Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season was a showcase of individual highs and troubling lows. Dak Prescott delivered a near-perfect performance, Jalen Hurts faced growing scrutiny, and Luke Musgrave continued his quiet rise in Green Bay. But not all eyes were on veterans—rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s outing for the Vikings raised questions about his trajectory. Let’s dive into some fan questions that might have landed in my inbox this week.
Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season was a showcase of individual highs and troubling lows. Dak Prescott delivered a near-perfect performance, Jalen Hurts faced growing scrutiny, and Luke Musgrave continued his quiet rise in Green Bay. But not all eyes were on veterans—rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s outing for the Vikings raised questions about his trajectory. Let’s dive into some fan questions that might have landed in my inbox this week.
Who was the top performer of Week 12?
Dak Prescott takes the crown. In Dallas’ 31–28 win over Philadelphia, Prescott threw for 387 yards and four touchdowns, completing 72% of his passes with a passer rating of 134.6. He led three scoring drives in the second half, erasing a 10-point deficit and tightening the NFC East race. Prescott now ranks third in the league in QBR and has thrown 12 touchdowns in his last four games, solidifying his MVP candidacy.
Should Eagles fans be worried about Jalen Hurts?
There’s growing reason for concern. Hurts threw two interceptions and lost a fumble in the loss to Dallas, and postgame reports hinted at locker room tension. Over his last three games, Hurts has five interceptions and is averaging just 6.8 yards per attempt. While the Eagles remain atop the division, their 1–2 record in that stretch and internal friction could threaten their postseason momentum.
Any breakout stars we should keep an eye on?
Luke Musgrave of the Packers is emerging as a reliable weapon. He posted seven catches for 102 yards and a touchdown in Green Bay’s 27–20 win over Minnesota. Musgrave has averaged over five receptions per game since Week 9 and is becoming Jordan Love’s go-to target on third downs. If the Packers stay in the playoff hunt, Musgrave’s role will only grow.
Should we be concerned about J.J. McCarthy and Bryce Young?
Yes—and the concerns are starting to converge. J.J. McCarthy’s Week 12 outing for the Vikings was rough: 17-of-33 passing (51.5%) for 189 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. His passer rating of 62.4 was the lowest among rookie starters this week, and his inability to stretch the field—just 5.7 yards per attempt—was glaring.
Bryce Young, meanwhile, continues to struggle with consistency in Carolina. He completed 19-of-31 passes for 178 yards and no touchdowns in a 20–13 loss to Tampa Bay. His QBR ranks 28th in the league, and he’s averaging just 6.1 yards per attempt on the season.
Both quarterbacks are dealing with shaky offensive lines and limited weapons, but the learning curve is steep. McCarthy is still acclimating to NFL speed, while Young—now in his second year—is facing questions about his ceiling. Neither situation is panic-worthy yet, but fans hoping for immediate franchise-turning results may need to recalibrate expectations.
Week 12 reminded us that individual brilliance can elevate a team, while growing pains can expose weaknesses. As December approaches, the spotlight intensifies—not just on stars like Prescott, Mahomes, and McCaffrey, but on young quarterbacks trying to prove they belong.
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