Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season featured loads of shut finishes, together with walk-off discipline objectives by the Broncos and the Panthers in addition to an extra time win by the Jaguars. There have been 14 walk-off discipline objectives this season, which is essentially the most by 9 weeks because the 1970 AFL/NFL merger, per ESPN Analysis. In the meantime, after the Colts’ loss to the Steelers, each the NFC and the AFC have not less than three groups tied for the convention’s finest file in Week 9 or later for the primary time since 2002.
How do all of those groups slot in our up to date Energy Rankings? We restacked the NFL heading into Week 10, which incorporates byes for 4 groups (Bengals, Chiefs, Cowboys and Titans). Along with the 1-32 rankings, our NFL Nation reporters picked crucial recreation remaining for every crew. This may very well be a rivalry recreation, a matchup with playoff implications or one which may have an effect on the crew’s draft standing.
Let’s get into it with No. 1, which shifted once more from the earlier week. Our energy panel of greater than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities evaluated how NFL groups stack up in opposition to each other, rating them from 1 to 32.
Soar to a crew:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Week 9 end result: Beat the Chiefs 28-21
Week 9 rating: 4
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 15 on the Patriots
The Payments are attempting to win a sixth straight AFC East title, however they’ve important competitors to achieve that aim. After the Patriots took the primary assembly, this matchup might find yourself being enormous because the Payments look to safe not less than another postseason recreation of their final yr at Highmark Stadium. Successful the division is all the time emphasised by Buffalo coach Sean McDermott as step one to reaching the Tremendous Bowl, and this recreation might show pivotal. — Alaina Getzenberg
Week 9 end result: Bye
Week 9 rating: 3
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 10 on the Packers
There’s an argument to be made for every of their upcoming three video games: on the Packers, dwelling in opposition to the Lions then on the Cowboys, who signify the Eagles’ largest (and possibly solely) risk within the NFC East. However the Eagles’ plans go effectively past a divisional crown. They’re concerned in a good race for the NFC’s No. 1 seed and might acquire the higher hand in opposition to considered one of their high rivals at Lambeau Area. Philadelphia ought to get a lift from new defensive acquisitions Jaelan Phillips, Jaire Alexander and Michael Carter II in addition to the potential return of edge rusher Nolan Smith Jr. (triceps). A win over Inexperienced Bay might assist propel Philly by a difficult closing stretch, because the Eagles have the sixth-most troublesome remaining schedule, per ESPN’s Soccer Energy Index (FPI). — Tim McManus
Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the Steelers 27-20
Week 9 rating: 1
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 10 vs. the Falcons in Berlin
After the way in which the Colts performed Sunday, with six turnovers and the offensive line getting uncharacteristically pushed round, the query round Indianapolis might be how they bounce again. This was simply their second loss this season, however it was the primary that raised questions on what sort of crew they’re. Likewise, quarterback Daniel Jones could have quite a bit to show. His three interceptions versus the Steelers are probably to provide gas to the narrative that he hasn’t totally turned the web page on his Giants period. — Stephen Holder
Week 9 end result: Bye
Week 9 rating: 5
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 16 on the Panthers
We do not know the way the Buccaneers will reply to being with out vast receiver Mike Evans (damaged collarbone) for an prolonged interval. We additionally do not know when Bucky Irving, Chris Godwin Jr., Luke Goedeke or Jalen McMillan will return. However we do know that 4 out of their closing 5 video games are in opposition to divisional opponents, which do rely towards tiebreakers. The Bucs have made an enormous level of emphasis on avoiding the midseason slumps they’ve skilled the previous two seasons. However ought to they want a late-season surge, that highway recreation in opposition to Carolina is smack dab in the course of it. — Jenna Laine
Week 9 end result: Beat the Saints 34-10
Week 9 rating: 8
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 10 on the 49ers
The Rams have six wins, however their Week 9 victory was surprisingly their first over an NFC opponent. Los Angeles has performed just one divisional recreation: a Week 5 loss at dwelling to San Francisco that ended with a turnover on downs in extra time. In what has been a good NFC West race thus far, not shedding the head-to-head tiebreaker to the 49ers may very well be necessary for a Rams crew with aspirations for a deep playoff run. — Sarah Barshop
Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the Vikings 27-24
Week 9 rating: 2
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 11 on the Eagles
The Lions will get examined by an elite squad in a showdown with the reigning Tremendous Bowl champions on “Sunday Evening Soccer.” They might want to carry their A-game to win in Philadelphia, and it will function a superb barometer for the place the Lions stand among the many league’s elite groups after already shedding to Inexperienced Bay and Kansas Metropolis on the highway. Detroit is trying to safe its third straight NFC North crown. — Eric Woodyard
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Week 9 end result: Beat the Texans 18-15
Week 9 rating: 9
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 17 on the Chiefs
Sure, the Broncos have their first assembly in opposition to the Chiefs in Week 11 in addition to a Week 15 matchup with the Packers and the regular-season finale versus the Chargers (after Los Angeles beat Denver in Week 3). However the Christmas evening tilt at Kansas Metropolis might have quite a bit on the desk. Maybe most notably — past any playoff seeding implications — is {that a} victory at Arrowhead Stadium might imply the Broncos are actually over their eight seasons of struggles following Peyton Manning’s retirement. The Chiefs have received each AFC West title because the Broncos final claimed the divisional crown in 2015, and Denver hasn’t triumphed at Arrowhead since Sept. 17, 2015. — Jeff Legwold
Week 9 end result: Beat the Falcons 24-23
Week 9 rating: 10
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 15 vs. the Payments
The Patriots already beat Buffalo in Week 5, and sweeping the season sequence would give them the sting in a possible tiebreaker within the AFC East standings. The Payments have received the previous 5 division titles. On the day New England coach Mike Vrabel was employed in January, he stated the crew’s objectives are to win the division, host dwelling playoff video games and compete for championships. — Mike Reiss
Week 9 end result: Beat the Commanders 38-14
Week 9 rating: 11
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 16 vs. the Rams
For the sake of choosing one recreation, we’ll go along with the late-season, prime-time matchup in opposition to the crew at present tied with Seattle atop the NFC West standings. However you would go along with both of the Seahawks’ two video games in opposition to Los Angeles (the primary assembly might be in Week 11) or their regular-season finale at San Francisco. In line with the FPI, the 49ers — regardless of all their accidents — have nearly the identical probability to win the division (36.2%) because the Rams (38.5%), so Seattle (25.3%) would possibly very effectively be in a three-team race the remainder of the way in which. — Brady Henderson
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Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the Payments 28-21
Week 9 rating: 6
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 11 on the Broncos
Following their bye week, the Chiefs will face the present AFC West chief. The simplest manner for the Chiefs to regain command within the division is to comb the Broncos. Kansas Metropolis coach Andy Reid, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the remainder of the crew ought to have loads of motivation too. Within the 2024 regular-season finale, the Broncos, needing a win to clinch the convention’s closing playoff spot, beat Kansas Metropolis 38-0. One might argue the Chiefs, who already had clinched the highest seed and rested their starters, did not get pleasure from Broncos coach Sean Payton operating up the rating. — Nate Taylor
Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the Panthers 16-13
Week 9 rating: 7
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 12 vs. the Vikings
We might’ve picked any of the remaining NFC North video games as a result of the Packers nonetheless have 5 of them left in a hotly contested division. The Vikings recreation marks the start of three straight divisional video games, so let’s go along with that one. The Packers have received their solely NFC North matchup thus far, beating the Lions manner again in Week 1. Final season, Inexperienced Bay went simply 1-5 within the division; proper now, the Pack are clinging to a half-game lead within the standings. — Rob Demovsky
Week 9 end result: Beat the Colts 27-20
Week 9 rating: 13
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 14 on the Ravens
