Chargers Win First Game, Vikings Beat Bills in Week 9 Upsets
Three road favorites face home underdogs with strong records and key statistical advantages this week.
By Sofia Ramirez ·
The Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Houston Texans on Thursday, ending a seven-game winless streak that saw them rank last in the NFL in points per game. The victory marks the first win of the 2026 season for Los Angeles, a team that had not scored a touchdown since the third quarter of Week 5. The Texans, who have allowed over 30 points in three games this season, failed to contain the Chargers' offense at SoFi Stadium.
The Minnesota Vikings also secured a victory over the Buffalo Bills on Monday night at U.S. Bank Stadium. This win allows Minnesota to overtake Josh Allen's team in the standings. The matchup featured the league's top scoring offense against the top defense. The Bills average 33.3 points per game, while the Vikings hold opponents to 13.3 points per game. Minnesota's aggressive defensive strategy, which includes a 69.1% blitz rate, disrupted Allen, who has a passer rating of 88.2 against the blitz this season.
The Green Bay Packers face the New England Patriots on Sunday at Gillette Stadium. Both teams have identical 5-3 records after starting the season 1-2. The Packers lead the league in passing yards, while Patriots quarterback Drake Maye leads the league in total yards and touchdowns from Weeks 4 through 8. New England faces injury challenges, with wide receiver A.J. Brown and tight end Hunter Henry missing time. The Packers have allowed only 14.6 points per game over their last five contests, a defense that ranks third in the NFL.
The Carolina Panthers host the Denver Broncos on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium. Under head coach Dave Canales, Carolina holds an 8-9 record as a home underdog since 2024. The Panthers have a rest advantage after playing on Thursday night, while the Broncos are coming off a win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Bryce Young, who suffered 11 sacks in his last two games, faces a Denver defense that has recorded 23 sacks, tied for fourth most in the league.
The NFL will play an international game in Madrid on Sunday as the Cincinnati Bengals visit the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons will benefit from the return of edge rusher James Pearce Jr., who is back from an eight-game suspension. Atlanta also has an advantage on the ground, as Cincinnati allows 4.8 yards per rush, tied for fourth worst in the NFL. The Bengals defense has lost several players to injury, including corner DJ Turner and defensive end Cedric Johnson, though both may play.
