Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season featured several intriguing matchups, including some divisional showdowns and must-win games for teams looking to improve their playoff odds.
Let’s examine how this week’s results affected the NFL standings and playoff picture while also recapping the top games of Week 12.
AFC Playoff Picture
1. Kansas City Chiefs, 10-1 (beat Panthers on Sunday)
2. Buffalo Bills, 9-2 (on bye)
3. Pittsburgh Steelers, 8-3 (lost to Browns on Thursday)
4. Houston Texans, 7-5 (lost to Titans on Sunday)
5. Baltimore Ravens, 8-4 (beat Chargers on Monday)
6. Los Angeles Chargers, 7-4 (lost to Ravens on Monday)
7. Denver Broncos, 7-5 (beat Raiders on Sunday)
In The Hunt
8. Miami Dolphins, 5-6 (beat Patriots on Sunday)
9. Indianapolis Colts, 5-7 (lost to Lions on Sunday)
10. Cincinnati Bengals, 4-7 (on bye)
11. Cleveland Browns, 3-8 (beat Steelers on Thursday)
12. New York Jets, 3-8 (on bye)
13. Tennessee Titans, 3-8 (beat Texans on Sunday)
14. New England Patriots, 3-9 (lost to Dolphins on Sunday)
15. Jacksonville Jaguars, 2-9 (on bye)
16. Las Vegas Raiders, 2-9 (lost to Broncos on Sunday)
NFC Playoff Picture
1. Detroit Lions, 10-1 (beat Colts on Sunday)
2. Philadelphia Eagles, 9-2 (beat Rams on Sunday night)
3. Seattle Seahawks, 6-5 (beat Cardinals on Sunday)
4. Atlanta Falcons, 6-5 (on bye)
5. Minnesota Vikings, 9-2 (beat Bears on Sunday)
6. Green Bay Packers, 8-3 (beat 49ers on Sunday)
7. Washington Commanders, 7-5 (lost to Cowboys on Sunday)
In The Hunt
8. Arizona Cardinals, 6-5 (lost to Seahawks on Sunday)
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 5-6 (beat Giants on Sunday)
10. Los Angeles Rams, 5-6 (lost to Eagles on Sunday night)
11. San Francisco 49ers, 5-6 (lost to Packers on Sunday)
12. New Orleans Saints, 4-7 (on bye)
13. Chicago Bears, 4-7 (lost to Vikings on Sunday)
14. Dallas Cowboys, 4-7 (beat Commanders on Sunday)
15. Carolina Panthers, 3-8 (lost to Chiefs on Sunday)
16. New York Giants, 2-9 (lost to Buccaneers on Sunday)
NFL Week 12 Recap
Ravens Send Message With Dominant Win Against Chargers
After a disappointing loss to the Steelers in Week 11, the Ravens were eager to silence their newfound doubters. Despite being forced to travel across the country to take on the Chargers in Los Angeles, the Ravens sent a message to the rest of the AFC in Week 12.
While the Chargers were viewed as the rising surprise team in the conference, the Ravens shut down the hype with a convincing 30-23 victory on the road. Baltimore led by 14 points with less than one minute remaining in the game, although Los Angeles was able to make the final score look a bit more competitive with a late touchdown.
Ravens superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson was efficient and effective against the Chargers’ fearsome defense. Jackson completed 72.7% of his passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns while also adding another touchdown on the ground.
Derrick Henry continued to prove that he is aging like fine wine, as he had 24 carries for 140 yards in Los Angeles. While Jackson is making his case to win his third Most Valuable Player award, Henry is trying to keep up with Eagles running back Saquon Barkley in the race for Offensive Player of the Year.
Now the Ravens will shift their focus to the scorching-hot Eagles, who have won seven consecutive games. If Baltimore can defeat Philadelphia in Week 13, it will remain alive in the race for a top playoff seed in the AFC.
Packers Beat 49ers in Convincing Fashion
In an important game for their postseason hopes, the 49ers couldn’t hang with the Packers, losing 38-10. Niners starting quarterback Brock Purdy missed this contest due to a shoulder injury, so San Francisco started Brandon Allen.
Without Purdy, the Niners looked like a different team, which will likely come up in Purdy’s contract negotiations this offseason. Allen finished 17-of-29 for 199 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and two fumbles (one lost).
George Kittle scored the Niners’ lone touchdown, finishing with six catches for 82 yards. Christian McCaffrey (11 carries for 31 yards) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (one catch for 21 yards) had a very quiet afternoon in the loss.
Meanwhile, the Packers did whatever they wanted. Josh Jacobs rushed 26 times for 106 yards and three touchdowns (with Green Bay totaling 168 rushing yards on the day). Jordan Love was 13-of-23 for 163 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Tight end Tucker Kraft caught one touchdown and reserve WR Malik Heath caught the other.
Next week, things don’t get easier for the 49ers, as they will face the Buffalo Bills on the road. Meanwhile, the Packers will face the Miami Dolphins on Thanksgiving Day.
