Week 9 delivered the kind of unpredictability that defines the NFL.
Two upsets reshaped playoff conversations and sent shockwaves through the league as underdogs earned road victories.
The Minnesota Vikings stunned the Detroit Lions while the Carolina Panthers defeated the Green Bay Packers in results few anticipated.
Analyst Mike Francesa highlighted both outcomes as the most surprising developments of the week.
“If you had told me this morning, ‘Hey, I got a double for you. Minnesota’s gonna win in Detroit, and Carolina, as a 13.5-point underdog, is gonna win outright in Green Bay,’ I have to admit, I wouldn’t have believed it lower than anybody else. That is a stunning development, which shakes up things dramatically,” Francesa said.
"I have to admit, I wouldn't have believed it, nor would anybody else. That is a stunning development which shakes up things dramatically."@MikeFrancesa was shocked by Sunday's big upset wins by Carolina and Minnesota 🏈 pic.twitter.com/wS4mtYKI6j
— BetRivers Sportsbook (@BetRivers) November 3, 2025
The Vikings traveled to Ford Field and knocked off the Lions as quarterback J.J. McCarthy returned from a five-game injury absence and provided a spark for Minnesota’s offense.
He connected with Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson for touchdowns before adding a rushing score to extend the lead.
It was Detroit’s first home loss of the season and pushed Minnesota back into the NFC North race.
Carolina pulled off an even bigger surprise against Green Bay at Lambeau Field.
Panthers running back Rico Dowdle rushed for 130 yards and two touchdowns, becoming just the third Carolina running back in a decade to reach those marks.
Rookie kicker Ryan Fitzgerald connected on a 49-yard field goal as time expired to secure the victory.
Carolina has won four of its past five games and is showing marked improvement in its second year under head coach Dave Canales.
NEXT: Former QB Reveals Why Packers Lost On Sunday