When Caleb Williams dropped back with 25 seconds left and fired a 58-yard bomb to Luke Loveland, the Chicago Bears didn’t just beat the Cincinnati Bengals — they announced themselves as a legitimate playoff threat. The 47-42 victory on Sunday, November 2, 2025, wasn’t just another win. It was Chicago’s fourth in a row, lifting them to 5-3 and turning a season that started with skepticism into something electric. Loveland, a 24-year-old tight end who had been buried on the depth chart behind Cole Kmet, caught six passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns — including the dagger that sent Soldier Field into a frenzy. And it all happened after Kmet exited with a concussion in the second quarter. The twist? Loveland had only one career touchdown before this game.
The Bears’ Clock-Control Formula Works — Again
“They didn’t try to outscore the Bengals. They outlasted them,” said ESPN’s Courtney Cronin in her post-game analysis. The Bears didn’t rely on flash. They relied on grind. Rookie running back Kyle Monangai, filling in for the injured D’Andre Swift, carried the ball 26 times for 176 yards — his first career start, and his first 100-yard game. The Bears ran the ball on 41 of their 63 offensive plays. They created six red zone opportunities and scored touchdowns on four of them. That’s not luck. That’s discipline. And it’s exactly what they need to keep doing. Even Brittain Brown, a 24-year-old backup, scored his first NFL touchdown on his first rushing attempt — a 1-yard plunge that made it 34-28 in the third quarter.Love, Loss, and a Missed Extra Point
While Chicago celebrated, Atlanta’s Parker Romo walked off the field in silence. The Falcons’ 24-23 loss to the New England Patriots came down to a 35-yard extra point attempt that clanged off the left upright with 23 seconds left. Romo had been perfect all season — until now. Meanwhile, Falcons receiver Drake London, 23, had a career night: three touchdowns, including a 12-yard catch with 25 seconds left to tie the game. But in the NFL, one kick can erase a masterpiece. The Patriots, led by Drake Maye (22 of 25, 2 TDs), improved to 4-4, while Atlanta fell to 2-6 — and now face a brutal stretch against the Bills, Chiefs, and Bills again.Lamar Jackson’s Return, and a New Hero Emerges
Thursday night belonged to Lamar Jackson. After missing three games with a hamstring strain, the 28-year-old Ravens QB came back like he’d never left. Four touchdown passes. Zero interceptions. A 31-17 win over the Miami Dolphins that reminded everyone why he’s the league’s most dynamic player. He didn’t just play — he dictated. The Ravens’ offense, which had sputtered without him, looked like a well-oiled machine again.But the real surprise of the week? Luke Loveland. Cronin called it the “most surprising performance of Week 9.” And she’s right. Kmet’s injury was supposed to be a death knell for Chicago’s passing game. Instead, it forced coordinator Shane Waldron to go small, fast, and unpredictable. Loveland, a 2024 sixth-round pick out of Utah, had been a special teams contributor. Now? He’s the Bears’ most reliable target. And with Caleb Williams finding him in rhythm, Chicago’s offense just got a new identity.
Other Key Moments That Shaped the Week
- Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold threw for 330 yards and four touchdowns in the first half alone in a 38-14 demolition of the Washington Commanders. Commanders QB Jayden Daniels left with a left elbow injury — a huge blow to their playoff hopes.- Arizona Cardinals ended a five-game losing streak to the Dallas Cowboys with a 27-17 win on Monday night — their first victory over Dallas since December 2020. Arizona’s 252 rushing yards were their most against Dallas since 1984.
- Minnesota Vikings got back on track with a win over the Detroit Lions, thanks to J.J. McCarthy returning from a high ankle sprain. He led a fourth-quarter drive that sealed the win — his first start since Week 5.
- Los Angeles Rams crushed the New Orleans Saints 34-10. Matthew Stafford threw four TDs, and Kyren Williams rushed for 114 yards. The Saints, now 2-6, are in full rebuild mode.
- The Pittsburgh Steelers forced six takeaways against the Indianapolis Colts, with James Pierce Jr. recovering a fumble and returning it to the six-yard line. That set up a touchdown and shifted momentum completely.
What’s Next? The Playoff Picture Tightens
The Bears’ next game? Home against the New York Giants on Sunday, November 10, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. ET. A win there would put them in the NFC North driver’s seat. The Bengals, now 3-5, face the Chiefs — a brutal test. The Falcons? They’re officially out of contention. And the Commanders? Without Daniels, their offense looks lost.The NFL’s playoff race is no longer a two-team battle. It’s a five-team scramble. The Bears, Vikings, Packers, Lions, and even the 49ers are all within one game of each other. Every turnover, every missed kick, every breakout performance — they’re all stacking up. And Week 9? It was the week the underdogs stopped waiting for their turn.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Luke Loveland become the Bears’ go-to target after Cole Kmet’s injury?
With Kmet sidelined by a concussion, coach Shane Waldron shifted to a faster, more vertical passing attack. Loveland, previously a special teams player, was the only tight end on the roster with the speed to stretch the field. He caught six passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns, including a 58-yard game-winner — his first career multi-TD game. His chemistry with Caleb Williams developed quickly, making him an unexpected but vital weapon.
Why is Kyle Monangai’s performance so significant for the Bears’ future?
Monangai’s 176 rushing yards on 26 carries in his first career start proved the Bears have a reliable backup for D’Andre Swift. His ability to convert third downs and grind out clock suggests he could be the long-term answer at running back if Swift remains injury-prone. He also scored his first NFL touchdown — a sign he’s ready for a bigger role in a playoff push.
What does Parker Romo’s missed extra point mean for the Falcons’ season?
The missed kick wasn’t just a blunder — it was a season-defining moment. Atlanta had a chance to tie the Patriots and keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Instead, they fell to 2-6, with a brutal schedule ahead. Romo, who was 19-for-19 on extra points before this, now faces pressure. The Falcons’ offense is explosive, but their defense and special teams are crumbling — a lethal combo in a tight NFC.
How does J.J. McCarthy’s return impact the Vikings’ playoff chances?
McCarthy’s return from a high ankle sprain gave Minnesota its first win since Week 5. His poise under pressure and improved decision-making in the red zone suggest he’s fully recovered. With the Vikings now 4-4, they’re back in the NFC North race. If he stays healthy, they’re a dangerous wild-card contender — especially with Justin Jefferson and the defense playing at a high level.
Why is the Cardinals’ win over the Cowboys a turning point?
Arizona had lost five straight to Dallas since 2020, and their offense had looked lifeless. Their 27-17 win — powered by 252 rushing yards, their most against Dallas since 1984 — signaled a new identity. They’re no longer a pass-heavy team reliant on Kyler Murray. Now, with Rashaad Penny and the offensive line dominating, they’ve got a balanced attack. This win could be the spark that turns their 2-5 record into a late-season surge.
What’s the biggest takeaway from Week 9 for the NFL as a whole?
The league is no longer dominated by a few super teams. Week 9 showed that depth, resilience, and unexpected breakout performances — like Loveland’s or Monangai’s — can change playoff trajectories overnight. Injuries, missed kicks, and rookie stars are now the storylines. The race is wide open, and the next eight weeks will be defined by who adapts fastest — not who had the best draft.
