After Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season, several teams are building momentum for a playoff run, while others are faltering as vulnerabilities are revealed. This week, the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, and Green Bay Packers continue their ascent in the NFL standings after crucial victories. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Los Angeles Chargers are sliding in the second half of the season. Whether surging or declining, each team has a critical stat from Week 12 that illustrates its current trajectory.
Arizona Cardinals = 33% Red Zone TD Rate
Despite numerous injuries to their top offensive playmakers, the Arizona Cardinals continue to compete well on a week-to-week basis. Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett has played extremely well, including Week 12, where Brissett completed 33 out of 49 passes for 317 yards. The problem the Cardinals have is that Brissett’s production does not translate into points, and during Week 12, that was due to poor execution in the red zone. While the Cardinals reached the red zone three times against the Jaguars, they scored a touchdown on only one of those possessions, which was critical to the game’s outcome.
Atlanta Falcons = 0% Red Zone TD Allowed
The Atlanta Falcons finally broke their five-game losing streak with a win over their division rival, the New Orleans Saints. The secret to the Falcons’ success in Week 12 was the outstanding red zone play by their defense. Atlanta’s defense recorded three red-zone stops, forcing the New Orleans Saints’ offense to a 0% red-zone touchdown rate. Those key stops gave Atlanta the boost to finally get back on a winning track.
Baltimore Ravens = 5 Game Winning Streak
The Baltimore Ravens have been surging toward the top of the AFC North standings by putting together a five-game winning streak. By defeating the New York Jets, the Ravens have overcome a poor start to the season and have officially pulled into a tie at the top of the division with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Baltimore’s poor start to the season was directly related to their inefficiency in the red zone, but during their winning streak, they have made progress in overcoming those failures.
Buffalo Bills = 8 Sacks Allowed
During Week 12, the Buffalo Bills’ offense melted down in primetime against the Houston Texans. That meltdown included allowing quarterback Josh Allen to be hit 12 times and sacked 8 times by the ferocious Texans defensive line. The Bills’ problems worsened when one of their best offensive linemen, Spencer Brown, left the game with an injury. Under extreme pressure, Allen turned the ball over three times, including two interceptions.
Carolina Panthers = +3 Turnover Margin
During their Monday Night Football matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, the Carolina Panthers had an outstanding defensive effort with three takeaways. All three of those takeaways came from intercepting Brock Purdy’s passes, including two by Jaycee Horn. Most weeks, three takeaways would nearly guarantee a win for a team like the Panthers, but Carolina’s offense failed to capitalize on those takeaways. Despite the three interceptions, the Panthers’ offense scored only a field goal, negating any advantage they gained.
Chicago Bears =+16 Turnover Differential
As of Week 12, the Chicago Bears are looking like a legitimate contender in the NFC North to win the division. That was reinforced by the Bears’ victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. A big part of the Bears’ surge to the top has been their ability to force turnovers. So far this season, the Bears have a turnover differential of +16, which is the best in the NFL. Chicago’s ability to avoid turning the ball over while forcing turnovers has allowed the Bears to become one of the NFL’s most improved teams in 2025.
Cincinnati Bengals = 23% 3rd Down Percentage
The Cincinnati Bengals had an opportunity to break their current losing streak by upsetting the New England Patriots at Paycor Stadium. However, the Bengals came up six points short of pulling off that upset, converting only 23% of their 13 third-down attempts. Not converting those third-down attempts made it difficult for the Bengals to sustain drives, which not only affected their chances of winning but also controlled the pace of the game. That lack of success greatly reduced the margin for error for the Bengals’ offense and quarterback Joe Flacco.
Cleveland Browns = 10 Quarterback Sacks
While the Cleveland Browns have struggled to win this season, their issues have primarily been on offense. Defensively, the Browns have one of the best defensive units in the NFL. During Week 12, the Browns’ outstanding defense helped them pick up a win against the Las Vegas Raiders by sacking Raiders quarterback Geno Smith 10 times, with Myles Garrett recording 3 of those sacks. Cleveland’s overwhelming success rushing the passer helped the Browns win and cost Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly his job.
Dallas Cowboys = 24 Unanswered Points
The Dallas Cowboys cleared a big hurdle during the second half of the NFL season by picking up an improbable win against the Philadelphia Eagles. During the first half, the Eagles jumped out to a 21-point lead over the Cowboys, but in the second half, the Cowboys stepped up and shut out the Eagles’ offense. In addition, the Cowboys forced the Eagles to turn the ball over, converting those turnovers into 24 unanswered points in the second half.
Denver Broncos = 7-2 in One Score Games
The Denver Broncos have had an amazing run of eight straight wins so far this season before getting a chance to regroup and recover during their bye week. The biggest difference for the Broncos this year compared to last year is the number of close games they have won. In 2024, the Broncos were 1-6 in games decided by 8 points or less. This season, the Broncos have won 7 out of 9 games decided by less than 8 points. The extra effort to win those close games has put the Broncos in position to be the top team in the AFC West.
