The Week 9 NFL schedule for the 2024 season is stacked with nice matchups, and we have now you coated with what you must know heading into the weekend.
Our NFL Nation reporters deliver us the largest keys to each recreation, and analytics author Seth Walder makes a daring prediction for every matchup. The ESPN Research crew offers an enormous stat to know and a betting nugget for every contest, whereas our Football Power Index (FPI) goes contained in the numbers with a recreation projection. Fantasy analyst Eric Moody finds fantasy soccer X elements, and three analysts — Kalyn Kahler, Moody and Walder — give us last rating picks for each recreation. Everything you wish to know is right here in a single spot that will help you prepare for a loaded weekend of NFL soccer.
Let’s get into the complete Week 9 slate, together with an NFC North showdown between the Lions and Packers and the quarterback Joe Flacco-led Colts taking over the Vikings. It all culminates with a “Monday Night Football” matchup between the Buccaneers and the Chiefs on ESPN. (Game instances are Sunday until in any other case famous.)
Cowboys storyline to look at: The Cowboys are at a crossroads. Will they be contending for the playoffs or draft positioning within the second half of the season? Only as soon as since 1989 have the Cowboys made the playoffs after beginning 3-5 — in 2018 when their midseason commerce for vast receiver Amari Cooper sparked a 10-6 end. But a 4-4 document after eight video games isn’t any assure both. In that very same time span, they’ve made the playoffs twice out of the 5 instances they had been .500 after eight video games. — Todd Archer
Falcons storyline to look at: The offensively versatile Falcons may change into a run-first crew once more this weekend. The Cowboys have allowed the second-most touchdowns on the bottom (12) and the fourth-highest yards per carry (tied, 4.8) within the league. To go deeper, Bijan Robinson has a league-best 57.6% success fee on under-center runs amongst operating backs with not less than 30 carries, whereas the Cowboys have given up the second-highest success fee (49.3%) on such runs, per NFL Next Gen Stats. — Marc Raimondi
Stat to know: A defeat for the Cowboys would match their loss complete from every of the earlier three seasons (12-5 from 2021 to 2023).
Bold prediction: Falcons tight finish Kyle Pitts will document 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 vast receivers. — Walder
Injuries: Cowboys | Falcons
Fantasy X issue: Robinson. He has had 18 or extra touches and 20 or extra fantasy factors in three consecutive video games. Now, Robinson faces a Cowboys protection that ranks thirtieth in run cease win fee (26.7%) and provides up the fourth-most fantasy factors per recreation. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Cowboys are 0-5 ATS of their previous 5 video games following a loss (0-3 ATS after a loss this season). Read extra.
Kahler’s choose: Falcons 28, Cowboys 20
Moody’s choose: Falcons 31, Cowboys, 27
Walder’s choose: Cowboys 27, Falcons 23
FPI prediction: ATL, 56.7% (by a mean of two.6 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Another missed likelihood by Cowboys, Prescott versus 49ers … Falcons’ Pitts having profession revival with assist of Kirk Cousins
1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: BUF -6 (48.5 O/U)
Dolphins storyline to look at: Dolphins rookie operating again 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 finest offensive participant this season, and coach Mike McDaniel mentioned Mostert has been a “gigantic tone-setter” for the crew. Still, when requested about getting the rookie extra concerned, McDaniel mentioned Miami will make the “necessary adjustments to make sure that he can contribute his skill set.” — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Bills storyline to look at: Rookie receiver Keon Coleman has 9 receptions for 195 yards prior to now two video games. He had 201 receiving yards within the first six 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 mentioned. The Bills’ offense has had success at house this season, averaging 38.3 factors in three video games. — Alaina Getzenberg
Stat to know: The Dolphins have scored 28 complete factors in three street video games this season. They have scored beneath 40 complete factors of their first 4 street video games solely as soon as in franchise historical past (30 in 1967).
