As promised, Week 12 brought uncertainty, excitement and thrilling battles.
Between Hopkins vs Gilmore, Mahomes vs Brady and the Broncos not having a single QB active vs the Saints, this was a unique Sunday in the NFL.
There were some great individual, and team, performances this week, starting with Deshaun Watson and Antonio Gibson on Thanksgiving.
Who else delivered standout performances?
- Derrick Henry
The NFL is turning into the DHL: The Derrick Henry League. As if stiff-arming Josh Norman to another atmosphere wasn’t enough, three touchdowns in the first half of Sunday’s win over the Colts definitely has all eyes on the powerful RB.
Henry ran for 178 yards on 27 carries, leading Tennessee to a 45-26 victory. The Titans are first in the AFC South with a record of 8-3.
2. Atlanta Falcons Defense
Yes, this is a super rare occurrence for the Falcons defense, but the squad 100 percent deserved this spot after its dominant defeat of the Raiders.
Atlanta ranked sixth worst in yards allowed per game, second worst in pass yards allowed per game, 24th in sacks and 23rd in takeaways.
The Falcons looked like a brand new defense vs Derek Carr and company.
Atlanta forced five turnovers, four by the way of fumbles, and recorded five sacks. The defense also held the Raiders to only 240 passing yards.
3. Jeremy Chinn
What are the odds of returning a fumble for a touchdown? Now, what are the odds of returning a fumble for a touchdown on CONSECUTIVE plays?
Meet Jeremy Chinn.
Carolina’s Jeremy Chinn was in the end zone so much, Panthers OC Joe Brady might have to consider drawing up plays for the DB/LB.
Only half-kidding.
The rookie had a performance for the ages, and the history books.
“The moment was fun and exciting. I haven’t scored a touchdown since high school,” Chinn said.
4. Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill
The gift that just keeps on giving, and scoring. Andy Reid has to enjoy brainstorming plays for Patrick Mahomes to connect with Tyreek Hill in stride for long touchdowns.
Mahomes and Hill absolutely torched Tampa Bay, and the fire started early. In the first quarter, the dynamic duo connected on scoring plays of 75 and 44 yards.
Hill recorded a stat line of seven catches, 203 yards and two touchdowns within the first 15 minutes of the game. He finished with 13-269-3.
MVP favorite Patrick Mahomes was nothing short of terrific. The reigning Super Bowl MVP completed 37 of 49 passes for 462 yards and the three Tyreek Hill TD hookups.
The Chiefs improved to 10-1.
Stats & Opinions 