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Top photos from Week 16 of the NFL season

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Top photos from Week 16 of the NFL season
Sport

Sport

Top photos from Week 16 of the NFL season

2025-12-22 09:00 Last Updated At:09:11

Photo highlights from the 16th week of the NFL season.

This gallery was curated by AP photo editors.

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Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) tries to get past Los Angeles Rams safety Kamren Kinchens, right, cornerback Cobie Durant (14) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) tries to get past Los Angeles Rams safety Kamren Kinchens, right, cornerback Cobie Durant (14) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., left, returns an interception thrown by Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., left, returns an interception thrown by Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) scores a touchdown against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Cobee Bryant (37) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) scores a touchdown against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Cobee Bryant (37) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Chicago Bears' DJ Moore catches a touchdown pass with Green Bay Packers' Keisean Nixon defending diring overtime an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Bears' DJ Moore catches a touchdown pass with Green Bay Packers' Keisean Nixon defending diring overtime an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley runs against the Washington Commanders during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley runs against the Washington Commanders during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

New York Jets guard Joe Tippmann (66) celebrates after a field goal during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Ella Hall)

New York Jets guard Joe Tippmann (66) celebrates after a field goal during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Ella Hall)

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton (10) fumbles as he is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers free safety Derwin James (3) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton (10) fumbles as he is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers free safety Derwin James (3) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

A New Orleans Saints fan yells during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Ella Hall)

A New Orleans Saints fan yells during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Ella Hall)

Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders leaps over Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Benjamin Morrison during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders leaps over Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Benjamin Morrison during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (30) breaks a tackle by Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks (20) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (30) breaks a tackle by Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks (20) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III celebrates his touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III celebrates his touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

A Miami Dolphins fans shows his displeasure during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

A Miami Dolphins fans shows his displeasure during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

New York Jets running back Breece Hall pauses before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Ella Hall)

New York Jets running back Breece Hall pauses before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Ella Hall)

Kansas City Chiefs place-kicker Harrison Butker (7) celebrates with punter Matt Araiza (14) after kicking a field goal during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Kansas City Chiefs place-kicker Harrison Butker (7) celebrates with punter Matt Araiza (14) after kicking a field goal during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) makes a touchdown catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) makes a touchdown catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans catches a touchdown pass against Carolina Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans catches a touchdown pass against Carolina Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) passes under pressure against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) passes under pressure against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders eludes the tackle of Buffalo Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa (57)during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders eludes the tackle of Buffalo Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa (57)during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) is tackled by Tennessee Titans cornerback Kemon Hall (40) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) is tackled by Tennessee Titans cornerback Kemon Hall (40) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is sacked by Carolina Panthers linebacker Christian Rozeboom during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is sacked by Carolina Panthers linebacker Christian Rozeboom during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) celebrates after tackling Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt for a safety during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) celebrates after tackling Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt for a safety during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Los Angeles Chargers free safety Derwin James (3) talks to his son Derwin James Jr. before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Los Angeles Chargers free safety Derwin James (3) talks to his son Derwin James Jr. before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Carolina Panthers safety Lathan Ransom celebrates after their win in an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Carolina Panthers safety Lathan Ransom celebrates after their win in an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle runs onto the field before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle runs onto the field before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) celebrates with cornerback Quincy Riley (29) after a sack during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) celebrates with cornerback Quincy Riley (29) after a sack during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) tries to get past Los Angeles Rams safety Kamren Kinchens, right, cornerback Cobie Durant (14) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) tries to get past Los Angeles Rams safety Kamren Kinchens, right, cornerback Cobie Durant (14) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., left, returns an interception thrown by Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., left, returns an interception thrown by Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) scores a touchdown against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Cobee Bryant (37) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) scores a touchdown against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Cobee Bryant (37) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Chicago Bears' DJ Moore catches a touchdown pass with Green Bay Packers' Keisean Nixon defending diring overtime an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Bears' DJ Moore catches a touchdown pass with Green Bay Packers' Keisean Nixon defending diring overtime an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley runs against the Washington Commanders during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley runs against the Washington Commanders during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

New York Jets guard Joe Tippmann (66) celebrates after a field goal during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Ella Hall)

New York Jets guard Joe Tippmann (66) celebrates after a field goal during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Ella Hall)

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton (10) fumbles as he is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers free safety Derwin James (3) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton (10) fumbles as he is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers free safety Derwin James (3) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

A New Orleans Saints fan yells during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Ella Hall)

A New Orleans Saints fan yells during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Ella Hall)

Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders leaps over Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Benjamin Morrison during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders leaps over Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Benjamin Morrison during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (30) breaks a tackle by Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks (20) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (30) breaks a tackle by Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks (20) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III celebrates his touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III celebrates his touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

A Miami Dolphins fans shows his displeasure during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

A Miami Dolphins fans shows his displeasure during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

New York Jets running back Breece Hall pauses before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Ella Hall)

