Week nine saw some intense games, as teams were fighting for first place, a chance at a potential playoff run, and to show their divisional rivals and NFL fans alike why they should be respected.
However, some NFL teams had a rough afternoon and couldn’t finish the job. Their winning windows are indeed closing. There may be just a bit of time to turn things around, but time may not be on some team’s side as the real contenders are starting to fall into place.
Here are the grades for all 32 NFL teams after week nine.
Which NFL teams had the highest grades after week 9?
Arizona Cardinals: B
The Cardinals had a very nice afternoon in the desert as they dismantled the Chicago Bears 29-9. Kyler Murray didn’t throw a touchdown pass or interception in the game, and the Cardinals’ receiving depth wasn’t able to top 40 yards in the passing attack. That being said, the Cardinals won thanks to the ground game, as Emari Demercado, Trey Benson, and tight end Trey McBride each scored rushing touchdowns, while James Conner had 107 rushing yards.
On defense, the Cardinals had six sacks and no interceptions. A good afternoon for the Cardinals’ defense and rushing attack, but the passing attack needs to improve if the Cardinals want to maintain control of first place in the NFC West.
Atlanta Falcons: A-
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The Falcons had a field day, as they defeated the Dallas Cowboys 27-21 at home. Kirk Cousins threw three touchdowns against no interceptions, Bijan Robinson rushed for 86 yards, Tyler Allgeier scored a rushing touchdown, and Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud III, and Drake London each scored touchdowns. The Falcons had three sacks against Dak Prescott on defense but no interceptions.
A great win for the Falcons as they continue to maintain control of the NFC South… for now. However, Drake London left the game with a hip injury, which is a sting that could hurt the team long term. Mooney, McCloud III, and Kyle Pitts need to be ready to step up in London’s absence if he’s out long-term.
Baltimore Ravens: A-
The Ravens dominated the entire game, as they dismantled the Denver Broncos 41-10 at home. Lamar Jackson threw three touchdowns against no interceptions, Derrick Henry scored two rushing touchdowns, Patrick Ricard scored a touchdown, and Zay Flowers scored two touchdowns.
On defense, the Ravens had four sacks and an interception. A strong and dominating afternoon for the Ravens as they fully rebounded from their week eight loss against the Cleveland Browns. The Ravens now have to get prepared for their week 10 match-up when they welcome the Cincinnati Bengals to town.
Buffalo Bills: B+
The Bills played a very competitive divisional battle against the Miami Dolphins and came out on top 30-27, thanks to Tyler Bass’ heroics near the end of the game, kicking the winning field goal with minutes left. Josh Allen threw three touchdowns against an interception, James Cook rushed for 44 yards, and Ray Davis, Mack Hollins, and Quintin Morris each scored touchdowns while Amari Cooper was out due to wrist injuries. On defense, the Bills had a sack and a fumble recovery but no interceptions.
The Bills’ defense also had a tough time trying to slow down the Dolphins’ rushing attack. However, the team earned the win in a very competitive divisional battle and looks to potentially win their fifth straight AFC East championship with the rest of the division below 0.500… for now.
Carolina Panthers: C+
The Panthers earned their revenge against the New Orleans Saints and won 23-22 in a neck-and-neck battle against their NFC South rivals. Bryce Young threw a touchdown against an interception, Chuba Hubbard scored two rushing touchdowns, and Xavier Legette scored a receiving touchdown. The Panthers had one sack and no interceptions on defense despite earning the win.
Despite the inconsistent play-calling from head coach Dave Canales, the Panthers were able to begin their rally in the second quarter, earning their second win of the season. The Panthers need to build upon this win when they square off against the New York Giants in week 10 in Munich, Germany.
Chicago Bears: D-
The Bears had a painful afternoon in the desert as they fell 9-29 against the Arizona Cardinals. Caleb Williams didn’t throw a single touchdown or interception, was sacked six times, and revealed after the game he suffered a left ankle injury but told reporters he’ll be alright. D’Andre Swift rushed for 51 yards, and Rome Odunze had 104 receiving yards. On defense, the Bears had three sacks and two fumble recoveries.