Although the Steelers proceed to steer the division, each AFC North recreation is necessary. On the high of that record is their first assembly with Baltimore. With quarterback Lamar Jackson again from a hamstring damage, the Ravens are poised to make a run within the division, and Pittsburgh must preserve them at bay. It misplaced each video games in Baltimore a season in the past, together with a 28-14 playoff defeat during which operating again Derrick Henry ran all around the Steelers’ protection. — Brooke Pryor
Week 9 end result: Beat the Titans 27-20
Week 9 rating: 14
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 15 on the Chiefs
It has been 12 years because the Chargers swept the Chiefs. In one of many league’s best divisions, this recreation might imply the distinction in a playoff spot. However past that, sweeping the proverbial huge brother of the AFC West would give the Chargers extra confidence as they appear to contend for the franchise’s first Tremendous Bowl title. Of their opening recreation of the season, the Bolts beat the Chiefs in Brazil, which Harbaugh referred to as “monumental.” — Kris Rhim
Week 9 end result: Beat the Giants 34-24
Week 9 rating: 12
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 10 vs. the Rams
The 49ers are 3-0 within the NFC West, and wins over the Rams and the Seahawks have given San Francisco a leg up in what figures to be a hotly contested divisional race. The Niners pulled off an upset over Los Angeles in Week 5, and if they will do it once more this week, it will put them in prime place to make one other run on the division crown and return to the postseason after a one-year hiatus. — Nick Wagoner
Week 9 end result: Beat the Raiders 30-29 (OT)
Week 9 rating: 15
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 10 on the Texans
The Jaguars might bury the Texans within the division with a victory in Houston. That may give Jacksonville a four-game lead — together with the tiebreaker — over the Texans and basically make the AFC South a two-team race with Indianapolis. The Jaguars nonetheless have two video games remaining in opposition to the Colts (7-2) and the Titans (1-8). — Mike DiRocco
Week 9 end result: Beat the Packers 16-13
Week 9 rating: 19
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 16 vs. the Buccaneers
You additionally might argue for the Week 18 matchup with Tampa Bay, but when the Panthers lose to the identical opponent two weeks earlier, then the regular-season finale may very well be irrelevant. Why these video games matter is straightforward: It might come all the way down to profitable one or each for the Panthers to assert the NFC South crown. There are different key contests in between — versus the 49ers, the Rams and the Seahawks — however profitable in opposition to the present division chief might be most necessary. — David Newton
Week 9 end result: Beat the Bengals 47-42
Week 9 rating: 16
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 11 on the Vikings
The Bears’ subsequent probability at a division win is in two weeks. Chicago began the season in an 0-2 gap within the NFC North with a three-point defeat to the visiting Vikings and a blowout loss in Detroit. Gaining floor within the division earlier than the Bears face Inexperienced Bay twice and Detroit to finish the season is vital in the event that they wish to make the playoffs. Whereas they’re tied for second place with Detroit and a half-game behind first-place Inexperienced Bay, a win at Minneapolis’ U.S. Financial institution Stadium would go a great distance earlier than three extra NFC North video games. — Courtney Cronin
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Week 9 end result: Beat the Lions 27-24
Week 9 rating: 21
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 10 vs. the Ravens
It would sound cliché, however the Vikings’ most necessary recreation is their subsequent one, regardless of the opponent. Sunday’s upset did nothing however carry their file to .500. They continue to be on the backside of the NFC North, arguably the league’s hardest division, and are two video games behind the Packers within the loss column. Assuming that the Packers, the Lions and the Bears proceed taking part in effectively, the Vikings cannot afford to fall any additional behind in the event that they wish to push towards a playoff berth. All three division foes are direct rivals for a playoff spot. — Kevin Seifert
Week 9 end result: Beat the Dolphins 28-6
Week 9 rating: 22
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 18 on the Steelers
It appears to be like like a two-team race within the AFC North. In line with ESPN Analytics, the Steelers have a 48.2% probability to win the division, whereas the Ravens have a 46.4% probability. If it finally ends up being determined within the regular-season finale, Baltimore should overcome its struggles in Pittsburgh to win its third straight division title. The Ravens have misplaced 4 of their previous 5 video games in Pittsburgh, averaging simply 15.0 factors per outing. — Jamison Hensley
Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the Broncos 18-15
Week 9 rating: 17
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 10 vs. the Jaguars
If the Texans lose this subsequent recreation, they’d be observing a 3-6 file. It additionally would imply being swept by a divisional opponent, which might damage the Texans in potential tiebreaker situations and put them able to must run the desk for any probability on the playoffs. They presently have a 12.7% probability to make the postseason, per the FPI, whereas the Jaguars have a 52.5% probability. — DJ Bien-Aime
Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the Cardinals 27-17
Week 9 rating: 18
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 12 on the Eagles
The Cowboys cannot start to consider the playoffs till they win consecutive video games. However one of the simplest ways to make the postseason would probably be profitable the NFC East — and that might require assist. The Eagles play the Packers and Lions within the subsequent two weeks. For example they lose each. At 3-5-1, the Cowboys are in must-win territory, beginning Nov. 17 on the Raiders, which might arrange the rematch of the season opener at AT&T Stadium with the Eagles. Even which may not be sufficient as a result of the Chiefs, Lions, Vikings and Chargers await the Cowboys, so there isn’t a straightforward path. — Todd Archer
Week 9 end result: Beat the Cowboys 27-17
Week 9 rating: 24
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 10 on the Seahawks
It is crucial one as a result of it is the following one — and no, that is not coachspeak. Whereas the Cardinals obtained a win Monday to interrupt a five-game shedding streak, they want extra — badly. Sunday’s outing would be the Playing cards’ subsequent alternative to get again within the race, however given how good Seattle checked out Washington, they may have their work minimize out for them. This Arizona crew, which was in first place within the NFC West final November and thought it will be even higher this season, continues to be in a tricky spot. — Josh Weinfuss
Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the Bears 47-42
Week 9 rating: 23
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 11 vs. the Steelers
It all the time felt just like the Bengals’ rematch in opposition to the Steelers was going to be essential for Cincinnati’s playoff hopes. However after back-to-back losses heading into the bye, the result in opposition to Pittsburgh additionally might decide if the Bengals ought to totally decide to reevaluating and rebuilding the roster. In line with the FPI, they’ve a 7.4% probability of creating the playoffs after Sunday’s video games. — Ben Child
Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the Seahawks 38-14
Week 9 rating: 20
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 11 vs. the Dolphins in Madrid
The Commanders have misplaced 4 in a row, however three of these have been to groups over .500 and the previous two got here in opposition to Kansas Metropolis and Seattle. They are going to host Detroit on Sunday, and it might get ugly since they’re simply not outfitted to beat good groups proper now. But when the Commanders lose to 2-7 Miami — and look dangerous once more on protection — it’ll sign a large difficulty. Washington coach Dan Quinn stated he is not making adjustments on his defensive employees, however a tough recreation in Spain wouldn’t bolster anybody’s confidence on this group to enhance the state of affairs. — John Keim
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Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the Patriots 24-23
Week 9 rating: 26
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 15 vs. the Buccaneers
The Falcons have misplaced three straight and are third within the NFC South. So, any playoff dialogue needs to be placed on the backburner for the second. Atlanta does have the sunshine a part of its schedule — with video games in opposition to the Panthers, the Saints and the Jets — coming over the following month. If the Falcons can maintain enterprise in these contests, then the “Thursday Evening Soccer” matchup with Tampa Bay could have severe divisional implications. Proper now, although, Atlanta badly must string some wins collectively earlier than a once-promising season goes down the drain. — Marc Raimondi
Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the 49ers 34-24
Week 9 rating: 28
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 17 vs. the Cowboys
