5 things to watch this week in the NFL: Can the Lions be held back?

Every weekend in the NFL, elements attract our attention regarding the forces present, the records that are within reach or in relation to certain historical marks. Here, for the ninth week of activities, are 5 elements to watch out for.

• Also read: Our predictions for week 9: time for individual honors!

1. Can the Lions be curbed?

The Lions are the team of the hour in the NFL, having scored 172 points in their last four games. This is the highest total since the Ravens, in 2019, who obtained the same number of points in a four-game sequence. The order looks heavy against the Packers and Lions quarterback Jared Goff will try to continue his hot streak. Indeed, he could become only the fourth quarterback since 2000 with at least two touchdown passes and an efficiency coefficient (rating) of at least 110 in four matches in a row. Only Patrick Mahomes (2018), Aaron Rodgers (2011) and Tom Brady (2010) have done so much since the new millennium. In his last five games, he has completed 83% of his passes. The record over a six-game streak is held by Peyton Manning (78.3% in 2008).

2. A feat within reach of the Chargers

The Chargers don’t make too much noise, but their defense is the one that gives up the fewest points in the league this season with an average of 13 per game. After seven games, this unit has still not given up more than 20 points in a game. If it repeats the feat against the Browns, the Chargers defense will become only the sixth since 1990 to give up 20 points or fewer in the first eight games of a season. The record 10 games belongs to the 1990 Giants, with the famous Lawrence Taylor. The most recent team to be included in this group was the Patriots in 2019.

3. A rare reason to smile

The Giants have few opportunities to rejoice this season and there is little reason to believe that the picture will change against the Commanders. In order to put a smile on the face of their supporters, it should nevertheless be noted that the Giants have already recorded 35 quarterback sacks this season. After eight games, this is the highest total, tied with the Jaguars from 2017, when Jacksonville was renamed “Sacksonville.” The Giants, if they manage four sacks at the expense of the Commanders, will become the fifth team in 20 years with at least four sacks in five straight games. The Eagles (2022), Broncos (2015), Bills (2014) and Cowboys (2008) are the others.

4. Not easy, converting 2 points…

Pro Football Talk noted earlier this week that two-point converts are in their 30th year in the NFL. Historically, season after season, the success rate on this post-touchdown play is around 50%. This season, it’s difficult to explain why, but the success rate is only 31% (18 in 58). This is extremely low, especially when compared to last season, when teams made 70 of their 127 attempts (55%). The Giants bring down the average with a big 0 for 4. In fact, 15 teams have yet to make an attempt this season, while four still have not tried.

5. What will the Bengals do?

Heading into the trade deadline on Tuesday at 4 p.m., the Bengals are one of the mystery teams. Because of their 3-5 record, they are ones who walk the thin line between buyer and seller. Will receiver Tee Higgins stay or go? The result of the duel against the Raiders could tell us more. Historically, the Bengals are almost never on the buying side. In their existence, they have only traded twice during the season to acquire players, in 1971 and in 2020. And again, in 2020, they had sold defensive end Carlos Dunlap to obtain guard BJ Finney.