Week nine saw a few interesting things: some breakouts, standouts, and a few head scratchers. Here are my winners and losers:
Winners:
- Baltimore Ravens: Quarterback Joe Flacco threw for a touchdown to wide receiver Mike Wallace. Wide receiver Chris Moore’s blocked punt for a touchdown helped the Ravens defeat AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers 21-14. The stats were about even in this game but in the end, the Ravens made more plays.
- Detroit Lions: Quarterback Matt Stafford did it again as his game-winning 28-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Golden Tate helped the Lions defeat the Minnesota Vikings 22-16 in overtime. At 5-4, the Lions are right there in contention for the NFC North.
- New York Giants: Though the Giants did just about everything they could to lose, questionable play-calling, interceptions by quarterback Eli Manning, but they did just enough defeating NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles 28-23.
- Indianapolis Colts: Quarterback Andrew Luck overcame two interceptions and made big plays late as the Colts upset the Green Bay Packers 31-26 at Lambeau Field.
- Oakland Raiders: Running back Latavius Murray rushed for 114 yards and three touchdowns. The defense had two turnovers as the Raiders defeated the Denver Broncos 30-20. The Raiders are now tied for the best record in the NFL, they’re for real, folks.
Losers:
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Being 4 for 18 on third downs and incompletions stalled drives in their loss to Baltimore.
- Philadelphia Eagles: Despite having the edge in time of possession, quarterback Carson Wentz had 20 incompletions and threw two interceptions that cost the Eagles in their loss to New York.
- Denver Broncos: Turnovers, penalties, and having only 33 rushing yards were the Broncos’ undoing in their loss to Oakland.
- Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings couldn’t deter any big plays in their loss to Detroit. The Vikes started 5-0, but have now lost three in a row. What’s going on in Minnesota?
- Green Bay Packers: Despite safety Haha Clinton-Dix’s two interceptions, the defense gave up too many big plays late in their loss to Indianapolis.
Storylines Going Into Week Ten:
Can Minnesota get back on track at Washington? Kansas City goes to Carolina. Denver travels to New Orleans. San Diego hosts Miami.
Three intriguing intra-conference games as Dallas battles Pittsburgh, Seattle goes cross-country to face New England and Cincinnati, off a bye plays the New York Giants.