Workforce co-owner John Mara frequently says he desires to stroll off the sector after the ultimate recreation feeling good in regards to the path of the crew. Properly, a Week 17 win at dwelling over the rival Cowboys might depart a constructive style in his mouth, particularly if rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart finishes robust. Eli Manning and the Giants have lengthy talked about how the ultimate recreation of his rookie yr in 2004 (a come-from-behind win over Dallas) gave him and the crew confidence going into the next season. In 2005, that they had an 11-5 file and made the playoffs. — Jordan Raanan
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Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the Ravens 28-6
Week 9 rating: 25
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 10 vs. the Payments
The Dolphins’ season is successfully over by way of playoff consideration, and there is no single contest that would change the course of their destiny — besides this Sunday’s dwelling recreation in opposition to Buffalo. Their earlier matchup with the Payments got here all the way down to the wire, and sneaking out with a win would have a constructive impact on a locker room which may look quite a bit completely different after Tuesday’s commerce deadline. Miami has a string of winnable video games coming after this week, with the Commanders, the Saints and the Jets subsequent up on the schedule. Beating the Payments could be one heck of a springboard. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the Jaguars 30-29 (OT)
Week 9 rating: 29
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 11 on the Cowboys
The Raiders’ schedule would not provide too many alternatives for them to go on a profitable streak. That is why their matchup in opposition to Dallas might be essential. Las Vegas’ offense is trending in the correct path with the return of tight finish Brock Bowers from a knee damage. And because the Cowboys have considered one of league’s worst defenses (thirty first in yards allowed at 404.6 per recreation), the Raiders might pull off an upset. Las Vegas will play Dallas and Cleveland in back-to-back weeks, however the schedule will get harder after that. The Raiders’ closing six video games characteristic matchups in opposition to the Broncos, the Chargers, the Chiefs and the Eagles. — Ryan McFadden
Week 9 end result: Bye
Week 9 rating: 27
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 10 on the Jets
The Browns have a number of video games remaining in opposition to groups that might be vying for the No. 1 choose, and the one-win Jets seem like amongst those that might be within the quarterback market this offseason. The FPI at present offers the Browns an 18.7% probability — the third-best odds within the NFL — of getting the highest choose within the 2026 draft, whereas the Jets sit at fourth with a 13.7% probability. A victory might come at the price of probably lacking out on an elite QB prospect months from now. — Daniel Oyefusi
Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the Rams 34-10
Week 9 rating: 30
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 17 on the Titans
The Saints will play each the Jets and the Titans on the finish of the season, and all three groups are nonetheless trying to find their second win. If issues proceed on the identical path for the Saints and the Titans, then this recreation has the potential to find out who might be choosing on the high of the draft in 2026. At present, New Orleans is simply behind Tennessee with a 27.4% probability on the No. 1 choose, per the FPI. — Katherine Terrell
Week 9 end result: Bye
Week 9 rating: 31
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 16 on the Saints
This might have main implications for the No. 1 choose within the 2026 draft, because the Jets, the Saints and the Titans are the league’s solely one-win groups. In contrast to the Titans, who drafted Cam Ward final yr, the Jets and the Saints determine to be within the QB market. The Jets have Justin Fields below contract subsequent season, however he has but to reveal he will be their long-term reply. His Whole QBR is 37.9, which ranks thirtieth out of 32 certified passers. — Wealthy Cimini
Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the Chargers 27-20
Week 9 rating: 32
Most necessary recreation remaining: Week 18 on the Jaguars
Having their closing recreation in opposition to AFC South rival Jacksonville offers the Titans a chance to finish on a excessive notice and construct upon that subsequent season. This marketing campaign was meant to be a constructing block for future success. The Titans’ brass knew the crew wasn’t prone to be aggressive. At this level, given Tennessee’s struggles and a brand new employees in all probability coming this offseason, the gamers don’t have anything to play for aside from their pleasure and placing good movie out for evaluators. Getting the possibility to play spoilers if the Jaguars are in playoff rivalry would add motivation. — Turron Davenport