What We Learned From Week 18 in the N.F.L.

On Sunday, the Texans fought hard against the Colts. Although they led most of the game, they lost the lead at the end and fell behind by 31-24 in quarter four. The “right” thing to do, from the front office’s perspective, would be to let the game stay out of reach, but clearly none of the players felt that way.

In just 2 minutes 43 seconds, Quarterback Davis Mills made a couple miracle throws. Then, he threw a prayer on fourthand-20 to score a touchdown in 50 seconds. The Texans successfully went straight for the finish with a 2-point conversion that gave them the 32-31 win — and the second overall pick, behind the Chicago Bears, who lost to the Vikings on Sunday.

With the first pick, the Texans could have grabbed the quarterback of their choice from a group that includes Alabama’s Bryce Young and Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud is unimpeded. The Bears now have the option.

On the one hand, the Bears don’t necessarily need a quarterback. The Bears can continue to play with Justin Fields, who is a highly-talented quarterback. But plenty of other teams would surely like to take a swing on a quarterback, and the Bears could hold the first pick for a king’s ransom and put the Texans in danger of losing out on who they want.

Nobody wants to settle for their second choice when it comes to drafting quarterbacks, but that’s where the Texans might be. It’s the same place the Jets were two years ago when they won meaningless Week 15 and Week 16 games to lose the right to draft Trevor Lawrence. There’s no clear star like Lawrence in this class, and the Texans may end up with their guy anyway, but now the off-season comes with all sorts of headaches.

The N.F.L.

Sunday

Lions 20, Packers 16 Quaywalker, Packers linebacker, was kicked out of the game for pushing a Lions trainer. The error gave Detroit a first-and goal and set the stage for an ugly snowball. Not only did the Lions score after Walker left, but Rodgers threw away the team’s playoff chances on the ensuing drive. Rodgers gave too much time to Christian Watson, the rookie receiver, and Lions safety Kerby Jacob made Rodgers pay. On their final possession, the Lions called for a screen and lateral play. The trick play changed Detroit’s second-and-17 position to third-and-3. This allowed the Lions to make an easy fourth-down conversion to wind down the clock.

Seahawks 19, Rams 16, (Overtime). The Seahawks played true to form in this game, where their playoff hopes were on the line. Seattle quarterback Geno Smith experienced a rollercoaster night, from ill-timed interceptions to beautiful downfield throws DK Metcalf & Tyler Lockett. It was enough in the end. Baker Mayfield, Rams quarterback threw an interception with an arm kick early in overtime. The Seahawks were able to cruise into field goals and claim the win.