Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season was dominated by the looming trade deadline, with front offices evaluating whether to buy, sell, or hold before the Tuesday 4 p.m. ET cutoff. The week offered a final look at team needs before the deadline, and analysts provided snap recommendations for all 32 franchises.
Trade Deadline Recommendations by Division
AFC East: The Buffalo Bills, allowing 25.9 points per game, should make a big defensive swing, targeting cornerback Riq Woolen and safety Budda Baker. The New England Patriots, after a 45-27 home loss, may be better off selling pieces like Christian Barmore. The New York Jets could listen to offers for running back Breece Hall, while the 1-7 Miami Dolphins should explore buying players with upside, such as Brian Thomas Jr.
AFC North: The Pittsburgh Steelers need a receiver and could target Josh Downs. The Cincinnati Bengals, with Joe Burrow playing at an MVP level, should pursue Jonathan Taylor to bolster the running game. The Cleveland Browns are expected to have a quiet deadline, while the Baltimore Ravens might entertain offers for 33-year-old Derrick Henry if they fall out of playoff contention.
AFC South: The Jacksonville Jaguars may move Brian Thomas Jr., who has been a non-factor, and could add defensive lineman Christian Barmore. The Houston Texans already acquired Marvin Harrison Jr. The Indianapolis Colts should wheel and deal to build draft capital, and the Tennessee Titans are content to keep Tony Pollard unless blown away by an offer.
AFC West: The Denver Broncos could add tight end Dallas Goedert. The Kansas City Chiefs need wide receiver help and a veteran edge rusher. The Las Vegas Raiders might trade Kirk Cousins for future capital, and the 0-8 Los Angeles Chargers should listen to offers for players like Khalil Mack.
NFC East: The New York Giants should avoid mortgaging the future for Jonathan Taylor. The Dallas Cowboys have likely completed their moves. The Washington Commanders, at 2-5-1, may sell pieces like Stefon Diggs. The Philadelphia Eagles' Howie Roseman remains unpredictable with assets like Dallas Goedert and Riq Woolen available.
NFC North: The Minnesota Vikings need a quarterback if Jordan Murray is sidelined. The Detroit Lions seek cornerback help, possibly targeting Riq Woolen. The Chicago Bears added Jeffery Simmons, and the Green Bay Packers may add a running back after Josh Jacobs' broken finger.
NFC South: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face a quiet deadline. The Carolina Panthers have the least cap space. The New Orleans Saints are in purgatory at 3-5. The Atlanta Falcons have cap space but no clear deal, though they could move Jessie Bates III.
Week 9 Game Balls
Six standout performers earned game balls: Ja'Marr Chase (CIN) – 10 receptions, 155 yards, 1 TD; CeeDee Lamb (DAL) – 10 receptions, 195 yards, 1 TD; Myles Garrett (LAR) – 3 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble in his return from knee procedure; Kenneth Walker III (KC) – 18 carries, 102 yards, 1 rushing TD, plus 4 receptions, 41 yards, 2 receiving TDs; C.J. Stroud (HOU) – 21-of-35, 384 yards, 5 TD passes, 1 INT; Jordan Love (GB) – 23-of-29, 372 yards, 3 TD passes, 1 rushing TD.
Notable Gaffes
CeeDee Lamb fumbled after an untouched catch and long run against the Colts. The Washington Commanders opted for a short pass and laterals instead of a Hail Mary from the Rams' 31-yard line, resulting in a fumble and loss. Harrison Butker missed back-to-back field goals (56 and 51 yards) after a Jets offsides penalty. Jonathan Taylor lost a shoe at the 2-yard line, leading to Seth McGowan's first career TD. Saints rookie Jordyn Tyson fumbled at the goal line on his first career catch. A corgi named Lennox ran loose on the field during the Broncos-Panthers halftime show, breaking six tackles.
Two-Minute Drill Notes
The Bears earned their first win with a -3 or worse turnover margin since 2006. The Bengals have the fewest rushing yards per game (85.6) for a 6-2 team since 2014. Joe Burrow's 26 total touchdowns tie for fifth-most through eight games. The Cowboys have allowed 20+ points in 16 straight games, the longest streak. The Colts are 2-14 since last year's 8-2 bye. Jayden Daniels is 3-9-1 as a starter over two seasons. Arvell Reese became the youngest player with 3+ sacks in a game since 1982 (21 years, 70 days). Carson Schwesinger recorded the first 15-tackle, 2-sack, forced-fumble game since Patrick Willis (2007). The Patriots allowed 45 points at home, most since 1970. Christian McCaffrey passed Marshall Faulk for most receiving TDs by a running back (37). The Chargers remain winless at 0-8. Bye weeks in Week 10: Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay. Returning from bye: Pittsburgh, Tennessee. International game: Patriots vs. Lions in Munich.
