Week nine saw more exciting games that continued to keep NFL fans on their feet with results that made people giddy with joy or sick to their stomachs where they can’t take the losing anymore, and some teams got infected with the injury bug once again that’s going to negatively impact their team for weeks to come.
Here are the grades for all 32 NFL Teams after the week 9 games:
Arizona Cardinals: F (Last week D+)
It was a rough day for the Cardinals. They struggled all day. They couldn’t get a touchdown or field goal all game in Cleveland. Clayton Tune threw two interceptions while the Cardinals rushing attack was held to 41 yards and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown led the receivers with four receptions for 24 yards. On defense, the Cardinals had one sack all game. It was a disaster for Arizona. They need Kyler Murray back ASAP or they’ll continue to fall flat against the rest of their opponents.
Atlanta Falcons: C- (Last week D+)
The Atlanta Falcons almost won a tough nail-biter to the Minnesota Vikings in the final seconds falling 28-31. Taylor Heinicke threw one touchdown against one interception and was sacked once. Tyler Allgeier scored a rushing touchdown and Jonnu Smith scored a receiving touchdown. The Falcon’s defense had two fumble recoveries, and four sacks but no interceptions against Joshua Dobbs. The Falcons are in a similar position to their rivals, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where any of them can surpass the New Orleans Saints and win the NFC South. However, the Falcons need to pull out stronger finishes in more games to be in the running for this wide-open division!
Baltimore Ravens: A+ (Last week B+)
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The Ravens came out and attacked the Seahawks on all fronts. Lamar Jackson played a good game. Gus Edwards scored two rushing touchdowns, and Odell Beckham Jr. scored his first touchdown as a Raven- on his birthday, no less. On defense, Geno Stone had an interception against Geno Smith while the rest of the defense had four sacks and seven pass deflections against the Seahawks. If this Ravens team continues to play at this elite level, they can make it to the Super Bowl.
Buffalo Bills: C+ (Last week B+)
The Bills tried to come back from behind from the Cincinnati Bengals and fell 18-24. Josh Allen threw one touchdown against one interception and scored a rushing touchdown while Stefon Diggs scored the Bill’s only receiving touchdown on the night. On defense, the Bills only had one sack against Joe Burrow and company. It was a painful night for the Bills, but the team should be able to turn things around for week 10 and onwards.
Carolina Panthers: D- (Last week C)
The Panthers fell back down to earth in their week nine 13-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Bryce Young threw one touchdown against three interceptions while Chubba Hubbard led the Panther’s ground game with 58 rushing yards in the afternoon, and DJ Chark Jr. scored Carolina’s only touchdown on the day. On defense, the Panthers sacked Gardner Minshew once and recovered a fumble. The Panthers need to reevaluate their roster to build a winner for the next season to come and possibly secure a high draft pick if they continue to drop more games.
Chicago Bears: D+ (Last week D)
The Chicago Bears managed to improve from their performance in week eight, but couldn’t get the job done in the Big Easy against the New Orleans Saints. Tyson Bagent threw two touchdowns against two interceptions while D’Onta Foreman had a great game on the ground. Cole Kmet also had a great game as he caught two touchdowns on the day for Chicago. The Bear’s defense couldn’t even get a sack or interception against the Saints but managed to get two pass deflections in the game. The Bears need to not only finish games, but fix that offensive line, and make sure Justin Fields is healthy enough to finish the season when he fully recovers.
Cincinnati Bengals: B (Last week B)
It was another spectacular night for Joe Burrow and the Bengals as they defeated the Buffalo Bills 24-18. Burrow threw two touchdowns against zero interceptions, Joe Mixon scored a rushing touchdown, and Drew Sample and Irv Smith Jr. both scored receiving touchdowns on the night. The Bengal’s defense had one sack and Cam Taylor-Britt had one interception against Josh Allen. This was a lights-out performance against the Bills. The Bengals need to play like this if they want to get into the playoffs and make some serious noise!
