What a thrilling rollercoaster ride Week 11 turned out to be in the NFL, where a single matchup has the power to flip the script on legacies and playoff dreams alike—think Chiefs dynasty on the brink, Broncos soaring, and debates raging hotter than a fourth-quarter comeback. But here's where it gets controversial: are we overhyping these moments, or is the league's unpredictability finally catching up to us? Stick around, because we'll dissect the biggest reactions, separate fact from frenzy, and maybe leave you questioning your own takes on these gridiron giants.
*
Dan Graziano Dec 15, 2025, 11:45 PM ET
Close
Dan Graziano serves as ESPN's top NFL national reporter, keeping tabs on every corner of the league and delivering the latest breaking stories. He also lends his voice to shows like Get Up, NFL Live, SportsCenter, ESPN Radio, Sunday NFL Countdown, and Fantasy Football Now. Hailing from New Jersey, Dan joined ESPN back in 2011 and has even penned a couple of novels in his free time.
DENVER -- In the opening half, the Chiefs and Broncos danced around each other like skilled boxers, fully aware of the high stakes and dodging any costly blunders. The scoreboard read a tied 6-6 at intermission—merely field goals from each side, offering no clues about the eventual winner.
As the second half unfolded, they unleashed powerful blows and racked up touchdowns, culminating in a timeless rivalry showdown. The turning point came courtesy of Broncos defender Ja'Quan McMillian, who notched his second sack of the contest along with a pick, paving the way for Broncos kicker Wil Lutz to seal a 35-yard field goal as the clock hit zero, giving Denver a hard-fought 22-19 triumph.
Interestingly, it mirrored the exact same field goal distance Lutz attempted and blocked last season in Kansas City, which dealt the Broncos their most agonizing defeat of 2024. Yet, this is a new chapter. Denver went 1-6 in close games last year but boasts a 7-2 record in them so far this season. Meanwhile, the Chiefs were undefeated at 11-0 in one-score tilts last year, but they're now 0-5 in such contests this time around.
"I'd be dishonest if I claimed this wasn't a monumental victory," Broncos head coach Sean Payton remarked post-game. Considering the rich history and unique circumstances, it might just be the most significant win for any squad in Week 11.
With their bye week looming, the Broncos now lead the AFC West by two games over the Chargers and hold a 3.5-game edge on the Chiefs, who've claimed the division crown for nine straight years, with six matches remaining in their schedule. As we sift through Week 11's exaggerated responses to determine which might endure and which are illusory, Denver feels like the natural starting point.
Jump to:
Chiefs' AFC West dominance coming to an end? (https://www.espn.com/nfl/story//id/46988497/nfl-week-11-overreactions-fantasy-josh-allen-myles-garrett-rams-afc-west#afcwest)
Chargers' offensive line dooming their playoff hopes? (https://www.espn.com/nfl/story//id/46988497/nfl-week-11-overreactions-fantasy-josh-allen-myles-garrett-rams-afc-west#chargers)
Allen poised to reclaim MVP honors again? (https://www.espn.com/nfl/story//id/46988497/nfl-week-11-overreactions-fantasy-josh-allen-myles-garrett-rams-afc-west#allen)
Rams boasting their strongest squad since Stafford arrived? (https://www.espn.com/nfl/story//id/46988497/nfl-week-11-overreactions-fantasy-josh-allen-myles-garrett-rams-afc-west#rams)
Garrett destined to obliterate the single-season sacks mark? (https://www.espn.com/nfl/story//id/46988497/nfl-week-11-overreactions-fantasy-josh-allen-myles-garrett-rams-afc-west#garrett)
Fantasy buzz and overblown expectations (https://www.espn.com/nfl/story//id/46988497/nfl-week-11-overreactions-fantasy-josh-allen-myles-garrett-rams-afc-west#fantasy)
The Chiefs' streak of AFC West titles is finally at an end
Kansas City not only sits at 5-5, but they've dropped consecutive games to strong AFC foes Buffalo and Denver. These losses sandwiched their bye week, making Sunday's outcome all the more stunning as it drops coach Andy Reid's post-bye mark to 22-5.
Heading into Week 12, the Chiefs find themselves peering in from outside the playoff bubble. They're just one game back of the Jaguars, who currently occupy the seventh seed in a hypothetical postseason bracket, but their defeat to Jacksonville effectively puts them two games behind in practical terms.
play
Broncos clinch victory with Wil Lutz's decisive FG at game's end
The Broncos defeat the Chiefs thanks to a game-winning field goal from Wil Lutz as time expires.
