2025 NFL Week 9 Winners and Losers and Top Takeaways

Quarterback play was pivotal in Week 9, with multiple signal-callers returning from injuries, a rookie getting his first career start, a marquee matchup taking center stage on Sunday afternoon, and a couple of backups playing like starters.

The importance of the quarterback position has never been greater and serves as the starting point for winners or losers from the NFL's latest action based on the evaluations from B/R's analysts: Brent Sobleski, Gary Davenport, Kris Knox and Moe Moton.

Arizona Cardinals vs. Dallas Cowboys

AP Photo/Richard Rodriguez

Arizona Cardinals QB Jacoby Brissett

Score: Cardinals 27, Cowboys 17

Cardinals Takeaway: Moving on From Kyler Murray Doesn't Seem Like a Wild Idea

On Monday, ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio suggested that an offseason trade of Kyler Murray "is very realistic. If not likely."

It may seem outlandish for the Arizona Cardinals to move off of a quarterback they gave a five-year, $230.5 million extension to in 2022. However, it's hard to ignore the reality that Arizona's offense has seemed more efficient with Jacoby Brissett behind center than it did with Murray at the helm.

It's also easy to forget that Murray has never won anything of note as a pro and wasn't picked by the current regime. None of this means that Arizona will move on from Murray next season, but the Cardinals may tel Murray to take his time recovering from his foot injury.

Winner: Defensive Coordinator Nick Rallis, Arizona Cardinals

Brissett deserves credit for Monday's win, but defensive coordinator Nick Rallis is our big winner. While head coach Jonathan Gannon may be the architect of Arizona's defense, Rallis is the playcaller.

The game he called against a potent Dallas Cowboys offense was masterful.

Arizona kept Dak Prescott and Co. off-balance throughout the evening, forced three turnovers, recorded five sacks and allowed just 10 offensive points.

Cowboys Takeaway: There's No Point in Making a Splash Trade at the Deadline

On Monday, Cowboys franchise owner Jerry Jones hinted that a deal is in the works that should be announced before Tuesday's 4 p.m. trade deadline. Fans may be asking "What's the point?"

Making a splashy deal for a big name isn't going to save the Cowboys' season. The defense isn't a playmaker away from even being functional. The offense isn't good enough to carry the team every week—especially when it plays as poorly as it did on Monday.

If Dallas can add a budget player who can help the team long-term, that would make sense. Sending out valuable draft capital in a pointless splash trade would not.

Loser: Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer, Dallas Cowboys

For a head coach with an offensive background, like Brian Callahan, 10 offensive points shouldn't be acceptable. Neither should the game Schottenheimer called against Arizona.

Dallas twice passed on easy points by attempting to convert a fourth down in field-goal range. The second time, it prevented the Cowboys from turning a three-score deficit into a two-score game. Overall, Dallas was 5-of-15 on third- and fourth downs.

Seattle Seahawks vs. Washington Commanders

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Score: Seahawks 38, Commanders 14

Seahawks Takeaway: Jaxon Smith-Njigba Is Among the NFL's Elite Receivers 

When you think about the NFL's top receivers, Smith-Njigba is seldom mentioned among the cream of the crop. This year, he's inserted his name in the conversation. In six out of eight games, the breakout wideout has racked up 103 or more receiving yards.

Smith-Njigba broke into the league as a primary slot receiver, though he's lined up mainly on the perimeter with Cooper Kupp joining the team this past offseason. No longer just a slot receiver, the third-year pro is one of the league's brightest young shining stars.

Winner: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks

Smith-Njigba reached triple-digit receiving numbers by halftime. He was several steps quicker than the Commanders defense and routinely broke open for big plays. Seattle went into cruise control with a 28-0 lead in the second quarter, which allowed the offense to take its foot off the gas pedal in the passing game. Still, Smith-Njigba enhanced his player profile on the prime-time stage of Sunday Night Football.

Commanders Takeaway: Look Toward Developing Young Talent in Regression Year

The Commanders will lose more games this season than they did last year. At 3-6, with key injuries on offense, Washington is unlikely to make it back to the postseason. Last week, wideout Terry McLaurin reaggravated a quad injury, and quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered an injury that required him to wear an aircast on his left arm.

The Commanders have the oldest roster in the league. Starting at Tuesday's trade deadline, they should part ways with older veterans on expiring contracts and acquire young talent on rookie deals.

