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In the Philadelphia Eagles' 16-9 victory over the Detroit Lions, quarterback Jalen Hurts' passing performance drew complaints and insults, despite the team's win. The discussion around the game highlighted the strong performance by the Eagles defense, followed by officiating complaints and the criticism directed at Hurts' play.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy demonstrated resilience in Week 11, leading two fourth-quarter touchdown drives against the Bears after a slow start. Despite trailing 19-6 entering the final quarter, McCarthy completed 6 of 10 passes for two scores in the last 15 minutes, though the Vikings ultimately lost 19-17. McCarthy's performance since returning from an ankle injury includes a 50-of-99 completion rate with five interceptions in three starts. Head coach Kevin O'Connell is focused on balancing McCarthy's development with the team's postseason aspirations, acknowledging the need to manage both effectively.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren stated he could have returned to the field after suffering an ankle injury in the third quarter of the Week 11 win against the Bengals, but that remaining on the sideline was "part of being smart." While coach Mike Tomlin offered no definitive update, it appears Warren avoided a serious injury. His absence may have benefited Kenneth Gainwell, who stepped into the lead role, recording 105 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 16 touches. Warren himself had 62 rushing yards on 10 carries and two receptions for five yards before exiting. If Warren is limited or misses Week 12 against Chicago, Gainwell and rookie Kaleb Johnson could see increased opportunities. Warren signed a two-year contract with the Steelers in September 2025.
Tight end Dallas Goedert was among the Eagles players with a limited role in the recent game against the Lions, tied for second on the team with five targets. He managed to catch two passes for 24 yards, with a notable 17-yard gain coming from a short reception he turned into significant yardage. This limited involvement occurred in a game where wide receiver A.J. Brown saw a season-high 11 targets, while DeVonta Smith also had five targets. Despite the target distribution, Smith has demonstrated significantly higher efficiency metrics compared to Brown throughout the season. The Eagles' passing game has struggled to find consistency, particularly since their Week 9 bye, leading to a low-volume passing night for many players, including Goedert.
Despite A.J. Brown receiving a season-high 11 targets in the Philadelphia Eagles' win over the Lions, catching seven for 49 yards, DeVonta Smith had a limited role, tied for second on the team with five targets and managing only one catch for 8 yards. This disparity continues over the season, with Brown averaging more targets per game (7.2) than Smith (6.7). However, Smith demonstrates superior efficiency across multiple metrics: a higher catch rate (73.1% vs. 58.5%), better receiving success rate (55.2% vs. 44.6%), more yards per catch (13.6 vs. 12.0), and higher yards per target (9.9 vs. 7.0). Smith also leads in first-down conversion rate on receptions (57.1% vs. 47.4%) and yards per route run (2.26 vs. 1.59). While Brown has a slight edge in first-read targets historically, Smith's overall efficiency and younger age suggest he should be a primary target. The Eagles' offense has struggled since their bye week, and Smith's disappointing Week 11 performance is attributed to positional volatility and low passing volume, with a rebound expected in Week 12 against Dallas.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua's touchdown upside has reportedly decreased due to the team's offensive scheme, particularly their increased use of 13 personnel (one running back, three tight ends). Since returning from injury three weeks ago, Nacua's red zone route share has dropped to 34.7%, significantly lowering his touchdown potential. The Rams have utilized 13 personnel on 59% of their red zone dropbacks in the last three games, with Nacua running zero routes out of this formation this season. This has led to a disparity in targets, with Nacua being out-targeted by Davante Adams inside the 20-yard line (19 to 7) despite having more targets outside the red zone (80 to 59) over the season. Nacua has only seven red zone targets and two touchdowns on the year. If the Rams continue this offensive approach, it is expected to further limit Nacua's touchdown prospects.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen was named the NFL's Offensive Player of the Week for Week 11, headlining the Team of the Week with an exceptional performance. Allen accounted for six total touchdowns (three passing, three rushing) in the Bills' 44-32 victory over the Buccaneers. This remarkable feat marks the second time in NFL history a quarterback has achieved three passing and three rushing touchdowns in a single game, with Allen also accomplishing it in 2024 against the Rams. His performance significantly contributed to Buffalo's home record and overall standing.
