The Week 9 NFL schedule for the 2024 season is stacked with nice matchups, and we’ve you coated with what you might want to know heading into the weekend.
Our NFL Nation reporters deliver us the most important keys to each recreation, and analytics author Seth Walder makes a daring prediction for every matchup. The ESPN Analysis crew supplies a giant 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 football X elements, and three analysts — Kalyn Kahler, Moody and Walder — give us remaining rating picks for each recreation. Every part you wish to know is right here in a single spot that will help you prepare for a loaded weekend of NFL football.
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 up the Vikings. All of it culminates with a “Monday Evening Soccer” matchup between the Buccaneers and the Chiefs on ESPN. (Recreation instances are Sunday except in any other case famous.)
Cowboys storyline to observe: The Cowboys are at a crossroads. Will they be contending for the playoffs or draft positioning within the second half of the season? Solely as soon as since 1989 have the Cowboys made the playoffs after beginning 3-5 — in 2018 when their midseason trade for vast receiver Amari Cooper sparked a 10-6 end. However 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 observe: The offensively versatile Falcons would possibly turn out to be 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 charge on under-center runs amongst working backs with a minimum of 30 carries, whereas the Cowboys have given up the second-highest success charge (49.3%) on such runs, per NFL Subsequent 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).
Daring prediction: Falcons tight finish Kyle Pitts will document underneath 25 receiving yards. I am not anticipating a breakout from him, not with a 33 open score anyway. That is the worst amongst all qualifying tight ends and vast receivers. — Walder
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 charge (26.7%) and offers 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 more.
Kahler’s decide: Falcons 28, Cowboys 20
Moody’s decide: Falcons 31, Cowboys, 27
Walder’s decide: Cowboys 27, Falcons 23
FPI prediction: ATL, 56.7% (by a median of two.6 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Another missed chance by Cowboys, Prescott versus 49ers … Falcons’ Pitts having career revival with help of ‘tight end gods’
Dolphins (2-5) at Bills (6-2)
1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: BUF -6 (48.5 O/U)
Dolphins storyline to observe: Dolphins rookie working 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 greatest offensive participant this season, and coach Mike McDaniel stated Mostert has been a “gigantic tone-setter” for the crew. Nonetheless, when requested about getting the rookie extra concerned, McDaniel stated Miami will make the “mandatory changes to guarantee that he can contribute his talent set.” — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Payments storyline to observe: Rookie receiver Keon Coleman has 9 receptions for 195 yards up to now two video games. He had 201 receiving yards within the first six video games. “The belief that I’ve in him simply grows daily, and we get further reps after apply, and also you see that beginning to pay dividends,” quarterback Josh Allen stated. The Payments’ offense has had success at house this season, averaging 38.3 in three video games. — Alaina Getzenberg
Stat to know: The Dolphins have scored 28 complete factors in three street video games this season. They’ve scored underneath 40 complete factors of their first 4 street video games solely as soon as in franchise historical past (30 in 1967).
0:39
Why Subject Yates is nervous to begin Tua vs. Payments
Subject Yates and Stephania Bell focus on if Tua Tagovailoa can have a giant day towards the Payments.
Daring prediction: Payments tight finish Dalton Kincaid will document six or extra receptions. Towards the Dolphins, 23% of targets have gone to tight ends this season, which is tied for many within the NFL. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Payments 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 prime eight within the league of their use of zone protection, and Allen ranks close to the highest of the league in QBR towards zone protection. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is 4-0-1 ATS in his profession as a minimum of a six-point underdog. Read more.
