NFL Week 9 marks the official midway point of the 2026 season, and the playoff race is already heating up. Ben Solak of ESPN believes the 3-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers will still win the NFC South, a bold take given their current record. He also expects the Pittsburgh Steelers to capture the AFC North title, dismissing concerns about their early-season inconsistencies.
The trade deadline looms next Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, and teams are scrambling to fix roster holes before the window closes. Solak notes that running back trades will define this deadline, with Colts star Jonathan Taylor leading the rumor mill as a potential game-changer for any healthy offense. The league has seen 71 games decided by one score through Week 8, tying the 2022 record for the most close contests at this stage.
Trade Deadline Impact on Division Races
Ben Solak argues that the Buccaneers can overcome their 3-5 start because the NFC South remains a winnable division. He points to the Steelers as a team that will bounce back to win the AFC North despite a rough beginning. The pressure is on general managers to make moves before the Nov. 10 deadline, as some franchises have already been active in the market. The Bears added former Titans DT Jeffery Simmons, while the 49ers brought back DT DeForest Buckner to boost their defense.
Running back movement is expected to be the headline story of this trade period. Jonathan Taylor is the splashiest name available, and his impact could mirror what Saquon Barkley did for the Eagles in 2024 and what Derrick Henry provided for the Ravens. With 4.2 and 4.3 yards per carry, respectively, Barkley and Henry achieved rushing success rates of 35.4% and 37.8%. Teams desperate for a spark will look to acquire a back with that kind of production.
Power Rankings Shift After Statement Weekend
The New York Post highlights four two-loss teams that made massive statements over the weekend. The Lions, Broncos, Steelers, and Bears all secured wins to extend their streaks to at least three games. The Lions defeated the previously unbeaten Vikings, while the Broncos beat a Chiefs team that looked like they were returning to dynasty status. The Browns were reminded by the Steelers of who leads the AFC North, while the Bears defeated the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks.
Denver has surged into the top five of ESPN’s power rankings after their win over Kansas City. Starting from 1950, quarterback Bo Nix currently possesses the record for 13 fourth-quarter comeback victories throughout his career, marking the highest total for any quarterback within their initial three seasons. The NFC North stands out as the only division with all four teams ranked in the top 15, led by the Bears at No. 5.
What the Numbers Say About the Season
Close games have defined the 2026 season, with 71 contests decided by eight points or fewer through Week 8. This statistic matches the 2022 record for the most one-score games at this point in history. The Buffalo Bills sit atop the power rankings at 6-1 after a dominant 36-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens. Josh Allen passed for two touchdowns and ran for another, while D.J. Moore returned from injury to catch a score.
The Minnesota Vikings saw their 11-game regular-season winning streak snap with a 19-15 loss to the Lions. During that game, Kyler Murray completed two touchdown passes while also throwing an interception. Meanwhile, the 49ers remain at 6-1 despite injury issues, with Brock Purdy throwing 15 touchdowns against four interceptions. The team could see key players like Mike Evans and Nick Bosa return from injury following their bye week.
Upcoming Deadline and Schedule
The 2026 NFL trade deadline is set for next Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, giving teams less than a week to finalize deals. Ben Solak expects the running back market to be the most active sector before the clock runs out. Fans should watch how the Buccaneers and Steelers perform in their upcoming games to see if Solak’s division predictions hold true. The league will shift focus to the final stretch of the season once the trade window closes.
