Week 12 NFL Recap: Chiefs Rebound, Lions Win, Eagles Stumble.

The action of Week 12 in the 2025 NFL season commenced Thursday evening featuring a matchup between the Bills and the Texans. The Texans’ defensive unit effectively neutralized the Bills’ offensive efforts, generating three turnovers that aided backup quarterback Davis Mills in securing the victory.

During the early Sunday games, Packers defensive lineman Micah Parsons registered two quarterback sacks in a dominant performance against the Vikings. In another NFC North contest, the Lions rallied from a significant deficit to overcome the Giants in overtime. Likewise, the Chiefs required an additional period to subdue the surging Colts. Meanwhile, the Ravens achieved a winning record for the first time this year after a victory over the Jets. However, the Steelers, led by backup quarterback Mason Rudolph, were unable to defeat the Bears.

In the later Sunday games, Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders achieved a victory against the Raiders in his inaugural start. This marked the first instance since 1995, when Eric Zeier accomplished the same feat, that a Browns quarterback won his initial NFL start. The Falcons also exhibited a comeback, defeating the Saints with Kirk Cousins at quarterback. The Jaguars triumphed over the Cardinals in overtime, while the Cowboys amassed 24 consecutive points to defeat the Eagles.

Our NFL Nation correspondents provided insight on the weekend’s games, addressing outstanding questions from each contest and detailing all relevant information for each team. Let’s delve into the details.

Jump to:
PHI-DAL | JAX-ARI | ATL-NO
CLE-LV | IND-KC | NYG-DET
SEA-TEN | NE-CIN | PIT-CHI
NYJ-BAL | MIN-GB | BUF-HOU

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Cowboys

Can the Cowboys establish themselves as contenders for the playoffs? After falling behind 21-0 early in the second quarter, the Cowboys’ situation looked dire. However, they rallied to secure a victory, improving their record to 5-5-1 with the Chiefs scheduled to visit on Thanksgiving. The comeback on Sunday equaled the largest in the team’s history. Despite splitting the season series with the Eagles, Dallas faces a challenging path to regain contention in the division. Nonetheless, this type of victory can generate momentum. The offense faltered on two late opportunities, including a questionable decision by coach Brian Schottenheimer to forgo an easy field goal attempt with 3:46 remaining. However, Dak Prescott delivered in the final minute with completions of 19 and 24 yards to tight end Jake Ferguson and wide receiver George Pickens, respectively.

Stat to know: Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb may be relieved to avoid facing the Eagles again this season. After officially dropping three passes (with a potential fourth) in the season opener at Philadelphia, Lamb dropped three more on Sunday, including a late fourth-quarter touchdown pass that could have given the Cowboys the lead. He has eight drops this season, the highest total he has recorded in a full season during his career. — Todd Archer

Next game: vs. Chiefs (Thursday, 4:30 p.m. ET)

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Eagles

How did the Eagles’ performance unravel? They initiated the game by scoring touchdowns on each of their first three possessions, establishing a 21-0 lead. It seemed a decisive win was imminent. However, the offense subsequently became stagnant, enabling Prescott to spearhead a Cowboys comeback against a defense that suffered injuries to several key players. Saquon Barkley’s fumble in Dallas territory with the score tied midway through the fourth quarter proved detrimental, as did Xavier Gipson’s turnover on a punt return with 5:09 remaining. Philadelphia remains atop the NFC East, but this stinging, preventable, and penalty-laden defeat could affect the Eagles’ pursuit of the No. 1 seed in the NFC. They will need to recover quickly before facing the NFC North leader in a short week.

What to make of the QB performance: Following a week of reports highlighting internal discontent with quarterback Jalen Hurts’ management of the offense, he initially appeared to be on track for another performance that would silence critics. He accumulated three touchdowns in the first half while exploiting zone coverage, which has occasionally posed challenges for him this season. However, the offense then sputtered. While blame will likely be widespread, what began as an opportunity for Hurts and the offense to regain their footing ultimately resulted in a performance that will likely invite further scrutiny. — Tim McManus

Next game: vs. Bears (Friday, 3 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Jaguars

Should the Jaguars be considered serious contenders in the AFC South? Despite a lackluster victory over the Cardinals and several areas requiring improvement, the Jaguars, with a 7-4 record, are legitimate contenders. The Colts’ loss to Kansas City has narrowed their division lead to a single game. The Jaguars’ next opponent is the 1-10 Titans, while the Colts will face the Texans and their top-ranked defense. A Jaguars victory over the Titans would set the stage for a crucial Week 14 showdown with the Colts in Jacksonville. Indy’s last victory in Jacksonville occurred in 2014.

