2025 NFL Week 12 Winners and Losers and Top Takeaways

Some huge contests took place in Week 12, with the top of the AFC and NFC both in question.

Pretenders and contenders start to show their true colors around this time every year. With the Thanksgiving holiday just days away, and a heavily-impacted NFL schedule, this week can be both a trap and/or a launching platform ahead of the stretch run.

Bleacher Report's team of NFL analysts—Brent Sobleski, Gary Davenport, Kris Knox and Moe Moton—tracked all of the Week 12 action to highlight each contest's biggest takeaways, as well as the latest winners and losers.

Carolina Panthers vs. San Francisco 49ers

AP Photo/Eakin Howard

San Francisco 49ers S Ji'Ayir Brown

Score: 49ers 20, Panthers 9

49ers Takeaway: Robert Saleh Continues to Have Young Defense Playoff-Ready

The San Francisco 49ers parted with several veteran defenders during the offseason, and they've lost the likes of Nick Bosa and Fred Warner to season-ending injuries. Yet, the return of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh has allowed the team and a defense littered with young contributors to adapt.

It hasn't been perfect all season, but the defense has been good enough to give San Francisco a chance to win far more often than not. Against the Carolina Panthers, it allowed the 49ers to overcome a three-interception game by quarterback Brock Purdy.

Winner: S Ji'Ayir Brown, San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers offense got strong contributions from players like Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Jauan Jennings. However, this was a game dictated by defense. Safety Ji'Ayir Brown made two of the biggest plays of the game.

Following Purdy's first interception, Carolina was on the verge of tying the game. However, Brown picked off Bryce Young in the end zone to preserve the early lead.

Brown picked Young a second time in the fourth quarter, with the Panthers again threatening in San Francisco territory.

Panthers Takeaway: Injuries May Cost Carolina a Prime Shot in the NFC South

The NFC South is starting to look like a two-team race between Carolina and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Tampa lost on Sunday, opening the door for the Panthers to claim the top spot in the division with a win.

In the early goings, it felt like Carolina might pull off the upset. Then, cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Cory Thornton left the game with injuries, and San Francisco started to pull away.

The Panthers were already without linebackers Trevin Wallace and Christian Rozeboom, who were inactive. Up next are the white-hot Los Angeles Rams, and if the Carolina defense isn't significantly healthier, it can pretty much forget about catching Tampa before its Week 14 bye.

Loser: QB Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers

With the defense banged up, the Panthers desperately needed their offense to provide a spark. They didn't get it, and what started as a close, competitive game drifted out of reach.

It's impossible to put all of the blame on Young's shoulders, but his performance (169 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs) was extremely disappointing on the heels of a 448-yard, three-touchdown game in a Week 11 win.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford

Score: Rams 34, Buccaneers 7

Rams Takeaway: Matthew Stafford Leads the MVP Conversation

Entering Week 12, Stafford led the league with 27 touchdown passes. He added three more in a win over the Buccaneers. He's on pace to top a career-high 41 touchdown passes.

At 37, the two-time Pro Bowler is aging gracefully while playing his best football.

If the Rams finish with one of the best records, Stafford should be the front-runner for league MVP, which would be the first of his 17-year career.

Winner: DC Chris Shula, Los Angeles Rams

Before Baker Mayfield exited the game with a shoulder injury, he struggled mightily against the Rams defense. The NBC broadcast made sure to highlight Shula on the sideline. The 39-year-old defensive coordinator will draw interest in the next head coaching hiring cycle.

Going into Week 12, the Rams' No. 2-scoring defense ranked within the top 10 in sacks and pressure rate. Los Angeles has allowed fewer than 20 points in five of its previous six games. Shula's buzz is growing by the week.

Buccaneers Takeaway: Tampa Bay's Injury-Riddled Offense Is a Major Concern for Its Playoff Path

The Buccaneers haven't fielded an offense with all of its key players healthy this season. Two-time All-Pro offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs and Pro Bowl wide receiver Chris Godwin didn't play until Week 4 because of injuries. Since then, Godwin has missed several games due to a leg injury. 

