2025 NFL Week 11 Winners and Losers and Top Takeaways

The halfway point of the 2025 NFL season and the trade deadline are fading in the rearview mirror. It's now or nothing as teams fully establish who they are and what direction they're heading.

The week opened with a relatively one-sided game and wrapped with an even bigger blowout on Monday night. Sunday's slate, however, brought more competitive contests, including several with playoff-like atmospheres.

Bleacher Report's team of NFL analysts—Brent Sobleski, Gary Davenport, Kristopher Knox and Moe Moton—followed all of the action to provide the best and worst from all the league's latest slate.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Las Vegas Raiders

AP Photo/John Locher

Dallas Cowboys WR George Pickens

Score: Cowboys 33, Raiders 16

Cowboys Takeaway: New-Look Defense Might Give Dallas a Chance

The Dallas Cowboys were aggressive buyers at the trade deadline, which was a bit unexpected given their sub-.500 record. However, they did at least add players who will be under contract for multiple seasons in Logan Wilson and Quinnen Williams.

Of course, Wilson and Williams will also help the Cowboys in 2025, as will players returning from injury such as Malik Hooker, DeMarvion Overshown, and rookie Shavon Revel.

We shouldn't overreact to Dallas handily beating a bad Las Vegas Raiders team on Monday night, but its defense was far more effective than it's been for the vast majority of the season.

It's not suddenly going to be an elite unit, but coupled with a top-five offense, it might just give the Cowboys a fighting chance of getting back in the playoff picture.

Winner: WR George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys

To be fair, the entire Cowboys offense clicked on Monday. However, no player was as impressive as George Pickens, who regularly made tough catches, fought for extra yards, and left defenders grasping for air.

His nine-catch, 144-yard, one-touchdown outing put him over 900 yards on the season with seven games left to play. The 24-year-old is earning himself a lucrative 2026 payday, in Dallas or elsewhere.

Raiders Takeaway: Ashton Jeanty Continues to Feel Like a Draft-Day Misstep

When the Raiders used the sixth overall pick on Ashton Jeanty, it felt like a logical Pete Carroll pick. For much of this season, though, the running back has felt more like a player Las Vegas simply doesn't trust.

The Boise State product has only shown flashes while regularly struggling behind a poor offensive line. He has only reached 100 scrimmage yards twice this season, and Chip Kelly has rarely hesitated to remove running from the game plan—Jeanty had six carries on Monday.

In retrospect, a line prospect like Armand Membou or Tyler Booker probably would have been a more impactful pick. Las Vegas will have to make significant additions to its line—and possibly make some coaching changes—to turn things around for its rookie first-rounder.

Loser: Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly, Las Vegas Raiders

Mustering just 16 points against an improving-but-still-not-great Cowboys offense shouldn't be acceptable.

Poor line play and some bad decisions by quarterback Geno Smith certainly didn't help matters. However, Kelly—along with run game coordinator and offensive line coach Brennan Carroll—has to bear the blame for an embarrassing performance.

Kelly had 11 days to prepare for this one. He decided to go pass-heavy against a team with an explosive offense and a defense that came in allowing 4.8 yards per carry. The execution was mostly bad. The game plan was worse.

Detroit Lions vs. Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis

Score: Eagles 16, Lions 9

Eagles Takeaway: Vic Fangio's Defense Is in Super Bowl Form

The Eagles defense played a significant role in its successful Super Bowl run last season, allowing the second-fewest points and the fewest yards. In the first half of this campaign, that unit had issues in the secondary, particularly at the No. 2 cornerback spot, and against the run, giving up 104 or more rushing yards in every game through Week 6.

Coming out of a Week 9 bye, Philadelphia's defense has tightened up, allowing two touchdowns in two games. Credit to Fangio and his unit for clamping down on opponents in two low-scoring wins in prime-time matchups.

Winner: WR A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles

Brown has consistently expressed frustration with his role on offense. The wideout's criticisms went viral before the team's Week 11 outing. He met with Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie about his gripes. 

Brown didn't break out with a strong stat line, but he saw a season-high 11 targets, which was more than twice as many as any other Eagles pass-catcher. Jalen Hurts may have seen a favorable matchup against the Lions' vulnerable secondary. 

Regardless, Brown can't complain about his role or target share from this game. He recorded seven catches for 49 yards, but the three-time Pro Bowler was the focal point of the passing attack.

