Week 12 Recap and Mid-Week Storylines

     From top to bottom, this was probably one of the most exciting weeks in the NFL thus far. As the playoffs get closer, games will start to become more crucial. Also, the good matchups will be flexed to prime-time action so more people will be viewing those. The NFL also is clever with scheduling, back loading the schedule with division games. Let’s jump into all the major action from Week 12:

Major Letdowns: There were a lot of surprising outcomes for some major teams who needed wins:

• Detroit missed a major opportunity to gain separation in their division. With Aaron Rodgers out for the Packers and Cutler out for the Bears, the Lions were at home playing the lowly Tampa Bay Buccaneers who are contending for the top overall pick in next years draft. They lost that game, thanks in large part to Matthew Stafford’s 4 interceptions. The last one can’t be put on Stafford though, as he put it in Calvin Johnson’s hands, who surprisingly made a game-costing drop.
• The Kansas City Chiefs lost a game to the division rivals Chargers. What was more astonishing was the way they lost. That defense, after losing Tamba Hali and Justin Houston, allowed 41 points including the game-winning touchdown, which was inexcusable. Up by four points, the Chiefs secondary let the Chargers receiver Seyi Ajiritutu get behind them and Philip Rivers put it right on the money. The Chiefs have dropped two straight after starting undefeated and an angry Denver Broncos team is coming to town.
• The Indianapolis Colts put down another forgettable performance and have looked extremely vulnerable since losing Reggie Wayne. They put up 11 points and allowed a 40-burger to the Arizona Cardinals. The playoffs are a lock since their division consists of two of the three worst teams in the NFL (Texans, Jaguars) and the Titans. 

Mid-Week Storylines

• Two NFC North teams, the Bears and Packers, are waiting for their franchise quarterbacks to return. The Packers in particular, have tried 3 other quarterbacks in Aaron Rodgers’ place and last week tied the Minnesota Vikings.
• Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie hurt his shoulder on an attempt to intercept a Tom Brady pass just before halftime. His condition is unclear, but the Broncos may be getting back cornerback Champ Bailey.
• The Chiefs lost their dynamic duo of pass rushers in a horrible loss on Sunday. Justin Houston (elbow) and Tamba Hali (ankle) both have their status’ up in the air for Sunday’s divisional showdown against Peyton Manning and the Broncos.
• The importance of Monday Night’s game of the Saints at the Seahawks cannot be minimized. The Saints have one of the most lethal passing attacks in the league and the Seahawks are having major issues in the back end of their defense because of suspensions to Walter Thurmond (4 games) and Brandon Browner (possibly a year). Not to mention this is a crucial game to locking up the top seed in the NFC for two teams that are nearly unbeatable at home. 
  

 Quarterback Central

Week 9:

5- Ben Roethlisberger

4- Colin Kaepernick 

3- Carson Palmer

2- Philip Rivers

1- Tom Brady

Season:

5- Cam Newton

4- Tom Brady

3- Drew Brees

2- Philip Rivers
1- Peyton Manning