Denver Broncos right tackle Mike McGlinchey highlighted quarterback Bo Nix's crucial role in their 22-19 win against the Chiefs in Week 11. McGlinchey emphasized Nix's leadership, stating, "He's the leader of this football team and we should all take something from what he did today, because we don't win that game without him." Nix's performance included leading three fourth-quarter scoring drives, culminating in a game-winning field goal after the Chiefs had taken a three-point lead. He finished the game with 24 completions on 37 attempts for 295 passing yards. This win, fueled by Nix's clutch play, extends the Broncos' winning streak and showcases his capability to lead the team in high-pressure situations.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix was instrumental in the team's 22-19 victory over the Chiefs in Week 11, engineering three scoring drives in the fourth quarter, including the game-tying and game-winning sequences. Nix completed 24-of-37 passes for 295 yards, setting up the game-winning field goal with three first-down completions. Right tackle Mike McGlinchey lauded Nix's performance, stating, "He's the leader of this football team and we should all take something from what he did today, because we don't win that game without him." This victory marks Nix's fifth game-winning drive of the season, placing him just one behind John Elway's franchise record for a single season. His ability to perform in critical moments builds confidence across the roster as the Broncos extend their seven-game winning streak.
Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Jaelan Phillips believes the team's defense is "confident, dominant, game-wrecking" despite still having room to improve. The Eagles have secured wins over the Packers and Lions in the last two weeks, scoring just 26 points in that span, largely due to their defensive prowess. In their recent 9-7 victory against the Lions, the defense held Jared Goff to a 14-of-37 passing performance, with several incompletions attributed to batted balls. Phillips contributed a sack, his second in as many games with the team, as the Eagles successfully defended five fourth-down attempts. Phillips' acquisition has significantly bolstered the Eagles' defense, and he suggests that further improvements are on the horizon for the unit.
Mason Rudolph delivered a strong performance in the Steelers' 34-12 win over the Bengals, completing 12 of 16 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown, while leading two crucial second-half scoring drives. He demonstrated decisiveness, accuracy, and clutch play on third downs, converting five of six opportunities in the second half, a stark contrast to the team's struggles with Aaron Rodgers under center. Coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged Rudolph's consistent delivery when called upon, noting his past success, including winning his last three starts in the 2023 season. Despite a previous stint with the Titans, Rudolph re-signed with Pittsburgh and has prepared with a starter's mentality. Rodgers, who sustained a left wrist injury, threw for 116 yards and a touchdown on 9 of 15 passing. The article suggests Rudolph should start the upcoming game against the Bears regardless of Rodgers' status, drawing parallels to a similar quarterback decision in the previous season with Russell Wilson.
Joe Burrow has returned to the Cincinnati Bengals' practice field, opening his 21-day window after a turf toe injury sustained in Week 2. While Burrow participated in 7-on-7 drills last week and is expected to practice 11-on-11 this week, his return to game action remains uncertain, with Week 13 against the Ravens or Week 14 against the Bills as possibilities. Despite the positive progress from his injury, the Bengals' current performance, marked by a 34-12 loss to the Steelers and a league-worst 33.4 points allowed per game since 1966, raises questions about the wisdom of activating him. The team has lost seven of its last eight games without Burrow, sitting at 3-7 and three games behind the Steelers in the division. Analysts suggest that bringing Burrow back to a struggling team, especially with a defense that has allowed at least 27 points and 340 yards in nine straight games, could be detrimental. The risk of re-injury in an already challenging season is a significant concern, with the team advised against rushing their star quarterback back unless they were closer to .500.