Turning point: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence recovered from his third interception to lead the Jaguars on a six-play, 65-yard drive culminating in an 11-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Parker Washington. Lawrence released the ball before Washington turned his head in the back of the end zone, and he made a sliding catch behind cornerback Garrett Williams. This play put the Jaguars ahead 24-21. — Mike DiRocco

Best quote from the locker room: The Jaguars entered the 2025 season having lost 18 of their previous 23 games, so they are not concerned about securing a win in an unconventional manner. “Never express regret for [winning the way we won], and people can review the game film and form their own opinions, and I will do the same,” Trevor Lawrence stated. “There were some challenging plays out there. Those guys made good plays as well.”

Next game: at Titans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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Cardinals

When will Arizona achieve another victory? It may take several weeks before the team can secure another win. After holding a lead against Jacksonville until the second quarter, the Cardinals suffered their third consecutive loss and their eighth in the past nine games. With an upcoming game against the Buccaneers (who are currently first in the NFC South) and a home game against the Rams (who are currently first in the NFC West), Arizona’s next potential win may not occur until Week 15 against the Texans or Week 16 against the Falcons.

Trend to watch: Michael Wilson has embraced his role as WR1 with another impressive showing, securing 10 receptions for 118 yards a week after amassing 185 yards on 15 catches. Once Marvin Harrison Jr. returns from appendicitis surgery, Wilson will provide another significant option for quarterback Jacoby Brissett. — Josh Weinfuss

Next game: at Buccaneers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Falcons

How does Sunday’s victory shape the definition of success for the remainder of the season? The Falcons have a 4-7 record, so discussions about the playoffs may be premature. Even with Sunday’s win, Atlanta has a minimal chance of reaching the postseason, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index and irrespective of other outcomes. Expectations are muted without quarterback Michael Penix Jr., despite Kirk Cousins completing 16 of 23 passes for 199 yards, 2 TDs, and an interception. Rookie edge rushers Jalon Walker (1.0 sack on Sunday) and James Pearce Jr. (1.5) continue to perform well, and their development is a key factor.

What to make of the QB performance: Considering the absence of top wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr.’s struggles with dropped passes, Cousins delivered his best performance since the Falcons’ 6-3 start last season with him as the starter. He managed to succeed with an unheralded receiving corps that included David Sills V, Dylan Drummond, and tight end Charlie Woerner. — Marc Raimondi

Next game: at Jets (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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Saints

Should the Saints consider replacing kicker Blake Grupe? The Saints have already begun evaluating future options at several offensive positions, including wide receiver and quarterback. However, they have remained loyal to Grupe despite his increasing number of missed kicks, which now total eight for the season. Grupe missed two field goals on Sunday and was met with considerable boos from Saints fans. With Charlie Smyth on the practice squad for the second consecutive year, the Saints have an alternative at kicker.

Biggest hole in the game plan: The red zone. The Saints displayed ineptitude whenever they approached the goal line. They reached Atlanta’s 1-yard line twice but only managed to score three points. On a fourth-and-1 play, Taysom Hill’s pass fell incomplete. On another play, the Saints were practically on the goal line but snapped the ball over Hill’s head. He recovered the ball and threw it away, resulting in an intentional grounding penalty and a field goal attempt. — Katherine Terrell

Next game: at Dolphins (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Browns

Did Shedeur Sanders demonstrate sufficient ability to retain his position as the Browns’ starting quarterback? With a week of practice repetitions, Sanders showed notable improvement in his first start. He threw an early interception due to a poor decision but also showcased his signature deep-ball accuracy. On a 52-yard connection to rookie wide receiver Isaiah Bond, Sanders evaded a free rusher and rolled to his right to create more time. Coach Kevin Stefanski previously indicated that rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel would start once he clears concussion protocol. However, the Browns’ passing game exhibited bursts of explosiveness on Sunday that have been absent for much of the season.

