Four Winning Streaks Reshape the NFL’s Week 9 Contender Picture

Four teams with two losses made their case as Super Bowl contenders in Week 9, each stretching a winning streak to at least three games. The Lions beat the previously unbeaten Vikings, the Broncos rallied past the Chiefs, the Steelers dominated the Browns and the Bears defeated the defending champion Seahawks.

The Bills took the top spot after routing Baltimore 36-10, while the 49ers ranked second and the Vikings third despite their first regular-season loss since November 30, 2025. Detroit won 19-15, scoring the decisive touchdown late in the fourth quarter and then stopping Minnesota on its final possession.

Denver climbed to fourth after overcoming an 11-point deficit in the final quarter to win 28-24. The Chiefs had a chance to extend their lead with a late field goal, but Harrison Butker missed from 54 yards; a sack of Patrick Mahomes on the previous play had pushed the attempt back.

The Bears moved to fifth after a 34-17 road win over Seattle. D’Andre Swift scored three rushing touchdowns, and Caleb Williams passed for 247 yards. Pittsburgh, ranked seventh, beat Cleveland 27-6 as Jaylen Warren rushed for 143 yards and the defense recorded eight sacks.

Cincinnati stayed eighth after Joe Burrow threw five touchdown passes and scored the overtime winner in a 43-36 victory over Tennessee. Jacksonville rose to ninth in the rankings after a 42-7 win over Indianapolis, while Detroit moved to 10th. The rankings also noted the injury to Lions linebacker Jack Campbell, who remained hospitalized after suffering a neck injury.