Week 12 was wild in the NFL, where many teams played in trap games. Some teams avoided the traps and earned some nice wins, while others weren’t as lucky and lost in a close yet painful fashion.
A couple of teams, however, struggled to get anything going, as injuries and offensive struggles held them back. Week 12 will surely go down as one of the more memorable weeks in the 2024 season, even though there’s still more football to be played, and fates can change for good or ill.
Here are the grades for all 32 NFL teams after week 12.
Which NFL teams had the highest and lowest grades after week 12?
Arizona Cardinals: D
The Cardinals had a tough afternoon in the Pacific Northwest, as they lost a tough 6-16 divisional battle against the Seattle Seahawks. Kyler Murray threw an interception against no touchdowns, the Cardinals’ rushing attack was held to a combined 49 yards on the ground, Trey McBride had 133 receiving yards, and Marvin Harrison Jr. had 47 receiving yards. On defense, the Cardinals had an interception and five sacks.
The Cardinals’ offense failed to get into the end zone, but luckily, kicker Chad Ryland was able to make two out of three field goals for the team to get some points on the board. However, the Redbirds need to better protect the ball, and make more effective plays offensively if they want to maintain control of the competitive NFC West.
Atlanta Falcons: Bye Week
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The Falcons lost a tough one in week 11 and have to rebound as soon as possible, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have Mike Evans back in their lineup. However, if Cousins continues to struggle, this NFL team should consider starting Michael Penix Jr. moving forward. The Falcons return home for a week 13 showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers coming to town.
Baltimore Ravens: A-
The Ravens started their Monday night clash against the Los Angeles Chargers slowly but managed to turn on the accelerators in the second quarter and not look back as they defeated the Bolts 30-23. Lamar Jackson threw two touchdown passes and scored a rushing touchdown, Derrick Henry had 140 rushing yards, Justice Hill scored a rushing touchdown, and Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman both scored touchdowns.
On defense, the Ravens had four sacks but no interceptions. A great night for the Ravens and head coach John Harbaugh as he defeated his younger brother, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, in primetime.
Buffalo Bills: Bye Week
The Bills impressively conquered the Chiefs in week 11, as they need to keep that momentum going for the remainder of the season before the playoffs begin. The Bills return to action in week 13, when they host the San Francisco 49ers coming to town.
Carolina Panthers: B
Despite the struggles all season long, the Panthers played well but came up short in their 27-30 loss at home against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chief’s backup kicker, Spencer Shrader, scored the game-winning field goal to end the game. Bryce Young threw a touchdown against no interceptions, Chuba Hubbard scored a rushing touchdown, and David Moore scored a touchdown. On defense, the Panthers had five sacks against Patrick Mahomes but no interceptions.
The fact that the Panthers were able to put up a strong fight against the Chiefs shows this NFL team is slowly heading in the right direction despite having some flaws on defense. However, the Panthers lost tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders to a scary neck injury, but he was released from the hospital.
Chicago Bears: B-
The Bears came very close to pulling off an upset win over their NFC North rivals, the Minnesota Vikings, but ultimately lost 27-30 in overtime. Caleb Williams threw two touchdowns against no interceptions. The Bears’ rushing attack was held to 78 yards on the ground, but Roschon Johnson scored a touchdown, and DJ Moore and Keenan Allen scored touchdown passes. On defense, the Bears had three sacks and a fumble recovery.
The Bears can play good football at times; however, their rushing attack was dismantled by the Vikings’ defense. The Bears travel to the Motor City for a week 13 Thanksgiving clash against their other NFC North rivals, the Detroit Lions.
Cincinnati Bengals: Bye Week
The Bengals lost a hard-fought battle against the Los Angeles Chargers back in week 11. However, they need to move on from that loss and power on through in the ever-so-competitive AFC North. The Bengals return home and will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 13.
Also Read: Grading All 32 NFL Teams’ After Week 11 Games Of The 2024 Season
Cleveland Browns: B
The Browns played a good game, as the elements shifted from a cold Thursday night to a snow-covered field, in their 24-19 upset victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jameis Winston threw an interception and scored a rushing touchdown, Nick Chubb scored two rushing touchdowns, and Jerry Jeudy had 85 receiving yards. On defense, the Browns had four sacks and a fumble recovery and held the Steelers’ rushing attack to 120 yards on the ground.
A nice upset win for the Browns in the AFC North, and who doesn’t like an incredible game of football played in the snow? The Browns travel west to the Mile High City for a showdown against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football.