0:39
Why Field Yates is nervous to start out Tua vs. Bills
Field Yates and Stephania Bell talk about if Tua Tagovailoa could have an enormous day in opposition to the Bills.
Bold prediction: Bills tight finish Dalton Kincaid will document six or extra receptions. Against the Dolphins, 23% of targets have gone to tight ends this season, which is tied for the best fee within the NFL. — Walder
Injuries: Dolphins | Bills
Fantasy X issue: Bills vast receiver Khalil Shakir. Buffalo’s passing recreation is trending up, with Allen throwing for 280 or extra yards in consecutive video games. Shakir has had seven or extra targets and 13 or extra fantasy factors in these video games. The Dolphins rank within the high eight within the league of their use of zone protection, and Allen ranks close to the highest of the league in QBR in opposition to zone protection. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is 4-0-1 ATS in his profession as not less than a six-point underdog. Read extra.
Kahler’s choose: Bills 30, Dolphins 21
Moody’s choose: Bills 34, Dolphins 24
Walder’s choose: Bills 30, Dolphins 23
FPI prediction: BUF, 72.0% (by a mean of 9.1 factors)
Matchup must-reads: How Tua stayed related 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 look at: The Raiders have already used 4 completely different beginning offensive line combos in eight video games and might need to deploy a fifth in opposition to the Bengals. Center Andre James is coping with a proper ankle harm that knocked him out of final week’s loss to the Chiefs. Rookie left guard Jackson Powers-Johnson, who gained the 2023 Rimington Trophy as the very best school middle, slid over to shut out the sport, with out a lot of a drop-off. “I’ve got great guys around me,” Powers-Johnson mentioned. “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 look at: One matchup may dictate how issues go for the Bengals’ offense: left sort out Orlando Brown Jr., who’s battling a decrease proper leg harm forward of Sunday’s recreation, vs. Maxx Crosby, who’s ninth within the league in move rush win fee as an edge rusher (22.3%). Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is aware of the plan for achievement is straightforward: “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 games, tied for the longest streak of his profession. He has a complete of 347 passing yards in two contests in opposition to the Raiders, together with the playoffs.
Bold prediction: Raiders vast receiver Jakobi Meyers will document 80-plus receiving yards. Meyers will face Bengals nook Cam Taylor-Britt, who has allowed 1.9 yards per protection snap — fourth most amongst all exterior corners with not less than 100 protection snaps. — Walder
Injuries: Raiders | Bengals
Fantasy X issue: Bengals operating again Chase Brown. Cincinnati’s backfield began as a committee with Zack Moss and Brown, however Brown’s workload has ramped up currently. He has logged 14 or extra touches in 4 of the previous 5 video games and scored 14-plus fantasy factors in three of these. This week, he has a positive matchup in opposition to a Raiders protection that’s giving up the seventh-most speeding yards per try and operating backs. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Raiders’ Antonio Pierce is 12-5 ATS in his profession, which is the very best mark of anybody who has coached not less than 10 video games. Read extra.
Kahler’s choose: Bengals 24, Raiders 17
Moody’s choose: Bengals 28, Raiders 24
Walder’s choose: Bengals 34, Raiders 19
FPI prediction: CIN, 65.0% (by a mean of 5.6 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Pierce: Raiders should ‘clear up’ playcalling, offensive points … 3 methods the Bengals’ protection 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 look at: After throwing for fewer than 200 yards in every of the primary 4 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 instances. — Kris Rhim
Browns storyline to look at: QB Jameis Winston remodeled the Browns’ offense in his first begin — 334 passing yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions — however is his efficiency sustainable? Sunday’s matchup in opposition to the Chargers, the very best protection Cleveland has confronted to this point, might be telling. Los Angeles leads the NFL in scoring protection, permitting 13 factors per recreation. — Daniel Oyefusi
Stat to know: This is the primary assembly between these groups since Week 5 of 2022. The Chargers have gained 5 of the previous six conferences, relationship to 2015.
