Week 12: Seahawks cruise by Cardinals; Broncos avoid scare to beat Dolphins

Every Sunday, theScore brings you the biggest and most interesting stories as they happen. Check back throughout the day for important updates on everything you need to know.

Seahawks get revenge on Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals defeated Seattle on the road late last year, and the Seahawks didn't forget it.

That loss was the first in nearly two years at CenturyLink Field, but things were much different this time around. 

The Seahawks dominated the Cards for a 19-3 win and gained ground in the NFC West. Russell Wilson led the way going 17-of-22 for 211 yards and a touchdown. He also had 73 yards rushing. 

It was the Cardinals' second loss of the season and the defense played pretty well, but without Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald, it is a much different offense. 

Broncos top Dolphins

One would have thought the Denver Broncos would come out strong on Sunday after being embarrassed last week by the St. Louis Rams, but the Miami Dolphins gave them all they could handle. 

Miami led 28-17 heading into the fourth quarter, thanks to a strong outing by quarterback Ryan Tannehill. He threw for three touchdowns and ran for another. 

Nevertheless, the Broncos rallied for 22 straight points and held on to win 39-36. 

Peyton Manning was his typical self, going 28-of-35 for 257 yards and four scores.

The win was crucial for Denver, as it keeps them in striking range of New England for home-field advantage in the AFC. It also puts them back into sole possession of first in the AFC West, after Kansas City's loss on Thursday. 

Lions continue to flounder on offense in 2nd straight loss

The defense of the Detroit Lions has been a pleasant surprise this year, but their offense isn't holding up its end of the bargain. 

Detroit fell to the New England Patriots 34-9 in what was supposed to be a matchup of two of the league's top teams. 

Matthew Stafford was an abysmal 18-of-46 for 246 yards and Calvin Johnson was limited to only four receptions. 

The Lions came into the contest ranked 26th in points per game and Sunday's effort certainly won't help matters. 

Conversely, the Patriots keep on rolling. Tom Brady threw for 349 yards and newly acquired running back LeGarrette Blount ran for two scores in New England's seventh straight victory. 

Josh Gordon sparks Browns

If Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon had any rust after being suspended for the first 10 games of the season, he did a good job of hiding it Sunday. 

Gordon had eight catches for 120 yards, helping the Browns to a 26-24 win over the Atlanta Falcons.

There was speculation Gordon would be on a snap count during his first game back, but he led all Browns receivers in targets with 16. No other wideout had more than eight.  

Brian Hoyer also deserves praise for leading the team on a game-winning drive. Despite three interceptions on the day, Hoyer kept his cool late and marched the team into position for a last-second field goal by Billy Cundiff. 

RGIII struggles in loss to 49ers

Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden has been vocal all week about needing Robert Griffin III to perform better and those improvements didn't come Sunday.

Griffin completed just 11 passes for 106 yards in a 17-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers and was sacked five times. 

It was reported that Gruden wouldn't hesitate to pull Griffin on Sunday if his play wasn't up to par, but that didn't happen. That doesn't mean a benching isn't in his future, though, and it's a possibility that Colt McCoy and his 2-0 record may be behind center again before season's end.