Winners and Losers of NFL Week 12: Saquon Barkley Joins the MVP Debate
Winners and Losers of NFL Week 12: Saquon Barkley Joins the MVP Debate
NFL Week 12 Winners and Losers: Saquon Barkley Enters the MVP Discussion
Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season was full of drama, surprises, and standout performances that could shape the playoff race as we approach the final stretch. Teams on the brink of elimination fought for their postseason lives, while others, already entrenched in playoff contention, showed why they’re poised to make deep runs. Amid the chaos, one name consistently stood out: Saquon Barkley. With a dominant performance, the New York Giants’ star running back has placed himself firmly in the NFL MVP conversation, signaling a potential shift in the way the award is viewed and who’s in the running to win it.
However, Barkley wasn’t the only player who made waves in Week 12. From quarterbacks with huge performances to teams solidifying their playoff status, we’ll dive into the winners and losers from this week’s action. Let’s start with the Winners.
Winners of NFL Week 12
1. Saquon Barkley (RB, New York Giants)
Stat Line: 185 yards, 3 TDs (rushing), 4 receptions, 54 yards
If there was any doubt about whether Saquon Barkley belongs in the MVP conversation, Week 12 wiped it away. Against a solid Washington Commanders defense, Barkley put on a vintage performance, running for 185 yards and 3 touchdowns while also contributing 54 yards through the air. His performance not only kept the Giants alive in the playoff hunt but also showed why he’s arguably the most electrifying running back in the league today.
The Giants, historically a team reliant on defense and a strong running game, have leaned heavily on Barkley this season. With Daniel Jones battling injuries and inconsistencies, Barkley has kept the offense afloat, single-handedly carrying the team in critical moments. His combination of speed, vision, and power is unparalleled in the league right now, and while quarterbacks often dominate the MVP conversation, Barkley’s sustained excellence has forced the conversation to broaden.
Barkley’s Week 12 performance was a reminder that when healthy, he is capable of dominating a game in a way few others can. If the Giants can keep their playoff hopes alive, Barkley’s MVP campaign will only gain steam, especially considering his contribution to the team’s success.
2. Josh Allen (QB, Buffalo Bills)
Stat Line: 332 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, 76 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD
The Buffalo Bills have had their ups and downs this season, but in Week 12, Josh Allen showed why he’s one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL. Allen’s performance against the Detroit Lions was nothing short of spectacular, as he accounted for four total touchdowns and 408 yards of offense. His ability to extend plays with his legs and arm kept the Lions’ defense guessing throughout the game.
The Bills were coming off a few shaky weeks, with questions about their consistency, but Allen’s ability to turn a potential trap game into a dominant performance was impressive. His rushing ability added another dimension to his game, with a 76-yard performance on the ground to complement his passing.
Allen’s Week 12 effort has put the Bills back in the conversation for the AFC’s top spot. As the regular season progresses, the MVP discussion will likely center on Allen if he continues to put up performances like this and lead Buffalo into the playoffs.
3. San Francisco 49ers Defense
The San Francisco 49ers have one of the best defenses in the NFL, and they showed exactly why in Week 12 against the Seattle Seahawks. Nick Bosa, arguably the defensive player of the year so far, was a disruptive force, racking up a sack and multiple pressures on Seattle’s quarterback, Geno Smith. The 49ers’ defense overwhelmed the Seahawks, holding them to just 10 points and limiting their offense to under 200 total yards.
The performance by San Francisco’s defense is a reminder of why the 49ers are considered one of the most dangerous teams in the NFC. If they continue to dominate on the defensive side of the ball, they could make a serious playoff run despite a few inconsistencies on offense.
With Brock Purdy at quarterback and an offense that still has question marks, the 49ers’ defense will need to continue playing at an elite level to keep them competitive, especially against high-powered offenses in the playoffs.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (10-2)
The Philadelphia Eagles not only came out victorious in Week 12, but they also solidified their status as one of the top teams in the NFC. With Jalen Hurts playing at an MVP level, and their defense continuing to find ways to win games, the Eagles are looking like a near-complete team. Hurts threw for over 300 yards and accounted for 2 touchdowns while also adding a rushing score, continuing his case for the MVP race.
What stands out most about the Eagles is their ability to win in a variety of ways. Whether it’s their dominant offense, led by Hurts, A.J. Brown, and Devonta Smith, or their defense, which bends but doesn’t break, Philadelphia has all the ingredients to make a deep playoff run.
With their commanding lead in the NFC East, the Eagles are cruising toward a top seed in the conference. Their consistency on both sides of the ball is what sets them apart from other teams in the NFC.
5. Miami Dolphins Offense
The Miami Dolphins are on fire, and in Week 12, their high-powered offense continued to shine in a 37-17 win over the New England Patriots. Tua Tagovailoa is playing at a Pro Bowl level, and his connection with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle remains one of the most explosive in the league. The Dolphins racked up 400+ total yards of offense, with Hill contributing over 100 yards receiving and Tua adding 3 touchdowns.
Miami’s offense has been the talk of the league, and with their deep receiving corps, fast pace, and efficient play calling, the Dolphins are legitimate Super Bowl contenders. If they can continue their offensive dominance through the remainder of the season, they’ll be tough to beat in the AFC.
Losers of NFL Week 12
1. Los Angeles Chargers (5-7)
The Los Angeles Chargers have been an enigma all season. With a top-tier quarterback in Justin Herbert, the expectations were high, but inconsistency has been the team’s biggest issue. In Week 12, the Chargers faced the Baltimore Ravens and suffered a disappointing defeat that all but eliminated them from playoff contention.
Herbert threw for over 300 yards, but the offense sputtered in critical moments, failing to convert on third downs and turning the ball over in the red zone. The defense was equally as disappointing, giving up big plays and failing to get stops when needed most. Head coach Brandon Staley is once again facing heavy criticism for the team’s inability to meet expectations.
At this point, the Chargers are once again on the outside looking in for the playoffs, and changes may be in store if they can’t finish strong.
2. Arizona Cardinals (3-9)
The Arizona Cardinals were expected to be a middle-of-the-pack team this year, but they’ve been one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL. In Week 12, they suffered yet another loss, this time to a fellow struggling team in the Los Angeles Rams. The Cardinals’ defense struggled to contain Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp, while the offense, led by Kyler Murray, couldn’t keep up.
While Murray has flashed brilliance at times, the overall lack of consistency, combined with a porous defense, has made Arizona one of the worst teams in the NFC. They’ll have to reassess their future moving forward, particularly when it comes to coaching and roster decisions.
3. Green Bay Packers (4-8)
The Green Bay Packers’ season continues to spiral downward as they fell to the Minnesota Vikings in a critical divisional game in Week 12. Aaron Rodgers played through an injury, but the offense was unable to find a rhythm, and the defense couldn’t stop Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson.
With a tough schedule ahead, the Packers’ playoff hopes are all but dashed. For the Packers, the focus will now turn to evaluating their young players and deciding if Rodgers should be a part of their future or if a rebuild is in order.
4. New Orleans Saints (5-7)
The New Orleans Saints had an opportunity to keep pace in the NFC South race but came up short in a 23-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 12. Jameis Winston, starting in place of an injured Derek Carr, struggled to make plays, and the offense couldn’t generate enough points to overcome a tough Buccaneers defense.
The Saints’ inconsistency has plagued them all season, and they’re now in danger of missing the playoffs altogether, despite playing in a weak division. The loss to Tampa Bay could ultimately mark the end of any legitimate playoff hopes for New Orleans.
