The Week 9 NFL schedule for the 2024 season is stacked with good matchups, and now we have now you coated with what it’s essential to know heading into the weekend.
Our NFL Nation reporters ship us the most important keys to every recreation, and analytics writer Seth Walder makes a daring prediction for each matchup. The ESPN Research crew gives an unlimited stat to know and a betting nugget for each contest, whereas our Football Power Index (FPI) goes contained within the numbers with a recreation projection. Fantasy analyst Eric Moody finds fantasy soccer X parts, and three analysts — Kalyn Kahler, Moody and Walder — give us final ranking picks for every recreation. Everything you want to know is true right here in a single spot that can enable you put together for a loaded weekend of NFL soccer.
Let’s get into the whole Week 9 slate, along with an NFC North showdown between the Lions and Packers and the quarterback Joe Flacco-led Colts taking on the Vikings. It all culminates with a “Monday Night Football” matchup between the Buccaneers and the Chiefs on ESPN. (Game situations are Sunday till in some other case well-known.)
Cowboys storyline to have a look at: The Cowboys are at a crossroads. Will they be contending for the playoffs or draft positioning inside the second half of the season? Only as quickly as since 1989 have the Cowboys made the playoffs after starting 3-5 — in 2018 when their midseason commerce for huge receiver Amari Cooper sparked a 10-6 finish. But a 4-4 doc after eight video video games isn’t any guarantee each. In that exact same time span, they’ve made the playoffs twice out of the 5 situations they’d been .500 after eight video video games. — Todd Archer
Falcons storyline to have a look at: The offensively versatile Falcons could change right into a run-first crew as soon as extra this weekend. The Cowboys have allowed the second-most touchdowns on the underside (12) and the fourth-highest yards per carry (tied, 4.8) inside the league. To go deeper, Bijan Robinson has a league-best 57.6% success payment on under-center runs amongst working backs with not lower than 30 carries, whereas the Cowboys have given up the second-highest success payment (49.3%) on such runs, per NFL Next Gen Stats. — Marc Raimondi
Stat to know: A defeat for the Cowboys would match their loss full from each of the sooner three seasons (12-5 from 2021 to 2023).
Bold prediction: Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts will doc beneath 25 receiving yards. I’m not anticipating a breakout from him, not with a 33 open score anyway. That’s the worst amongst all qualifying tight ends and huge receivers. — Walder
Injuries: Cowboys | Falcons
Fantasy X challenge: Robinson. He has had 18 or additional touches and 20 or additional fantasy components in three consecutive video video games. Now, Robinson faces a Cowboys safety that ranks thirtieth in run stop win payment (26.7%) and gives up the fourth-most fantasy components per recreation. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Cowboys are 0-5 ATS of their earlier 5 video video games following a loss (0-3 ATS after a loss this season). Read additional.
Kahler’s select: Falcons 28, Cowboys 20
Moody’s select: Falcons 31, Cowboys, 27
Walder’s select: Cowboys 27, Falcons 23
FPI prediction: ATL, 56.7% (by a imply of two.6 components)
Matchup must-reads: Another missed chance by Cowboys, Prescott versus 49ers … Falcons’ Pitts having career revival with help of Kirk Cousins
1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: BUF -6 (48.5 O/U)
Dolphins storyline to have a look at: Dolphins rookie working once more Jaylen Wright leads the crew in yards per carry (5.3). He averages solely six touches per recreation to De’Von Achane’s and Raheem Mostert’s 11.6 and 11.3, respectively. Achane has been Miami’s most interesting offensive participant this season, and coach Mike McDaniel talked about Mostert has been a “gigantic tone-setter” for the crew. Still, when requested about getting the rookie additional involved, McDaniel talked about Miami will make the “necessary adjustments to make sure that he can contribute his skill set.” — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Bills storyline to have a look at: Rookie receiver Keon Coleman has 9 receptions for 195 yards before now two video video games. He had 201 receiving yards inside the first six video video games. “The trust that I have in him just grows day by day, and we get extra reps after practice, and you see that starting to pay dividends,” quarterback Josh Allen talked about. The Bills’ offense has had success at home this season, averaging 38.3 components in three video video games. — Alaina Getzenberg
Stat to know: The Dolphins have scored 28 full components in three road video video games this season. They have scored beneath 40 full components of their first 4 road video video games solely as quickly as in franchise historic previous (30 in 1967).
0:39
Why Field Yates is nervous to begin out Tua vs. Bills
Field Yates and Stephania Bell speak about if Tua Tagovailoa might have an unlimited day in opposition to the Bills.
