As the NFL season progresses, each week brings a fresh wave of excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments. In this week’s edition, we break down the winners and losers from the latest slate of pro football action. From Sam Darnold's impressive performance to injuries that could impact the season, we cover it all. Let’s dive into the highlights!
This past Sunday marked the 10th matchup between Patrick Mahomes's Kansas City Chiefs and Josh Allen's Buffalo Bills since 2020, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The game unfolded like a classic heavyweight bout, with both teams trading early blows before defenses tightened in the second half. The tension was palpable; every drive felt crucial, and every defensive stop was celebrated as a victory.
Ultimately, the Buffalo Bills came out on top with a 28-21 victory, marking their fifth consecutive regular-season win over the Chiefs. However, the Bills are still seeking their first postseason victory against Kansas City. If Sunday’s performance is any indication, this could very well be the year Buffalo finally gets the upper hand when it matters most.
The Bills' defense was exceptional, pressuring Mahomes on over half of his dropbacks, leading to a completion rate lower than his pressure rate. Mahomes finished with just 15 of 34 completions for 250 yards. The Bills’ secondary played a crucial role, finishing with five forced incompletions, the most they’ve recorded against Mahomes in their ten encounters. Safety Cole Bishop was a standout performer, making critical stops and pass breakups throughout the game.
Mike Tomlin, head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, never fails to impress with his unique take on football. Following their 27-20 win over the Colts, Tomlin emphasized how they “minimized the runner,” referring to their strategy in containing Jonathan Taylor. Despite Taylor's efficiency, he could only muster a longest run of 9 yards, resulting in a game where the Colts failed to log an explosive run for the first time this season.
While the Steelers' defense had struggled earlier in the season, this game marked a pivotal turnaround. Tomlin reminded fans that the difference between giving up 35 points and limiting the league's best offense to 20 points often comes down to just a handful of plays. This week’s performance demonstrated that increasing their turnover rate can lead to significant improvements on defense.
In a stunning display, Sam Darnold delivered a performance reminiscent of his college days, leading the Seattle Seahawks to a 38-14 victory over the Washington Commanders. With an astonishing 0.83 EPA per play and a 75 percent success rate, Darnold excelled, throwing for 290 yards and four touchdowns before recording his first incomplete pass on his 18th attempt.
His ability to read the field has significantly improved, and he is now averaging 13 yards per dropback when using play-action. Despite some hiccups, including a late interception, Darnold's overall performance is a strong indication that he is moving closer to the caliber of quarterback that many had expected when he was drafted.
This season has seen kickers rewriting the record books, and Cam Little of the Jacksonville Jaguars set a new standard with a 68-yard field goal, the longest in NFL history. With kickers making long-range attempts look routine, the league has witnessed seven field goals of 60 yards or more this season—an all-time record.
Changes in rules surrounding the preparation of kicking balls have significantly impacted the kicking game, allowing kickers to better prepare for game conditions. As a result, the league is seeing a high success rate for long-distance kicks, raising questions about the future of traditional kicking records.
While the Bills-Chiefs game showcased strong defensive performances, the matchup between the Bears and Bengals highlighted the struggles of both defenses. In a high-scoring affair, the Bears narrowly defeated the Bengals 47-42, with both teams failing to effectively close out the game. Chicago's defense allowed a rapid comeback from Cincinnati, culminating in a chaotic finish that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Despite their offensive successes, both teams exhibited defensive lapses, raising questions about their ability to compete at a higher level as the season progresses.
After a lengthy recovery from a high ankle sprain, J.J. McCarthy returned to lead the Minnesota Vikings to a vital 27-24 victory against the Detroit Lions. McCarthy faced the pressure of leading his team in a crucial divisional matchup and managed to deliver a competent performance, showcasing his growth as a quarterback.
With the help of a strong run game, McCarthy completed six of his first seven attempts for 68 yards and two touchdowns. Though he faced challenges with accuracy and was sacked multiple times, his ability to manage the game without committing significant errors was a positive sign for the Vikings moving forward.
Week 9 wasn't without its share of unfortunate injuries, with several key players sidelined. The most alarming injury occurred when Jayden Daniels suffered a gruesome elbow injury while playing for the Commanders. His absence will likely have a significant impact on Washington's already struggling season, as they sit at 3-6 without their starting quarterback.
In addition to Daniels, other notable injuries included C.J. Stroud's exit after a clean hit during the Texans' loss to the Broncos and several injuries to key players across various teams. Such injuries serve as a harsh reminder of the physical toll that the NFL can take on its players.
As the season continues, it will be crucial for teams to adapt and respond to both triumphs and setbacks. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as we navigate through the rest of the NFL season.