Bold prediction: Winston will throw two or extra interceptions. He had two dropped interceptions in opposition to the Ravens final week. He’s not going to get that fortunate once more. No quarterback has greater than 4 dropped interceptions this season — and Winston has began just one recreation. — Walder
Injuries: Chargers | Browns
Fantasy X issue: Browns vast receiver Cedric Tillman. He has two straight video games of 9 or extra targets and not less than 18.0 fantasy factors. Tillman has stepped up huge with Amari Cooper gone, and now he is catching passes from Winston, which supplies him an added edge. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Chargers are 4-1 ATS as favorites this season, together with 3-0 in opposition to groups with shedding information. Read extra.
Kahler’s choose: Chargers 24, Browns 22
Moody’s choose: Chargers 17, Browns 16
Walder’s choose: Chargers 23, Browns 16
FPI prediction: CLE, 54.3% (by a mean of 1.5 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Chargers rookie efficiency in Week 8 provides vindication … QB Winston respiration new life into Browns’ offense … Winston to stay Browns’ QB1 after Ravens upset
0:43
Why Cedric Tillman is a must-add for fantasy managers
Eric Karabell explains why fantasy managers have to seize Browns WR Cedric Tillman if they will.
1 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: TEN -3.5 (37.5 O/U)
Patriots storyline to look at: Rookie quarterback Drake Maye has been in concussion protocol since Sunday, however as a restricted participant in follow all through the week, so coach Jerod Mayo is leaving open the chance 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 mentioned. If Maye is not cleared to play, veteran Jacoby Brissett will get the beginning and rookie Joe Milton III would be the backup. — Mike Reiss
Titans storyline to look at: The Titans are but to win a recreation at house this season. The Patriots have not gained on the street for the reason that season opener in opposition to the Bengals. At 1-6, the Titans ought to take no recreation without any consideration. But this week ought to be an excellent alternative 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 games by not less than 20 factors for the primary time since Weeks 13-14 in 2014. They have not misplaced three straight by 20 factors since October 2009.
Bold prediction: Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez will document an interception. Gonzalez has the best goal fee amongst exterior corners with a better-than-average yards per protection snap and 100 protection snaps, per NFL Next Gen Stats. In different phrases, the ball is coming his means however he is not permitting a lot of manufacturing. — Walder
Injuries: Patriots | Titans
Fantasy X issue: Patriots operating again Rhamondre Stevenson. He ought to be the centerpiece of the Patriots’ offense this week, no matter whether or not Maye clears concussion protocol or if New England turns to Brissett. Stevenson has hit 20-plus touches in three video games this season, placing up 17 or extra fantasy factors every time. Facing a Titans protection ranked twenty third in run cease win fee, Stevenson ought to see comparable quantity. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Patriots are 1-5 ATS of their previous six video games as underdogs. The Titans are 1-4 ATS as favorites for the reason that begin of final season. Read extra.
Kahler’s choose: Patriots 24, Titans 17
Moody’s choose: Patriots 20, Titans 18
Walder’s choose: Titans 19, Patriots 16
FPI prediction: TEN, 60.3% (by a mean of 4.2 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Pats QB Maye in concussion protocol … Being a first-time NFL head coach could be powerful; simply ask these 4
1 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: WSH -4 (44.5 O/U)
Commanders storyline to look at: Washington ranks second within the NFL in yards per run (5.2) and third in rush yards per recreation (165.8). Some of the latter complete stems from quarterback Jayden Daniels, who averages 53 speeding yards per recreation. But the Commanders’ operating backs nonetheless common a mixed 5.2 per carry. Meanwhile, the Giants’ run protection ranks final in yards allowed per carry (5.4) and twenty seventh in rush yards per recreation (141.8). Washington can hit huge move performs with Daniels, however going through sturdy edge move rushers, the Commanders will look to regulate the sport on the bottom. — John Keim
Giants storyline to look at: Giants rookie vast receiver Malik Nabers is seeking to bounce again from a recreation wherein he had two key drops in Pittsburgh. He’s particularly motivated in opposition to a Washington crew that could not cease him within the first assembly. Nabers had 10 catches for 127 yards and a landing in that matchup. He’s itching for an additional huge recreation after two pedestrian performances coming off a concussion. — Jordan Raanan
Stat to know: The Giants are 0-4 at house this season, averaging 7.8 factors per recreation (fewest within the NFL). They have not began 0-5 at house since 1974.
