The NFL’s Week 11 slate delivered a cascade of drama, redemption arcs, and crushing reality checks, with international intrigue, record-setting performances, and playoff races tightening across the board.
In Madrid, the Miami Dolphins clung to their postseason hopes with a gritty 16-13 overtime win over the Washington Commanders. De’Von Achane’s 165 rushing yards powered Miami, while Jack Jones’ interception in OT sealed the deal. Washington’s defense showed renewed life under Dan Quinn, but their offense remains toothless.
Back on U.S. soil, Bryce Young exploded for 448 passing yards—breaking Cam Newton’s franchise record—as Carolina edged the Falcons in overtime. Atlanta’s fifth straight loss was compounded by injuries to QB Michael Penix Jr. and WR Drake London.
Josh Allen engineered one of the season’s best performances in Buffalo, accounting for six total touchdowns as the Bills outpaced Tampa Bay. Despite a strong showing from Sean Tucker, the Bucs couldn’t keep up with Allen’s offensive fireworks.
Jacksonville bounced back in emphatic fashion, dismantling the Chargers 35-6 with a suffocating possession game and improved pass rush. Meanwhile, the Bears snuck past Minnesota behind a clutch field goal from Cairo Santos after rookie QB Caleb Williams weathered the Vikings’ blitz-heavy attack.
Green Bay barely survived the Giants, needing two Christian Watson TDs and a late interception to stay ahead. The Packers’ road to the playoffs remains tenuous, especially after Josh Jacobs left with a knee injury.
The Steelers stayed in the mix thanks to defensive dominance and steady QB play from Mason Rudolph after Aaron Rodgers exited. Pittsburgh throttled the Bengals 34-12, handing Joe Flacco his first forgettable outing since joining Cincinnati.
Davis Mills continued his surprising success in place of C.J. Stroud, leading a second-half rally to lift the Texans past the Titans. Will Anderson Jr.’s forced fumble and Nico Collins’ sideline heroics punctuated Houston’s clutch finish.
In the afternoon slate, the 49ers returned to form with Brock Purdy tossing three touchdowns in a 41-22 rout of Arizona. The Cardinals committed a staggering 17 penalties, neutralizing a record-setting 452-yard day from Jacoby Brissett.
The Rams intercepted Sam Darnold four times and held off a Seattle comeback to notch a critical NFC West win. Stafford struggled, but the L.A. defense bent without breaking.
The Ravens needed a trick-play sweep by Mark Andrews to escape Cleveland, where Shedeur Sanders’ debut as Browns QB was marred by poor protection and inaccuracy. Myles Garrett’s four sacks put him in rare company, but the Browns’ offense continues to sabotage its elite defense.
In Denver, the Broncos claimed AFC West control with a 22-19 win over the Chiefs. Bo Nix connected on multiple deep throws while Kansas City’s penalty-plagued outing exposed deeper concerns in what might be Travis Kelce’s final season.
On Sunday night, the Eagles leaned on defense once more, stuffing the Lions in a 16-9 victory. Vic Fangio’s unit has become a championship-caliber force, while Detroit’s fourth-down failures and offensive misfires cost them a vital NFC North showdown.
With the playoff picture sharpening and stars rising under pressure, Week 11 reminded fans and foes alike that nothing in the NFL is guaranteed—except the chaos.