Week 12 of the NFL season kicked off Thursday with the Cleveland Browns profitable a snowy battle towards the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Sunday began with a handful of thrillers. The Dallas Cowboys snapped their five-game skid, beating the Washington Commanders, and the Tennessee Titans upset the Houston Texans. The Minnesota Vikings earned an time beyond regulation win towards the Chicago Bears, and the Kansas City Chiefs narrowly beat the Carolina Panthers.
Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to all of the motion, answering lingering questions popping out of every sport and detailing every little thing else you’ll want to know for each group. Let’s get to it.
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Vikings
How did the Vikings let this sport get to time beyond regulation? Merely put, bizarre issues occur to the Vikings at Soldier Discipline. The Vikings had been up by 11 factors with 22 seconds remaining. Though their protection allowed Bears quarterback Caleb Williams to run throughout it within the fourth quarter, the true challenge was tight finish Johnny Mundt letting an onside kick hit him within the foot. That allowed the Bears to recuperate the kick lengthy earlier than it went the required 10 yards. If it had not been for that fluke bounce, the dialog would have been a lot completely different.
Most shocking efficiency: No. 2 receiver Jordan Addison had an enormous day, catching seven passes for a career-high 162 yards and a landing. The Vikings lastly made an opponent pay for the eye it was paying to Justin Jefferson, however he managed solely seven receiving yards in regulation. That will have been a profession low earlier than Jefferson caught a 20-yard cross in time beyond regulation.
What we discovered concerning the QB at present: Quarterback Sam Darnold is hard, and he might need had his finest stretch as an NFL participant in time beyond regulation. He left Sunday’s sport for 2 performs within the fourth quarter due to what seemed to be an ankle damage. However he returned and accomplished all six of his cross makes an attempt in time beyond regulation to salvage the sport. — Kevin Seifert
Subsequent sport: vs. Cardinals (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Bears
Has Caleb Williams been extra environment friendly with Thomas Brown as offensive coordinator? Williams has averaged 2.42 seconds earlier than releasing his passes in Brown’s two video games as interim OC, which marks his quickest throws this season. That helped him go 9-of-12 for 128 yards and two touchdowns towards the blitz, marking his first multi-TD sport versus the blitz this season. He was 5-of-12 for 141 yards on passes with not less than 15 air yards, which was his season finest. His completion fee is also increased (71% to 61%).
Most shocking efficiency: Keenan Allen was a late addition to the damage report Friday after rolling an ankle in observe, however he turned in a season-high (and team-best) 9 catches for 86 yards and a landing. He ignited the Bears’ dormant deep passing sport when he hauled in a 40-yard reception from Williams that arrange Chicago’s lone landing within the first quarter. This was Allen’s third sport with double-digit targets.
Eye-popping stat: After his blocked game-winning try towards Inexperienced Bay, Cairo Santos‘ first discipline objective try of the afternoon was blocked by the Vikings. His three blocked discipline objective makes an attempt are essentially the most within the NFL this season and Chicago’s most in a season since 2012 (additionally three). He transformed on two different makes an attempt, together with a 48-yarder to ship the sport into time beyond regulation. — Courtney Cronin
Subsequent sport: at Lions (Thursday, 12:30 p.m. ET)
Cowboys
How on earth did the Cowboys pull that off? The Cowboys entered the sport with greater than $100 million in wage cap area on injured reserve in Dak Prescott, DeMarcus Lawrence, Zack Martin, Trevon Diggs and Brandin Cooks. Their finest offensive lineman, Tyler Smith (ankle), was additionally dominated out Sunday. They overcame two missed discipline objective makes an attempt, a deflected punt, a penalty on a kickoff and iced the sport on a pair of kickoff returns by KaVontae Turpin (99 yards) and Juanyeh Thomas (43 yards) after Washington almost pulled off its second miracle of the season.
What we discovered concerning the QB at present: Cooper Rush is regular, and that is what groups want from their backup quarterback. In opposition to the Commanders, Rush accomplished a season-high 78.5% of his passes and averted massive errors. His earlier finest as a starter was 67.7% in a 2022 win towards the Giants. He threw two landing passes within the second half and regarded just like the quarterback who went 4-1 as Prescott’s substitute in 2022.