Bold prediction: Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid will doc six or additional receptions. Against the Dolphins, 23% of targets have gone to tight ends this season, which is tied for the very best payment inside the NFL. — Walder
Injuries: Dolphins | Bills
Fantasy X challenge: Bills huge receiver Khalil Shakir. Buffalo’s passing recreation is trending up, with Allen throwing for 280 or additional yards in consecutive video video games. Shakir has had seven or additional targets and 13 or additional fantasy components in these video video games. The Dolphins rank inside the excessive eight inside the league of their use of zone safety, and Allen ranks near the very best of the league in QBR in opposition to zone safety. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is 4-0-1 ATS in his career as not lower than a six-point underdog. Read additional.
Kahler’s select: Bills 30, Dolphins 21
Moody’s select: Bills 34, Dolphins 24
Walder’s select: Bills 30, Dolphins 23
FPI prediction: BUF, 72.0% (by a imply of 9.1 components)
Matchup must-reads: How Tua stayed associated with Dolphins whereas on IR … Allen takes Bills QB room to World Series Game 4 … Tua praised for safeguarding self in Miami loss
1 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: CIN -7 (46.5 O/U)
Raiders storyline to have a look at: The Raiders have already used 4 fully completely different starting offensive line combos in eight video video games and would possibly must deploy a fifth in opposition to the Bengals. Center Andre James is dealing with a correct ankle hurt that knocked him out of ultimate week’s loss to the Chiefs. Rookie left guard Jackson Powers-Johnson, who gained the 2023 Rimington Trophy as the perfect faculty center, slid over to close out the game, with out quite a lot of a drop-off. “I’ve got great guys around me,” Powers-Johnson talked about. “The whole line is pushing for me and wanting me to be great. … Definitely a learning curve, so I’ve got to get on the bike again and start riding the tricycle again.” — Paul Gutierrez
Bengals storyline to have a look at: One matchup could dictate how points go for the Bengals’ offense: left kind out Orlando Brown Jr., who’s battling a lower correct leg hurt ahead of Sunday’s recreation, vs. Maxx Crosby, who’s ninth inside the league in transfer rush win payment as an edge rusher (22.3%). Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is conscious of the plan for achievement is simple: “The biggest thing is eliminate [Crosby’s] ability to affect the game.” — Ben Baby
Stat to know: Burrow has handed for fewer than 250 yards in three consecutive video video games, tied for the longest streak of his career. He has an entire of 347 passing yards in two contests in opposition to the Raiders, along with the playoffs.
Bold prediction: Raiders huge receiver Jakobi Meyers will doc 80-plus receiving yards. Meyers will face Bengals nook Cam Taylor-Britt, who has allowed 1.9 yards per safety snap — fourth most amongst all exterior corners with not lower than 100 safety snaps. — Walder
Injuries: Raiders | Bengals
Fantasy X challenge: Bengals working once more Chase Brown. Cincinnati’s backfield started as a committee with Zack Moss and Brown, nevertheless Brown’s workload has ramped up at present. He has logged 14 or additional touches in 4 of the earlier 5 video video games and scored 14-plus fantasy components in three of those. This week, he has a constructive matchup in opposition to a Raiders safety that’s giving up the seventh-most dashing yards per try to working backs. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Raiders’ Antonio Pierce is 12-5 ATS in his career, which is the perfect mark of anyone who has coached not lower than 10 video video games. Read additional.
Kahler’s select: Bengals 24, Raiders 17
Moody’s select: Bengals 28, Raiders 24
Walder’s select: Bengals 34, Raiders 19
FPI prediction: CIN, 65.0% (by a imply of 5.6 components)
Matchup must-reads: Pierce: Raiders ought to ‘clear up’ playcalling, offensive factors … 3 strategies the Bengals’ safety regressed since Super Bowl LVI … Raiders’ run recreation reaches tragic low vs. Chiefs
1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: LAC -1.5 (42.5 O/U)
Chargers storyline to have a look at: After throwing for fewer than 200 yards in each of the first 4 video video games this season, quarterback Justin Herbert heads to Cleveland on a three-game stretch of averaging 288 yards per recreation. Cleveland has allowed 200-plus passing yards 4 situations. — Kris Rhim
Browns storyline to have a look at: QB Jameis Winston reworked the Browns’ offense in his first start — 334 passing yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions — nevertheless is his effectivity sustainable? Sunday’s matchup in opposition to the Chargers, the perfect safety Cleveland has confronted thus far, could be telling. Los Angeles leads the NFL in scoring safety, allowing 13 components per recreation. — Daniel Oyefusi
Stat to know: This is the first meeting between these teams since Week 5 of 2022. The Chargers have gained 5 of the earlier six conferences, relationship to 2015.
