Every weekend in the NFL, elements that draw our attention relate to the forces present, the records that are within reach, or certain historical milestones. For the twelfth week of activity, here are five elements to look out for.
• Also read: Our NFL predictions for Week 12: The Steelers aren’t out of the woods yet
• Also read: NFL: Jets offense hits historic lows
1. Myles Garrett dominates
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Browns defensive end Myles Garrett continues to destroy everything in front of him. He leads the NFL with 13 sacks and if he adds two more against the Broncos, he will join Reggie White (from 1986 to 1988) as the only players to have 15 sacks or more in three consecutive seasons. With a sack against the Broncos, he will become the fourth player in history to record at least one sack in 60 games in his first seven seasons. The others are DeMarcus Ware (Cowboys, 68 games), Reggie White (Eagles, 63 games) and Von Miller (Broncos, 61 games).
2. A breath of fresh air
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It’s rare, but the Browns (7-3), Lions (9-2), Texans (6-4) and Jaguars (7-3) are all in first or second place in their respective divisions. This is the first time since the Texans’ first season in the league in 2002 that these four teams, not accustomed to winning, have each posted at least six wins as of Week 12. Overall, we have to note that the Browns haven’t won a division title since 1989 and the Lions haven’t won since 1993. They’re clearly in the middle of the pack this year.
3. In his old home
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The Bills and the Eagles will cross swords in one of the good matchups of the week. It will be something of a homecoming for Bills head coach Sean McDermott in Philadelphia, where he was part of the Eagles’ coaching staff from 2001 to 2010 when he began his career. The Eagles are joined by the three undefeated teams at home this season, the Dolphins and Cowboys. Quarterbacks Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts lead the NFL in total touchdowns. Allen has 29 (22 passing and 7 rushing), while Hurst has 24 (15 passing and 9 rushing).
4. A young connection
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Much has been made about quarterback CJ Stroud’s exceptional rookie season with the Texans, but what about the duo he forms with another rookie, receiver Tank Dell? Dell is second among all rookie receivers with 659 yards and six touchdowns. That means only five rookie quarterback and receiver tandems in history have combined for more than Stroud’s six touchdown passes to Dell. The record was nine, shared by Jim Plunkett and Randy Vataha (Patriots, 1971) and Charlie Conerly and Bill Swiacki (Giants, 1948).
5. Death of Kick returns
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For many years, kickoff returns were among the most spectacular plays in the NFL. Devin Hester, Cordarrelle Patterson and Dante Hall have earned enviable reputations for their abilities as punt returners. Unfortunately, in recent years the NFL has moved to classify this game as too dangerous and has opted for rules that reduce the number of returns made to a minimum. Prior to Week 12, there were 1,629 kickoffs and only two were returned for touchdowns. There are only six returns that have exceeded the 50 mark.