After Week 7, Tampa Bay placed wideout Mike Evans on injured reserve. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, he could miss up to eight weeks with a broken collarbone. Running back Bucky Irving hasn't suited up since Week 4.

Pending the result of Mayfield's shoulder injury, the Buccaneers may be without him for a period of time. Godwin is back, and Irving could return for the next game, but a backup quarterback won't elevate Tampa Bay's offense the way Mayfield does, which may cause the team to fall in the standings.

Loser: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offense

The Buccaneers offense hit rock bottom in a loss to the Rams, a season-low seven points. Of course, Mayfield's injury factored into the lack of production, but he only completed nine of his 19 pass attempts for 41 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.

Early in the second quarter, the Buccaneers fell into a 21-0 deficit and gave up a defensive touchdown on a pick-six. With a slow offensive start, Tampa Bay may have lost this game even with Mayfield healthy in the second half.

Cleveland Browns vs. Las Vegas Raiders

AP Photo/Eric Gay

Myles Garrett and Isaiah McGuire sack Geno Smith.

Score: Browns 24, Raiders 10

Browns Takeaway: Shedeur Sanders Can Be an NFL Starter

Sanders put together a solid showing in his first NFL start. He threw for 209 yards, a touchdown and an interception with a 55 percent completion rate. While that's not a stat line that screams stardom, the rookie moved well in and out of the pocket and played with poise.

Moreover, his passing numbers would look more appealing to the eye if wide receiver Isaiah Bond weren't stopped at the 1-yard line. Fellow receiver Jerry Jeudy made an egregious mistake with a hesitation step, which allowed Jeremy Chinn to force a fumble after a long completion.

Nonetheless, Sanders performed far better after a full week of practice with the starters than he did in his previous outing after entering the game for injured backup quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

For now, Sanders showed he's more than a third-stringer. With more experience, he has the potential to start at some point in his career.

Winner: Edge Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns

Garrett is on the path to winning his second Defensive Player of the Year award. On Sunday, he reached personal bests, logging season highs in sacks (18), which is also a single-season franchise record, and tackles for loss (26). 

Yes, he wreaked havoc on a below-average pass protection unit, but his franchise sack record speaks volumes about his play for the season. Because of his strong outing against the Raiders, he has a chance to break the NFL single-season sack record of 22.5 sacks.

Raiders Takeaway: Geno Smith Will Struggle to Stay Healthy Behind NFL's Worst Offensive Line

Smith is taking sacks at such a high rate that he will finish games with several bumps and bruises. These injuries could land him on the injury report.

Over Las Vegas' last three games, the 35-year-old signal-caller has taken 20 sacks, at least four in each of those outings. A couple of weeks ago, he played through a quadriceps injury in a Thursday matchup with the Denver Broncos. On Sunday, he took 10 sacks.

In consecutive weeks, the Raiders shuffled their offensive line, trying to find the best combination to protect Smith and open up the ground game. However, without left tackle Kolton Miller and right guard Jackson Powers-Johnson, this team doesn't have the personnel to field a decent offensive line.

Loser: Las Vegas Raiders Offensive Line

Late in the third quarter, the coaching staff benched center Will Putnam and inserted Alex Cappa into the starting lineup. Until last week, Cappa hadn't played center in his eight-year career, which tells you everything you need to know about the Raiders' front line.

In the fourth quarter, the Raiders pulled right guard Jordan Meredith and reinserted Putnam into the lineup. Garrett essentially sealed the game by beating backup left tackle Stone Forsythe and forcing a fumble.

In a bad game of musical chairs, the Raiders' offensive line allowed Browns defenders to have a full-blown sack party.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Arizona Cardinals

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence

Score: Jaguars 27, Cardinals 24 (OT)

Jaguars Takeaway: It Often Feels Like Jacksonville is Winning In Spite of Trevor Lawrence

The exciting part of the Jacksonville Jaguars' hire of Liam Coen was that he had just helped Baker Mayfield have arguably the best campaign of his pro career. Surely, he would help 2021 first overall pick Trevor Lawrence finally evolve into an elite quarterback.