Head coach Matt Eberflus was heavily criticized for handling Caleb Williams, as he allowed his rookie quarterback back in the game after the ankle injury. CBS Sports analyst Charles Davis was also very critical of Eberflus. He said that Williams shouldn’t have been out there for the final two minutes of the game and that he hoped he’d be okay. The Bears return home for week 10 and will welcome the New England Patriots to town.
Cincinnati Bengals: B+
The Bengals had a good afternoon as they defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 41-24. Joe Burrow threw five touchdowns against an interception, Chase Brown had 120 rushing yards and scored a receiving touchdown, Mike Gesicki scored his first two touchdowns of the season, Drew Sample and Andrei Iosivas both scored touchdowns, and Ja’Marr Chase had 43 receiving yards.
On defense, the Bengals had five sacks and two fumble recoveries from Logan Wilson despite Joe Burrow throwing an interception, which turned into a 29-yard pick-sick from Jack Jones. The Bengals looked sharp, and now they need to get themselves prepared for their week 10 match-up against the Baltimore Ravens on the road, in prime time.
Also Read: Ranking All 32 NFL Teams’ Offenses From WORST To FIRST After Week 8 Of The 2024 Season
Cleveland Browns: D
What a difference a week makes, right? The Browns were sadly humiliated at home by the Los Angeles Chargers and lost 10-27. Jameis Winston threw a touchdown against three interceptions and was sacked six times, Nick Chubb rushed for 39 yards, Cedric Tillman scored the team’s only touchdown, and Jerry Jeudy had 73 receiving yards.
On defense, the Browns had six sacks but no interceptions. A rough afternoon for the Browns despite their defense getting six sacks against Justin Herbert. Luckily, the Browns enter a bye week in week 10, and they won’t see action until they face the New Orleans Saints on the road in week 11.
Dallas Cowboys: D
Things continued to turn upside down for the Cowboys as they fell to the Atlanta Falcons 21-27. Dak Prescott threw a touchdown to Rico Dowdle with no interceptions but left the game with a hamstring injury as Cooper Rush took over the reins. Rush threw a touchdown to Jalen Tobert in the fourth quarter, while Dowdle had 75 rushing yards and Jake Ferguson had 71 receiving yards. On defense, the Cowboys had two sacks and a fumble recovery but no interceptions.
It was a rough afternoon for the Cowboys. Rush has to be ready to start, with Prescott out for some time due to his hamstring injury. Especially in week 10, when the Philadelphia Eagles come to town.
Denver Broncos: D
The Broncos had a rough afternoon on the road, as they were defeated 10-41 against the Baltimore Ravens. Bo Nix threw an interception against no touchdowns and was sacked four times. Javonte Williams rushed for 42 yards on the ground, and Courtland Sutton threw a touchdown pass to Nix in the second quarter. On defense, the Broncos had one sack and no defensive turnovers against the Ravens.
Despite Courtland Sutton’s very cool trick play and touchdown pass, the Broncos were dismantled against the Ravens all game. The Broncos return west for a week 10 showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium.
Detroit Lions: B+
The Lions continued playing great football as they defeated their NFC North rivals, the Green Bay Packers, in a 24-14 victory at Lambeau Field. Jared Goff threw a touchdown to Amon-Ra St. Brown against no interceptions, Jahmyr Gibbs scored a rushing touchdown, and David Montgomery had 73 rushing yards. On defense, Kerby Joseph had a 27-yard interception returned for a pick-six, but the Lions’ defense had no sacks against Jordan Love.
The Lions looked sharp and continued to show the league why they deserve to repeat as NFC North champions, with a strong win over their longtime rivals. The Lions continue their road trip with a week 10 meeting against the Houston Texans on the road.
Green Bay Packers: D+
The Packers lost a tough 14-24 battle against their longtime divisional rivals, the Detroit Lions, at home. Jordan Love threw an interception against no touchdowns, Josh Jacobs rushed for 95 yards, Emmanuel Wilson scored the Packers’ only touchdown in the game, and Jayden Reed had 113 receiving yards. On defense, the Packers had one sack and no interceptions.