Early prediction for subsequent week: When the Cowboys host the Giants, do not anticipate an uptick within the high quality of soccer after the Giants misplaced 30-7 to the Buccaneers. This can be simply the fourth time within the Tremendous Bowl period that each groups are below .500 when enjoying on Thanksgiving. At the least the Cowboys enter the sport with a win. — Todd Archer
Subsequent sport: vs. Giants (Thursday, 4:30 p.m. ET)
0:49
Commanders’ miracle comeback try falls brief after Seibert’s missed XP
Terry McLaurin hauls in an 86-yard landing, however Austin Seibert misses the game-tying further level because the Cowboys beat the Commanders.
Commanders
What’s improper with the offense? Washington’s offense powered its 7-2 begin. Now it is answerable for its previous two losses. Dallas’ protection entered the sport ranked twenty ninth in scoring and twenty third in yards, however Washington managed solely 319 yards, surpassing 300 for the primary time in three video games. The offensive line is banged up, and previously three video games, its operating backs have averaged 3.2 yards per carry and gained 181 yards mixed.
What we discovered concerning the QB at present: It hasn’t been good. The cross sport lacked any rhythm, and quarterback Jayden Daniels averaged simply 3.9 yards per try till he needed to throw downfield to play catch-up late within the sport. Daniels was thought of an MVP contender early within the season. Now they simply have to get him again to being the presumptive Offensive Rookie of the 12 months.
Greatest gap within the sport plan: The kicking sport. Austin Seibert missed two further factors and a 51-yard discipline objective try. Coming into the sport, Seibert had made 25 of 28 discipline objective makes an attempt and all 22 extra-point makes an attempt. Nevertheless, he had missed the previous two weeks with a hip damage and was dangerous Sunday. Tyler Ott‘s low snaps and a 99-yard kick return by the Cowboys did not assist, both. — John Keim
Subsequent sport: vs. Titans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Titans
Is the Titans’ offense beginning to get up? The Titans scored 30 factors for the second time this season. Earlier than reaching that threshold towards the Dolphins in Week 4, Tennessee had not performed it since Jan 2, 2022. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine continued his sizzling play along with his sixth landing in six video games. The immediately explosive passing sport produced three performs of 30 yards or extra, matching final week’s output towards the Vikings.
Eye-popping stat: Will Levis absorbed seven sacks within the first half, changing into the primary QB to be sacked not less than seven instances in a number of halves of a season since Randall Cunningham with the Eagles in 1986. Levis was additionally sacked seven instances by the Packers within the second half of a Week 3 loss.
What we discovered concerning the QB at present: Levis continues to be late on throws. At the least three of Houston’s eight sacks may have been averted if he noticed receivers coming open. His predetermined learn stored him from seeing Texans security Jimmie Ward within the passing lane, resulting in a pick-six. However Levis confirmed resilience, connecting with Chig Okonkwo for a 70-yard landing that held up as the sport winner. — Turron Davenport
Subsequent sport: at Commanders (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Texans
Will the Texans’ defensive struggles grow to be a development? The Texans allowed quarterback Will Levis to go 18-of-23 for 278 passing yards and two touchdowns. In December, Houston faces the Dolphins, Chiefs and Ravens, whose offenses can rating in bunches. These points should get fastened or the hopes of a deep playoff run will not materialize.
Eye-popping stat: Ka’imi Fairbairn‘s missed 28-yard discipline objective try within the fourth quarter marked simply the fourth missed discipline objective of 29 or fewer yards (out of 159 makes an attempt) within the NFL this season. Two of these 4 misses are by Fairbairn.
What we discovered concerning the QB at present: C.J. Stroud‘s efficiency was a blended bag. He threw a number of landing passes for the primary time since Oct. 13, however he additionally threw a number of interceptions for the second time in three weeks and was sacked 4 instances. Houston’s line has allowed 17 sacks in its previous 4 video games. — DJ Bien-Aime
Subsequent sport: at Jaguars (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Dolphins
Can Miami’s offense proceed to be environment friendly at Inexperienced Bay on Thanksgiving? The temperatures for the Dolphins’ sport towards the Packers are anticipated to drop beneath freezing — which has traditionally been the Dolphins’ kryptonite. However with a continued emphasis on high-efficiency passes and ball management this season, Miami seems to be higher geared up to play in frigid temperatures than it was in both of the previous two seasons. If it could actually overcome the climate, Thursday night time presents an intriguing matchup for Miami towards a Packers protection that ranks twenty second in defensive anticipated factors added since Week 8.