Loser: Washington Commanders Offense

The Commanders struggled to move the ball with Daniels healthy and a depleted wide receiver unit. He threw for 153 yards, an interception and took four sacks before going down with an injury midway through the fourth quarter.

In hindsight, the Commanders left Daniels in the game one drive too long, though with and without him, Washington's offense looked out of sync. In the short term, the Commanders' offensive production will continue to plummet without a starting quarterback or a go-to receiver due to injuries.

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo/Jeff Lewis

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington

Score: Jaguars 30, Raiders 29

Jaguars Takeaway: Wide Receiver Help Is Needed in Travis Hunter's Absence

Brian Thomas Jr. isn't the same player from his Pro Bowl rookie campaign. This week, he dealt with a shoulder injury that limited his practice time. Though even when healthy, the second-year wideout hasn't progressed under a new regime.

He has topped 50 receiving yards in just three out of eight outings this season, and he went down with a leg injury in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game. Also, the Jaguars evaluated Dyami Brown for a concussion. Jacksonville needs reinforcements for a banged-up receiver corps.

Winner: WR Parker Washington, Jacksonville Jaguars

Without Hunter, Washington filled a significant role and led the Jaguars in catches and receiving yards in a win over the Raiders. He caught eight passes for 90 yards.

Washington isn't a household name, but he may be the Jaguars' most reliable, healthy receiver for the next week or so as Jacksonville tries to track down the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South standings.

Raiders Takeaway: Brock Bowers Brings Transformative Offensive Impact

Bowers returned to action after missing three outings with a knee injury, and he made his presence felt throughout the Raiders' Week 9 contest. With him on the field, Geno Smith has a reliable down-to-down pass-catcher, which significantly improves the offensive flow. 

Though the Las Vegas offense still struggled in stretches, it performed more efficiently with its All-Pro tight end back on the field, giving the club a boost against the Jaguars.

Loser: Las Vegas Raiders Special Teams Unit

If Daniel Carlson converted on the extra-point kick after the Raiders' first touchdown, it would've forced Jacksonville to drive the field to score a touchdown while down four points in the fourth quarter. Because of that missed extra point, the Jaguars were able to settle for a field goal to tie the game at the end of regulation.

In the overtime period, Las Vegas' kick coverage team allowed a 54-yard return to Austin Trammell, giving up advantageous starting field position to the Jaguars, who scored the go-ahead touchdown. The Raiders' special teams unit has struggled this season, and it cost them the game Sunday.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen

Score: Bills 28, Chiefs 21

Bills Takeaway: This Game Meant More Than Most Regular-Season Meetings With Kansas City

During the Josh Allen era, the Buffalo Bills have regularly beaten the Kansas City Chiefs in the regular season, only to lose to them in the playoffs. This one, though, felt more like a playoff game than most regular-season games do, and it carried more weight for the Bills than it might in a different year.

Buffalo still trails the 7-2 New England Patriots in the AFC East and couldn't afford falling another game back. Sunday's win also significantly hurts the Chiefs, who are looking up at the Los Angeles Chargers and the Denver Broncos in the AFC West.

If the Bills can't beat Patrick Mahomes and Co. in the playoffs, maybe they can keep them out of the postseason entirely.

Winner: Buffalo Defense

The Buffalo defense had a few individual standouts, like safety Cole Bishop, who broke up multiple passes, and Joey Bosa, who had a key sack. However, it was the group's play as a unit that allowed the Bills to come away with a win.

The Bills limited Mahomes to 250 passing yards with no touchdowns and an interception while holding him below a 50-percent completion percentage. This marked the second straight good defensive performance the Bills have had since the Week 7 bye.

Chiefs Takeaway: Kansas City Might Need to Panic Now

It would be silly to write off Kansas City at 5-4, and an Andy Reid-coached team probably isn't going to outright panic. However, this loss leaves the Chiefs with no room for error.

The 6-3 Chargers and 7-2 Broncos will remain ahead of Kansas City in the standings even through the Chiefs' Week 10 bye. Coming out of the bye, Reid's team will have to face the Broncos in Denver.

Loser: QB Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

In a pivotal matchup with one of his biggest conference rivals, Mahomes had one of the ugliest games of his career. He had the lowest completion percentage of his career, failed to match Allen in the big-play department, and misfired on several throws, which isn't something we're used to seeing from the future Hall of Famer.

