he NFL’s Week 9 Sunday slate delivered fireworks, heartbreak, and history across the board as playoff pictures began to sharpen and rookie storylines stole the spotlight.
In a wild shootout in Cincinnati, the Chicago Bears outlasted the Bengals 47-42 in a game that nearly flipped in the final two minutes. Rookie QB Caleb Williams rebounded from a near meltdown to launch a last-minute TD strike, overcoming Joe Flacco’s 470-yard, four-touchdown performance. Chicago’s Kyle Monangai bulldozed through the Bengals for 176 yards, helping the Bears reach 5-3.
J.J. McCarthy made a triumphant return in Detroit, guiding the Minnesota Vikings to a key divisional win. His third-down dime sealed the 27-24 victory, capping a day where the Vikings defense suffocated Jared Goff and neutralized the Lions’ run game.
Carolina edged Green Bay 16-13 behind Rico Dowdle’s punishing ground attack. The Panthers’ defense bent but didn’t break, clamping down on red-zone stands while Packers QB Jordan Love’s deep-ball gamble backfired.
In Houston, the Denver Broncos showed more late-game magic. Bo Nix executed another late rally, setting up a game-winning field goal after Denver’s defense stymied Houston’s goal-line efforts in a low-scoring, gritty battle.
The Patriots continued their quiet dominance, narrowly escaping with a 24-23 win over the Falcons. Despite three touchdowns from Drake London, New England’s defense stiffened late, and a missed extra point from Atlanta sealed the outcome.
San Francisco flexed on the road with a dominant 34-24 win over the Giants, as Christian McCaffrey continued his record-breaking season with two scores and 173 scrimmage yards. Rookie QB Jaxson Dart kept New York competitive, but his supporting cast faltered again.
The Steelers rode a resurgent defense to a crucial 27-20 win over the Colts, forcing six turnovers. Daniel Jones had a career-worst five-turnover day, a major blemish in what’s otherwise been a stellar year.
The Chargers escaped Tennessee thanks to Justin Herbert, who bounced back from a pick-six to lead a depleted squad with 307 yards and three touchdowns. The Titans’ offensive woes continued despite two early non-offensive touchdowns.
The Rams continued their NFC West title push with a blowout win over the Saints, as Matthew Stafford diced up New Orleans for four touchdowns. Rookie QB Tyler Shough had his moments but was largely overmatched in his first NFL start.
In Vegas, the Jaguars erased an early deficit and won 30-29 in overtime, powered by Cam Little’s historic 68-yard field goal and a balanced offensive rally. Brock Bowers erupted for three touchdowns in his return, but it wasn’t enough for the Raiders.
Buffalo stunned Kansas City in a battle of AFC heavyweights. Josh Allen was clinical, while the Bills’ undermanned defense held Patrick Mahomes below 50% completions for the first time ever. Maxwell Hairston’s late interception sealed the game.
Sunday night wrapped with a statement from the Seahawks. Sam Darnold had a perfect first half and finished with 330 yards and four touchdowns in a 38-14 dismantling of the Commanders. Washington lost QB Jayden Daniels to a dislocated elbow in the defeat, dimming their postseason hopes.