NFL Week 12: Top 3 Defenders

With a three-game Thanksgiving feast and a Sunday slate full of thrillers, Week 12 was one to remember in the NFL. Here are three defenders who distinguished themselves by lifting their teams to crucial wins.

Edge Defender Brian Burns, Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers edge defender Brian Burns was a popular target in trade deadline rumors, and he showed why in a surprising 23-10 over the Denver Broncos. Burns notched two sacks and a forced fumble to go along with two tackles. In helping them to their fourth win, Burns has the Panthers right in the thick of the playoff hunt in a struggling NFC South.

Cornerback Kendall Fuller, Washington Commanders

No defender made a play more important than Washington Commanders cornerback Kyle Fuller's fourth-quarter interception in Week 12. Nursing a six-point lead with less than a minute left in regulation and with the Atlanta Falcons on the goal line, Fuller came down with a crucial pick in the endzone to secure the Commanders' improbable 19-13 victory, their seventh win of the season.

Linebacker Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys' latest megastar seems to appreciate the spotlight. In the most-viewed regular season game of all time, Defensive Rookie of the Year Micah Parsons tallied two sacks against the New York Giants in a 28-20 win, lifting his season total to 12. Parsons is well on pace for his second All-Pro in as many seasons. He could even contend for Defensive Player of the Year honors with a hot finish.

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