Shedeur Sanders (Cleveland Browns)
Shedeur Sanders came within a two-point conversion of delivering Cleveland an overtime victory Sunday, but the Browns ultimately fell 23-22 to New Orleans in his first start of the 2026 season.
Sanders finished 19-of-31 for 297 yards and two touchdowns without an interception, overcoming a sluggish first half in which Cleveland managed just 80 total offensive yards.
The difference after halftime was difficult to ignore.
Sanders found KC Concepcion Jr. for a 64-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, then connected with Harold Fannin Jr. on a 39-yard TD strike in overtime. Cleveland’s failed two-point attempt ended the game, but Sanders had already given the Browns a chance to win after a rough start.
There were moments the inconsistency that has complicated his transition to the NFL were evident. But the arm talent and confidence that made Sanders successful at Colorado were clear when Cleveland needed a spark, specifically in clutch moments.
The encouraging development was his decision-making. Sanders protected the football and appeared more comfortable as the game progressed.
With Deshaun Watson expected to return to the starting lineup, Sanders may not receive another immediate opportunity to build on Sunday’s showing.
But he made a compelling case that he deserves consideration when the Browns evaluate their quarterback situation moving forward.
Travis Hunter (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Jacksonville’s 33-10 victory over Baltimore was another convincing result for a team with serious postseason ambitions. Travis Hunter contributed to that success defensively, although his limited offensive involvement produced an unfortunate mistake.
Hunter played all 46 defensive snaps, recording four tackles without being targeted in coverage. On offense, he appeared for just six plays, catching one pass for a loss of a yard before losing a fumble in wet conditions.
That uneven distribution of responsibilities has become a defining feature of his second NFL season. Through Week 9, Hunter has logged 406 defensive snaps compared to only 43 offensively.
Jacksonville’s decision to prioritize his development at cornerback has produced encouraging results. Hunter looks increasingly comfortable in coverage, and his growing responsibilities suggest the coaching staff trusts him in that role.
His offensive potential remains largely unexplored. Thursday’s turnover won’t strengthen the argument for giving him more opportunities.
The stakes are also rising in Jacksonville. The Jaguars acquired Jessie Bates III, Jordan Davis and Davon Godchaux at the trade deadline, adding experienced defensive talent to a roster built to compete deep into January.
Those additions should benefit Hunter, but they also raise expectations. Jacksonville isn’t simply developing young players anymore. It’s assembling a defense intended to win now, and Hunter has an important part to play in making that investment worthwhile.
Nate Landman (Los Angeles Rams)
Nate Landman delivered another productive afternoon as Los Angeles defeated Washington 20-13 for its third consecutive victory.
Landman recorded seven tackles, including three solo stops, broke up a pass and forced his third fumble of the season. Through eight appearances, he has accumulated 66 tackles, building on a 2025 campaign in which he established a career high with 132.
Since returning from a concussion, Landman’s defensive workload has declined. After regularly playing more than 90 percent of the snaps earlier in the season, he has been on the field for less than 70 percent in each of his last two games.
It’s unclear whether the reduced playing time reflects an injury-related precaution or a change in the Rams defensive rotation.
Kahlil Benson (Kansas City Chiefs)
Kahlil Benson started at left tackle and played all 66 offensive snaps in Kansas City’s 35-12 victory over the New York Jets, adding another full game to an impressive rookie campaign.
His run blocking has shown promise, although pass protection remains an area requiring improvement. The challenge now is maintaining that trust as Kansas City’s offensive line gets healthier.
BJ Green II (Jacksonville Jaguars)
B.J. Green II is nearing a potential return after Jacksonville opened his 21-day practice window Wednesday, allowing him to begin working his way back from an elbow injury suffered in the season opener.
With the Jaguars adding several defensive players at the trade deadline, competition for snaps has intensified. Green’s immediate priority will be earning a spot back on the active roster as Jacksonville prepares for a postseason push.
LaJohntay Wester (Baltimore Ravens)
LaJohntay Wester caught his only target for 14 yards in Baltimore’s 33-10 loss to Jacksonville, playing just six offensive snaps.
His greater involvement came on special teams, where he totaled 49 yards on two kickoff returns and another 10 yards on a punt return. Unfortunately, Wester also lost a fumble, adding to a frustrating evening for Baltimore.
Through nine games, Wester has just five receptions for 58 yards. His return abilities have helped him maintain a role, but offensive opportunities have been difficult to come by.
Chidobe Awuzie (Baltimore Ravens)
Chidobe Awuzie received one of his largest defensive workloads of the season against Jacksonville, playing 40 of Baltimore’s 56 defensive snaps.
With starting cornerback Nate Wiggins sidelined by illness, Awuzie stepped into an expanded role and recorded one solo tackle.
Brady Russell (Seattle Seahawks)
Brady Russell played 12 offensive snaps in Seattle’s 17-3 victory over Arizona, primarily contributing as a blocker without recording a reception.
Russell has three catches for 40 yards through nine weeks, with most of his responsibilities coming at fullback and on special teams.
Will Sherman (New Orleans Saints)
Will Sherman received an unexpected opportunity in New Orleans’ 23-22 overtime victory over Cleveland after starting center Erik McCoy suffered a biceps injury.
Sherman played 25 offensive snaps and helped the Saints navigate the closing stages of a tightly contested game. Pro Football Focus credited him with a 79.6 pass-blocking grade, the highest among New Orleans’ offensive linemen that afternoon.
Despite the strong showing, the Saints have elected to move Cesar Ruiz to center for Week 10, keeping Sherman in a reserve role.
While the performance didn’t immediately earn him a starting job, Sherman demonstrated he can step into a difficult situation and hold his own. For an offensive line dealing with injuries, that kind of depth could become valuable down the stretch.
Players Mentioned