Stat to know: With three sacks, edge rusher Myles Garrett set a single-season career high and a Browns franchise record with 18, surpassing his previous high marks. The NFL’s single-season record is 22.5, and Garrett has six more games to exceed the mark set by Michael Strahan (2001) and T.J. Watt (2021). — Daniel Oyefusi

Next game: vs. 49ers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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Raiders

Is Geno Smith’s tenure in Las Vegas nearing its end? With a 2-9 record, this is a valid question. The fact that Smith has been playing behind a struggling offensive line has not helped his cause. He was sacked 10 times and pressured 18 times against the Browns. Beyond that, his performance was not poor (30-for-44, 285 yards and a touchdown), but the offense struggled to establish a rhythm with him at quarterback. Las Vegas is far from being a playoff contender and may be poised for significant offseason changes, potentially starting at the quarterback position, as Smith has not demonstrated sufficient ability to be the franchise’s long-term solution.

Turning point: Trailing by 14 in the second quarter, the Raiders failed to capitalize on two opportunities to turn the game around. Las Vegas advanced to Cleveland’s 27-yard line, but the Raiders eventually attempted a 48-yard field goal that kicker Daniel Carlson missed. Subsequently, Las Vegas edge rusher Charles Snowden intercepted Sanders’ pass and returned it to Cleveland’s 26-yard line. The Raiders were again unable to reach the end zone and had to settle for a field goal. — Ryan McFadden

Next game: at Chargers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Chiefs

Did this comeback victory salvage the Chiefs’ season? In their sixth attempt this season, the Chiefs finally secured a victory in a one-score game. Previously, the Chiefs’ largest comeback involved overcoming a seven-point deficit in the first quarter against the Ravens in Week 4. During the final two quarters on Sunday, the Chiefs resembled the team they believed they could be. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes excelled on crucial downs, and the offensive line provided ample support for running back Kareem Hunt, who finished with 104 rushing yards. The defense, under the direction of longtime coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, effectively blitzed Colts quarterback Daniel Jones, forcing four consecutive three-and-outs.

Most surprising performance: In the first half, the Colts’ defense effectively neutralized wide receiver Rashee Rice as an option, limiting him to just three receptions for 9 yards. One of the primary reasons the Chiefs rallied from an 11-point deficit, beyond Mahomes’ brilliance in the fourth quarter, was Rice’s performance, as he finished with 111 yards on four receptions. He had a 47-yard gain and a critical catch on fourth-and-3 from the Colts’ 43-yard line to set up the game-tying field goal from kicker Harrison Butker.

Best quote from the locker room: “This is precisely what we needed, to secure a win against a formidable team when the game is not progressing in your favor,” Mahomes remarked. “We could have succumbed to the pressure in that situation — as has been the case for much of the season — but the guys responded. … It was a do-or-die situation. The guys made plays happen.” — Nate Taylor

Next game: at Cowboys (Thursday, 4:30 p.m. ET)

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Colts

What transpired with the Colts’ offense? They face numerous questions following one of their most disappointing performances of the season. The unit faltered in the second half after a promising start, and Indianapolis struggled to respond to the Chiefs’ defensive adjustments. The Colts managed just five combined first downs in the second half and overtime. They converted only 2 of 8 third-down attempts, consistently facing long down-and-distance situations. The Colts’ final first down of the game occurred with 2:58 remaining in the third quarter.

Biggest hole in the game plan: Indianapolis relied excessively on passing plays in the second half, with coach Shane Steichen limiting Jonathan Taylor’s customary opportunities. Taylor had 16 carries for 58 yards on a day when the Chiefs made running the ball particularly challenging. However, the quick throws and frequent incompletions also created difficulties for the Indianapolis defense, which had to quickly return to the field after four consecutive three-and-outs (including one in overtime). — Stephen Holder

Next game: vs. Texans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Lions

What does a narrow victory like this reveal about the Lions? It raises significant concerns. On paper, this game should not have been close, as the Giants entered Ford Field with a 2-9 record and led Detroit for the majority of the contest. Detroit continued to struggle offensively and defensively for much of the game, which has been a pattern during a difficult November stretch. However, kicker Jake Bates connected on a 59-yard field goal at the end of regulation to tie the game at 27, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs secured the victory with a 69-yard rushing touchdown on the opening drive in overtime. Gibbs delivered a spectacular performance, finishing with three touchdowns, including 15 carries for 219 rushing yards and 11 receptions for 45 receiving yards.

Trend to watch: Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown dropped two passes, including his first target in the opening quarter. He now has a career-high four drops this season. St. Brown had one drop in 152 targets all last season, which occurred in the divisional-round loss to the Commanders. Conversely, his catch with just over seven minutes remaining in the third quarter marked the 500th of his career. He concluded the game with nine receptions for 149 yards and a touchdown. — Eric Woodyard

Next game: vs. Packers (Thursday, 1 p.m. ET)