NFL Week 12 big questions and takeaways: wild endings, huge upsets and division-race shake-ups

Week 12 of the NFL season kicked off Thursday with the Cleveland Browns profitable a snowy battle towards the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Sunday began with a handful of thrillers. The Dallas Cowboys snapped their five-game skid, beating the Washington Commanders, and the Tennessee Titans upset the Houston Texans. The Minnesota Vikings earned an extra time win towards the Chicago Bears, and the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs narrowly beat the Carolina Panthers.

Later, the Arizona Cardinals noticed their four-game win streak finish to the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos defeated the Las Vegas Raiders. Lastly, the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-20 on the again of an impressive Saquon Barkley efficiency.

Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to all of the motion, answering lingering questions popping out of every recreation and detailing the whole lot else you should know for each workforce. Let’s get to it.

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Eagles

Will Saquon Barkley change into the primary operating again since 2012 to win MVP? He is in place to make a critical run at it. Barkley set a private excessive with 302 yards from scrimmage and broke the franchise document for single-game speeding yards (255), which included a pair of 70-plus yard speeding touchdowns. He has three video games with 195-plus scrimmage yards this season, the identical quantity as the remainder of the NFL mixed. Barkley is the third participant in NFL historical past to have 1,500 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns in his first season with a number of groups, becoming a member of Corridor of Famers Marshall Faulk and Eric Dickerson. If he retains this manufacturing up, he may change into the primary again since Adrian Peterson to safe the MVP.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Defensive flip. The Eagles yielded 117 yards on the primary two drives of the sport however then turned the tables on the Rams, holding them to negative-six yards for the remainder of the half. Matthew Stafford was below duress for a lot of the evening because the Eagles racked up 5 sacks and 11 quarterback hits on him. Vic Fangio’s group continues to play above expectations.

Early prediction for subsequent week: Eagles-Ravens can be billed as a potential Tremendous Bowl preview. With the Eagles profitable seven straight video games, they’ve put themselves on the brief checklist of professional NFC contenders. One in all their hardest checks of the common season will are available in Baltimore towards the Lamar Jackson-led Ravens, who’ve postseason objectives of their very own. — Tim McManus

Subsequent recreation: at Ravens (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Rams

Can the Rams offense discover consistency earlier than it is too late within the playoff race? Every week after scoring 28 factors towards the Patriots, the Rams struggled to complete drives, going 2-for-4 within the pink zone and 0-for-8 on third down. After scoring a landing within the first quarter for the second time this season, the Rams had minus-6 yards within the second quarter, which was their fewest in any quarter since 2019, in accordance with ESPN Analysis. The Rams are operating out of time to seek out that consistency, however are a recreation out of first place within the NFC West.

Greatest gap within the recreation plan: Stopping Saquon Barkley. The Rams run protection, who entered the sport ranked twenty second in DVOA, knew this is able to be a problem. The Eagles operating again completed with 255 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries and 4 catches for 47 yards.

What we realized in regards to the QB at present: Matthew Stafford wants higher safety. The offensive line has been a problem all season for the Rams, largely on account of damage. However per week after Stafford was not sacked by the Patriots, he was sacked 5 instances and hit 11 by the Eagles. The Rams are hopeful they may get proper sort out Rob Havenstein again from an ankle damage, maybe by Week 14 towards the Saints. — Sarah Barshop

Subsequent recreation: at Saints (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)

Broncos

Do the Broncos have the profile of a real playoff workforce? The Broncos’ protection once more made the difference-making performs, most notably a Brandon Jones third-quarter interception to arrange the go-ahead landing and Nik Bonitto’s game-sealing strip sack with 2:21 left. Large receiver Courtland Sutton additionally had two landing catches to assist them keep the No. 7 spot within the AFC. However the Dolphins are a lurking drawback. Miami has received three in a row to climb to 5-6 and have a greater AFC document (4-4) than Denver (3-4). The Broncos confirmed they will grind out wins towards inferior opponents, however they will have much less of a margin for error when their schedule will get harder after their Week 14 bye.

Greatest gap within the recreation plan: The Broncos have been particular groups’ stalwarts for a lot of Sean Payton’s tenure, however there’s been some shakiness over the past three video games. Whereas Wil Lutz made his 5 subject objective makes an attempt Sunday, the Broncos surrendered a 59-yard kickoff return and a 34-yard acquire through a pretend punt on back-to-back possessions. The Raiders pulled 10 factors out of these two drives.