Bold prediction: Winston will throw two or additional interceptions. He had two dropped interceptions in opposition to the Ravens ultimate week. He’s not going to get that lucky as soon as extra. No quarterback has higher than 4 dropped interceptions this season — and Winston has started only one recreation. — Walder
Injuries: Chargers | Browns
Fantasy X challenge: Browns huge receiver Cedric Tillman. He has two straight video video games of 9 or additional targets and never lower than 18.0 fantasy components. Tillman has stepped up big with Amari Cooper gone, and now he’s catching passes from Winston, which provides him an added edge. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Chargers are 4-1 ATS as favorites this season, along with 3-0 in opposition to teams with shedding info. Read additional.
Kahler’s select: Chargers 24, Browns 22
Moody’s select: Chargers 17, Browns 16
Walder’s select: Chargers 23, Browns 16
FPI prediction: CLE, 54.3% (by a imply of 1.5 components)
Matchup must-reads: Chargers rookie effectivity in Week 8 gives vindication … QB Winston respiration new life into Browns’ offense … Winston to remain Browns’ QB1 after Ravens upset
0:43
Why Cedric Tillman is a must-add for fantasy managers
Eric Karabell explains why fantasy managers should seize Browns WR Cedric Tillman if they may.
1 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: TEN -3.5 (37.5 O/U)
Patriots storyline to have a look at: Rookie quarterback Drake Maye has been in concussion protocol since Sunday, nevertheless as a restricted participant in comply with all by means of the week, so coach Jerod Mayo is leaving open the possibility that he performs. “I do have confidence that if the league says he’s ready to play, he will be able to go out there and operate,” Mayo talked about. If Maye is just not cleared to play, veteran Jacoby Brissett will get the start and rookie Joe Milton III can be the backup. — Mike Reiss
Titans storyline to have a look at: The Titans are however to win a recreation at home this season. The Patriots haven’t gained on the road given that season opener in opposition to the Bengals. At 1-6, the Titans must take no recreation as a right. But this week must be a wonderful different for coach Brian Callahan to get his first win at Nissan Stadium. “I’m excited to get back in front of our fans and give them something to be excited about again.” — Turron Davenport
Stat to know: The Titans misplaced back-to-back video video games by not lower than 20 components for the first time since Weeks 13-14 in 2014. They haven’t misplaced three straight by 20 components since October 2009.
Bold prediction: Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez will doc an interception. Gonzalez has the very best aim payment amongst exterior corners with a better-than-average yards per safety snap and 100 safety snaps, per NFL Next Gen Stats. In completely different phrases, the ball is coming his means nevertheless he’s not allowing quite a lot of manufacturing. — Walder
Injuries: Patriots | Titans
Fantasy X challenge: Patriots working once more Rhamondre Stevenson. He must be the centerpiece of the Patriots’ offense this week, regardless of whether or not or not Maye clears concussion protocol or if New England turns to Brissett. Stevenson has hit 20-plus touches in three video video games this season, putting up 17 or additional fantasy components each time. Facing a Titans safety ranked twenty third in run stop win payment, Stevenson must see comparable amount. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Patriots are 1-5 ATS of their earlier six video video games as underdogs. The Titans are 1-4 ATS as favorites given that start of ultimate season. Read additional.
Kahler’s select: Patriots 24, Titans 17
Moody’s select: Patriots 20, Titans 18
Walder’s select: Titans 19, Patriots 16
FPI prediction: TEN, 60.3% (by a imply of 4.2 components)
Matchup must-reads: Pats QB Maye in concussion protocol … Being a first-time NFL head coach may very well be highly effective; merely ask these 4
1 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: WSH -4 (44.5 O/U)
Commanders storyline to have a look at: Washington ranks second inside the NFL in yards per run (5.2) and third in rush yards per recreation (165.8). Some of the latter full stems from quarterback Jayden Daniels, who averages 53 dashing yards per recreation. But the Commanders’ working backs nonetheless widespread a combined 5.2 per carry. Meanwhile, the Giants’ run safety ranks ultimate in yards allowed per carry (5.4) and twenty seventh in rush yards per recreation (141.8). Washington can hit big transfer performs with Daniels, nevertheless going by means of sturdy edge transfer rushers, the Commanders will look to control the game on the underside. — John Keim
Giants storyline to have a look at: Giants rookie huge receiver Malik Nabers is in search of to bounce once more from a recreation whereby he had two key drops in Pittsburgh. He’s significantly motivated in opposition to a Washington crew that might not stop him inside the first meeting. Nabers had 10 catches for 127 yards and a touchdown in that matchup. He’s itching for an extra big recreation after two pedestrian performances coming off a concussion. — Jordan Raanan
Stat to know: The Giants are 0-4 at home this season, averaging 7.8 components per recreation (fewest inside the NFL). They haven’t started 0-5 at home since 1974.
