Author: Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY

Expect to see some clarity in the AFC North playoff picture, while the Patriots and Rams try to make some tweaks after losses.

Tom Brady isn’t on his usual December tear, and the Patriots need him to be sharp as they look to make up ground and claim a first-round bye.

Rams cornerback Marcus Peters was captured on video getting into a verbal altercation with a fan and approaching the seating area.

The Texans have won 10 of their last 11 games and are a threat to secure a first-round bye, but protection problems could prove costly.

Houston boosted its chances of securing a first-round playoff bye by taking care of the Jets despite being served a late scare.

Former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco will take his place on the bench behind Lamar Jackson even though the veteran is fully healthy.

Minnesota still has the edge for the final wild-card spot in the NFC, but Kirk Cousins needs to lead the offense out of a quagmire.

Frank Clark had a pointed response for former teammate Richard Sherman, who said the Seahawks were “kind of middle of the road.’

While things broke in the Saints’ favor Sunday, the Steelers put their playoff pursuit in doubt by losing to the lowly Raiders.