The NFL trade deadline is less than a week away, and Week 8 showed how a single acquisition can reshape the championship picture. The Chicago Bears vaulted into the top tier of contenders after defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons debuted in a 34-17 win over the Seattle Seahawks, while the Baltimore Ravens saw their Super Bowl hopes collapse following season-ending injuries to quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley.
Stock Up: Jeffery Simmons Legitimizes Bears
Simmons, a three-time All-Pro acquired from the Tennessee Titans, made an immediate impact. He recorded a tackle on the first play from scrimmage, added a sack on the next series, and finished with a tackle for loss and a pass breakup. His presence allows defensive coordinator Dennis Allen to generate pressure without blitzing at one of the league's highest rates, masking the secondary's weakness. The Bears now boast the second-best offense and second-best defense in the NFC North, with Ben Johnson's unit potentially finishing as the league's highest-scoring, Caleb Williams on an MVP trajectory, and a prolific run game led by D'Andre Swift. Chicago's Super Bowl odds shortened to +780, the third-shortest in the league, and the NFC's top seed is now in play.
Stock Down: Quarterback Injuries Tank Ravens' Season
Jackson requires thumb surgery and is slated to miss extended time, while Huntley is done for the year with turf toe. Undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano started Week 9, and the Ravens traded for Jacoby Brissett, who was recently benched in Arizona. Baltimore also signed Kedon Slovis and added Austin Reed to the practice squad. The team's odds plummeted to +10000, and unless Jackson returns within four games, the season appears lost. The Ravens fell from contention to a potential last-place finish in the AFC North after less than one half of football against the Buffalo Bills.
Long Shot of the Week: Steelers (+5000)
Pittsburgh seized sole possession of first place in the AFC North after a 27-6 win over the Cleveland Browns. The reunion of Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy has revitalized the offense, with Jaylen Warren leading a run game that ranks third in EPA per rush. First-year defensive coordinator Patrick Graham's unit ranks in the top eight in scoring defense (No. 3), total defense (No. 6), run defense (No. 3), third-down defense (No. 8), red-zone defense (No. 2), and takeaways (No. 3). The Steelers have a bye in Week 9 before a second showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Week 9 Games to Watch
Broncos at Panthers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET): Denver rides a four-game win streak and is 15-0 in one-score games dating to mid-2025. Carolina has lost two straight by a combined 38 points. Packers at Patriots (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET): Jordan Love and Drake Maye have combined for over 4,200 yards and 31 touchdowns; both teams are 4-1 in their last five games. Bills at Vikings (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET): Minnesota's league-leading defense, which held the NFL's top offense to 19 points last week, faces Josh Allen and the second-best offense. The Vikings' offense has been lifeless even in favorable matchups.