Bold prediction: The Commanders will break off a 20-plus-yard show play in the end inside the recreation. Washington runs screens 6% of the time, the fourth-highest payment inside the league, and the Giants’ safety ranks thirtieth in EPA allowed per show. — Walder
Injuries: Commanders | Giants
Fantasy X challenge: Commanders huge receiver Terry McLaurin. He has had 16 or additional fantasy components in 5 of his earlier six video video games. He has historically carried out successfully in opposition to the Giants, averaging 9.1 targets and 16.5 fantasy components all through 10 career video video games. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Unders are 4-0 in Giants home video video games this season. Overs are 4-0 in Commanders road video video games this season. Read additional.
Kahler’s select: Commanders 30, Giants 23
Moody’s select: Commanders 27, Giants 21
Walder’s select: Commanders 30, Giants 14
FPI prediction: WSH, 65.5% (by a imply of 5.8 components)
Matchup must-reads: Inside Commanders’ wild Hail Mary to stun Bears … QB Jones ‘annoyed’ amid his, Giants’ struggles
1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: NO -7 (43.5 O/U)
Saints storyline to have a look at: Derek Carr is anticipated to begin out after missing the earlier three video video games as a consequence of an oblique hurt, and Jake Haener will return to backing him up after the Saints went with rookie Spencer Rattler in Carr’s absence. The struggling Saints, who’ve misplaced six straight, have dropped to twenty first in offensive yards per recreation (319.5) and ultimate in defensive yard allowed (392.8) after a 2-0 start that began with a thrashing of the Panthers in Week 1. They’ll have quite a lot of the offense once more from that recreation apart from center Erik McCoy (groin) and receiver Rashid Shaheed (knee). — Katherine Terrell
Panthers storyline to have a look at: Bryce Young will start as soon as extra at quarterback, nevertheless he didn’t fare successfully inside the Panthers’ first recreation in opposition to the Saints. He was sacked 4 situations and handed for beneath 161 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. But Carolina’s largest draw back is safety, considerably with Carr returning. Carr had three passing TDs in Week 1, and the Saints rushed for 180 yards in opposition to a healthful Carolina safety. The Panthers have misplaced a lot of key defenders since and are giving up an NFL-worst 154.6 dashing yards per recreation. — David Newton
Stat to know: Young is 2-17 as a starter and might make his twentieth start Sunday. With a loss, Young can be part of Steve DeBerg and Chris Weinke because the one quarterbacks since 1950 to lose 18 of their first 20 career begins.
Bold prediction: Saints working once more Alvin Kamara will rush for 100 or additional yards. Carolina can not stop the run — it ranks thirty second in run stop win payment (25.9%) and twenty eighth in EPA allowed per designed carry (minus-2.91). Of course, the Panthers can not stop the transfer each, nevertheless the Saints can get Kamara additional involved after taking an early lead. — Walder
Injuries: Saints | Panthers
Fantasy X challenge: Saints huge receiver Chris Olave. He scored 18.7 fantasy components in opposition to the Chargers in Week 8 — an unlimited assist for fantasy managers. Olave had merely 2.5 components combined in Weeks 5 and 6 after which missed Week 7 in opposition to the Broncos. He’s positioned to maintain up the optimistic momentum. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Panthers are 1-7 in opposition to the unfold this season, which is the worst ATS doc inside the NFL. Read additional.
Kahler’s select: Saints 21, Panthers 14
Moody’s select: Saints 30, Panthers 17
Walder’s select: Saints 27, Panthers 12
FPI prediction: NO, 71.5% (by a imply of 8.3 components)
Matchup must-reads: Can Saints snap six-game freefall in opposition to Panthers? … A unusual feel-good story for Panthers in rookie UDFA WR Coker … Did Young do enough to get one different start for Panthers?