That may happen, but we haven't seen it yet. Lawrence has shown some flashes this season and certainly had his moments on Sunday. However, Jacksonville had to survive several off throws and three interceptions by him to outduel Jacoby Brissett.

Coen's scheme and coaching style seem to be working in Jacksonville. Unfortunately, it remains unclear if Lawrence will ever be the elite signal-caller he was advertised to be coming out of Clemson.

Winner: RB Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars

Travis Etienne Jr. continues to make the most out of a contract year. He was over 850 scrimmage yards entering Sunday's contest and added 119 scrimmage yards and a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals.

Etienne has flourished in Coen's offense and could be racing toward an offseason payday. According to ESPN's Mike DiRocco, the Jaguars are "unlikely" to use the franchise tag on the 26-year-old.

Cardinals Takeaway: Jacoby Brissett Gives Arizona Flexibility

The Cardinals may or may not move on from quarterback Kyler Murray this offseason—though, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, a split "seems imminent."

Backup-turned-starter Jacoby Brissett continues to show he can be a quality bridge option in 2026 if needed. A week after setting an NFL record for completions in a game, he threw for 317 yards in the face of constant pressure.

Arizona won't have to rush a rookie onto the field or overpay for a mid-level veteran in 2026 because it has Brissett under contract through next season. Between now and then, the Cardinals have a better chance to evaluate their offensive supporting cast than they might have with Murray at QB.

Wideout Michael Wilson, for example, had never had a 100-yard game before Week 11. He's now topped that mark in back-to-back weeks.

Loser: The Arizona Cardinals' Front Office

Unfortunately for head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort, Arizona may have a new front office leading its quarterback search in 2026.

Gannon and Ossenfort, both hired in 2023, have constructed a below-average team that occasionally shows promise but rarely delivers real results. With only 15 wins in over two-and-a-half seasons, Gannon and Ossenfort could soon be out, along with Murray.

Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints

AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman

Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins

Score: Falcons 24, Saints 10

Falcons Takeaway: Atlanta Must Be Happy It Held Onto Kirk Cousins

The Atlanta Falcons can't overreact to a two-touchdown win against a struggling New Orleans Saints team.

However, the Falcons did get a win in a game that didn't involve starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. or No. 1 receiver Drake London.

Penix is done for the year with the third torn ACL of his career, which obviously leaves his future—short- and long-term—in question.

For the foreseeable future, this is again Kirk Cousins' team, and he mostly played well against the Saints. He rekindled his connection with Darnell Mooney and provided the steady hand the Falcons haven't had each week with Penix.

Though Atlanta has been ready to roll with Penix since late last season, the Falcons should feel fortunate they hung onto Cousins through the trade deadline.

Winner: WR Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons

Mooney missed the early season with a shoulder injury and has largely had a minor role in the offense since. However, he had a season-high 74 yards on Sunday and a long touchdown reception that pretty much sealed it for the Falcons.

With Cousins back under center, Mooney will have a chance to finish the season strong. That's important since the Falcons could save $7.5 million in cap space but cutting him in the spring—something they'll undoubtedly consider if he doesn't continue producing.

Saints Takeaway: It Feels Like Kellen Moore is in Over His Head

Some coaches find success as coordinators but simply aren't meant to be head coaches. It's beginning to feel like Saints head coach Kellen Moore may fall right into that category.

To be fair, Moore wasn't handed a stellar roster or a stable quarterback position. However, the offensive results have been extremely underwhelming—the Saints came in ranked 30th in scoring—and the play-calling has been questionable at best.

At one point in the fourth quarter, New Orleans had 2nd-and-goal from the Falcons' 1-yard line. They ended up settling for a field goal and ultimately lost by two touchdowns.

Loser: K Blake Grupe, New Orleans Saints

In Moore's defense, he is working with a rookie quarterback, a subpar supporting cast—one that lost Alvin Kamara to a knee injury on Sunday—and a kicker who is becoming a major liability.