Eye-popping stat: Bonitto put the exclamation level on the Broncos’ win when he sacked Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew, forcing a fumble that Denver recovered and became a game-sealing subject objective. Within the course of, he turned the primary Broncos participant to have 10 sacks in a season since Von Miller had 14.5 in 2018. — Jeff Legwold

Subsequent recreation: vs. Browns (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Raiders

Are the Raiders on a quick observe to a top-three draft choose? The brief reply: Sure. The Raiders, who’ve now misplaced seven in a row, are one among solely three groups to have two wins (the Giants and Jaguars are the others), because the Browns and Titans every received their third recreation this week. Plus, given the Raiders’ damage woes, erratic QB play and fast schedule — at Kansas Metropolis on a brief week adopted by a cross-country journey to Tampa Bay — it is exhausting to seek out many wins down the stretch. Possibly at residence towards the Jags in 4 weeks? Keep tuned.

What we realized in regards to the QB at present: Whereas Gardner Minshew threw a game-turning third-quarter interception (his tenth) and Aidan O’Connell (damaged proper thumb) is now eligible to come back off IR, a brief week means Minshew in all probability nonetheless begins at Kansas Metropolis except his left shoulder damage is worse than anticipated. Desmond Ridder, anybody? He was strip-sacked upon getting into the sport, denying the Raiders their finest try and tie the sport.

Most stunning efficiency: The Raiders, who had the worst speeding assault within the NFL getting into Sunday’s recreation, had been with out high operating backs Alexander Mattison and Zamir White. But, Ameer Abdullah and Honest McCormick mixed to hurry for 61 yards on 13 carries towards the league’s No. 6 run protection. Abdullah additionally caught 5 passes for 37 yards and a landing. — Paul Gutierrez

Subsequent recreation: at Chiefs (Friday, 3 p.m. ET)

Seahawks

Are the Seahawks one of the best workforce within the NFC West? The standings now say so, with the Seahawks’ win over Arizona giving them the tiebreaker as every workforce sits atop the division at 6-5 pending the results of Rams-Eagles on Sunday evening. Curiously, ESPN Analytics pegged Seattle’s probabilities at making the playoffs at solely 24% with a win over the Cardinals. That displays a troublesome remaining schedule, a tightly-packed division and a few dangerous soccer from Seattle early within the season. However the 49ers are reeling and Seattle’s protection continued its latest turnaround. The Seahawks had been dominant on that facet of the ball, although they will want extra from quarterback Geno Smith & Co. through the closing stretch.

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Describe the sport in two phrases: JSN Present. Large receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba supplied a lot of the offense on one other day wherein Seattle could not run the ball. The second-year receiver continued his breakout with six catches for 77 yards and a landing. He is been the Seahawks’ most efficient participant over the previous three weeks with 366 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

What we realized in regards to the QB at present: Smith continues to be liable to careless errors. The Seahawks’ quarterback entered Sunday tied for the NFL lead with 11 interceptions. A number of have been fluky, however the one he threw within the pink zone firstly of the fourth quarter was a nasty determination. It was his third interception this season on a cross thrown into the top zone, per ESPN Analysis. — Brady Henderson

Subsequent recreation: at Jets (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Cardinals

What went fallacious after the bye? No matter magic the Cardinals had throughout their four-game profitable streak did not exist in Seattle. Arizona could not get its run recreation going, which normally units up its passing recreation. James Conner had simply eight yards and was the Cardinals’ fourth-leading rusher. Arizona’s protection additionally gave up its first landing since Week 8 and could not work out a option to rush Geno Smith or cowl deep. And Kyler Murray threw his first interception since Week 7, which went for a pick-six.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Sack metropolis. Murray was pressured 16 instances for 5 sacks, essentially the most sacks in a recreation this season and essentially the most since Week 9 of the 2022 season. He was additionally sacked 5 instances again then.

Most stunning efficiency: Tight finish Trey McBride completed with one of the best recreation of his profession. He had 133 yards on 12 catches, surpassing the 131 yards he had towards Atlanta final season. McBride reached 100 yards early within the third quarter, giving him two 100-yard video games this season. — Josh Weinfuss

Subsequent recreation: at Vikings (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Packers

What sort of form will the Packers be in for Thursday evening? There’s purpose to be involved given they play the Dolphins in 4 days. Working again Josh Jacobs made a major impression (26 carries, 103 yards, three touchdowns), however he needed to go away briefly to be handled for cramps. They misplaced receiver Romeo Doubs (three catches, 54 yards) to a concussion, and it will be tough for him to clear protocol for the Miami recreation. The Packers aren’t prone to have cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) or linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (hamstring), both.

