NFL 2023 Week 12: Top Storylines, Surprises, and Key Takeaways

NFL Nation

November 23, 2023, 11:33 PM ET Week 12 of the NFL season kicked off on Thanksgiving, with the Green Bay Packers securing a wire-to-wire 29-22 victory over the Detroit Lions as the underdogs, while the Dallas Cowboys trounced the Washington Commanders 45-10 behind four Dak Prescott touchdown passes. Also on Thanksgiving, the San Francisco 49ers dominated the Seattle Seahawks 31-13, with Christian McCaffrey scoring two touchdowns.

Our NFL Nation reporters have provided reactions to these games, answered lingering questions, and identified who or what is rising and falling for each team. Below are the latest insights from them on each matchup:

San Francisco 49ers

The question surrounding the 49ers is when will they clinch the NFC West division? With 10 consecutive division victories, including four against the Seahawks, it’s a matter of when and not if for the Niners to secure the division crown. A realistic path to clinching the division could happen as soon as their upcoming game against the Seahawks on December 10. The Niners will spend December and early January chasing the NFC’s top seed. Stock up after the win: Pass rush. The Niners have shown an improvement in pass rush, recording 15 sacks in the past three games. Stock down after the win: Kickoff coverage. San Francisco’s kickoff coverage faltered, allowing a 66-yard return and an average of 35 yards per return.

Next game: at Eagles (Sunday, Dec. 3, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Seattle Seahawks

Is the Seahawks’ season doomed? They face tough matchups ahead, potentially putting them at 6-8 entering the final week of December. Stock up after the loss: Jordyn Brooks. The linebacker’s interception provided a spark for the Seahawks. Stock down after the loss: Geno Smith. The Seahawks’ offense struggled, and Smith’s performance was ineffective.

Next game: at Cowboys (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Dallas Cowboys

Are the Cowboys ready for their most crucial stretch of the season? Their upcoming games hold importance as they aim to secure homefield advantage. Stock up after the win: QB Dak Prescott. Prescott is in the midst of a strong stretch in his career. Stock down after the win: K Brandon Aubrey. Let’s nitpick on some errors despite his field goal prowess.

Next game: vs. Seahawks (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Washington Commanders

The question with the Commanders is whether their owner will make a change. Stock up after the loss: WR Curtis Samuel had an outstanding performance. Stock down after the loss: Defense. The team’s defense struggled and needs improvement.

Next game: vs. Dolphins (Sunday, Dec. 3, 1 p.m. ET)

Detroit Lions

Are the Lions playoff contenders? Despite being under .500, the Lions have a decent chance of making the playoffs. Stock up after the loss: Jameson Williams. The receiver continues to grow in the Lions’ offense. Stock down after the loss: Jared Goff. Goff struggled with turnovers in Thursday’s game.

Next game: at Saints (Sunday, Dec. 3, 1 p.m. ET)

Source: NFL Nation

Reference

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Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
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