Blake Grupe missed field-goal attempts of 38 yards and 47 yards on Sunday and has now missed eight field goals on the season. It won't be a shock to see the Saints auditioning kickers this coming week.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys

AP Photo/LM Otero

Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott

Score: Cowboys 24, Eagles 21

Cowboys Takeaway: Dallas is Right Back in Playoff Race

This was a statement win for the Dallas Cowboys.

It wasn't the sort of victory that says the 5-5-1 Cowboys are suddenly ready to take over the NFC East, but it does show they are a team that must be taken seriously down the stretch.

For the second straight week, we've seen Dallas' reloaded defense look at least respectable. The Philadelphia Eagles had plenty of self-inflicted wounds, but the Cowboys held the defending champs scoreless in the second half, which allowed for an impressive comeback.

If the Cowboys can play even average defense while continuing to roll on offense, they'll have a legitimate chance to sneak into the postseason and perhaps even make a little noise.

Winner: QB Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

Dak Prescott had some early struggles, including a second-quarter interception, but he responded with arguably his most impressive game of the season.

Against a defense that has looked elite in recent weeks, the quarterback racked up 354 passing yards, three combined passing and rushing touchdowns, and helped deliver 24 unanswered points.

He got another huge game from George Pickens (146 yards, 1 TD), but Prescott's performance in the face of adversity was the difference in this game.

Eagles Takeaway: Philly Can Afford the Loss, But It Has to Learn From Mistakes

The Eagles are unlikely to blow the NFC East, and they still have a good shot to win the conference's No. 1 seed. However, they have to learn lessons from this loss in order to get back on track.

For one, the Eagles have to clean up their avoidable mistakes. Their 14 penalties played a big role in allowing Dallas to storm back. Philly might also want to start trusting its ground game more, especially when playing with the lead.

While the Cowboys deserve credit for bottling up Saquon Barkley, it's hard to justify giving him 10 rushing attempts in a game that was mostly played with a lead.

Loser: Offensive Coordinator Kevin Patullo, Philadelphia Eagles

Philly's collapse was a total team effort. The defense failed to corral Dallas in the second half. Jake Elliott missed his only field-goal attempt of the night. You can bet, though, that Sirianni will get a lot of questions about offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo this week in Philadelphia.

The Eagles scored touchdowns on each of their first three drives and still managed to lose because they didn't add a single point afterward. For a team looking to repeat, that's unacceptable.

New York Giants vs. Detroit Lions

AP Photo/Rey Del Rio

Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs

Score: Lions 34, Giants 27 (OT)

Lions Takeaway: Lions Gut Out the Win, but Defense is an Issue

At the end of the day, the only thing that matters in the NFL is the final score. And while it wasn't pretty, the Lions rode a massive performance from running back Jahmyr Gibbs to a comeback win to avoid dropping back-to-back games.

However, a come-from-behind victory over a two-win Giants team isn't going to give Lions head coach Dan Campbell the warm and fuzzies, and the performance of Detroit's defense Sunday is a real worry for a team that fashions itself as a Super Bowl contender.

Facing a bottom-10 scoring offense entering Week 12, the Lions surrendered 27 points and a whopping 517 yards to a Giants team short its No. 1 wide receiver, best running back and led by its third-string quarterback.

Your defense isn't playing well when Jameis Winston catches a 33-yard touchdown pass.

Winner: RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions

If you faced Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs in fantasy football in Week 12, condolences—because you probably got smoked.

All Gibbs did against the Giants was amass 264 scrimmage yards and three scores, including the game-winner in overtime on a 69-yard scamper.

There isn't a more dangerous back in the league.

Giants Takeaway: Jameis Winston is a National Treasure

The Giants are toast, but that's not news. Jaxson Dart has been sidelined by a concussion. Wide receiver Malik Nabers and running back Cam Skattebo are out for the year. Head coach Brian Daboll has been shown the door. It's another miserable year for Big Blue.

At least Winston gives fans a reason to watch the game, though.

He only completed half his passes in Sunday's loss, and he threw an interception because he's Jameis Winston and that's what he does. But he also threw for 366 yards, averaged over 10 yards an attempt and put the Giants in position to nearly stun the Lions in Motown.