What we realized in regards to the QB at present: Quarterback Jordan Love can get by a recreation with out an interception. He ended a streak of eight consecutive video games with a choose by remaining at 11, which matches his complete from final season. It wasn’t precisely a classic efficiency by Love; he threw for 163 yards however had a pair of touchdowns. He threw one interception in his remaining eight regular-season video games in 2023.

Most stunning efficiency: Lukas Van Ness made a play. The 2023 first-round choose had been largely unproductive with one sack — means again in Week 3 — and two QB hits to date. He helped put the sport away with a strip-sack within the fourth quarter. Together with an interception and a pressured fumble, the Packers ended a two-game streak with out a takeaway. — Rob Demovsky

Subsequent recreation: vs. Dolphins (Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET)

49ers

At 5-6 with a visit to Buffalo awaiting, how dim are the 49ers’ postseason hopes? The lights are flickering however not utterly out. But. The Niners have not regarded like a playoff contender for a lot of this season, but it surely’s exhausting to rule out anybody proper now from the NFC West. Regardless of Sunday’s loss, the 49ers are one recreation again within the division and have one other cross-country journey to face a surging Payments workforce. Buffalo may put San Francisco in a scenario the place it has to win out to even sniff the playoffs. Anticipating any type of second-half surge akin to latest years appears far-fetched for a workforce that is lacked a knockout punch.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Fully predictable. Even at full power, this recreation was going to be tough for the 49ers. However they had been nowhere close to that Sunday, lacking quarterback Brock Purdy (shoulder), finish Nick Bosa (indirect) and left sort out Trent Williams (ankle). These absences left a transparent expertise discrepancy and the scoreboard mirrored that chasm.

What we realized in regards to the QB at present: Making his first begin because the 2021 common season finale, Brandon Allen regarded like a succesful backup. When he had time to throw and his teammates weren’t accumulating penalties, fumbling or letting catchable passes slip by their fingers, Allen was totally on time and on the right track. Whereas the Niners are hopeful that Purdy can return subsequent week, Allen was removed from San Francisco’s largest drawback Sunday. — Nick Wagoner

Subsequent recreation: at Payments (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)

Vikings

How did the Vikings let this recreation get to extra time? Merely put, bizarre issues occur to the Vikings at Soldier Area. The Vikings had been up by 11 factors with 22 seconds remaining. Though their protection allowed Bears quarterback Caleb Williams to run throughout it within the fourth quarter, the true difficulty was tight finish Johnny Mundt letting an onside kick hit him within the foot. That allowed the Bears to get well the kick lengthy earlier than it went the required 10 yards. If it had not been for that fluke bounce, the dialog would have been a lot completely different.

Most stunning efficiency: No. 2 receiver Jordan Addison had an enormous day, catching seven passes for a career-high 162 yards and a landing. The Vikings lastly made an opponent pay for the eye it was paying to Justin Jefferson, however he managed solely seven receiving yards in regulation. That might have been a profession low earlier than Jefferson caught a 20-yard cross in extra time.

What we realized in regards to the QB at present: Quarterback Sam Darnold is hard, and he may need had his finest stretch as an NFL participant in extra time. He left Sunday’s recreation for 2 performs within the fourth quarter due to what gave the impression to be an ankle damage. However he returned and accomplished all six of his cross makes an attempt in extra time to salvage the sport. — Kevin Seifert

Subsequent recreation: vs. Cardinals (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Bears

Has Caleb Williams been extra environment friendly with Thomas Brown as offensive coordinator? Williams has averaged 2.42 seconds earlier than releasing his passes in Brown’s two video games as interim OC, which marks his quickest throws this season. That helped him go 9-of-12 for 128 yards and two touchdowns towards the blitz, marking his first multi-TD recreation versus the blitz this season. He was 5-of-12 for 141 yards on passes with not less than 15 air yards, which was his season finest. His completion charge is also greater (71% to 61%).

Most stunning efficiency: Keenan Allen was a late addition to the damage report Friday after rolling an ankle in apply, however he turned in a season-high 9 catches for 86 yards and a landing on a team-high 15 targets.. He ignited the Bears’ dormant deep passing recreation when he hauled in a 40-yard reception from Williams that arrange Chicago’s lone landing within the first quarter. This was Allen’s third recreation with double-digit targets.

