It's the 12th Sunday of the 2021 NFL season and we're keeping you updated on all the action and biggest storylines throughout the day. The Week 12 slate has some fantastic matchups and storylines, and we're here to help you watch it unfold. Check back often to find out everything you need to know.
Schedule
Thursday
Bears 16, Lions 14 (Recap)
Raiders 36, Cowboys 33, OT (Recap)
Bills 31, Saints 6 (Recap)
Sunday
Falcons 21, Jaguars 14 (Recap)
Dolphins 33, Panthers 10 (Recap)
Jets 21, Texans 14 (Recap)
Giants 10, Eagles 7 (Takeaways)
Patriots 36, Titans 13 (Takeaways)
Bengals 41, Steelers 10 (Takeaways)
Buccaneers 38, Colts 31 (Takeaways)
Broncos 28, Chargers 13 (Recap)
49ers 24, Vikings 16 (Recap)
Packers 36, Rams 28 (Takeaways)
Browns at Ravens, 8:20 p.m. ET (Preview)
Monday
Seahawks at Washington, 8:15 p.m. ET (Preview)
Herbert's prayer answered
The game was already out of reach, but this is a highlights story, so we're going to show you what was essentially a Hail Mary from the Chargers. Herbert chucked the ball up while shuffling towards the sideline, and the 6-foot-5 Jared Cook outjumped everyone in the back of the end zone to come down for the improbable touchdown.
Herbert threw up a prayer to Jared Cook 👀 #BoltUp
— NFL (@NFL) November 28, 2021
📺: #LACvsDEN on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/TFOfONQLEQ
OBJ's L.A. moment
Ironically, it was Aaron Rodgers who said that people shouldn't judge Odell Beckham Jr. after a quiet first game with the Rams two weeks ago. It was ironic was because with Los Angeles needing a big play, Beckham got behind the defense for a 54-yard touchdown.
First TD as a Ram‼️
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) November 29, 2021
📺 @NFLonFOX | @OBJ pic.twitter.com/Osr1qSqx4H
Surtain picks Herbert again
Patrick Surtain II is having the game of his life. The ninth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft has intercepted Justin Herbert twice, once in the end zone to stall a promising drive and another near the sideline off a tipped ball. The latter was more significant, as Surtain raced down the left sideline for a 70-yard touchdown return that put the finishing touches on what will be an impressive win for the Broncos over their division rival.
PS2 WITH THE PICK-SIX 🎮
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) November 28, 2021
📺: CBS | @PatSurtainll pic.twitter.com/80kYFj9Eth
Vikings KR TD!
Three weeks ago, fourth-round rookie Kene Nwangwu took the opening second-half kickoff for a touchdown. He did it again Sunday, streaking 99 yards to cut the deficit to one possession.
KENE NWANGWU. He's done it again!
— NFL (@NFL) November 28, 2021
📺: #MINvsSF on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/GHBLv5kVhJ
Herbert throws red-zone INT
The Chargers were going in for the tying score -- or so they thought. Justin Herbert ended up underthrowing his receiver in the end zone, allowing Patrick Surtain II to make the end zone pick and preserve the Broncos' touchdown lead.
PS2 don't play no games 🎮@PatSurtainll | 📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/aNFi5gOZKS
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) November 28, 2021
Cousins throws rare pick
Kirk Cousins entered Sunday with a 0.5 interception percentage -- by far the best mark of his decade-long career in the NFL. But early in the third quarter, he made a throw he would absolutely like back. The pass landed right in the hands of Azeez Al-Shaair, who took the ball down to the 2-yard line. Elijah Mitchell doubled the 49ers' lead on the next play, making sure Cousins paid for just his third interception of the season in 11 games.
OK Azeez! The pick to set up the score and make it 28-14 #49ers. #MINvsSF on FOX pic.twitter.com/MtSlohgB88
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) November 28, 2021
Deebo Samuel = RB1?
