What We Learned in NFL Week 9: Seahawks Flex in Prime Time, NFC North Up for Grabs
Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season delivered a series of dramatic upsets, breakout performances, and pivotal moments that reshaped the playoff landscape. From the Seattle Seahawks flexing their muscles in prime time to the NFC North division becoming a free-for-all, the league’s halfway point has arrived with plenty of surprises.
Seahawks Shine in Prime Time
The Seattle Seahawks made a bold statement Sunday night, flexing into the spotlight with a commanding win over a division rival. Quarterback Geno Smith led the charge, throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns, while the defense forced multiple turnovers. The victory not only solidified Seattle’s status as a legitimate playoff contender but also sent a message to the rest of the NFC: the Seahawks are for real.
Coach Mike Macdonald’s squad has steadily improved since the start of the season, and their Week 9 performance was their most complete yet. With a balanced attack and a defense that continues to make timely plays, Seattle is now firmly in the conversation for the NFC West title.
NFC North Becomes a Free-For-All
The NFC North, once considered a two-team race between the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings, is now wide open after a series of stunning results. The Vikings, led by rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, pulled off a road upset against the Lions, handing Detroit its second loss of the season. McCarthy, returning from injury, threw for three touchdowns and showed poise beyond his years, injecting new life into Minnesota’s playoff hopes.
Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers suffered a shocking defeat, falling to a lower-tier opponent and dropping their record to 4-5. The loss leaves the Packers reeling and opens the door for the Chicago Bears, who picked up a crucial win, to remain in the hunt. With all four teams now separated by just a game or two, the NFC North is anyone’s division heading into the second half of the season.
Super Bowl Favorites Stumble
Week 9 saw a shakeup among the league’s top Super Bowl contenders. The Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers, and Detroit Lions—all considered favorites before the weekend—each suffered losses. The Chiefs were outplayed by the Buffalo Bills in a high-profile matchup, while the Colts’ magical run came to a halt against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
These losses have significant implications for the playoff picture. For the first time in over a decade, every team in the top five of ESPN’s Football Power Index has at least two losses by Week 9. The race for the Lombardi Trophy is now as wide open as it’s been in years, with no clear favorite emerging from the pack.
Breakout Performances and Coaching Decisions
Several players and coaches stood out in Week 9. J.J. McCarthy’s return was a highlight, as the young quarterback led the Vikings to a crucial win despite being sacked five times. On the flip side, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor faced criticism after his team’s porous defense squandered a late lead in a heartbreaking loss.
Elsewhere, Matthew Stafford led the Los Angeles Rams to a victory, while Mike Tomlin’s Steelers continued their defensive resurgence. The week also saw injuries impact several teams, including the Houston Texans losing starting quarterback C.J. Stroud, further complicating the playoff race.
What’s Next?
With the NFL season at its halfway point, the playoff picture is more uncertain than ever. The Seahawks have emerged as a force in the NFC, while the NFC North is now a true dogfight. The AFC, meanwhile, is wide open, with no team able to establish clear dominance.
As teams prepare for the stretch run, Week 9 has shown that anything can happen. The league’s parity is on full display, and fans can expect more drama and surprises as the race for the postseason heats up.