Dallas Cowboys: B
In one of the most unevenly matched games of the afternoon, the Cowboys played well and stunned the Washington Commanders 34-26. Cooper Rush threw two touchdowns against no interceptions, Rico Dowdle had 86 rushing yards, CeeDee Lamb had 67 receiving yards, and both Jalen Tolbert and Luke Schoonmaker scored touchdowns. On defense, the Cowboys had four sacks, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery.
This NFL squad turned on the gas in the fourth quarter, where this team scored 24 unanswered points amid a back-and-forth clash with the Commanders and emerged on top.
Denver Broncos: B+
The Broncos played a very nice game in Sin City, as they defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 29-19. Bo Nix threw two touchdowns against no interceptions, the Broncos rushing attack had 63 yards on the ground, and Courtland Sutton scored two touchdowns. On defense, the Broncos had five sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery.
The Broncos are playing incredible football, and the league should begin to take notice, especially with Vance Joseph’s defense being one tough and vicious unit to go up against.
Detroit Lions: A-
The Lions started their battle against the Indianapolis Colts slowly but turned the gas on in the second quarter and overtook the Colts in a 24-6 dominating victory. Jared Goff didn’t throw a touchdown or interception, Jahmyr Gibbs scored two rushing touchdowns, David Montgomery scored a rushing touchdown, Jameson Williams had 64 receiving yards, and Amon-Ra St. Brown had 62 receiving yards.
On defense, the Lions had no sacks or interceptions but managed to keep the Colts out of the end zone, held the Colts’ rushing attack to 96 yards on the ground, and held them to only two field goals. The Lions continue their reign of dominance and return home for Thanksgiving, where they will welcome the Chicago Bears to their table at home.
Green Bay Packers: A-
The Packers took advantage of the San Francisco 49ers’ struggles and injury woes, as they defeated them 38-10 in a cold afternoon at Lambeau Field. Jordan Love threw two touchdowns with no interceptions, Josh Jacobs had a great game and scored three rushing touchdowns, Romeo Doubs had 54 receiving yards, and Tucker Kraft and Malik Heath both scored touchdowns.
On defense, this NFL team had two sacks, an interception, and two fumble recoveries. Outside of having a tough time covering George Kittle, the Packers played a very dominating game and looked poised to make a serious playoff run if they continue playing elite.
Houston Texans: C
The Texans played a close neck-and-neck battle against their AFC South rivals, the Tennessee Titans, and lost 27-32. C.J. Stroud threw two touchdowns against two interceptions, the Texans’ rushing attack was held to a combined 40 yards on the ground, and Nico Collins and Cade Stover both scored touchdowns. On defense, the Texans had eight sacks and two fumble recoveries, and Jimmie Ward had an interception return for a 65-yard pick-six.
A valiant effort by the Texans’ defense, but the offense looked very shaky, as offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik needs to change things up quickly, or the Texans will be left in the dust when it comes to key games that could determine their seeding for the playoffs.
Indianapolis Colts: D-
The Colts had a lot of missed scoring opportunities against the Detroit Lions in their 6-24 loss at home. Anthony Richardson didn’t throw a touchdown or interception, Jonathan Taylor had 35 rushing yards, and Michael Pittman Jr. had 96 receiving yards. On defense, the Colts had three sacks but no interceptions.
The Colts were no match for the Lions’ run game, consisting of the duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, who couldn’t get much going offensively in the red zone and were penalized 10 times. The Colts travel east for a week 13 showdown against the New England Patriots.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Bye Week
Week 11 was a brutal week for the Jaguars as they were dismantled 6-52 against the Detroit Lions. The good news for this NFL team is Trevor Lawrence has returned to practice, but his status for week 13 is uncertain. The Jaguars will host the Houston Texans coming to town that week.
Kansas City Chiefs: B+
The Chiefs played a far closer game with the Carolina Panthers and won out 30-27 thanks to backup kicker Spencer Shrader making the game-winning field goal, sealing the deal for the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes threw three touchdowns with no interceptions, Kareem Hunt had 68 rushing yards, DeAndre Hopkins scored a touchdown, and Noah Gray scored two touchdowns. On defense, the Chiefs had two sacks but no defensive turnovers.
The Chiefs played a very close neck-and-neck contest against the Panthers and survived in the final seconds of the game. The Chiefs return home in week 13 and will host the Las Vegas Raiders on Black Friday.
Las Vegas Raiders: D+
The Raiders had a bit of a rough afternoon, as they were defeated by the Denver Broncos 19-29. Gardner Minshew threw a touchdown against an interception but suffered a broken collarbone and will miss the remainder of the 2024 season. The Raiders’ rushing attack was held to a combined 69 yards on the ground. Jakobi Meyers had 121 receiving yards, and Ameer Abdullah scored a receiving touchdown.