Eye-popping stat: After his blocked game-winning try towards Inexperienced Bay, Cairo Santos’ first subject objective try of the afternoon was blocked by the Vikings. His three blocked subject objective makes an attempt are essentially the most within the NFL this season and Chicago’s most in a season since 2012 (additionally three). He transformed on two different makes an attempt, together with a 48-yarder to ship the sport into extra time. — Courtney Cronin

Subsequent recreation: at Lions (Thursday, 12:30 p.m. ET)

Cowboys

How on earth did the Cowboys pull that off? The Cowboys entered the sport with greater than $100 million in wage cap area on injured reserve in Dak Prescott, DeMarcus Lawrence, Zack Martin, Trevon Diggs and Brandin Cooks. Their finest offensive lineman, Tyler Smith (ankle), was additionally dominated out Sunday. They overcame two missed subject objective makes an attempt, a deflected punt, a penalty on a kickoff and iced the sport on a pair of kickoff returns by KaVontae Turpin (99 yards) and Juanyeh Thomas (43 yards) after Washington practically pulled off its second miracle of the season.

What we realized in regards to the QB at present: Cooper Rush is regular, and that is what groups want from their backup quarterback. In opposition to the Commanders, Rush accomplished a season-high 78.5% of his passes and prevented huge errors. His earlier finest as a starter was 67.7% in a 2022 win towards the Giants. He threw two landing passes within the second half and regarded just like the quarterback who went 4-1 as Prescott’s alternative in 2022.

Early prediction for subsequent week: When the Cowboys host the Giants, do not anticipate an uptick within the high quality of soccer after the Giants misplaced 30-7 to the Buccaneers. This can be simply the fourth time within the Tremendous Bowl period that each groups are below .500 when enjoying on Thanksgiving. A minimum of the Cowboys enter the sport with a win. — Todd Archer

Subsequent recreation: vs. Giants (Thursday, 4:30 p.m. ET)

Commanders

What’s fallacious with the offense? Washington’s offense powered its 7-2 begin. Now it is answerable for its previous two losses. Dallas’ protection entered the sport ranked twenty ninth in scoring and twenty third in yards, however Washington managed solely 319 yards, surpassing 300 for the primary time in three video games. The offensive line is banged up, and prior to now three video games, its operating backs have averaged 3.2 yards per carry and gained 181 yards mixed.

What we realized in regards to the QB at present: It hasn’t been good. The cross recreation lacked any rhythm, and quarterback Jayden Daniels averaged simply 3.9 yards per try till he needed to throw downfield to play catch-up late within the recreation. Daniels was thought-about an MVP contender early within the season. Now they only must get him again to being the presumptive Offensive Rookie of the Yr.

Greatest gap within the recreation plan: The kicking recreation. Austin Seibert missed two additional factors and a 51-yard subject objective try. Coming into the sport, Seibert had made 25 of 28 subject objective makes an attempt and all 22 extra-point makes an attempt. Nonetheless, he had missed the previous two weeks with a hip damage and was dangerous Sunday. Tyler Ott’s low snaps and a 99-yard kick return by the Cowboys did not assist, both. — John Keim

Subsequent recreation: vs. Titans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Titans

Is the Titans’ offense beginning to get up? The Titans scored 30 factors for the second time this season. Earlier than reaching that threshold towards the Dolphins in Week 4, Tennessee had not accomplished it since Jan 2, 2022. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine continued his scorching play along with his sixth landing in six video games. The all of the sudden explosive passing recreation produced three performs of 30 yards or extra, matching final week’s output towards the Vikings.

Eye-popping stat: Will Levis absorbed seven sacks within the first half, turning into the primary QB to be sacked not less than seven instances in a number of halves of a season since Randall Cunningham with the Eagles in 1986. Levis was additionally sacked seven instances by the Packers within the second half of a Week 3 loss.

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What we realized in regards to the QB at present: Levis continues to be late on throws. A minimum of three of Houston’s eight sacks may have been prevented if he noticed receivers coming open. His predetermined learn saved him from seeing Texans security Jimmie Ward within the passing lane, resulting in a pick-six. However Levis confirmed resilience, connecting with Chig Okonkwo for a 70-yard landing that held up as the sport winner. — Turron Davenport

Subsequent recreation: at Commanders (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Texans

Will the Texans’ defensive struggles change into a development? The Texans allowed quarterback Will Levis to go 18-of-23 for 278 passing yards and two touchdowns. In December, Houston faces the Dolphins, Chiefs and Ravens, whose offenses can rating in bunches. These points should get fastened or the hopes of a deep playoff run will not materialize.

