Chaos hits the Week 12 NFL hierarchy after a stunning Chiefs twist no one had on their radar.QQ
“Statement Sunday” provided a little clarity in the NFL hierarchy.
The Eagles edged the Lions, the Bills outlasted the Buccaneers, the Rams survived the Seahawks, and the Broncos rallied late against the Chiefs during a weekend that paired together a lot of contenders in must-see matchups.
What does it all mean?
Well, the Bears hold sole possession of first place in the NFC North, while the nine-time defending AFC West champion Chiefs sit in third place and are in danger of missing the playoffs. Raise your hand if you saw that coming.
Liar!
1. Colts 8-2 (1)
Jonathan Taylor rested his MVP-caliber legs on a bye week, sitting on his totals of 1,139 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns from scrimmage. Winners of five of their last six games, the Colts are about to see an uptick in competition, with the fourth-toughest remaining strength of schedule, per Tankathon. DeForest Buckner traveled to Panama for an unorthodox treatment for his neck injury during the bye.
2. Eagles 8-2 (2)
One Tush Push touchdown by Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley’s team-high 90 yards from scrimmage and three field goals by Jake Elliott was all the offense needed in a 16-9 win against the Lions. That’s because the defense balled out with two sacks, seven quarterback hits and 10 passes defended. Add in going 5-for-5 on fourth-down stops.
3. Rams 8-2 (3)
Kamren Kinchens had two of the Rams’ four interceptions during a 21-19 win against the Seahawks that became a head-coach showcase for defensive coordinator Chris Shula. Matthew Stafford threw two touchdown passes, including one that landed in Davante Adams’ hands for his 1,000th career catch. Kyren Williams rushed for 91 yards and a touchdown.
4. Patriots 9-2 (5)
With Rhamondre Stevenson sidelined, TreVeyon Henderson rushed for two touchdowns and caught another score in a 27-14 victory against the Jets as the Patriots extended their winning streak to eight games (the franchise’s longest mark since 2019) and clinched their first winning season since 2021. Drake Maye threw for 281 yards, including 105 to Stefon Diggs.
5. Broncos 9-2 (6)
Wil Lutz’s fifth and final field goal was a 35-yarder as time expired to finish off a 22-19 win against the Chiefs. The Broncos got in position for an eighth straight win with Ja’Quan McMillian’s sack on a third-and-10 to force a three-and-out, followed by Bo Nix’s 32-yard strike to Troy Franklin to move into Lutz’s field goal range.
6. Seahawks 7-3 (4)
Jason Myers made four field goals, including a 57-yarder but missed the fifth — from 61 yards as time expired — that could’ve made the Seahawks a walk-off winner against the Rams. Sam Darnold threw four interceptions in his worst game for Seattle. A 10-game road winning streak came to an end despite Kenneth Walker III’s late rushing touchdown.
7. Bills 7-3 (8)
Just a six-touchdown game for Josh Allen, who was remarkable in a 44-32 win against the Buccaneers. Two of the three instances in NFL history in which a player has three rushing and three passing touchdowns now belong to Allen, who overcame an early “boneheaded” interception. All three touchdown passes covered at least 25 yards. The Bills had lost three of their last five games.
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