On defense, the Raiders had a sack, and Maxx Crosby became one of four players with 100-plus tackles for a loss in his first six seasons in the NFL, but the Raiders had no defensive turnovers. With Minshew out for the season, it’s time for former Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback Desmond Ridder to possibly step up and salvage what they can for the 2024 season.
Los Angeles Chargers: C
The Chargers put up a decent fight against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football but ultimately fell 23-30. Justin Herbert didn’t throw any touchdowns or interceptions and scored a rushing touchdown, J.K. Dobbins had 40 rushing yards but left the game with a knee injury, Gus Edwards scored a rushing touchdown, and Ladd McConkey had 83 receiving yards.
On defense, the Chargers had a sack but no interceptions. Despite a good matchup, the Chargers had a hard time trying to keep up with the Ravens for most of the night.
Los Angeles Rams: C-
The Rams tried to put up a fight against the Philadelphia Eagles, but they lost a tough and painful 20-37 battle on Sunday Night Football. Matthew Stafford threw two touchdowns against no interceptions but was sacked five times. Kyren Williams scored a rushing touchdown, Puka Nacua had 117 receiving yards, and Cooper Kupp and Demarcus Robinson both hauled in a touchdown each. On defense, the Rams had one sack and no interceptions.
Not the best night for the Rams, as this NFL team’s defense had a horrible night against the run. There was, however, a spot brought by Williams’, Kupp’s, and Nacua’s performances. The Rams have a lot of work to do for their week 13 matchup against the New Orleans Saints on the road.
Miami Dolphins: A-
The Dolphins looked pretty sharp at home as they tore the New England Patriots apart in their 34-15 win. Tua Tagovailoa threw four touchdowns with no interceptions, the Dolphins’ rushing attack had a combined 65 yards on the ground, De’Von Achane scored two receiving touchdowns, and Jaylen Waddle and Jonnu Smith both scored touchdowns. On defense, the Dolphins had four sacks, a fumble recovery, and an interception.
A strong day for the Dolphins’ offense as they took advantage of the Patriots’ struggles all game in an impressive victory. The Dolphins travel north for a very cold and frigid week 13 matchup on Thanksgiving against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
Minnesota Vikings: B+
The Vikings played a very competitive neck-and-neck battle against their NFC North rivals, the Chicago Bears, and emerged as victors in their 30-27 win in overtime. Sam Darnold threw two touchdowns with no interceptions, Aaron Jones scored a rushing touchdown, and Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor both scored touchdowns. On defense, the Vikings had three sacks and a fumble recovery. A very good game for the Vikings as they narrowly avoided suffering a rare loss against their NFC North rivals.
Thankfully, the Vikings have John Parker Romo on the roster, who made three field goals, including the game-winning kick. The Vikings return home in week 13 and will welcome the Arizona Cardinals to town.
New England Patriots: C-
The Patriots struggled in the first three-quarters of their game against the Miami Dolphins before attempting a comeback in the fourth quarter, which fell through, as the team lost 15-34 in South Beach. Drake Maye threw a touchdown against an interception, the Patriots’ rushing attack was held to a combined 86 yards on the ground, DeMario Douglas had 62 receiving yards, and Austin Hooper scored a touchdown.
On defense, the Pats had a fumble recovery by Christian Gonzalez, who returned it for a touchdown and two sacks, but no interceptions. The Patriots were a mess for most of the game and had a lot of work ahead of them before their week 13 matchup at home against the Indianapolis Colts coming to town.
New Orleans Saints: Bye Week
The Saints look much better and more poised to win games under interim head coach Darren Rizzi as they’re currently 2-0 under his leadership. The Saints have a tough home game in week 13 when they welcome the Los Angeles Rams to town.
New York Giants: F
Even though the Giants released NFL QB Daniel Jones, the team struggled for most of the game and lost 7-30 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tommy DeVito threw no touchdowns or interceptions, Tyrone Tracy Jr. had 42 rushing yards, Devin Singletary scored the team’s only touchdown, and Malik Nabers had 64 receiving yards.
On defense, the Giants had a fumble recovery but no sacks as they failed to stop the Buccaneers’ rushing attack from scoring four rushing touchdowns against them. A painful afternoon for the Giants as they hit the road for a week 13 Thanksgiving matchup against their arch-rivals, the Dallas Cowboys.