0:46
Chuba Hubbard’s fantasy outlook for Week 9
Explore Chuba Hubbard’s fantasy stats as he prepares to sort out the Saints in Week 9.
1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: BAL -9.5 (46.5 O/U)
Broncos storyline to have a look at: The Broncos have their most interesting doc since they’d been 6-2 after eight video video games inside the 2016 season, nevertheless they’ve found prosperity in opposition to a lot of of basically essentially the most wobbly teams inside the league. Three wins have come over teams with six losses (Jets, Saints and Raiders) to associate with a win over a now 1-7 Carolina. The Ravens may provide quarterback Bo Nix, who’s twenty seventh inside the league in yards per completion (4.72) and twenty sixth in completion share, the possibility for some big performs. Baltimore has surrendered 46 explosive performs (runs of not lower than 10 yards and completions of not lower than 20 yards). — Jeff Legwold
Ravens storyline to have a look at: The Ravens are 24-3 (.889), along with the playoffs, at home in opposition to rookie starting quarterbacks in franchise historic previous, which is the perfect home win share by any crew since 1950. However, Denver’s Nix hasn’t carried out like a first-year NFL quarterback, going 5-1 in his earlier six begins with eight touchdowns and one interception over that span. His 5 victories are basically essentially the most by a rookie quarterback in Broncos historic previous, surpassing John Elway and Drew Lock, every of whom had 4. — Jamison Hensley
Stat to know: Ravens working once more Derrick Henry has 9 straight video video games with a touchdown, relationship to ultimate season. That’s the third-longest streak by a participant at age 30 or older in NFL historic previous.
Bold prediction: Nix will doc his first 300-yard passing recreation … in a loss. Denver will try and throw on the Ravens, whose safety is means weaker in opposition to the transfer. The yardage could be there, nevertheless I concern it ought to principally be in catch-up mode. — Walder
Injuries: Broncos | Ravens
Fantasy X challenge: Broncos huge receiver Courtland Sutton. His fantasy manufacturing has swung like a pendulum this season. In Week 8, he observed 11 targets and hit a season-high 17.1 fantasy components in opposition to the Panthers. Now, he’s up in opposition to a Ravens safety that has allowed the third-most fantasy components per recreation to huge receivers. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Overs are 7-1 in Ravens video video games this season, which is the very best over share inside the NFL. Read additional.
Kahler’s select: Ravens 33, Broncos 24
Moody’s select: Ravens 35, Broncos 24
Walder’s select: Ravens 30, Broncos 20
FPI prediction: BAL, 76.6% (by a imply of 10.3 components)
Matchup must-reads: Nix, Payton discovering groove collectively for surging Broncos … Ravens’ defensive ‘funk’ is largest hurdle in championship hunt … Are the Broncos playoff contenders? Four points to point out
4:05 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: PHI -7.5 (45.5 O/U)
Jaguars storyline to have a look at: As harmful as a result of the Jaguars have been defensively — they’re on tempo to allow the second-most yards (382.1) and components (28) per recreation in franchise historic previous — they’ve been environment friendly offensively. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has decrease down his turnovers (he has 5 after averaging 20 per season over his first three seasons), and they also’re averaging 5.8 yards per play, which could be the perfect mark in franchise historic previous. The largest problem is their gradual begins (merely 20 components scored inside the first quarter), which couldn’t hurt them this week because of the Eagles are the one crew inside the NFL that hasn’t scored inside the first quarter. — Mike DiRocco
Eagles storyline to have a look at: Quarterback Jalen Hurts has turn into reasonably extra setting pleasant in present weeks. After turning the ball over seven situations over the Eagles’ first 4 video video games — second most inside the league on the time — he has zero giveaways before now three video video games. Philadelphia is 3-0 over that stretch with a points-per-game differential of plus-16.3, in distinction with minus-2.5 all through its 2-2 start. — Tim McManus
Stat to know: Hurts has had 5 dashing touchdowns before now two video video games, basically essentially the most by any quarterback in a two-game span since 1951. Since 1950, basically essentially the most dashing touchdowns by a passer over a three-game span is six (Cam Newton in 2011 and Johnny Lujack in 1950).
0:39
Why Jeff Saturday believes in Eagles as legit Super Bowl contenders
Jeff Saturday explains why Jalen Hurts and the Eagles must be thought-about Super Bowl contenders.
