As the NFL heads into Week 9, with November just around the corner, there’s an unmistakable chill in the air that signifies the arrival of football weather across much of the country. Although the league no longer has a definitive midpoint due to the extension to a 17-game schedule, this transitional period offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on the first half of the season. With upcoming conversations about Thanksgiving and turkey dinners, it’s time to assess the pivotal events and performances that have shaped the league thus far.
Who are currently the standout teams within the NFL? Which players have reached new heights? Conversely, which teams have fallen short of expectations? And is there a singular play that encapsulates the excitement of the season?
We will tackle all these inquiries and more.
Most Valuable Players
Lamar Jackson, Ravens QB
Jared Goff, Lions QB
Following a gut-wrenching defeat in last year’s NFC Championship Game, Jared Goff has risen to the occasion, ensuring that the Detroit Lions have sustained momentum this season. Goff is currently a picture of efficiency, boasting an impressive completion rate of 74.1% while hitting career highs in both yards per attempt and passer rating. With other NFC contenders grappling with inconsistency, the Lions appear to have improved, showcasing a more potent and cohesive offensive unit than they did last season.
TJ Watt, Steelers LB
Is it feasible for a defensive player to claim the MVP title? If there’s a defender who could make a compelling argument for this prestigious award, it would undoubtedly be T.J. Watt. He is undeniably the linchpin of a Steelers squad that is currently leading the AFC North. Despite not amassing his typical gaudy sack totals — he has registered 6.5 sacks thus far — Watt remains a relentless game-changing force, having forced four fumbles this season, which is tied for the highest in the league.
Christian McCaffrey, 49ers RB
Believe it or not, we’re highlighting a player who hasn’t yet participated in a single game this season. Christian McCaffrey’s past performances have showcased how his presence transformed the 49ers’ offense into a juggernaut last season, making them statistically one of the most lethal teams in the red zone. However, his absence this year, due to Achilles tendonitis in both legs, starkly highlights the diminishing dynamism of the offense, leaving the 49ers with an underwhelming 4-4 record.
Most Disappointing Teams
Cincinnati Bengals
A lackluster start of 1-4, with every loss coming by six points or fewer, has incited two theories regarding the Cincinnati Bengals: Are they simply unlucky, or are they unable to find a way to seal close games? In either case, the team risks squandering an otherwise promising season, given the stellar performances from quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who is currently leading the league in receiving yards.
New York Jets
Despite their best efforts to support Aaron Rodgers by bringing in several of his former teammates, the New York Jets have struggled to find their footing. Even after acquiring star receiver Davante Adams and parting ways with head coach Robert Saleh, the Jets sit at a disappointing 2-6, which is two games worse than their record at the same point last season. Rodgers, now at 40 years of age, has faced considerable challenges, recording career-low numbers in completion percentage and passer rating.
Miami Dolphins
After boasting the league’s finest passing offense and the second-best scoring offense just a season ago, the Miami Dolphins now find themselves faltering at 2-5 and languishing near the bottom of key offensive statistics. The Week 2 concussion that sidelined quarterback Tua Tagovailoa not only derailed a season filled with high expectations but also reignited concerns about Tagovailoa’s long-term viability as the franchise’s starting quarterback.
Most Surprising Teams
Green Bay Packers
Green Bay was a popular pick heading into the offseason to make a Super Bowl run, but no one could have foreseen their current record of 6-2, especially with quarterback Jordan Love missing considerable time due to health issues. The seamless transition to backup quarterback Malik Willis, who joined the team only in late August, has raised eyebrows throughout the league. Moreover, the Packers’ formidable defense, boasting a league-high total of 19 takeaways, should not be underestimated.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers had a chance to launch a rebuilding phase after acquiring two quarterbacks who had experienced significant struggles at their previous teams. Instead, the combination of Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, with Wilson recently returning from a calf injury, has led the team to an impressive 4-2 record. Head coach Mike Tomlin’s gamble has undoubtedly paid off, showcasing unexpected success.
