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The Los Angeles Chargers and New York Jets finished up Week 9 of the NFL season on Monday night. The Chargers steamrolled New York in a 27-6 victory to improve to 4-4 on the season, while the Jets dropped to the same record. Monday night’s game may not have been the best example of how this week of football actually went. So, let’s break down the week that was. Here are the five biggest headlines from Week 9 of the NFL season.
5. The Future Of Houston
Giving Bobby his 💐 pic.twitter.com/NoFTOOiVik
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 6, 2023
It sure seems like the Houston Texans hit a grand slam with their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud looked nothing like a rookie during the team’s come-from-behind 39-37 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Stroud threw for five touchdowns while also breaking the single-game rookie record for passing yards with 470. On the season, Stroud has 14 touchdown passes with just one interception. The Texans are just two games back from the Jacksonville Jaguars for first place in the AFC South. A division battle that fans may need to get comfortable seeing.
4. The Return Of Space Dobbs
A win we will certainly never forget.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 7, 2023
Josh Dobbs had a weekend that he will never forget. After being traded from the Arizona Cardinals to the Minnesota Vikings earlier last week, Dobbs didn’t start in the team’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. Having just four practices under his belt wouldn’t be enough for Dobbs to learn the offense. However, life always finds a way. Due to an injury to starting QB Jaren Hall, Dobbs had to learn on the job. Which didn’t look hard for a man who could be working for NASA right now. Dobbs led the Vikings to an impressive 31-28 victory, proving that bringing him to Minnesota was the right move.
3. Late Blooming Bengals
Victory! pic.twitter.com/ScmNPRH7da
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) November 6, 2023
Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but the Cincinnati Bengals have come back from an ugly start to the season. After an abysmal 1-3 start to the season, the Bengals have won four straight. Including impressive wins over the Seahawks, 49ers, and this past Sunday night when they handled the Buffalo Bills. The bad start to the season can once again be attributed to QB Joe Burrow coming into the season dealing with an injury. But over the last few weeks, it looks like Burrow has finally gotten his grove back. The Bengals currently sit last in the AFC North with a 5-3 record. However, the entire division is currently a playoff division.
2. Bend The Knee To Baltimore
This is our house‼️ pic.twitter.com/8VAu3MgiFH
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 5, 2023
The NFL power rankings change from week to week. However, there’s been one team that can make a strong case at being the top of the league for the past couple of weeks. The Baltimore Ravens dismantled another good team on Sunday with their 37-3 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. The Ravens have held four teams to under team points this season. That includes the Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, and Houston Texans. Baltimore is the leader of the stout AFC North and shows no signs of allowing anyone else the chance at being king of the North.
1. KC Slows Down Miami Hype Train
Our dubs have no borders. pic.twitter.com/jS4sBhElD9
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) November 6, 2023
One of the most anticipated regular season matchups of the year had fans in America waking up early for the action. The Miami Dolphins took on the Kansas City Chiefs in Germany in a matchup that many fans felt could be an AFC Championship teaser. The Chiefs led 21-0 at one time. However, the Dolphins gave a valiant second-half effort. The game came down to the final drive as the Dolphins had a chance to tie the game. But a miscommunication on the last Miami snap led to a fumble, and the Chiefs were able to hang on. Kansas City let the league know that the AFC will still run through them.
