Week nine in the NFL had some great games with incredibly exciting finishes. There were also some games that weren’t as competitive due to poor performances and sloppy play. Here is the report card grade for every NFC team that played Sunday in week nine, based on how they played, combined with what their expectations were and who their opponents were.
NFC East:
New York Giants: C
The Giants defense couldn’t slow down Christian McCaffrey, and the offense really couldn’t get anything going with any consistency. Jaxson Dart has no weapons to work with other than Theo Johnson, and the run game without Cam Skattebo is nonexistent.
Washington Commanders: D
This was a terrible showing by the Commanders on SNF. Their defense stunk, and the offense not only lost Jayden Daniels but also couldn’t get anything going for most of the night.
Dallas Cowboys: MNF
Philadelphia Eagles: By Week
NFC South:
Atlanta Falcons: B+
Despite their loss, it was by one point, on the road against one of the best teams in the NFL this season. Drake London had a great game, and the defense made some key plays. Not getting Bijan Robinson the ball enough in the first half was their biggest mistake.
New Orleans Saints: D
The Saints were completely dominated by the Rams. They have no offense, and their defense had no chance to slow down Kyren Williams and Matthew Stafford. There is a reason why they are the worst team in the NFC.
Carolina Panthers: A
Their defense stepped up huge on the road against a very good Packers team. Although the offense wasn’t great, they did move the ball well, and they scored enough points to come away with a massive win in a game that they were huge underdogs in.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bye Week
NFC North:
Green Bay Packers: C+
The defense played very well once again, but the offense struggled in a big way, only scoring 13 points in a loss to the Panthers. The Packers were heavy favorites in this game, and they had no business losing it.
Chicago Bears: B+
The offense was fantastic, particularly Caleb Williams and rookies Kyle Monangai and Colston Loveland. The defense gave up far too many points and allowed a late comeback by the Bengals, but they came away with a big road win.
Minnesota Vikings: A
This was a statement game from the Vikings and young QB JJ McCarthy. Not only did they get the win, but they did it on the road against the defending NFC North champion Lions. The defense stuffed the run, and the offense was able to put up 27 points to get the victory.
Detroit Lions: B
The Lions played a good game, but they were unable to get their running game going, and their defense allowed too many big plays from the Vikings. They are usually unbeatable at home, but lost this game to one of their biggest rivals.
NFC West:
San Francisco 49ers: B+
Christian McCaffrey led the way for the offense with a huge game, and the defense did its job against a beat-up Giants team. It was a game they had to win, and they took care of business to keep pace in this highly competitive division.
Los Angeles Rams: A-
The Rams were expected to beat up on the Saints, and that’s exactly what they did, thanks to big games from Stafford and Kyren Williams. The defense continues to play at a very high level, and they are looking like a true contender.
Seattle Seahawks: A
Sam Darnold and company won in convincing fashion on Sunday Night Football against the Commanders and look to be a legit contender right now. Jaxon Smith-Njigba continues to be one of the best receivers in football, and Darnold threw 4 touchdown passes.
Arizona Cardinals: MNF
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