Minnesota Vikings
Kansas City Chiefs
Despite Patrick Mahomes currently being on track to end the season with the lowest touchdown total (19) and highest interception count (22) of his entire career, the Kansas City Chiefs remain the sole undefeated team as they enter Week 9. The rollercoaster of this season has left fans bewildered as Mahomes continues to be viewed as the most formidable player on the field, distilling the essence of a much-repeated sports cliché: he simply knows how to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Most Impactful Offseason Signing
Derrick Henry, Ravens RB
At a position often deemed expendable by NFL front offices, Derrick Henry refuses to fade into irrelevance, even four years after he shattered the 2,000-yard barrier. His addition to the Ravens has proven to be nothing short of brilliant. With 946 yards amassed at an outstanding average of 6.5 yards per carry — an impressive 1.1 yards increase over his historic 2020 season — Henry has alleviated pressure from quarterback Lamar Jackson and revitalized the Ravens’ offense.
Best Play
This moment was both shocking in real time and a neat microcosm of the Jayden Daniels experience. It was an incredible throw, an exciting moment for a Washington franchise that’s had very few this century, and it confirmed that Daniels is further along in his development than Caleb Williams, the highly touted quarterback prospect selected ahead of him in April’s draft. That not only explains the play but exemplifies what Daniels has brought to a Commanders team that continues to fight against the odds.
**Interview with NFL Analyst, Sarah Thompson**
**Editor:** Welcome, Sarah! As we gear up for Week 9, it’s a great time to take stock of the NFL season so far. With the excitement in the air, what are your thoughts on the standout teams this year?
**Sarah Thompson:** Thanks for having me! We’ve definitely seen some impressive performances. The Detroit Lions, led by Jared Goff, have stepped up their game significantly. Goff’s completion rate is astounding, and the team’s overall cohesion is better than last season. On the defensive side, the Pittsburgh Steelers, under T.J. Watt’s leadership, have been remarkable too. Their ability to force turnovers has been a game-changer.
**Editor:** Speaking of player performances, who do you think has emerged as the front-runner for MVP this season?
**Sarah Thompson:** Well, it’s hard to overlook Lamar Jackson. He’s consistently electrifying for the Ravens. However, T.J. Watt is making a strong case as a defensive player — which is rare for MVP discussions. If he keeps up his form, he could redefine what it means to be an MVP candidate.
**Editor:** Conversely, there have been some teams that just aren’t living up to expectations. Who are your picks for the most disappointing teams so far?
**Sarah Thompson:** The Cincinnati Bengals are definitely on that list. At 1-4, their inability to close out close games is alarming, especially with talent like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. The New York Jets and Miami Dolphins are also disappointing. The Jets’ struggles, particularly with Aaron Rodgers at the helm, have been surprising, while the Dolphins have taken a nosedive after a promising season last year.
**Editor:** And what about surprises? Which teams have caught you off guard in a positive way?
**Sarah Thompson:** The Green Bay Packers are a standout example. At 6-2, their success with Jordan Love and the transition to Malik Willis has been impressive, especially considering their injury struggles. The Steelers are another surprise, transforming their QB situation into a winning record when many expected a rebuilding year.
**Editor:** As we look back at the season, is there a single play or moment that you think encapsulates the excitement of this NFL season?
**Sarah Thompson:** Absolutely! One of the defining moments has to be a critical fourth-quarter touchdown pass from Jared Goff that clinched a game for the Lions. It showcased not just his skill, but the resolve of this team to fight back from adversity, especially after last year’s playoff heartbreak. It really speaks to the thrill and unpredictability of this season.
**Editor:** Thanks, Sarah, for sharing your insights! We’ll be keeping a close eye on these teams and players as the season progresses.
**Sarah Thompson:** My pleasure! It’s going to be an exciting second half, so fans shouldn’t miss a moment!