Eye-popping stat: Ka’imi Fairbairn’s missed 28-yard subject objective try within the fourth quarter marked simply the fourth missed subject objective of 29 or fewer yards (out of 159 makes an attempt) within the NFL this season. Two of these 4 misses are by Fairbairn.

What we realized in regards to the QB at present: C.J. Stroud’s efficiency was a blended bag. He threw a number of landing passes for the primary time since Oct. 13, however he additionally threw a number of interceptions for the second time in three weeks and was sacked 4 instances. Houston’s line has allowed 17 sacks in its previous 4 video games. — DJ Bien-Aime

Subsequent recreation: at Jaguars (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Dolphins

Can Miami’s offense proceed to be environment friendly at Inexperienced Bay on Thanksgiving? The temperatures for the Dolphins’ recreation towards the Packers are anticipated to drop beneath freezing — which has traditionally been the Dolphins’ kryptonite. However with a continued emphasis on high-efficiency passes and ball management this season, Miami seems to be higher geared up to play in frigid temperatures than it was in both of the previous two seasons. If it might overcome the climate, Thursday evening presents an intriguing matchup for Miami towards a Packers protection that ranks twenty second in defensive anticipated factors added since Week 8.

What we realized in regards to the QB at present: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has matured as a passer, and that was on full show Sunday with a four-touchdown efficiency. He accomplished 72.5% of his passes towards the Patriots — not removed from his career-high 74% this season. It is clear he’s much less insistent on trying deep passes and extra keen to take what defenses give him.

Early prediction for subsequent week: Tight finish Jonnu Smith could have one other huge recreation towards the Packers. He has scored three touchdowns in his previous two video games and faces a Inexperienced Bay protection that has allowed the Thirteenth-most yards to opposing tight ends this season (getting into Sunday). Miami’s intention to run the passing offense by Smith isn’t any secret, however Inexperienced Bay continues to be extra prone to shade protection towards receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Subsequent recreation: at Packers (Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET)

Patriots

Was this no-show effort an outlier or an indication of issues to come back within the remaining 5 video games? The Patriots had performed competitively in 4 video games since coach Jerod Mayo referred to as the workforce out for “enjoying gentle,” so this was a giant step again. It was a poor reflection on Mayo and his employees, in addition to the gamers. The Patriots return residence to face the Colts on Sunday, then they’ve their bye week earlier than ending the season towards the Cardinals, Payments, Chargers and Payments once more. Mayo has mentioned he hopes to be a workforce that nobody needs to play coming down the house stretch. They hardly regarded like that towards Miami.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Undisciplined mess. The Patriots had 9 penalties within the first half, six of which had been pre-snap infractions: 4 false begins, one offensive offside and one defensive impartial zone infraction. Earlier than a workforce can beat an opponent, it has to not beat itself.

Greatest gap within the recreation plan: Was there a recreation plan? The Dolphins ran circles round them, particularly in a 24-0 second quarter, which was the most important scoring margin for a workforce in any NFL quarter this season. Tackling on protection was additionally shoddy. — Mike Reiss

Subsequent recreation: vs. Colts (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Chiefs

What does the emergence of extra receiver choices imply for the remainder of the Chiefs’ season? The Chiefs cannot have too many threats, so having one other dependable receiver is a welcome improvement for them. It is unlikely their passing recreation will characteristic as many huge performs as they envisioned earlier than the beginning of the season, however the Chiefs confirmed towards the Panthers they are often efficient with largely shorter positive aspects. Large receiver Hollywood Brown may return later within the season, which might give the Chiefs yet one more menace.

Eye-popping stat: Tight finish Noah Grey had 11.9 yards of separation on his first landing, which is essentially the most yards of separation on a Chiefs receiving landing prior to now two seasons. He was vast open.