Samuel might be the most dangerous offensive weapon in today's NFL. Case in point: these carries on San Francisco's first drive of the second half. While Samuel has yet to catch a pass, he has five carries for 72 yards and a pair of scores.
DAMNNNNN DEEBO
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) November 28, 2021
@19problemz GO OFF#MINvsSF on FOX pic.twitter.com/D4ahHvglzX
He's AN ATHLETE 😤@19problemz 2nd TD on the day #ProBowlVote#MINvsSF on FOX pic.twitter.com/cCBReQS9YJ
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) November 28, 2021
Yet another Ekeler TD
After scoring four touchdowns last week, Austin Ekeler found pay dirt again at the end of the first half Sunday. The Chargers were in dire need of the 12-yard catch and run to cut the deficit to 14-7 before halftime.
.@AustinEkeler doing @AustinEkeler things. #BoltUp
— NFL (@NFL) November 28, 2021
📺: #LACvsDEN on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/5JKlA5znT4
Rodgers threads the needle
Linebacker Ernest Jones had to think he was about to intercept Aaron Rodgers early in the second quarter. After all, Rodgers was throwing directly at him. But Rodgers is a future Hall of Famer for a reason, and Jones saw that firsthand as Rodgers' pass sailed just above his outstretched fingers and into the hands of Randall Cobb for what ended up being a 54-yard gain.
This window that Aaron Rodgers found... 🎯
— NFL (@NFL) November 28, 2021
📺: #LARvsGB on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/qxxeFSqYMV
Still Thielen good
Adam Thielen entered Week 12 tied for third in the NFL with eight receiving touchdowns. He's already added two more in the first 18 minutes against the 49ers on Sunday -- the second requiring him to contort his body and dive opposite of his momentum for the 20-yard touchdown.
.@athielen19 HAVE YOURSELF A DAY
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 28, 2021
📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/xaOx2urnof
Stafford goes DEEP
Down 10-0, the Rams were in dire need of someone to make a play. Those players turned out to be Van Jefferson, who beat his defender deep down the middle of the field, and Matthew Stafford, who hit Jefferson in stride for a 79-yard touchdown.
.@VanJefferson12 GOING DEEP! 🤩
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) November 28, 2021
📺 @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/AwvOMyhYB2
Can't stop Deebo
Deebo Samuel entered Week 12 as the NFL's second-leading receiver with 994 yards, but recently Kyle Shanahan has been utilizing his skillset in the backfield. The results has been fruitful, evident by Samuel's 20-yard rushing score to tie the game against the Vikings.
He does it all 👏 @19problemz to the 🏠 to tie it up. #MINvsSF on FOX pic.twitter.com/aMZshLevZj
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) November 28, 2021
Thielen good
The Vikings defense turned San Francisco over on its first possession, and the offense rewarded the unit by opening the scoring with a touchdown. The Kirk Cousins to Adam Thielen scoring connection continues.
Adam Thielen toe taps in the end zone for his 9th TD! #SKOL @AThielen19
— NFL (@NFL) November 28, 2021
📺: #MINvsSF on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/1Xdl77arjT
Jimmy G INT
The 49ers want to rely heavily on the run game, but because of a penalty, they were faced with a third-and-long on their opening possession. That turned out to be bad news for San Francisco, as Harrison Smith jumped right in front of Jimmy Garoppolo for the interception.
.@HarriSmith22 nabs his 29th career INT!
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 28, 2021
📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/RH0wIuJQxX
Bridgewater gets the pylon
Teddy Bridgewater is more than just a pocket passer, and he showed his dual-threat ability on an 11-yard touchdown scramble to open the scoring against the Chargers.
Air Bridgewater ✈️
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) November 28, 2021
📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/YpLNpe1jXR
Fournette for the win!
Who needs a potential game-winning field goal when you can all but clinch the victory with a touchdown? That's the Leonard Fournette difference, as the bruising running back barreled 28 yards for the go-ahead score with just 20 seconds to play. Fournette was magnificent in Indianapolis, totaling 131 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns!
