NFL Week 9 panic meter: Vikings, Ravens in serious trouble

Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

NFL Week 9 panic meter: Vikings, Ravens in serious trouble

By Jack Dougherty | Last updated Nov 4, 2026 9:14 PM ET

As we approach the midpoint of the 2026 NFL season, it's time to check in on some contenders who struggled in Week 8. Let's break down some disappointing units and rank them on the panic meter.

Seattle Seahawks

Panic meter rating: 4/10

The Seahawks got punked by the Chicago Bears in their 34-17 home loss in Week 8, dropping them to 4-3 on the year. The reigning Super Bowl champs have just a 47 percent chance of making the playoffs, per NFL.com, but we're not too worried about them yet.

For one, this defense is still elite. The Seahawks rank first in the NFL in yards allowed per game (250.0), second in defensive success rate (38.7 percent) and fifth in defensive EPA per play (-0.077). Secondly, Seattle should move to 6-4 with back-to-back winnable games against the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders on the horizon. If they drop one of the next two matchups, the Seahawks will soar up the panic meter.

Minnesota Vikings offense

Panic meter rating: 8.5/10

The Vikings would be Super Bowl favorites if they needed to play only defense. The problem? Offense matters just as much in this league, and Minnesota's is dreadful.

Out of sight, out of mind for Kyler Murray https://t.co/3P2u699HNM
— Steven Patton (@PattonAnalytics) November 3, 2026

The Vikings offense ranks 31st in EPA per play (-0.099) and success rate (37.7 percent), 29th in yards per play (4.7) and 27th in points per game (20.0). It's not getting better, either, as Minnesota has scored 16 or fewer points in three of its last four games. That's not good enough to accomplish the goals this team is capable of achieving.

If the Vikings are serious about competing for a Super Bowl, they might have to find a Kyler Murray replacement before the Nov. 10 trade deadline.

Baltimore Ravens

Panic meter rating: 9.5/10

Week 8 was supposed to be a turning point for Baltimore's season. It was — just not in the way the Ravens hoped.

In Lamar Jackson's first snap since Week 4, he injured his thumb and might be out for the rest of the season. Then, backup QB Tyler Huntley suffered a season-ending toe injury in the same game.

The Ravens traded for Jacoby Brissett this week to keep the season alive, but the veteran isn't good enough to lead them to their ultimate goal. Barring a Nick Foles-like performance from Brissett down the stretch, Baltimore's season is over.

Jack Dougherty

Jack Dougherty has been writing professionally since 2015, contributing to publications such as GoPSUSports. com, Centre Daily Times, Associated Press, and Sportscasting. com

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