Bold prediction: Eagles edge rusher Josh Sweat will doc a transfer rush win payment of 25% or bigger. Sweat will face Walker Little, who modified left kind out Cam Robinson (since traded) ultimate week. Historically, Little has not been good. He has a career 82% transfer block win payment at kind out, which is successfully beneath widespread. — Walder
Injuries: Jaguars | Eagles
Fantasy X challenge: Jaguars tight end Evan Engram. Wide receiver Christian Kirk is out for the season as a consequence of a broken collarbone, and huge receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) is day-to-day. That means Lawrence will in all probability lean on Engram. Last season, Engram averaged 10.2 targets, 8.3 receptions and 73.2 receiving yards per recreation when Kirk was sidelined for six video video games. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The ultimate time the Jaguars closed as not lower than seven-point underdogs was the 2022 divisional playoffs in opposition to the Chiefs (plus-9.5). Read additional.
Kahler’s select: Eagles 34, Jaguars 18
Moody’s select: Eagles 33, Jaguars 20
Walder’s select: Eagles 27, Jaguars 20
FPI prediction: PHI, 68.1% (by a imply of seven.1 components)
Matchup must-reads: With Kirk out, which Jaguars WR will step up? … Former Eagles coach Pederson helped usher Sirianni in as Philly coach … QB Hurts jokes about his mismatched cleats all through Eagles-Bengals
4:05 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: ARI -1.5 (44.5 O/U)
Bears storyline to have a look at: Coach Matt Eberflus was mum when requested whether or not or not cornerback Tyrique Stevenson would start in opposition to Arizona or be benched after his antics on the final word play in Washington contributed to an 18-15 loss for the Bears. Eberflus talked about the second-year nook “has made a lot of plays for this group and for our defense and for our football team over the last couple of years, and he’s going to continue to do that.” Given the Bears are already dealing with accidents to Jaquan Brisker (concussion) and Kyler Gordon (hamstring), altering one different starter inside the lineup received’t be inside the enjoying playing cards Sunday. — Courtney Cronin
Cardinals storyline to have a look at: The Cardinals have lastly found some consistency. They’ve gained two in a row for the first time since 2021 and have taken three out of 4. If they may proceed their run with a win Sunday, they are going to be in a chief place going into subsequent week’s recreation in opposition to the Jets, which is their ultimate sooner than their bye week. — Josh Weinfuss
Stat to know: The Bears have the hardest remaining schedule inside the NFL, in step with ESPN Analytics. After their subsequent two video video games in opposition to Arizona and New England, they’re going to play eight straight contests in opposition to teams with a gift doc of .500 or larger.
Bold prediction: Bears tight end Cole Kmet will has 75-plus receiving yards. He’ll bounce once more from his one-reception effectivity ultimate week as Arizona permits targets to tight ends on 21% of dropbacks, the fourth-highest payment inside the league. Plus, Arizona struggles in opposition to the transfer sometimes. — Walder
Injuries: Bears | Cardinals
Fantasy X challenge: Cardinals working once more James Conner. He’s in a terrific spot this week. Arizona’s offensive line has been spectacular, ranking ninth in run block win payment, whereas the Bears are twenty second in run stop win payment (72.8%). Conner has averaged 14.2 fantasy components per recreation. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is 10-16 ATS in his career as a favorite (6-12 ATS as home favorite). Read additional.
Kahler’s select: Cardinals 21, Bears 18
Moody’s select: Cardinals 20, Bears 17
Walder’s select: Cardinals 24, Bears 23
FPI prediction: CHI, 49.9% (by a imply of 0.0 components)
Matchup must-reads: Bears stand by criticism nevertheless objective to take care of it ‘in-house’ … How Cardinals’ McBride is ascending proper right into a top-tier TE … Why Cardinals’ come-from-behind win vs. Dolphins may very well be wished spark
4:25 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: DET -3.5 (48.5 O/U)
Lions storyline to have a look at: At 6-1 and with veteran quarterback Jared Goff competing at an MVP diploma, the Lions are off to their most interesting start since 1956. Detroit has gained its earlier two video video games at Lambeau Field, and Goff has a unusual different to match former Packers star Aaron Rodgers’ NFL-record of six straight video video games with a lot of passing touchdowns and a 70% completion payment. — Eric Woodyard
Packers storyline to have a look at: How loads the Packers run the ball is decided by whether or not or not it’s Jordan Love (groin) or Malik Willis at quarterback. In the two video video games Willis started earlier this season whereas Love was out as a consequence of a knee hurt, the Packers known as designed runs on 68% of the snaps in distinction with 41% in Love’s six begins, in step with ESPN Research. Either means, depend on working once more Josh Jacobs to be exhausting to kind out. He has the second-most dashing yards after contact inside the NFL this season, behind solely the Ravens’ Derrick Henry. — Rob Demovsky
Stat to know: Goff has achieved 83% of his passes over the earlier 5 video video games, which is the very best share all through a five-game span in NFL historic previous (minimal of fifty makes an try).
Bold prediction: Jacobs is just not going to catch a single transfer. The Lions have allowed working once more receptions on merely 8% of opponent dropbacks, the underside payment inside the league. — Walder
Injuries: Lions | Packers
Fantasy X challenge: Goff. He’s averaging 27.0 transfer makes an try and 17.2 fantasy components per recreation this season. Goff has been significantly environment friendly on the road, with 19.8 fantasy components per recreation. And with the Packers doubtlessly missing nook Jaire Alexander (knee) and safety Evan Williams (hamstring), Goff is about up for achievement. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Packers are 22-8 ATS as underdogs beneath coach Matt LaFleur. They’re moreover 6-1 outright and ATS as home underdogs with him. Read additional.
Kahler’s select: Lions 37, Packers 26
Moody’s select: Packers 31, Lions 26
Walder’s select: Lions 34, Packers 26
FPI prediction: DET, 59.7% (by a imply of 4.2 components)
Matchup must-reads: Lions’ offense is on an all-time run … For Packers to beat Lions, their offense ought to step up … Report: Prosecutors reviewing warrant request for Lions’ Williams
0:44
Jameson Williams suspended 2 video video games by NFL
Adam Schefter gives particulars on the NFL’s suspension of Lions WR Jameson Williams for violating the performance-enhancing substances protection.
4:25 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: LAR -1.5 (48.5 O/U)
Rams storyline to have a look at: Running once more Kyren Williams ranks second inside the NFL with 10 scrimmage touchdowns this season. With two additional touchdowns Sunday, Williams can turn into the fourth participant in Rams historic previous with 12 or additional touchdowns by way of eight video video games of a season, in step with ESPN Research. Williams has scored not lower than two touchdowns in a recreation twice this season. — Sarah Barshop
Seahawks storyline to have a look at: The Seahawks are “optimistic” — in coach Mike Macdonald’s phrases — that DK Metcalf could be once more after missing ultimate week’s recreation as a consequence of an MCL sprain. The star receiver’s absence versus Buffalo was evident in Seattle’s lack of capacity to generate an offensive play of longer than 20 yards for the first time since 2017. Rams cornerback and one-time Seahawk Ahkello Witherspoon obtained beneath Metcalf’s pores and pores and skin ultimate season, which could add intrigue to that matchup. — Brady Henderson
Stat to know: Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith had zero passing touchdowns in Week 8. He has not had back-to-back begins and never utilizing a passing touchdown since 2014 with the Jets.
Bold prediction: The Rams will keep their opponent to beneath 4.0 yards per carry for the second time this season. There’s a weak-on-weak matchup on the underside proper right here with the Seahawks ranking twenty ninth in EPA per designed carry and the Rams ranking twenty ninth in EPA allowed per designed carry. Something has to supply, and my guess is it breaks the Rams’ means. — Walder
Injuries: Rams | Seahawks
Fantasy X challenge: Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. He merely put up a season-high 24.7 fantasy components in opposition to the Vikings in Week 8, with receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp as his excessive targets. This week’s matchup with Seattle stands out with one in all many highest stage totals on the slate. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Seahawks are 2-6 ATS this season, whereas the Rams are 2-5 ATS. Read additional.
Kahler’s select: Seahawks 28, Rams 24
Moody’s select: Rams 26, Seahawks 23
Walder’s select: Rams 20, Seahawks 17
FPI prediction: LAR, 50.3% (by a imply of 0.1 components)
Matchup must-reads: Rams’ Kupp scores in return; McVay expects WR to stay … Who will win the NFC West? It’s a four-team race
8:20 p.m. ET | NBC/Peacock | ESPN BET: MIN -5 (46.5 O/U)
Colts storyline to have a look at: With QB Joe Flacco set to take over, seek for an attention-grabbing subplot in how he gives with the Vikings’ heavy blitz bundle. Minnesota blitzes on the very best payment inside the NFL this season (42%), nevertheless Flacco leads all QBs since 2023 in touchdowns per transfer attempt (13.3%) and yards per completion (14.8) when blitzed. Flacco moreover has the fourth-lowest sack payment (5.1%) in opposition to the blitz. — Stephen Holder
Vikings storyline to have a look at: The Vikings are anticipated to get tight end T.J. Hockenson once more onto the sphere now that he has recovered from a torn ACL and MCL in his correct knee. That will in all probability instant a redistribution of targets among the many many crew’s transfer catchers, a shift that must revenue the offense even when it lastly takes a lot of targets away from huge receiver Justin Jefferson. To this stage, Jefferson has 34.9% of quarterback Sam Darnold’s targets, the second-highest share by any participant by way of seven video video games before now 10 seasons. — Kevin Seifert
Stat to know: ESPN Analytics gives Indianapolis a 64% chance to make the playoffs with Flacco, in distinction with a 46% chance with Richardson.
