Now that Halloween is behind us, the NFL had quite an eventful week, with various teams experiencing their own unique highs and lows over the weekend.
In a thrilling display, the Bills and Chiefs, led by Josh Allen, put on yet another classic showdown between two AFC heavyweights. Meanwhile, Sam Darnold had an almost flawless game against Seattle’s defense. However, the drama continued for Washington, which saw Jaden Daniels suffer a significant arm injury during the game. On the flip side, the Chargers managed to pull through against the troubled Titans, though they lost key left tackle Joe Alto to yet another ankle injury.
Some teams enjoyed the sweet taste of victory like kids on Halloween, while others found themselves facing more challenges than they might have expected. It turns out some squads are looking a bit less intimidating than they did earlier in the season.
So, let’s dive into this week’s post-Halloween edition of The Skinny Post. Boo!
Which NFL team had the best week in Week 9?
The Seahawks easily stand out here, having secured a win in what’s been dubbed the Official Washington Football Team Bowl. Seattle is looking strong and has every reason to feel confident. However, I’m leaning toward the Bears this week. They managed to come out on top, albeit after a nail-biting experience against Joe Flacco. There’s definitely merit to a team that can find ways to win tough games, as my colleague Brandon Lee Gowton has pointed out; it can feel demoralizing for opponents. They might just learn from these tough situations to emerge stronger.
Chicago showed that it can indeed be different this time around. Moreover, the Vikings pulled off a surprising win against the Lions at Lambeau Field, while the Packers fell to the Panthers.
The Vikings not only got quarterback JJ McCarthy back but he also made his first start since his injury back in Week 2, leading them to victory over the Lions. In what could have been a daunting game for a rookie QB, McCarthy performed impressively, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for another. He executed a crucial back-shoulder throw on the final drive, putting the game away.
This player might seem like he’s back to his Michigan State form, which is exactly what the Vikings had hoped for when they picked him in the first round last year.
Which NFL team faced the worst trick this week?
It’s puzzling that the Indianapolis Colts didn’t end up with the worst surprise of Halloween weekend. Coming into Week 9, they were scoring over 30 points on average each game, and Jonathan Taylor was being talked about as an MVP candidate. However, in their loss to the Steelers, they capped at only 20 points. The quarterback, Daniel Jones (not to be confused with his more famous namesake), threw three interceptions, while Taylor struggled to surpass 50 rushing yards and didn’t reach the end zone.
This disappointing performance came against a Steelers defense that hasn’t lived up to its usual standards. Could this signify a turning point for the Colts? Will they bounce back in Week 10? It’s hard to say, but it certainly felt like a Cinderella story gone awry—something many predicted for the Colts early this season.
Interestingly, we’ve been critiquing how the Vikings have been handling the McCarthy situation, and while it may seem overblown to react to one game, beating the Lions in Detroit was nonetheless quite impressive. The Vikings have not fully found solid ground yet, and the overall narrative remains shaky, especially after Carson Wentz’s injury. Still, that win has bought them some much-needed time. Conversely, the Lions could not capitalize on Green Bay’s shortcomings this week.
There’s no reason to doubt the Lions, but still, this week might have them questioning their own past success.
Who might be regretting their weekend treats the longest?
This week seemed pivotal for the Cincinnati Bengals, whose season took a turn for the worse after Joe Burrow’s injury. The turmoil seems to be escalating. Ja’Marr Chase’s visibly emotional reaction post-defeat really highlighted the situation; it felt almost detrimental.
I often think of that moment from the movie *National Treasure* where the detective informs Nic Cage’s character that someone has to face consequences for their actions. In the current context, it seems like someone might be held accountable for the Bengals’ season. This could very well be the tipping point for Zac Taylor.
The Chargers likely went into their match against the underperforming Titans feeling somewhat confident. They managed to start strong, but once again, it was left tackle Joe Alto who suffered a severe ankle sprain, directly affecting the team’s strategy moving forward.
While it seemed they could sustain their momentum, their remaining tough schedule against teams like the Steelers, Jaguars, and Raiders suddenly looks much more daunting, especially without Alto. Justin Herbert is at serious risk with the current protection—or lack thereof—he’s getting; he was struck multiple times and sacked six times on Sunday. That’s the kind of issue that can erode a team from the inside out.
Who is struggling to maintain their previous form?
Taking a shot at the Chiefs, they took a hit with their loss to the Bills this week, bringing their record to 5-4. Last season, they posted an impressive 15-2, setting sights on another Super Bowl appearance. While they still might find their footing with an easier second half of the schedule, they still have to face teams like the Chargers and Broncos twice, along with the Colts and Texans. They should end the season above .500, but they’ve clearly made it harder for themselves compared to last year.
Meanwhile, the Packers’ recent performances have not been ideal, and there’s little doubt that their current situation is less than satisfactory. It’s baffling how Commanders fans might be feeling, given last year’s more optimistic outlook. Right now, it seems that 2024 could be a tough year for them, lacking the promise many had hoped for.
Then there’s Jaden Daniels’ health, which must take precedence. Dan Quinn will be scrutinized for how he managed the game, especially considering he kept him on the field late in a blowout situation.
Things aren’t looking good for the Commanders going into 2025, and it’s unclear when their fortunes might change for the better.
