The NFL season is moving fast, and after a solid Week 8, teams are gearing up for Week 9. Without further ado, here are this week’s matchups and teams to keep an eye on during this time.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs Baltimore Ravens (Jaguars -10) – The Jacksonville Jaguars are first in the AFC South, and they have a comfortable lead. They are 5-2 this season, and the Houston Texans are in second place with a record of 2-5. Jacksonville won its last game, and it was a blowout victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Now, they can pick up another win, as they have a road game against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Ravens are having a tough time, as Lamar Jackson is once again out. Then, Tyler Huntley, another quarterback, is expected to miss the rest of the season. Baltimore cannot catch a break, and with injuries piling up, this could be a difficult week. With that said, expect another big win from the Jaguars.
Prediction: The Jaguars win
Cincinnati Bengals vs Atlanta Falcons (Bengals -3) – The Cincinnati Bengals are finding their groove, and they have won their last three games. They picked up an overtime win over the Tennessee Titans last week, and Joe Burrow had a big game. Now, he and his teammates are second in the AFC North, and they want to shoot for the top spot. Their opponent, the Atlanta Falcons, lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their last game, but before that, Atlanta defeated the San Francisco 49ers. The Falcons are 3-5, and after going scoreless against the Buccaneers, they want to try to get a win. However, the Bengals are hot and should get their fourth in a row.
Prediction: The Bengals win
Cleveland Browns vs New Orleans Saints (Saints -3) – The Cleveland Browns have had a solid year, and they have a record of 5-3. The Pittsburgh Steelers handed them their third loss, and as a result, Pittsburgh is on top of the division. Deshaun Watson has been Cleveland’s quarterback since the start of the season, but recent news could change that. Watson is in concussion protocol, which gives Shedeur Sanders the opportunity to start. Sanders took over the starting role last season, and this year, he has been Cleveland’s QB2 and has entered the game on a few occasions. This will be an adjustment for the Browns, but they are taking on a team at the bottom of the NFC South.
The New Orleans Saints are 2-5, and they lost to the Steelers a week before the Browns did, and now, they want to secure a win this time around. There is a chance it happens, but Cleveland could do just enough to get the victory. The potential quarterback change will make an impact, but if Sanders does well, the Browns can get their sixth win.
Prediction: The Browns win
New York Jets vs Kansas City Chiefs (Chiefs -10) – The New York Jets have lost their last three games, and it was recently announced that Garrett Wilson entered concussion protocol. New York is having a hard time, and this week could be even tougher. The Jets are facing the Kansas City Chiefs, and despite losing their last two games, they are still a threat. In fact, now is the perfect time to snap that losing streak and get back on track. The Chiefs are 3-0 in home games, and that streak will remain intact after this game.
Prediction: The Chiefs win
Denver Broncos vs Carolina Panthers (Broncos -2.5) – The Denver Broncos are on top of the AFC West, and they have won their last four games. Their most recent win was against the Chiefs, but they beat teams like the Arizona Cardinals and the Seattle Seahawks before that. The Broncos are on the road, and they can improve to 3-2 in road games with a win here. The Carolina Panthers are hosting the Broncos, and they are first in the NFC South. They are 3-4 after losing their last two games, and as a team that is 1-2 in home games, their opponent can steal a win.
Prediction: The Broncos win
Dallas Cowboys vs Indianapolis Colts (Cowboys -5.5) – The Dallas Cowboys lost a close one last week, as the Cardinals beat them 33-30 in overtime. The Cowboys beat the Philadelphia Eagles before now, and this week, they have a chance to get another win. The Colts are 2-6 after losing their last four games, and they are searching for a victory. However, the Cowboys will take advantage of their struggles and bounce back from the loss to the Cardinals.
