NFL Week 9 Report Card: Grades, Takeaways, and Highlights from an Action-Packed Week
Week 9 brought it all—epic upsets, insane plays, and, as always, a few head-scratchers. From game-winning touchdowns to jaw-dropping defensive stops, here’s the lowdown on every game, with team grades and big takeaways. Let’s dive into the week’s winners, losers, and standout moments!
Kansas City 30, Tampa Bay 24: Chiefs Edge Out Bucs in OT Thriller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Grade: B)
The Bucs did almost everything right—except close out the game. Liam Coen’s play-calling kept KC on their toes, spreading the ball around and keeping everyone involved. Mayfield looked sharp, finishing 23 for 31 with two TDs, and led a clutch game-tying drive with seconds left. But Bowles’s decision to play for OT instead of going for two might be a regret, as the Bucs lost momentum and the game.
Kansas City Chiefs (Grade: B+)
Hopkins is already proving to be the spark KC’s offense needed. Mahomes was clutch, especially on third downs, and Hopkins delivered two TDs in his second game as a Chief. Add in Hunt’s game-winning run in OT, and the Chiefs, even when they’re on the ropes, find a way to pull out the W.
N.Y. Jets 21, Houston 13 : Jets Put Houston on Ice
N.Y. Jets (Grade: B+)
Garrett Wilson was all over the highlight reel with two one-handed TD catches, including one that’s an early “Catch of the Year” contender. Rodgers heated up in the second half, and the Jets’ defense brought the heat with eight sacks on Stroud. If they can keep this up, the Jets might just sneak into the AFC playoffs.
Houston Texans (Grade: C)
Stroud took a beating, with the Texans’ offensive line letting him down again. Joe Mixon tried to pick up the slack with over 100 rushing yards, but Houston needs to protect Stroud if they want to stay competitive.
Atlanta 27, Dallas 21: Falcons Soar, Cowboys Crash
Dallas Cowboys (Grade: D)
Dallas is in a tailspin. The offense is out of sync, the defense is all over the place, and McCarthy’s decision-making? Questionable. Going for it on fourth down five times and only converting once? That hurts. And to top it off, Dak left the game with a hamstring injury. Things aren’t looking great in Big D.
Atlanta Falcons (Grade: B)
Bijan Robinson was a force, and Cousins was sharp, throwing three TDs. With a 4-0 division record, Atlanta’s becoming a real NFC contender.
Buffalo 30, Miami 27: Bills’ Big Comeback Crushes Dolphins
Miami Dolphins (Grade: B-)
The Dolphins went toe-to-toe with Buffalo, but their defense couldn’t stop Allen’s second-half surge. Tua played well, but a costly fumble from Mostert gave Buffalo the momentum they needed. This one hurts as Miami’s AFC East hopes slip further out of reach.
Buffalo Bills (Grade: B)
Josh Allen owns the Dolphins. He led an epic comeback with 156 passing yards and three second-half touchdowns, capped off by a 61-yard game-winning field goal from Bass. At 7-2, Buffalo is well on its way to a playoff spot.
Cincinnati 41, Las Vegas 24: Bengals Torch the Raiders
Las Vegas Raiders (Grade: F)
The Raiders’ QB situation is officially a mess. Minshew got benched, and Ridder wasn’t much better. Five straight losses have the Raiders looking more like a top draft pick contender than a playoff hopeful.
Cincinnati Bengals (Grade: A)
Joe Burrow was on fire, hitting his first 15 passes for five touchdowns. Hendrickson led the defense with four sacks, helping the Bengals keep their playoff dreams alive.
L.A. Chargers 27, Cleveland 10: Chargers Zap Browns’ Momentum
L.A. Chargers (Grade: A)
Herbert kept his cool under pressure from Garrett and delivered a 66-yard dagger to Johnston. Six sacks and three interceptions from the Chargers’ defense sealed the win. If they keep this up, a wild-card spot could be theirs.
Cleveland Browns (Grade: D)
After last week’s strong performance, Winston fell apart with three interceptions. Cleveland’s inconsistency is killing any momentum they try to build.