What we discovered concerning the QB at present: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has matured as a passer, and that was on full show Sunday with a four-touchdown efficiency. He accomplished 72.5% of his passes towards the Patriots — not removed from his career-high 74% this season. It is clear he’s much less insistent on making an attempt deep passes and extra prepared to take what defenses give him.
Early prediction for subsequent week: Tight finish Jonnu Smith can have one other massive sport towards the Packers. He has scored three touchdowns in his previous two video games and faces a Inexperienced Bay protection that has allowed the Thirteenth-most yards to opposing tight ends this season (getting into Sunday). Miami’s intention to run the passing offense by way of Smith isn’t any secret, however Inexperienced Bay continues to be extra more likely to shade protection towards receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Subsequent sport: at Packers (Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
0:16
De’Von Achane waltzes in for 2nd TD of sport for Dolphins
De’Von Achane will get the cross from Tua Tagovailoa and runs it in to extend the Dolphins’ result in 21-0.
Patriots
Was this no-show effort an outlier or an indication of issues to come back within the closing 5 video games? The Patriots had performed competitively in 4 video games since coach Jerod Mayo referred to as the group out for “playing soft,” so this was an enormous step again. It was a poor reflection on Mayo and his employees, in addition to the gamers. The Patriots return dwelling to face the Colts on Sunday, then they’ve their bye week earlier than ending the season towards the Cardinals, Payments, Chargers and Payments once more. Mayo has mentioned he hopes to be a group that nobody desires to play coming down the house stretch. They hardly regarded like that towards Miami.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Undisciplined mess. The Patriots had 9 penalties within the first half, six of which had been pre-snap infractions: 4 false begins, one offensive offside and one defensive impartial zone infraction. Earlier than a group can beat an opponent, it has to not beat itself.
Greatest gap within the sport plan: Was there a sport plan? The Dolphins ran circles round them, particularly in a 24-0 second quarter, which was the most important scoring margin for a group in any NFL quarter this season. Tackling on protection was additionally shoddy. — Mike Reiss
Subsequent sport: vs. Colts (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Chiefs
What does the emergence of extra receiver choices imply for the remainder of the Chiefs’ season? The Chiefs cannot have too many threats, so having one other dependable receiver is a welcome improvement for them. It is unlikely their passing sport will function as many massive performs as they envisioned earlier than the beginning of the season, however the Chiefs confirmed towards the Panthers they are often efficient with principally shorter positive factors. Extensive receiver Hollywood Brown may return later within the season, which might give the Chiefs yet one more risk.
Eye-popping stat: Tight finish Noah Gray had 11.9 yards of separation on his first landing, which is essentially the most yards of separation on a Chiefs receiving landing previously two seasons. He was large open.
Most shocking efficiency: The Chiefs on protection had extra hassle with quarterback Bryce Young and the Carolina offense than anticipated. The Panthers entered the sport averaging 281 yards (final within the league) and 17 factors (thirtieth). However the Chiefs didn’t include them. Carolina had 249 passing yards, permitting the Panthers to tie the sport with lower than two minutes left. — Adam Teicher
Subsequent sport: vs. Raiders (Friday, 3 p.m. ET)
Panthers
Did Bryce Younger earn the precise to begin the remainder of the season? Coach Dave Canales has been cautious to not identify Younger the starter every week till evaluating the movie. No additional want. The highest choose of the 2023 draft had his finest sport, contemplating the opponent, and deserves to play out the season. He dealt with the blitz specifically like a seasoned professional. He was blitzed on 38% of dropbacks. He was 11-of-13 for a season-high 135 yards with a landing towards 5 or extra defenders.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Turning level? Regardless of the loss, Carolina went toe-to-toe with the two-time defending Tremendous Bowl champions. This might need been a much bigger confidence booster than the consecutive wins towards the Saints and Giants getting into the day. Younger regarded nice. The protection created stress (5 sacks). This group had an id.