Bold prediction: The Commanders will break off a 20-plus-yard display play sooner or later within the recreation. Washington runs screens 6% of the time, the fourth-highest fee within the league, and the Giants’ protection ranks thirtieth in EPA allowed per display. — Walder
Injuries: Commanders | Giants
Fantasy X issue: Commanders vast receiver Terry McLaurin. He has had 16 or extra fantasy factors in 5 of his previous six video games. He has traditionally carried out effectively in opposition to the Giants, averaging 9.1 targets and 16.5 fantasy factors throughout 10 profession video games. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Unders are 4-0 in Giants house video games this season. Overs are 4-0 in Commanders street video games this season. Read extra.
Kahler’s choose: Commanders 30, Giants 23
Moody’s choose: Commanders 27, Giants 21
Walder’s choose: Commanders 30, Giants 14
FPI prediction: WSH, 65.5% (by a mean of 5.8 factors)
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 look at: Derek Carr is anticipated to start out after lacking the previous three video games due to an indirect harm, 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 final in defensive yard allowed (392.8) after a 2-0 begin that started with a thrashing of the Panthers in Week 1. They’ll have a lot of the offense again from that recreation except for middle Erik McCoy (groin) and receiver Rashid Shaheed (knee). — Katherine Terrell
Panthers storyline to look at: Bryce Young will begin once more at quarterback, however he did not fare effectively within the Panthers’ first recreation in opposition to the Saints. He was sacked 4 instances and handed for under 161 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. But Carolina’s largest downside is protection, significantly with Carr returning. Carr had three passing TDs in Week 1, and the Saints rushed for 180 yards in opposition to a wholesome Carolina protection. The Panthers have misplaced a number of key defenders since and are giving up an NFL-worst 154.6 speeding yards per recreation. — David Newton
Stat to know: Young is 2-17 as a starter and can make his twentieth begin Sunday. With a loss, Young would be a part of Steve DeBerg and Chris Weinke as the one quarterbacks since 1950 to lose 18 of their first 20 profession begins.
Bold prediction: Saints operating again Alvin Kamara will rush for 100 or extra yards. Carolina cannot cease the run — it ranks thirty second in run cease win fee (25.9%) and twenty eighth in EPA allowed per designed carry (minus-2.91). Of course, the Panthers cannot cease the move both, however the Saints can get Kamara extra concerned after taking an early lead. — Walder
Injuries: Saints | Panthers
Fantasy X issue: Saints vast receiver Chris Olave. He scored 18.7 fantasy factors in opposition to the Chargers in Week 8 — an enormous aid for fantasy managers. Olave had simply 2.5 factors mixed in Weeks 5 and 6 after which missed Week 7 in opposition to the Broncos. He’s positioned to keep 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 document within the NFL. Read extra.
Kahler’s choose: Saints 21, Panthers 14
Moody’s choose: Saints 30, Panthers 17
Walder’s choose: Saints 27, Panthers 12
FPI prediction: NO, 71.5% (by a mean of 8.3 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Can Saints snap six-game freefall in opposition to Panthers? … A uncommon feel-good story for Panthers in rookie UDFA WR Coker … Did Young do sufficient to get one other begin for Panthers?
