As Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season concludes, the MVP race has taken dramatic turns with unexpected contenders challenging established stars. Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen delivered an instant classic, while Joe Burrow continues his quiet dominance.

The playoff picture is coming into focus, with several teams already separating themselves as postseason locks. From the Eagles’ NFC dominance to the Ravens’ AFC resurgence, Week 9 provided clarity and chaos in equal measure.

NFL Scores Today 2025: Top MVP Candidates After Week 9 & Playoff Locks Revealed

Week 9 Shakeup: The MVP Race Takes an Unexpected Turn

The 2025 NFL MVP conversation saw seismic shifts after Week 9’s dramatic results. While Patrick Mahomes entered as the favorite, Josh Allen’s clutch performance in Buffalo’s 24-20 victory over Kansas City has reshaped the narrative. Mahomes still leads the league with 2,386 passing yards and 19 touchdowns, but Allen’s superior efficiency (68% completion rate) and game-winning drive capabilities are making voters reconsider.

Meanwhile, Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow continues his quiet assault on the award, throwing for 2,157 yards with 18 TDs against just 4 interceptions. His connection with Ja’Marr Chase (789 yards, 7 TDs) has been the most potent QB-WR duo in football. The Bengals’ 7-2 record gives Burrow the team success narrative that MVP voters traditionally favor.

Dark Horse Candidates Emerging:

• Justin Herbert: NFL’s completion percentage leader (71.2%)
• Jalen Hurts: 22 total touchdowns through 9 games
• Christian McCaffrey: 1,402 scrimmage yards with 13 TDs

Mr. Owl: “Don’t sleep on Jordan Love’s MVP case. His passer rating (112.3) leads all qualified QBs, and beating Aaron Rodgers head-to-head creates a powerful narrative.”

Playoff Picture: Which Teams Have Already Punched Their Postseason Tickets?

Several teams have created substantial separation in their divisions, making them virtual locks for January football. The Philadelphia Eagles (8-1) have both the NFL’s best record and easiest remaining schedule (.420 opponent win percentage). Their balanced attack and championship pedigree make them the NFC’s team to beat.

The AFC features three teams distancing themselves from the pack. Miami’s offensive firepower (34.1 PPG) makes them particularly dangerous, while Kansas City’s championship DNA cannot be overlooked despite recent stumbles. The real intrigue lies in the crowded AFC North, where all four teams remain within 1.5 games of each other.

Mr. Owl: “Baltimore is my dark horse after Lamar’s return. Their remaining schedule is favorable, and that Week 17 clash with Cincinnati could decide the division.”

AFC North Showdown: Football’s Most Brutal Division Race

The AFC North continues to be the NFL’s most competitive division, with Cincinnati (7-2), Baltimore (6-3), Pittsburgh (5-4), and Cleveland (5-4) all vying for supremacy. The Ravens’ 38-17 demolition of Pittsburgh in Week 9 announced their return to contention after Lamar Jackson’s injury absence.

Critical matchups loom that will decide this bloodbath:

• Week 11: Steelers at Browns (potential elimination game)
• Week 13: Ravens at Bengals (division lead potentially at stake)
• Week 17: Browns at Ravens (could determine wild card spots)

The Bengals remain favorites due to their explosive offense, but Baltimore’s balanced attack and improved defense make them dangerous. Pittsburgh’s defensive prowess (allowing just 18.1 PPG) keeps them in contention, while Cleveland’s dominant run game (168 yards/game) gives them a path to January football.

The Buffalo Question: Can the Bills Be Dangerous Playoff Spoilers?

At 5-4, Buffalo sits outside the current AFC playoff picture, but their Week 9 win over Kansas City showcased their championship-caliber ceiling. Josh Allen’s dual-threat capabilities (3 total TDs vs Chiefs) paired with a top-5 defense make them a team nobody wants to face in January.

However, concerns remain:

• Offensive line allows 3.2 sacks per game
• Inconsistent run game (ranking 18th in rushing yards)
• Tough remaining schedule (vs PHI, at KC, vs DAL)

Mr. Owl: “The Bills remind me of the 2020 Buccaneers – talented but inconsistent until they put it all together late. That team won the Super Bowl, but Buffalo’s offensive line woes worry me.”

Under Radar Contenders: Teams Flying Below the National Radar

While contenders like Philadelphia and Kansas City dominate headlines, several under-the-radar teams could make noise down the stretch:

Houston Texans (6-3)

The AFC South leaders boast the NFL’s most improved defense (allowing just 17.8 PPG after Week 9) and a balanced offensive attack. Rookie sensation Xavier Johnson has transformed their receiving corps.

Detroit Lions (6-3)

Detroit’s physical offensive line and explosive run game (145 yards/game) make them a nightmare matchup. Their Week 10 clash with Baltimore will be a litmus test.

New York Jets (5-4)

Despite quarterback inconsistencies, the Jets’ top-ranked pass defense (175 yards/game allowed) keeps them competitive. Their Week 15-18 stretch (MIA, CLE, NE, BUF) will determine their fate.

Mr. Owl: “Watch Houston closely – they have the easiest remaining strength of schedule (.430) among contenders. That defense is legit, and CJ Stroud is playing mistake-free football.”

Looking Ahead: Critical Matchups That Will Shape the Playoff Chase

Several late-season games loom large in determining the postseason picture:

These games will test contenders against elite competition while providing clarity in crowded playoff races. The Week 13 Baltimore-Cincinnati clash could decide the AFC North, while San Francisco’s trip to Miami in Week 15 might determine first-round byes. Weather becomes a factor in several key late-season matchups, particularly in cold-weather cities like Buffalo and Green Bay.

Mr. Owl: “Circle Week 17 on your calendars – with the expanded playoff format, more teams will be fighting for position late. Those final two weeks will be pure playoff football atmosphere.”