Prediction: The Cowboys win
New York Giants vs Philadelphia Eagles (Giants -3.5) – The New York Giants are on top of the NFC East with a record of 4-2-1. They have played well up to this point, and they are taking on a divisional rival that has struggled. The Eagles are on a six-game losing streak, and playing without Jalen Hurts has been a challenge. The Giants are in a good place, and this week is a chance to keep that momentum going.
Prediction: The Giants win
Los Angeles Rams vs Washington Commanders (Rams -5.5) – The Los Angeles Rams are .500, as they won their last two games. They beat the Las Vegas Raiders, and they beat the Los Angeles Chargers.
While the Rams are third in their division, they are still in a good position. They are picking up wins, and they can improve to 3-1 in road games with a victory over the Washington Commanders. The Commanders are 2-4-1 after beating the Eagles. They have yet to win a road game this season, but they are 2-1-1 at home. They will put up a fight against the Rams, but chances are, the Rams take care of business.
Prediction: The Rams win
Detroit Lions vs Miami Dolphins (Lions -7) – The Detroit Lions are on a three-game winning streak, and after blowing out the Cardinals, they picked up close wins over the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings. This week is a chance to keep their win streak alive, as they face the 1-6 Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins beat the Jets before they fell to the New England Patriots. When it comes to the team’s lone win, it was a road game. Miami has not won a home game, and Detroit can take advantage of that. The streak will continue for Detroit, and this squad will keep their division competitive.
Prediction: The Lions win
Houston Texans vs Los Angeles Chargers (Texans -5) – The Houston Texans are 2-5 after losing to the Giants in overtime a couple of weeks ago. Houston is better on the road than at home, and this game could add to that fact. The Texans are facing the Chargers, and they have yet to get a win this season. It has been a struggle, and with that in mind, the Texans should have no problems getting their third win.
Prediction: The Texans win
Arizona Cardinals vs Seattle Seahawks (Seahawks -9.5) – The Cardinals are at the bottom of the NFC West. They are 3-5, and they beat the Cowboys in their last game. This week they are taking on a division rival, and they are second in the division. The Seahawks are fresh off their loss to the Chicago Bears, and this is an opportunity to recover. The Seahawks are 3-2 on their home turf, and this is a chance to get their fourth. And that will likely be the case.
Prediction: The Seahawks win
Las Vegas Raiders vs San Francisco 49ers (49ers -10) – The Raiders are 4-4 so far, and they beat the Jets. They are one of the teams that are better on the road, and they will be ready to take on the 49ers. San Francisco is 6-1 after losing its last game, as Atlanta secured a 29-20 victory. The 49ers had a chance to rest last week, and they will redeem themselves this week. The Raiders will do their part, but in the end, the 49ers will come out victorious.
Prediction: The 49ers win
Green Bay Packers vs New England Patriots (Patriots -3) – The Packers are 5-3 this season, and they are at the bottom of a competitive division. The NFC North is tight, and the Packers are holding their own against their rivals. They beat the Carolina Panthers recently, and they improved to 3-1 at home. Now, they are on the road for a game against the Patriots. The Patriots are 5-3 as well, and they are second in the AFC East. New England took down Miami, and this week has the makings of a good game. However, the Patriots will take it.
Prediction: The Patriots win
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Chicago Bears (Bears -6.5) – The Buccaneers have won their last two games, and while the last one was not pretty, a win is a win. They are 3-5, and they are a solid road team. But they are facing a strong opponent. The Bears are 6-2, and they have won their last three. Chicago is doing well, and this week, the Bears could keep their streak alive.
Prediction: The Bears win
Buffalo Bills vs Minnesota Vikings (Bills -3.5) – The Buffalo Bills are one of the top teams in the league right now, and they have a record of 6-1. They are undefeated in road games, and their opponent is 3-0 in home games. This makes for an interesting matchup, and fans might be in for a treat. The Vikings are coming to play, and in what should be a competitive game, the Bills will win on the road.
Prediction: The Bills win
The NFL season continues, and these games give fans something to be excited about.
