NFL Week 12 Recap: Every Team’s Highs and Lows

Week 12 in the NFL delivered electrifying finishes, standout performances, and season-defining moments for every team. From thrilling comebacks to dominant wins, here’s a complete breakdown of each team’s biggest takeaways this week.

AFC

Baltimore Ravens (Bye Week)

The Ravens enjoyed a much-needed rest, preparing for a critical matchup in Week 13 against the Chargers. With Lamar Jackson and the league’s second-ranked defense, Baltimore looks poised to solidify its playoff standing.

Buffalo Bills (Bye Week)

The Bills had a bye week to recalibrate after an up-and-down season. Their upcoming game against the 49ers will test their playoff aspirations.

Cincinnati Bengals (Bye Week)

The Bengals are regrouping with hopes of making a late-season push in the competitive AFC North.

Cleveland Browns: 24-19 Win Over Steelers

The Browns shocked the Steelers with a gritty win. Offensive tackle Jack Conklin shined, holding T.J. Watt to just one pressure, while Cleveland’s defense made key plays to upset their divisional rivals.

Denver Broncos: 29-19 Win Over Raiders

The Broncos‘ defense led the way, with Nik Bonitto reaching double-digit sacks and Courtland Sutton catching two touchdowns. Denver remains a playoff contender in the crowded AFC.

Houston Texans: 32-27 Loss to Titans

C.J. Stroud showcased flashes of brilliance, but missed field goals and defensive lapses cost the Texans. They’ll need to regroup quickly with tough games ahead.

Indianapolis Colts: 24-6 Loss to Lions

The Colts struggled against Detroit’s powerful ground game. Anthony Richardson showed promise but was hampered by penalties and dropped passes from his supporting cast.

Jacksonville Jaguars (Bye Week)

The Jaguars used their bye week to recover and prepare for the final stretch of the season. Trevor Lawrence and the team will look to strengthen their grip on the AFC South.

Kansas City Chiefs: 30-27 Win Over Panthers

The Chiefs‘ offense found rhythm with contributions from tight end Noah Gray, who scored twice. While the defense faltered, Patrick Mahomes led the team to a clutch victory.

Las Vegas Raiders: 29-19 Loss to Broncos

The Raiders‘ losing streak extended to seven games despite a surprising performance from running back Ameer Abdullah. Injuries and turnovers remain a major concern.

Los Angeles Chargers (Bye Week)

The Chargers rested in Week 12, with hopes of bouncing back in a season that has fallen short of expectations.

Miami Dolphins: 34-15 Win Over Patriots

Tua Tagovailoa dazzled with four touchdowns, and tight end Jonnu Smith continued his impressive form. Miami is bracing for a cold-weather clash against the Packers on Thanksgiving.

New England Patriots: 34-15 Loss to Dolphins

The Patriots struggled with penalties and poor tackling, allowing the Dolphins to dominate. Head coach Jerod Mayo faces challenges as the team fights to stay competitive.

New York Jets (Bye Week)

The Jets will return in Week 13 with Aaron Rodgers’ injury still casting a shadow over their season.

Pittsburgh Steelers: 24-19 Loss to Browns

The Steelers fell victim to a gritty Browns team. Despite some deep-ball brilliance from Russell Wilson, their offense struggled to sustain drives.

Tennessee Titans: 32-27 Win Over Texans

Will Levis bounced back from multiple sacks to deliver a game-winning touchdown, while Nick Westbrook-Ikhine continued his hot streak for the Titans

NFC

Arizona Cardinals: 16-6 Loss to Seahawks

The Cardinals’ offense couldn’t find its rhythm, as Kyler Murray faced relentless pressure. Tight end Trey McBride was a lone bright spot with 133 receiving yards.

Atlanta Falcons (Bye Week)

The Falcons rested during Week 12, preparing for a push to stay competitive in the NFC South.

Carolina Panthers: 30-27 Loss to Chiefs

Bryce Young had his best game of the season, handling Kansas City’s blitz effectively. Despite the loss, the Panthers showed significant improvement.

Chicago Bears: 30-27 Loss to Vikings

Caleb Williams displayed efficiency with quick passes and deep throws, but the Bears fell short in overtime. Keenan Allen’s late-game heroics highlighted his importance to the team.

Dallas Cowboys: 34-26 Win Over Commanders

The Cowboys snapped their losing streak in dramatic fashion, thanks to two kickoff return touchdowns and a steady performance from backup QB Cooper Rush.

Detroit Lions: 24-6 Win Over Colts

The Lions‘ running back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery made history as the first duo with consecutive 10-touchdown seasons. Tim Patrick also stepped up with key receptions.

Green Bay Packers: 38-10 Win Over 49ers

Josh Jacobs powered the Packers with three touchdowns, while Jordan Love avoided turnovers for the first time in weeks. However, injuries to key players like Romeo Doubs raise concerns for their next game.

Los Angeles Rams (Bye Week)

The Rams rested this week, but with the Eagles up next, they’ll need to step up to stay in the NFC playoff race.

Minnesota Vikings: 30-27 Win Over Bears

Sam Darnold led a clutch overtime drive, while rookie Jordan Addison had a breakout game with 162 yards and a touchdown.

New Orleans Saints (Bye Week)

The Saints used their bye week to prepare for the stretch run in the NFC South.

New York Giants: 30-7 Loss to Buccaneers

The Giants struggled in all phases, with Tommy DeVito unable to spark the offense. The defense also faltered, allowing over 400 yards.

Philadelphia Eagles (Bye Week)

The Eagles rested this week, preparing for a primetime matchup against the Rams in Week 13.

San Francisco 49ers: 38-10 Loss to Packers

Injuries plagued the 49ers, with backup QB Brandon Allen struggling to keep up against a dominant Packers defense. The loss puts their playoff hopes in jeopardy.

Seattle Seahawks: 16-6 Win Over Cardinals

Jaxon Smith-Njigba continued his breakout with 77 receiving yards and a touchdown. The Seahawks now lead the NFC West but face a challenging schedule ahead.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 30-7 Win Over Giants

Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans shined in a commanding win. The Bucs look to ride this momentum into a potential playoff push.

Washington Commanders: 34-26 Loss to Cowboys

Jayden Daniels struggled with rhythm and accuracy, while the Commanders’ special teams faltered. The team will need to regroup quickly for their next matchup.