0:46
Chuba Hubbard’s fantasy outlook for Week 9
Explore Chuba Hubbard’s fantasy stats as he prepares to tackle the Saints in Week 9.
1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: BAL -9.5 (46.5 O/U)
Broncos storyline to look at: The Broncos have their finest document since they had been 6-2 after eight video games within the 2016 season, however they’ve discovered prosperity in opposition to a number of of essentially the most wobbly groups within the league. Three wins have come over groups with six losses (Jets, Saints and Raiders) to go along with a win over a now 1-7 Carolina. The Ravens may supply quarterback Bo Nix, who’s twenty seventh within the league in yards per completion (4.72) and twenty sixth in completion share, the chance for some huge performs. Baltimore has surrendered 46 explosive performs (runs of not less than 10 yards and completions of not less than 20 yards). — Jeff Legwold
Ravens storyline to look at: The Ravens are 24-3 (.889), together with the playoffs, at house in opposition to rookie beginning quarterbacks in franchise historical past, which is the very best house win share by any crew since 1950. However, Denver’s Nix hasn’t performed like a first-year NFL quarterback, going 5-1 in his previous six begins with eight touchdowns and one interception over that span. His 5 victories are essentially the most by a rookie quarterback in Broncos historical past, surpassing John Elway and Drew Lock, each of whom had 4. — Jamison Hensley
Stat to know: Ravens operating again Derrick Henry has 9 straight video games with a landing, relationship to final season. That’s the third-longest streak by a participant at age 30 or older in NFL historical past.
Bold prediction: Nix will document his first 300-yard passing recreation … in a loss. Denver will attempt to throw on the Ravens, whose protection is way weaker in opposition to the move. The yardage might be there, however I concern it should principally be in catch-up mode. — Walder
Injuries: Broncos | Ravens
Fantasy X issue: Broncos vast receiver Courtland Sutton. His fantasy manufacturing has swung like a pendulum this season. In Week 8, he noticed 11 targets and hit a season-high 17.1 fantasy factors in opposition to the Panthers. Now, he is up in opposition to a Ravens protection that has allowed the third-most fantasy factors per recreation to vast receivers. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Overs are 7-1 in Ravens video games this season, which is the best over share within the NFL. Read extra.
Kahler’s choose: Ravens 33, Broncos 24
Moody’s choose: Ravens 35, Broncos 24
Walder’s choose: Ravens 30, Broncos 20
FPI prediction: BAL, 76.6% (by a mean of 10.3 factors)
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 issues to show
4:05 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: PHI -7.5 (45.5 O/U)
Jaguars storyline to look at: As dangerous because the Jaguars have been defensively — they’re on tempo to permit the second-most yards (382.1) and factors (28) per recreation in franchise historical past — they have been efficient offensively. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has minimize down his turnovers (he has 5 after averaging 20 per season over his first three seasons), and so they’re averaging 5.8 yards per play, which might be the very best mark in franchise historical past. The largest difficulty is their gradual begins (simply 20 factors scored within the first quarter), which could not harm them this week as a result of the Eagles are the one crew within the NFL that hasn’t scored within the first quarter. — Mike DiRocco
Eagles storyline to look at: Quarterback Jalen Hurts has change into rather more environment friendly in current weeks. After turning the ball over seven instances over the Eagles’ first 4 video games — second most within the league on the time — he has zero giveaways prior to now three video games. Philadelphia is 3-0 over that stretch with a points-per-game differential of plus-16.3, in contrast with minus-2.5 throughout its 2-2 begin. — Tim McManus
Stat to know: Hurts has had 5 speeding touchdowns prior to now two video games, essentially the most by any quarterback in a two-game span since 1951. Since 1950, essentially the most speeding 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 ought to be thought-about Super Bowl contenders.