Seahawks Enter the Playoff Picture With Win Over Cardinals
With Sunday’s win over the Cardinals, the Seahawks climbed from an in-the-hunt team to the No. 3 seed in the NFC. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals, 16-6, improving their chance of making the playoffs by 22.1% percentage points, according to PFN’s Playoff Predictor. Now, the Seahawks have a 38.1% chance of making the postseason and 24.9% odds to win the NFC West.
Geno Smith was 22-of-31 for 254 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the way for Seattle with six receptions, 77 yards, and one touchdown. Cornerback Coby Bryant came up with a huge pick-six against Kyler Murray.
The Seahawks didn’t have an answer for Trey McBride, as he caught 12 passes for 133 yards. However, the rest of Arizona’s pass-catchers didn’t contribute much. Murray was 24-of-37 for 285 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception. The Cardinals struggled on the ground, rushing for 49 total yards. James Conner was held to eight rushing yards on seven attempts (1.1 yards per attempt), while Trey Benson had four rushes for 18 yards.
The Cardinals will try to bounce back next Sunday on the road against the Minnesota Vikings. The Seahawks will look to win their third straight game on the road against the New York Jets next Sunday. Then, Arizona and Seattle will face off in a Week 14 rematch.
Buccaneers End Skid With Dominant Win Over Giants
Entering Week 12, the Buccaneers had lost four tough games in a row against the Ravens, Falcons, Chiefs, and 49ers. Fortunately for the Bucs, they now have the easiest remaining schedule of any NFL team.
That included this week’s matchup against the struggling Giants, who recently benched and released Daniel Jones and decided to start third-string quarterback Tommy DeVito. The Bucs dominated all facets of this game, beating the Giants 30-7.
New York’s run defense has struggled all season, and the Bucs took advantage of this. Four different players scored a rushing touchdown for the Bucs — Baker Mayfield, Bucky Irving, Rachaad White, and Sean Tucker — the first team to achieve that feat this season. Also, Mayfield completed 24 of 30 passes for 294 yards, including passes to 11 different players.
DeVito and the Giants offense struggled all afternoon, totaling 245 yards. DeVito was 21-of-29 for 189 yards while adding 42 rushing yards. After Tyrone Tracy Jr. lost a fumble in the red zone in the third quarter, Devin Singletary replaced him and scored the Giants’ lone touchdown of the day.
After their Week 12 win, the Bucs now have a 55.1% chance of making the playoffs and a 50.2% chance of winning the division, according to PFN’s Playoff Predictor. Even though the Falcons hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Bucs, Atlanta only has a 45.4% chance to make the playoffs and a 42.1% chance to win the NFC South, per PFN’s simulator.
Next week, the Bucs will face the Panthers on the road. Meanwhile, the Giants will try to bounce back against the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day.
Dolphins Blow Out Division Rival Patriots
The Dolphins won their third consecutive game, defeating the Patriots 34-15 in Week 12. After this win, Miami now has a 31.9% chance of making the playoffs.
Tua Tagovailoa continued his strong play in Week 12, completing 29 of 40 passes for 317 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions against New England. This was Tua’s fourth career game with four or more passing touchdowns — his career-high was six scores against the Ravens in Week 2 of the 2022 season.
Jaylen Waddle had his best game of the season, catching eight passes for 144 yards and a touchdown. Jonnu Smith continued his strong play, finishing with nine catches for 87 yards and a score. De’Von Achane caught two touchdowns as well. Tyreek Hill finished with five catches for 48 yards.
Meanwhile, for the Patriots, Drake Maye completed 22-of-37 for 221 yards, one touchdown, and one interception while adding 26 rushing yards. Austin Hooper scored the lone Patriots touchdown of the day, and he led the way for New England with four receptions for 59 yards. The Patriots struggled to run the ball, as Antonio Gibson led the way with just 30 rushing yards.
Next week, the Dolphins will travel to Wisconsin to face the Packers on Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, the Patriots will host the Colts in Week 13.
Lions Improve to 10-1 With Win Over Colts
For a few weeks, PFN’s Playoff Predictor has given the Lions the best odds of winning this year’s Super Bowl. Now, their chance of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy is up to 42.8%. Also, our PR+ metrics grade the Lions as the most complete team in the league, as they have the second-best offense and third-best defense.
That was on display in Week 12, with the Lions defeating the Colts 24-6. Detroit put up points on the ground, with Jahmyr Gibbs rushing 18 times for 67 yards and two touchdowns, while David Montgomery ran eight times for 37 yards and a score.
Jared Goff completed 26 of 36 passes for 269 yards but didn’t pass for a touchdown in Week 12.
Detroit’s defense led the way, holding the Colts to just 268 yards and no touchdowns. After Anthony Richardson’s terrific three-touchdown performance last week against the Jets, he struggled to get anything going against the Lions’ excellent defense.
Richardson was 11-of-28 (39.3% completion percentage) for 172 yards, zero touchdowns, and zero interceptions while adding 61 rushing yards. Michael Pittman Jr. led the way with six catches for 96 yards.
Next up, the Lions will try to improve to 11-1 on Thanksgiving Day against the Bears. The Colts will travel to face the Patriots next Sunday.