Week 12 of the NFL season delivered an unforgettable Sunday, proving that games can be won or lost on a single kick or return. While quarterbacks put up big numbers, it was the special teams units across the league that created the most drama. From thrilling return touchdowns in Dallas to shocking field goal misses in Houston, the third phase of the game took center stage and decided the fate of several teams fighting for playoff position.
Cowboys’ Special Teams Shine in Dallas Thriller
The Dallas Cowboys secured a crucial 34-26 victory over the Washington Commanders, but the story of the game was written by their special teams. While backup quarterback Cooper Rush managed the offense effectively with 247 yards and two touchdowns, the game’s most explosive plays came from the return units.
KaVontae Turpin and Juanyeh Thomas became heroes in the fourth quarter, each scoring on a kickoff return. Thomas’s recovery and score on an onside kick in the final seconds sealed the wild win. This performance earned the Cowboys an A- grade, showcasing their ability to win in unconventional ways and making them a dangerous team down the stretch.
For the Commanders, it was a B- effort marked by special teams collapses. They allowed the two return touchdowns and kicker Austin Seibert missed three kicks. Despite a late offensive surge from quarterback Jayden Daniels, the special teams errors were simply too much to overcome.
Kicking Woes and Wins Decide Close Contests
The theme of special teams deciding games continued in other key matchups. In a tight AFC South battle, the Tennessee Titans edged the Houston Texans 32-27. The game’s pivotal moment came when Houston kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn missed a chip-shot 28-yard field goal, a devastating blow for a Texans team that otherwise played a solid offensive game.
This was Fairbairn’s second miss from inside 28 yards this season, a statistic that highlights the pressure kickers face in critical moments.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings escaped with a 30-27 overtime win against the Chicago Bears thanks to a clutch field goal from John Parker Romo. The kick capped a strong offensive day for the Vikings, led by quarterback Sam Darnold and his top targets Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson, who combined for nearly 300 receiving yards.
| Matchup | Final Score | Winning Team Grade | Losing Team Grade |
| Cowboys vs. Commanders | 34-26 | A- | B- |
| Vikings vs. Bears | 30-27 (OT) | B | B- |
| Titans vs. Texans | 32-27 | B | C+ |
Dominant Performances Define Other Key Matchups
Not every game was a nail-biter. The Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins both rolled to convincing victories with dominant all-around performances. The Lions’ defense was the star in their 24-6 win over the Indianapolis Colts, holding them to under 100 total yards in the second half. Detroit’s offense was efficient, with Jahmyr Gibbs scoring two touchdowns on the ground, solidifying their A grade for the week.
The Colts, on the other hand, earned a C after a dreadful offensive showing. Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson struggled immensely, completing less than 40% of his passes as the offense failed to score a touchdown.
In an AFC East showdown, the Miami Dolphins dismantled the New England Patriots 34-15. Tua Tagovailoa was nearly perfect, throwing for 317 yards and four touchdowns. His top receiver, Jaylen Waddle, was unstoppable with 144 yards. The Patriots looked completely outmatched, with their rookie quarterback Drake Maye under constant pressure, leading to a D- grade and serious questions about their direction.
Week 12’s Unforgettable Special Teams Moments
When the dust settled on Week 12, the impact of special teams was impossible to ignore. It served as a powerful reminder that all three phases of football are critical to winning in the NFL. Several key trends emerged from the weekend’s action.
- Critical Misses: Kickers struggled from short range, with four total misses from 28 yards or closer this season. Houston’s Ka’imi Fairbairn is now responsible for two of those misses.
- Clutch Kicks: On the flip side, kickers like Spencer Shrader for the Chiefs and John Parker Romo for the Vikings proved their value by hitting game-winning field goals under immense pressure.
- Historic Returns: The Cowboys made history with two kickoff return touchdowns in a single game, a rare feat that directly led to their victory.
This week highlighted that while star quarterbacks often get the headlines, a team’s success or failure can often hinge on the foot of a kicker or the speed of a returner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the standout special teams players in Week 12?
KaVontae Turpin and Juanyeh Thomas of the Dallas Cowboys were the biggest stars, each scoring a kickoff return touchdown in the same game. Kickers John Parker Romo (Vikings) and Spencer Shrader (Chiefs) also stood out by hitting game-winning field goals.
Why was the Texans’ loss to the Titans so painful?
The Texans lost by just five points, and their kicker, Ka’imi Fairbairn, missed a 28-yard field goal late in the game. Making that kick would have put them in a much better position to win, making the loss particularly tough to swallow.
Which teams received the highest and lowest grades?
The Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins both earned an A for their dominant, well-rounded victories. The New England Patriots received the lowest grade, a D-, after being thoroughly outplayed in all phases of the game by the Dolphins.
How did backup quarterback Cooper Rush perform for the Cowboys?
Cooper Rush had a solid performance, throwing for 247 yards and two touchdowns. He managed the game well and avoided costly mistakes, allowing his defense and special teams to step up and secure the win against the Commanders.