There isn't a player in the NFL who enjoys playing football more than Winston—and it shows.

The long touchdown catch was just showing off.

Loser: Edge Brian Burns, New York Giants

Burns entered Week 12 as the NFC's sack leader with 13. He has been an unblockable force of nature most of the season. But the Lions completely neutralized him at Ford Field. He managed just two assists and didn't even log a QB hit on Jared Goff.

Indianapolis Colts vs. Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice

Score: Chiefs 23, Colts 20

Chiefs Takeaway: Kansas City Remains in the Hunt

A 6-5 record is completely different than 5-6 overall. The Kansas City Chiefs knew what was on the line and willed their way to an overtime victory over the Indianapolis Colts. 

After losing two straight, Kansas City didn't have the leeway to fall back any further. With Sunday's victory, the Chiefs remain within striking distance of a wild-card playoff spot. Currently, they're tied with the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers, as one of 10 AFC teams with at least six wins. 

The Chiefs shouldn't kid themselves and think they're going to win a 10th straight AFC West title, but another postseason appearance remains a strong possibility. 

Winner: WR Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs

The Colts spent exorbitantly to improve their secondary, yet the group—which was at full strength Sunday for the first time this season—didn't slow Rice when it needed to do so. 

Rice led the way with eight receptions for 141 yards. Patrick Mahomes looked to the 2023 second-round pick during critical moments, including a 19-yard connection on 4th-and-3 when trailing by three and 3:18 left to play in regulation.

Rice provided a 47-yard catch earlier in the drive when Kansas City was still at its own 3-yard line. 

Kansas City's pass game runs through the SMU product from this point forward. 

Colts Takeaway: Colts Offense Lets A Victory Slip From Its Grasp

All season, the Indianapolis offense responded when necessary. It didn't do so against Steve Spagnuolo's defense. 

The Colts led 20-9 in the fourth quarter and just forced a fumble by Kareem Hunt. From that point, Indianapolis had four offensive possessions. The Colts went three-and-out on all four, including to start overtime. 

Shane Steichen deserves significant credit for how well the Colts have played offensively throughout most of the season. But the group couldn't put the Chiefs away, which caused the team to lose ground in the AFC. 

Loser: Lou Anarumo's Defense

As poorly as the Colts' offense played down the stretch, the defense was worse. The group surrendered 223 yards from the same point in the fourth quarter after Hunt fumbled. 

Clearly, Indianapolis' offense didn't help matters. But the Colts needed one defender to make a play in a critical moment. No one did. 

After bringing in Sauce Gardner and getting Charvarius Ward back healthy, neither of the team's highly-paid corners came up with the necessary play. The defensive front was continually half-a-step short when trying to apply pressure and derail Mahomes. Kareem Hunt was allowed to convert too many short-yardage situations. 

The Colts must show they're capable of playing complementary football. They fell far short of that standard against the Chiefs. 

New England Patriots vs. Cincinnati Bengals

AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

Patriots QB Drake Maye

Score: Patriots 26, Bengals 20

Patriots Takeaway: Will Campbell's Injury May Loom Large for Patriots

On the surface, it's all smiles in New England. The Patriots are the hottest team in the AFC after notching their ninth consecutive win Sunday in Cincinnati.

After Buffalo fell in Houston on Thursday night, the Pats have a stranglehold of the AFC East. Second-year signal-caller Drake Maye is playing at an MVP level. What's not to like?

There was something not to like in the Queen City in Week 12, though. Something that could be massive down the stretch.

Per NBC Sports, rookie offensive tackle Will Campbell was carted off the field in the third quarter with a knee injury.

The 21-year-old has had his share of struggles in his first season—the fourth overall pick in April's draft has surrendered five sacks this season per Pro Football Focus. But losing Maye's blindside protector for a prolonged period is a massive blow for a team that now has aspirations of a Super Bowl appearance.

Winner: TE Hunter Henry, New England Patriots

Having a big game against Cincinnati's historically bad defense isn't exactly breaking news, and tight ends in particular have feasted against the Bengals this season. Week 12 was no different—veteran Hunter Henry led the Patriots with 10 targets, turning them into seven catches for 115 yards and a touchdown.

