NFL Week 12: Key Winners and Losers Revealed
In NFL Week 12, several key storylines emerged, highlighting a mix of triumphs and failures across the league. Here’s a breakdown of the most notable winners and losers from the week.
NFL Week 12: Key Winners and Losers Revealed
Winners
- Los Angeles Rams: The Rams extended their winning streak to six games, solidifying their position as one of the league’s top teams. They boast the best point differential at +127, showcasing their dominance on both offensive and defensive fronts. Matthew Stafford demonstrated exceptional skill, throwing three touchdowns against the Buccaneers.
- Jahmyr Gibbs: The Lions running back delivered a remarkable performance, rushing for 219 yards and a 69-yard touchdown run in overtime. His average of 14.6 yards per carry is among the best in recent NFL history.
- Chicago Bears: Under head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears improved their offensive stats significantly. They currently stand at 8-3, leading the NFC North despite a negative point differential.
Losers
- Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders faced a devastating 24-10 loss to the Browns, leading to the firing of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. With the team ranking near the bottom in several offensive categories, including points per drive and yards per play, a change was deemed necessary.
- Indianapolis Colts: In a close contest against the Chiefs, the Colts squandered a 20-9 lead, ultimately losing 23-20 in overtime. The decision to punt on a crucial fourth down late in regulation was a pivotal moment that cost them the game.
- J.J. McCarthy: The young quarterback struggled significantly during the Vikings’ 23-6 defeat to the Packers, registering one of the lowest EPA per dropback in recent history. His performance raises serious concerns about his viability as an NFL quarterback.
Standout Performances
- Matthew Stafford threw for three touchdowns against a solid Buccaneers defense, further proving his prowess at the quarterback position.
- Shedeur Sanders, making his starting debut for the Browns, secured a historic win. Despite the victory, advanced metrics indicate areas needing improvement for the rookie quarterback.
- The Eagles and Cowboys game featured high drama but poor execution, with the Cowboys winning on a last-minute field goal. Both teams displayed alarming inconsistencies, raising questions about their playoff aspirations.
NFL Week 12 showcased the highs and lows of professional football, revealing the strengths and weaknesses of various teams and players. As the season progresses, these results will play a crucial role in shaping the playoff landscape.