As the NFL reaches the halfway point of the 2026 regular season, Week 9 brings the November 10 trade deadline into sharp focus. Teams are evaluating whether to push for the playoffs or begin building for the future, and several storylines could provide early indications of their direction.
Broncos rookie Jonah Coleman could silence running back trade talk
Denver has been linked to potential running back acquisitions ahead of the deadline, but rookie Jonah Coleman may reduce that urgency. In his second game back from injured reserve, Coleman led the Broncos with 11 carries for 41 yards and a touchdown, adding four catches for 63 yards including a pivotal 51-yard gain on the go-ahead drive against Kansas City. This week, Denver faces a Carolina defense allowing 4.8 yards per carry (tied for fourth-highest in the NFL) and 140.7 rushing yards per game (third-highest). A strong performance from Coleman could convince the front office to stand pat at running back.
Cardinals rookie Carson Beck may make NFL debut against Seahawks
Arizona's quarterback situation continues to evolve. After replacing Jacoby Brissett with Gardner Minshew last week — a move that sparked a comeback win over Dallas and led to Brissett being traded to Baltimore — rookie third-round pick Carson Beck has ascended to primary backup. Minshew now faces a Seattle defense allowing a franchise-record low 250.0 total yards per game through eight contests and just 4.2 yards per play (fourth-fewest in 20 years). If Minshew struggles, head coach Matt LaFleur could turn to Beck sooner than expected.
Commanders' Jayden Daniels at risk of first turnovers versus Rams
Despite Washington's win over Philadelphia in Week 8, Jayden Daniels posted a 17.2% off-target throw rate, the third-highest of his career. Through five starts, Daniels has yet to throw an interception or lose a fumble, joining only five other players in NFL history with at least 240 total yards per game and zero turnovers in their first five starts. The Rams, tied for fifth in the league with seven interceptions, picked off Justin Herbert twice last week. If Los Angeles builds a lead and forces a pass-heavy script, Daniels' pristine turnover record could be tested.
Falcons' Bijan Robinson poised for bounce-back in Madrid
After leading the NFL with 780 rushing yards, Bijan Robinson has averaged just 71.5 yards per game and 4.4 yards per carry over the past four weeks, down from 123.5 yards and 5.8 yards per carry in the first month. Atlanta's international game against Cincinnati offers a favorable matchup: the Bengals allow 122.3 rushing yards per game and 4.8 yards per carry (tied for fourth-highest). Last week, Tony Pollard rushed for 117 yards and two touchdowns against Cincinnati. A ground-heavy approach could help Robinson return to early-season form.
Chargers' Mike McDaniel on hot seat after offensive struggles
Los Angeles ranks last in the NFL in points per game (14.1) and total turnovers (17), and has not scored a touchdown since the third quarter of Week 5. Head coach Jim Harbaugh retained offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel during the Week 7 bye, but the unit showed no improvement in a Week 8 loss to the Rams. A loss to Houston — a defense that has allowed 30-plus points three times this season after doing so once in 2025 — would drop the Chargers to 0-8. With an extended week before a November 16 Monday night game at Baltimore, Harbaugh may finally make a change if the offense continues to sputter.