A painful loss for the Packers, as 10 penalties surely affected the outcome, as well as the heavy rain being a factor in the team’s loss. The Packers luckily enter a bye week in week 10 and won’t see action until week 11, when they travel to the Windy City and square off against the Chicago Bears.
Houston Texans: D+
The Texans played a fair match-up against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium but came up short in their 13-21 loss. C.J. Stroud threw no touchdowns or interceptions but was sacked eight times and lost a fumble. Joe Mixon scored the team’s only touchdown, and Tank Dell had 126 receiving yards. On defense, the Texans had two sacks from Denico Autry but no interceptions.
It was a tough and painful loss for the Texans, as they are feeling the effects of not having Stefon Diggs on the field because of his ACL injury. The Texans must regroup and rebound in week 10 when they host the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football.
Indianapolis Colts: D+
After benching Anthony Richardson for being too tired in week eight, Joe Flacco suited up but couldn’t get much of anything going in this NFL team’s 13-21 loss on the road against the Minnesota Vikings. Flacco threw an interception against no touchdowns and lost a fumble, Jonathan Taylor rushed for 48 yards, and Josh Downs had 60 receiving yards.
On defense, the Colts had four sacks and two interceptions, and Kenny Moore II had a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown. It was a very sloppy game for both the Colts and Vikings, with the Colts descending from the game as the losers. The Colts return home for week 10, where they will welcome the Buffalo Bills to town.
Jacksonville Jaguars: D+
The Jaguars were shut down in the first half until they attempted a comeback in the second half, which fell short in their 23-28 loss on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles. Trevor Lawrence threw two interceptions and scored two rushing touchdowns. The Jaguars’ rushing attack was held to a combined 60 yards on the ground, and Evan Engram had 45 receiving yards.
On defense, the Jaguars had three sacks, and Travon Walker had a fumble recovery returned for a 35-yard touchdown. Despite a decent second half, it wasn’t enough for the Jaguars. They have to return home and get prepared to host the Minnesota Vikings in week 10.
Kansas City Chiefs: A-
It wasn’t pretty, but the Chiefs won an intense overtime battle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-24. Patrick Mahomes threw three touchdowns against no interceptions but had an injury scare in the game as it looked like Mahomes hurt his knee until he came back in for the next offensive possession.
Kareem Hunt scored the game-winning touchdown to close out the overtime period, Travis Kelce had 100 receiving yards, DeAndre Hopkins scored two touchdowns, and Samaje Perine scored a touchdown. On defense, the Chiefs had two sacks and no interceptions. It was a wild game for the ages, as trading for Hopkins paid off. The Chiefs remain undefeated and will defend their home turf when the Denver Broncos come to town in week 10.
Las Vegas Raiders: C-
It was a tough afternoon for the Silver and Black, as they lost 24-41 on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals. Gardner Minshew threw no touchdowns or interceptions but was benched for Desmond Ridder, who threw a touchdown to Brock Bowers. However, both Ridder and Minshew lost fumbles, both of which were recovered by Logan Wilson of the Bengals. Zamir White scored a touchdown while the Raiders’ rushing attack was held to 60 yards, and Jakobi Meyers had 105 receiving yards.
On defense, the Raiders had a sack, and Jack Jones had an interception returned for a 29-yard pick-six. This NFL team is currently in shambles, and they just fired offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. Will the Raiders find a way to turn it around? We’ll just have to wait and see. Tick-tock, the clock is ticking.
Los Angeles Chargers: B+
The Chargers had a very nice afternoon as they thoroughly dismantled the Cleveland Browns 27-10. Justin Herbert threw two touchdowns against no interceptions but was sacked six times, J.K. Dobbins scored two rushing touchdowns, Quentin Johnston scored a touchdown, and Joshua Palmer scored a touchdown.
On defense, the Chargers had six sacks and three interceptions against Jamesis Winston. A solid afternoon for the Bolts as they look to get their 2024 season back on track. The Chargers return home and will welcome the Tennessee Titans to town in week 10.