New York Jets: Bye Week
So far, the 2024 Jets’ season has been an utter disaster and disappointment. Their schedule doesn’t get any easier, as five out of their six games are very tough matchups against playoff-caliber teams. The Jets will host the Seattle Seahawks in week 13.
Philadelphia Eagles: A
The Eagles had a very impressive night, as they not only took over SoFi Stadium but also snagged a statement 37-20 win over the Los Angeles Rams. Jalen Hurts threw a touchdown against no interceptions, Saquon Barkley had himself a night as he rushed for 255 yards on 26 carries and scored two rushing touchdowns while Kenneth Gainwell scored a rushing touchdown, and A.J. Brown hauled in a receiving touchdown.
On defense, the Eagles had a fumble recovery and five sacks, but this NFL team lost defensive leader Brandon Graham to a season-ending torn triceps injury. Even though losing Graham is going to hurt, the Eagles looked electric offensively, thanks to the career year Barkley is having in the backfield.
Pittsburgh Steelers: C
The Steelers played a neck-and-neck battle against the Cleveland Browns but came up short in their 19-24 loss on the road. Russell Wilson threw a touchdown against no interceptions but was sacked four times. Jalen Warren scored a rushing touchdown, Najee Harris scored 41 rushing yards, and Calvin Austin III scored a touchdown. On defense, the Steelers had a sack, an interception, and two fumble recoveries.
A good effort by the Steelers, but they couldn’t pull off the win. On top of that, wide receiver George Pickens got into an altercation with Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II at the very end of the game, which drew some eyes. Regardless, the Steelers will bounce back from this loss.
San Francisco 49ers: D
The 49ers looked like a mess in their 10-38 loss against the Green Bay Packers, as Brock Purdy was out due to right shoulder soreness, and Nick Bosa was out with an oblique injury. Backup quarterback Brandon Allen threw a touchdown against an interception, the 49ers’ rushing attack was held to a combined 44 yards on the ground, and George Kittle scored a touchdown. On defense, the 49ers had two sacks and no interceptions.
The injury bug affecting the 49ers is hurting them at the worst time possible, as the team only has six games left on their schedule and needs to win as many of them as possible if they want to make it back to the playoffs. However, the injuries and missed tackles will potentially ruin their chances of returning to the playoffs.
Seattle Seahawks: C+
Not the best day for the Seahawks, but they managed to defeat the Arizona Cardinals in a very intense 16-6 victory. Geno Smith threw a touchdown against an interception, Kenneth Walker III had 41 rushing yards, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba hauled in a touchdown. On defense, the Seahawks had five sacks, and Coby Bryant had an interception returned for a 69-yard pick-six. He paid homage to Marshawn Lynch as he jumped into the end zone in the third quarter.
Head coach Mike Macdonald’s defense stepped up to the plate and shut down the Cardinals’ offense, as they were the heart and soul of this NFL team in the divisional victory.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B+
It was a great day to be a Buccaneer, as they easily defeated the woeful New York Giants 30-7. Baker Mayfield didn’t throw any touchdowns or interceptions but scored a rushing touchdown and did Tommy DeVito’s touchdown celebration. Sean Tucker, Rachaad White, and Bucky Irving each scored rushing touchdowns, and Mike Evans made his return to the field and had 68 receiving yards.
On defense, the Bucs had four sacks and a fumble recovery. A nice afternoon for the Bucs as they made quick work against the Giants and snapped their four-game losing streak.
Tennessee Titans: B+
The Titans traveled to the Lonestar State for a divisional matchup against the Houston Texans and emerged as victors as they won 32-27. Will Levis threw two touchdowns against an interception, Tony Pollard scored a rushing touchdown, Calvin Ridley had 93 receiving yards, and Chig Okonkwo and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine both scored touchdowns. On defense, the Titans had four sacks and two interceptions.
The Titans pulled through with a very nice upset win, even though Will Levis was sacked eight times and threw a costly interception, which was returned for a 65-yard pick-six by Texans safety Jimmie Ward.
Washington Commanders: C-
The Commanders started the game well but ended up falling flat in the fourth quarter, as they lost to the Dallas Cowboys 26-34. Jayden Daniels threw two touchdowns against two interceptions and scored a rushing touchdown. Brian Robinson Jr. left the game with an ankle injury scare but finished the game with 15 rushing yards, and Zach Ertz and Terry McLaurin both scored touchdowns. On defense, the Cowboys had a sack and a fumble recovery.
A very disappointing afternoon for the Commanders, as they squandered ample opportunities to win the game but let it all slip away.
Also Read: Grading All 32 NFL Teams’ Offenses After Week 11 Games Of The 2024 Season