Tennessee 20, New England 17 (OT): Titans Edge Patriots in OT
New England Patriots (Grade: B-)
Maye showed both promise and mistakes, especially with his OT interception. This was one the Patriots could’ve had but let slip through their fingers.
Tennessee Titans (Grade: B)
Tony Pollard powered the Titans with 128 rushing yards, and the defense did enough to hold the line in OT. A hard-fought win that keeps Tennessee in the playoff race.
Washington 27, N.Y. Giants 22: Commanders Keep Rolling, Giants Still Searching
Washington Commanders (Grade: B+)
Daniels hit Zaccheaus for a clutch 42-yard pass to keep Washington’s dream season alive. At 7-2, this team is defying expectations.
N.Y. Giants (Grade: B-)
Daniel Jones found the end zone for the first time at MetLife in nearly two years, but a late fumble doomed the Giants’ comeback. It might be time for the Giants to think about their future.
Carolina 23, New Orleans 22: Panthers Claw Back, Saints Collapse
New Orleans Saints (Grade: D-)
Kamara’s 215 total yards couldn’t save a Saints team that’s looking like it’s headed for a rebuild.
Carolina Panthers (Grade: B+)
Hubbard scored twice in the second half, leading the Panthers to a hard-fought win and lifting them out of the NFC South basement.
Baltimore 41, Denver 10: Ravens Roll Over Broncos
Denver Broncos (Grade: F)
The Broncos looked lost from start to finish, and any playoff hopes are fading fast.
Baltimore Ravens (Grade: A+)
Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry were unstoppable, and the defense finally clicked. A statement win from a Ravens team that’s ready for the playoffs.
Arizona 29, Chicago 9: Cardinals Crush Bears’ Hopes
Chicago Bears (Grade: D-)
The Bears’ offense was non-existent in the second half, with only 75 yards. Playoff hopes? Fading fast.
Arizona Cardinals (Grade: A)
The Cards’ defense dominated, and James Conner led the way on offense. Arizona is quickly becoming a force in the NFC.
Philadelphia 28, Jacksonville 23: Eagles Grind Out Win Over Jags
Jacksonville Jaguars (Grade: C+)
They made it close late, but early mistakes were too much to overcome. Lawrence needs to step up if they want a shot at the playoffs.
Philadelphia Eagles (Grade: B)
Hurts and Barkley carried the load. Philly’s win wasn’t pretty, but a gritty W is still a W.
Detroit 24, Green Bay 14: Lions Outduel Packers in Rainy Showdown
Detroit Lions (Grade: B+)
Goff and the Lions stayed solid, managing a tough game in rough weather. The Lions are looking like the NFC North’s top dogs.
Green Bay Packers (Grade: C+)
Green Bay moved the ball well but couldn’t convert in the red zone, going 1-for-4 and squandering chances.
L.A. Rams 26, Seattle 20 (OT): Rams Top Seahawks in OT Thriller
L.A. Rams (Grade: B+)
Stafford’s game-winning pass to Robinson was the highlight in a wild OT finish. Kinchens’ 103-yard pick-six kept the Rams in the NFC West hunt.
Seattle Seahawks (Grade: B)
Geno Smith threw for over 300 yards, but two end-zone picks were costly. Their fourth-down gamble in OT didn’t pay off, but you can’t fault their fight.
Minnesota 21, Indianapolis 13: Vikings Keep Colts in Check
Indianapolis Colts (Grade: C-)
Flacco’s debut was underwhelming, with the Colts offense showing little life.
Minnesota Vikings (Grade: B)
The Vikings’ defense shut down the Colts, and Darnold threw for nearly 300 yards. The NFC North race is still very much alive for Minnesota.
That’s a wrap on Week 9! Playoff pictures are coming into focus, but with Week 10 around the corner, the stakes are only getting higher. Can the underdogs keep their streaks alive, and will struggling teams find a way to turn things around? Stick around—it’s only getting better from here!
