Chiefs Edge Colts in OT, Cowboys Top Eagles in Week 12 NFL Thrillers
Nov, 24 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs survived a gritty battle with the Indianapolis Colts, winning 23-20 in overtime on Thursday night at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium — a result that sent shockwaves through the AFC playoff race. Just hours after that game ended, fans were already buzzing about the Dallas Cowboys’ 24-21 win over the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium, a game that came down to a last-second field goal and a crucial fourth-down stop. Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season wasn’t just about the headline matchups — it was a rollercoaster of upsets, breakout performances, and playoff implications that will echo through December.
Thursday Night Lights: Chiefs Outlast Colts in Overtime
The game nobody expected to go the distance did — and then some. With the score tied 20-20 late in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs’ defense held firm on a fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line, forcing the Colts to settle for a field goal attempt that sailed wide. In overtime, Patrick Mahomes engineered a 12-play, 78-yard drive that ended with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Travis Kelce, sealing the win. It was Kelce’s 10th touchdown of the season — and his 11th game with over 100 receiving yards in 2025. The Colts, led by rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, showed flashes of brilliance but couldn’t close the deal, dropping to 5-6 and all but out of the AFC North race.
Dallas vs. Philadelphia: A Rivalry That Never Sleeps
The Cowboys and Eagles delivered another classic. Dak Prescott threw for 354 yards and three touchdowns, including a 42-yard bomb to CeeDee Lamb in the third quarter that shifted momentum. But the game’s defining moment came with 1:17 left: DeMarcus Lawrence stripped Jalen Hurts on a designed run, and Jaylon Smith recovered at the Eagles’ 32-yard line. Three plays later, Greg Zuerlein drilled a 49-yard field goal to put Dallas ahead for good. The win moves the Cowboys to 8-3 — their best record through 11 games since 2016 — and puts them in sole possession of first place in the NFC East. The Eagles, now 7-4, face a tougher path to home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Surprises Across the League
It wasn’t just the marquee games that mattered. The Houston Texans stunned the Buffalo Bills 23-19, handing Josh Allen his first loss of the season. Allen threw for 253 yards but was intercepted twice, including a pick-six by T.J. Green that turned the tide in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears stunned the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-28 in a wild shootout at Soldier Field. DJ Moore had 64 receiving yards and a touchdown, while rookie running back Isaiah Spiller rushed for 118 yards and two scores — a breakout performance that may have saved Matt Eberflus’ job.
Even more surprising? The Los Angeles Rams demolished the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 34-7. Matthew Stafford threw for 281 yards and three touchdowns, while rookie linebacker Marvin Jones Jr. returned an interception 63 yards for a score. The Bucs, now 3-8, are officially out of contention — and rumors are swirling that Tom Brady’s successor, Baker Mayfield, could be benched after next week’s game.
Shedeur Sanders Makes NFL Debut
One of the most talked-about storylines wasn’t on the scoreboard — it was on the sideline. Shedeur Sanders, son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, made his first NFL start at quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders against the Cleveland Browns. He completed 18 of 31 passes for 162 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions — not dazzling, but steady under pressure. The Browns, led by Geno Smith’s 285-yard performance, won 24-10. Still, Sanders’ poise in his first start earned praise from analysts. "He didn’t try to do too much," said former NFL quarterback Tony Romo on CBS. "That’s the sign of a smart young QB. He’ll be fine."
Monday Night Finale: 49ers vs. Panthers
Week 12 closes with the San Francisco 49ers hosting the Carolina Panthers at Levi’s Stadium on Monday night. The 49ers, favored by 7 points, are coming off a bye and are 9-2 — the best record in the NFC. Christian McCaffrey is healthy again, and Sam Darnold has found his rhythm. The Panthers, meanwhile, are 2-9 and on a five-game losing streak. But don’t count them out. Carolina’s defense has held three of their last four opponents under 20 points. If they can contain McCaffrey, they might just steal one in the final game of the week.
Who’s On Bye? The Quiet Four
While the rest of the league was grinding, four teams got a much-needed break: the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers, and Washington Commanders. The Broncos (4-7) are looking to regroup after a brutal three-game losing streak. The Dolphins (5-6) are clinging to playoff hopes but need wins to stay relevant. The Chargers (5-6) are in freefall after trading Justin Herbert’s top target, Mike Williams, for draft picks. And the Commanders? They’re just trying to avoid being the worst team in the NFC East.
What’s Next? Week 13 and Beyond
Week 13 begins Thursday, November 27, 2025, with the New England Patriots visiting the Cincinnati Bengals — a rematch of their Week 12 thriller. The Patriots, now 6-5, are fighting for a wild-card spot. The Bengals, at 7-4, need wins to stay ahead of the Ravens. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs face the Buffalo Bills in a potential AFC Championship preview. And don’t forget: Shedeur Sanders returns to action next week against the Seattle Seahawks. His next start will be closely watched — not just for stats, but for what it says about the future of the franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Chiefs’ overtime win affect their playoff chances?
The Chiefs’ 23-20 overtime win improved their record to 9-2, giving them the best record in the AFC and putting them in prime position for a first-round bye. They now lead the AFC West by two games over the Chargers and hold the tiebreaker over the Bills and Ravens. With three games left, they’re on track to secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs — something they haven’t had since 2021.
Who are the top contenders for the NFC playoff spots after Week 12?
The Cowboys (8-3) lead the NFC East, while the 49ers (9-2) sit atop the NFC West. The Detroit Lions (7-4) and Green Bay Packers (7-4) are locked in a tight race for the second wild card. The Eagles (7-4) are still in, but their loss to Dallas makes their path tougher. Only one NFC team has clinched a playoff berth so far: the 49ers.
Why is Shedeur Sanders’ debut significant beyond the stats?
Shedeur Sanders’ first start marks a cultural moment — the son of a football legend stepping onto the field under national spotlight. More than stats, his composure in a 24-10 loss signals the Raiders may have found a long-term answer at QB. His leadership, poise under pressure, and ability to manage the game suggest he’s more than a novelty. Scouts are already comparing him to Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert at this stage of their careers.
What does the Rams’ 34-7 win over the Buccaneers mean for the NFC?
The Rams’ dominant win solidified their status as a legitimate NFC contender. After a slow start, they’ve won four of their last five games. Their defense is now top-five in points allowed, and their offensive line is finally healthy. With Matthew Stafford playing at a Pro Bowl level and Cooper Kupp returning to form, they’re no longer a team to be underestimated. The Buccaneers, meanwhile, are in full rebuild mode — and may be looking at a top-five draft pick in 2026.
Which teams are most likely to make a late-season surge?
The Houston Texans (6-5) are the surprise team — they’ve won three straight and have the easiest remaining schedule in the AFC. The Cincinnati Bengals (7-4) are dangerous with Joe Burrow healthy. And the New Orleans Saints (5-6) pulled off an upset over the Falcons and could be a dark horse if they win their next two home games. All three have a realistic shot at a wild-card spot.
How does Week 12 impact the 2026 NFL Draft lottery?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-8) and Carolina Panthers (2-9) are now the two worst teams in the league, giving them the best odds for the No. 1 pick. The Washington Commanders (3-8) and Detroit Lions (7-4) are also in the mix for top-5 picks. Draft analysts are already projecting Quinn Ewers (Texas) and Malik Benson (Alabama) as top targets for the Bucs and Panthers.