Kahler’s decide: Payments 30, Dolphins 21
Moody’s decide: Payments 34, Dolphins 24
Walder’s decide: Payments 30, Dolphins 23
FPI prediction: BUF, 72.0% (by a median of 9.1 factors)
Matchup must-reads: How Tua stayed connected with Dolphins while on IR … Allen takes Bills QB room to World Series Game 4 … Tua praised for protecting self in Miami loss
Raiders (2-6) at Bengals (3-5)
1 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: CIN -7 (46.5 O/U)
Raiders storyline to observe: The Raiders have already used 4 completely different beginning offensive line combos in eight video games and might need to deploy a fifth towards the Bengals. Heart Andre James is coping with a proper ankle damage 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 faculty middle, slid over to shut out the sport, with out a lot of a drop-off. “I’ve bought nice guys round me,” Powers-Johnson stated. “The entire line is pushing for me and wanting me to be nice. … Positively a studying curve, so I’ve bought to get on the bike once more and begin driving the tricycle once more.” — Paul Gutierrez
Bengals storyline to observe: One matchup might dictate how issues go for the Bengals’ offense: left sort out Orlando Brown Jr., who’s battling a lower right leg injury forward of Sunday’s recreation, vs. Maxx Crosby, who’s ninth within the league in move rush win charge as an edge rusher (22.3%). Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is aware of the plan for achievement is straightforward: “The most important factor is eradicate [Crosby’s] capability to have an effect on the sport.” — Ben Child
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 towards the Raiders, together with the playoffs.
Daring 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 a minimum of 100 protection snaps. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Bengals working again Chase Brown. Cincinnati’s backfield began as a committee with Zack Moss and Brown, however Brown’s workload has ramped up these days. 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 towards a Raiders protection 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 profession, which is the very best mark of anybody who has coached tred4dat least 10 video games. Read more.
Kahler’s decide: Bengals 24, Raiders 17
Moody’s decide: Bengals 28, Raiders 24
Walder’s decide: Bengals 34, Raiders 19
FPI prediction: CIN, 65.0% (by a median of 5.6 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Pierce: Raiders must ‘clean up’ playcalling, offensive issues … 3 ways the Bengals’ defense regressed since Super Bowl LVI … Raiders’ run game reaches tragic low vs. Chiefs
Chargers (4-3) at Browns (2-6)
1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: LAC -1.5 (42.5 O/U)
Chargers storyline to observe: 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 observe: QB Jameis Winston remodeled the Browns’ offense in his first start — 334 passing yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions — however is his efficiency sustainable? Sunday’s matchup towards the Chargers, the very best protection Cleveland has confronted thus far, shall be telling. Los Angeles leads the NFL in scoring protection, permitting 13 factors per recreation. — Daniel Oyefusi
Stat to know: That 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.
Daring prediction: Winston will throw two or extra interceptions. He had two dropped interceptions towards the Ravens final week. He is 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
Fantasy X issue: Browns vast receiver Cedric Tillman. He has two straight video games of 9 or extra targets and a minimum of 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 ATS towards groups with shedding data. Read more.
Kahler’s decide: Chargers 24, Browns 22
Moody’s decide: Chargers 17, Browns 16
Walder’s decide: Chargers 23, Browns 16
FPI prediction: CLE, 54.3% (by a median of 1.5 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Chargers rookie performance in Week 8 offers vindication … QB Winston breathing 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 must seize Browns WR Cedric Tillman if they’ll.
Patriots (2-6) at Titans (1-6)
1 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: TEN -3.5 (37.5 O/U)
Patriots storyline to observe: Rookie quarterback Drake Maye has been in concussion protocol since Sunday, however as a restricted participant in apply all through the week, coach Jerod Mayo is leaving open the likelihood that he performs. “I do believe that if the league says he is able to play, he’ll be capable of go on the market and function,” Mayo stated. If Maye is not cleared to play, veteran Jacoby Brissett would get the beginning and rookie Joe Milton III could be the backup. — Mike Reiss
Titans storyline to observe: 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 against the Bengals. At 1-6, no recreation must be taken without any consideration by the Titans. However this week must be a super alternative for coach Brian Callahan to get his first win at Nissan Stadium. “I am excited to get again in entrance of our followers and provides them one thing to be enthusiastic about once more.” — Turron Davenport
Stat to know: The Titans misplaced back-to-back video games by a minimum of 20 factors for the primary time since Weeks 13-14 in 2014. They have not misplaced three straight by 20 factors since October 2009.
