Overview
- The Cowboys–Commanders opener has no playoff stakes, with Washington potentially starting 39-year-old Josh Johnson due to Marcus Mariota’s hand and quad injuries.
- Detroit faces elimination against Minnesota, as a loss — or a Packers win — would end the Lions’ playoff hopes.
- The Vikings could turn to rookie Max Brosmer if J. J. McCarthy’s hand issue keeps him out, softening Detroit’s path to survival.
- Denver’s visit to Kansas City looms over the AFC race, since a Broncos win keeps them on track for the No. 1 seed and could clinch with outside help.
- Kansas City is severely depleted at quarterback, with Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew out and Chris Oladokun and Shane Buechele expected to play, fueling skepticism about the slate’s appeal despite promotional push and revised Nielsen metrics.