As the NFL reaches the halfway point of the 2026 regular season with Week 9, CBS Sports has outlined five storylines that could unfold before the November 10 trade deadline. The predictions highlight potential breakout performances, quarterback changes, and a possible coaching dismissal.
Jonah Coleman Could End Broncos' Running Back Search
Rookie running back Jonah Coleman delivered a mini breakout in Denver's win over Kansas City, logging a team-high 11 carries for 41 yards and a touchdown, plus four catches for 63 yards including a pivotal 51-yard catch-and-run. The Broncos, averaging 92.6 rushing yards per game, have been linked to trade targets like Jonathan Taylor. However, Coleman gets a favorable matchup against Carolina, which surrenders 4.8 yards per carry (tied for fourth-highest) and 140.7 rushing yards per game allowed (third-highest). A strong showing could remove the urgency for a deadline deal.
Carson Beck in Line for NFL Debut with Cardinals
After Arizona switched from Jacoby Brissett to Gardner Minshew and subsequently traded Brissett to Baltimore, rookie third-round pick Carson Beck has risen to primary backup. With Minshew facing a Seattle defense that allows the fewest total yards per game in team history through eight weeks (250.0) and just 4.2 yards per play (fourth-fewest in 20 years), a rough outing could accelerate Beck's insertion. The Seahawks are also tied for the third-most takeaways in the league.
Jayden Daniels' Pristine Turnover Record at Risk vs. Rams
Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has yet to throw an interception or lose a fumble in five starts, joining only five other players in NFL history with at least 240 total yards per game and zero interceptions through five starts. However, Daniels posted a 17.2% off-target throw rate in Week 8, the third-highest of his career. The Rams, tied for fifth with seven interceptions, picked off Justin Herbert twice and forced a fumble in Week 8. As 5.5-point road favorites, Los Angeles could force a pass-heavy script that tests Daniels' accuracy.
Bijan Robinson Poised for Bounce-Back in Madrid
Despite leading the NFL with 780 rushing yards, Robinson has averaged just 4.4 yards per carry and 71.5 yards per game over the past four weeks, down from 5.8 yards per carry and 123.5 yards per game in the first month. Atlanta faces Cincinnati in Madrid; the Bengals allow 122.3 rushing yards per game and 4.8 yards per carry (tied for fourth-highest). Last week, Tony Pollard gashed Cincinnati for 117 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries, suggesting a heavy workload for Robinson could revive his early-season form.
Chargers' Mike McDaniel on Hot Seat After Offensive Struggles
Los Angeles ranks last in points per game (14.1) and leads the league in turnovers (17), having not scored a touchdown since the third quarter of Week 5. A home loss to Houston would drop the Chargers to 0-8, with an extended break before a November 16 Monday night game at Baltimore. The Texans defense has allowed 30-plus points three times this season (after once in 2025) and three 300-yard passers (after zero last year). Another inept offensive showing could prompt Jim Harbaugh to fire offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel during the bye week.