Bold prediction: Eagles edge rusher Josh Sweat will document a move rush win fee of 25% or larger. Sweat will face Walker Little, who changed left sort out Cam Robinson (since traded) final week. Historically, Little has not been nice. He has a profession 82% move block win fee at sort out, which is effectively beneath common. — Walder
Injuries: Jaguars | Eagles
Fantasy X issue: Jaguars tight finish Evan Engram. Wide receiver Christian Kirk is out for the season due to a damaged collarbone, and vast receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) is day-to-day. That means Lawrence will probably 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 games. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The final time the Jaguars closed as not less than seven-point underdogs was the 2022 divisional playoffs in opposition to the Chiefs (plus-9.5). Read extra.
Kahler’s choose: Eagles 34, Jaguars 18
Moody’s choose: Eagles 33, Jaguars 20
Walder’s choose: Eagles 27, Jaguars 20
FPI prediction: PHI, 68.1% (by a mean of seven.1 factors)
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 throughout Eagles-Bengals
4:05 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: ARI -1.5 (44.5 O/U)
Bears storyline to look at: Coach Matt Eberflus was mum when requested whether or not cornerback Tyrique Stevenson would begin in opposition to Arizona or be benched after his antics on the ultimate play in Washington contributed to an 18-15 loss for the Bears. Eberflus mentioned 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 coping with accidents to Jaquan Brisker (concussion) and Kyler Gordon (hamstring), changing one other starter within the lineup won’t be within the playing cards Sunday. — Courtney Cronin
Cardinals storyline to look at: The Cardinals have lastly discovered some consistency. They’ve gained two in a row for the primary time since 2021 and have taken three out of 4. If they might proceed their run with a win Sunday, they will be in a chief place going into subsequent week’s recreation in opposition to the Jets, which is their final earlier than their bye week. — Josh Weinfuss
Stat to know: The Bears have the toughest remaining schedule within the NFL, in keeping with ESPN Analytics. After their subsequent two video games in opposition to Arizona and New England, they are going to play eight straight contests in opposition to groups with a present document of .500 or higher.
Bold prediction: Bears tight finish Cole Kmet will has 75-plus receiving yards. He’ll bounce again from his one-reception efficiency final week as Arizona permits targets to tight ends on 21% of dropbacks, the fourth-highest fee within the league. Plus, Arizona struggles in opposition to the move typically. — Walder
Injuries: Bears | Cardinals
Fantasy X issue: Cardinals operating again James Conner. He’s in a terrific spot this week. Arizona’s offensive line has been spectacular, rating ninth in run block win fee, whereas the Bears are twenty second in run cease win fee (72.8%). Conner has averaged 14.2 fantasy factors per recreation. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is 10-16 ATS in his profession as a favourite (6-12 ATS as house favourite). Read extra.
Kahler’s choose: Cardinals 21, Bears 18
Moody’s choose: Cardinals 20, Bears 17
Walder’s choose: Cardinals 24, Bears 23
FPI prediction: CHI, 49.9% (by a mean of 0.0 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Bears stand by criticism however purpose to maintain it ‘in-house’ … How Cardinals’ McBride is ascending right into a top-tier TE … Why Cardinals’ come-from-behind win vs. Dolphins could be wanted spark
4:25 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: DET -3.5 (48.5 O/U)
Lions storyline to look at: At 6-1 and with veteran quarterback Jared Goff competing at an MVP degree, the Lions are off to their finest begin since 1956. Detroit has gained its previous two video games at Lambeau Field, and Goff has a uncommon alternative to match former Packers star Aaron Rodgers’ NFL-record of six straight video games with a number of passing touchdowns and a 70% completion fee. — Eric Woodyard
Packers storyline to look at: How a lot the Packers run the ball is determined by whether or not it is Jordan Love (groin) or Malik Willis at quarterback. In the 2 video games Willis began earlier this season whereas Love was out due to a knee harm, the Packers referred to as designed runs on 68% of the snaps in contrast with 41% in Love’s six begins, in keeping with ESPN Research. Either means, count on operating again Josh Jacobs to be exhausting to sort out. He has the second-most speeding yards after contact within the NFL this season, behind solely the Ravens’ Derrick Henry. — Rob Demovsky
Stat to know: Goff has accomplished 83% of his passes over the previous 5 video games, which is the best share throughout a five-game span in NFL historical past (minimal of fifty makes an attempt).