Cleveland Browns: A- (Last week D+)
The Browns played a very productive game as they shut out the struggling Arizona Cardinals. Deshaun Watson threw two touchdowns against zero interceptions, Kareem Hunt scored a rushing touchdown, and Amari Cooper and David Njoku scored touchdown passes from Watson. The Brown’s defense managed to sack Clayton Tune seven times. The Browns certainly made things challenging for Arizona. If the Browns continue to play like this, they can potentially make the playoffs.
Dallas Cowboys: B (Last week A)
It was a very tough, yet productive day, for the Cowboys as they visited their NFC East foe, the Philadelphia Eagles. Dak Prescott threw three touchdown passes and no interceptions while Jake Ferguson, Jalen Tolbert, and KaVontae Turpin all caught touchdown passes. The Cowboy’s defense had three sacks and no interceptions in the late afternoon as Dallas fell to their division rival in an intense 23-28 loss.
Denver Broncos: Bye Week (Last week C+)
The Broncos may be a bottom feeder but if they squeak out a few more wins, they can look more and more relevant again despite their previous struggles this season.
Detroit Lions: Bye Week (Last week B-)
If the Lions continue to play elite and aggressive, they’ll lock the NFC North championship down and potentially dominate in the playoffs. Dan Campbell has done an excellent job so far and looks to rally his troops for more victories to come.
Green Bay Packers: C+ (Last week D+)
The Packers finally snapped a four-game losing streak to earn their third win of the season against the hurt and injured Los Angeles Rams. Jordan Love threw one touchdown and no interceptions but was sacked four times. Aaron Jones scored a rushing touchdown while Luke Musgrave scored a receiving touchdown in the afternoon. The Packer’s defense managed to get one sack, an Anthony Johnson Jr. interception, and 10 pass deflections. It was a well-deserved win for the Packers as they have dealt with their struggles all season. Just goes to show, every once in a while, even a struggling team can earn a serious win!
Houston Texans: B+ (Last Week C-)
What a comeback-from-behind victory for the Houston Texans. C.J. Stroud threw five touchdown passes with one of them, the game-ending touchdown to Tank Dell with 10 seconds left in the game. The Texans rushing game had 53 rushing yards all game, but Tank Dell had two touchdowns, Noah Brown had a touchdown, Dalton Schultz had a touchdown, and Nico Collins had a touchdown. The Texan’s defense had two sacks and three pass deflections in the game, as well. The Texans continue to be in great hands with Stroud and DeMeco Ryans changing the culture of this team, for the better!
Indianapolis Colts: B- (Last week C-)
The Colts managed to get a massive win on the road against the struggling Carolina Panthers 27-13. Gardner Minshew threw one touchdown against zero interceptions, the Colts rushing game rushed for 78 yards in the afternoon, and Jonathan Taylor scored a receiving touchdown. On defense, Kenny Moore II caught two interceptions and scored two touchdowns while Segun Olubai had an interception and the rest of the Colt’s defense had four sacks. It was a strong victory, but it was against the Panthers and a lot of teams have beaten them- with ease, this season.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Bye Week (Last week B-)
If the Jaguars continue to play the way they have been playing, the AFC South will be there’s for the taking and they will potentially win a playoff game in Wildcard weekend thanks to the production of Trevor Lawrence.
Kansas City Chiefs: A- (Last week D)
The Chiefs came to Germany and put on a show by defeating the Miami Dolphins 21-14. Patrick Mahomes threw two touchdowns, no interceptions, and was sacked twice. The Chief’s rushing attack had 93 rushing yards while Jerick McKinnon and Rashee Rice both scored touchdowns on the day. The Chief’s defense had three sacks against Tua Tagovailoa and no interceptions on the day. But Mike Edwards recovered a fumble and lateraled it to Bryan Cook for the defensive touchdown. It was a back-to-business victory for Mahomes and company after week eight’s drop to the Denver Broncos.
