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NFL Nation
The curtain rose on Week 9 of the 2025 NFL schedule Thursday night, showcasing the Ravens’ triumph over the Dolphins. Baltimore’s field general, Lamar Jackson, orchestrated four scoring throws following his recovery from a hamstring ailment that kept him off the gridiron for three contests.
During the early Sunday contests, the 49ers rediscovered their winning rhythm, achieving a decisive victory over the Giants. San Francisco’s ball-carrier, Christian McCaffrey, spearheaded the effort, finding the end zone twice.
Our squad of NFL Nation reporters delivered their analyses on all the happenings, addressing lingering queries from each matchup and offering in-depth insights for every squad. Let’s dive in.
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SF-NYG | BAL-MIA
Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap
49ers
With the 49ers deeply involved in the playoff hunt, what level of aggressiveness should they exhibit at the approaching trade deadline? The outcome of Sunday’s game likely won’t sway the 49ers’ measured approach regarding the trade deadline, but it shouldn’t prompt inactivity either. Even before notable setbacks impacting linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) and defensive end Nick Bosa (ACL), they would have gladly accepted a 6-3 record. Consequently, they owe it to themselves to explore further acquisitions, particularly after rookie defensive end Mykel Williams exited Sunday’s competition with an apparent lower body issue. While unlikely to be a major splash, securing another skilled player or two could bolster the defense’s resilience as the offense regains full strength.
Stat to know: Running back Christian McCaffrey continues to bear significant responsibility and further cements his legacy within NFL record books. Accumulating 164 all-purpose yards, McCaffrey surpassed 500 rushing and 500 receiving yards through the initial nine games. He’s the second player in the past decade to accomplish this (Saquon Barkley, 2018), and the second Niner to achieve the feat (Roger Craig, 1985). McCaffrey has also amassed 16 career games featuring at least one rushing and one receiving touchdown, surpassing Marshall Faulk for the most of all time. — Nick Wagoner
Next game: vs. Rams (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Giants
What factors are contributing to the Giants’ defensive struggles? Despite the array of edge rushers, the defense struggles to contain opponents. Sunday marked the third consecutive game where the Giants conceded at least 30 points. The defense struggles to stifle rushing plays (particularly to the outside) and offers minimal resistance with its depleted secondary. 49ers quarterback Mac Jones successfully completed his initial 14 throws. The pass rush lacks effectiveness when opponents can achieve easy completions and exploit running opportunities at will. Christian McCaffrey amassed over 150 yards and secured two touchdowns, while San Francisco accumulated nearly 400 yards in total offense.
Trend to watch: Tight end Theo Johnson has been credited with a dropped pass in three consecutive contests. Johnson’s season total now stands at five drops, placing him among the top 10 in the league. Adding to the concern, three of these five drops occurred on third down plays. This week, Johnson’s miscue transpired late in the second quarter, disrupting a potential Giants scoring drive when the ball glanced off his hands and shoulder pads. While he did secure a touchdown reception earlier in the game (his fifth of the season), the recurring drops are emerging as a significant concern. — Jordan Raanan
Next game: at Bears (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap
Ravens
Has Lamar Jackson thrust himself back into contention for the NFL MVP award? Undeniably, as evidenced by his impactful performance over the past month. In his return following a hamstring injury that sidelined him for three games, Jackson promptly revitalized Baltimore’s offensive prowess, completing 78% of his passes (18-of-23) and tossing four touchdown passes. His dynamic playmaking ability places immense pressure on opposing defenses. Teammates also attest to Jackson’s confidence-boosting presence, knowing he will deliver the ball when they are open. Jackson embodies the ultimate difference-maker. Across the three games he missed, Baltimore averaged 14.3 points. With Jackson at the helm this season, the Ravens are averaging 31.8 points.
Trend to watch: The Ravens have limited opponents to 17 points or fewer in three consecutive games, matching the longest streak achieved by any team this season. This marks a significant transformation for a defense that faced considerable criticism after surrendering an NFL-worst average of 35.4 points per game throughout the initial five weeks. With two forced fumbles and an interception against the Dolphins, the Ravens registered their highest turnover count since securing three in their previous encounter with the Dolphins in 2023. — Jamison Hensley
Next game: at Vikings (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Dolphins
With a 2-7 record, are the Dolphins poised to trade away players as the deadline approaches? In the period leading up to Thursday’s defeat, sources close to the Dolphins indicated no intention of initiating sweeping roster changes — but prevailing sentiment around the league suggests that one or more of their players could be on the market as the season’s outlook dims. Linebacker Jaelan Phillips expressed his preference to remain in Miami, while linebacker Bradley Chubb acknowledged that the decision rests outside his control. Coach Mike McDaniel informed reporters following the game that it would be “irresponsible” to speculate on potential trades and that the team remains focused on “dictating the terms” leading up to the Bills matchup. The team will be navigating Tuesday’s trade deadline without general manager Chris Grier, following his departure on Friday.
Stat to know: On pass attempts released within 2.5 seconds of the snap, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 18 of 25 passes for 209 yards. On attempts exceeding 2.5 seconds, he completed 7 of 14 passes for 52 yards and an interception with a minus-16.8 completion percentage over expectation. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Next game: vs. Bills (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
