Halfway Home: Key Storylines Defining the NFL Season So Far
It’s week nine of the 18-week NFL season, halfway through the regular season of the American sport. Predictions begin to change at this stage in the game, serving as a reminder that anything can happen in American football.
The Kansas City Chiefs are the only undefeated team this season, winning all seven games. The reigning champions are projected to reach yet another Super Bowl, hoping to make history as the first team to win the title three years in a row.
Despite the season’s record, 2023 Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes has struggled this season with eight interceptions and only six touchdowns. This week, the Chiefs acquired Joshua Uche, a pass-rusher from the New England Patriots, in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2026 draft.
AFC
The American Football Conference is close going into week nine, with the Houston Texans leading the AFC South at 6-3, the Buffalo Bills leading the AFC East at 6-2, and the Pittsburgh Steelers leading the AFC North also at 6-2.
Lamar Jackson is the MVP frontrunner but the Baltimore Ravens’ defense has been suspect, and they are 5-3. “On the bubble”, the Colts are on the outside looking for a spot in the top seven.
The New York Jets had one of the biggest comebacks of the season Thursday night. Beating the Texans with a score of 21-13 snapping their five game losing streak. The highlight of the game was Jett’s receiver Garrett Wilson, arguably having the best catch of the season. Not once but twice with the single handed catch in the end zone awarding a touchdown.
Aaron Rodgers also shined with 23 out of 32 pass completions for 211 yards and three touchdowns. The win promoting the team to second place in the AFC East.
NFC
The National Football Conference features a less competitive race, with the Detroit Lions (6-1) leading both the NFC and the North division. While the Washington Commanders (6-2) top the East and the Atlanta Falcons lead the South with a 5-3 record.
In the West, there is a three-way tie, with the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks and last year’s NFC champions, the San Francisco 49ers, all holding a 4-4 record so far. After the 49ers’ bye week it will be a waiting game to see which teams will take the lead. Following their loss at the London games, the Chicago Bears are “On the Bubble” looking to gain in the rankings.
An underdog surprise has come from the Commanders, who finished last in the NFC East in the 2023 season with a record of four wins and 13 losses, to now lead their conference.
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year contender, quarterback Jayden Daniels, ranks second with a 75.6% completion rate, behind the Detroit Lions’ Jared Goff. Daniels’ 52-yard Hail Mary pass to Noah Brown, awarded him the second-longest game-winning touchdown as time expired by a rookie.
Games to Watch
The Denver Broncos looked strong in the pre-season but slipped in their first two games. Currently, the Broncos are second in the AFC West behind the Chiefs and fifth overall in the playoff picture. In week nine, the team faces the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. With the Broncos’ season comeback and the Ravens’ recent loss, both teams hold a 5-3 record, but only one will walk away with a sixth victory.
On Sunday, the top seed in the NFC North is up for grabs when the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers face off. The Lions (6-1) have already had their bye week, while the Packers (6-2) sit fifth in the overall NFC standings in the playoff picture.
Detroit’s quarterback, Jared Goff, returned to practice after an ankle injury and is expected to play. Green Bay has also had its starting quarterback sidelined, but Jordan Love is set to return for the week nine game.
The ninth week ends with all eyes on the Chiefs vs Buccaneers (4-4) game on Monday. Could the Buccaneers be the team to derail the victors’ winning streak?
