There’s suddenly a three-way logjam atop the formidable NFC West.
Thanks to a convincing win over the Cincinnati Bengals, the Pittsburgh Steelers became the first team since the 2015 Carolina Panthers to win their first nine games. There were big plays in Carolina, some anxious moments at Lambeau Field for Matt LaFleur’s first-place Packers and quite the finish in the desert.
The franchise has already clinched a fifth consecutive losing season. Since finishing 10-6 in 2015 and missing the playoffs, the Jets own a combined 21-52 record. Adam Gase’s club entered Week 10 with the NFL’s bottom-ranked offense and averaging the fewest points in the NFL. Be it Sam Darnold or Joe Flacco at the helm, New York’s offensive unit has scored a disappointing 10 TDs. Coincidentally, Gase’s team has turned over the ball 10 times.
The Jaguars headed north to Lambeau Field for the first time since 2012 looking to snap their seven-game losing streak. It was a big outing for wide receiver Keelan Cole, who returned a punt 91 yards for a score and also caught a 12-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter that helped give Doug Marrone’s club a lead. Despite 109 yards rushing from James Robinson and two takeaways, Jacksonville couldn’t avoid an eight consecutive loss.
The Broncos made their way to Las Vegas for their first meeting of the season with the rival Raiders. Vic Fangio’s defense gave up 203 yards on the ground while Denver’s pass rush failed to sack quarterback Derek Carr. It was a very rough afternoon for second-year quarterback Drew Lock, who threw for 256 yards and one score but was sacked twice and picked off four times. The overwhelmed Broncos were limited to 66 yards rushing on 19 tries.
Off another frustrating loss, the Chargers were back on the road again and made their way cross country to Miami. The Bolts had a punt blocked early in the game and by the end of the first quarter were down 14-0. Justin Herbert threw for only 187 yards albeit for two touchdowns. The Los Angeles’ defense actually limited the Dolphins to 280 total yards. But the team failed to sack Tua Tagovailoa, who threw for only 169 yards but struck twice for scores.