The Chiefs had a chance to win it in the end, and certainly can't blame Mahomes alone for the loss. However, this was the sort of outing that could end his bid for another MVP in 2025.

New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Gregory Bull

Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford

Score: Rams 34, Saints 10

Rams Takeaway: LA Might Be Eagles' Biggest Threat in the NFC

The Los Angeles Rams lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3, but Philly needed a blocked field goal as time expired to get the win. L.A.'s other loss this season came in overtime against a division rival.

While the Rams were always expected to beat the struggling New Orleans Saints, not every favorite avoided the trap this week. With the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions both blowing games at home, Los Angeles looks like the biggest obstacle between the Eagles and another Super Bowl appearance.

Winner: QB Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

Matthew Stafford only has two Pro Bowls on his resume, but he has a legitimate chance to make an MVP push this season. More games like this one will help his cause.

Though No. 1 target Puka Nacua exited with a chest injury, Stafford still managed to throw for 281 yards and four touchdowns.

Saints Takeaway: Tyler Shough's First Start Went About As Expected

The Rams are Super Bowl contenders, while the Saints have been little more than a team that looks competitive in losses. Picking this game to give rookie quarterback Tyler Shough his first career start was...a choice.

Shough had a few bright moments, but he also had an ugly interception late in the game and looked lost on a few other throws. New Orleans' offense looked no more efficient than it did with Spencer Rattler under center.

It makes sense to get a look at what the Saints have in Shough, and he may improve as the season goes on. However, he very much looked like a rookie facing a superior opponent on Sunday.

Loser: QB Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints

This is pretty much what everyone expected to happen, so we're not placing the blame on Shough by calling him the game's biggest loser. However, he's in a very unfavorable situation that got even tougher against the Rams.

Kellen Moore's offense isn't fooling opposing defenses or getting more out of New Orleans' average supporting cast. That already made it difficult for any young quarterback to find early success. During a loss that probably wasn't good for Shough's confidence, the rookie watched starting tackle Taliese Fuaga leave with an ankle injury.

Chicago Bears vs. Cincinnati Bengals

AP Photo/Kareem Elgazzar

Bears RB Kyle Monangai

Score: Bears 47, Bengals 42

Vikings Takeaway: The Bears Feeling Dangerous on Offense

Granted, it comes with the caveat that the Cincinnati Bengals are redefining the concept of bad defense, but what the Bears did in Week 9 offensively (and have been doing of late) was impressive nonetheless.

After Sunday's wild finish, the Bears have scored at least 25 points in five of six games—all wins. Quarterback Caleb Williams threw three touchdown passes without an interception. Young running back Kyle Monangai had a huge game. And we'll be watching rookie tight end Colston Loveland's last catch of the game on highlight shows for a while.

The Bears have to get better defensively to be a real threat in the NFC. But on a day when the Lions and Packers both lost, Chicago found a way to work itself back into conversation in the NFC North.

Winner: Chicago Bears TE Colston Loveland

Like it could be anyone else. For most of the season, Chicago's decision to select Loveland ahead of Tyler Warren appeared unwise. But Loveland had the best game of his career against the Bengals—six catches, 118 yards and two scores—including the 58-yarder that won the game.

Texans Takeaway: It's Fire Sale time for the Bengals Defensively

The Cincinnati defense isn't good. The Bengals have now scored at least 33 points in three straight games—and lost two of them. They entered Week 9 dead-last in both total defense and scoring defense.

They won't be leaving that spot.

Edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson will be gone after this season anyway. So, whether it's Hendrickson, veteran linebacker Logan Wilson or just about anyone else on that side of the ball, the Bengals should be selling at the trade deadline.

Because that defense needs to be completely overhauled. And defensive coordinator Al Golden needs to be fired.

Loser: Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Flacco

Despite playing through a shoulder injury, Flacco had one of the best games of his long career against the Bears, with a staggering 470 passing yards and four touchdowns. The 40-year-old also turned it over three times, but that's just how things work this year in Cincinnati.

Flacco found a way to win this game—until the Bengals defense found a way to lose it.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions

AP Photo/Ryan Sun

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy

Score: Vikings 27, Lions 24

Vikings Takeaway: Minnesota Defense Can Keep Team in Games.

