NFL Week 12: Snow, Thrillers, and Shocking Upsets Shake Up the League
Week 12 of the NFL season started with a frosty showdown on Thursday night, as the Cleveland Browns outlasted the Pittsburgh Steelers in a snowy battle. But that was just the appetizer for a Sunday slate packed with drama, comebacks, and jaw-dropping moments.
Sunday’s action kicked off with a bang. The Dallas Cowboys snapped their five-game losing streak with a much-needed win over the Washington Commanders. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans pulled off a stunning upset against the Houston Texans. The Minnesota Vikings needed overtime to edge out the Chicago Bears, and the Kansas City Chiefs narrowly escaped with a win over the Carolina Panthers.
Our NFL Nation reporters were on the ground, breaking down the biggest questions, surprises, and lessons from each game. Let’s dive into the highlights and reactions from a wild Week 12.
Minnesota 30, Chicago 27
Vikings
How did the Vikings let this game get to overtime? Soldier Field continues to be a house of horrors for the Vikings. Despite leading by 11 points with just 22 seconds left, a bizarre sequence of events—including tight end Johnny Mundt accidentally deflecting an onside kick—allowed the Bears to recover and force overtime. Without that fluke play, this game likely wouldn’t have gone the distance.
Most surprising performance: Wide receiver Jordan Addison had a career day, hauling in seven catches for 162 yards and a touchdown. With defenses focused on Justin Jefferson, who was held to just seven receiving yards in regulation, Addison stepped up in a big way.
What we learned about the QB today: Quarterback Sam Darnold showed grit, returning from an apparent ankle injury to lead the Vikings in overtime. He completed all six of his passes in the extra period, proving he can deliver in clutch moments.
Next game: vs. Cardinals (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Bears
Has Caleb Williams been more efficient with Thomas Brown as offensive coordinator? Absolutely. Williams has been quicker with his throws, averaging 2.42 seconds to release the ball in Brown’s two games as interim OC. Against the blitz, he went 9-of-12 for 128 yards and two touchdowns, his best performance in such situations this season.
Most surprising performance: Despite being questionable with an ankle injury, wide receiver Keenan Allen delivered nine catches for 86 yards and a touchdown, including a 40-yard bomb that set up Chicago’s first-quarter score.
Eye-popping stat: Kicker Cairo Santos had another field goal blocked, bringing his total to three this season—the most in the NFL. He did redeem himself with a 48-yarder to force overtime.
Next game: at Lions (Thursday, 12:30 p.m. ET)
Dallas 34, Washington 26
Cowboys
How the heck did the Cowboys pull that off? Despite a laundry list of injuries—including stars like Dak Prescott and DeMarcus Lawrence—the Cowboys found a way. Special teams came up huge, with KaVontae Turpin and Juanyeh Thomas delivering game-changing kickoff returns.
What we learned about the QB today: Backup quarterback Cooper Rush was steady and efficient, completing 78.5% of his passes and throwing two second-half touchdowns. He’s proving to be a reliable option when Prescott is unavailable.
Early prediction for next week: The Cowboys face the struggling Giants on Thanksgiving. Don’t expect a classic, as both teams are under .500, but Dallas has momentum on its side.
Next game: vs. Giants (Thursday, 4:30 p.m. ET)
Commanders
What’s wrong with the offense? Washington’s once-potent offense has sputtered, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry over the past three games. Injuries on the offensive line haven’t helped, and quarterback Jayden Daniels has struggled to regain his early-season form.
Biggest hole in the game plan: Special teams were a disaster. Kicker Austin Seibert missed two extra points and a field goal, while poor snaps and a 99-yard kickoff return by Dallas sealed Washington’s fate.
Next game: vs. Titans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Other Highlights
- Tennessee 32, Houston 27: The Titans’ offense is heating up, but quarterback Will Levis needs to improve his decision-making.
- Miami 34, New England 15: The Dolphins’ efficient offense looks ready for a cold-weather test in Green Bay on Thanksgiving.
- Kansas City 30, Carolina 27: The Chiefs’ defense struggled against rookie quarterback Bryce Young, but a late field goal sealed the win.
Week 12 delivered everything NFL fans could ask for—thrilling finishes, breakout performances, and plenty of surprises. With the playoff race heating up, the stakes will only get higher from here.
Originally Written by: Kevin Seifert
