Brandon Fields and the Dolphins helped to ruin the Jets’ season, dashing the team’s playoff hopes in Miami’s 19-17 win. The Jet-Spartan duo of Plaxico Burress and Eric Smith still contributed, as Burress caught four passes for 57 yards at wide receiver and Smith had two tackles and two assists at safety. Fields had a stellar day at punter for Miami, booting the ball four times for a 48 yard average, with his longest punt being of 64 yards.
Colts’ cornerback Chris Rucker had a solid day in his team’s 19-13 loss to the Jaguars. Rucker recorded two tackles, a tackle for loss, and a special teams tackle in the game.
Brian Hoyer saw time at quarterback for the Patriots in New England’s 49-21 trouncing of the Bills. Hoyer passed once, completing a 22 yard throw to tight end Rob Gronkowski.
The Giants crushed the Cowboys’ playoff hopes, while securing a Wild Card spot for themselves, in a 31-14 triumph over Dallas. Giants’ wide receiver Devin Thomas had one catch for 14 yards and one kickoff return for 31 yards, while teammate Greg Jones had a special teams tackle, assist, and fumble recovery.
Quarterback Drew Stanton was not active for the Lions in Detroit’s 45-41 loss to the Packers.
Ogemdi Nwagbuo started at defensive tackle for the Panthers as Carolina fell to the playoff-bound Saints 45-17. Nwagbuo had a tackle and an assist in the contest.
Cardinals’ tackle D.J. Young was activated from the practice squad on December 28th, but was not active for Arizona’s 23-20 triumph over Seahawks.
Kellen Davis started at tight end for the Bears in Chicago’s 17-13 win over the Vikings.
Defensive tackle Brandon McKinney and the Ravens clinched a first round bye in the playoffs with a 24-16 victory over Domata Peko, Kyle Cook, and the Bengals. McKinney had one tackle in the game for Baltimore. Cook started at center, while starting defensive tackle Peko racked up three tackles, three assists, and one tackle for loss.
Note: Kicker Dave Rayner was placed on the Bills’ injured reserve on December 28th due to a groin injury.
Playoff Bound Spartans: C Kyle Cook and DT Domata Peko, Bengals; QB Brian Hoyer, Patriots; DT Brandon McKinney, Ravens; QB Drew Stanton and DB Ross Weaver (on practice squad), Lions; WR Devin Thomas and MLB Greg Jones, Giants
