It's the final Sunday of the regular season, and there are a lot of guys sitting out. Many were expected, but some are surprises -- healthy guys on teams who actually have something to play for, technically.
Nico Collins is the notable one. Houston can win the AFC South if they win and the Jaguars lose to Tennessee. Unlikely, but not impossible. But either Nico has a touch of the sniffles, an injury of some sort, or the Texans just don't think there's any chance of the Jaguars losing. Nico is out, making Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel and Christian Kirk the main wideouts there.
DeVon Achane won't play for the Dolphins. Neither, apparently, will Jaylen Waddle. I'm not going to bother to look up whatever injuries are keeping them out, because it doesn't matter. Both will be fine the next time Miami has a meaningful game, nine months from now.
Breece Hall (Week 18) is out for the Jets.
Javonte Williams and Malik Davis are both out for Dallas. Some combo of Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah will play running back for the Cowboys.
Seattle's win over San Francisco means that the Rams, with a win today, would be the No. 5 seed in the NFC and open at the 8-9 Panthers or Bucs, as opposed to the Eagles or Bears. Seems desirable, so the Rams should be playing key guys until the outcome is decided against the Cardinals. Should.
The Bucs are rooting for the Saints, the Panthers are rooting for the Falcons. One of the two will win the South and host a playoff game against a 12-win wild-card from the NFC West.
--Andy Richardson