The Vikings didn't exactly light Ford Field on fire Sunday—the team barely cracked 250 yards of offense; and while young quarterback J.J. McCarthy accounted for three touchdowns, he also threw for just 143 yards.

However, playing against arguably the NFL's most potent offense in the league on the road, the Vikings defense stepped up, with 305 yards allowed, five sacks, a fumble recovery and just five successful third-down conversions in 17 attempts by Detroit.

The Vikings aren't going to score 27 points every week, not with the offensive inconsistency that has plagued the team this season. But when their defense plays at this level, they are going to hang around. And if that offense improves, they could get back into the NFC playoff picture.

Winner: Vikings LB Eric Wilson

On a day when the Vikings defense gets some run here, the MVP of that defense Sunday deserves some too. Wilson and batterymate Blake Cashman combined for 20 tackles against the Lions, but Wilson was also all over the big-play column, adding two sacks and three tackles for loss.

Lions Takeaway: The Lions Aren't Immune to a Dud Display

Sunday's loss doesn't mean the Detroit Lions aren't still one of the favorites to both win the NFC North and represent the conference in Super Bowl LX.

However, it does show that when they play sloppy, they aren't immune to getting beat.

Lions quarterback Jared Goff had a solid game, but their ground game evaporated against Minnesota, with 65 yards, 3.3 yards per carry and a lost fumble. Detroit was lousy on third down and drew 10 penalties.

Add in 27 points allowed on just 258 yards of offense from the Vikings, and you have the ingredients for an angry Dan Campbell on the practice field this week.

Loser: Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs

Lions running back David Montgomery lost that fumble Sunday, but Gibbs is a critical part of the Detroit offense and was all but invisible in Week 9, with 12 touches for just 28 yards in easily his worst performance of 2025.

Carolina Panthers vs. Green Bay Packers

AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps

Carolina Panthers' Rico Dowdle runs from the Green Bay Packers defense.

Score: Panthers 16, Packers 13

Panthers Takeaway: Identity is Obvious

The Carolina Panthers have experimented with their approach this season. At 5-4, who they are as a team has become obvious. They are a run first team, with a rock-solid complementary defense. 

The approach is as old as time when it comes to professional football. It's proven, and Carolina shouldn't stray from it any longer. 

There's no reason to think Bryce Young is magically going to develop into the player the organization originally thought upon selecting him with the No. 1 overall pick two years ago. 

Instead, he can turn around and hand the ball off to Rico Dowdle, because it works.

Winner: RB Rico Dowdle, Carolina Panthers

When Chuba Hubbard returned to the lineup after recovering from an injury, the Panthers coaching staff decided to make him an offensive focal point again. He's averaged 2.7 yards per carry during the subsequent three games. 

However, Hubbard's five carries Sunday show the team is trending back toward Dowdle, who has been dominant in stretches. Against the Packers, he carried the ball 25 times for 130 yards and two touchdowns. 

In the last five games, Dowdle has three outings with at least 20 carries and 130 yards. As such, he is the driving force behind the Carolina offense. 

Packers Takeaway: Offense Must Evolve after Tucker Kraft Injury

Whenever Packers quarterback Jordan Love needed a big play this season, he looked toward Kraft. The tight end usually responded. He might not be able to do so as the campaign progresses. 

Kraft left Sunday's game with an apparent knee injury. It "does not look good," according to Packers head coach Matt LaFleur (h/t NFL Network's Ian Rapport). 

If the tight end misses significant time (or the rest of the season), Green Bay must expect others to become a bigger part of the passing game. For example, Romeo Doubs set a season highs against the Panthers, with seven receptions for 91 yards. 

Loser: Packers Run Defense

Green Bay entered its meeting with Carolina as one of the league's best run defenses. The Panthers didn't seem to care. 

Carolina ran for 163 yards and nearly averaged 5.0 yards per attempt. 

The Packers have the type of defense that can make a big difference, but it's strength is built on a talented front seven pinning its ears back and getting after opposing quarterbacks. If Green Bay can't hold the point of attack against physical rushing attacks, it will have a difficult time against the NFC's best, particularly the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions. 

