NFL Dawgs Week 17: Tying A Bow Around The 2015 Regular Season

Timu continues to find success

Rookie linebacker John Timu has made the most of his playing time for the Chicago Bears since being called up from the practice squad in December. Timu again led the Bears (6-10) in tackles Sunday as they finished up another disappointing season with a loss to the Detroit Lions (7-9). Timu added eight tackles in the loss, giving him 24 in a season that didn't really get going until week 15. The Bears finished with another losing mark this season, but should have something to build on with Timu entering 2016.

Polk,Texans win AFC South

The Houston Texans won the AFC South Sunday, rebounding from a dismal start to the 2015 campaign to return to the playoffs. The Texans (9-7) removed much doubt over the fate of the AFC South crown early in their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11), coasting to a 30-6 victory. Houston got the easy win, despite a quiet day from running back Chris Polk. The former Husky finished with four yards on three carries and no receptions in his team's win. Next Game: Saturday - Kansas City @ Houston

Goldson sits for Redskins

With the NFC East title already wrapped up, the Washington Redskins gave safety Dashon Goldson Sunday off to heal a rib injury that has hampered him of late. Without Goldson, the Redskins (9-7) were still able to pick up a 34-24 victory over the hapless Dallas Cowboys (4-12) to head into the playoffs on a winning note. Former Husky Mason Foster continued his late-season surge, picking up five tackles in the 'Skins victory. Next Game: Sunday - Green Bay @ Washington

Panthers back in the win column

The Carolina Panthers (15-1) rebounded after their first loss of the season last week against the Atlanta Falcons by knocking off the Tampa Bay Bucs (6-10) 38-10 Sunday. Rookie linebacker Shaq Thompson had one of the best games of his career, finishing with seven tackles and a deflected pass for Carolina in the win. With the victory, the Panthers earn a first-round bye and home field advantage through the NFC side of the playoffs. Next game - First Round bye, will face winner of Minnesota and Seattle

Shaq's fellow former Husky, tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins, was targeted on seven passes in the lopside loss. He caught three for 48 yards and no scores.

Around the NFL

• The New Orleans Saints (7-9) beat the Atlanta Falcons (8-8) in a contest featuring two former Huskies on the defensive side of the ball. Hau'oli Kikaha had one tackle for the Saints in the victory, while Desmond Trufant finished with three for the Falcons.
  
• Jermaine Kearse caught one of Russell Wilson's three touchdown passes on the day as the Seattle Seahawks (10-6) roughed up the Arizona Cardinals (13-3) 36-6. Kearse finished with three receptions for 34 yards, including the touchdown. Next Game: Sunday - Seattle @ Minnesota
  
• Greg Ducre had a pair of tackles and Donald Butler had one, but the San Diego Chargers (4-12) fell to the Denver Broncos (12-4) 27-20 in Denver. The win gave the Broncos the AFC West title and home field advantage in the playoffs.
• The Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6) clinched the AFC's final playoff spot with a victory over the Cleveland Browns (3-13). Cleveland rookie DT Danny Shelton finished a disappointing season with a tackle Sunday, while Travis Coons converted four field goal attempts to account for all of the Browns' scoring.
  
• Bishop Sankey finished with four carries for 16 yards as the Tennessee Titans (3-13) fell to the Indianapolis Colts (8-8) 30-24 Sunday. With the loss, the Titans claimed the top overall draft pick in the 2016 NFL draft.
  
• Marcus Peters recorded a tackle and a deflected pass as the Kansas City Chiefs (11-5) beat the Oakland Raiders (7-9). Peters finished a superb rookie campaign with eight interceptions for the Chiefs. The victory was the tenth in a row for the Chiefs. Next Game: Saturday - Kansas City @ Houston

Follow me on Twitter @GQuintero_84 and give us a look @UWonSBN