PFT's NFL results and summary for Week 9 2024

The season is half over. Somehow.

The post-Sunday recaps have basically just begun.

First published a few weeks ago, we post a snapshot of each Sunday game on Monday mornings with relevant (to me, hopefully to you) insights and/or nuggets from each game.

Here they are for last Sunday.

Falcons 27, Cowboys 21

Kirk Cousins ​​picked up his third career win against the Cowboys and a win in his first game against his former Vikings coach Mike Zimmer.

Cousins ​​now has 11 career games with at least three touchdown passes and a passer rating of 140 or higher. Tony Romo surpasses the fifth-most hits in NFL history. Cousins ​​trails only Drew Brees (18), Aaron Rodgers (20), Peyton Manning (20) and Tom Brady (21).

The Cowboys could be without Romo's successor for a while; Dak Prescott has a hamstring injury. And the cowboys are quickly disappearing. Owner Jerry Jones hinted Sunday that trade deadline time could prompt a few more moves.

I'll believe it when I see it. It feels like more talking from an owner who is only interested in the action that comes from fans opening their wallets to buy more silver-blue snake oil.

Ravens 41, Broncos 10

It was Lamar Jackson's fourth perfect passer rating. That's more than any other quarterback in league history.

Jackson's day was part of a 41-point outburst against a Denver defense that hadn't given up more than 20 points in any game.

Derrick Henry had another big game for the Ravens. (It's a good thing for Baltimore that the Cowboys couldn't afford him.) Almost every week he joins a different elite running backs club.

The Broncos had prevailed against not-so-big teams. The Ravens reminded them that while the Broncos might be good enough to make the playoffs, it might just be a short stay.

Bills 30, Dolphins 27

The Dolphins played as if their season depended on the outcome. Because it was like that. And now that the Bills are 7-2, it would take a collapse like that that would result in everyone getting fired for them to miss the playoffs.

Buffalo did it without receiver Amari Cooper, who missed the game with a wrist injury. And no one had spectacular numbers. But that was just enough to give Tyler Bass a chance to scamper a 61-yard game-winner – making up for a rough stretch and ensuring the Bills won't have to play any kicking tests this week.

The good news for Miami is that they have rediscovered their running game. And there could be a chance for a wildcard spot. However, at some point they need to win some games. Or, you know, one.

Panthers 23, Saints 22

The disaster continues for the Saints, their seventh defeat in a row goes to the worst team in the league. And it was enough to convince the Saints to change coaches.

Not much changes for the Panthers. They should continue to try to sell the contracts of any players who will not be part of the turnaround. If there ever is one.

The Saints should also look to trade aging, high-paid veterans. For both teams, most players sent elsewhere would welcome it.

Bengals 41, Raiders 24

Just days after Halloween, Joe Burrow dressed up as Angry Kevindespite throwing five touchdown passes. Maybe he knows that while they're good enough to beat the Raiders, they're not good enough to compete with the best teams in the conference.

The Raiders have landed firmly in “Hot Chaos” territory as offensive coordinator Luke Getsy is officially no longer active. After the season, it could also be coach Antonio Pierce. Especially when Tom Brady's close friend Mike Vrabel is available.

In the meantime, Las Vegas should consider trading everyone but Maxx Crosby. These additional assets could help them land a much-needed franchise quarterback in the draft.

On the other hand, they may not need to climb very high.

Chargers 27, Browns 10

The Jameis-Winston experiment was fun while it lasted.

Cleveland's recent loss essentially confirms that the Browns will not have a second straight playoff season. Given the massive cap space still attached to Deshaun Watson's contract, they should trade anyone and everyone they can.

The Chargers are developing some consistency and are finally putting up some points to complement a very good defense. A place in the playoffs is certainly plausible.

Commanders 27, Giants 22

It wasn't spectacular, but it was effective. And that's the way it is with strong teams competing against pesky division rivals. It won't be easy. It won't be pretty. But it will end with more points than the other team.

The commanders must bring back Brian Robinson; He will open the passing game. And Jayden Daniels has to get the ball to his best receivers.