VERDICT: NOT AN OVERREACTION
The Chiefs face an uphill battle just to snag a wildcard berth. Sunday's defeat renders the calculations for extending their division reign to a full decade exceedingly challenging. They also trail the second-place Chargers by 1.5 games in the AFC West and fell to them in Week 1, meaning they'd be disadvantaged in a head-to-head tiebreaker—although they do square off against both the Chargers and Broncos once more. But the core reason this reaction isn't exaggerated lies in Denver's well-earned respect.
Granted, second-year signal-caller Bo Nix can be unpredictable, but his clutch play in the final frame provides a solid base as he matures into a steadier presence. Denver's defense, moreover, is undeniably Super Bowl-caliber, accumulating three additional sacks on Sunday to reach a jaw-dropping 49 through 11 games, positioning them to surpass the 1984 Bears' single-season benchmark. They're a formidable opponent, even without Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II and standout tackler Alex Singleton, who missed the game.
If defensive coordinator Vance Joseph's unit sustains this level of excellence, the offense can carry on its boom-and-bust style while engineering fourth-quarter rescues. The Broncos have secured eight straight victories, starting each from behind. This defines their identity and winning formula, leaving them in prime position entering their break.
The Chargers' offensive line troubles will sideline them from the playoffs
Chargers QB Justin Herbert struggled mightily in a 35-6 drubbing at the hands of the Jaguars on Sunday. It was inevitable sooner or later. With both primary offensive tackles sidelined for the entire season—one, Rashawn Slater, out since preseason—Herbert has endured relentless punishment yet continued to perform admirably amid the chaos. But on Sunday, the floodgates opened.
Prior to his early fourth-quarter substitution for Trey Lance, with the contest already decided, Herbert faced pressure on 11 of his 23 dropbacks—a 48% rate, his second-highest of the campaign. The Chargers stand at 7-4 and would claim the AFC's sixth seed if playoffs commenced now. They enjoy a bye next week, affording Herbert recovery time. However, they'll emerge from it grappling with the identical tackle predicament, which bodes poorly.
Verdict: NOT AN OVERREACTION
Contenders like the Texans, Chiefs, and Ravens—all accustomed to playoff appearances—hover at 5-5, poised to snatch spots from faltering teams. Baltimore has regained its form after a sluggish start and remains in contention for its division crown. Yet, all three could still qualify, potentially displacing squads such as the AFC North-leading Steelers, the 6-4 Jaguars, and the Chargers.
Los Angeles faces its next trio of opponents—the Raiders, Eagles, and Chiefs—all capable of bombarding the passer. The Chargers get a momentary reprieve in Week 16 versus Dallas' secondary but conclude with clashes against the Texans and Broncos, often cited as the NFL's top two defensive units. How can the Chargers shield Herbert for the remaining six gameweeks?
Josh Allen will capture his second consecutive MVP trophy
The Bills' QB and reigning NFL MVP shone brilliantly in a 44-32 win against the Buccaneers on Sunday. Allen contributed to six total scores—three via the air and three on the ground—while passing for 317 yards and rushing for 40. This was a scenario demanding superheroics from Allen, and he delivered spectacularly.
He connected with nine distinct receivers. His top target was Tyrell Shavers, a pleasant surprise for those who anticipated it. Gabe Davis, fresh off not being on the roster last week, hauled in three balls for 40 yards. It embodied a classic Allen-led rescue, a high-scoring duel with Baker Mayfield and Tampa Bay. The Bills desperately needed the victory following their Week 10 upset loss to Miami, and Allen secured it.
Verdict: OVERREACTION
Allen also tossed two picks on Sunday, elevating his season count to seven—one more than his entire 2024 total. He's shown a bit more inconsistency this year compared to last. That's understandable; Allen and the Bills' attack operated like a well-oiled machine in 2024. But they're chasing the Patriots in the AFC East and haven't meshed as seamlessly as desired.
There's still opportunity ahead. Buffalo could overtake New England, Allen might end on a hot streak, and he's unquestionably talented enough to claim a second straight MVP. Yet, amidst competitors like Matthew Stafford, Drake Maye, and even Jonathan Taylor performing at elite levels, it appears Allen hasn't distanced himself sufficiently from the MVP contenders. And this is the part most people miss: does the league's talent depth make individual brilliance harder to isolate?