Greatest gap within the sport plan: Defending the Chiefs’ second tight finish, Noah Grey. He had 4 catches for 66 yards and two touchdowns, together with a 35-yarder on the primary sequence. The Panthers did a good job on star Travis Kelce, however Grey made them pay all through the afternoon. — David Newton
Subsequent sport: vs. Bucs (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Lions
Are Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery the NFL’s high dashing duo? Nicknamed “Sonic & Knuckles,” Gibbs and Montgomery mixed for 3 dashing touchdowns towards the Colts, changing into the primary duo in NFL historical past with 10 dashing touchdowns every in consecutive seasons. Sunday’s sport additionally marked the eleventh time each backs have scored a landing in the identical sport — together with the playoffs — which is essentially the most such video games by an RB duo in NFL historical past, per ESPN Analysis. At this level, it isn’t a query of whether or not they’re the very best within the league; the manufacturing speaks for itself. It is now time to determine their place in league historical past, if they’ll stick with it.
Greatest gap within the sport plan: Defending the deep ball. Coping with a groin damage, rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold was dominated out for Sunday’s sport and did not journey with the group. His absence was felt. Detroit’s protection allowed Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson to attach with Michael Pittman Jr. for a 30-yard cross and one other 39-yard bomb to Alec Pierce.
Most shocking efficiency: Lions wideout Tim Patrick. Within the Lions’ earlier 4 video games, Patrick logged 5 receptions for 38 yards, however he discovered a groove towards the Colts. He grabbed 4 receptions for 55 yards, together with a 27-yard catch on the finish of the primary quarter, which helped the Lions’ offense discover an early rhythm. — Eric Woodyard
Subsequent sport: vs. Bears (Thursday, 12:30 p.m. ET)
0:46
Lions lose two gamers within the third quarter to damage
Lions’ gamers David Montgomery and Kalif Raymond head to the locker room with obvious accidents within the third quarter.
Colts
Do the Colts nonetheless have a practical shot on the postseason? The Colts entered the day within the eighth place amongst AFC playoff contenders and did not assist their case with a loss. After beginning the day with a 34% shot on the playoffs, based on ESPN Analytics, the defeat lowered these possibilities to 27% unbiased of different outcomes. Then again, the Colts have one of many extra favorable schedules down the stretch, with 4 of their 5 remaining opponents at the moment below .500. In any case, it’ll take important work for them to reverse the harm performed to their postseason hopes by dropping 4 of their previous 5 video games.
What we discovered concerning the QB at present: Sunday demonstrated that Anthony Richardson wants extra assist from his supporting forged. Indianapolis was flagged for a season-high eight offensive penalties, a number of of them proving to be crushing by negating massive performs from the quarterback. Richardson additionally had some underwhelming performances from his cross targets, together with a dropped landing by tight finish Drew Ogletree.
Eye-popping stat: This was the primary loss in a sport during which the Colts didn’t commit a turnover since a loss to the Raiders on Jan. 2, 2022. Previously 5 seasons, the Colts have 22 video games during which they’ve averted a turnover. They’re now 19-3 in these contests. The Colts’ six factors Sunday is the fewest scored in any of these three losses. — Stephen Holder
Subsequent sport: at Patriots (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Buccaneers
Is that this the jolt the Bucs wanted to ignite a playoff push? Sure, so long as Baker Mayfield’s stinger is not severe and these late-game fumbles cease. Getting franchise main scorer Mike Evans again was enormous. So was having each beginning cornerbacks in Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum, and waiver wire pickup Mike Edwards, who got here in at security on third-down passing conditions after which to alleviate Jordan Whitehead after he had a pectoral damage within the fourth quarter. Solely one among their remaining opponents — the Los Angeles Chargers — has a profitable document.
What we discovered concerning the QB at present: Mayfield nonetheless has a few of that Oklahoma swag. By no means thoughts the Bucs got here into Sunday’s sport on a four-game dropping streak. He hurdled Giants cornerback Cor’Dale Flott, did Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito‘s signature celebration and sprinted downfield to ship a block on Bucky Irving’s 56-yard run.
