After the NFL’s recent dominance by favorites, it was inevitable that there would be some chaos. This wackiness was evident in Week 9, with some unexpected results that have implications that will last throughout the rest of the year. We start at Lambeau Field where in 2025, the Green Bay Packers suffered another shock defeat. This time, it was the Carolina Panthers who rolled into town and pulled off the 16-13 win after Ryan Fitzgerald drilled a game-winning 49-yard field goal as time expired. Elsewhere, the Colts laid an egg on the road to the Steelers, with Daniel Jones accounting for five turnovers on the afternoon, and the J.J. McCarthy-led Vikings stormed into Ford Field to beat the Detroit Lions. What a bunch of wackiness, I say! But what are the signs that something more important is happening? We’ll determine which of the overreactions in Week 9 were just that, and which were reality. Daniel Jones turned into a jack-o’-lantern. Reality or overreaction: Overreaction
The Indianapolis Colts were the AFC No.1 seed and had the NFL’s most explosive offensive in Week 9. The Indianapolis Colts entered Week 9 as the AFC’s No. Daniel Jones was reborn and looked like one of NFL’s most efficient passers. It all went downhill in Pittsburgh.
In a loss to the Steelers that was not as close as it appeared, Indy suffered five turnovers from the Colts quarterback (three interceptions and 2 fumbles). Jones was only able to make three mistakes in his entire season before Sunday. Jones is this a return to his New York Giants’ form? Do the Colts now face a collapse in the second half? No. The turnovers felt like a letdown that had been long overdue. But the concern should not reach panic-levels unless they happen again against the Falcons in Berlin next week. The Bengals are the NFL’s worst defensive team. Overreaction or Reality: RealityWoof. Joe Flacco’s 42-point offensive day didn’t make a difference. The Bengals defense won’t let them win in 2025. After recovering an onside kick and Flacco leading a touchdown drive, Cincy took a 42-41 advantage with less than a minute remaining in regulation. Colston Loveland scored the game-winning touchdown for Chicago on a 58 yard catch-and-run.
The Bengals’ defense is the worst in the NFL. They have been a constant obstacle to offensive success for several years. The Bengals allowed 300 points this season, which is a franchise record for nine games. It is also the first time in NFL history that a team has allowed at least 25 points and 350 yards in 8 consecutive games. After another upset loss, the Packers aren’t a serious contenderOverreaction or reality: Overreaction
Green Bay Packers suffered yet another shocking upset. In Week 3, the Packers lost on the road against the Cleveland Browns, and tied the Dallas Cowboys in the week following. Then they lose to the Carolina Panthers in Lambeau Field. It’s reasonable to question if they can really win the Lombardi Trophy by 2025, given their recent performances. Having said that, I do not think we’ve yet reached that level. This team is a little sloppy and sometimes seems to downplay its opponents, but it still has a championship roster.
This could have been an example where Green Bay looked ahead to its Week 10 opponent the Philadelphia Eagles on “Monday night FootballCarolina caught him sleeping. Drake London is the underrated No. 1 WROverreaction: Reality
Drake London, one of the NFL’s most prolific wide-receivers, is often overlooked when discussing the best players at his position. The former first-rounder caught nine passes on Sunday for 118 yard and three touchdowns. London didn’t score easy touchdowns either. He had to make circus-like catches after circus-like catches to put his team in the lead.
Atlanta still has the Buccaneers as its closest rival in the NFC South. As a result, the Falcons are not given much attention from a national standpoint. However, London should be included in any discussion of the top five wideouts of the NFL.
The Bears were right to draft Colston Loveland over Tyler WarrenOverreaction or reality: Overreaction
Chicago Bears were criticized for the first two months after they selected Colston Loveland as the No. The Chicago Bears have been criticized for selecting Colston Loveland with the No. 10 pick overall in the NFL Draft 2025 instead of Tyler Warren, a fellow tight end who was selected at No. Indianapolis Colts, 14th overall. Warren is one of the most prolific players in his position, while Loveland has had a more subdued start to the season. In Week 9, the Michigan product was able to break out, catching six targets and scoring two touchdowns. This included a 58-yard game-winning touchdown in the last minute of regulation.
Are these Warren-backers snorting a bit today? Sure. Is this performance a sign that Chicago chose Loveland rightly? No. It will all play out in the next few years. Loveland sent a reminder to Warren on Sunday, to not underestimate him.
Overreaction: Reality or Overreaction?
Allen had a stellar performance as Buffalo defeated Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas team 28-21. City Chiefs. The Bills quarterback had as many incompletions (three) as he did total touchdowns. He is now 5-5 in his career against Mahomes. No other quarterback has more than 3 victories over the Chiefs’s quarterback. Now that Allen and his rival are even, does this mean Allen has an advantage over him? No. Allen is 5-1 versus Mahomes during the regular season. Mahomes is the winner in each of four playoff meetings between these two. Allen will still look up to Mahomes until he beats him when it counts most in this legendary rivalry, despite their overall lockstep records. Matthew Stafford is having an MVP-type season. Reality or overreaction?
Stafford has quietly cemented himself in the race for MVP. The Rams’ quarterback has recorded back-to-back four-plus passing touchdown games and now has 21 in eight starts this season, surpassing his total from last season (20). In the last five weeks, Stafford has thrown 16 touchdowns and zero interceptions. In the last 10 years, Stafford is only the second quarterback to throw 15 touchdowns or more in a 5-game span without an interception. Aaron Rodgers won the MVP award in 2021. Stafford, who has a prolific number of touchdowns, is helping the Rams to make the playoffs and fight for first place in NFC West. If they take command of the division, it’ll only further cement his case. J.J. McCarthy has sent a warning to the NFC North. Reality or reaction?
How much can change in a single day? On Sunday, the Vikings were the last team in the division to be under.500 with a 3-4 record. J.J. McCarthy, however, helped Minnesota win the game against the Lions in the evening.
The Vikings, who are still in fourth place, have suddenly regained.500. They’re also back in the race for the NFC North after Green Bay lost. McCarthy’s return was also important. McCarthy, a second-year quarterback who had been out since Week 2 with a high ankle injury, looked like he was fully recovered. McCarthy scored two touchdowns in the air and another on the run, despite his modest passing numbers (143 yards). If the Vikings are able to get a quarterback who is slightly above average and can win in hostile divisional environments, they will be able to do well. Minnesota’s 2-0 NFC North record is the best of the division. Overreaction or reality?
Jonathan Taylor was so impressive in the first half that he has even been mentioned as a candidate for MVP. Christian McCaffrey may be gaining on him in the race for Offensive player of the year.
McCaffrey has a little bit of room to move forward after Taylor’s quiet performance in Week 9. The 49ers’ back is one of the most potent weapons in the NFL. He rushed for 106 yard and a touchdown, and caught five of six targets for another 67 yards. McCaffrey has now surpassed all other players this season in terms of yards gained from scrimmage. It was his 16th career match with both a receiving and a rushing touchdown. He now has the most in NFL History. Taylor still holds a slight advantage, but it is becoming more and more tight.
2025-11-03 00:59:10
