Panthers Upset Packers; Seahawks Tie NFC Lead

The Carolina Panthers upset the Green Bay Packers 16-13 at Lambeau Field on a game capped by Rico Dowdle’s touchdown, a flagged celebration, and Ryan Fitzgerald’s game-winning kick as time expired. The loss dropped Green Bay to 5–2–1 and underscored offensive timing issues under Matt LaFleur and Jordan Love as well as continued secondary concerns after the team moved on from Jaire Alexander. Injuries to key playmakers — including tight end Tucker Kraft and receiver Jayden Reed — plus offensive-line struggles have raised doubts about the Packers’ ceiling; Green Bay plans a workout for veteran cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. as a possible addition. Week 9 results opened up the NFC North, with the Vikings and Bears posting statement wins and the Bears improving to 5–3 after a 47–42 victory over the Bengals. The broader NFC picture remains crowded at the top — the Seahawks, Eagles, Buccaneers and Rams share the best record — leaving playoff seeding and the division race unpredictable as Green Bay heads into a Monday night matchup with the defending-champion Philadelphia Eagles.