Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season concluded with a series of dramatic finishes, highlighted by an overtime contest between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders that came down to the final play. Elsewhere, a defensive battle saw the Buffalo Bills narrowly hold off the Kansas City Chiefs, while the Los Angeles Rams secured a decisive victory over the New Orleans Saints.
Key Takeaways
- The Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 30-29 in overtime after stopping a two-point conversion attempt on the final play.
- The Buffalo Bills' defense contained Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, sealing a victory with a crucial late-game interception and pass breakup.
- Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for four touchdowns in a commanding performance against the New Orleans Saints.
- Buffalo's James Cook became the first player to rush for over 100 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs defense since Week 1 of the 2024 season.
Jaguars Outlast Raiders in Overtime Classic
One of the most compelling games of the weekend unfolded between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Las Vegas Raiders, a contest that required overtime to determine a winner. The extra period began with explosive special teams play, as Jaguars receiver Austin Trammell returned the opening kickoff 54 yards. The Raiders immediately answered when running back Raheem Mostert took the subsequent kickoff 51 yards into Jaguars territory.
The offenses traded blows, but the defenses made critical stands near the goal line. Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby demonstrated his defensive prowess by stopping Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten for a two-yard loss on a crucial play at the goal line.
Jacksonville eventually broke the stalemate when quarterback Trevor Lawrence scored on a 1-yard rushing touchdown, leaping over the line to give his team the lead. However, the game was far from over.
A Frantic Finish
Trailing in overtime, Raiders quarterback Geno Smith engineered a clutch drive. He connected with wide receiver Tre Tucker for a 22-yard gain to move the chains. A few plays later, Smith found tight end Brock Bowers for a 2-yard touchdown pass, cutting the Jaguars' lead to 30-29.
Down to the Wire
The game was forced into overtime after Jaguars kicker Cam Little successfully converted a 48-yard field goal with less than 20 seconds remaining in regulation, tying the score.
Opting to go for the win rather than force another possession, the Raiders attempted a two-point conversion. Smith's pass attempt was batted down at the line of scrimmage by Jaguars defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton, sealing the dramatic 30-29 victory for Jacksonville.
The fourth quarter had been just as tense, with Raiders tight end Brock Bowers catching a 27-yard touchdown pass to give Las Vegas a temporary 23-20 lead before Jacksonville's late field goal.
Bills Defense Shines in Victory Over Chiefs
In another key matchup, the Buffalo Bills' defense rose to the occasion, making several critical plays to secure a hard-fought win against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bills' pass rush consistently pressured quarterback Patrick Mahomes throughout the game.
Defensive lineman Joey Bosa recorded a significant sack on Mahomes, and the unit later produced back-to-back sacks. Linebacker Leo Chenal brought Mahomes down for a 5-yard loss, and cornerback Trent McDuffie followed with a sack for a 3-yard loss on the next play.
A Rare Feat
Buffalo running back James Cook had a standout performance, rushing for 101 yards. This marked a significant achievement, as he became the first player to rush for over 100 yards against the formidable Chiefs defense since Lamar Jackson did so in the first week of the 2024 season.
Despite the pressure, Mahomes showcased his resilience. Facing a fourth-and-17, he delivered a 29-yard strike to Rashee Rice to keep a drive alive. He also connected with Marquise Brown for a 33-yard gain earlier in the game.
Clutch Plays Seal the Game
The game's defining moment came in the final minutes. With the Chiefs driving for a potential game-winning score, Bills cornerback Maxwell Hairston intercepted a Mahomes pass, marking the first interception of his NFL career.
Even after the turnover, Kansas City had one last chance. However, on the final play, Mahomes' pass was broken up by safety Jordan Hancock, preserving the victory for Buffalo. The Chiefs did manage five rushing touchdowns in the game, including a 2-yard run by Kareem Hunt and a successful two-point conversion from Mahomes to Travis Kelce, but it was not enough to overcome the Bills' defensive effort.
Stafford and Rams Dominate Saints
The Los Angeles Rams delivered a powerful offensive performance, defeating the New Orleans Saints decisively in their Week 9 matchup. Quarterback Matthew Stafford was at the center of the action, throwing for four touchdowns.
The Rams' ground game was equally effective. Running back Kyren Williams had a dominant day, rushing for a total of 114 yards and a touchdown. His ability to find holes and break tackles consistently moved the chains for Los Angeles.
The Rams' defense capped off the team's comprehensive performance. Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes secured the victory by intercepting Saints quarterback Tyler Shough late in the game, ending any possibility of a comeback.