Top 5 performances for Alabama football in the NFL Week 12

Alabama football fans needed a pick-me-up on Sunday following the Crimson Tide's deflating defeat in Norman on Saturday night. Sundays tend to provide a reminder of what used to be, something that has been sorely needed this season.

It was a big Sunday in the NFL for quite a few former Alabama players. Alabama extended its ridiculous touchdown streak to 96 consecutive weeks in the NFL, a mark that has to be a record.

Packers safety Xavier McKinney picked up his 7th interception of the season, tying the league lead. Derrick Henry rushed for over 100 yards once again for the Ravens on Monday night. Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 90 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the Lions' win.

None of those guys made the list this week. That's how competitive it is week-to-week.

Top 5 Alabama football players in the NFL Week 12

5. Will Anderson

After missing three games, Will Anderson made his return for the Houston Texans on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. It was a losing effort for Houston, but Anderson picked up right where he left off.

Anderson sacked Titans QB Will Levis twice. That puts him fifth in the NFL in sacks with a new career high of 9.5. He's two sacks off of the league lead and has made a case for Defensive Player of the Year in just his second season in the league.

The Terminator as he was aptly nicknamed during his Alabama career is already a star in this league. He's also just getting started.

4. Bryce Young

In Sunday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Bryce Young might have played the best game of his NFL career. He was left for dead and benched in Carolina just two games into his second season in the league. The Panthers seemed to have zero confidence in the former No. 1 pick, and his future in the league was uncertain.

But an injury to Andy Dalton opened the door back up and Young has now started four games in a row, leading the Panthers to a 2-2 record. Carolina had won back-to-back games heading into Sunday's matchup with the two-time defending Super Bowl champions.

Young completed 21/35 passing for 262 yards and a touchdown. He also added 20 rushing yards on three carries. Trailing 27-19, Young engineered a game-tying drive late in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, Patrick Mahomes was on the other sideline and he led the Chiefs to a game-winning drive.

On Sunday, Young showed the promise that made him the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He once again looks like the future for the Carolina Panthers.

3. Jaylen Waddle

After three straight 1000+ yard seasons to open his NFL career, Jaylen Waddle's fourth season has been a bit disappointing. He's currently on pace for just 847 yards. Waddle has dealt with some minor injuries this season and obviously Tua Tagovailoa missing four games made a huge difference for the Miami offense.

Waddle had his most prolific game of the season. He caught 8 passes for 144 yards and a touchdown in Miami's 34-15 win over the Patriots. It was just Waddle's second game of the season with over 100 receiving yards. He eclipsed the century mark in the season opener against the Jaguars.

Waddle will be key for the Dolphins down the stretch as they look to push for a playoff spot.

2. Josh Jacobs

In his first season in Green Bay, Josh Jacobs has quietly moved into third place on the NFL's rushing list, behind only Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry. With Henry, Jacobs, and Gibbs, Alabama has three of the top five rushers in the NFL.

In Green Bay's dominant 38-10 win over the 49ers, Jacobs carried the load with 106 yards on 26 carries and 3 touchdowns. Jacobs is now up to 944 yards and 7 touchdowns on the season for a Packers team right in the thick of the NFC playoff race.

1. Tua Tagovailoa

Don't look now, but Tua Tagovailoa has led the Dolphins to three straight wins. After a 2-6 start precipitated by Tagovailoa missing four games with a concussion, Miami is now 5-6 and very much alive in the AFC playoff race.

The Dolphins routed the Patriots on Sunday, and Tagovailoa was outstanding once again. He completed 29-of-40 passing for 317 yards and four touchdowns. He's thrown 7 touchdowns and no interceptions over the last two weeks.

The schedule is about to get tougher for Miami starting with a short week and a Thanksgiving night game at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers as Tua looks to break the cold weather narrative.