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In the ever-evolving world of the NFL, Week 11 was a rollercoaster ride filled with unexpected outcomes and remarkable performances. From surprising upsets to stellar individual feats, the week’s action kept fans on the edge of their seats. As teams continue to battle for playoff positioning, Week 11 highlighted the strength, resilience, and unpredictability of the league, setting the stage for an intense stretch run. In this blog, we’ll break down the key winners and losers from this past weekend’s games, taking a closer look at standout players, coaching decisions, and game-changing moments.
The NFL is no stranger to heated rivalries, game-changing turnovers, and thrilling comebacks, and Week 11 was no different. The Buffalo Bills stunned the Kansas City Chiefs, ending their undefeated streak and reminding the league that they are a serious Super Bowl contender. Meanwhile, young quarterbacks like Anthony Richardson and CJ Stroud continued to rise, showing why they’re the future of the NFL. However, it wasn’t all celebration—several teams underperformed, including the Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys, who found themselves dealing with disappointing losses that could have long-term implications.
As the playoff race heats up, every win and loss becomes more consequential, making the stakes even higher for teams still fighting for a spot. With so much happening in Week 11, let’s dive deeper into the top winners and losers from the action, as we break down the standout performances and what they mean for the teams going forward.
The Buffalo Bills pulled off one of the most significant wins of Week 11, delivering a crushing blow to the Kansas City Chiefs and their undefeated season. The Chiefs, led by MVP frontrunner Patrick Mahomes, were primed to extend their perfect record but were outclassed by a Bills team that seemed to have their number.
The Bills’ defense was opportunistic, shutting down Mahomes’ attempts to ignite the offense. Meanwhile, Josh Allen, who continues to solidify his case for MVP, played with precision, leading Buffalo to a 24-20 victory. This win also gave the Bills a major boost in the AFC standings, as they now sit in contention for the top seed, which would grant them home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Key Takeaway: The Bills have proven they can hang with the league’s best and, if they maintain this level of play, could be primed for a deep playoff run.
It’s safe to say the Denver Broncos are turning things around after a rocky start to the season. In Week 11, the Broncos delivered an absolute thrashing to the Atlanta Falcons, winning 38-6. Quarterback Russell Wilson was efficient, and the defense suffocated Atlanta’s offense, with standout performances across the board.
Most notably, rookie quarterback Brock Purdy, formerly of the Oregon Ducks, continued to impress with his solid play. While he’s not yet in the Offensive Rookie of the Year conversation, Purdy is quickly becoming a dependable signal-caller. This win also placed the Broncos back into playoff contention, showing that they are a team to watch as the season progresses.
Key Takeaway: The Broncos are on the rise, and with their strong defense and improving offense, they could make a push for a playoff spot in a crowded AFC.
The Detroit Lions’ offensive display in their 48-10 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars was nothing short of historic. The Lions scored on all seven of their opening drives, with the first team offense absolutely steamrolling the Jaguars’ defense. Jared Goff was nearly flawless, showing the accuracy and poise that has been a hallmark of his game in 2024.
The Lions’ running back duo of Jamaal Williams and David Montgomery also shredded the Jacksonville defense, making this the most efficient offensive performance in the NFL this season. With this win, Detroit solidified its position as one of the NFC’s top teams and could be a serious threat come playoff time.
Key Takeaway: The Lions are firing on all cylinders and could be poised for a deep postseason run if their offense continues to click.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson bounced back in a big way in Week 11 after being benched for a couple of games. In his first start since being sidelined, Richardson turned in his best performance of the season, leading the Colts to a 26-25 victory over the New York Jets.
Richardson was decisive, completing passes with accuracy and showing off his ability to read the defense and respond to blitzes. His ability to manage the game in a high-pressure situation, especially after being benched, demonstrated his growth and maturity as a rookie. Reports also indicate that Richardson has been putting in extra time at the facility, arriving early to work on his game.
Key Takeaway: Richardson is rapidly developing into one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the NFL, and the future looks bright for the Colts with him under center.
Derrick Henry, once thought to have a clear hold on the Offensive Player of the Year award, now faces a challenge from the likes of Jamar Chase and Saquon Barkley, both of whom have been stellar in recent weeks. However, Henry’s steady performances continue to put him in the conversation as the most dominant running back in the NFL.
Despite a couple of quiet games in recent weeks, Henry remains a force, leading the Tennessee Titans with consistency and physicality. He has maintained his status as one of the league’s most dangerous players, capable of changing the course of a game with a single play.
Key Takeaway: The Offensive Player of the Year race is far from decided, and it’s clear that Henry remains a top contender.
Losers of Week 11: Teams Facing Reality
The Cleveland Browns had a chance to assert themselves as legitimate contenders this season, but their 24-20 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday was a blow to their playoff hopes. The Browns’ defense, which has been a strength all season, failed to show up, and Myles Garrett, typically a game-wrecker, had an uncharacteristic quiet game.
This loss leaves the Browns questioning whether they can truly compete in a loaded AFC, especially with their playoff chances hanging by a thread. Cleveland needs to regroup fast to stay in the hunt for a wildcard spot.
Key Takeaway: If the Browns want to make the playoffs, they must improve their consistency, particularly on defense.
It’s official: Daniel Jones’ time as the starting quarterback for the New York Giants is over. After being benched in favor of backup Tommy DeVito, Jones finds himself relegated to third-string duties. Once viewed as a potential long-term solution for the Giants, Jones has struggled mightily this season and may have played his last snap as a starter in the NFL.
This marks a sad chapter in the career of a quarterback who, just a few years ago, seemed on the verge of breaking out. Now, Jones is left to figure out his future, likely as a backup, after failing to live up to expectations in New York.
Key Takeaway: Daniel Jones’ future in the NFL is uncertain, and it appears that his tenure with the Giants has come to an end.
The Dallas Cowboys were once again a focal point of the NFL world, but their 26-24 loss to the Houston Texans in Week 11 raised more questions than answers. On top of the loss, the team’s stadium suffered damage, with two tiles falling from the roof prior to the game. This symbolized the state of the team, as injuries and internal strife continue to plague the Cowboys.
The loss to the Texans, coupled with poor performances on both sides of the ball, left many wondering whether the Cowboys are primed for another early postseason exit. With the team seemingly falling apart, it may be time for Dallas to re-evaluate their approach moving forward.
Key Takeaway: The Cowboys have a lot to fix if they want to be taken seriously in the NFC playoff race.
Conclusion: Week 11 Was a Turning Point
Week 11 served as a reminder that the NFL is a league of highs and lows, where fortunes can change in an instant. The Buffalo Bills’ win over the Chiefs will be remembered as one of the most important of the season, while young quarterbacks like Anthony Richardson showed that the future of the NFL is in good hands. Meanwhile, teams like the Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys must figure out how to bounce back from disappointing defeats.
As we head into the final stretch of the regular season, these results will have a profound impact on playoff races and team dynamics. Stay tuned for more updates as teams continue to vie for a chance to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
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