Detroit Lions = 237 Rushing Yards
The Detroit Lions needed a win against the New York Giants to stay close to the Chicago Bears in the NFC North. Despite a poor start and early deficit, their dominant running game produced 237 yards on 20 carries, averaging 11.85 yards per carry. This powered the Lions into overtime, where Jahmyr Gibbs sealed the game with a long touchdown run.
Green Bay Packers = 5 Quarterback Sacks
The Green Bay Packers found themselves in a pressure situation in Week 12 while facing the Minnesota Vikings. Green Bay was in a nearly must-win situation against the Vikings, because a loss would have put them further behind the Bears and Lions at the top of the NFC North. Early in the game, the Packers failed to pull away from the Vikings, but in the second half, the Packers’ defense took over. During the second half, the Packers’ defensive line sacked Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy five times, including two sacks by Micah Parsons and 2.5 sacks by Devonte Wyatt.
Houston Texans = 8 Quarterback Sacks
The Houston Texans have bounced back from a bad start to the 2025 season despite the absence of quarterback C.J. Stroud. Their success is largely due to the outstanding performances of the defense. This week, the Texans’ defense picked up an important win against the Buffalo Bills to move them above .500. Houston pressured Allen 12 times and sacked the 2024 NFL MVP eight times. Will Anderson Jr. had 2.5 sacks, Danielle Hunter added 2.0. The Texans also forced three turnovers, intercepting two passes and recovering a Khalil Shakir fumble.
Indianapolis Colts = 4th Quarter Run Attempts
Coming off a bye week, the Indianapolis Colts needed to continue to ride the momentum they had built during the first half of the 2025 season. A big part of the Colts’ success this season has been a balanced offensive attack led by quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Jonathan Taylor. However, during their Week 12 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Colts experienced an identity crisis and abandoned their run game with Jonathan Taylor. That loss of balance led to the Colts being shut down in the 4th quarter and overtime, allowing the Kansas City Chiefs to steal a win.
Jacksonville Jaguars = 4 Turnovers
During Week 12 of the NFL season, the Jacksonville Jaguars found a way to grind out a tough overtime win against the Arizona Cardinals. Jacksonville failed to pull away from the Cardinals because of four turnovers. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw three interceptions and a fumble that resulted in a Cardinals defensive touchdown early in the game.
Kansas City Chiefs = Four Forced 3-and-Outs
The Kansas City Chiefs were able to pick up a vital win in Week 12 against the Indianapolis Colts. Indianapolis outplayed the Colts for the first three quarters, building a 20-9 lead over Kansas City, but in the 4th quarter, the Chiefs’ defense held the Colts’ offense to 3-and-outs three times. Those stops allowed the Chiefs’ offense to score a field goal and a touchdown with a 2-point conversion to force overtime. In overtime, the Chiefs stopped the Colts once again, allowing the Colts to win the game with a field goal.
Las Vegas Raiders = 10 Sacks Allowed
The Las Vegas Raiders came into Week 12 with a chance to win their third game of the 2025 season. On the other hand, the Raiders had struggled for consistency on offense all season, and against the Browns’ stellar defense, they allowed quarterback Geno Smith to be sacked 10 times. Those quarterback sacks made it impossible for the Raiders to establish any flow on offense. That lack of offensive flow made it difficult for the Raiders to score points and ultimately led to the Raiders’ offensive coordinator, Chip Kelly, being relieved of his job.
Los Angeles Chargers = -1 Turnover Differential
The Los Angeles Chargers started the 2025 season with dreams of reaching the Super Bowl. Consequently, after the Chargers were hit hard early by key injuries to the offensive line and running back positions, the Chargers were simply looking for a path to the playoffs. While the Chargers’ struggles stem from injuries to both offensive tackles and their starting running back, which have created issues for the Los Angeles offense, the real problem is too many turnovers. So far this season, the Chargers are -1 in turnover differential, despite forcing 18 turnovers on defense. That -1 stat has resulted from the Chargers’ offense turning the ball over 19 times so far this season.
Los Angeles Rams = +2 Turnover Differential
The Los Angeles Rams took advantage of their Sunday Night Football matchup against the NFC South-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers to send a message to the NFL. That message was that the Rams were ready to once again become the best team in the NFL. During their 34-7 win over the Buccaneers, the Rams forced multiple turnovers. Those turnovers, coupled with the Rams’ ability to protect the ball on offense, allowed them to leverage their +2 turnover differential to pick up a big win against another team that excels at winning the turnover battle.
