Week 12 in the NFL had some great games with incredibly exciting finishes. There were also some games that weren’t as competitive due to poor performances and sloppy play. Here is the report card grade for every NFC team that played Sunday in week 12, based on how they played, combined with what their expectations were and who their opponents were.
NFC East:
Nov 17, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) runs to score a touchdown during the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Dallas Cowboys: B+
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What a HUGE win this was for the Cowboys. They fell down 21-0 early in this game, but battled back to tie it and then won it on a last-second FG. The defense and special teams really stepped up in the second half, holding the Eagles scoreless. Dak Prescott and George Pickens were the offensive stars for the Cowboys.
Philadelphia Eagles: C+
In the first half, the Eagles get an A; in the second half, they get an F. The game started as well as it possibly could have for them. The defense shut down the Cowboys, forced turnovers, and Jalen Hurts dominated through the air. In the second half, though, the offense scored no points, the defense allowed the Cowboys back into the game, and turnovers really cost them.
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New York Giants: B-
Jameis Winston had some crazy plays in this game, and the Giants defense played well for most of the day against a far superior Lions team. Still, the Giants couldn’t hold onto the lead late and lost yet another game.
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Washington Commanders: Bye Week
NFC South:
Nov 16, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) passes against the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter of the game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: D
The Bucs were completely embarrassed on Prime Time this past week. The offense got nothing going, and their defense had no answer for Matthew Stafford and the Rams offense. The offensive line can’t protect Baker Mayfield, and the defense is getting no pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Atlanta Falcons: B+
The Falcons had not been playing good football coming into this game, and they were without Michael Penix and Drake London. They still managed to come away with the win, though, thanks to good defense and timely plays by the offense.
New Orleans Saints: C
The offense got nothing going for most of the game, and the defense allowed a slow and old Kirk Cousins to throw for two touchdowns against them.
Carolina Panthers: MNF
NFC North:
Nov 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) scores the game-winning touchdown against New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns (0) during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Chicago Bears: B+
The Bears continue to win close games, and their win keeps them atop the NFC North standings. Caleb Williams starred in this game, throwing for three touchdowns and no interceptions, and WR DJ Moore, who had been struggling lately, found the endzone twice.
Minnesota Vikings: C+
The Vikings defense held its own for the most part, but the offense looks lost with JJ McCarthy at QB. McCarthy threw two interceptions, no touchdowns, and had just 87 passing yards.
Detroit Lions: B
The Lions didn’t play their best football, particularly defensively, but they still came away with the victory thanks to a massive day from Jahmyr Gibbs, who had over 250 all-purpose yards and three total touchdowns.
Green Bay Packers: B+
The Packers defense was in complete control of this game from start to finish. They allowed under 100 passing yards and no touchdowns. Offensively, Emanuel Wilson filled in for Josh Jacobs and had a big game, rushing for over 100 yards and two touchdowns.
NFC West:
Nov 16, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) sets to pass against the Seattle Seahawks at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Rams: A+
The Rams used their prime time stage to prove to the NFL that they are the best team in the NFC right now, and possibly the entire league. They dominated the Bucs from start to finish, and Matthew Stafford continued to build on his case for the MVP award.
Arizona Cardinals: C+
They didn’t play well, and they didn’t play badly, but they lost this game, despite forcing three interceptions by Trevor Lawrence. Michael Wilson had another big game receiving with Marvin Harrison injured, but it wasn’t enough.
Seattle Seahawks: B
They dominated the game early, both offensively and defensively. Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba continue to be one of the best QB-WR duos in the league, and their win helps them keep pace with the Rams and not fall further behind in the division race.
San Francisco 49ers: MNF
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