Week 12 of the NFL didn’t come quietly; it crashed through like Saquon Barkley on a record-breaking spree. It was a week where legends were forged, chaos reigned in Washington, and the Chiefs proved that they like to live life on the edge. Let’s dive in.
Barkley’s Blistering Brilliance: Eagles Take Flight
The Philadelphia Eagles’ Saquon Barkley left the Rams’ defense pondering a new career path after rushing for 255 yards and two 70+ yard touchdowns. Barkley didn’t just run; he performed an interpretive dance of speed and power, becoming the first player in NFL history to have multiple second-half rushing touchdowns of 70+ yards in a single game. At this point, it feels like Barkley is less of a running back and more of a cheat code.
The Eagles soared to a 37-20 win, leaving Rams fans clutching their foam fingers in despair. Quarterback Jalen Hurts summed it up perfectly: “He’s a bad man.” Indeed, Hurts, a bad man running away with an NFC East title.
Washington’s Wild Ride: Cowboys Win a Yahtzee Game
In Washington, chaos descended, and boy, was it entertaining. What started as a snooze-fest with Dallas leading 10-9 erupted into a scoring frenzy. By the time Cowboys returner KaVontae Turpin pulled off a jaw-dropping 99-yard kickoff return—complete with a fumble recovery and spin move—the game was officially bonkers.
The Commanders, riding on rookie QB Jayden Daniels’ gutsy plays, nearly completed a miracle comeback. Terry McLaurin’s 86-yard sprint for a touchdown had fans dreaming of overtime until, in true Commanders fashion, the extra point attempt went sailing off into sadness. The Cowboys, breaking their five-game losing streak, took the 34-26 win, leaving Washington to contemplate yet another “almost.”
Mahomes, Shrader, and the Art of Last-Minute Victories
Meanwhile, in Kansas City, the Chiefs faced the Carolina Panthers in what should have been an easy matchup but turned into a nail-biter. Patrick Mahomes put on a clinic, throwing three touchdowns and no interceptions. Yet, the Panthers, led by Bryce Young, refused to go quietly, tying the game late in the fourth quarter.
Enter Spencer Shrader, the Chiefs’ substitute kicker, who sealed the 30-27 win with a 31-yard field goal as time expired. Mahomes, as casual as ever, remarked, “I’d love to win a game not by the very last play.” Well, Patrick, drama is your brand.
What’s Next?
As we march toward the playoffs, Week 12 reminded us why we love this sport. It’s unpredictable, exhilarating, and sometimes downright hilarious. From Barkley’s historic heroics to Turpin’s dizzying spin moves, this week had everything—except a dull moment.
Who knows what Week 13 will bring? All we can hope is that someone checks on Washington’s kicker. He probably needs a hug.