LENNY, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! 😱
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) November 28, 2021
📺: #TBvsIND on FOX pic.twitter.com/tN87FdqpQL
Immaculate INT
The Buccaneers' Antoine Winfield Jr. tracked the deep ball, continued tracking it and then tracked it some more until, at the last second, the 5-foot-9 safety leapt over the 6-foot-4 Michael Pittman Jr. for one of the prettier interceptions you'll see this season. The turnover was especially crucial because Tampa Bay took the lead on the ensuing possession.
WHAT. A. PICK. 🤯
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) November 28, 2021
📺: #TBvsIND on FOX pic.twitter.com/UfDrsrPRKB
Bourne supremacy
The Patriots simply cannot be stopped, rolling toward what would be their sixth-straight victory as they face the AFC's current No. 1 seed. Kendrick Bourne has been a big part of the team's latest impressive performance, as his 41-yard, tight-rope touchdown down the right sideline gave New England a 26-13 lead.
BOURNE AGAIN. #ForeverNE
— NFL (@NFL) November 28, 2021
📺: #TENvsNE on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/JMQJaWN4Pn
Wildcat score
The Dolphins are rolling against Carolina. Already up, 21-10, Myles Gaskin took the direct snap, ran around left end and then split a pair of blocks to waltz in for the score. Miami is well on its way to its fourth straight victory.
.@MylesGAS has another. #FinsUp
— NFL (@NFL) November 28, 2021
📺: #CARvsMIA on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/NcoLNXX3bh
INT x 3
It's been a day to forget for Jalen Hurts, who has not one, not two, but three interceptions against New York's 25th-ranked passing defense. He deserved the most-recent interception, too, as he lazily threw the ball up into double coverage. Xavier McKinney came away with the easy turnover to preserve the Giants' 10-0 advantage.
McKinney = 🏈 🧲
— New York Giants (@Giants) November 28, 2021
📺: @NFLonFOX & Giants App pic.twitter.com/GYdPUtvTvs
Jets lead!
After a completely unnecessary leverage penalty on the Texans gave the Jets a first-and-goal, Zach Wilson made them pay with a four-yard scramble that gave New York back the lead.
Show off the moves then @ZachWilson!!#NYJvsHOU on CBS pic.twitter.com/zrMRymIpPF
— New York Jets (@nyjets) November 28, 2021
Hilliard to the house
On Tuesday, the Titans promoted Dontrell Hilliard from the practice squad. On Sunday, Hilliard burst through the line of scrimmage and ran away from everybody en route to a 68-yard scoring scamper. The 2018 undrafted free agent went over 100 rushing yards in the first half on just eight carries, giving Tennessee a much-needed offensive boost.
"68 YARDS! From the practice squad to the big time." - Ian Eagle
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) November 28, 2021
Dontrell Hilliard shows off his speed for the TD. pic.twitter.com/O0WEN98tJw
(via @NFL)
Full extension!
Catch of the day candidate for the Jaguars' Marvin Jones, who made a full-extension, one-handed snag for a nice gain against the Falcons.
.@MarvinJonesJr with one hand 😤 #DUUUVAL
— NFL (@NFL) November 28, 2021
📺: #ATLvsJAX on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/OKtjYN2EXf
Carson's Colts rolling
The Colts finally moved over .500 after pummeling the Bills last week, and now they're handling Tom Brady and the Buccaneers -- at least in the first half. Carson Wentz has thrown two touchdowns while Tampa Bay has committed two turnovers, allowing Indianapolis to build a double-digit advantage against the reigning Super Bowl champions.
DULIN GOES DEEP. 🚀
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 28, 2021
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/PeZRCffdaK
Doyle Rules. 🙌
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 28, 2021
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/mBUTeUAhnl
Alabama connection
Tua Tagovailoa has 126 yards passing with about four minutes left before halftime. Former Alabama teammate Jaylen Waddle has 101 of them on five receptions, including a nine-yard score, and the Dolphins are in control versus the Panthers.
