With Week 9 marking the halfway point of the NFL regular season and the November 10 trade deadline approaching, teams are evaluating whether to invest in their current roster or build for the future. Several key storylines could emerge this week.
Denver Broncos rookie running back Jonah Coleman could silence trade speculation surrounding the team's pursuit of a veteran back. After a 11-carry, 41-yard rushing performance with a touchdown and a 51-yard catch-and-run against Kansas City, Coleman faces a Carolina Panthers defense allowing 4.8 yards per carry and 140.7 rushing yards per game, both among the league's highest.
Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck may make his NFL debut against the Seattle Seahawks. After the Cardinals traded Jacoby Brissett to Baltimore and named Gardner Minshew the starter, Beck has moved up to primary backup. Minshew faces a Seahawks defense allowing the fewest total yards per game (250.0) through eight games in team history and tied for the third-most takeaways in the NFL, potentially creating an opportunity for Beck.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has yet to throw an interception or lose a fumble in five starts, faces a Los Angeles Rams defense tied for the fifth-most interceptions (7) this season. Daniels posted a 17.2% off-target throw rate in Week 8, the third-highest of his career, and the Rams are 5.5-point road favorites.
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, the NFL's leading rusher with 780 yards, has averaged just 71.5 rushing yards per game over the past four weeks. He gets a favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid, who allow 122.3 rushing yards per game and 4.8 yards per carry. The Bengals recently allowed Tony Pollard to rush for 117 yards and two touchdowns.
Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel could be fired if the offense continues to struggle against the Houston Texans. The Chargers rank last in points per game (14.1) and have the most turnovers (17), having not scored a touchdown since the third quarter of Week 5. A loss would drop them to 0-8, with an extended break before a November 16 Monday night game at Baltimore.
