Bills Lead the Contenders as NFL Reaches Week 9

As the NFL reached Week 9 on November 4, 2026, Buffalo stood at 6-1, while the Giants and Jets had taken sharply different paths.
The NFL’s unpredictable season was approaching its midpoint in Week 9, with teams heading into the back half of the 2026 campaign. The Giants were in first place and buying players ahead of the trade deadline, while the Jets were already considered out of contention.
Buffalo, at 6-1, was positioned as a leading contender. The Bills were expected to reach the playoffs behind quarterback Josh Allen, whose play was described as being at an MVP level.
Even with those expectations, Buffalo still had a major test ahead: proving itself in the playoffs. The season’s surprises have unfolded in both directions as teams reach the midpoint.
Players: Josh Allen