.@tua 🤝 @D1__JW 🐧
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) November 28, 2021
📺: Watch #CARvsMIA on @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/bLZmS4LjSL
Jaylen Waddle is very fast. @D1__JW #FinsUp
— NFL (@NFL) November 28, 2021
📺: #CARvsMIA on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/YhEGbZo5eM
Welcome back Cordarrelle Patterson!
Without Cordarrelle Patterson, the Falcons were shut out in a blowout loss to the Patriots in Week 11. Patterson returned Sunday, though, and has picked up right where he left off before his injury, scoring the game's first two touchdowns and racking up 91 total yards.
HE'S BAAAACK‼️
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) November 28, 2021
📺: FOX | @ceeflashpee84 pic.twitter.com/H9l9uIWixj
CP is UNSTOPPABLE today!
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) November 28, 2021
📺: FOX | @ceeflashpee84 pic.twitter.com/z0YUsxHSQb
You Got Mossed!
That's probably what Tee Higgins said to fill-in cornerback James Pierre after catching a 32-yard touchdown over him to give the Bengals a 17-3 lead in the second quarter.
MOSS'D HIM. WOW, @teehiggins5!
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) November 28, 2021
Watch on CBS pic.twitter.com/a77Bcnk2oh
Ridiculous INT
There's not much to say about this Zach Wilson interception aside from...WHAT WAS HE THINKING?
This Zach Wilson INT…
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) November 28, 2021
(via @HoustonTexans)pic.twitter.com/yv4foR12Xm
Cam Newton = TD machine
All Cam Newton has done since re-signing with the Panthers is score touchdowns. He's now got six in fewer than 100 offensive snaps after barreling into the defensive line, twisting and having one of his offensive lineman pull him into the end zone from one yard out.
WE LOVE THIS STUFF!!
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) November 28, 2021
CAM NEWTON TOUCHDOWN 🙌
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/38l0NOX250
Blocked punt TD!
Winners of three straight, the Dolphins are off to a great start against the Panthers thanks to linebacker Duke Riley. After coming on to the field late, Riley came off the right edge and blocked the punt, which Justin Coleman recovered before getting across the goal line (with the help of his teammates).
OH MY. 😱
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) November 28, 2021
📺: Watch #CARvsMIA on @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/nIVmuPZMCk
Big man tip drill!
The Texans looked prime to score on their first possession, but John Franklin-Myers had other ideas. With Tyrod Taylor attempting a screen pass, Franklin-Myers swatted the ball high into the air, came down with it and then rumbled all the way inside Houston's 40-yard line. The giveaway led to a Jets field goal to open the scoring.
Go ahead, big fella!!! @J_FranklinMyers#NYJvsHOU on CBS pic.twitter.com/7EnpXTWcu7
— New York Jets (@nyjets) November 28, 2021
Burrowing into the end zone
The Steelers want revenge for their Week 3 loss to the Bengals, but they're off to a poor start in Cincinnati. Joe Burrow capped an opening-drive touchdown for the hosts with a nifty eight-yard touchdown run.
JOE BURROW!
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) November 28, 2021
The Bengals are on the board first.pic.twitter.com/pWyh3umGMU
(via @NFL)
Bucs tasked with stopping NFL's leading rusher
Second-year running back Jonathan Taylor has been nearly unstoppable over the past six games, gobbling up 132.5 yards per contest and finding the end zone a whopping 12 times, five of which came in the Colts' shellacking of the Bills last week.
On Sunday, the Buccaneers will be tasked with slowing down Taylor -- a prospect they reportedly held in high regard ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Taylor was on the "short list of candidates" Tampa Bay considered taking with the No. 14 overall pick. Had promising offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs not been available, the Colts may very well have been preparing to stop Taylor this week instead of tailoring their game plan around him.
As it turned out, Indianapolis liked Taylor a lot, too, but it was able to trade up a few spots to grab him in the second round (41st overall). He's been one of the best all-around running backs in the league since, and now he'll have the opportunity to show the Bucs exactly what they missed by passing on him.