Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season delivered thrilling performances and dramatic twists, headlined by Sam Darnold’s flawless first half for the Seattle Seahawks and a concerning injury to Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, setting the stage for pivotal midseason shifts across the league.
Sam Darnold delivered a historic performance for the Seahawks, completing all 16 of his first-half passes for 282 yards and four touchdowns in a dominant 38-14 victory over the Washington Commanders. His chemistry with receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was on full display, as the duo connected for multiple scores, while the Seahawks’ defense applied consistent pressure, sacking Daniels four times. This win solidifies Seattle’s position as a top contender in the NFC, with Darnold’s resurgence under center proving to be a key factor in their success. The offense operated with precision, and the defense capitalized on Washington’s struggles, showcasing a balanced attack that could pose a threat in the playoffs.
The game took a somber turn when Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels exited with a left elbow injury in the fourth quarter, compounding Washington’s struggles in a season that began with high expectations. Daniels, who has already dealt with multiple injuries this year, now faces an uncertain recovery timeline, leaving the team to navigate the remainder of the season without their star player. The Commanders’ defense was overwhelmed, allowing 330 yards of offense in the first half alone, and the loss drops them to a 3-6 record, raising questions about their future direction and coaching decisions amid a disappointing campaign.
Elsewhere, the Buffalo Bills secured a significant 28-21 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, with Josh Allen completing an impressive 88.5% of his passes and James Cook rushing for over 100 yards. The Bills’ defense harassed Patrick Mahomes throughout the game, sacking him three times and limiting his effectiveness, marking Buffalo’s fifth straight regular-season victory over Kansas City. Despite Mahomes’ late efforts, including a fourth-down conversion, the Chiefs fell short, highlighting inconsistencies that could impact their playoff aspirations and spur trade deadline moves to bolster their pass rush.
In another upset, the Pittsburgh Steelers stunned the Indianapolis Colts 27-20, forcing five turnovers from quarterback Daniel Jones and shutting down running back Jonathan Taylor. The Steelers’ defense, which had underperformed earlier in the season, came alive with multiple sacks and key stops, revitalizing their playoff hopes. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars edged the Las Vegas Raiders 30-29 in overtime, thanks to a record-setting 68-yard field goal by Cam Little and a clutch defensive play to stop a 2-point conversion, keeping their postseason dreams alive in a competitive AFC South.
The Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals engaged in a high-scoring shootout, with the Bears prevailing 47-42 after a game-winning 58-yard touchdown pass from Caleb Williams to rookie tight end Colston Loveland. Williams showcased his versatility with passing, rushing, and receiving touchdowns, while the Bengals’ defense continued to struggle, surrendering 575 total yards. This loss underscores Cincinnati’s defensive woes, despite Joe Flacco’s 470-yard passing effort in relief of the injured Joe Burrow, emphasizing the need for roster adjustments as the trade deadline looms.
As the NFL trade deadline approaches, teams like the Seahawks and Chiefs are evaluating potential moves to address weaknesses, with Seattle considering additions to their offensive line and Kansas City seeking pass-rush help. The outcomes of Week 9 have reshaped playoff races, with surprise contenders emerging and established powers facing new challenges. Looking ahead, key matchups in the coming weeks will test these teams’ resilience and depth, setting the stage for a compelling second half of the season filled with uncertainty and opportunity.