The ninth week of the 2026 NFL season provided a mixture of dominant offensive displays and high-stakes mistakes. While some teams like the Green Bay Packers established themselves as contenders, others struggled with quarterback inconsistency and costly errors during critical stretches of play.

Highs and lows for quarterbacks

Quarterback performance varied wildly across the Sunday slate. In Chicago, Caleb Williams experienced a dramatic shift in momentum. After leading the Bears to an early 14-0 advantage, Williams threw four interceptions, including three in a single quarter. Despite this "nightmarish stretch," Chicago managed to secure a 27-24 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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In contrast, the Green Bay Packers saw a massive surge from Jordan Love. He recorded 372 passing yards and four total touchdowns in a 45-27 win against the New England Patriots. The Packers' offense appeared nearly unstoppable, fueled by strong performances from wide receivers Christian Watson and Matthew Golden.

What happened in the scoring surges?

Several teams utilized explosive scoring drives to secure decisive victories:

  • Cincinnati Bengals: Won 34-17 in Madrid, led by Ja'Marr Chase's season-high 155 receiving yards.
  • Houston Texans: Scored 44 points to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers, who fell to an 0-8 record.
  • San Francisco 49ers: Forced five turnovers to dominate the Las Vegas Raiders 38-17.

Looking toward the trade deadline

As teams evaluate their rosters, the upcoming Tuesday trade deadline will be a focal point for front offices. The Cincinnati Bengals, following a period of high offensive production, face questions regarding whether they need to acquire new talent. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers enter the deadline period after a winless start to the season, leaving their roster's future uncertain.

FAQ

Which team is currently winless in the 2026 season?

The Los Angeles Chargers have dropped to an 0-8 record following their loss to the Houston Texans.

How did the Bengals perform in their international game?

The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Atlanta Falcons 34-17 in Madrid, marking their fourth consecutive game with at least 30 points scored. This is a franchise first.