Lions Takeaway: Dan Campbell Must Consider Situational Awareness in His Play-Calling Decisions

We all understand the Lions' offensive mentality and the identity Campbell has instilled in his club. However, he must learn to factor situational awareness into his play-calling decisions.

Against Philadelphia, Detroit didn't convert on any of its five fourth-down attempts. While some of Campbell's go-for-it calls were reasonable, he left six points on the board by passing on field goals while quarterback Jared Goff struggled mightily, completing just 38 percent of his passes. Moreover, the Eagles scored six points off short fields after stopping the Lions on fourth downs.

Detroit can keep its foot on the gas pedal in its aggressiveness, but Campbell needs to occasionally step on the brakes.

Loser: HC Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions

Campbell went from a play-calling wizard to a questionable decision-maker on critical downs within two weeks. In Week 10, the Lions scored 44 points. In their previous outing, they struggled to run the ball, averaging 3.5 yards per carry, and Goff couldn't find his rhythm in the pocket.

Jahmyr Gibbs and Jameson Williams have benefited most from Campbell's play-calling, though Amon-Ra St. Brown accumulated a season-low 42 receiving yards against the Eagles.

The Lions head coach needs to make better fourth-down decisions and keep his top wide receiver heavily involved in the offense. 

San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy

Score: 49ers 41, Cardinals 22

49ers Takeaway: San Francisco's Returning Offensive Starters Will Help Playoff Push

On Sunday, quarterback Brock Purdy and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall took the field after sitting out the entire month of October with injuries.

Purdy looked sharp in his return. Even though Pearsall only recorded one catch, his presence is a positive sign for San Francisco's offense while fellow wideout Brandon Aiyuk recovers from a torn ACL and MCL.

Linebackers Tatum Bethune and Curtis Robinson suffered injuries, which adds to the long list of banged-up defenders on the roster. Kicker Eddy Pineiro also exited with a hamstring injury. 

San Francisco will need its offense to operate at a high level to stay in the playoff race in the last two months of the season.

Winner: QB Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers

Purdy didn't show much sign of rust after missing six games. He made some difficult throws and reestablished his connection with tight end George Kittle, finishing with 200 passing yards and three touchdowns. 

Head coach Kyle Shanahan can devise an effective game plan with either Purdy or Mac Jones. The 49ers should feel good seeing their $265-million quarterback playing well after returning from a significant injury.

Cardinals Takeaway: Arizona Likely Headed Toward an Offseason Reboot

At 3-7, the Cardinals are going nowhere. They've lost seven of their last eight games, and Kyler Murray's future with the team is in serious doubt.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Murray's departure "seems imminent." The Cardinals could make widespread changes following a regression year. Because of the team's losing streak, head coach Jonathan Gannon's job may not be safe after his fourth campaign with the team. As Arizona's lead skipper, he's 15-29 without a winning season.

Loser: Arizona Cardinals Fans

Entering the 2025 term, Cardinals fans had something to look forward to, and the team started 2-0. Since then, Arizona has fallen into a downward spiral. After five consecutive losses by four or fewer points and a win over the Dallas Cowboys, the Cardinals have lost by 19 or more points in their last two games.

They haven't won a home game since Week 2, and they may not win another one in front of their home crowd this season, with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Rams coming to State Farm Stadium in the next three weeks.

Arizona's best shot of giving its home-game attending fans something to cheer is a win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16.

Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Gregory Bull

Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford

Score: Rams 21, Seahawks 19

Rams Takeaway: L.A. Barely Survives But Takes Control of NFC West

Against almost any other opponent, the Los Angeles Rams probably would have run away with this game. The defense gave up chunks of yards but also forced four takeaways.

However, the Seattle Seahawks have a top-tier defense and have been incredibly tough to beat on the road. This was a massive test for the Rams, and they just barely passed.

A win is a win, though, and this one essentially gives L.A. a game-and-a-half lead over Seattle in the NFC West. The Rams control their own destiny in the division and have to feel good about their chances of claiming the NFC's No. 1 seed, too.

Winner: S Kamren Kinchens, Los Angeles Rams

The entire L.A. defense probably deserves a game ball for a bend-but-don't-break performance that forced Seattle into multiple mistakes. However, safety Kamren Kinchens deserves credit for snagging two of the Rams' four interceptions.

A 2024 third-round pick out of Miami, the 23-year-old had four interceptions as a rookie and just grabbed his first two picks of 2025. Cobie Durant and Darious Williams also had takeaways for L.A.