Denver Broncos vs. Houston Texans

AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith

Broncos QB Bo Nix

Score: Broncos 18, Texans 15

Broncos Takeaway: Resilient Broncos are Legit Super Bowl Contender

For much of Sunday's game in Houston, it looked like Week 9 wasn't going to be good for the Denver Broncos. They entered the fourth quarter trailing after being unable to generate much of anything in the way of offense.

However, Broncos quarterback Bo Nix led Denver on a 61-yard drive that culminated in a game-tying score, its defense put the clamps on the Houston offense, and the Broncos were again able to escape with a close victory.

Offensive consistency is an issue, and Denver's defensive effort came mostly against a backup quarterback. After a 1-2 start, though, the Broncos have peeled off six wins in a row.

At 7-2, Denver is in the thick of the Super Bowl conversation in the AFC.

Winner: Denver Broncos DT Zach Allen

Allen isn't often mentioned among the best defensive tackles in the NFL, but the 28-year-old showed why he should be. He logged five tackles, a sack and three QB hits. It marked the fifth straight game in which the 28-year-old has tallied at least half a sack.

Texans Takeaway: 2025 Season Could Be Getting Away From the Texans

It seems like just about all that could go wrong has for the Texans this year. But despite a woeful start to the season, a win over the Broncos would have taken them back to .500.

It didn't happen—for many of the reasons why the team got off to that slow start.

The offensive line continues to be a major problem. Denver logged four sacks, seven QB hits and forced starting quarterback C.J. Stroud from the game with a concussion. Without him, the Houston offense got bogged down—and this was a unit that hadn't been on fire with Stroud.

Houston's defense has been excellent this year, but the offense just hasn't held up its end of the deal. The Texans cannot afford to drop either of their next two winnable games, as starting in Week 12, they face Buffalo in Houston and Indianapolis and Kansas City on the road.

Loser: Texans Run Game

Much of Houston's offensive struggles stem from a complete lack of balance offensively, because the Texans just cannot run the ball. Granted, the Denver defense is stout, but 21 carries for 61 yards from veteran Nick Chubb and rookie Woody Marks just isn't going to get it done.

Atlanta Falcons vs. New England Patriots

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

New England Patriots' K'Lavon Chaisson

Score: Patriots 24, Falcons 23

Patriots Takeaway: Mike Vrabel's Squad is Legit

The New England Patriots aren't just a feel-good story. They're legitimately one of the AFC's best teams. 

A season ago, the Patriots were terrible. They had a promising rookie quarterback, with some of the league's worst skill-position talent. Eventually, the organization fired Jerod Mayo after his first season at the helm, because he clearly wasn't ready to be an NFL head coach. 

Conversely, Vrabel had a proven track record of placing a well-prepared and competitive squad on the field when he led the Tennessee Titans. He's now doing the same with the Patriots. 

At 7-2, New England is tied for the AFC's best record. It's finding ways to win and push the Buffalo Bills to capture an AFC East crown. 

Winner: Edge K'Lavon Chaisson

K'Lavon Chaisson is emerging as the top find among New England's offseason acquisitions. He joined the organization after signing a one-year, $5 million free-agent contract. He's now one of the Patriots' best defenders. 

The 2020 first-round draft pick, who bounced between the Carolina Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders last season, registered a sack and two tackles for loss Sunday against the Falcons. His 5.5 sacks this season are a career high. 

While the Patriots also signed Harold Landry III in free agency, the team now has a legit pair of edge-rushers. 

Falcons Takeaway: Season Spiraling Out of Control

Three losses in three straight games now have the Falcons at 3-5 and three games behind the NFC South-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Things don't get easier, either. Atlanta must travel to Germany and face the Indianapolis Colts next weekend. Despite Sunday's loss, the Colts remain among the NFL's best teams. 

Atlanta doesn't even stack up with the Carolina Panthers at this point. The Panthers may be 5-4, but they've grinded their way to four wins in their last five games. 

If Atlanta doesn't find a way to keep the Colts down, it'll find itself in a precarious position. 

Loser: K Parker Romo, Atlanta Falcons

Usually, an emphasis shouldn't be placed on one missed kick. Too much happens throughout a contest to place the entire onus on one player, particularly specialists who typically have minimal impact. 

However, a missed extra point after the offense drove the ball 85 yards late in the fourth quarter to tie the game automatically marks the kicker as a problem. 

Romo has now missed kicks in three of seven games. Sunday's miscue couldn't have come at a worse time. 