Bengals Takeaway: It's Time to Shelve Joe Burrow for the Season

The dominant storyline surrounding the Bengals this week was the return to practice of quarterback Joe Burrow, who has missed most of the season with a foot injury. It appeared for a time that he might play against New England, but the team eventually decided not to activate its star signal-caller from injured reserve.

After falling to the Patriots, there's no reason to now.

Frankly, Cincinnati's miserable season probably wouldn't be that much better even if Burrow was out there—unless he's going to play both ways, He can't fix a defense for which the proper adjective does not exist.

The Bengals are 3-8. There will be no playoffs. Head coach Zac Taylor will as likely as not be fired. There is no reason to risk Burrow aggravating his turf toe playing out a string of games that don't matter even a little.

It's bubble-wrap time for Burrow, and time for the Bengals to look to 2026.

Loser: QB Joe Flacco, Cincinnati Bengals

For much of his brief tenure with the Bengals, Joe Flacco has done a solid job of leading the Cincinnati offense. But with star wideout Ja'Marr Chase serving a one-game suspension in Week 12, the QB struggled, barely completing over half his passes, failing to throw for 200 yards and tossing a pick-six.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Chicago Bears

AP Photo/Erin Hooley

DJ Moore of the Chicago Bears.

Score: Bears 31, Steelers 28

Bears Takeaway: The NFC North Goes Through Chicago

The Chicago Bears sit atop their division after gutting out another close win.

Granted, the Green Bay Packers also won Sunday. Due to their Week 4 tie against the Dallas Cowboys, the Bears' archrival remains a half-game behind Chicago in the standings. 

The Bears' current situation speaks to the squad's resiliency late in games. Ben Johnson's team won four in a row. Each of those outcomes were by one score, with an average margin of victory of 3.5 points. 

Caleb Williams and Co. are finding ways to win, which has given them the right to dictate what happens in the NFC North. 

Winner: DJ Moore, Chicago Bears

Moore hasn't been forgotten in the Bears offense, but he hasn't been featured in the same manner as previous seasons. He looked like WR1 during Sunday's contest. 

The eighth-year veteran caught at least 96 passes during each of the last two seasons. He had only 31 before the meeting with the Steelers. 

Moore led the Bears Sunday with five receptions for 64 yards. He caught a pair of touchdowns as well. Considering Williams hadn't connected with Moore for a score since Week 3, their latest outing makes the Bears offense even more dangerous. 

Steelers Takeaway: Aaron Rodgers Must Come Back ASAP

Rodgers is currently nursing a fractured left wrist. The Steelers can't rush him back before he's medically cleared to play. At the same time, Mason Rudolph continues to prove he's not capable of leading the offense. 

Rudolph threw for 171 yards and turned the ball over twice against the Bears. He didn't attack the middle of the field and struggled to get anything going in the passing game. 

DK Metcalf suffered an ankle injury, which didn't help matters, but Rudolph also struggled to navigate the pocket and throw accurately when trying to push the ball down the field. 

Loser: WR DK Metcalf, Pittsburgh Steelers

As mentioned, Metcalf left Sunday's contest because of an injury. He returned to the game but mustered five catches for a meager 22 yards. 

Everyone will have to see if he'll be limited in the coming weeks, which may take away Pittsburgh's best offensive weapon. Even if the wide receiver isn't slowed, he still has to deal with Rodgers' injury and not getting as many quality opportunities. 

As a side note, Metcalf also lost his single-season receiving yardage record that he previously held with the Seattle Seahawks. Jaxon Smith-Njigba passed that figure with his latest performance. 

Seattle Seahawks vs. Tennessee Titans

AP Photo/George Walker IV

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Score: Seahawks 30, Titans 24

Seahawks Takeaway: Jaxon Smith-Njigba Positioning Himself to Cash In on Offseason Megadeal

Entering Week 12, Smith-Njigba already topped his receiving yards total with 28 fewer catches. This year, he's more of a big-play receiver, averaging 15.9 yards per catch. 