Seahawks Takeaway: Seattle Can Find Positives in This Loss

Seattle has played like a legitimate title contender this season and shouldn't be in the business of racking up moral victories. However, it shouldn't feel too discouraged by Sunday's loss.

When a team loses the turnover battle by a 4-1 margin, it usually struggles to make the game competitive. The Seahawks didn't just keep this one close. They had a chance to win on Jason Myers' 61-yard field-goal attempt as time expired.

Seattle outgained Los Angeles 414 yards to 249 yards, and it racked up 26 first downs to the Rams' 12. The Seahawks will see the Rams again in Week 16. That's a game they know they can—and probably should—win if they can just clean up the mistakes.

Loser: QB Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks

Quarterback Sam Darnold has spent most of this season proving last year's Pro Bowl campaign with the Minnesota Vikings was no fluke. Sunday's likely reminded fans of why Minnesota was willing to let him walk this offseason.

The 28-year-old will still make the occasional bad decision, especially when under duress. His four picks against L.A.—two of which came in Seahawks territory and led to Rams points—were the difference in this game.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns

AP Photo/David Richard

Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry

Score: Ravens 23, Browns 16

Ravens Takeaway: If the Ravens Want to Steal the AFC North, They Must Eliminate Mistakes

The Baltimore Ravens have won four straight and are back in the AFC North race behind the 6-4 Steelers. Pittsburgh isn't simply going to fade away, though, and Baltimore must play a cleaner brand of ball if it's going to catch up.

The Ravens allowed five sacks and turned it over three times while falling into a 10-point hole but still escaped with a win, largely because the Cleveland Browns couldn't move the ball at all in the second half.

Of Cleveland's 187 yards, 123 came before intermission—and before Dillon Gabriel's concussion forced the Browns to turn to Shedeur Sanders. The Ravens aren't going to face many more teams as offensively inept as Cleveland as they chase the postseason.

Winner: RB Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens' offensive line couldn't find answers for Myles Garrett, who racked up four sacks on Sunday. However, Baltimore eventually found some offensive traction by relying on Derrick Henry.

The Browns were able to limit Henry on several runs, but he found the end zone and later set up Tyler Loop's game-tying field goal with a 59-yard scamper. He finished with over 100 rushing yards for just the fourth time this season.

Browns Takeaway: We Got a Good Look at Why Shedeur Sanders Hasn't Started

Fans and media members alike have been calling for Sanders to start over Gabriel, often citing the latter's lack of physical traits and inability to push the football down the field.

While the Browns' offense hasn't looked good with Gabriel behind center, it looked much worse with Sanders on Sunday.

This doesn't mean Sanders can't eventually find NFL success or even become Cleveland's answer at quarterback. Right now, though, his bad habits—such as holding the ball too long and making poor decisions under pressure—are massive liabilities with his team's bad (and banged-up) offensive line and subpar receiving corps.

One could even argue the Browns have been protecting the Colorado product by keeping him on the bench this long.

Loser: QB Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns

Sanders may get the start next Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, depending on Gabriel's recovery during the week. However, it wouldn't be a shock to see Cleveland go with practice-squad QB Bailey Zappe, either.

Yes, Sanders looked that unprepared against an aggressive Baltimore defense on Sunday.

Anyone who thought the fifth-round pick would take hold of his first opportunity and run with it was sorely disappointed by his 4-of-16 performance—one that likely had a negative impact on his confidence.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos

AP Photo/Bart Young

Denver Broncos K Wil Lutz

Score: Broncos 22, Chiefs 19

Broncos Takeaway: Denver Has Become the Team to Beat in the AFC West

The Kansas City Chiefs have won nine straight AFC West division titles. That streak now feels incredibly unlikely to reach 10.

The Denver Broncos gutted out a tough win in a defensive battle against a team that refuses to go away. It was the sort of win we've become accustomed to seeing the Chiefs claim repeatedly in recent years.

Denver's defense is good enough to win consistently, even when the offense isn't always clicking. But the Broncos made enough offensive plays when they mattered to get their ninth win and a commanding lead over the 5-5 Chiefs in the division.

With the Los Angeles Chargers banged-up and fading and the Las Vegas Raiders still searching for relevance, Denver has become the new power in the West.

