Overview
- Minnesota beat Detroit 23-10, eliminating the Lions and triggering Green Bay’s NFC playoff clinch.
- Dallas defeated Washington 30-23 in the opener, a meeting of teams already out of postseason contention.
- Denver entered the night game already assured of a playoff spot and pursuing the AFC No. 1 seed against eliminated Kansas City.
- The Chiefs turned to Chris Oladokun at quarterback with Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew sidelined by ACL injuries.
- Quarterback injuries reshaped the slate, with Minnesota starting rookie Max Brosmer for the injured J.J. McCarthy and Washington starting Josh Johnson after Marcus Mariota was ruled out.