NFL Week 9 Report: 10 Teams to Expect Playoff Success

As the NFL enters the second half of the regular season, the good teams have begun to separate themselves from the less fortunate teams. In a season riddled with injuries, some teams that analysts initially expected to perform well — such as the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Commanders — are now looking forward to the draft and hoping to improve next year. With the trade deadline past, it’s clear now which teams are “all-in” and can realistically attempt a run at the Super Bowl. Here are 10 teams, in order, that fit this definition: some familiar faces, and some who have far exceeded preseason expectations.

1. Indianapolis Colts (7-2 thru W9, 1st in AFC South)

Despite almost no speculation before the season that this team would be a championship contender, the Colts are firing on all cylinders. It seems quarterback Daniel “Indiana” Jones has found his groove, leading the league with a staggering 2,404 passing yards, which is admittedly unsurprising when surrounded by a supremely talented offense. Running back Jonathan Taylor, when healthy, is a spectacular and genuine MVP candidate, and receiver Michael Pittman Jr. has been a reliable target downfield. On defense, the recent addition of cornerback Sauce Gardner for two first-round picks shows the Colts’ ceiling is a championship trophy.  

2. Philadelphia Eagles (6-2 thru W9, 1st in NFC East)

Despite struggles in offensive playcalling, the reigning Super Bowl champions can make a solid case for securing the NFC. Superstar running back Saquon Barkley isn’t the same win-condition he was in his historic 2024-2025 season, and the Eagles’ defense is considerably weaker. However, quarterback Jalen Hurts demonstrates that he can run an offense under pressure, and his playoff experience will serve this team well when January rolls around. Still, the Eagles need to make up for the Week 6 loss to the Giants if they are to secure home-field advantage. 

3. Buffalo Bills (6-2 thru W9, 2nd in AFC East)

The Bills coming in at third on this list may come as a surprise, since they do not even lead their own division. Josh Allen, however, shows time and time again his prowess as a quarterback, despite his stats not fully capturing the “Allen Magic” this season. Running back James Cook is perennially one of the most efficient and talented backs in the league, and receiver Keon Coleman has shown flashes of brilliance, making difficult catches when the squad depends on him. Give the few losses the Bills endured earlier this year, the state of the team revolves around the question: Is it finally their year?

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2 thru W9, 1st in NFC South)

Many Tampa Bay fans would argue that the Bucs are the premier team in the NFC South, and it is easy to see why. Baker Mayfield is indubitably a special quarterback, with an almost Midas touch to an offense missing veteran receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka has proven himself as a reliable fixture, and the defense is serviceable. The Bucs altogether are in a position to make a run for the Super Bowl for the first time since their 2021 trophy. 

5. Green Bay Packers (5-2-1 thru W9, 1st in NFC North)

Early into the season, the Packers appeared as the overwhelming favorites to win a title, with much of the perceived success stemming from one trade acquisition. Two words: Micah Parsons. However, a questionable loss to the Carolina Panthers this past week and an embarrassing earlier loss to the Cleveland Browns undermined this perception. Quarterback Jordan Love can undoubtedly deliver, although he continues to struggle with decision-making issues when out of the pocket, making wins much harder than they should be. Love’s struggles and the loss of tight end Tucker Kraft complicate what is otherwise one of the most well-rounded teams. 

6. New England Patriots (7-2 thru W9, 1st in AFC East)

It appears as if the Patriots are undergoing a renaissance. At this point in the season, the Pats are comfortably in a position to make a playoff run for the first time in the post-Belichick era. Drake Maye was great as a rookie and is playing beyond what is expected of a quarterback in his sophomore season, partly due to the help of veteran receiver Stefon Diggs. On top of this, running back TreyVeyon Henderson has been delivering in lieu of Rhamondre Stevenson, and cornerback Christian Gonzalez is leading a strong defensive campaign. If the Patriots continue their upward trajectory and remain uncontested in their division, they can easily become championship favorites. If they pull off a win in their upcoming rematch against the Bills, this would place them as the premier team in the AFC East, and perhaps the entire conference. 

7. Denver Broncos (7-2 thru W9, 1st in AFC West)

It would be remiss of me not to include the team leading the league by record in the top eight. It’s clear that a strong defense can create a championship team. However, compared to the 2024 Eagles, the team from the Mile High City lacks in the offensive department, despite running back J.K. Dobbins’ great season thus far. Bo Nix clearly lacks the experience that quarterbacks higher on this list have, and, similar to the Packers’ Love, really shines when down in a game, which may not cut it in the playoffs.

8. Los Angeles Chargers (6-3 thru W9, 2nd in AFC West)

The Chargers are another team that faces adversity in a competitive division; however, the Jim Harbaugh-Justin Herbert coach-quarterback dynamic has shown itself to be effective. Herbert is definitely a top-five quarterback, thanks to a strong O-Line and sophomore receiver Ladd McConkey. Nonetheless, the horrific season-ending loss of offensive tackle Joe Alt is sure to leave a void that Harbaugh must fill to keep championship hopes alive. 

9. Seattle Seahawks (6-2 thru W9, 1st in NFC West)

Quarterback Sam Darnold’s player evolution parallels that of the Buccaneers’ Mayfield. After signing with Seattle, not much was known about how the Seahawks would fare without their previous head coach, Pete Carroll, and star receiver DK Metcalf. Yet, Jaxson Smith-Njigba has supported Darnold on offense as arguably the best receiver in the NFL, with 948 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns through the first nine weeks. The Seahawks also have a top-five defense, allowing just 18.8 points per game. In a league where the skill gap has shrunk so considerably, Seattle has almost as much of a chance at making a run as those above it on this list.

10. Los Angeles Rams (6-3 thru W9, 2nd in NFC West)

Rounding off this list, the Rams are very much in the playoff picture as a wild card. Linebacker Byron Young is having a standout season, empowering the defense. Matthew Stafford, at age 37, is still giving a monumental effort with a 21-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio so far. Receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams are a dangerous duo, and running back Kyren Williams does exactly what’s asked of him, supporting an explosive offense that, on a good day, will entertain playoff success.