Week 9 could be seen as an upset week, with some of the best teams in the sport falling to their opponents. This week also saw the trade deadline close on Tuesday, and it didn’t disappoint. So, let’s begin.
Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland passes away at 24
Just over 48 hours after recovering a blocked punt by teammate Sam Williams in the end zone for his first NFL touchdown, Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland passed away Wednesday night, at the age of 24. He was selected in the second round (56th overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan and registered one career sack in 2025 – a sack of Eagles QB Jalen Hurts on opening night in Week 1. Our deepest condolences go out to Kneeland and his family.
Baltimore Ravens vs Miami Dolphins
The Baltimore Ravens finally got their star QB, Lamar Jackson, back on the field – he did not disappoint. He threw for 204 yards and four TDs to lead the Ravens to a 28-6 victory. This commanding win marks two straight for Baltimore, who struggled out of the gate – but now sit at 3-6. Miami drops to 2-7.
San Francisco 49ers vs. New York Giants
The 49ers got back on track this week after a 34-24 win over the Giants. Christian McCaffrey had over 150 total yards and two touchdowns for San Francisco. The Giants, meanwhile, continue to struggle, especially defensively – as they sink to 2-7 on the year. The 49ers climb to 6-3 and will continue to fight for the top spot in an elite NFC West Division.
Chicago Bears vs. Cincinnati Bengals
In one of the most exciting games of the week, the Bears held on to beat the Bengals just barely. The game was a close 31-27 going into the fourth quarter, then Chicago took a commanding 41-27 lead. In the span of a few minutes, Cincinnati scored two touchdowns to take a 42-41 lead. But with less than a minute left, Bears TE Colston Loveland scored a 58-yard touchdown to win the game. Joe Flacco had 470 passing yards and four touchdowns for the Bengals, while Caleb Williams had 355 total yards and four total touchdowns. This victory brings the Bears up to 5-3, while the Bengals fall to 3-6.
Green Bay Packers vs. Carolina Panthers
In the first big upset on Sunday, the Panthers shocked everyone by kicking a last second field goal to win, 16-13. Rico Dowdle ran for 130 yards and two touchdowns. Carolina gets back above .500 with the win to be 5-4, while Green Bay declines to 5-2-1.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions
In another upset this week, the struggling Vikings secured a big win against their powerhouse division rival, the Detroit Lions. Minnesota QB JJ McCarthy scored three touchdowns in his return this week, leading his team to a 27-24 win. This improves Minnesota to 4-4, while Detroit dips to 5-3. This was also the Vikings’ first win over Detroit since September 25, 2022.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Tennessee Titans
Justin Herbert led the Chargers to another victory with 250 passing yards and two touchdowns, plus 57 rushing yards and another touchdown on the ground. This win makes Los Angeles 6-3, while the struggling Titans drop to 1-8.
New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons
The New England Patriots just barely snuck out with a win against the Falcons – the final score was 24-23. Drake London had three receiving touchdowns for Atlanta, while Drake Maye passed for 259 yards and two touchdowns for the Patriots. This win for New England brings the Patriots to 7-2, and the Falcons to 3-5.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Indianapolis Colts
In possibly the biggest upset of the week, the Steelers took down the AFC-leading Indianapolis Colts. Pittsburgh forced six turnovers and had five sacks, terrorizing the dominant Colts offense to win the game 27-20. This loss brings Indianapolis back down to earth and to a 7-2 record, while the Steelers’ big win boosts them to 5-3.
Denver Broncos vs. Houston Texans
In customary Broncos fashion, they didn’t win pretty, but a win is a win. This time, Denver’s defense did what they usually do – terrorize the opponent’s offense and give their offense every shot to win. Denver got four sacks and didn’t let the Texans score any touchdowns, then a last-second field goal won Denver the game. This win makes the Broncos 7-2, while a tough loss for Houston drops them to 3-5.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Las Vegas Raiders
The Jaguars spoiled a good offensive day for the Raiders by squeezing out a 30-29 win. An exciting fourth quarter, 17 points for the Jaguars and 14 for the Raiders, sent this game to overtime. In overtime, Jacksonville scored, then Las Vegas scored – but they failed the two-point conversion. This win increases the Jaguars’ record to 5-3, and the Raiders fall to 2-6.
New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford is having a dominant year. That only continued on Sunday when he passed for 281 yards and four touchdowns in the Rams 34-10 win. The ball was shared well between the Rams’ stars – with Davante Adams, Puka Nacua, and Kyren Williams all scoring. New Orleans can’t seem to catch a break as they are now 1-8, while Los Angeles moves to 6-2.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills
In the classic AFC Rivalry that has characterized the last five years of Football, the Bills faced the Chiefs. Despite the score, this felt like a one-sided game. Josh Allen had almost 300 yards and had 3 touchdowns, while Patrick Mahomes was off his game with no touchdown passes, an interception, and 250 passing yards. Buffalo’s defense was strong, leading them to a 28-21 victory. The win brings the Bills to 6-2, and Kansas City to 5-4.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Washington Commanders
Sunday Night Football was a very interesting game. On one end, the Seahawks’ Sam Darnold had an outstanding game, with 330 passing yards and four touchdowns. On the other end, the Commanders, who were in the NFC Championship last year, continue to struggle. QB Jayden Daniels was back on the field, and then he sustained an arm injury that could leave him out for much of, or even the rest of the season. Seattle has been one of the big surprises this year, improving to 6-2 – while the Commanders become 3-6.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Dallas Cowboys
In this Monday Night Football game, the Cowboys defense wasn’t the problem, instead it was the offense. The Cowboys only scored one touchdown on the offensive side, while the Cardinals played good football, led by Jacoby Brissett. Both teams are 3-6 after this game.
Week 9 of the NFL didn’t disappoint, and it brings about many questions that will need to be answered in the upcoming weeks.
Can the NFC West sustain three powerhouses?
How real are the Indianapolis Colts?
Are the Chiefs still the Chiefs?
And the biggest of them all – Who is the best team in the NFL halfway through the season?
Trade Deadline
The Colts traded two-first-round picks and WR Adonai Mitchell to the Jets for CB Sauce Gardner. This trade helps boost the Colts defense a lot, as Sauce Gardner is a strong cornerback. However, for the Jets, this trade could be a big boost for them – as two first-round picks is a big haul.
The Cowboys traded a first-round pick, second-round pick, and DT Mazi Smith to the Jets for DT Quinnen Williams. This trade is meant to bolster the Cowboys’ run defense, but it ends up being a strong return for the Jets.
The Saints traded WR Rashid Shaheed to the Seahawks for a fourth-round pick and a fifth-round pick. This trade gives Seattle another strong receiver to improve their offense.
The Jaguars traded a fourth-round pick and a sixth-round pick for Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers. This trade gives Jacksonville a reliable veteran receiver, with an injury to Travis Hunter and a struggling Brian Thomas Jr showing just how much help this team needs at receiver.
The Ravens traded a fifth-round pick to the Titans for LB Dre’Mont Jones. This trade will strengthen the Ravens defense as they look to continue rising up the standings with Lamar Jackson finally back.
The Eagles traded a third-round pick for LB Jaelan Phillips from the Dolphins. The Eagles improve their pass rush with this addition.
The Eagles traded a sixth-round pick for CB Jaire Alexander and a seventh-round pick from the Ravens. This trade brings much-needed help to the Eagles’ secondary.
Note: there were other trades made ahead of the deadline, these are just some of the bigger trades that took place.
