The NFL trade deadline approaches on November 10, and Week 8 showcased how a single acquisition can reshape a team's championship outlook. The Chicago Bears surged into the top tier of Super Bowl contenders after trading for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, while the Baltimore Ravens saw their title hopes collapse following season-ending injuries to quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley.
Stock Up: Jeffery Simmons Trade Legitimizes Bears
The Bears' 34-17 road win over the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football may have marked a passing of the torch in the NFC. Simmons recorded a tackle on the first play from scrimmage, a sack on the next series, and added a tackle for loss and a pass breakup. His presence allows defensive coordinator Dennis Allen to blitz less while maintaining pressure, masking the secondary's weakness. Offensively, Ben Johnson's unit leads the league in scoring, quarterback Caleb Williams is on an MVP trajectory, rookie Luther Burden III is breaking out, and D'Andre Swift anchors a prolific run game. Chicago now boasts the second-best offense and second-best defense, with Super Bowl odds shortening to +780 — third-shortest behind the 49ers (+580) and Bills (+600).
Stock Down: Quarterback Injuries Tank Ravens' Season
Lamar Jackson requires thumb surgery and is expected to miss extended time, while backup Tyler Huntley is out 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 Super Bowl odds plummeted to +10000. Unless Jackson returns within four games, the season appears lost, with Brissett offering the only realistic optimism.
Long Shot of the Week: Steelers (+5000)
Pittsburgh seized sole possession of first place in the AFC North after a 27-6 win over Cleveland. The reunion of Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy has revitalized the offense, with Jaylen Warren leading a run game ranked 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). After a Week 9 bye, the Steelers face Cincinnati again, having won the first matchup.
Week 9 Games to Watch
Broncos at Panthers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+): Denver rides a four-game win streak and is 15-0 in one-score games since mid-2025. Carolina has lost its last two by a combined 38 points.
Packers at Patriots (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Fox/Fubo): Quarterback showdown between Jordan Love and Drake Maye, who 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, ABC/Fubo): Minnesota's league-leading defense, which held Detroit to 19 points, faces Josh Allen and Buffalo's second-ranked offense. The Vikings' offense has struggled even in favorable matchups.