Las Vegas Raiders: C+ (Last week D+)
The Las Vegas Raiders have turned the page with Interim coach Antonio Pierce and rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell managing the team to start the second half of the season. Josh Jacobs and Jakobi Meyers scored three rushing touchdowns on the afternoon while Tre Tucker had 52 receiving yards on two receptions. On defense, the Raiders managed to have eight sacks against the Giants. It was a fresh victory for a Raiders team and a reminder that coaching matters, besting Josh McDaniels, whose coaching set the organization on the path to failure. This win was needed, and may set the stage for Antonio Pierce to become the new head coach in 2024.
Los Angeles Chargers: C+ (Last week B+)
The Chargers came into East Rutherford, NJ and silenced the New York Jets despite some sloppy play. Justin Herbert didn’t throw any touchdowns or interceptions while Austin Ekeler scored two rushing touchdowns on the night and Derius Davis scored a punt return touchdown in the first quarter which gave the Chargers momentum. On defense, Joey Bosa had 2.5 sacks while Derwin James Jr. led the defense with 10 tackles. It was a good win for the Chargers despite Brandon Staley being on the hot seat but the team still has some ways to go if they want to try and make the playoffs.
Los Angeles Rams: D- (Last week D)
The Los Angeles Rams minus Matthew Stafford struggled in Title Town against the Green Bay Packers. Brett Rypien threw one interception and no touchdown passes while the Rams’ rushing attack was held to 68 yards on the ground. Cooper Kupp led the receiving attack with two receptions for 48 yards. Defensively, the Rams had four sacks and two fumble recoveries despite the ugly 3-20 loss. The Rams need to take a long hard look and either turn the sinking ship around or let it all go and land more draft capital for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Miami Dolphins: D+ (Last week A-)
The Miami Dolphins were outplayed by the Kansas City Chiefs despite a comeback attempt in the fourth quarter in their week nine matchup in Germany. Tua Tagovailoa threw one touchdown against no interceptions and was sacked three times. Raheem Mostert and Cedrick Wilson Jr. both scored touchdowns on offense while the defense had two sacks and three pass deflections on the day. The play that really hurt Miami was Tyreek Hill losing a fumble which was recovered and scored by the Chiefs. The Chiefs were the X factor of the entire game.
Minnesota Vikings: B (Last week B-)
With Kirk Cousins done for the season with a torn Achilles, the Vikings traded for backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs out of Arizona. Dobbs threw two touchdowns and no interceptions but was sacked three times. Dobbs also scored a rushing touchdown while Alexander Matthison and Brandon Powell both scored touchdowns. Powell scored the game-ending touchdown giving the Vikings the victory. On defense, the Vikings had one sack and one interception on the day. The Vikings can stay afloat in the NFC North if Dobbs continues to play well and lead the team to victories.
New England Patriots: C- (Last week C-)
The Patriots played an average game despite losing a close one to the Washington Commanders 17-20. Mac Jones threw one touchdown against one interception while Rhamondre Stevenson scored a rushing touchdown and Hunter Henry scored a receiving touchdown. On defense, the Patriots had three sacks, a Kyle Dugger interception, and a Davon Godchaux fumble recovery. The Patriots can play good football, but have ended up falling short when it matters most.
New Orleans Saints: B (Last week B-)
The Saints played a solid game against the woeful Chicago Bears. Derek Carr threw two touchdown passes and Tayson Hill threw a touchdown pass and scored a receiving touchdown. Chris Olive and Juwan Johnson both scored receiving touchdowns in the game as well. On defense, the Saints forced Tyson Bagent to throw three interceptions, sacked him twice, had two fumble recoveries against him, and had seven pass deflections against him. It was a strong showing for the Saints who look like they can potentially take the NFC South if the Buccaneers continue to lose tight games this season.
New York Giants: F (Last week D)
It was a devastating week nine for the Giants as they lost 6-30 against the Las Vegas Raiders coached by former Giant Antonio Pierce. Daniel Jones left the game with an ACL injury while Tommy DeVito filled in for his injured teammate. DeVito threw one touchdown against two interceptions while Saquon Barkley had a very productive day on the ground and Wan’Dale Robinson scored a receiving touchdown. The Giants’ defense couldn’t even sack or intercept Aidan O’Connell all game showing the audience they need to burn the house down and get a higher draft pick for 2024.