Los Angeles Rams: B+
The Rams had a very nice afternoon on the road as they defeated the Seattle Seahawks 26-20 in overtime. Matthew Stafford threw two touchdowns against an interception and wasn’t sacked at all. Kyren Williams rushed for 69 yards, Cooper Kupp had 109 receiving yards, and Demarcus Robinson hauled in two touchdown passes (including the game-winning touchdown to end overtime). On defense, the Rams had a fumble recovery, seven sacks, and three interceptions, one of which was returned for a 103-yard pick-six by Karmen Kinchens.
This reminded football fans of Ed Reed’s famous 108-yard pick-six against the Philadelphia Eagles from 2008. The Rams are starting to click and get over the injury bug that affected them earlier in the season as they try to compete for a playoff spot in a very competitive NFC West.
Miami Dolphins: C+
The Dolphins played a competitive battle against the Buffalo Bills but came up short in their 27-30 loss. Tua Tagovailoa threw two touchdowns against no interceptions, De’Von Achane scored a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown, Tyreek Hill had 80 receiving yards, and Jaylen Waddle scored a touchdown despite having negative four receiving yards. On defense, the Dolphins had a sack and an interception from Jalen Ramsey.
The Dolphins are slowly getting their offense back in rhythm with Tagovailoa back in the lineup. This team desperately needs to find a way to finish games instead of continually coming up short in very competitive battles in the NFL.
Minnesota Vikings: C+
The Vikings didn’t play their best game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football, but they did secure the 21-13 win- in the very end. Sam Darnold threw three touchdowns against two interceptions and lost a fumble, Aaron Jones rushed for 64 yards, Justin Jefferson had 137 receiving yards, and Jordan Addison, Josh Oliver, and Jalen Nailor each scored receiving touchdowns.
On defense, the Vikings had three sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery. It was not the prettiest game played by the Vikings, but they earned the win and lived to fight another day. The Vikings hit the road for a week 10 trip to Duval County for a match-up against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
New England Patriots: D+
The Patriots played a very competitive neck-and-neck battle against the Tennessee Titans despite losing 17-20 in overtime. Drake Maye threw a touchdown pass against two interceptions and led the team in rushing yards, with 95 yards on the ground. Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for 16 yards, scored a rushing touchdown, and scored the tying touchdown, which sent the game to overtime, and Hunter Henry had 56 receiving yards.
On defense, the Patriots had a sack and an interception. A tough way to lose in overtime, as Maye continued to look good for the Patriots long-term. But the rest of this NFL team couldn’t help him out, even as the Titans eked out a win in the very end.
New Orleans Saints: C-
The Saints and Carolina Panthers played a very close neck-and-neck battle, but the Saints fell short in their heartbreaking 22-23 loss on the road. Derek Carr threw a touchdown against no interceptions, Alvin Kamara rushed for 155 yards, Taysom Hill scored a rushing touchdown, and Foster Moreau scored a receiving touchdown. However, the Saints lost Chris Olave to a scary concussion (his second of the season). This team is already hurting in the passing game without Rashid Shaheed, who’s out for the NFL season due to season-ending knee surgery repairing his meniscus. On defense, the Saints had one sack and an interception.
A rough afternoon for the Saints, as they also showed head coach Dennis Allen the exit door and appointed special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi as the team’s interim head coach. Will Rizzi help the Saints snap their seven-game losing streak? We’ll just wait and see.
New York Giants: C
The Giants played fairly but couldn’t get the job done, as they lost a very tough 22-27 battle at home against the visiting Washington Commanders. Daniel Jones threw two touchdowns against no interceptions and scored a rushing touchdown, Tyrone Tracy Jr. had 66 yards on the ground, and Theo Johnson and Chris Manhertz both scored touchdowns. On defense, the Giants had no sacks or interceptions, as they couldn’t stop Jayden Daniels from doing his thing.
The Giants managed to score some touchdowns at home, but that was not enough to get what they needed to close the game out with a victory. Maybe week 10 will prove to be the charm.
