NFL Week 12 had everything fans could ask for — dramatic comebacks, playoff-shaking performances, and breakout players demanding attention. From the Dallas Cowboys’ stunning rally to the Kansas City Chiefs’ season-saving win and the Chicago Bears’ unexpected surge, the latest round of games delivered huge talking points as the playoff picture tightens.
Below is a complete breakdown of the week’s biggest moments, surprises, and performances.
Cowboys Complete Stunning Comeback as Eagles Fall Apart
Few expected the Dallas Cowboys to erase a 21–0 deficit, yet they mounted one of the greatest comebacks in franchise history. Instead of a dominant Philadelphia Eagles victory, the night turned into a showcase of Dallas’ resilience and Philadelphia’s unraveling.
Dak Prescott Leads a Historic Rally
Dak Prescott was the driving force behind Dallas’ rally, surpassing Tony Romo in both career passing yards and game-winning drives. His relentless approach — highlighted by a dramatic diving touchdown — energised the entire team.
What Went Wrong for the Eagles?
Philadelphia’s offense completely stalled after their early explosion.
From 21–0 up, their next possessions delivered:
- Four consecutive punts
- A missed field goal
- A costly fumble
With 14 penalties and rare mistakes from Jalen Hurts, the Eagles looked nothing like reigning champions. Their defense held on as long as possible, but an offense that has struggled to score over 21 points in recent weeks finally caught up with them.
The loss raises a big question:
Is this just a slump — or a sign of a deeper issue?
Playoff Patrick Arrives Early to Rescue the Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs entered Week 12 with their playoff hopes slipping away. Down double digits in the fourth quarter against the physical Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City needed something special — and Patrick Mahomes delivered.
Mahomes Turns Back the Clock
The Chiefs star threw for 235 yards in the second half alone and orchestrated three scoring drives across their last four possessions. In overtime, he sealed a vital win that shifted their playoff probability from 28% to 58%, according to Next Gen Stats.
This was vintage, playoff-style Mahomes — improvisation, precision, and total command.
If Kansas City has indeed rediscovered its identity, the AFC shouldn’t count them out yet.
Are the Chicago Bears NFC North Favorites?
The Chicago Bears continue to defy expectations with another victory, this time grinding past a Steelers team missing Aaron Rodgers. Their league-leading defense combined with rising star quarterback Caleb Williams has propelled them to an impressive 8–3 record, putting them level with the Eagles.
Why Chicago Is Suddenly Dangerous
- NFL-leading interceptions and turnovers
- A young QB who thrives under pressure
- Eight wins in their last nine games
Williams still makes mistakes, but his ability to produce in fourth-quarter situations (already five comeback wins) shows maturity well beyond his years.
Their upcoming Thanksgiving matchup against the Eagles will reveal whether Chicago is a true contender or simply riding a hot streak.
Thanksgiving Week Preview: A Feast of Playoff Implications
This year’s Thanksgiving schedule is one of the strongest in years, with every game impacting playoff races:
Thursday, 27 November
- Packers @ Lions – 18:00 GMT
- Chiefs @ Cowboys – 21:30 GMT
Friday, 28 November
- Bengals @ Ravens – 01:20 GMT
- Bears @ Eagles – 20:00 GMT
Detroit and Dallas headline as usual, but the Chiefs–Cowboys showdown could be a season-defining moment for both franchises.
Will Shedeur Sanders Keep the Browns’ Starting Job?
Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders made noise in his first NFL start, helping the Cleveland Browns beat the Raiders and becoming the team’s first QB since 1999 to win his debut.
Sanders Shows Confidence and Spark
Sanders displayed both talent and swagger, telling reporters before the game:
“I’m who they’ve been looking for.”
His performance was solid, and the Browns’ defense — which racked up ten sacks — gave him the chance to shine. With his confidence, leadership, and immediate impact, the debate is now heating up:
Should he keep the job even when Dillon Gabriel returns?
His post-game comment summed it up:
“A lot of people want to see me fail. And it ain’t going to happen.”
Week 12 Records and Notable Stats
- The New York Giants became the first team officially eliminated from playoff contention — their earliest exit since 1976.
- The Patriots won their ninth straight, matching a historic streak from the 1961 Oilers.
- Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba posted 167 yards and two touchdowns, setting a franchise single-season record with 1,313 receiving yards — and pacing toward the NFL’s first ever 2,000-yard season.
- Myles Garrett added three sacks, reaching 18 this season and closing in on the all-time record.
- Matthew Stafford kept his MVP bid alive as the Rams moved to 9–2, while the Buccaneers fell for the third straight time and lost Baker Mayfield to injury.
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