NFL QB Index, Week 12: Patrick Mahomes Slips Out of Top Four After Bills Hand Chiefs First Loss
The Kansas City Chiefs suffered their first loss of the season in Week 12, falling to the Buffalo Bills 24-20 in a thrilling overtime battle. The defeat had a significant impact on the NFL QB Index, with Patrick Mahomes slipping out of the top four for the first time this season.
Mahomes’ Struggles Against Bills Defense
Mahomes had a challenging day against the Bills’ stout defense, completing just 25 of 49 passes for 225 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The Bills’ pass rush, led by Von Miller and Greg Rousseau, pressured Mahomes throughout the game, sacking him three times and forcing him to make several hurried throws. Mahomes’ struggles were evident on the Chiefs’ final drive of regulation, when he was intercepted by Bills safety Jordan Poyer with just over two minutes remaining.
Bills’ Defense Rises to the Occasion
The Bills’ defense deserves immense credit for its performance against Mahomes. Miller and Rousseau were relentless in their pursuit of the Chiefs’ quarterback, while Poyer made a game-changing play with his interception. The Bills’ secondary also did an excellent job limiting the Chiefs’ receiving corps, holding star wide receiver Tyreek Hill to just three catches for 27 yards. The Bills’ defense has now held opponents to 20 points or less in six of their last seven games.
Tua Tagovailoa Continues to Impress
While Mahomes struggled, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa continued his impressive season. Tagovailoa led the Dolphins to a 30-24 victory over the Houston Texans, completing 22 of 36 passes for 299 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Tagovailoa has now thrown for over 250 yards in six of his last seven games, establishing himself as one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the league. The Dolphins’ offense, which also features wide receivers Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, is averaging over 26 points per game this season.
Other Notable Quarterback Performances
- Josh Allen (Bills): Completed 27 of 40 passes for 329 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Allen led the Bills to a come-from-behind victory over the Chiefs, showcasing his ability to make big plays when his team needs them most.
- Justin Fields (Bears): Completed 17 of 28 passes for 254 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Fields also rushed for 82 yards on 15 carries, leading the Bears to a 31-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Fields’ dual-threat ability makes him one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the NFL.
- Dak Prescott (Cowboys): Completed 27 of 35 passes for 261 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Prescott led the Cowboys to a 40-34 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, extending their winning streak to three games. Prescott’s steady play has been a key factor in the Cowboys’ resurgence this season.
Updated QB Index Top Five
- Josh Allen, Bills
- Joe Burrow, Bengals
- Justin Fields, Bears
- Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins
- Dak Prescott, Cowboys
The NFL QB Index is a weekly ranking of the league’s top quarterbacks based on their performance in the current season. The index takes into account a variety of factors, including passing yards, touchdowns, interceptions, completion percentage, and quarterback rating.