The Giants are getting closer to the inevitable bench move of quarterback Daniel Jones. His $23 million injury guarantee in 2025 gives him an expiration date that comes sooner than later.

Titans 20, Patriots 17

Drake Maye, cleared of a concussion, ran for 95 yards and threw for 206. The Titans got 128 rushing yards from non-quarterback Tony Pollard, outscoring the Patriots by more than 100 yards.

Both teams are essentially done and both should be looking for deals with players who likely won't be around in 2025 anyway.

Mason Rudolph's performance could make Tennessee consider keeping him on the field. Whether it's him or Will Levis. It feels like the Titans will be in the quarterback business this offseason.

The game was decided in overtime. Patriots coach Jerod Mayo declined to address why the Patriots weren't hoping for two points after the touchdown that made the score 20-19.

In the extra session, Tennessee managed its longest drive since the league shortened it from 15 to 10 minutes. The 13-play, 72-yard attempt lasted seven minutes and 28 seconds before ending in a field goal.

Cardinals 29, Bears 9

Don't look now, but Arizona is not just a wild card contender, but a potential division winner. They systematically dismantled a Bears team that might still be dealing with a post-Hail Mary hangover.

Kyle Murray hasn't generated eye-popping numbers. That wasn't necessary. Underrated workhorse James Conner had 107 rushing yards on 18 carries and three other Cardinals (not named Murray or Conner) had rushing touchdowns.

With the Bears falling from 4-2 to 4-4, there are whispers about whether a coaching change is imminent in Chicago. Even though there is still a long way to go, it feels like the pressure is increasing. This will only diminish if the Bears start winning again.

Eagles 28, Jaguars 23

It felt like Philly was trying to blow it, as a 22-0 lead turned into a 22-16 lead almost immediately. Ultimately, the Eagles didn't waste their recent standout performance in running back Saquon Barkley, who had 152 rushing yards, 40 receiving yards, two touchdowns and a reverse glitch for the ages.

Philly's third straight win puts them at 6-2 and in the thick of things as November begins. The question still remains as to whether they will fall apart down the stretch. Again.

To their credit, the Jaguars didn't give up. At 2-7, they should sell contracts and stockpile picks for a future course that may be dictated by Bill Belichick.

Lions 24, Packers 14

Jared Goff continued his recent winning streak despite playing outside in the elements and breaking out gloves for both hands.

He has an 82.8 percent completion rate (106 of 128) over the last six games with at least 100 attempts, the highest in league history over six games. In 2008, Peyton Manning completed 137 of 175 games in six games, a rate of 78.3 percent.

More importantly, the Lions keep winning. They're 7-1, and their performance in their first non-dome game of the season reinforces the notion that they'll stay inside the entire postseason – with home-field advantage in the NFC and, if they make it to their first Super Bowl, a dome game in New Orleans.

Rams 26, Seahawks 20

Trailing by 10 points in the first half, the Rams celebrated their third straight win. That puts them at 4-4 and in prime position to fight for the NFC West crown.

It was a dramatic change for the Rams, who were considered sellers at the trade deadline. Well, who knows? Maybe they'll find a way to do it eff she chooses everything again.

After winning three straight to start the season, the Seahawks have lost five of six games. The result eclipses a career day for receiver Jaxson Smith-Njigba, who had 180 receiving yards, two touchdowns and a key fourth-down grab that set up his score to force overtime.

Vikings 21, Colts 13

Minnesota ended a two-game losing streak with a win that was, in many ways, a loss.

Justin Jefferson had his best yardage performance of the season with 137. He also threw a pass down the field to Aaron Jones, setting the stage for a 22-yard gain on third-and-16.

Overall, the story was the defense. The Brian Flores-led unit held the Colts to 227 yards rushing. This is the second lowest performance under coach Shane Steichen. And it could hasten Anthony Richardson's return to the lineup.

The decision was fueled by the urgency to win. In his first start after being benched by Richardson, Joe Flacco threw for 179 yards, no touchdown passes and one interception. He had a passer rating of 63.7 and three sacks.