Most stunning efficiency: The Chiefs on protection had extra bother with quarterback Bryce Younger and the Carolina offense than anticipated. The Panthers entered the sport averaging 281 yards (final within the league) and 17 factors (thirtieth). However the Chiefs did not comprise them. Carolina had 249 passing yards, permitting the Panthers to tie the sport with lower than two minutes left. — Adam Teicher

Subsequent recreation: vs. Raiders (Friday, 3 p.m. ET)

Panthers

Did Bryce Younger earn the suitable to begin the remainder of the season? Coach Dave Canales has been cautious to not title Younger the starter every week till evaluating the movie. No additional want. The highest choose of the 2023 draft had his finest recreation, contemplating the opponent, and deserves to play out the season. He dealt with the blitz particularly like a seasoned professional. He was blitzed on 38% of dropbacks. He was 11-of-13 for a season-high 135 yards with a landing towards 5 or extra defenders.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Turning level? Regardless of the loss, Carolina went toe-to-toe with the two-time defending Tremendous Bowl champions. This may need been an even bigger confidence booster than the consecutive wins towards the Saints and Giants getting into the day. Younger regarded nice. The protection created strain (5 sacks). This workforce had an identification.

Greatest gap within the recreation plan: Defending the Chiefs’ second tight finish, Noah Grey. He had 4 catches for 66 yards and two touchdowns, together with a 35-yarder on the primary collection. The Panthers did an honest job on star Travis Kelce, however Grey made them pay all through the afternoon. — David Newton

Subsequent recreation: vs. Bucs (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)

Lions

Are Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery the NFL’s high speeding duo? Nicknamed “Sonic & Knuckles,” Gibbs and Montgomery mixed for 3 speeding touchdowns towards the Colts, turning into the primary duo in NFL historical past with 10 speeding touchdowns every in consecutive seasons. Sunday’s recreation additionally marked the eleventh time each backs have scored a landing in the identical recreation — together with the playoffs — which is essentially the most such video games by an RB duo in NFL historical past, per ESPN Analysis. At this level, it isn’t a query of whether or not they’re one of the best within the league; the manufacturing speaks for itself. It is now time to resolve their place in league historical past, if they will stick with it.

Greatest gap within the recreation plan: Defending the deep ball. Coping with a groin damage, rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold was dominated out for Sunday’s recreation and did not journey with the workforce. His absence was felt. Detroit’s protection allowed Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson to attach with Michael Pittman Jr. for a 30-yard cross and one other 39-yard bomb to Alec Pierce.

Most stunning efficiency: Lions wideout Tim Patrick. Within the Lions’ earlier 4 video games, Patrick logged 5 receptions for 38 yards, however he discovered a groove towards the Colts. He grabbed 4 receptions for 55 yards, together with a 27-yard catch on the finish of the primary quarter, which helped the Lions’ offense discover an early rhythm. — Eric Woodyard

Subsequent recreation: vs. Bears (Thursday, 12:30 p.m. ET)

Colts

Do the Colts nonetheless have a practical shot on the postseason? The Colts entered the day within the eighth place amongst AFC playoff contenders and did not assist their case with a loss. After beginning the day with a 34% shot on the playoffs, in accordance with ESPN Analytics, the defeat lowered these probabilities to 27% unbiased of different outcomes. However, the Colts have one of many extra favorable schedules down the stretch, with 4 of their 5 remaining opponents presently below .500. In any case, it’s going to take vital work for them to reverse the injury accomplished to their postseason hopes by dropping 4 of their previous 5 video games.

What we realized in regards to the QB at present: Sunday demonstrated that Anthony Richardson wants extra assist from his supporting forged. Indianapolis was flagged for a season-high eight offensive penalties, a number of of them proving to be crushing by negating huge performs from the quarterback. Richardson additionally had some underwhelming performances from his cross targets, together with a dropped landing by tight finish Drew Ogletree.

Eye-popping stat: This was the primary loss in a recreation wherein the Colts didn’t commit a turnover since a loss to the Raiders on Jan. 2, 2022. Previously 5 seasons, the Colts have 22 video games wherein they’ve prevented a turnover. They’re now 19-3 in these contests. The Colts’ six factors Sunday is the fewest scored in any of these three losses. — Stephen Holder

Subsequent recreation: at Patriots (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Buccaneers

Is that this the jolt the Bucs wanted to ignite a playoff push? Sure, so long as Baker Mayfield’s stinger is not critical and these late-game fumbles cease. Getting franchise main scorer Mike Evans again was big. So was having each beginning cornerbacks in Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum, and waiver wire pickup Mike Edwards, who got here in at security on third-down passing conditions after which to alleviate Jordan Whitehead after he had a pectoral damage within the fourth quarter. Solely one among their remaining opponents — the Los Angeles Chargers — has a profitable document.