Eye-popping stat: The Bucs had 11 completely different receiving targets catch passes, tied for his or her most in a sport in franchise historical past. This was final performed Week 16 of 2020, when Tom Brady threw for 4 touchdowns in a 47-7 win over the Lions, based on ESPN Analysis. — Jenna Laine
Subsequent sport: at Panthers (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Giants
How a lot did the discharge of Daniel Jones result in this blowout loss? It is onerous to think about it wasn’t a big issue. The Giants benched their beginning quarterback, noticed him step in as a scout-team security throughout a walk-through interval at observe Thursday, and he was launched by Friday. Gamers resembling captain Dexter Lawrence mentioned publicly they thought Jones was nonetheless the group’s finest quarterback. Clearly, it had an impact. DeVito hardly offered the “spark” or power that coach Brian Daboll thought it will as his group fell behind 23-0 by halftime.
What we discovered concerning the QB at present: DeVito is not the reply. He went 3-of-5 passing for 31 yards with three sacks within the first half. He completed 21-of-31 passing for 189 yards. He was additionally sacked 4 instances. Not that DeVito stood an opportunity. The Giants misplaced left sort out Jermaine Eluemunor on the opening drive. That put third-string left sort out Chris Hubbard into the sport reverse Evan Neal for what was already the lowest-scoring offense within the NFL.
Most shocking efficiency: A no-show by the Giants protection popping out of the bye week. Inexcusable. At factors, Lawrence stood despondent, by himself, on the sideline. Maybe it was as a result of the protection barely sniffed Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield throughout a sackless afternoon whereas permitting 400-plus yards of offense. — Jordan Raanan
Subsequent sport: at Cowboys (Thursday, 4:30 p.m. ET)
Steelers
Is that this loss a wake-up name for the Steelers’ offense? Do not be distracted by the primary a part of Russell Wilson‘s stat line. Sure, the quarterback accomplished 21 of 28 makes an attempt for 270 yards and a landing, however he was additionally sacked 4 instances. And the offense had six empty possessions that ended both with a punt, turnover on downs or a turnover. Wilson had some moments of field-stretching brilliance, firing off three deep balls on third-down completions to Calvin Austin, Van Jefferson and George Pickens, however he additionally struggled towards stress. Successful like they did towards the Ravens, with six Chris Boswell discipline objectives, is not sustainable. It wasn’t towards the Browns, and it will not be because the gauntlet of AFC North video games continues.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Lure sport. Hindsight is 20/20, however this had all of the makings of a entice sport. Although the Steelers mentioned they did not overlook the hapless Browns, they had been clearly overpowered and outwitted by a motivated group enjoying with nothing to lose. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski took dangers that paid off, whereas Steelers coach Mike Tomlin did the alternative.
Eye-popping stat: Although they briefly erased their 12-point deficit, the Steelers are the one franchise that hasn’t overcome a deficit of 12 or extra factors within the fourth quarter of a regular-season sport since 2000, per ESPN Analysis. — Brooke Pryor
Subsequent sport: at Bengals (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Browns
Will the Browns play spoiler throughout the closing stretch of the season? Thursday night time’s win over the Steelers marked the Browns’ second upset victory over a divisional opponent, coming weeks after they surprised the Ravens. With 4 of its closing six video games coming towards groups with profitable data, Cleveland has the chance to play spoiler a number of extra instances and a robust end may increase optimism heading into the offseason with a roster that disillusioned within the first half of the season.
Describe the sport in two phrases: No stop. 4 days after giving up 21 factors within the fourth quarter of a blowout loss to the Saints — their seventh defeat of their earlier eight video games — the Browns delivered a gritty victory at dwelling towards the division-leading Steelers.
Most shocking efficiency: Browns offensive sort out Jack Conklin. The veteran lineman held outdoors linebacker T.J. Watt to only one stress throughout 24 matchups. It was simply the second sport this season that Watt was held to 1 stress. — Daniel Oyefusi
Subsequent sport: at Broncos (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET)