NFL Week 11 recap: 49ers beat Cardinals; Cowboys dominate Vikings

Career moments defined the early Week 11 slate.

Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson set an NFL record with his ninth career kickoff return touchdown. Patterson scored a 103-yard touchdown in the Falcons 27-24 victory over the Chicago Bears.

Detroit Lions standout Jamaal Williams also had a big day. He scored three rushing touchdowns as the Lions upset the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Williams finished with 64 rushing yards on 17 carries.

Around the league, the New England Patriots extended their 14-game winning streak against the New York Jets. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles improved to 9-1 after rebounding against the Indianapolis Colts.

In the afternoon window, the Dallas Cowboys steamrolled the Minnesota Vikings. The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers took center stage on Sunday night where Patrick Mahomes and company grabbed another narrow victory.

Week 11 concluded with the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals playing in Mexico City. The game was the final installment in the 2022 NFL International Series this season.

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Here's a rundown of all the Week 11 action.

Tennessee Titans 27, Green Bay Packers 17

Briefly: The Titans rolled into Lambeau Field for Thursday Night Football and left with a huge victory. They improved to 7-3 behind the heroics of running back Derrick Henry. The 6-foot-3, 247-pound standout rushed for 87 yards on 28 carries. He accounted for two scores.  The Packers have lost six of their last seven games. Green Bay was held in check with just 271 total yards. However, rookie receiver Christian Watson continued his hot streak. He finished with four receptions for 48 yards and two scores. He now has five touchdowns in his last two games.

One highlight to know: Titans running back Derrick Henry threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Austin Hooper in the third quarter. Henry faked a halfback dive and executed a jump pass to Hooper as he walked into the end zone.

Next up: The Titans host the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12. The Packers play the Philadelphia Eagles next Sunday night.

Baltimore Ravens 13, Carolina Panthers 3

Briefly: The Ravens scored 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to defeat the Panthers on Sunday. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson led the way with 240 total yards and a rushing touchdown. The Ravens defense stood tall as well. Baltimore forced three turnovers and sacked Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield four times. Carolina was held to just 36 rushing yards and fell to 3-8 on the season.

One highlight to know: Ravens cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey teamed up to force a fourth-quarter turnover. Peters tackled Panthers receiver Shi Smith and forced a fumble. Humphrey recovered and set up the go-ahead touchdown.

Next up: The Panthers will play the Denver Broncos in Week 12. The Ravens will face the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Atlanta Falcons 27, Chicago Bears 24

Briefly: Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson set an NFL record with his ninth career kickoff return touchdown. Patterson returned the kickoff 103 yards and raced into the history books. The play led to the Falcons scoring 17 unanswered points en route to victory. Bears quarterback Justin Fields accounted for 238 total yards and two touchdowns (one rushing) in his return to Atlanta.

One highlight to know: Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson scored a 103-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the second quarter. The touchdown was the ninth of his NFL career as he passed Leon Washington and Joshua Cribbs in the record books.

Next up: The Falcons play the Washington Commanders in Week 12. The Bears face the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.

Philadelphia Eagles 17, Indianapolis Colts 16

Briefly: Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts capped a late fourth-quarter drive with a go-ahead 7-yard touchdown. Hurts finished with 86 rushing yards to lead the backfield group. Philadelphia rebounded from a 10-point deficit to improve to 9-1 on the season. Indianapolis dropped their first game under interim head coach Jeff Saturday. Colts running back Jonathan Taylor added 84 yards and a touchdown in the loss.

One highlight to know: With 1:23 remaining in the game, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts scored a 7-yard touchdown. Hurts rushed up the middle untouched to propel the Eagles to victory.

Next up: The Eagles play the Green Bay Packers in Week 12. The Colts host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium.

New England Patriots 10, New York Jets 3

Briefly: The Patriots won their 14th consecutive game against the Jets in grand fashion. Late in the fourth quarter, Patriots defensive back Marcus Jones scored a game-winning 84-yard punt return for a touchdown. It was the lone score in a defensive struggle between both teams. The Jets were held to just 103 total yards and averaged 2.1 yards per play.

One highlight to know: Patriots defensive back Marcus Jones turned in a heroic effort against the Jets. Jones raced past the Jets special teams' unit as he headed to the end zone. It was the first NFL touchdown for the talented rookie.

Next up: The Jets play the Chicago Bears in Week 12. The Patriots face the Minnesota Vikings on Thanksgiving.

Detroit Lions 31, New York Giants 18

Briefly: The Lions won their third consecutive game against the Giants. Lions running back Jamaal Williams scored three touchdowns to lead the way. Conversely, Giants superstar Saquon Barkley was held in check with 22 yards on 15 carries. Daniel Jones also threw two interceptions in the upset loss. In a tight NFC playoff race, the Lions are sitting at 4-6 and right in the mix.

One highlight to know: Lions rookie defensive back Kerby Joseph intercepted Giants quarterback Daniel Jones in the third quarter. It was his third interception in three weeks.

Next up: The Lions play the Buffalo Bills in their annual Thanksgiving game. The Giants also play on Thursday against the Dallas Cowboys.

Washington Commanders 23, Houston Texans 10

Briefly: The Commanders won their fourth consecutive road game against the Texans to improve to 6-5 this season. Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke completed 15 of 27 passes for 191 yards. However, it was the Washington defense that set the tone as cornerback Kendall Fuller scored a 37-yard interception return. The Texans dynamic rushing attack was grounded. Texans rookie Dameon Pierce was limited to eight rushing yards on 10 carries.

One highlight to know: Commanders cornerback Kendall Fuller started the game in a big way. He intercepted Texans quarterback Davis Mills to get the Commanders on the board in the first quarter. The interception return set the tone for the remainder of the game.