Winner: CB Ja'Quan McMillian, Denver Broncos

Nik Bonitto, Jonathan Cooper, and the rest of Denver's pass rush deserve a ton of credit for drawing holding penalties and keeping Patrick Mahomes out of sync all afternoon. However, cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian made some of the biggest plays in the game.

McMillian's third-quarter interception just outside of the goal line took Chiefs points off the board and led to a Denver touchdown. His second sack of the day ended Kansas City's final drive and gave the Broncos the chance to win with a walk-off field goal.

Chiefs Takeaway: Inability to Close Has Become a Worrying 2025 Trend

A year ago, Kansas City played on the edge all the way to the Super Bowl. The Chiefs were by no means dominant, but they just found ways to come through in close games. After racking up 11 one-score wins in 2024, however, they are 0-5 in one-score games this season.

This suggests the Chiefs aren't decidedly worse than they were a year ago; they're just not finding ways to close out games. That's a major problem that could keep them out of the playoffs entirely.

Next week's game against the Indianapolis Colts—and every game from here on out—is a must-win for Kansas City.

Loser: Kansas City's Hope of Returning to the Super Bowl

It's still too early to write off Kansas City entirely. It entered Week 11 with an offense and a defense ranked in the top 10 in both yards and scoring. It still has Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid running the show.

However, the Chiefs' tendency to fall short in the big moments has put them in a massive hole. If they make a run to the playoffs, they are probably going to enter the postseason as a wild-card team. And nothing this team has put on film to this point suggests it can win three straight road games against the top teams in the conference.

Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans

AP Photo/George Walker IV

Texans QB Davis Mills

Score: Texans 16, Titans 13

Texans Takeaway: The Texans are Hanging Around in the AFC

Not that long ago, it appeared the Houston Texans were headed for a disappointing season.

The two-time defending AFC South champions started the year 0-3, and after losing a close one in Week 9 to the Denver Broncos, Houston was a 3-5 team with a quarterback in the concussion protocol that had fallen way off the pace in the division.

Catching the Indianapolis Colts is still going to be a tall ask, and squeaking out a three-point win over the NFL's worst team doesn't inspire gymnastics from fans.

However, the Texans have found a way to gut out wins over divisional opponents the past two weeks and get back to .500.

If they can get a healthy C.J. Stroud back next week for a brutal three-game stretch (Buffalo, at Indianapolis, at Kansas City), they at least have a chance to remain in the wild-card conversation.

Winner: QB Davis Mills, Houston Texans

Mills deserves an attaboy for holding down the fort with Stroud out the past two weeks. After throwing for 292 yards and two scores in Week 10 against the Jaguars, the fifth-year pro followed that up with 274 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions against the Titans.

Titans Takeaway: Tennessee is Just a Terrible Football Team

It's not exactly breaking news to call the Titans a bad football team. They have one win on the season, and that was a bizarre game in Arizona against a Cardinals team that also isn't good.

However, the Titans just don't have anything going 11 weeks into the 2025 season, especially on offense. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward continues to struggle on a weekly basis. The Tennessee ground game has all but evaporated. The team had just 229 yards of total offense Sunday and lost No. 1 wide receiver Calvin Ridley to a season-ending broken fibula.

Other than that, though, everything is great.

Loser: RB Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans

For a time, it appeared Spears could be giving Tony Pollard a run for his money as the No. 1 running back in Tennessee. But Sunday against the Texans, Spears didn't give anyone a run for anything.

To be fair, the 2023 third-round pick did lead the Titans in receptions with five. But he had just four carries for three yards on the ground.

Pollard wasn't much better with 10 carries for 22 yards.

Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons

AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

Panthers QB Bryce Young

Score: Panthers 30, Falcons 27 (OT)

Panthers Takeaway: Holy Bryce Young!

The Panthers are 6-5 and in the thick of the NFC South race, but for most of the season, the team has been winning less because of Bryce Young and more in spite of him.

Entering Week 11, the third-year signal-caller had thrown for 200 yards just once all season.

However, against an Atlanta pass defense that entered the week among the best in the NFL, Young went ballistic in Sunday's overtime win. He had 45 attempts, 31 completions, 448 passing yards and three touchdowns without an interception.

It's not a stretch to call this the best game of Young's NFL career.

Winner: Panthers Wide Receivers

It stands to reason that on a day when Young threw for almost 450 yards, Carolina's young wide receivers would have success. Sure enough, rookie Tetairoa McMillan and second-year pro Xavier Legette enjoyed big days against Atlanta, combining for 12 receptions, 213 yards and three touchdowns.