Daring prediction: Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez will document an interception. Gonzalez has the very best goal charge amongst exterior corners with a better-than-average yards per protection snap and 100 protection snaps, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. In different phrases, the ball is coming his method however he isn’t permitting a lot of manufacturing. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Titans working again Tony Pollard. He has been a constant vivid spot in a struggling offense. The Patriots’ protection has been susceptible to working backs, permitting the fifth-most fantasy factors per recreation to the place. Pollard’s workload stays sturdy, with 18-plus touches in three straight video games. 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 more.
Kahler’s decide: Patriots 24, Titans 17
Moody’s decide: Patriots 20, Titans 18
Walder’s decide: Titans 19, Patriots 16
FPI prediction: TEN, 60.3% (by a median of 4.2 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Pats QB Maye in concussion protocol … Being a first-time NFL head coach can be tough; just ask these 4
Commanders (6-2) at Giants (2-6)
1 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: WSH -4 (44.5 O/U)
Commanders storyline to observe: Washington ranks second within the NFL in yards per run (5.2) and third in rush yards per recreation (165.8). A few of the latter complete stems from quarterback Jayden Daniels, who averages 53 dashing yards per recreation. However the Commanders’ working backs nonetheless common a mixed 5.2 per carry. In the meantime, 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 dealing with sturdy edge move rushers, the Commanders will look to manage the sport on the bottom. — John Keim
Giants storyline to observe: Giants rookie vast receiver Malik Nabers is seeking to bounce again from a recreation by which he had two key drops in Pittsburgh. He is particularly motivated towards 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 is itching for one more 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.
Daring prediction: The Commanders will break off a 20-plus-yard display screen play in some unspecified time in the future within the recreation. Washington runs screens 6% of the time, the fourth-highest charge within the league, and the Giants’ protection ranks thirtieth in EPA allowed per display screen. — Walder
Accidents: 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 properly towards 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 more.
Kahler’s decide: Commanders 30, Giants 23
Moody’s decide: Commanders 27, Giants 21
Walder’s decide: Commanders 30, Giants 14
FPI prediction: WSH, 65.5% (by a median of 5.8 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Inside Commanders’ wild Hail Mary to stun Bears … QB Jones ‘frustrated’ amid his, Giants’ struggles
Saints (2-6) at Panthers (1-7)
1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: NO -7 (43.5 O/U)
Saints storyline to observe: Derek Carr is anticipated to begin after lacking the previous three video games due to an oblique injury, 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’re going to 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 observe: Bryce Young will start again at quarterback, however he did not fare properly within the Panthers’ first recreation towards the Saints. He was sacked 4 instances and handed for under 161 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. However Carolina’s greatest drawback is protection, notably with Carr returning. Carr had three passing TDs in Week 1, and the Saints rushed for 180 yards towards a wholesome Carolina protection. The Panthers have misplaced a number of key defenders since and are giving up an NFL-worst 154.6 dashing yards per recreation. — David Newton
Stat to know: Younger is 2-17 as a starter and can make his twentieth begin Sunday. With a loss, Younger would be part of Steve DeBerg and Chris Weinke as the one quarterbacks since 1950 to lose 18 of his first 20 profession begins.
Daring prediction: Saints working again Alvin Kamara will rush for 100 or extra yards. Carolina cannot cease the run — it ranks thirty second in run cease win charge (25.9%) and twenty eighth in EPA allowed per designed carry (minus-2.91). In fact, the Panthers cannot cease the move both, however the Saints can get Kamara extra concerned after taking an early lead. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Saints vast receiver Chris Olave. He scored 18.7 fantasy factors towards the Chargers in Week 8 — a giant aid for fantasy managers. Olave had simply 2.5 factors mixed in Weeks 5 and 6 after which missed Week 7 towards the Broncos. He is positioned to keep up the constructive momentum. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Panthers are 1-7 towards the unfold this season, which is the worst ATS document within the NFL. Read more.
Kahler’s decide: Saints 21, Panthers 14
Moody’s decide: Saints 30, Panthers 17
Walder’s decide: Saints 27, Panthers 12
FPI prediction: NO, 71.5% (by a median of 8.3 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Can Saints snap six-game freefall against Panthers? … A rare feel-good story for Panthers in rookie UDFA WR Coker … Did Young do enough to get another start for Panthers?
