From 1990-2020, Week 17 usually meant the end of the regular season in the National Football League. The exception was 1993, when clubs played 16 contests but the league gave each team a pair of off-weeks. But that has all changed with the addition of a 17th game. And given the competitive nature of this 2021 season, the league is in for quite the frantic finish. So what do the following key statistics tell us?

1

There are two weeks remaining in the 2021 regular season. It's the first where every team will play 17 games. That aside, after 16 weeks of action and each of the 32 clubs playing in 15 contests, the Kansas City Chiefs are the only team in their conference that has clinched a postseason invitation. Andy Reid's squad has now won six straight AFC West titles and own an eight-game winning streak. Meanwhile, five teams in the NFC have earned a playoff berth.

9

Mike McCarthy's club leads the league with 457 points. The Dallas Cowboys' offense has produced 45 touchdowns (13 rushing, 32 passing). But the defense and special teams have contributed in a big way to the team's point total. There have been a total of nine return TDs, courtesy of five interceptions, two fumbles, one kickoff, and a pair of blocked punts for scores. A season ago, Dallas rolled up just 395 points and came only with only three return TDs.

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5

He was the sixth overall pick in April's draft and has not disappointed. The Miami Dolphins opted for former University of Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and he has responded with a productive debut campaign. He leads the team in catches (96), receiving yards (941), and TB grabs (5). And he is just five receptions away from tying the NFL rookie record for catches in a season (101), set by Arizona Cardinals' wideout Anquan Boldin in 2003.

34

The reigning NFL MVP is very hot these days. Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has thrown for 33 scores and been picked off just four times in 14 games this year. In his last five games, the prolific passer has thrown 16 touchdown passes and zero interceptions. And in his last 10 outings vs. his NFC North rivals, he's served up 34 TD passes and hasn't thrown a pick. And Matt LaFleur's club hosts the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night.

371

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had three head coaches since 1969. Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Mike Tomlin has guided the club since 2007. Defense has been the franchise's calling card for quite a spell. But this year's Steelers have struggled mightily despite a big year from pass-rusher T.J. Watt (when available). The team has allowed 371 points this season in 15 games – the most by the club since 1988.