NFL: Green Bay Packers at New England Patriots
Nov 8, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) reacts after rushing for a touchdown against the New England Patriots in the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Week 9 of the NFL season has come to a close, with crucial wins for the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Los Angeles Rams. The Eagles lose a divisional battle vs. the Giants, the Falcons give up tons of points in Madrid, and much more. Here are the report card grades for the NFC teams in Week 9.
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NFC North
Oct 25, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Detroit Lions: B-
The Detroit Lions didn’t play their best against the Dolphins, but good teams find ways to win even if it is an ugly one. This game was a poor performance from Jared Goff, but the Lions should still be viewed as a strong team.
Chicago Bears: B+
The Chicago Bears played the Buccaneers and won on a last-second field goal. This offense is super good, and despite Caleb Williams making a few mistakes, they still got a big win.
Minnesota Vikings: C+
The Vikings defense once again proved that they are one of the most elite units in the NFL, although they did eventually wear down late against an elite Bills offense. The offense unfortunately proved once again that without a better quarterback, the team is limited in what they can accomplish.
Green Bay Packers: A
The Packers are rolling right now and dominated the Patriots. Jordan Love is playing exceptionally well and is looking like one of the better QBs in the NFL. The offense with Christian Watson and Matthew Golden is looking great too.
NFC West
NFL: NFL Melbourne Game -Los Angeles Rams Practice
Sep 10, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during practice at Marvel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Los Angeles Rams: B+
The Rams get Myles Garrett back in this game, and they play a good game against the Commanders. When Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett are on the field, it is impressive. Puka Nacua was all over the field, grabbing numerous catches for touchdowns.
San Francisco 49ers: A+
The 49ers come out of the bye and dominate the Raiders. This offense is super good, and Christian McCaffrey had a big day with two touchdowns. Brock Purdy is looking super good as well. Big win for San Francisco, and they continue to look like one of the best teams in football.
Seattle Seahawks: B+
The Seahawks win a divisional battle against the Arizona Cardinals in this one. Drew Lock got the start and was able to get a win for them with Sam Darnold being sidelined. The Cardinals were able to contain Jaxon Smith-Njigba, which is not an easy task.
Arizona Cardinals: C-
The Cardinals couldn’t get much going against one of the best defenses in the NFL. Gardner Minshew struggled after delivering a big performance against the Cowboys. Everything struggled offensively, while defensively, they were able to contain Jaxson Smith-Njigba, but the offense couldn’t get the job done.
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NFC East
Nov 8, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Joe Milton III (14) runs the ball against New York Giants linebacker Arvell Reese (52) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Philadelphia Eagles: D+
The Eagles started Joe Milton, and the offensive play-calling was very conservative. Their only touchdown came from launching the ball downfield, drawing a pass interference call, and then Saquon ran it in. A poor showing from this team in a winnable game.
Dallas Cowboys: B
The Cowboys take down Daniel Jones and the Colts in this one. CeeDee Lamb was able to rise to the occasion and have a strong day. Dak Prescott wins a close game in this one.
New York Giants: B+
The Giants’ defense stands tall and was able to disrupt the Eagles’ offense. Arvell Reese is looking like the runaway favorite for DROY and could get some consideration for DPOY. He was that good in this one. The run game continues to be a struggle, and the Giants may look towards trading for a running back after all the Jonathan Taylor noise.
Washington Commanders: C+
The Commanders are unable to take down the Rams in this one and had no answer to stop Puka Nacua. The Commanders drop another game as Dan Quinn’s days as head coach are getting smaller and smaller. They will have to regroup for their Thursday match versus the Giants.
NFC South
Oct 18, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Carolina Panthers: B-
The Panthers drop a close game but can’t get the job done at home. Bryce Young delivered a good day by passing for 3 touchdowns, but overall the team drops another game in this weird NFC South.
New Orleans Saints: B+
The Saints found a way to secure a victory this week over the Cleveland Browns. The offense got some guys back, and Jordyn Tyson made his debut. A big win for Kellen Moore and the Saints.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B-
The Buccaneers fell to the Bears on Sunday Night Football but held their own and forced Caleb Williams to throw some costly interceptions. The Bucs have played better defensively as of late, and with this wide-open division, don’t be shocked if they win the division.
Atlanta Falcons: C-
The Falcons lost overseas to the Cincinnati Bengals, and AJ Terrell had a rough time guarding these elite Bengals receivers. Joe Burrow was carving up this defense. Bijan Robinson had a solid game, but a tough loss for Atlanta.