Should the Washington Commanders have pulled quarterback Jayden Daniels before his injury? Is there cause for concern for the Kansas City Chiefs after their loss to the Buffalo Bills? How dominant can the Philadelphia Eagles' defense be after adding Jaelan Phillips? Can the Minnesota Vikings make a playoff push now that J.J. McCarthy is starting again?

The Commanders will be without Daniels after he suffered a dislocated elbow against the Seattle Seahawks late in the second half of Sunday night's blowout. The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini shares reaction from inside the Commanders facility and details how long the team expects to be without its second-year quarterback.

After the Bills’ win over the Chiefs, former Kansas City quarterback and Scoop City co-host Chase Daniel discusses whether Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs Kingdom should be concerned. Daniel also breaks down who could emerge as Josh Allen’s top target in Buffalo’s offense.

Even during their bye week, the Eagles continue to make moves. General manager Howie Roseman remains active ahead of the NFL trade deadline, acquiring edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to bolster Philadelphia's pass rush. Russini reports what she’s hearing around the league as the deadline approaches.

Plus, the Vikings are turning back to J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback. Daniel examines what McCarthy’s return could mean for Minnesota’s playoff hopes and offensive rhythm.

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It’s a Halloween Week 9 edition of Scoop City with James Palmer and a stacked lineup of insiders from The Athletic! We’re serving up more treats than tricks as the NFL trade deadline approaches and several playoff contenders face must-win moments. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for your insider breakdowns straight from the locker room.

The AFC playoff picture heats up as Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs square off with Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in one of Week 9’s biggest matchups. Joe Buscaglia breaks down the Bills’ must-win urgency, how Allen and Stefon Diggs can exploit Kansas City’s coverage, and what Sean McDermott’s defense must fix to keep pace with Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Can the Bills save their season—or will Kansas City prove they’re still the AFC’s top dog?

Next up, James Boyd joins James Palmer to dive into the surging Indianapolis Colts, led by Jonathan Taylor, who’s on an MVP-level tear. Taylor leads the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns through eight weeks, and he’s doing it behind a balanced Colts attack. Can Taylor continue his dominance against a Steelers defense that’s been uncharacteristically inconsistent and struggling to stop the run?

Alec Lewis checks in to preview Vikings vs Lions, a massive NFC North battle. J.J. MCarthy returns to the starting lineup in a crucial divisional matchup. How will J.J. McCarthy’s growth define how the success of Minnesota's season.

Even on their bye week, the Philadelphia Eagles stay in the headlines. Brooks Kubena joins James Palmer to unpack his powerful new story on AJ Brown, one of the NFL’s most complex and competitive superstars. From his relentless work ethic with DK Metcalf at Ole Miss to his candid thoughts on frustration, fulfillment, and identity, Brooks explains why Brown’s intensity has nothing to do with being a “diva”—and everything to do with the unique pressure of playing wide receiver in today’s NFL.

To wrap the show, Jake Ciely brings his fantasy insight (and costume) for a special Halloween segment: ranking the best Halloween candies and revealing his buy-low and sell-high fantasy football targets ahead of the NFL trade deadline. From Baker Mayfield to breakout RB Quinshon Judkins, Jake and James debate who’s sweet, who’s stale, and who’s worth stashing.

Don’t miss this episode of Scoop City — your insider pass to the NFL.

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Welcome back to Scoop City! James Palmer and The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini are breaking down the midseason stretch of the NFL heading into Week 9 — including which teams are surging, who’s slipping, and what’s still to come at the trade deadline.

As the NFL trade deadline nears, Palmer and Russini dive into the biggest questions around the league, including why big-name players like A.J. Brown and Chris Olave aren't likely to move, which front offices are actually taking calls, and how Week 9 results could change a team's outlook.

James and Dianna also take a closer look at the Vikings' quarterback situation with J.J. McCarthy returning under center this week against the Lions. What does Carson Wentz’s season-ending surgery mean for McCarthy and Minnesota's chances of making the playoffs?

Then, it’s time for some Scoop Superlatives: their midseason awards, high-school yearbook style. From "Most Unexpected Glow-Up" and "Best Couple" to "Most Popular," James and Dianna dole out their picks at the season's halfway mark.

Finally, Chris Branch, author of The Pulse newsletter, drops in with two questions fans are debating this week: Should NFL overtimes end in a tie or continue until there’s a winner? And is it more likely the Ravens clinch a playoff berth in 2025 or John Harbaugh is fired after 18 seasons at the helm in Baltimore?

Don’t miss this episode of Scoop City — your insider pass to the NFL.

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