Indianapolis Colts vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

AP Photo/Matt Durisko

T.J. Watt strips the ball from Daniel Jones.

Score: Steelers 27, Colts 20

Steelers Takeaway: Sunday's Play Translates Long-Term

Pittsburgh had lost the previous two games and then welcomed the league's best team to Acrisure Stadium. Mike Tomlin had his squad prepared to play, and the Steelers responded with their best performance of the season. 

With a 5-3 record, the surging Baltimore Ravens remain in the Steelers' rearview mirror. More importantly, Pittsburgh played outstanding complementary football— which it hadn't for most of this season. An aggressive and opportunistic defense placed its offense in a favorable position multiple times.

As long as the Steelers play like they did Sunday, they can do some damage in the AFC and go deep into the postseason. But they will need the same consistency from both sides of the ball. 

Winner: Pittsburgh's defense

The Colts offense had been historically good through their first eight games, but the Steelers had Daniel Jones and Co. rattled. 

Indianapolis committed only four turnovers entering Sunday's contest. Pittsburgh forced five. The Colts surrendered nine sacks through the previous eight contests. Pittsburgh registered five. 

Even with Jalen Ramsey being forced to play safety due to injuries, the Steelers secondary was up to the task and had an answer for the Colts at every turn. The performance reminded onlookers of past Pittsburgh defenses. 

Colts Takeaway: Everything Remains in Front of Them

At 8-2, a loss on the road in a tough environment against one of the NFL's most decorated franchises shouldn't be viewed as anything but a blip. Every squad has a down week. 

Indianapolis understands this concept, because the Colts somehow beat the Kansas City Chiefs, who went on to win the Super Bowl, despite winning only four games during the 2022 campaign. 

Shane Steichen's squad got punched in the mouth and outplayed for the first time this season. How the group responds a week from now will show how good this team really is. Indianapolis can't let this loss linger, because the Colts still have legitimate aspirations well beyond the regular season. 

Loser: Colts Offensive Line

For all of the discussion surrounding Jones and Jonathan Taylor, the Colts' front five had been the driving force behind their offensive success. The group is accustomed to owning the point of attack. Pittsburgh didn't let it happen Sunday. 

Instead, the Colts' offensive tackles—Bernhard Raimann and Braden Smith— struggled when placed on an island against T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, which led to a pair of strip-sacks. 

As a group, Indianapolis' offensive line didn't allow Jones to get comfortable in the pocket or open creases for Taylor to exploit, hence the unit's inability to move the ball with the same consistency previously seen. 

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Tennessee Titans

AP Photo/George Walker IV

Chargers QB Justin Herbert

Score: Chargers 27, Titans 20

Chargers Takeaway: Winning Ugly Can be a Good Thing

Sunday's trip to Tennessee didn't go according to plan for the Chargers. What was supposed to be an easy win against arguably the league's worst team turned into a something of a scramble after the Titans scored on defense and special teams early.

The Chargers didn't blink, though. Instead, they scratched back, and while the team didn't amass many style points doing it, the Bolts were able to escape Nissan Stadium with their sixth victory of the year.

Good teams have to figure out how to gut out wins when they don't play their best.

This is a lesson that could serve the Chargers well as we head into the second half of the season.

Winner: Los Angeles Chargers TE Orande Gadsen II

The Chargers appear to have found something in rookie tight end Orande Gadsden II. After racking up 19 catches for 309 yards over the past three weeks, he had another solid game against the Titans, pacing the Chargers in both receptions (5) and receiving yards (68).

Titans Takeaway: Season Can't End Soon Enough For the Titans

What can you say about the 2025 Titans?

Tennessee at least showed some fight Sunday against the Chargers, scoring on a Cody Barton interception return and a Chimere Dike punt return. But the Titans were again punchless on offense—they had 206 yards of offense, just 10 first downs and converted one of nine third downs.

There's going to be a lot of work to be done on offense by the new Titans head coach. At least he'll have a high pick to start doing it with.

Loser: Titans QB Cam Ward

Ward's rookie struggles can't be blamed entirely on the first pick of this year's draft. The Titans have a porous offensive line and arguably the worst assemblage of skill-position talent in the league.

But Ward's rocky first season continued against the Chargers, with just 12 completions, 145 passing yards, no touchdowns and a pair of fumbles.