The Rams represent the pinnacle of the Matthew Stafford tenure
The Rams edged the Seahawks 21-19 in Sunday's other major afternoon clash, elevating their record to 8-2 and claiming sole first in the NFC West, outpacing 7-3 Seattle by a game and 7-4 San Francisco by 1.5. They boast a top-five defense and offense, with Stafford in phenomenal form this season. He's strung together 273 consecutive passes without an interception, amassing 27 touchdowns against just two picks. The Rams feature a dominant rushing attack through their three-tight-end sets and can triumph via multiple avenues.
Verdict: OVERREACTION
This isn't merely about comparing to their 2021 Super Bowl-winning squad; Stafford didn't dazzle on Sunday, going 15-for-28 for 130 yards. Seattle amassed 414 yards to LA's 249. The Rams converted just 2 of 11 third downs. They're an excellent team and could be the NFC frontrunner after this win (barring Sunday night's Lions-Eagles outcome), but the 2021 edition featured Cooper Kupp's record-breaking receiving campaign, bolstered by midseason additions Odell Beckham Jr. and Von Miller, plus a healthy Aaron Donald.
Could this current Rams group match those peaks? Absolutely, but they lack comparable star appeal, and Sunday's narrow victory hinged on four Seattle turnovers and a missed 61-yard field goal. Seattle isn't done contesting the NFC West crown. But here's where it gets controversial: is Stafford's interception streak more about opponent mistakes than genius, or a true testament to his late-career revival?
Myles Garrett poised to demolish the all-time single-season sacks record
The Browns fell to the Ravens on Sunday, hardly shocking news. At 2-8, Cleveland loses frequently. Yet, Garrett's standout campaign demands acknowledgment. He collected four sacks on the day, pushing his total to 15 and 10 over his last three outings. He's projected to end with 25.5, far surpassing the 22.5 mark held by Michael Strahan (2001) and T.J. Watt (2021).
play
Myles Garrett achieves NFL milestone by sacking Lamar Jackson
Myles Garrett brings down Lamar Jackson, marking the first time a player has recorded at least 12 sacks in six straight seasons.
Verdict: NOT AN OVERREACTION
What's there to doubt? Garrett thrives regardless of his surroundings—his squad need not be leading, and he excels against double coverage. Cleveland's upcoming slate includes the Raiders, 49ers, Titans, and Bears, all with vulnerable quarterbacks.
Garrett has little motivation beyond accumulating sacks. With a lucrative long-term deal secured, he recognizes the Browns' ongoing rebuild. Pile up those sacks, Myles. Forge your legacy. Ensure fans recall you as perhaps the league's premier talent during a period when your team couldn't advance you near the playoffs. For beginners wondering, sacks are tackles that result in a loss of yards for the offense, often by pressuring the QB—think of it as the ultimate defensive disruption.
Quick fantasy buzz and exaggerated claims
*
Sean Tucker deserves a spot on every roster across all leagues. NOT AN OVERREACTION. This holds true, at least until we learn more about Bucky Irving's return timeline. Tucker is outperforming Rachaad White in rushing and should maintain his role after Sunday's breakout.
*
Tetairoa McMillan will be the WR1 from here on out. OVERREACTION. He's talented, but the QB situation in Carolina isn't ideal. Can Bryce Young consistently throw for 448 yards weekly? McMillan fits into lineups, yet Carolina's scheme emphasizes running, and he lacks the reliability for top WR status.
*
Nico Collins stands as the sole reliable starter from the Texans. NOT AN OVERREACTION. Running back Woody Marks remains largely a pass-catch option in their system, and with Davis Mills under center, it's unwise to heavily invest in their aerial attack—even when C.J. Stroud was there, it wasn't exceptional. But both Stroud and Mills prioritize targeting Collins and have demonstrated they can deliver the ball to him.
*
Now's the time to acquire Shedeur Sanders in dynasty formats! OVERREACTION. The Browns possess two top draft picks next season and only inserted Sanders after Dillon Gabriel's Week 11 injury. Sanders managed 4-of-16 for 47 yards and a pick. Are you committing to that performance?
*
John Metchie III warrants a low-risk add with Garrett Wilson sidelined for the Jets. OVERREACTION. Perhaps the Jets' passing game might perk up if they turn to backup Tyrod Taylor. Still, that's speculative, and we're uncertain if they'll pivot. Moreover, despite some Thursday night fumbles, Adonai Mitchell appears to be the Jets' go-to wideout.
What do you think—has the NFL's unpredictability made overreactions inevitable, or should fans demand more restraint? Is Garrett's sack pursuit a sign of individual brilliance triumphing over team mediocrity, or just a byproduct of weak matchups? Share your thoughts in the comments below—do you agree with these verdicts, or do you see a counterpoint brewing? Let's debate!
