NFL standings after week 9: Winners and losers in the AFC and NFC divisions

Week 9 of the NFL season left some teams with renewed playoff confidence, while others were left reeling, reassessing what remains of their season. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest winners and losers:

Biggest Winner: The Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions came out as the top team in the NFC, proving they’re ready for a deep playoff run. They dominated their divisional matchup against the Green Bay Packers on the road in harsh conditions.

This wasn’t about quarterback Jared Goff lighting up the stat sheet; instead, it was a team effort with the defense generating turnovers, a solid running game, and a highly efficient red-zone performance. The Lions are now firmly atop the NFC North, building significant separation from the Packers, Vikings, and Bears.

Detroit’s win has made them stand out in what many consider the league’s most competitive division. With Goff at the helm and impressive performances on both sides of the ball, the Lions are positioning themselves as serious contenders as the season progresses.

Biggest Loser: The New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints hit rock bottom after a shocking loss to the struggling Carolina Panthers, 23-22. Quarterback Derek Carr returned from injury, but his presence couldn’t prevent a defeat against one of the league’s lowest-performing teams.

The Saints are now sitting at 2-7, dead last in the NFC South, after starting the season with two victories.

This loss could have profound implications. Rumors began swirling about potential changes within the Saints' coaching staff, with the team quickly changing the head coach on Sunday, putting Darren Rizzi in charge.

Player Standouts in Week 9

Bryce Young (Carolina Panthers)

In his second year, Bryce Young rose above challenges to lead the Panthers to their surprise win against the Saints.

Young’s numbers were modest, with 171 yards and a touchdown, but his poised leadership helped Carolina secure a much-needed victory. Despite a rocky career start, Young’s performance could bolster his confidence and offer Carolina a glimpse of what he might bring to their future lineup.

Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens)

Lamar Jackson was on fire, always displaying an MVP-caliber performance that reshaped what the league had seen from him.

Jackson recorded a perfect passer rating for the fourth time in his career, a feat achieved faster than any other player since the stat was tracked.

This dual-threat mastery positions him as a front-runner for a third MVP title. As playoff pressure builds, Jackson is ready to lead Baltimore deep into the postseason.