Philadelphia Stumble in Dallas & Patrick Rescues Kansas City – Top Highlights from NFL the Twelfth Week

Week 12 delivered an incredible Dallas Cowboys rally, or perhaps an massive Philadelphia Eagles implosion?

Postseason Mahomes arrived to rescue the Kansas City's campaign as the Chicago Bears keep to surprise as they continue their victorious streak.

And did Shedeur Sanders do enough on his debut professional start to earn the full-time job in Cleveland?

Let's take a look at the best of the week in the NFL.

Analysis – Dallas Rally or Philly Fail?

The Cowboys found themselves trailing badly at 21-0 behind against the defending Super Bowl winners, how exactly did they engineer their joint-best recovery in history?

The emotions of a first home game since Marshawn Kneeland tragic passing could have been a factor, but technically it was a mixture of Dak Prescott resolve and a defence that pounced on uncommon errors by the Eagles.

Dak eclipsed Romo’s records for yards thrown (now 34,378) and game-winning drives (25) with an all-action display – his plunging score personifying his energetic showing.

Philly squandered a advantage of twenty-one points or more for the initial time after nineteen ninety-nine, with only their second game with multiple turnovers this year – the other being another disappointing NFC East loss at the Giants.

Along with 14 infractions for ninety-six yards, the attacking malaise that affected Jalen Hurts after what – for him – was an explosive beginning was significant. He had only thrown for 200-plus yards in four games before the weekend, he had over 150 in the first half alone in Dallas.

Yet from the time Philadelphia went 21-0 up their offense derailed dramatically – with four consecutive kicks, a missed field goal and then a turnover handing opportunity after opportunity to the Dallas.

Philadelphia’s defense is excellent, it really is, but an offence that's not surpassed 21 points in 5 of 7 games (three losses) is now a major worry, as the components are all there but it's just not working.

Sirianni’s approach is all about winning the big moments, the defense keeps them in it and what offense there is manages barely enough – if it can't even do that and now the composure and possession security is breaking down, there may be trouble in the future.

In Focus – Postseason Mahomes Appears Early to Rescue Chiefs

It wasn't as dramatic, but the Chiefs’ eleven-point recovery in the fourth quarter against a powerful Indianapolis team was hugely impressive – and may have only rescued their campaign.

How big was it? Well, the league’s advanced analytics now give the Kansas City a 58% probability of reaching the postseason, whereas a loss on Sunday would have reduced that number to twenty-eight percent.

No wonder the postseason form of Patrick Mahomes arrived, throwing for two hundred thirty-five yards in the second half alone and leading three scoring drives in their last four series to win it in extra time.

A few big throws and daring runs are typical for Mahomes in the postseason, but right now the Chiefs are in playoff form – at 6-5 and just tenth in the AFC rankings.

That was closer to the former Chiefs however, with a first one-score win of the year after losing 5 previously – they won 11 of them the previous season so, if that confidence returns, this Chiefs Kingdom might not be finished so soon.

Talking Point – Are Chicago Become Kings of the North?

You can no longer ignore the Chicago Bears any longer. A win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, minus Aaron Rodgers, kept them top of the division and at eight and three – sharing the same standing as the Eagles.

They appear threatening on both sides of the ball, with a defense that leads the NFL in interceptions and overall turnovers and, in Williams, a emerging quarterback now used to securing tight games.

He may still be shaky, surrendering a touchdown after a fumble in his team’s goal area – but he also threw three touchdowns and, with already five final period rallies this season, he knows how to finish the game.

Green Bay are in close pursuit in the division after overpowering the Minnesota and Detroit are right there after overcoming the Giants in extra time with a monster game from Jahmyr Gibbs.

Chicago are interestingly the most reliable with 8 victories in 9, but as they visit the Super Bowl winners on Thanksgiving we'll see exactly how strong they truly are.

Preview – Exciting Thanksgiving in Store

It appears one of the best holiday schedules for years, with every game packed with postseason consequences.

The Lions host the Packers in the classic curtain-raiser in Detroit, prior to a rare visit back to Dallas for the Kansas City, who started out life as the Texans long ago in the 1960s before relocating to Kansas City.

The weekend’s comeback kings are each holding on to playoff hopes but have minimal margin for error – so this will have a post-season feel.

What about the Baltimore Ravens? An ugly win over the Jets in fact has them leading of the division after beginning one and five and looking dead and buried.

Thanksgiving and Shopping Day Games (all times GMT)

  • Thursday, 27 November: Packers @ Lions (6:00 PM)
  • Thursday, 27 November: Chiefs @ Cowboys (9:30 PM)
  • Friday, twenty-eight November: Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens (1:20 AM)
  • Friday, twenty-eight November: Bears @ Eagles (8:00 PM)

Can Sanders Retain His Starting Role?

Cleveland Browns head coach Stefanski batted away questions on whether Shedeur Sanders had done enough in his debut professional start to keep the first-team position when Gabriel returns.

Yet the issue will continue to be asked as Sanders became the first Cleveland signal-caller to win his debut NFL start after Zeier in 1999 – with 17 other rookie quarterbacks unsuccessful to do so afterward.

It came only the Raiders, and with the assistance of an nearly aggressive Browns defence getting 10 tackles, but Cleveland's offence needs a leader, a presence to inspire confidence.

And confidence is one thing not missing in Shedeur, who told a CBS {

Gregory Ward
Gregory Ward

A passionate tech enthusiast and gamer, sharing insights and reviews to help others navigate the digital world.

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