Miami Dolphins = -5 Turnover Differential
Before the Miami Dolphins picked up two exciting victories before their bye week, the consensus within the Dolphins organization was that the sky was falling. Much of the panic over the Dolphins’ 2-7 start to the 2025 season stemmed from the investment they had made in their key playmakers, especially on offense. While it would be easy to say that those playmakers have not been playing up to their potential, it would ignore the data showing that the Dolphins’ primary cause of their losing record is their turnover differential. Through this point in the season, the Dolphins have a turnover differential of -5, with 13 of their 17 turnovers being interceptions thrown by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Minnesota Vikings = 87 Total Net Passing Yards
Each week of the 2025 NFL season has been evidence that the Minnesota Vikings made a poor decision by committing to J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback. So far this season, McCarthy has failed to consistently produce offensive success for the Vikings. Minnesota’s offensive struggles continued against the Packers, as McCarthy posted only 87 total net passing yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions.
New England Patriots = 1 Defensive Touchdown
2025 has been a resurgent season for the New England Patriots. After several disappointing years, they have reclaimed the top spot in the AFC East and are riding a nine-game win streak after beating the Bengals on the road. The game’s turning point came with Marcus Jones’s second-quarter pick-six, giving the Patriots their first lead, a lead they never relinquished.
New Orleans Saints = 0% Red Zone TD Rate
The New Orleans Saints, led by rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, have found new life. In Week 12, they faced a struggling Atlanta Falcons team with a chance to secure another win. However, the Saints failed to score a touchdown despite three trips to the red zone, allowing the Falcons to pull ahead and leaving New Orleans unable to close the gap.
New York Giants = 33% Red Zone TD Rate
For the second consecutive week, the New York Giants just missed picking up a win against two of the best teams from the NFC North. This time, the Giants came up short against the Lions, failing to capitalize on three red-zone trips and converting only one into a touchdown. The missed opportunities gave the Lions the chance to force overtime and secure a win.
New York Jets = 0% 4th Down Conversions
Wins have been hard to come by for the New York Jets during the 2025 season. Despite weekly struggles, the Jets had a chance to win their second consecutive game against an AFC North team. This week, the Jets came up short against the Baltimore Ravens, failing to convert all three of their 4th-down attempts. On the first failed 4th down, the Ravens quickly scored a touchdown. The second turnover on downs led to a Baltimore field goal. The final 4th down failure ended the game for New York.
Philadelphia Eagles = 2 Turnovers in the 4th
Week 12 was difficult for the Eagles, who let the Cowboys erase a 21-point second-half deficit. In that half, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts threw an interception that set up Dallas’s first touchdown. Later, Eagles punt returner Xavier Gipson muffed a punt, giving the Cowboys a key field position advantage.
Pittsburgh Steelers = -2 Turnover Differential
Missing starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers turned to Mason Rudolph in Week 12 at Soldier Field. Rudolph struggled, throwing two interceptions to an opportunistic Bears defense. Chicago converted both turnovers into 14 points, enough to secure their eighth win of the season over Pittsburgh.
San Francisco 49ers = 3 Defensive Stops
Despite picking up a big win on Monday Night Football against the Carolina Panthers, the San Francisco 49ers struggled with turnovers on offense. 49ers starting quarterback Brock Purdy threw three interceptions against the Panthers’ defense. However, the 49ers’ defense prevented Purdy’s multiple interceptions from becoming a disaster, allowing the Panthers to score only three points off those turnovers.
Seattle Seahawks = +1 Turnover Differential
One week after Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold threw four interceptions in a meltdown against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 11, he and the Seahawks had a chance to rebound against the Tennessee Titans. Seattle won, but not without difficulty. Darnold threw one interception, but instead of collapsing, the Seahawks defense forced two Tennessee turnovers. Those takeaways helped Seattle hold on for a six-point win.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers = -2 Turnover Margin
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been able to overcome numerous injuries to many of their top offensive playmakers. Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield and Tampa Bay’s offensive efficiency have allowed them to continue playing competitive football on a weekly basis despite missing several offensive weapons. But this week, the Buccaneers failed to protect the ball against the Rams, turning it over twice in Los Angeles. In addition, Baker Mayfield left the game with an apparent shoulder injury, and backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was unable to get the Buccaneers offense back on track.
Tennessee Titans = 7.8 Yards Allowed per Play
In the last two weeks, the Tennessee Titans have had opportunities to pick up another win this season against the Houston Texans and the Seattle Seahawks. However, the Titans’ defense has failed to step up in close games, and this week it allowed the Seahawks to gain 7.8 yards per play. The inability to stop the Seahawks’ offense limited the Titans’ offense and quarterback Cam Ward from doing enough to pull ahead on the scoreboard.
Washington Commanders = 6 Straight Losses
During Week 12 of the NFL season, the Washington Commanders finally made it to the safe haven of their bye week. As the Commanders suffered several injuries to many of their top players during the first half of the season, they have struggled to find consistency and are in the midst of a 6-game losing streak. The main ingredients of that losing streak have been key injuries to playmakers and a failure to capitalize on crucial moments late in games.
