🔗 Share this article Philly Falter in Texas & Patrick Rescues Chiefs – Top Moments from National Football League Week 12 Week 12 delivered an epic Dallas Cowboys rally, or perhaps an massive Eagles collapse? Postseason Patrick Mahomes arrived to salvage the Chiefs' campaign while the Chicago Bears continue to impress while they extend their winning run. Did Sanders do enough on his debut NFL outing to secure the full-time job in Ohio? We’ll examine at the best of the week in the league. Analysis – Cowboys Comeback or Philly Fail? Dallas were trailing badly at twenty-one to zero down against the defending Super Bowl champions, so how on earth did they engineer their equal-largest comeback in history? Sentiment of a first home fixture after Marshawn Kneeland untimely death may have played a part, but technically it was a mixture of Dak Prescott determination and a defensive unit that pounced on uncommon mistakes by the Philadelphia. Dak surpassed Romo’s records for yards thrown (now 34,378) and game-winning drives (25) with an dynamic performance – his diving touchdown embodying his energetic showing. Philly squandered a advantage of 21 points or more for the first time since nineteen ninety-nine, with only their second game with multiple turnovers this year – the other being a disappointing NFC East defeat at the New York. Along with 14 penalties for ninety-six yards, the offensive malaise that affected Hurts after what – for him – was an explosive beginning was huge. He had only passed for 200-plus yards in four games before Sunday, he had over 150 in the first half alone in Dallas. Yet from the time Philadelphia went 21-0 up their offense fell apart spectacularly – with four consecutive kicks, a missed field goal and then a fumble handing chance after chance to the Cowboys. Philadelphia’s defence is excellent, it really is, but an offence that's not surpassed 21 points in five of seven games (three losses) is now a huge concern, as the components are all there but it's simply not working. Sirianni’s game is all about securing the big situations, the defense maintains them in it and what offence there is does barely sufficient – if it can't even do that and now the composure and ball protection is breaking down, there could be trouble ahead. Spotlight – Playoff Patrick Shows Up Early to Rescue Chiefs It wasn’t as dramatic, but Kansas City's eleven-point comeback in the fourth quarter against a strong Indianapolis squad was very impressive – and could have only rescued their season. How big was it? Indeed, the NFL's advanced analytics now give the Kansas City a 58% probability of reaching the postseason, when a defeat on Sunday would have reduced that number to 28%. No wonder the postseason version of Patrick Mahomes arrived, passing for 235 yards in the latter half by itself and guiding three scoring drives in their last four possessions to win it in overtime. Some huge passes and daring scrambles are commonplace for Patrick in the playoffs, but right now the Kansas City are in playoff form – at six and five and just tenth in the AFC standings. That was more like the former Chiefs however, with a first one-score victory of the season after dropping 5 already – they secured eleven of them last year so, if that confidence comes back, this Chiefs Kingdom might not be finished just yet. Talking Point – Can Bears Be Rulers of the Division? You just can't overlook the Chicago Bears any longer. A win over the Steelers, without Rodgers, kept them top of the NFC North and at eight and three – holding the same standing as the Philadelphia. They look threatening on both sides of the field, with a defence that leads the league in picks and total takeaways and, in Williams, a emerging quarterback now accustomed to winning close games. He may still be inconsistent, giving away a score after a fumble in his own goal area – but he also threw 3 scores and, with already 5 final period rallies this year, he knows how to finish the game. Green Bay are in close pursuit in the division after overpowering the Minnesota and the Lions are in contention after beating the Giants in extra time with a monster game from Gibbs. The Bears are interestingly the most consistent with 8 wins in nine, but as they travel to the championship champs on the holiday we'll discover just how good they really are. Preview – Thrilling Holiday in Store It appears among the best Thanksgiving schedules for a long time, with each game packed with playoff consequences. The Lions host the Green Bay in the traditional opener in Detroit, prior to a unusual trip return to Texas for the Kansas City, who began life as the Texans way back in the sixties before relocating to Missouri. The weekend’s rally kings are both clinging to playoff hopes but have minimal room for error – so this will have a playoff feel. And how about the Baltimore Ravens? An ugly victory over the Jets in fact has them leading of the AFC North after beginning 1-5 and appearing dead and buried. Holiday and Black Friday Games (all times GMT) Thursday, twenty-seven November: Green Bay Packers @ Lions (18:00) Thursday, 27 November: Kansas City Chiefs @ Dallas Cowboys (9:30 PM) Friday, twenty-eight November: Bengals @ Ravens (01:20) Friday, twenty-eight November: Bears @ Philadelphia Eagles (8:00 PM) Will Shedeur Sanders Keep His Starting Role? Browns coach Stefanski dismissed inquiries on whether Sanders had done sufficiently in his debut NFL start to keep the starting position when Dillon Gabriel returns. Yet the issue will continue to be raised as Shedeur became the first Cleveland quarterback to secure his debut NFL game after Eric Zeier in 1999 – with 17 other rookie signal callers unsuccessful to do so since. It was only the Las Vegas, and with the assistance of an almost feral Cleveland defense getting 10 sacks, but Cleveland's offence needs a leader, a presence to inspire confidence. Moreover self-belief is something not lacking in Sanders, who told a network {