Falcons Takeaway: Injuries May Have Just Wrecked Atlanta

Being honest, the Falcons were already wrecked. Sunday's overtime defeat was their fifth straight loss and the second week in a row they fell in OT. After what happened against the Panthers, though, they may be done.

In the second half, both quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and wide receiver Drake London left the game with knee injuries and did not return. Kirk Cousins was just six-of-14 for 48 yards in relief of Penix, while London was the only Falcons wideout with 35 yards against Carolina.

Losing either for any real amount of time would be the final nail in Atlanta's coffin this year.

Loser: Atlanta's Pass Defense

Entering Week 11, the pass defense had been a strength for the Falcons. A young pass rush appeared to be coming into its own, and the secondary had allowed a league-low 162.3 passing yards per game.

Atlanta was able to get home with some regularity, logging five sacks. But getting roasted for well over 400 passing yards by Young at home is just embarrassing.

Green Bay Packers vs. New York Giants

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson

Score: Packers 27, Giants 20

Packers Takeaway: Green Bay Must Adjust Without Josh Jacobs

Josh Jacobs left Sunday's contest with a knee injury and didn't return to the contest. 

Prior to the departure, the three-time Pro Bowler carried the ball seven times for 40 yards. In his stead, Emanuel Wilson took over duties as the Packers' lead back. He managed 11 carries for 40 yards and a score. 

Jacobs had yet to post a 100-yard game this season, but his presence in the backfield is something that an opponent must account for because of his talent and physicality as a runner. 

If the veteran misses any time or is slowed to some degree, the Packers offense will be forced to adjust. Wilson getting more opportunities is only one aspect. Others within the passing game must make themselves available for quarterback Jordan Love, who also left Sunday's contest because his shoulder isn't 100 percent, though he did return.  

Winner: WR Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers

Watson is an enigma. He has so much natural ability, yet he's never been able to put it all together. Injuries have played a massive part in the 2022 second-round pick not living up to his full potential. Sunday's performance provides hope. 

Watson caught four passes for 46 yards and two touchdowns against the New York Giants, including a gorgeous 17-yard grab while falling backward in the end zone for the game-winning score. 

The wide receiver's first touchdowns since October 2024 provides a glimmer of hope Watson can finally emerge as a bigger part of the Packers offense. 

Giants Takeaway: Mike Kafka's Promising Debut Despite Loss

Kafka's stint as interim head coach is about more than just guiding the Giants through the rest of this season. Unlike other interim situations, he should regard this opportunity as an extended interview. 

The New York coach has been viewed as one of the league's better offensive minds and received multiple head coaching interviews during previous hiring cycles. He has as good of a chance to lead the team beyond this season as any candidate. 

Even though the Giants fell short Sunday, they remained competitive and had an opportunity to tie the game late if not for a Jameis Winston interception.

At some point, New York will need to win some games, but Kafka's debut could have gone much worse. 

Loser: QB Jameis Winston, New York Giants

The "no risk it, no biscuit" personality that Bruce Arians demanded of Winston during their time together with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hasn't left the quarterback. 

The 31-year-old remains far too cavalier with his passing decisions. The Packers missed multiple opportunities to pick the Giants' quarterback throughout Sunday's contest. 

With the game on the line, Green Bay finally snagged an errant Winston pass to essentially end the contest.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Buffalo Bills

AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Tyrell Shavers

Score: Bills 44, Buccaneers 32

Bills Takeaway: Buffalo Continues To Put Up Points Despite WR Concerns

The Buffalo Bills coaching staff decided to make Keon Coleman inactive for Sunday's contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, because the 22-year-old wide receiver missed a Friday meeting, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. 

Coleman is the Bills' biggest and best target among the team's outside options. His 32 receptions were second on the team before his benching. Obviously, Buffalo wanted to send a message to the second-year target, because the team showed it didn't need him in the lineup. 

Josh Allen and Co. scored a season-high 44 points and amassed 414 yards of offense. Hopefully, the mistake and subsequent disciplinary action spurs Coleman to take his role more seriously, which will only help Buffalo as the season continues. 

Winner: WR Tyrell Shavers, Buffalo Bills

In Coleman's absence, Shavers provided the best game of his professional career. 

