NFL Week 12 grades: Chiefs earn ‘A-‘ with season-saving win, Lions get ‘B-‘

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Welcome to the Week 12 grades!

It’s not often the Kansas Chiefs are playing a MUST-WIN game before Thanksgiving, but that’s what we got in Week 12. The Chiefs were one of three AFC teams sitting at 5-5 heading into the week and all three teams were able to save their season with a win. 

In Kansas City, Patrick Mahomes threw for 352 yards, including 52 in overtime that set up Harrison Butker’s game-winning field goal from 27 yards out. With a loss, the Chiefs would have faced a major uphill battle to earn a playoff spot in the AFC, but they’re suddenly very much alive after their 23-20 win. In Baltimore, the Ravens have officially gone from 1-5 to first place following their 23-10 win over the New York Jets. It was the fifth straight win for the Ravens, who are suddenly 6-5 and tied with the Steelers for first place in the AFC North. The two teams will play each twice over the final six weeks, including a Week 18 game in Pittsburgh, so the division race is likely going to come down to the wire. In Houston, the Texans pulled off the shocker of Week 12 in a 23-19 win over the Bills on Thursday night. Although C.J. Stroud was out, the Texans came away with the upset thanks in large part to a defense that sacked Josh Allen eight times. 

So what kind grade do you get for saving your season? Let’s get to the Week 12 grades and find out, starting with the Chiefs big win over the Colts. 

Kansas City 23-20 (OT) over IndianapolisChicago 31-28 over PittsburghNew England 26-20 CincinnatiGreen Bay 23-6 over MinnesotaDetroit 34-27 (OT) over N.Y. GiantsSeattle 30-24 over Tennessee Baltimore 23-10 over N.Y. JetsHouston 23-19 over Buffalo