The NFL’s twelfth week is nearing its end, with just one game remaining, but it has already delivered incredible performances and unexpected outcomes.
Saquon Barkley’s sensational performance on Sunday night against the Rams stood out as one of the most memorable of his career.
The Eagles’ seventh-year running back racked up a career-high 255 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, and 47 receiving yards.
This total of 300 scrimmage yards is a first in Eagles history, breaking the franchise’s single-game rushing record previously held by LeSean McCoy (217 yards in 2013).
Barkley also became just the ninth player in NFL history to record 255 or more rushing yards in a single game. It marked the most rushing yards in an NFL game since Jamaal Charles’ 259-yard performance in 2009.
Yet, Barkley’s extraordinary night wasn’t the only storyline of Week 12. FOX Sports Research identified ten more notable highlights. Let’s break them down:
1. Dynamic Duo in Detroit
The Lions continued their impressive season, but this week it was their running game that took center stage. Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 90 yards and two touchdowns, while David Montgomery added 37 yards and another score.
Together, they have 21 combined rushing touchdowns this season. Remarkably, they are the first running back duo in NFL history to each log 10+ rushing touchdowns in consecutive seasons.
This game marked the ninth occasion where both Gibbs and Montgomery rushed for a touchdown in the same game, tying them for the third-most by a running back duo in league history.
They trail only Hugh McElhenny and Joe Perry (49ers) and Paul Hornung and Jim Taylor (Packers), who each achieved the feat ten times. Removing position labels, their ten games rank as the sixth-most among all scoring duos.
Takeaway: The Lions remain dominant and could be the best team in the NFL. Can anyone halt their momentum?
2. Tua Tagovailoa’s Mastery Over the Patriots
Tua Tagovailoa’s perfect record against the Patriots continues. After leading the Dolphins to a 34-15 win, he now holds a 7-0 record against New England, the second-best mark for any quarterback in NFL history against the franchise, behind John Elway’s 10-0 record.
Tagovailoa has thrown 11 career touchdown passes against the Patriots—more than against any other opponent.
Leading the league in completion percentage at 73.3%, he has propelled the Dolphins to three consecutive wins, with a favorable schedule ahead.
Takeaway: Miami is building momentum, keeping their Wild Card hopes alive.
3. Cowboys-Commanders Chaos
A thrilling contest saw the Cowboys edge the Commanders 34-26 in a game packed with excitement. After leading 20-9 in the third quarter, the Cowboys conceded a touchdown and two-point conversion, bringing the score to 20-17.
KaVontae Turpin then returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown, only for the Commanders to respond with a field goal and an 86-yard touchdown bomb to Terry McLaurin.
Washington’s Austin Seibert missed the PAT, forcing an onside kick that the Cowboys returned for a game-sealing touchdown.
This chaotic game featured two missed PATs, two kickoff return touchdowns, and a blocked punt—the first such occurrence in the Super Bowl era.
Takeaway: Washington’s loss clears the path for Philadelphia to take control of the NFC East.
4. Titans Stun Texans in a Wild Finish
The Titans pulled off a surprising 32-27 victory against the Texans despite Houston’s defensive dominance, which included eight sacks, three takeaways, and a pick-six.
Teams achieving these defensive milestones were previously 36-1 in the Super Bowl era—now, they’re 36-2.
Titans quarterback Will Levis has been resilient, posting a 109.3 passer rating across his last three games despite being sacked 20 times.
He’s the first quarterback since the 1970 merger to maintain a 105+ passer rating over a three-game span while being sacked so frequently.
Takeaway: Houston has underwhelmed this season. C.J. Stroud must step up to secure a playoff spot.
5. Trey McBride Shines for Cardinals
Trey McBride delivered a career-best performance with 12 catches for 133 yards against the Seahawks, setting a Cardinals record for receptions by a tight end in a single game. His 685 receiving yards this season trail only Brock Bowers among tight ends.
McBride is now one of just two Cardinals tight ends with multiple 130-yard games, joining Hall of Famer Jackie Smith.
Takeaway: McBride has cemented himself as a top-three tight end in the league.
6. Chiefs’ Close Call Secures Historic Feat
The Chiefs narrowly escaped with a 30-27 win over the Panthers, improving to 10-1. Kansas City has now recorded ten wins in ten consecutive seasons, joining the Patriots (17 seasons, 2003-2019) and 49ers (16 seasons, 1983-1998) as the only teams in NFL history to achieve this feat.
Takeaway: Despite their record, doubts remain about the Chiefs’ dominance.
7. Bo Nix Leads Broncos to Historic Win
Bo Nix guided the Broncos to their first road victory over the Raiders since 2015. Nix passed for 273 yards and two touchdowns, breaking Denver’s single-season rookie passing touchdown record (16).
He also matched Dak Prescott’s rookie record of four games with a 70% completion rate, two passing touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Takeaway: Nix is showing franchise quarterback potential for Denver.
8. Buccaneers Dominate on the Ground
Tampa Bay cruised to a 30-7 victory over the Giants, fueled by four rushing touchdowns from four different players—a franchise first.
Rookie Bucky Irving tallied 87 rushing yards, 64 receiving yards, and a touchdown, joining Doug Martin as the only Buccaneers rookies to hit those marks in a single game.
Takeaway: Tampa remains in contention for a division title and playoff spot.
9. Browns’ Big Thursday Upset
Cleveland snapped Pittsburgh’s five-game win streak with a shocking victory, having previously ended Baltimore’s five-game win streak earlier this season.
They’re the only sub-.500 team in NFL history to accomplish this feat against two divisional opponents in the same season.
Takeaway: The Browns’ win keeps the AFC North race intriguing.
10. Giants’ Home Struggles Continue
In a 30-7 loss to Tampa Bay, the Giants dropped their sixth consecutive home game, one shy of the franchise’s single-season record for consecutive home losses (7).
From record-breaking performances to historic milestones, Week 12 showcased why the NFL remains unpredictable and thrilling.
