The 2024 NFL season is halfway over. Nine weeks are in the books. Nine weeks remain. And Week 9 featured no shortage of games that had a major impact on the league's playoff races.
In Green Bay, the Detroit Lions sent an emphatic message that they are the team to beat in the NFC. In Baltimore, the Ravens responded to last week's upset loss to the Cleveland Browns by stomping a mudhole in the Denver Broncos. In Philadelphia, the Eagles did their best to ruin another outstanding performance from running back Saquon Barkley but Jax didn’t need the win. And in what may be a harbinger of the Apocalypse, the Carolina Panthers and Tennessee Titans both won. In the same week.
At the midpoint of the season, we have a good idea of who is good and who is planning for next season, but there is still a lot of time for teams to make a late push.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs just keep winning, this week in overtime against the Bucs on Monday night. It was a movie we have seen before with Kansas City putting together a game-sealing drive in overtime to bring their record to 8-0. Patrick Mahomes played through an ankle injury that is worth watching, but he had one of his better games of the season, completing 34 of 44 passes for 291 yards and 3 touchdowns. 2 of those touchdowns went to new addition DeAndre Hopkins, who added 8 catches for 86 yards. Kansas City has some tough games left on the schedule including a trip to Buffalo in two weeks, but they appear to be marching to yet another AFC West title.
2. Detroit Lions
The Lions improved to 7-1 after a convincing 24-14 victory over the Green Bay Packers, proving they can win in various conditions by dominating in the rainy and cold environment of Lambeau Field. They have the best record in the NFC and the second-best in the entire NFL, behind only the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs. Jared Goff has been exceptionally accurate, completing at least 80% of his passes in four of his last five games. The team’s confidence is high, with players and coaches expressing belief in their ability to compete for the NFC championship and potentially the Super Bowl.
3. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens improved to 6-3 after a dominant 41-10 victory over the Denver Broncos. This was Lamar Jackson’s fourth career game with a perfect passer rating (158.3), breaking the tie with Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Kurt Warner, and Ben Roethlisberger for the most such games in the Super Bowl era. He joins an elite group of quarterbacks (Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady) who have achieved at least 20 touchdown passes and a 120+ passer rating in their first nine games of a season. This was also Derrick Henry’s 21st career game with at least 100 rushing yards and two touchdowns, tying Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith for the third-most such games in NFL history. Jackson’s exceptional play, combined with a strong running game and solid defense, positions them as serious contenders in the AFC.
4. Buffalo Bills
The Bills improved to 7-2 after a narrow 30-27 victory over the Miami Dolphins and sit firmly in control of the AFC East. Tyler Bass proved his value with the game-winning 61-yard field goal despite missing an extra point earlier in the game. The Bills face one of the toughest schedules in the league, with road games against tough opponents like Baltimore, Detroit, Houston, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Pittsburgh.
5. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings improved to 6-2 after a 21-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, snapping a two-game losing streak with a win that moves them back to second place in the NFC North. Sam Darnold struggled in the first half, throwing an early interception and suffering a sack-fumble that resulted in a Colts touchdown. However, he improved in the second half, helping lead the team to victory. The defense’s return to form is a positive sign, but they need to address offensive line issues to maintain competitiveness.
6. Washington Commanders
The Commanders improved to an impressive 7-2 record after a hard-fought 27-22 victory over the New York Giants, now holding a lead in the NFC East over the Philadelphia Eagles. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels continues to impress while the defense has demonstrated the ability to close out tight games, a crucial factor in their success. The team’s chemistry, disciplined defense, and Daniels’ growth have positioned them as one of the top teams in the NFC.
7. Houston Texans
The Texans have a 6-3 record after losing to the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football. The Texans offense has been in a funk recently, averaging only 19 points per game over the past three games. Pass protection is a major issue, with quarterback C.J. Stroud being sacked 14 times since Week 7 including 8 times in the Week 9 game against the Jets. Their comfortable lead in the AFC South provides some buffer, but addressing offensive line issues should hold priority.
8. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles improved to 6-2 after a 28-23 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jalen Hurts has shown significant improvement in each of his last three games while running back Saquon Barkley continues to shine. The Eagles struggled with fourth-down conversions (0-for-2) and failed on all three 2-point conversion attempts. These decisions allowed a late comeback by Jacksonville, who came up short. They’ll need to clean up some areas to maintain their position in the NFC East and the overall NFC standings.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have a 6-2 record after a Week 9 bye. Their upcoming schedule is challenging, with all six of their divisional games still to be played. They also face tough non-divisional opponents like the Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles, and Kansas City Chiefs.
10. Green Bay Packers
The Packers lost to the Lions 24-14, dropping their record to 6-3 and marking their third consecutive loss to the Lions at Lambeau Field. Despite outgaining the Lions by 150 yards (411 to 261), the Packers struggled to convert yards into points. Jordan Love, playing through a groin injury, had a mixed performance, and the defense struggled to contain the Lions’ ground game early. Matt LaFleur faced criticism for the team’s performance and game management. Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich was also blamed for the lackluster offensive output. The Packers have a bye in Week 10, giving them time to regroup and address issues.
Those in the hunt:
Atlanta Falcons
San Francisco 49ers
LA Chargers
LA Rams
Arizona Cardinals