The former undrafted free agent caught four passes Sunday for a team-leading 90 yards and a score. The touchdown came on a 43-yard downfield connection, where the 6'4" receiver made himself available in the end zone and provided the perfect target after Allen worked his magic. 

Shavers played well enough that Coleman's eventual return shouldn't signal fewer opportunities for the third-year wide receiver.

Buccaneers Takeaway: Todd Bowles' Approach Isn't Working

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles is known for his aggressive scheme as Tampa Bay's defensive play-caller. It's an all-or-nothing approach, though. 

Offenses have adjusted, while Bowles hasn't. Against two elite quarterbacks and quality offenses, the Buccaneers allowed 849 yards over the last two weeks. Both Drake Maye and Josh Allen were allowed to make plays instead of bottling them up. 

Some may argue those two quarterbacks are either in the MVP conversation or the league's reigning MVP. That's true. In order to win at the highest level, the Bucs need to slow the league's best signal-callers and slow opposing offenses. They haven't in back-to-back contests. 

Loser: QB Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

While Allen became only the second quarterback (after himself) to throw and run for three touchdowns in a single game, Mayfield and the Buccaneers came up short for the third time in four games. 

Now, the 2018 No. 1 overall pick's MVP hopes have faded faster than evening sunlight post-autumnal equinox. 

To make matters worse, the Buccaneers are only a half-game up on the Carolina Panthers in the NFC West. Too much is being asked of Mayfield, and he hasn't been able to elevate Tampa Bay over the last month. 

Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings

AP Photo/Matt Krohn

Vikings WR Justin Jefferson

Score: Bears 19, Vikings 17

Bears Takeaway: Chicago Likes Living Dangerously

After surviving in Minnesota Sunday, the Chicago Bears are 7-3. And you can say this about Ben Johnson's Bears: They ain't boring.

Sunday's win was Chicago's seventh in its last eight games. And just two of those wins have been by double digits.

The Bears have been in nail-biting territory lately with a three-point win over the Vikings, a four-point victory over the New York Giants and a five-point win over the Cincinnati Bengals. By that logic, they will win by two at home against the Steelers next week and by one in Philadelphia in two weeks.

Chicago has shown more than a little resiliency over its hot streak. But now it faces three straight teams with winning records, including trips to Philadelphia and Green Bay.

The last time the Bears faced a team with a winning record, they lost by 31.

Winner: PK Cairo Santos, Chicago Bears

It's not often a kicker gets some credit here as a "winner," but Santos deserves it after his performance against the Vikings. The 12-year veteran hit on four of five field goals in the Bears win, including a 54-yarder and the 48-yarder that won the game.

Vikings Takeaway: Minnesota Has a J.J. McCarthy Problem

If the reactions from many fans at US Bank Stadium were any indication, Minnesota Vikings supporters are losing their patience with J.J. McCarthy. And with good reason.

As has been the case so often this season, he will show the occasional flash. But the overall body of work was again disappointing against the Bears, with 16 completions in 32 attempts for 150 yards, a touchdown and two picks. Multiple missed throws elicited quite a few boos during the game.

It's not like the Vikings have a choice here, though. With Carson Wentz out for the year, the backup to McCarthy is undrafted rookie Max Brosmer.

This is not how Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell imagined the 2025 campaign unfolding.

Loser: WR Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings

Jefferson's numbers weren't terrible Sunday—five catches on nine targets for 61 yards—but he is arguably the best receiver in the game. A player who is averaging 94.4 receiving yards per game for his career.

Jefferson has just two 100-yard games this season.

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers

AP Photo/Matt Freed

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph

Score: Steelers 34, Bengals 12

Steelers Takeaway: Mason Rudolph Can Be Effective with Short Passing Attack If Aaron Rodgers Is Sidelined

Aaron Rodgers went into the locker room before halftime of Sunday's game and didn't return to action because of a hand injury. In his place, Mason Rudolph led a scoring drive and finished with 12 completions on 16 attempts for 127 yards and a touchdown.

Rudolph isn't a passer who's going to air it out downfield. Big-play wideout DK Metcalf won't see a spike in production with the backup QB in the game. 

However, Rudolph is a reliable fill-in replacement who can get the ball to his playmakers on underneath routes.

Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith should feature Jaylen Warren (if healthy), Kenneth Gainwell and the tight ends in the short passing game if Rudolph is the starter for the short term.

Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers Defense

Despite losing Jalen Ramsey, who was ejected for throwing a punch at Ja'Marr Chase, the Steelers defense finished on a strong note, scoring two touchdowns to maintain and extend the team's lead.