New York Jets: A-
The Jets snapped their five-game losing streak and earned a close yet nice 21-13 win over the Houston Texans. Aaron Rodgers threw three touchdowns against no interceptions, Breece Hall rushed for 74 yards, Davante Adams scored his first touchdown as a Jet, and Garrett Wilson scored two touchdowns, including a touchdown, which, as he entered the end-zone, was reminiscent of the Air Jordan logo.
On defense, the Jets had eight sacks but no interceptions. A nice redemption game for this team as they try to get their NFL season back on track and potentially build upon their win.
Philadelphia Eagles: B+
The Eagles had full control of their week nine 28-23 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars despite the Jaguars attempting a comeback in the second half of the game. Jalen Hurts threw two touchdown passes against no interceptions and scored a rushing touchdown. Saquon Barkley scored a rushing touchdown and receiving touchdown while having a reverse hurdle over cornerback Jarrion Jones, and DeVonta Smith scored a touchdown. On defense, the Eagles had two sacks, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery against the Jaguars.
The Eagles looked sharp, but they did lose A.J. Brown to a knee injury, although recent reports show that Brown didn’t suffer anything serious. The Eagles travel to Texas for a week 10 divisional showdown against the Dallas Cowboys.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Bye Week
So far, the Steelers looked very sharp on offense, with Russell Wilson leading the way. The defense continues to be a dominant force so far. The Steelers return to action in week 10, when they travel to the nation’s capital for a showdown against the Washington Commanders.
San Francisco 49ers: Bye Week
The 49ers needed some rest as they tried to get key guys back in the lineup. The 49ers return to action in week 10 when they travel to Florida for a showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Seattle Seahawks: C-
The Seahawks had a tough afternoon at home, as they fell in a very close and competitive 20-26 overtime divisional battle against the Los Angeles Rams. Geno Smith threw three touchdowns against three interceptions, and Kenneth Walker III had 83 rushing yards. Jaxon Smith-Njigba scored two touchdowns, and Tyler Lockett, additionally, scored another touchdown. On defense, the Seahawks had an interception but failed to get a single sack against Matthew Stafford.
The Seahawks have started to unravel at the worst time, as we’re at the midway point of the 2024 season. This team has some time, but not enough time, to fully get their NFL season back on track. Luckily, the Seahawks have a bye week in week 10 and will return to action in week 11 against the San Francisco 49ers on the road.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B
The Buccaneers nearly had a chance to end the Kansas City Chiefs undefeated season at the very end of the fourth quarter but elected to kick a field goal instead of attempting a two-point conversion and lost to the Chiefs 24-30 in overtime. Baker Mayfield threw two touchdowns against no interceptions, Rachaad White scored a rushing touchdown, and Cade Otton and Ryan Miller both scored touchdowns.
On defense, the Bucs had four sacks and a fumble recovery. Despite the Bucs’ efforts on all sides of the ball, not attempting a two-point conversion is going to haunt head coach Todd Bowles for a while. The Bucs return home in week 10 and will defend their turf against the San Francisco 49ers coming to town.
Tennessee Titans: C-
The Titans didn’t have the flashiest afternoon against the New England Patriots, but they did earn their second win of the 2024 season with a 20-17 overtime victory over the Pats. Mason Rudolph threw two touchdowns against an interception, Tony Pollard rushed for 128 yards, Calvin Ridley had 73 receiving yards, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Nick Vannett both scored receiving touchdowns. On defense, the Titans had four sacks, two fumble recoveries, and two interceptions by Amani Hooker.
The Titans may not be the best team in the NFL, but seeing this team win, thanks to their defense and Tony Pollard’s ground attack, is a nice treat for Titans fans. The Titans hit the road in week 10 when they travel to Los Angeles for a showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Washington Commanders: B+
The Commanders had a very nice afternoon as they defeated the New York Giants 27-22. Jayden Daniels threw two touchdowns against no interceptions, Austin Ekeler scored a rushing touchdown, and Terry McLaurin scored two touchdowns. On defense, the Commanders had a fumble recovery and two sacks in the victory.
Daniels and the Commanders continued impressing many as he and the Commanders got prepared for their week 10 showdown as they will welcome the Pittsburgh Steelers to town.
Also Read: Ranking All 32 NFL Teams After Week 8 Games