0:46
Chuba Hubbard’s fantasy outlook for Week 9
Discover Chuba Hubbard’s fantasy stats as he prepares to tackle the Saints in Week 9.
Broncos (5-3) at Ravens (5-3)
1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: BAL -9.5 (46.5 O/U)
Broncos storyline to observe: The Broncos have their greatest document since they had been 6-2 after eight video games within the 2016 season, however they’ve discovered prosperity towards a number of of essentially the most wobbly groups within the league. Three wins have come over 2-6 groups (Jets, Saints and Raiders) to go along with a win over a now 1-7 Carolina. The Ravens might 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 a minimum of 10 yards and completions of a minimum of 20 yards). — Jeff Legwold
Ravens storyline to observe: The Ravens are 24-3 (.889), together with the playoffs, at house towards rookie beginning quarterbacks in franchise historical past, which is the very best house win share by any crew since 1950. Nonetheless, Denver’s Bo 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 every. — Jamison Hensley
Stat to know: Ravens working again Derrick Henry has 9 straight video games with a landing, relationship to final season. That is the third-longest streak by a participant at age 30 or older in NFL historical past.
Daring 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 towards the move. The yardage shall be there, however I worry it’ll principally be in catch-up mode. — Walder
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 towards the Panthers. Now, he is up towards 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 very best over share within the NFL. Read more.
Kahler’s decide: Ravens 33, Broncos 24
Moody’s decide: Ravens 35, Broncos 24
Walder’s decide: Ravens 30, Broncos 20
FPI prediction: BAL, 76.6% (by a median of 10.3 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Nix, Payton finding groove together for surging Broncos … Ravens’ defensive ‘funk’ is biggest hurdle in championship hunt … Are the Broncos playoff contenders? Four things to prove
Jaguars (2-6) at Eagles (5-2)
4:05 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: PHI -7.5 (45.5 O/U)
Jaguars storyline to observe: As unhealthy 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 lower down his turnovers (he has 5 after averaging 20 per season over his first three seasons), they usually’re averaging 5.8 yards per play, which might be the very best mark in franchise historical past. The most important challenge is their gradual begins (simply 20 factors scored within the first quarter), which could not damage 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 observe: Quarterback Jalen Hurts has turn out to be way more environment friendly in latest 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 up to now three video games. Philadelphia is 3-0 over that stretch with a points-per-game differential of plus-16.3, in comparison with minus-2.5 throughout its 2-2 begin. — Tim McManus
Stat to know: Hurts has had 5 dashing touchdowns up to now two video games, essentially the most by any quarterback in a two-game span since 1951. Since 1950, 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 Tremendous Bowl contenders
Jeff Saturday explains why Jalen Hurts and the Eagles must be thought of Tremendous Bowl contenders.
Daring prediction: Eagles edge rusher Josh Sweat will document a move rush win charge of 25% or larger. Sweat will face Walker Little, who changed left sort out Cam Robinson (since traded) final week. Traditionally, Little has not been nice. He has a profession 82% move block win charge at sort out, which is properly under common. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Jaguars tight finish Evan Engram. Extensive receiver Christian Kirk is out for the season due to a broken collarbone, and vast receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) is everyday. Meaning Lawrence will doubtless lean on Engram. Final 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 a minimum of seven-point underdogs was the 2022 divisional playoffs towards the Chiefs (plus-9.5). Read more.