Bold prediction: Jacobs is not going to catch a single move. The Lions have allowed operating again receptions on simply 8% of opponent dropbacks, the bottom fee within the league. — Walder
Injuries: Lions | Packers
Fantasy X issue: Goff. He’s averaging 27.0 move makes an attempt and 17.2 fantasy factors per recreation this season. Goff has been particularly efficient on the street, with 19.8 fantasy factors per recreation. And with the Packers doubtlessly lacking nook Jaire Alexander (knee) and security 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 additionally 6-1 outright and ATS as house underdogs with him. Read extra.
Kahler’s choose: Lions 37, Packers 26
Moody’s choose: Packers 31, Lions 26
Walder’s choose: Lions 34, Packers 26
FPI prediction: DET, 59.7% (by a mean of 4.2 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Lions’ offense is on an all-time run … For Packers to beat Lions, their offense should step up … Report: Prosecutors reviewing warrant request for Lions’ Williams
0:44
Jameson Williams suspended 2 video games by NFL
Adam Schefter offers particulars on the NFL’s suspension of Lions WR Jameson Williams for violating the performance-enhancing substances coverage.
4:25 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: LAR -1.5 (48.5 O/U)
Rams storyline to look at: Running again Kyren Williams ranks second within the NFL with 10 scrimmage touchdowns this season. With two extra touchdowns Sunday, Williams can change into the fourth participant in Rams historical past with 12 or extra touchdowns by means of eight video games of a season, in keeping with ESPN Research. Williams has scored not less than two touchdowns in a recreation twice this season. — Sarah Barshop
Seahawks storyline to look at: The Seahawks are “optimistic” — in coach Mike Macdonald’s phrases — that DK Metcalf might be again after lacking final week’s recreation due to an MCL sprain. The star receiver’s absence versus Buffalo was evident in Seattle’s lack of ability to generate an offensive play of longer than 20 yards for the primary time since 2017. Rams cornerback and one-time Seahawk Ahkello Witherspoon obtained beneath Metcalf’s pores and skin final season, which might 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 not using a passing landing since 2014 with the Jets.
Bold prediction: The Rams will maintain their opponent to beneath 4.0 yards per carry for the second time this season. There’s a weak-on-weak matchup on the bottom right here with the Seahawks rating twenty ninth in EPA per designed carry and the Rams rating twenty ninth in EPA allowed per designed carry. Something has to offer, and my guess is it breaks the Rams’ means. — Walder
Injuries: Rams | Seahawks
Fantasy X issue: Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. He simply put up a season-high 24.7 fantasy factors in opposition to the Vikings in Week 8, with receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp as his high targets. This week’s matchup with Seattle stands out with one of many highest level 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 extra.
Kahler’s choose: Seahawks 28, Rams 24
Moody’s choose: Rams 26, Seahawks 23
Walder’s choose: Rams 20, Seahawks 17
FPI prediction: LAR, 50.3% (by a mean of 0.1 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Rams’ Kupp scores in return; McVay expects WR to remain … 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 look at: With QB Joe Flacco set to take over, search for an attention-grabbing subplot in how he offers with the Vikings’ heavy blitz bundle. Minnesota blitzes on the highest fee within the NFL this season (42%), however Flacco leads all QBs since 2023 in touchdowns per move try (13.3%) and yards per completion (14.8) when blitzed. Flacco additionally has the fourth-lowest sack fee (5.1%) in opposition to the blitz. — Stephen Holder
Vikings storyline to look at: The Vikings are anticipated to get tight finish T.J. Hockenson again onto the sphere now that he has recovered from a torn ACL and MCL in his proper knee. That will probably immediate a redistribution of targets among the many crew’s move catchers, a shift that ought to profit the offense even when it finally takes a number of targets away from vast receiver Justin Jefferson. To this level, Jefferson has 34.9% of quarterback Sam Darnold’s targets, the second-highest share by any participant by means of seven video games prior to now 10 seasons. — Kevin Seifert
Stat to know: ESPN Analytics offers Indianapolis a 64% likelihood to make the playoffs with Flacco, in contrast with a 46% likelihood with Richardson.
