With six teams on a bye in Week 12 and many games featuring heavily favored teams, Sunday’s matchups had the potential to lack excitement. However, the day delivered with historic performances, thrilling finishes, and surprising showings from underdogs.
Here are the standout moments from Sunday’s action:
Saquon Barkley’s Historic Performance
Saquon Barkley turned in a record-breaking performance for the Philadelphia Eagles, leading his team to a 37-20 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football. In his first season with the Eagles, Barkley rushed for 255 yards on just 26 carries, setting a new franchise record. He finished with over 300 total yards, becoming the 13th player in NFL history to achieve that feat. His 255 rushing yards also rank as the ninth-most in a single game in NFL history.
Barkley’s night included two massive touchdown runs: a 70-yard burst to open the second half and a 72-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter. These long scores made him the first player in NFL history to have two rushing touchdowns of 70 or more yards in the second half of a game.
The 27-year-old is currently leading the NFL in rushing yards, and his performance helped the Eagles secure their seventh consecutive win, improving their record to 9-2. Teammates and opponents alike praised Barkley, with Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts calling him “the best in the league.”
“I’m just focused on consistency,” Barkley said after the game. “Whether I rush for 250 yards or 50, I come in the next day with the same mindset. My story’s not finished, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
Thrilling Finish in NFC East Clash
The Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys delivered one of the wildest finishes of the season. Dallas had a 10-9 lead heading into the fourth quarter, and a series of dramatic plays followed. The Cowboys extended their lead with a field goal and a touchdown to Luke Schoonmaker, but Washington fought back with a Zach Ertz touchdown and a two-point conversion to close the gap to 3 points.
Then came a moment that could only be described as thrilling: Cowboys returner KaVontae Turpin made an electrifying 99-yard kickoff return touchdown after a fumbled catch. “Once I hit the spin move, I knew it was a touchdown,” Turpin said.
Despite the stunning play, Washington didn’t give up. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels connected with wide receiver Terry McLaurin for an 86-yard touchdown, but Washington’s hopes were dashed when kicker Austin Seibert missed the extra point. A last-ditch onside kick attempt failed, and the Cowboys sealed a 34-26 victory. It was a thrilling finish to a game that featured 31 points in the final 3:02.
Chiefs’ Narrow Victory
The Kansas City Chiefs bounced back from their first loss of the season with a narrow 30-27 win over the Carolina Panthers. Patrick Mahomes threw for 269 yards and three touchdowns, including two to tight end Noah Gray and one to DeAndre Hopkins. However, Carolina kept it close, tying the game at 27-27 in the fourth quarter thanks to a Chuba Hubbard touchdown.
Mahomes led a game-winning drive in the final moments, setting up Spencer Shrader for a 31-yard field goal as time expired, giving the Chiefs a 10-1 record for the season. Mahomes reflected on the tight finish, noting the value of experience in such situations but also emphasizing his desire for a less dramatic outcome next time.
“I’d love to win a game not by the very last play,” Mahomes said.
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce also made history, surpassing Antonio Gates for the third-most receiving yards by a tight end in NFL history with 11,897 yards.
Full Week 12 Sunday Scores:
Kansas City Chiefs 30-27 Carolina Panthers
Minnesota Vikings 30-27 (OT) Chicago Bears
Tennessee Titans 32-27 Houston Texans
Detroit Lions 24-6 Indianapolis Colts
New England Patriots 15-34 Miami Dolphins
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-7 New York Giants
Dallas Cowboys 34-26 Washington Commanders
Denver Broncos 29-19 Las Vegas Raiders
San Francisco 49ers 10-38 Green Bay Packers
Arizona Cardinals 6-16 Seattle Seahawks
Philadelphia Eagles 37-20 Los Angeles Rams