New York Jets: D- (Last week C+)
It was an awful night for the New York Jets as they were handed a 27-6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Zach Wilson did not throw any touchdowns or interceptions but was sacked eight times. Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson had good production on offense but Allen Lazard drew way too many penalties that hurt Gang Green. The defense played good against the Chargers offense, but couldn’t stop Austin Ekeler from getting into the end zone. It’s going to be back to the drawing board for the Jets as they move on from this embarrassing primetime loss.
Philadelphia Eagles: B+ (Last week A-)
It was a tight game for the Eagles as they secured the 28-23 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Jalen Hurts threw two touchdowns against zero interceptions and scored a rushing touchdown while Kenneth Gainwell scored a rushing touchdown. Both A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith caught receiving touchdowns in the afternoon and the Eagle’s defense five sacks and stopped CeeDee Lamb from getting into the endzone as the clock went down to zero. It was a statement victory for Philadelphia as they officially control the NFC East for now and look to stay winning for weeks to come!
Pittsburgh Steelers: B- (Last week D+)
It was an above-average performance for the Steelers despite offensive Matt Canada being on the chopping block for Steelers fans. Kenny Pickett threw one touchdown pass to Dionte Johnson in the fourth quarter and Najee Harris bulldozed his way into the endzone for a rushing touchdown in the first quarter. The Steelers’ defense made some noise with four sacks against Will Levis and a game-ending interception caught by Kwon Alexander that sealed the deal for the Steelers. If Pittsburgh continues to play like this, they’ll march into the playoffs with TJ Watt leading the charge.
San Francisco 49ers: Bye Week (Last week D)
The 49ers recently traded for Chase Young which will help out on defense, but they need to improve their play on offense if they want to compete for the NFC West and reclaim it from Seattle.
Seattle Seahawks: F (Last week C+)
It was a very rough day for the Seahawks when they visited the Baltimore Ravens. Geno Smith threw an interception and no touchdown passes while the Seahawks rushing attack was held to 28 rushing yards on 11 attempts. The Seahawk’s defense did have some good moments when Bobby Wagner and Boye Mafe recovered a fumble each. Mafe also had the only sack for the Seahawks. On the whole, it was a disastrous day for the Seahawks. It is back to the drawing board for the coming weeks.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C (Last week C+)
The Buccaneers were almost able to win on the road against the Houston Texans, but came up short at the very end of the game. Baker Mayfield threw two touchdowns against no interceptions while Rachaad White scored two rushing touchdowns, and Cade Otto scored two receiving touchdowns. The Bucs defense recovered one fumble and had three sacks against C.J. Stroud all game. The Buccaneers have great playmakers, but couldn’t finish the job in Houston!
Tennessee Titans: C- (Last week B)
Will Levis and company did not play a bad game in the Steel City but they weren’t able to finish the game on a high note. Levis threw a game-ending interception to Steelers linebacker Kwon Alexander ending the Titan’s hopes of a comeback while Derrick Henry scored the only touchdown for Tennessee. The defense meanwhile, couldn’t get any sacks or interceptions against Kenny Pickett. It was a tough loss for Tennessee and it shows that everyone needs to step it up to stay relevant in the second half of the season.
Washington Commanders: C+ (Last week C+)
The Washington Commanders secured themselves a close 20-17 victory in Foxborough, MA against the struggling New England Patriots. Sam Howell threw one touchdown against one interception and was sacked three times. Brian Robinson Jr. scored a rushing touchdown and Jahan Dotson scored a receiving touchdown. The Defense couldn’t land a sack against Mac Jones but Jartavius Martin had an interception against Jones. The Commanders may have won against the Patriots, but they’ll need to improve their game if they want to stay relevant in the NFC East.