What we realized in regards to the QB at present: Mayfield nonetheless has a few of that Oklahoma swag. By no means thoughts the Bucs got here into Sunday’s recreation on a four-game dropping streak. He hurdled Giants cornerback Cor’Dale Flott, did Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito’s signature celebration and sprinted downfield to ship a block on Bucky Irving’s 56-yard run.

Eye-popping stat: The Bucs had 11 completely different receiving targets catch passes, tied for his or her most in a recreation in franchise historical past. This was final accomplished Week 16 of 2020, when Tom Brady threw for 4 touchdowns in a 47-7 win over the Lions, in accordance with ESPN Analysis. — Jenna Laine

Subsequent recreation: at Panthers (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)

Giants

How a lot did the discharge of Daniel Jones result in this blowout loss? It is exhausting to think about it wasn’t a major issue. The Giants benched their beginning quarterback, noticed him step in as a scout-team security throughout a walk-through interval at apply Thursday, and he was launched by Friday. Gamers corresponding to captain Dexter Lawrence mentioned publicly they thought Jones was nonetheless the workforce’s finest quarterback. Clearly, it had an impact. DeVito hardly supplied the “spark” or power that coach Brian Daboll thought it will as his workforce fell behind 23-0 by halftime.

What we realized in regards to the QB at present: DeVito is not the reply. He went 3-of-5 passing for 31 yards with three sacks within the first half. He completed 21-of-31 passing for 189 yards. He was additionally sacked 4 instances. Not that DeVito stood an opportunity. The Giants misplaced left sort out Jermaine Eluemunor on the opening drive. That put third-string left sort out Chris Hubbard into the sport reverse Evan Neal for what was already the lowest-scoring offense within the NFL.

Most stunning efficiency: A no-show by the Giants protection popping out of the bye week. Inexcusable. At factors, Lawrence stood despondent, by himself, on the sideline. Maybe it was as a result of the protection barely sniffed Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield throughout a sackless afternoon whereas permitting 400-plus yards of offense. — Jordan Raanan

Subsequent recreation: at Cowboys (Thursday, 4:30 p.m. ET)

Steelers

Is that this loss a wake-up name for the Steelers’ offense? Do not be distracted by the primary a part of Russell Wilson’s stat line. Sure, the quarterback accomplished 21 of 28 makes an attempt for 270 yards and a landing, however he was additionally sacked 4 instances. And the offense had six empty possessions that ended both with a punt, turnover on downs or a turnover. Wilson had some moments of field-stretching brilliance, firing off three deep balls on third-down completions to Calvin Austin, Van Jefferson and George Pickens, however he additionally struggled towards strain. Profitable like they did towards the Ravens, with six Chris Boswell subject objectives, is not sustainable. It wasn’t towards the Browns, and it will not be because the gauntlet of AFC North video games continues.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Entice recreation. Hindsight is 20/20, however this had all of the makings of a entice recreation. Although the Steelers mentioned they did not overlook the hapless Browns, they had been clearly overpowered and outwitted by a motivated workforce enjoying with nothing to lose. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski took dangers that paid off, whereas Steelers coach Mike Tomlin did the other.

Eye-popping stat: Although they briefly erased their 12-point deficit, the Steelers are the one franchise that hasn’t overcome a deficit of 12 or extra factors within the fourth quarter of a regular-season recreation since 2000, per ESPN Analysis. — Brooke Pryor

Subsequent recreation: at Bengals (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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Browns

Will the Browns play spoiler through the remaining stretch of the season? Thursday evening’s win over the Steelers marked the Browns’ second upset victory over a divisional opponent, coming weeks after they surprised the Ravens. With 4 of its remaining six video games coming towards groups with profitable data, Cleveland has the chance to play spoiler a number of extra instances and a powerful end may elevate optimism heading into the offseason with a roster that upset within the first half of the season.

Describe the sport in two phrases: No give up. 4 days after giving up 21 factors within the fourth quarter of a blowout loss to the Saints — their seventh defeat of their earlier eight video games — the Browns delivered a gritty victory at residence towards the division-leading Steelers.

Most stunning efficiency: Browns offensive sort out Jack Conklin. The veteran lineman held outdoors linebacker T.J. Watt to only one strain throughout 24 matchups. It was simply the second recreation this season that Watt was held to 1 strain. — Daniel Oyefusi

Subsequent recreation: at Broncos (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET)