Playoff Picture
The Houston Texans have clinched a postseason berth, becoming the first team since their 2018 squad to make the playoffs after an 0-3 start. According to reports, only five teams in the expanded playoff era have achieved that feat, highlighting the improbability of Houston’s turnaround. The Texans secured the spot with a win over the Chargers, a game that also eliminated the Colts from playoff contention.
The Indianapolis Colts join a historically short list of teams that started 7-1 and still missed the playoffs. They are just the sixth team since the merger to suffer such a reversal, underscoring a dramatic second-half collapse.
The Denver Broncos are AFC West champions for the first time in a decade, ending the Kansas City Chiefs’ long-standing grip on the division. This victory marks a dramatic turnaround and qualification after several seasons of underperformance.
On the NFC side, the Chicago Bears have officially wrapped up the NFC North title — their first since 2018 — thanks to the Packers’ loss. After finishing last in the division for three consecutive years, Chicago now secures a home playoff game and vindicates its organizational rebuild. Meanwhile, the 49ers, already playoff-bound, are guaranteed no lower than the sixth seed.
Injuries
Las Vegas Raiders defensive cornerstone Maxx Crosby has been placed on season-ending injured reserve and is expected to undergo offseason knee surgery. Per ESPN, the procedure will sideline him into the 2026 offseason, effectively ending a strong individual campaign prematurely for the struggling Raiders.
In Green Bay, Malik Willis briefly left the game to have his shoulder examined, sprinting into the locker room before returning. He was temporarily replaced by Clayton Tune but had already made his mark with an impressive performance — completing 6 of 7 on deep throws, running for 60 yards and two scores, and leading one of the most efficient QB displays of the regular season.
Lamar Jackson is officially inactive for the Ravens’ showdown in Green Bay. The team did not reveal further details, but the absence could impact both playoff seeding and Baltimore’s hopes of securing a first-round bye.