New York Jets running back Breece Hall pauses before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Ella Hall)

Kansas City Chiefs place-kicker Harrison Butker (7) celebrates with punter Matt Araiza (14) after kicking a field goal during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Kansas City Chiefs place-kicker Harrison Butker (7) celebrates with punter Matt Araiza (14) after kicking a field goal during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) makes a touchdown catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) makes a touchdown catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans catches a touchdown pass against Carolina Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans catches a touchdown pass against Carolina Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) passes under pressure against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) passes under pressure against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders eludes the tackle of Buffalo Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa (57)during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders eludes the tackle of Buffalo Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa (57)during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) is tackled by Tennessee Titans cornerback Kemon Hall (40) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) is tackled by Tennessee Titans cornerback Kemon Hall (40) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is sacked by Carolina Panthers linebacker Christian Rozeboom during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is sacked by Carolina Panthers linebacker Christian Rozeboom during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) celebrates after tackling Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt for a safety during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) celebrates after tackling Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt for a safety during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Los Angeles Chargers free safety Derwin James (3) talks to his son Derwin James Jr. before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Los Angeles Chargers free safety Derwin James (3) talks to his son Derwin James Jr. before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Carolina Panthers safety Lathan Ransom celebrates after their win in an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Carolina Panthers safety Lathan Ransom celebrates after their win in an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle runs onto the field before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle runs onto the field before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) celebrates with cornerback Quincy Riley (29) after a sack during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) celebrates with cornerback Quincy Riley (29) after a sack during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel declined to address his future with the team after Miami was routed 45–21 by the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, the latest in a series of embarrassing losses.

Miami has already been eliminated from the playoffs for the second straight season. And for the second consecutive game, the Dolphins unraveled in the third quarter, undone by the costly mistakes that have plagued them all year.

NFL Network reported earlier Sunday that owner Stephen Ross is expected to stick with McDaniel in 2026 despite another season of unfulfilled expectations for the Dolphins, who hold the NFL's longest playoff win drought at 25 years.

“The focus for me as a head coach, there is plenty to focus on," said McDaniel, declining to say if he's been told that he's coming back next season.

“I don’t spend my time thinking about the job I already have,” he added. “I try to do it to the best of my ability, and I have work to do to get our third quarters right. We’re not going to have any time to waste because there’s going to be a hungry Tampa (Bay) team that we’re going to face in a week. My focus is there, and everyone depends on me to have my focus there.”

McDaniel, who has faced questions about his job security all season, was much more willing to voice his frustration about the Dolphins' poor second half. Miami turned the ball over four times, leading to four Bengals touchdowns.

“I’m just very, very frustrated and angry about this continued third-quarter thing,” McDaniel said, “where it appears ... really the dam breaks and all of a sudden we play a different style of football. The way I look at it is I’m furious because I’m allowing it to happen. It starts with me. While I’m up here after games, you probably won’t get much other finger-pointing besides I need to get it fixed.”

Last week's loss at Pittsburgh ended the Dolphins' postseason hopes, and it also became clear that McDaniel would have to make what he described as a tough decision to bench struggling quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for rookie Quinn Ewers.

After naming Ewers the Dolphins' starter earlier this week, McDaniel said he was looking for conviction from the quarterback position.

In his first career start, Ewers provided Dolphins fans — some of whom put brown paper bags on their heads as the game got out of hand — a look at what he can add to the Dolphins' passing game.

Ewers completed 20 of 30 passes for 260 yards and led three scoring drives. He appeared calm operating Miami's offense and showed his ability to extend plays with his legs, something the Dolphins were missing with Tagovailoa this season.

“It didn’t feel fast to me,” Ewers said. “During the week I thought we did a good job of keeping our eyes on the play clock and not getting in the rhythm of practice. Like, ‘Hey, it’s just practice. We’re going to continue on to just go through the motions.’ But we had a play clock on me during the week, which I think helped a lot. It felt good to be out there. Didn’t feel fast.”

Ewers appeared more rattled in the second half, throwing a pair of interceptions, but McDaniel did not critique the rookie's second-half performance too much because of the way the team unraveled.

Tagovailoa was Miami's emergency third quarterback behind Ewers and veteran Zach Wilson. He stood on the sideline with a clipboard, giving Ewers pointers and celebrating after positive plays.

“He was good. Super encouraging to me and all the guys,” Ewers said. “He’s in a tough position in that spot. ... I’ve been there, and I know how he feels. I thought he did a really good job of helping me out on the sideline and continuing to talk to those guys and continuing to encourage those guys.”

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Miami Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers pauses during a news conference following a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Miami Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers pauses during a news conference following a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Miami Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers looks to pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Miami Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers looks to pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

A fan shows his frustration with the Miami Dolphins following an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

A fan shows his frustration with the Miami Dolphins following an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel ponders a question at news conference following a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel ponders a question at news conference following a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

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