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen has urged quarterback Trevor Lawrence to 'cut it loose' and play with more freedom for the remainder of the season. This directive comes as the Jaguars aim to secure a playoff spot, with Lawrence's performance in the second half of 2022 serving as a benchmark. Despite a challenging 2025 season thus far, marked by lower completion percentages and more interceptions compared to his 2022 performance, Lawrence showed flashes of his potential in a dominant 35-6 win over the Chargers. Although his numbers against the Chargers were modest (14-of-22 for 153 yards, one rushing TD, one passing TD, one INT), he efficiently ran the offense and made quick decisions, even without top receivers. The team's offensive struggles have been exacerbated by injuries to key pass-catchers like Travis Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr., though the addition of Jakobi Meyers provides a deep threat. Lawrence acknowledges the need to be more aggressive downfield and trust his reads to help the offense find rhythm.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown is set to return to the field against the Las Vegas Raiders, 343 days after suffering a devastating knee injury on December 9, 2024. The injury, which tore his ACL and MCL and ripped his PCL from the bone, occurred during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Overshown's 2024 season had been a breakout year, as he was the team's second-leading tackler and achieved rare statistical milestones. His recovery journey has been arduous, involving a seven-hour surgery performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who had previously repaired Overshown's left knee in 2023. Despite facing setbacks like calf soreness and a cyst burst in his knee, Overshown maintained a positive attitude, crediting his resolve to his mother's strength and the unwavering support of the Cowboys' training staff, particularly Britt Brown. He is now focused on regaining his form as an NFL player, with his knee testing even better than before the injury.
Miami Dolphins RB De’Vone Achane continued his impressive performance in Sunday's win over the Commanders, accumulating 121 yards on 21 carries and adding 5 catches for 45 yards. Achane consistently generated big gains, with six runs of 10+ yards, though he was stopped on three goal-line attempts. Despite a late-game back injury scare on a goal-line carry where he was bent awkwardly, Achane was able to return and help secure the victory. This performance maintained his streak of hitting at least 16 PPR points in all but one game this season and 5+ catches in four consecutive matchups. Achane remains a high-ceiling option for Week 12 against New Orleans and previously posted 5.0 yards per carry against the Jets in Week 4.
Miami Dolphins cornerback Jack Jones played a heroic role in his team's Sunday victory, intercepting Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota on the first play of overtime. Before the crucial down, Jones famously told his Dolphins' front seven, "Y'all stop the run. He's gonna throw me the ball because he can't throw." His bold prediction proved accurate as he stepped in front of Mariota's pass intended for tight end Zach Ertz, securing the pivotal turnover. This interception immediately put the Dolphins in field goal range, enabling them to kick the game-winner and seal the victory, validating Jones's confident pre-play assessment.
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota experienced a critical moment in Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins, throwing an interception on the first play of overtime. Dolphins cornerback Jack Jones, who had confidently predicted Mariota's pass, stepped in front of a throw intended for Commanders tight end Zach Ertz. This pivotal turnover immediately placed the Dolphins in field goal range, allowing them to secure the game-winning score. The interception validated Jones's pre-play assessment of Mariota's passing capabilities, resulting in a tough loss for the Commanders.
Detroit Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin was involved in a critical and controversial pass interference call late in the fourth quarter of Sunday night's game, with the Lions trailing 16-9 and needing a third-down stop. Despite an incomplete pass, officials flagged Ya-Sin, awarding the Eagles an automatic first down. Replays showed no pass interference on the play, but the call could not be overturned. Following the game, Lions coach Dan Campbell expressed full support for Ya-Sin's coverage of A.J. Brown, stating he wouldn't tell him to do anything differently and affirming, "I thought he played defense like he did the whole game."
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold struggled significantly in Week 11 against the Los Angeles Rams, throwing four interceptions—matching a career high—and finishing with a 45.5 passer rating in the 21-19 loss. This performance evoked his infamous 'seeing ghosts' quote from 2019. Despite playing at a near-MVP level for much of the season, Darnold completed 29 of 44 passes for 279 yards with no touchdowns. This follows a challenging playoff game last season with the Minnesota Vikings against the Rams, where he was sacked nine times. The Rams' defense, by dropping into coverage, blurred his reads. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, who previously resuscitated Darnold's career, might be reconsidering his quarterback plans given Darnold's recent struggles and the team's commitment to JJ McCarthy. The Seahawks are set to face the Rams again on December 18.
Jared Goff faced a formidable Philadelphia Eagles defense on Sunday night, enduring one of the toughest games of his career as the Detroit Lions fell 16-9. Goff completed a season-low 38% of his throws, struggling significantly under pressure. He was pressured 20 times and absorbed seven quarterback hits, resulting in an abysmal 0-of-12 passing record while under duress, his second-most such incompletions in a single game. The Eagles' defensive strategy, including multiple batted passes from Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, notably disrupted Goff's mindset and passing rhythm. The normally high-powered Lions offense, led by Goff, also failed on all five fourth-down attempts, contributing to their low scoring output.
