchdowns in his last three games. 

Drake London is more productive with Desmond Ridder: London did have a fumble on Saturday (his third of the year), but the numbers have improved in Ridder’s two starts. After having seven catches for 96 yards against the Ravens, London has 14 catches for 166 yards in his two games with Ridder.

The Falcons may be eliminated from the playoffs, yet Ridder finding London as ofter as he does is a very encouraging sign. 

Red zone woes continue: The Ravens continue to find ways to not score touchdowns in the red zone, as Justin Tucker connected on three field goals from 27 yards or less in Saturday’s win over Atlanta. Baltimore was 1 of 4 in the red zone, and has scored touchdowns just twice in its last nine red zone trips. 

Of course all those games are Tyler Huntley starts. Baltimore wasn’t much better in the red zone in Lamar Jackson’s last two starts prior to his injury, going just 3 of 6. Now a playoff team, these red zone woes must get corrected.