2:15
Schefter: Colts benching Richardson ‘a seismic transfer on quite a lot of ranges’
Adam Schefter joins Pat McAfee and reviews on the Colts’ determination to bench Anthony Richardson for Joe Flacco.
Bold prediction: Colts vast receiver Adonai Mitchell will document 50-plus receiving yards for the primary time. With Flacco beneath middle, the offense will probably be extra dependable. Mitchell hasn’t produced huge numbers but, however there are good indicators. He ranks fourth in open rating with an 81. — Walder
Injuries: Colts | Vikings
Fantasy X issue: Colts vast receiver Josh Downs. With Flacco stepping in, the Colts’ passing recreation is trending up. His accuracy will profit the Colts’ receivers. Downs and Flacco have already proven sturdy chemistry, and the receiver has cleared 16 fantasy factors in 4 of his previous 5 video games. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Vikings are 0-2 outright and ATS of their previous two video games (each as favorites). They began the 12 months 5-0 outright and ATS. Read extra.
Kahler’s choose: Colts 28, Vikings 26
Moody’s choose: Vikings 31, Colts 24
Walder’s choose: Vikings 29, Colts 14
FPI prediction: MIN, 53.9% (by a mean of 1.4 factors)
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 look at: Without vast receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, quarterback Baker Mayfield leaned closely on tight finish Cade Otton final week. The Bucs must do it once more, with seemingly the one actual gap within the Chiefs’ protection being that they are giving up a mean of 80.86 yards to opposing tight ends — essentially the most of any crew within the league. Does “National Tight Ends Day” carry over for an additional week? — Jenna Laine
Chiefs storyline to look at: The Chiefs have held 5 of their seven opponents beneath their season common in scoring, together with two within the NFL’s high 10 in factors. But Mayfield and the Bucs, fourth in scoring at greater than 29 factors per recreation, current Kansas City’s largest problem. The Chiefs had their most efficient pass-rushing recreation of the season final week in opposition to the Raiders with 5 sacks, and so they added edge rusher Joshua Uche in a commerce with the Patriots this week. — Adam Teicher
Stat to know: The Buccaneers are permitting 26.6 factors (twenty eighth within the NFL) and 387 complete yards (thirtieth) per recreation.
Bold prediction: The Chiefs will enable no multiple landing to the Bucs. I’ve a tough time seeing Tampa Bay’s offense succeed with out Evans and Godwin. Its depth receivers must beat press protection, however the Chiefs do this greater than every other crew within the league at exterior nook. — Walder
Injuries: Buccaneers | Chiefs
Fantasy X issue: Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He completed with a season-high 18.1 fantasy factors in opposition to the Raiders in Week 8. No protection this season permits extra fantasy factors per recreation than the Buccaneers. I imagine Mahomes can maintain his momentum going in opposition to Tampa Bay. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Mahomes is 22-28 ATS in his profession when laying not less than seven factors (0-2 ATS this season). Read extra.
Kahler’s choose: Buccaneers 27, Chiefs 24
Moody’s choose: Chiefs 28, Buccaneers 20
Walder’s choose: Chiefs 27, Buccaneers 13
FPI prediction: KC, 63.0% (by a mean of 5.3 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Godwin says playoff return ‘best-case state of affairs’ … Why the Chiefs are the brand new Patriots
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