Next up: The Commanders host the Atlanta Falcons in Week 12. The Texans play the Miami Dolphins.

Buffalo Bills 31, Cleveland Browns 23

Briefly: The Bills overcame a stressful week to defeat the Browns. Buffalo relied on standout kicker Tyler Bass to carry the scoring load. Bass made six field goals, including a 56-yarder in the third quarter. The Browns got a strong effort from quarterback Jacoby Brissett. The talented backup completed 28 of 41 passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns. However, the Bills held the Browns backfield in check. Cleveland running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt were held to 51 yards on 19 carries.

One highlight to know: Bills receiver Stefon Diggs hauled in a 5-yard touchdown from Josh Allen in the second quarter. The touchdown gave the Bills an early lead as they held on to win the game.

Next up: The Bills face the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving. The Browns host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

New Orleans Saints 27, Los Angeles Rams 20

Briefly: The Rams continued their disappointing start to the 2022 season. It was a difficult performance that was compounded by starting quarterback Matthew Stafford being evaluated with a head injury. The Saints pulled out the victory behind quarterback Andy Dalton. The journeyman signal-caller completed 21 of 25 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns. The Saints outscored the Rams 17-6 in the second half to improve to 4-7 on the season.

One highlight to know: Saints receiver Chris Olave hauled in a 53-yard reception in the third quarter. He finished with five catches for 102 yards and a touchdown.

Next up: The Saints face the San Francisco 49ers in Week 12. The Rams play the Kansas City Chiefs.

Las Vegas Raiders 22, Denver Broncos 16

Briefly: The Broncos had their third overtime game of the season. For the Raiders, this matchup was their second. Denver took an early 10-0 lead, but Daniel Carlson made three field goals, including a career-long 57-yard score in the fourth quarter for the Raiders. Derek Carr found his college teammate Davante Adams for two touchdowns as Las Vegas took its third win of the season, two of which come at the hands of their AFC West rivals.

One highlight to know: In the extra period, Carr marched his team down the field, capping off the winning drive with a 35-yard touchdown pass to Adams, who waved his adieu to the crowd.

Next up: The Raiders travel north to face the Seattle Seahawks, who will be fresh off their bye. The Broncos will seek to rebound against the Carolina Panthers.

Dallas Cowboys 40, Minnesota Vikings 3

Briefly: In what was anticipated as a matchup of the NFC's elite, the Dallas Cowboys steamrolled the Minnesota Vikings, handing them only their second loss of the season. The game marked the return of Ezekiel Elliott, who missed the last two matchups with a knee injury. The Pro Bowler had 15 carries for 42 yards and two touchdowns. Kicker Brett Maher made four field goals, including two 60-yard scores. He now has four 60-yard field goals in his career, the most in NFL history. The Vikings were held to 183 yards of offense and the Dallas defense thrashed Kirk Cousins, sacking him seven times.

One highlight to know: On third and 14,Tony Pollard caught a 68-yard touchdown pass from Dak Prescott to cap off the first possession after the break. The score put the Cowboys up 30-3 and showed they were prepared to keep their foot on the gas the entire game.

Next up: The Cowboys have the next chapter of their Thanksgiving tradition against the New York Giants. The Vikings also play on Thursday and host the New England Patriots.

Cincinnati Bengals 37, Pittsburgh Steelers 30

Briefly: The Cincinnati Bengals got revenge for their Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bengals outscored their AFC North rival 20-10 in the second half, which was the difference. Despite losing running back Joe Mixon to a concussion, Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow went 24-of-39 for 355 yards for four touchdowns and two interceptions. Najee Harris, who's struggled with his own injuries, had two scores on the ground for the Steelers.

One highlight to know: Samaje Perine had three of Burrow's touchdown scores. His third one came in the fourth quarter, a 6-yard catch that put the Bengals up two scores and essentially sealed the victory.

Next up: The Bengals travel to face the Tennessee Titans, who have won seven of their last eight games. The Steelers have a Monday night matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

Kansas City Chiefs 30, Los Angeles Chargers 27

Briefly: In a tightly contested AFC West matchup, Patrick Mahomes connected with Travis Kelce for three touchdowns to lift the Kansas City Chiefs over the Los Angeles Chargers. They spoiled Keenan Allen's return as the Chiefs defense sacked Justin Herbert five times, the most the Chargers quarterback has been taken down in a game. A combined three turnovers in the second half kept the momentum swinging until the very end.

One highlight to know: One of the Chiefs' two takeaways allowed them to close the game in victory formation. With 26 seconds left, the defensive line rushed Justin Herbert out of the pocket. The quarterback threw a last-ditch effort to Keenan Allen, which bounced off the chest of Deon Bush and into the hands of Nick Bolton, which squashed any hopes of a win for the Bolts.

Next up: The Chiefs take their four-game winning streak against the Los Angels Rams. The Chargers travel to face the Arizona Cardinals.

San Francisco 49ers 38, Arizona Cardinals 10

Briefly: Kyler Murray was sidelined with an injury for the second straight game for the Arizona Cardinals, which left the door open for Jimmy Garoppolo to play the role of superstar quarterback. He had four touchdown passes for the San Francisco 49ers, splitting his scores between George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk. Colt McCoy went 24-of-34 for 218 yards and an interception in his attempt to beat the NFC West foes twice in a row.

One highlight to know:  Although the 49ers offense racked up 387 yards, their defense ensured that the Cardinals could not keep up. Nick Bosa made a statement at the end of the first half by sacking Colt McCoy, giving him 10.5 sacks in nine games.

Next up: The 49ers host the Saints to start a three-game home stand. The Cardinals host the Los Angeles Chargers.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL Week 11 recap: 49ers beat Cardinals; Cowboys dominate Vikings