Kyle Dugger recorded a pick-six late in the third quarter, and James Pierre scored on a 34-yard fumble recovery.

The Steelers defense had its best outing of the season, holding the Bengals to 12 points and scoring off both its takeaways.

Bengals Takeaway: Joe Burrow Isn't Going to Save Cincinnati's Season

Joe Burrow is back on the practice field, eyeing a Week 13 return on Thanksgiving against the Baltimore Ravens in what could be a critical matchup in the AFC North race.

While Burrow will boost Cincinnati's offensive attack, he won't solve its defensive woes. Yes, it gave up two defensive touchdowns to Pittsburgh, but it also allowed the Steelers to convert on 54 percent of their third downs.

Moreover, Pittsburgh lost Rodgers (hand) and Warren (leg) and still racked up 343 total yards. Cincinnati entered Week 11 giving up the most points and yards. Burrow isn't going to fix those issues.

Loser: QB Joe Flacco, Cincinnati Bengals

The Flacco experience was fun for about a month, but he didn't show that 40-year-old pocket-passing wizardry in Pittsburgh. The Steelers held him to 199 passing yards and picked off one of his passes for a pick-six.

He had his worst outing with the Bengals and struggled to connect with Ja'Marr Chase, who caught three of his 10 targets for just 30 yards. With Burrow's return looming, Flacco may be out of gas. 

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert, left, and Jacksonville Jaguars DE Travon Walker.

Score: Jaguars 35, Chargers 6

Jaguars Takeaway: Jaguars Respond Instead of Starting to Fade

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a recent history of fading late in the season instead of showing resilience. 

The organization held a 3-9 record over the last two seasons once it reached Week 13. 

While it's still a little early in the process, the bounce back Jacksonville experienced between Weeks 10 and 11 was impressive. The Houston Texans' 19-point fourth-quarter comeback last weekend could have broken the Jaguars. Instead, Liam Coen's squad rebounded with its best performance of the season. 

With upcoming games against the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans, the 6-4 Jags can put pressure on the AFC South-leading Indianapolis Colts, with the two teams playing each other in Week 14.

Jacksonville isn't just angling for a playoff spot; it still has a shot at a division title thanks to Sunday's performance.

Winner: Jaguars Defense

As mentioned, Jacksonville allowed four fourth-quarter touchdowns and 19-point comeback against the Texans. Sunday's performance looked much different. 

The Los Angeles Chargers offense managed a measly 135 total yards and only 93 passing yards. Jacksonville actually generated pressure and frustrated quarterback Justin Herbert. As a unit, L.A. converted only three of 12 third-down attempts. 

With a strong run game—192 yards Sunday—and the caliber of defense that showed up against the Chargers, the Jaguars can make some noise in the AFC. 

Chargers Takeaway: Los Angeles Remains in Mix Despite Deficiencies

A sound beatdown at the hands of the Jaguars is severely disappointing. At the same time, the Chargers still own a 7-4 record. The team must expunge Sunday's performance from its collective memory and understand the season isn't lost. 

After all, Los Angeles had won three straight games before going cross-country for a 1 p.m. contest. The Chargers' next two games are at home. They'll need to overcome the persistent issues along the offensive line and a soft defense. But they've done so in previous weeks. 

Loser: Chargers' Run Defense

Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence didn't play particularly well, but he didn't need to. Instead, the combination of Bhayshul Tuten and Travis Etienne Jr. combined to carry the ball 34 times for 147 yards and three scores. 

The Jaguars brought a physical brand of football, and Los Angeles wasn't ready to slow that approach. 

Washington Commanders vs. Miami Dolphins in Madrid

AP Photo/Adrian Kraus

Miami Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel and QB Tua Tagovailoa.

Score: Dolphins 16, Commanders 13

Dolphins Takeaway: Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa Need Wins Regardless of Team's Record  

The Dolphins will likely miss the playoffs, but they have more than pride to play for down the stretch. 

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, McDaniel and Tagovailoa are tied together in terms of their futures with the team.

At 4-7, the Dolphins have won consecutive games and three of their last four outings, which is a good sign for the coach-quarterback duo on the hot seat in Miami. If things go south, the club will likely wipe the slate clean in the offseason with a new lead skipper and starting signal-caller.

