And Week 9 delivered plenty of drama. It’s safe to say that Week 9 was a very dramatic week. Joe Flacco launched another high-scoring offensive attack for the Cincinnati Bengals only for AFC North’s porous defensive unit to steal the spotlight (for all the wrong reasons). J.J. McCarthy was back at the helm for the Minnesota Vikings, and they didn’t lose to the Detroit Lions in the away game. Indianapolis Colts’ AFC magical run ended against the suddenly formidable Pittsburgh Steelers. The Denver Broncos also survived the Houston Texans who were without their starting quarterback C.J. Stroud was injured. Which players, teams and coaches stood out, both for good and bad?
A Bengals challenge ends in a Bears TD, making for one of the most wild finishes of the year
Jordan Dajani
Here are some of Sunday’s biggest winners and losers across the league: Winner: J.J. McCarthyThe Vikings seemed destined to get steamrolled Sunday, with Carson Wentz all but driven into the ground (and onto injured reserve), both units sapped of full health and energy, and McCarthy returning for just his third career NFL game in Detroit. The youngster instead brought much-needed energy to Kevin O’Connell’s team on the road by shaking off five sacks, scoring three touchdowns, and upsetting the Lions. What’s the best part? Zac Taylor, loser: Just as in Week 1, Taylor saved his most confident moments for last. How can you avoid scrutiny when you are the head coach of an organization that has given up more than 500 yards in three of its games so far this season, and in two of those contests, your backup quarterback Joe Flacco scored 38+ in both of them? Even Joe Burrow being available, or any prolific points-scoring, is almost meaningless, since the “D,” is consistently weak and/or devoid talent. Another day, another multiple-score performance from the ageless Los Angeles Rams gunslinger, who, at 37, remains the club’s most durable playmaker for the 2025 season. On Sunday, the New Orleans Saints were his opponents, but they had little or no competition, as Tyler Shough was their rookie quarterback. Stafford was still a star, even though Puka Nacua had to leave the game due to an injury. He threw four touchdowns, two of which went to Davante Adam, and quietly helped the Rams reach 6-2 for the season.
There wasn’t much that went the way of No. Highmark Stadium was 15’s home. Kansas City Kansas City Chiefs star Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills have his number when it matters; he is a perfect 4 for 4 against them in the postseason. Allen’s fifth consecutive regular-season win over K.C. was the story of Sunday. Sean McDermott’s defensive front sacked Mahomes three times and Maxwell Hairston grabbed a game-sealing interception. Mahomes received another penalty for an intentional grounding that was incorrect. It could’ve been rescinded had it been technically reviewable. Aaron Rodgers’ valiant performance was ruined by Tomlin’s inability to provide answers. Tomlin’s team reversed their fortunes a week later with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, as well as the Steel. City The Colts quarterback Daniel Jones was completely overwhelmed by the pass rush. He suffered five sacks, five turnovers, and was easily having his worst outing in his time as Colts’ head coach. Pittsburgh isn’t yet out of the woods. Just as Tomlin and the Steelers were regaining their edge, the man that shredded them last week went in the opposite direction on Sunday. Love’s calling-card is throwing one of NFL’s prettiest long balls. However, he swung it up against the Carolina Panthers to “chase the big play,” according to Packers coach Matt LaFleur. Due to this, the Panthers scored a touchdown with Rico Dowdle’s big performance, resulting in a 16-13 win.
The Bengals have earned all the criticism they are receiving for not being able to do something as simple as wrap up on one tackle following their epic loss to Chicago. The Bears’ coach deserves credit as well for devising the offensive strategy that broke Al Golden’s defense. Caleb Williams caught two of the crucial passes that Johnson dialed in. Johnson’s creative designs also unleashed a pair surprise young standouts, Kyle Monangai, who rushed for 176 yards, and Colston loveland, who had six catches and 118 yard.
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