The NFL Sunday of week nine was a rollercoaster of emotions and unforgettable moments, making it challenging to pinpoint the standout highlights. This week, we must discuss how the Buffalo Bills triumphed over the Kansas City Chiefs for the fifth consecutive time in the regular season. Could their performance indicate they are finally ready to overcome the Chiefs in the playoffs? Additionally, we need to spotlight the Seattle Seahawks, particularly their quarterback, who displayed surgical precision on the field. Finally, we have a must-watch game of the week featuring an astonishing 89-point showdown in Cincinnati. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what caught our attention this Sunday.
The head-to-head matchup between Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen now stands at a balanced 5-5, but with Mahomes dominating all four playoff encounters and boasting three Super Bowl rings, the stakes are high. The current iteration of the Bills appears meticulously crafted to defeat the Chiefs, showcasing an almost flawless performance on Sunday. Buffalo's dominance on both lines of scrimmage and time of possession was evident, as they maintained the ball for nearly 10 minutes longer than Kansas City.
The best strategy to contain Mahomes is undoubtedly to keep him off the field. When he was on it, the Bills' defense effectively swarmed him and blanketed his receivers, leading to a career-high 15 hits and a dismal 44.1% completion rate—his lowest in nine seasons. Conversely, Josh Allen excelled, completing a franchise-record 88.5% of his passes and running for two short touchdowns, bringing his career total to 79 rushing touchdowns—the most in NFL history for a quarterback.
Those critical 'tush push' touchdowns made a significant difference, as the Chiefs managed to stop them during last season's AFC Championship but failed to do so on Sunday. Notably, Mahomes attempted three plays from the Bills' one-yard line but could not find the end zone. Adding to the Bills' offensive success, Dalton Kincaid recorded the first 100-yard receiving game against the Chiefs in 12 matches, while James Cook became the first 100-yard rusher the Chiefs allowed since Lamar Jackson on the opening day of the 2024 season. With playoff history showing that the Chiefs typically average 14 points more in playoff games than in the regular season, the Bills may have found a blueprint for success should they meet again in the postseason.
“Sam's execution right now—he's just ridiculous,” stated Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald after witnessing another impressive display from Sam Darnold. While quarterbacks like Allen, Jackson, and Mahomes have dominated headlines, Darnold, along with second-year quarterbacks Drake Maye and Bo Nix, is making a name for himself this season. Both Maye and Nix led their respective teams, the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos, to victories on the same Sunday.
In a standout performance against the Washington Commanders, Darnold completed all 16 of his passes in the first half, throwing four touchdowns as the Seahawks cruised to victory. Utilizing ESPN's Total Quarterback Rating (QBR) system, which evaluates performance based on defensive strength and game context, Darnold achieved a remarkable 97.8 rating—his career best and one of three this season above 97. Only Lamar Jackson has reached such heights this year. This resurgence for the 2018 third overall draft pick indicates that his previous success in Minnesota was not a fluke. The Seahawks currently hold a 6-2 record, contending fiercely in the NFC West alongside the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers, both of whom also sit at six wins.
With an impressive away record of 4-0 this season and 11-1 since the start of 2024, the Seahawks are poised for a playoff run. General manager John Schneider has expressed confidence in their current position, stating, “We're in and we'll see what's shaking out there” concerning the upcoming trade deadline, suggesting they view themselves as contenders for the Super Bowl with Darnold leading the charge. The future looks bright in Seattle.
The game between the Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals was nothing short of a spectacle, commencing with a touchdown on the opening kickoff and concluding with a Bears touchdown just 17 seconds from the end. This dramatic matchup featured over 1,000 yards of offense, 89 points, and 11 touchdowns, including four scores in the final five minutes, culminating in a breathtaking 47-42 victory for Chicago.
Notably, Caleb Williams caught a touchdown pass, while 40-year-old Joe Flacco threw for a career-best 470 yards, orchestrating a remarkable 14-point comeback in the last two minutes. The excitement didn't end there; after regaining possession with 54 seconds left, Williams connected with rookie tight end Colston Loveland for a stunning 58-yard winning touchdown. Bears safety Kevin Byard encapsulated the experience: “It's like taking years off my life. This is the greatest game, greatest sport in the world.”
However, the Bengals faced a grim reality. Despite scoring 38 or more points in consecutive games, they became the first team since the pre-Super Bowl era of the 1960s to lose both. Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts showcased the significance of turnovers in the NFL, committing six in their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, stifling their chances against the league's top offense. The spotlight is also on Daniel Jones, who committed five turnovers, raising questions about whether it was a momentary lapse or a concerning trend.
On a brighter note, Christian McCaffrey is solidifying his place in NFL history with yet another impressive performance, racking up 173 yards and marking his 16th game with both a rushing and a receiving touchdown—surpassing the great Marshall Faulk for the most in NFL history. The Washington Commanders are facing adversity too, losing second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels to what is suspected to be a dislocated left elbow. Additionally, JJ McCarthy made history, becoming the first player ever to have two passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown in two of his first three career games, while Jaxson Dart of the Giants made his own mark as the first rookie to record a passing and rushing touchdown in four consecutive games.
Week nine of the NFL season was packed with exhilarating moments, showcasing the talent and unpredictability that makes the league so captivating. As teams prepare for the playoffs, the performances of players like Allen, Darnold, and McCaffrey will undoubtedly be pivotal in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses!