Kahler’s decide: Eagles 34, Jaguars 18
Moody’s decide: Eagles 33, Jaguars 20
Walder’s decide: Eagles 27, Jaguars 20
FPI prediction: PHI, 68.1% (by a median 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 during Eagles-Bengals
Bears (4-3) at Cardinals (4-4)
4:05 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: ARI -1.5 (44.5 O/U)
Bears storyline to observe: Coach Matt Eberflus was mum when requested whether or not cornerback Tyrique Stevenson would begin towards Arizona or be benched after his antics on the final play in Washington contributed to an 18-15 loss for the Bears. Eberflus stated the second-year nook “has made loads of performs for this group and for our protection and for our soccer crew over the past couple of years, and he’ll proceed to try this.” Given the Bears are already coping with accidents to Jaquan Brisker (concussion) and Kyler Gordon (hamstring), changing one other starter within the lineup may not be within the playing cards Sunday. — Courtney Cronin
Cardinals storyline to observe: 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 major place going into subsequent week’s recreation towards 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 response to ESPN Analytics. After their subsequent two video games towards Arizona and New England, they are going to play eight straight contests towards groups with a present document of .500 or higher.
Daring 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 charge within the league. Plus, Arizona struggles towards the move basically. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Cardinals working again James Conner. He is in an important spot this week. Arizona’s offensive line has been spectacular, rating ninth in run block win charge, whereas the Bears are twenty second in run cease win charge (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 more.
Kahler’s decide: Cardinals 21, Bears 18
Moody’s decide: Cardinals 20, Bears 17
Walder’s decide: Cardinals 24, Bears 23
FPI prediction: CHI, 49.9% (by a median of 0.0 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Bears stand by criticism but aim to keep it ‘in-house’ … How Cardinals’ McBride is ascending into a top-tier TE … Why Cardinals’ come-from-behind win vs. Dolphins might be needed spark
Lions (6-1) at Packers (6-2)
4:25 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: DET -3.5 (48.5 O/U)
Lions storyline to observe: At 6-1, the Lions are off to their greatest begin since 1956 with veteran quarterback Jared Goff competing at an MVP degree. Detroit has gained its previous two video games at Lambeau Subject, 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 charge. — Eric Woodyard
Packers storyline to observe: How a lot the Packers run the ball depends upon whether or not it is Jordan Love (groin) or Malik Willis at quarterback. Within the two video games that Willis began earlier this season whereas Love was out due to a knee damage, the Packers known as designed runs on 68% of the snaps in comparison with 41% in Love’s six begins, in response to ESPN Analysis. Both method, count on working again Josh Jacobs to be onerous to sort out. He has the second-most dashing yards after contract 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 very best share throughout a five-game span in NFL historical past (minimal of fifty makes an attempt).
Daring prediction: Jacobs is not going to catch a single move. The Lions have allowed working again receptions on simply 8% of opponent dropbacks, the bottom charge within the league. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Goff. He is 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 probably 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 underneath coach Matt LaFleur. They’re additionally 6-1 outright and ATS as house underdogs with him. Read more.
Kahler’s decide: Lions 37, Packers 26
Moody’s decide: Packers 31, Lions 26
Walder’s decide: Lions 34, Packers 26
FPI prediction: DET, 59.7% (by a median of 4.2 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Lions’ offense is on an all-time run … For Packers to beat Lions, their offense must step up … Report: Prosecutors reviewing warrant request for Lions’ Williams
0:44
Jameson Williams suspended 2 video games by NFL
Adam Schefter provides particulars on the NFL’s suspension of Lions WR Jameson Williams for violating the performance-enhancing substances coverage.
Rams (3-4) at Seahawks (4-4)
4:25 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: LAR -1.5 (48.5 O/U)
Rams storyline to observe: Operating again Kyren Williams ranks second within the NFL with 10 scrimmage touchdowns this season. With two extra touchdowns Sunday, Williams can turn out to be the fourth participant in Rams historical past with 12 or extra touchdowns by means of eight video games of a season, in response to ESPN Analysis. Williams has scored a minimum of two touchdowns in a recreation twice this season. — Sarah Barshop
Seahawks storyline to observe: The Seahawks are “optimistic” — in coach Mike Macdonald’s phrases — that DK Metcalf shall 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 incapacity to generate an offensive play of longer than 20 yards for the primary time since 2017. Rams cornerback and one-time Seahawk Ahkello Witherspoon bought underneath 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 with out a passing landing since 2014 with the Jets.