2:15
Schefter: Colts benching Richardson ‘a seismic transfer on quite a lot of ranges’
Adam Schefter joins Pat McAfee and opinions on the Colts’ willpower to bench Anthony Richardson for Joe Flacco.
Bold prediction: Colts huge receiver Adonai Mitchell will doc 50-plus receiving yards for the first time. With Flacco beneath center, the offense will in all probability be additional reliable. Mitchell hasn’t produced big numbers however, nevertheless there are good indicators. He ranks fourth in open ranking with an 81. — Walder
Injuries: Colts | Vikings
Fantasy X challenge: Colts huge receiver Josh Downs. With Flacco stepping in, the Colts’ passing recreation is trending up. His accuracy will revenue the Colts’ receivers. Downs and Flacco have already confirmed sturdy chemistry, and the receiver has cleared 16 fantasy components in 4 of his earlier 5 video video games. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Vikings are 0-2 outright and ATS of their earlier two video video games (every as favorites). They started the 12 months 5-0 outright and ATS. Read additional.
Kahler’s select: Colts 28, Vikings 26
Moody’s select: Vikings 31, Colts 24
Walder’s select: Vikings 29, Colts 14
FPI prediction: MIN, 53.9% (by a imply of 1.4 components)
Matchup must-reads: Going to Flacco over Richardson helps Colts win now, coach says … Vikings hope Hockenson’s return will open up offense … Win-now Colts bench QB Richardson for Flacco
8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN/ABC | ESPN BET: KC -8.5 (45.5 O/U)
Buccaneers storyline to have a look at: Without huge receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, quarterback Baker Mayfield leaned carefully on tight end Cade Otton ultimate week. The Bucs should do it as soon as extra, with seemingly the one precise hole inside the Chiefs’ safety being that they’re giving up a imply of 80.86 yards to opposing tight ends — basically essentially the most of any crew inside the league. Does “National Tight Ends Day” carry over for an extra week? — Jenna Laine
Chiefs storyline to have a look at: The Chiefs have held 5 of their seven opponents beneath their season widespread in scoring, along with two inside the NFL’s excessive 10 in components. But Mayfield and the Bucs, fourth in scoring at higher than 29 components per recreation, present Kansas City’s largest downside. The Chiefs had their most effective pass-rushing recreation of the season ultimate week in opposition to the Raiders with 5 sacks, and they also added edge rusher Joshua Uche in a commerce with the Patriots this week. — Adam Teicher
Stat to know: The Buccaneers are allowing 26.6 components (twenty eighth inside the NFL) and 387 full yards (thirtieth) per recreation.
Bold prediction: The Chiefs will allow no a number of touchdown to the Bucs. I’ve a tricky time seeing Tampa Bay’s offense succeed with out Evans and Godwin. Its depth receivers should beat press safety, nevertheless the Chiefs do that higher than each different crew inside the league at exterior nook. — Walder
Injuries: Buccaneers | Chiefs
Fantasy X challenge: Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He accomplished with a season-high 18.1 fantasy components in opposition to the Raiders in Week 8. No safety this season permits additional fantasy components per recreation than the Buccaneers. I think about Mahomes can keep his momentum entering into opposition to Tampa Bay. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Mahomes is 22-28 ATS in his career when laying not lower than seven components (0-2 ATS this season). Read additional.
Kahler’s select: Buccaneers 27, Chiefs 24
Moody’s select: Chiefs 28, Buccaneers 20
Walder’s select: Chiefs 27, Buccaneers 13
FPI prediction: KC, 63.0% (by a imply of 5.3 components)
Matchup must-reads: Godwin says playoff return ‘best-case state of affairs’ … Why the Chiefs are the model new Patriots