San Francisco 49ers vs. New York Giants

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart

Score: 49ers 34, Giants 24

49ers Takeaway: Brock Purdy Doesn't Need to Rush Back From Toe Injury

On Sunday, Brock Purdy missed his fifth consecutive game due to turf toe, an injury he aggravated in Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The 49ers should continue to be patient with his return to action, even though they signed him to a massive five-year, $265 million extension this past offseason.

San Francisco is 5-2 with backup Mac Jones as its starting quarterback. He's played well in Purdy's absence, throwing for at least 235 yards in five of his starts and multiple touchdowns in four of them.

Winner: RB Brian Robinson Jr., San Francisco 49ers

Robinson had his best outing of the season and scored his first touchdown in 2025. In August, the 49ers acquired him from the Washington Commanders, but he's played a minimal role behind Christian McCaffrey.

If the 49ers want to keep McCaffrey fresh for the long haul with the playoffs in mind, they could trust Robinson to make big plays with more touches on the ground.

Giants Takeaway: Acquire Talent to Help Jaxson Dart Down the Stretch

Typically, a 2-7 club will look to dump roster assets before the trade deadline, though one approach doesn't fit all bottom-tier teams. The Giants should do the complete opposite before Tuesday.

Because of Dart, Big Blue are a competitive squad capable of pulling off upsets and building momentum in the second half of the season. Instead of stripping the roster around him, general manager Joe Schoen should be looking for a wide receiver, with Wan'Dale Robinson in the final year of his contract, and some defensive help for a team that's allowed at least 33 points in three consecutive losses. 

Loser: CB Deonte Banks, New York Giants 

The Giants may have to bench Banks, unless a team is willing to trade for him. He's struggled to cover and tackle, allowing a 133.1 passer rating in coverage and missing on 10.5 percent of his tackle attempts. 

Banks struggled in both areas on Sunday. Most notably, Robinson embarrassed him on an 18-yard run to the end zone. The 2023 first-rounder didn't do much to slow down the 49ers' passing attack, either. Jones threw for two touchdowns, one to lead wide receiver Jauan Jennings.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins

AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell

Score: Ravens 28, Dolphins 6

Ravens Takeaway: Baltimore Surges at Right Time

The Baltimore Ravens felt desperate last week but managed a victory with Tyler Huntley leading the way as the starting quarterback.

With Lamar Jackson's return Thursday, Baltimore went from teetering on the edge to charging toward a potential division title.

At 3-6, the idea of a division crown may seem far-fetched, but the Ravens have won two in a row and face a favorable schedule in November against the Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and Cincinnati Bengals. Those four opponents currently own a 9-22 combined record.

Depending on Sunday's outcome between the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore could be only one game behind the division leader going into its next full practice week.

Winner: QB Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

Jackson couldn't have performed better during his return after missing the previous three games with a tweaked hamstring.

The two-time NFL MVP didn't show any type of rust. Instead, he completed 78.3 percent of his passes for 204 yards and four touchdowns. The quarterback looked crisp, played efficiently, made a few excellent throws and appeared to be the version that can lead the Ravens toward a far more promising second half of the season after the team began the campaign with a 1-5 record.

Dolphins Takeaway: Mistakes Doom Miami's Season

Miami's performance last week against the Atlanta Falcons was an aberration. The Dolphins are an undisciplined and erratic football team prone to mistakes.

During Thursday's matchup, they fumbled twice, committed three turnovers in total, missed a field goal, went two of 12 on third down and failed during a great scoring opportunity when quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and running back DeVon Achane weren't on the same page during a fourth-down, red-zone attempt.

Miami is among the league's worst squads. At this point, the major topic centering on the organization should be whether the team decides to eat Tagovailoa's contract for the 2026 season and simply move on after drafting a different quarterbacks.

Loser: Head coach Mike McDaniel

Does McDaniel even make it to the weekend as the Dolphins' head coach? It's a legitimate question that should be answered in short order.

Whether he does or not, it's quickly become obvious that he shouldn't be leading the team beyond this season. Miami has become progressively worse over the last two campaigns.

The constant mistakes and inability to legitimately compete against average-to-good opponents speaks volumes about the coaching staff and how prepared the team is (or isn't) on a weekly basis.

A full reset may well be on its way in Miami, and it's deserved.