Leading the league in receiving yards, he is adding millions to a prospective extension. The Seahawks should be eager to pay him in his first eligible offseason, as the league price for premier receivers continues to rise.

Smith-Njigba has racked up 100-plus receiving yards in eight games this season.

Winner: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks 

Smith-Njigba torched the Titans secondary, catching eight passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns. He blew the game open early in the third quarter with a 13-yard touchdown reception. Tennessee didn't have an answer for him Sunday.

Titans Takeaway: Chimere Dike Is NFL's Most Electric Kick and Punt Returner

Entering Week 12, Dike led the league with 1,108 kick return yards. On Sunday, he returned his second punt return for a touchdown this season.

One of the few bright spots on a 1-10 team, he provides a significant spark to Tennessee's special teams unit. The rookie fourth-rounder is still developing in a receiver role, with 28 receptions for 252 yards and two touchdowns, but he's an elite returner.

Loser: Tennessee Titans Cornerback Unit

Smith-Njigba routinely gained separation and broke free for big plays in the passing game. On the road, he made it look easy.

Over the past month, the Titans traded cornerbacks Jarvis Brownlee Jr. and Roger McCreary. L'Jarius Sneed is on injured reserve. The Titans' skeleton cornerback crew struggled for the entire game.

New York Jets vs. Baltimore Ravens

AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey

Score: Ravens 23, Jets 10

Ravens Takeaway: Baltimore's Offense Leaves A Lot To Be Desired

The Ravens won their fifth consecutive game, and they're over .500 for the first time this season, but this team is lacking on the offensive side of the ball.

Lamar Jackson isn't as elusive compared to years past, possibly because of a lingering ankle injury. Derrick Henry has alternated games in which he averages more or less than four yards per carry.

If Baltimore intends to make a deep playoff run, its star offensive playmakers must perform at a high level with more consistency. Also, as two-time Pro Bowler center Tyler Linderbaum pointed out, the offensive line must do a better job blocking for its playmakers.

Winner: CB Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore Ravens

Humphrey made a key play to help Baltimore seal the game. Breece Hall tried to muscle his way into the end zone, but the Ravens cornerback ripped the ball out of his arms, which forced a fumble near the goal line.

If Hall scored on that possession, the Jets would have cut the margin to one possession and given themselves a chance to pull out an improbable victory. Instead, Baltimore took over, and New York didn't make it back to the opponent's side of the field for the remainder of the final quarter.

Jets Takeaway: Justin Fields Isn't Getting the Starting Quarterback Job Back

Tyrod Taylor put together a decent showing against the Ravens without star wide receiver Garrett Wilson, throwing for 222 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He's a solid backup who can do just enough to keep his team in the game if the defense plays at a high level.

For most of Sunday's contest, the Jets defense stood its ground against the Ravens, but Hall's fumble near the goal line wiped out any chance of a comeback victory. Still, Gang Green's offense operates more efficiently with Taylor than it does with Fields under center.

Loser: RB Breece Hall, New York Jets

Looking at the box score, Hall did everything he could to propel the Jets to victory, but his one costly turnover allowed Baltimore to put the game out of reach.

The 24-year-old running back racked up 119 scrimmage yards, leading the club in rushing and receiving.

However, in a game of inches, the Jets' hopes of a victory circled the drain with Hall's fumble.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers

AP Photo/Mike Roemer

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy

Score: Packers 23, Vikings 6

Packers Takeaway: Green Bay's Defense Once Again Looks Super Bowl-caliber

When the 2025 campaign began, the Green Bay Packers' defense looked like it could be the league's best and propel the team toward a future Super Bowl appearance. The group eventually took a step back despite still being quite good. 

Sunday's effort again reminded everyone how dangerous Green Bay's D can really be. 

The Minnesota Vikings managed only 145 yards. Green Bay generated five sacks, 10 quarterback hits and a pair of interceptions. 

J.J. McCarthy is a young, struggling quarterback. The Packers did exactly what they needed to do during this particular matchup to make life difficult on him.