Daring prediction: The Rams will maintain their opponent to underneath 4.0 yards per carry for the second time this season. There is 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. One thing has to present, and my guess is it breaks the Rams’ method. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. He simply put up a season-high 24.7 fantasy factors towards the Vikings in Week 8, with receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp as his prime 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 more.
Kahler’s decide: Seahawks 28, Rams 24
Moody’s decide: Rams 26, Seahawks 23
Walder’s decide: Rams 20, Seahawks 17
FPI prediction: LAR, 50.3% (by a median of 0.1 factors)
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
Colts (4-4) at Vikings (5-2)
8:20 p.m. ET | NBC/Peacock | ESPN BET: MIN -5 (46.5 O/U)
Colts storyline to observe: With QB Joe Flacco set to take over, search for an fascinating subplot in how he offers with the Vikings’ heavy blitz bundle. Minnesota blitzes on the highest charge 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 charge (5.1%) towards the blitz. — Stephen Holder
Vikings storyline to observe: The Vikings are anticipated to get tight finish T.J. Hockenson back on the sector now that he has recovered from a torn ACL and MCL in his proper knee. That may doubtless immediate a redistribution of targets among the many crew’s pass-catchers, a shift that ought to profit the offense even when it in the end takes a couple of targets away from vast receiver Justin Jefferson. Up to now, Jefferson has 34.9% of quarterback Sam Darnold‘s targets, the second-highest share by any participant by means of seven video games up to now 10 seasons. — Kevin Seifert
Stat to know: ESPN Analytics provides Indianapolis a 64% probability to make the playoffs with Flacco, in comparison with a 46% probability with Richardson.
2:15
Schefter: Colts benching Richardson ‘a seismic transfer on loads of ranges’
Adam Schefter joins Pat McAfee and experiences on the Colts’ choice to bench Anthony Richardson for Joe Flacco.
Daring prediction: Colts vast receiver Adonai Mitchell will document 50-plus receiving yards for the primary time. With Flacco underneath middle, the offense will doubtless 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
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 yr 5-0 outright and ATS. Read more.
Kahler’s decide: Colts 28, Vikings 26
Moody’s decide: Vikings 31, Colts 24
Walder’s decide: Vikings 29, Colts 14
FPI prediction: MIN, 53.9% (by a median 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
Buccaneers (4-4) at Chiefs (7-0)
8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN/ABC | ESPN BET: KC -8.5 (45.5 O/U)
Buccaneers storyline to observe: With out vast receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, quarterback Baker Mayfield leaned closely on tight finish Cade Otton final week. The Bucs should do it once more, with seemingly the one actual gap within the Chiefs’ protection being that they are giving up a median 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 one more week? — Jenna Laine
Chiefs storyline to observe: The Chiefs have held 5 of their seven opponents underneath their season common in scoring, together with two within the NFL’s prime 10 in factors. However Mayfield and the Bucs, fourth in scoring at greater than 29 factors per recreation, current Kansas Metropolis’s greatest problem. The Chiefs had their most efficient pass-rushing recreation of the season final week towards the Raiders with 5 sacks, they usually added edge rusher Joshua Uche in a trade 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.
Daring prediction: The Chiefs will permit no a couple of landing to the Bucs. I’ve a tough time seeing Tampa Bay’s offense succeed with out Evans and Godwin. Its depth receivers should beat press protection, however the Chiefs do this greater than some other crew within the league at exterior nook. — Walder
Accidents: Buccaneers | Chiefs
Fantasy X issue: Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He completed with a season-high 18.1 fantasy factors towards the Raiders in Week 8. No protection this season permits extra fantasy factors per recreation than the Buccaneers. I consider Mahomes can maintain his momentum going towards Tampa Bay. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Mahomes is 22-28 ATS in his profession when laying a minimum of seven factors (0-2 ATS this season). Read more.
Kahler’s decide: Buccaneers 27, Chiefs 24
Moody’s decide: Chiefs 28, Buccaneers 20
Walder’s decide: Chiefs 27, Buccaneers 13
FPI prediction: KC, 63.0% (by a median of 5.3 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Godwin says playoff return ‘best-case scenario’ … Why the Chiefs are the new Patriots
