For the first time in NFL history, 3 teams are undefeated, coming out of week 9.

Undefeated AFC Teams as of Week 9

The Patriots have come back with a vengeance. They are an unstoppable machine, averaging 420.1 yards per game only second to the Saints, by a measly 1.5 yards. In addition, their 8th ranked defense is allowing an average of 89.2 rushing yards per game. The way their season is progressing is reminiscent of the 2007 Patriots, in which they went 16-0 in the regular season. Although they lost Dion Lewis for the season in their week 9 game against the Redskins, they have talents such as Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, Malcolm Butler, Chandler Jones, and Rob Ninkovich that will can help them reach their goal of reaching a second consecutive Super Bowl.

The Bengals are surprisingly 8-0. Their offensive assets have led them to average the sixth highest yards per game in the NFL at 391.1. This is the first time in the history of their NFL franchise that they’ve gone 8-0.  In their week 9 win over the Browns, QB Andy Dalton scored 3 touchdowns, adding to his tally stats if 18 touchdown passes and 2 rushing touchdowns, with only 4 interceptions and 1 fumble. TE Tyler Eifert is also a player to watch; he scored 3 touchdowns against the Browns, making his totoal number of touchdowns 9, along with 37 receptions for 434 yards.

Undefeated NFC Teams as of Week 9

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has been playing phenomenally. His versatility allows him to rush and pass extremely well. So far in this season he’s thrown 14 touchdown passes, scored 5 rushing touchdowns, and rushed for 343 yards. They have an offense that ranks first in rushing yards (142.2). In their week 9 win over the Packers, they sacked Aaron Rodgers 5 times. It was a convincing win for the Panthers, with their previous opponents seeming relatively easy. They will face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. 

In Between

The Bills duo of Tyrod Taylor and Karlos Williams seems like a solution to the Bills offense. They acquired Lesean McCoy from the Eagles before the 2015 season. But he has struggled so far this season, with a total of only 2 touchdowns. They still have the league’s 2nd most rushing yards per game though, with 141.6. The Bills started off strong, but now hold a 4-4 record.  In week 9, they beat the Dolphins 33-17 after having two consecutive losses to the Bengals and the Jaguars. Thursday night they will face the New York Jets (5-3).

In the Steelers’ Week 9 38-35 win over the Raiders, Steelers QB and last season’s passing yards leader Ben Roethlisberger threw for 2 touchdowns, but suffered a sprained foot after just having returned from an MCL injury. Fortunately, the Steelers are able to count on All-Pro WR Antonio Brown, who led the league in receptions last year, and who already has 1002 yards on the season, second only to Julio Jones (1029 yards). It will also be necessary for veteran TE Heath Miller and young receiver Markus Wheaton to pick up some of the slack if Pittsburgh is to maintain their form down the stretch.

The Vikings are ranked 3rd in rushing yards per game. Adrian Peterson has a whopping 758 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns in this season. Teddy Bridgewater has thrown for 1670 yards and 6 touchdowns. On the defensive end, Harrison Smith, otherwise known as Harry the Hitman, is arguably one of the best safeties in the league, with 44 total tackles and 1 forced fumble in this season so far. Xavier Rhodes also accompanies him with 31 total tackles. A well rounded team with a superb running game, the Vikings could reach playoffs this year.

The Redskins do not appear to be heading towards a positive record this year. Although tight end Jordan Reed has been consistently developing, with 38 receptions for 368 yards and 4 touchdowns this season, but the rest of the offense does not seem to be clicking. Their quarterback woes continue; RG3 is now the third string QB, Colt McCoy does not have the trust of his coaches to run the offense, and starter Kirk Cousins has a touchdown-interception ratio of 10 to 9. However, in their game against the Patriots, much of the blame for their loss could be placed on the numerous dropped passes by Washington’s receivers. We will see if the Redskins can pick it up the second half of the year.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has been putting on an exceptional performance so far this season. In fact, his touchdown to interception ratio this season is 19 to 3. He’s thrown for 1937 yards with a completion percentage of 64.7% and two 300+ yard games. Even with lackluster performances from his offensive line, Rodgers knows how to work in and out of the pocket. With flexible players at skill positions such as James Jones, Richard Rodgers, Randall Cobb, and Eddie Lacy, Aaron Rodgers has a variety of players to choose from in order to keep this offense going.

The Cardinals have dominated the Saints, 49ers, Bears, Ravens, and the Browns in games so far this season. The Cardinals are ranked 3rd offensively, scoring 417.4 yards per game, and 3rd defensively, allowing just 312.8 yards per game. They are a well rounded team that certainly appear to be challengers for the NFC title. Coming off of a bye, they face the 4-4 Seahawks. QB Carson Palmer is ranked 5th, having thrown for 2386 yards and a total of 20 touchdowns. WR Larry Fitzgerald has 706 yards and 7 touchdowns to his name, and is accompanied by RB Chris Johnson who has four 100+ yard games along with 3 touchdowns and 676 yards.

Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak and QB Peyton Manning have found a strategy that combines both of their offensive tactics, the pistol formation. However, they finally lost their undefeated streak against the Colts last week. Although they have the top defense in the NFL, allowing only 274.1 yards per game, the defense became undone in their loss against the Colts. They allowed 365 yards, and had 8 penalties for a loss of 56 yards. To top it off, CB Aqib Talib was suspended without pay following his eye poke assault on Colts TE Dwayne Allen. They face the 3-5 Chiefs on Sunday, and will be looking to get back on track with a win.