Super Bowl LV Rematch Headlines NFL Week 9

Week 8 of the NFL season produced the highest-scoring week (777 points) and the most games within one score in the fourth quarter (13) since Week 2 of the 2023 season. Nine games were decided by seven or fewer points, with five featuring a game-winning score in the final two minutes of regulation. The 67 games decided by seven points or fewer and 57 games decided by six points or less are the most through Week 8 in NFL history.

Here’s a look at some of the storylines that will shape Week 9…

Super Bowl LV Rematch: Chiefs Host Buccaneers on Monday Night Football

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4) visit the Kansas City Chiefs (7-0) on Monday Night Football in a rematch of Super Bowl LV. The Chiefs, the last remaining undefeated team, can become the sixth reigning Super Bowl champions to win their first eight games. In Super Bowl LV, the Buccaneers defeated the Chiefs 31-9, with Tom Brady throwing three touchdown passes and the Tampa Bay defense holding Kansas City out of the end zone. The Chiefs have won 13 consecutive games and can become the first team since the 2015 Carolina Panthers with a 14-game winning streak. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes became the fastest player to reach 30,000 passing yards, while tight end Travis Kelce surpassed Jason Witten for the fifth-most touchdown receptions by a tight end in NFL history. Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield leads the NFL in touchdown passes and ranks in the top six in passing yards, completion percentage, and passer rating.

Rookie Quarterbacks Shine on the Road

Rookie quarterbacks have combined for 16 wins this season, the second-most in the first eight weeks of a season since 1950. Three Week 9 matchups feature top-10 selections from the 2024 NFL Draft facing off: Chicago’s Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze vs. Arizona’s Marvin Harrison Jr., Washington’s Jayden Daniels vs. the New York Giants’ Malik Nabers, and New England’s Drake Maye vs. Tennessee’s JC Latham.

Broncos and Ravens Clash in Battle of Offense vs. Defense

The Denver Broncos (5-3) and their third-ranked scoring defense take on the Baltimore Ravens (5-3) and their top-ranked AFC offense. Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix became the first Broncos rookie to win five games and joined elite company with his Week 8 performance. The Ravens are one of four teams in NFL history to score at least 20 points and record at least 375 total yards in each of their first eight games. Lamar Jackson became the first quarterback with at least 500 rushing yards in seven consecutive seasons, while Derrick Henry became the first player with a touchdown in each of his first eight games with a team.

Commanders Visit Giants in NFC East Showdown

The Washington Commanders (6-2) became the fourth team since 1950 to win six of their first eight games with a rookie starting quarterback. Jayden Daniels found Noah Brown for a game-winning 52-yard touchdown pass as time expired in Week 8, becoming the second rookie quarterback since 1970 to achieve the feat. The New York Giants (2-6) lead the NFL with 35 sacks and can become the fifth team in the past 20 seasons with at least four sacks in five consecutive games.

Bears and Cardinals Feature Exciting Rookie Talent

Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the first overall pick, can become the second quarterback selected No. 1 overall to win five of his first eight starts. The Arizona Cardinals have won three of their past four games, with each victory secured by a game-winning score in the final two minutes.

Division Leaders with Six Wins in Action

The Houston Texans (6-2), Buffalo Bills (6-2), Detroit Lions (6-1), and Green Bay Packers (6-2) all lead their respective divisions with six wins. The Texans face the New York Jets, with running back Joe Mixon looking to continue his historic start. Bills head coach Sean McDermott can become the 13th coach to win 80 regular-season games in his first eight seasons. The Lions have scored the most points in a four-game span since the 2019 Ravens, with quarterback Jared Goff on a record-setting pace. The Packers’ Xavier McKinney joined elite company with his league-leading sixth interception in Week 8.