Three NFL teams secured playoff berths on Sunday, including the Houston Texans, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Minnesota Vikings, despite the Steelers' loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The playoff race tightens as the regular season nears its end, with the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks facing significant challenges.

Geno Smith's knee injury during the Seahawks' defeat against the Green Bay Packers raises concerns for Seattle's playoff hopes. Meanwhile, the Lions' loss to the Buffalo Bills was compounded by injuries to key players, including running back David Montgomery and cornerbacks Carlton Davis III and Alim McNeill.

The Bengals also faced a setback with defensive end Sam Hubbard out for the season due to a PCL injury. As teams push for playoff positioning, injuries and performance issues loom large in the final weeks of the season.