In an upset not many foresaw, the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3) walked out victorious in their Sunday afternoon game against the Indianapolis Colts (7-2) at Acrisure Stadium, 27-20.
This becomes much more impressive when viewing Pittsburgh’s less-than-favorable start in the first quarter.
Offensively, the team initially struggled against the NFL’s number-one-ranked team.
This would highlight that not long after the opening drive, Indianapolis’s starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, ran the ball into the endzone for a touchdown, soon followed by an extra point from Michael Badgley.
The early advantage put Indianapolis ahead; however, Pittsburgh showed shortly after that they were in this game for the long haul.
Quickly into the second quarter, Jaylen Warren would respond to Indianapolis with a touchdown.
Warren’s touchdown would soon be met with another as Aaron Rodgers would connect with Pat Friermuth for another touchdown.
Much credit should also go to Chris Boswell, who would follow both touchdowns with an extra point and ended the half with a field goal.
As the game progressed into the third quarter, Pittsburgh would be able to maintain its lead.
A lead that would be further extended by a touchdown and an extra point, once again from Warren and Boswell.
Although Indianapolis refused to back down, despite another field goal from Boswell, Badgley would kick two field goals, and Jones would connect to Josh Downs for a touchdown.
Even with their comeback, Indianapolis’s efforts went unrewarded, as Pittsburgh would reign supreme.
Furthermore, regarding Indianapolis, the game highlighted the team’s vulnerabilities.
Jones, who has been an unlikely MVP candidate in the 2025-26 NFL season, showed flashes of the inconsistencies he became known for during his time in New York.
Similarly, a frontrunner for the Offensive Player of the Year, Johnathan Taylor, became a non-factor against Pittsburgh’s defense.
A defense that returned to form after two weeks’ worth of poor play, with Keneau Benton notably showing out.
Other Week 9 results include:
- Baltimore Ravens (3-5) def. Miami Dolphins (2-7): 28-6
- Chicago Bears (5-3) def. Cincinnati Bengals (3-6): 47-42
- Minnesota Vikings (4-4) def. Detroit Lions (5-3): 27-24
- Carolina Panthers (5-4) def. Green Bay Packers (5-2-1): 16-13
- Los Angeles Chargers (6-3) def. Tennessee Titans (1-8): 27-20
- New England Patriots (7-2) def. Atlanta Falcons (3-5): 24-23
- San Francisco 49ers (6-3) def. New York Giants (2-7): 34-24
- Denver Broncos (7-2) def. Houston Texans (3-5): 18-15
- Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3) def. Las Vegas Raiders (2-6): 30-29
- Los Angeles Rams (6-2) def. New Orleans Saints (5-3): 34-10
- Buffalo Bills (6-2) def. Kansas City Chiefs (5-4): 28-21
- Seattle Seahawks (6-2) def. Washington Commanders (3-6): 38-14
- Arizona Cardinals (3-5) def. Dallas Cowboys (3-5-1): 27-17
Following their Week 9 victory, Pittsburgh looks to continue its hot streak as it meets Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium live on Sunday Night Football.
A Los Angeles team that mirrors the strengths and weaknesses compared to Pittsburgh, looking to be an exciting matchup.
Meanwhile, Indianapolis looks to regain momentum as it faces an Atlanta team eager to end its three-game losing streak at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
Nevertheless, with a rough schedule ahead of them, Pittsburgh aims to continue to silence its doubters as the season enters its second half.