Winner: LB Isaiah McDuffie, Packers

Talent can be found all over Green Bay's defense. Micah Parsons is one of the game's best pass-rushers. Devonte Wyatt recorded a pair of sacks during Sunday's contest. However, McDuffie was the best player on the field against the Vikings. 

McDuffie led the Packers with nine total tackles. He registered half-a-sack and a defended pass as well. The linebacker also put the final nail in Minnesota's coffin when he picked off McCarthy. 

Role players are vital to any team's success, and McDuffie's performance Sunday showed exactly why he is a critical component in Green Bay's defense. 

Vikings Takeaway: Minnesota Can't Rely on Its Offense

The Vikings have lost three in a throw. During their current losing streak, the team's offense averaged 218.3 yards per contest. 

If Minnesota's defense doesn't make plays and halt opposing offenses, the Vikings don't have much of a chance to get back on track. 

With the Packers racking up 146 yards on the ground, the Vikings defense has enough to worry about in its own right. At the same time, opponents aren't lighting up Brian Flores' unit. They're scoring 23 points per game during Minnesota's current skid.

The Vikings aren't good enough to score at least three offensive touchdowns right now. 

Loser: QB J.J. McCarthy, Vikings

Everyone in and around the Vikings organization probably has the some thought in the back of their minds: Did the franchise make the wrong decision at quarterback?

McCarthy is playing poorly. He's now thrown two interceptions in three straight contests. The second-year signal-caller finally eclipsed a 50 completion percentage during that stretch, but he threw for a meager 87 passing yards. 

The entire team is suffering, because the Vikings wanted to play a quarterback who clearly wasn't ready to take over and lead an NFL offense. 

Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Texans

AP Photo/Ashley Landis

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is hit by Houston Texans' edge-defender Will Anderson Jr.

Score: Texans 23, Bills 19

Texans Takeaway: Full Speed Ahead Toward Top of AFC South

The Indianapolis Colts may be the best story in the NFL, but the Houston Texans have what it takes to eventually displace their rival atop of the AFC South standings.

Indianapolis still holds a 2.5-game lead, but the current setup is dependent on this weekend's outcome against the Kansas City Chiefs. If the Colts falter, they'll face the red-hot Texans a week later, giving DeMeco Ryans' squad a chance to close the distance to one game. Houston's defense is good enough to slow Shane Steichen's offense.

By the time the two teams face each other for a second time in Week 18, a role reversal could realistically occur.

As long as quarterback C.J. Stroud returns to the lineup and provides efficient play, the Texans' top-ranked defense is dominant enough to make Houston one of the scariest opponents as the stretch-run begins.

Winner: Edge Will Anderson Jr.

The entire Texans defensive front deserves to be listed. After all, an eight-sack performance against Josh Allen, who's usually a Houdini-like presence in the backfield, is impressive.

Anderson served as the spearhead, regularly beating whichever offensive tackle he faced and generated 2.5 sacks, as well as three more quarterback hits and nine total pressures.

Anderson and his running mates had Allen rattled. The effort not only got the quarterback to the ground but also created opportunities for the Texans on the back end. Houston's secondary capitalized with a pair of interceptions.

The Texans were able to do all of this without heavy blitz packages because their front four—particularly their defensive ends—was impossible to handle.

Bills Takeaway: Protection Issues Aren't Going Away Anytime Soon

The Bills' offensive line has long been an area of strength because of the unit's familiarity and reliability. However, the Texans' exposed Buffalo's offensive tackles while playing in the national spotlight.

Granted, Spencer Brown was dealing with a shoulder injury, which eventually forced him out of the contest. However, Dion Dawkins is one of the game's most consistent left tackles. Anderson and Hunter made life miserable on anyone lined up across from them.

Buffalo has now surrendered three or more sacks in five different games, which is the most during the Allen era.

Loser: QB Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

Houston's constant pressure had Allen on the ropes. The game-sealing interception by safety Calen Bullock came as a direct result of the quarterback seeing the pressure, making a poor decision and throwing off his back foot.

The Texans' eight sacks became the most in Allen's career.

Usually, the reigning NFL MVP extends plays and finds a way to make them. Against Houston, he ran for his life during most of the night.