Winner: CB Jack Jones, Miami Dolphins

In a back-and-forth battle of missed opportunities, Jones made a game-changing play in overtime, snagging an interception on Washington's side of the field.

The fourth-year veteran's takeaway set up the Dolphins in field-goal range, allowing them to claim a victory in the NFL's first game in Madrid.

Jones has played for three teams in four years, but he could extend his stay in Miami with more big plays.

Commanders Takeaway: No Need to Rush Jayden Daniels Back

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Daniels will miss at least three weeks with a dislocated shoulder and won't need surgery. Fowler also noted the Commanders will reevaluate the quarterback after Sunday's game with the Dolphins. 

At 3-8, Washington should allow its young signal-caller to fully recover from injury. This club isn't going back to the playoffs. Marcus Mariota is playing well enough to keep the offense steady, though he made a critical mistake in Sunday's loss to the Dolphins.

Loser: QB Marcus Mariota, Washington Commanders

On his first pass attempt in overtime, Mariota threw a late pass to tight end Zach Ertz. Jones picked it off to help set up Miami for a game-winning field goal. 

Before that turnover, Mariota performed well, throwing for 213 yards and a touchdown and rushing for 49 yards. However, his errant pass ultimately cost the Commanders the game, as the club suffered its sixth consecutive loss.

As an 11th-year veteran, the 32-year-old can't make that miscue in an overtime situation on his team's side of the field.

New York Jets vs. New England Patriots

AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye

Score: New England 27, New York 14

Patriots Takeaway: Drake Maye Is Not the MVP, But His Play Makes New England Elite

Maye is piecing together a spectacular sophomore campaign, and he now finds himself among the NFL's best quarterbacks. Despite what Patriots fans continue to chant each weekend, he's not the league's MVP. He doesn't need to be.

Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams is playing the quarterback position at a higher level than anyone else this season. In Indianapolis, Jonathan Taylor is the league's best player right now since he's well on his way to becoming a triple-crown winner as the NFL's top back in carries, rushing yardage and touchdown runs.

However, Maye is doing what really matters, which is leading the 10-2 Patriots to the NFL's best record. Like any great quarterback, the New England signal-caller is making those around him better.

During Thursday's matchup, the 2024 third overall draft pick completed 73.5 percent of his passes. More importantly, his ability to extend plays bordered on Mahomesian.

The Patriots aren't just a good story; they're Super Bowl contenders. Maye's development is the driving force behind the team's renewed success.

Winner: RB TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots

Over the last two weeks, Henderson has asserted himself as the Patriots' RB1.

Rhamondre Stevenson continues to deal with a turf toe injury. When the 27-year-old ball-carrier returns to the lineup, he must do so in a complementary role since Henderson is clearly a better option as the lead back.

This year's 38th overall pick didn't have the same explosive plays Thursday after two huge runs Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, he showed a level of toughness slamming the ball between the tackles to prove he's not a one-dimensional runner.

In the last five days, the rookie back managed 33 carries for 209 yards and five total touchdowns. He deserves a featured role.

Jets Takeaway: Justin Fields Starting No Longer Serves any Purpose

Each week, the Jets struggle to move the ball. It's time to make a change at quarterback.

While this sentiment has been growing for weeks, what is the point of Fields being in the lineup anymore? The veteran quarterback has thrown for fewer than 130 yards in four of the Jets' last five games.

New York's offense lacks any timing, rhythm or cohesion, hence why the unit finds itself among the league's bottom five.

At 2-8 with five first-round draft picks over the next two classes, everything the Jets do from this point forward is about their quarterback evaluation.

Fields isn't the answer. Tyrod Taylor is a proven backup, but he's not the solution, either. The Jets could at least get a look at rookie Brady Cook from the practice squad just to see if he provides any type of spark.

Whatever the case, the situation is dire and the Jets simply have to make it through their next seven games.

Loser: WR Adonai Mitchell, New York Jets

Fields could have looked a little better if Adonai Mitchell had caught more than one pass. Instead, the wide receiver acquisition from the Indianapolis Colts dropped three.

They weren't all going to be easy snags. At the same time, Mitchell is far too talented to continually experience these breakdowns. These miscues are exactly why the Colts were ready to dump the second-year target. If Mitchell wasn't a throw-in as part of the Sauce Gardner deal, the Cleveland Browns had a deal in place to acquire his services.

Talent only takes a player so far. Mitchell has immense untapped potential. It doesn't matter if he never puts it all together.