Week 9 NFL matchup previews and predictions from various analysts

Analysts previewed the Thursday night game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Baltimore Ravens, noting the Jaguars’ rank as the No. 5 scoring offense and No. 2 defense in points allowed. The Ravens will start undrafted rookie quarterback Joe Fagnano after injuries to Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley and a pending trade for Jacoby Brissett. The matchup pits Fagnano against a Baltimore defense that ranks seventh in pressure rate.

For the Sunday contest in Madrid, the Cincinnati Bengals receive attention for the performance of receiver Tee Higgins, who ranks second in the league in receiving yards and leads the NFL in missed-tackle rate. Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase together hold the highest passer-rating combination among quarterback-receiver duos with a minimum of 45 targets.

The Denver Broncos face the Carolina Panthers after a four-game winning streak. While Denver holds a perfect home record, the Panthers have struggled on the road and sit atop a quiet NFC South. Analysts suggest the Broncos’ pass rush could challenge Carolina’s offensive line, though the Panthers’ recent defensive coordinator change adds uncertainty.

The Dallas Cowboys host the Indianapolis Colts, both teams coming off disappointing performances. The Colts’ running back Jonathan Taylor is expected to test Dallas’ 32nd-ranked run defense, while the Cowboys aim to contain Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens against Indianapolis’ 30th-ranked scoring defense.

Kansas City’s Chiefs travel to face the New York Jets, each seeking to halt a three-game losing streak. The Jets’ defense has allowed 30.7 points per game during the skid, while the Chiefs hope to capitalize on New York’s high EPA per dropback despite injuries to key receivers.

Detroit’s Lions, coming off three straight wins, travel to play Miami. The Lions’ defense has improved, allowing an average of 17.7 points and 305.7 yards per game since Week 5, a contrast to earlier season figures.

The New Orleans Saints, returning from a bye, prepare to face the Cleveland Browns. The Saints’ run defense remains a concern, ranking 29th in rush yards allowed, while recent roster moves aim to strengthen the offense.

In New York, the Giants host the Philadelphia Eagles, with both teams featuring backup quarterbacks—J.J. McCarthy for the Giants and Joe Milton III for the Eagles—making their first starts of the season.

Sean McVay’s Los Angeles Rams travel to Washington for the first home game in Landover since 2017, seeking to extend a two-game winning streak. The Rams’ defense may feature both Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald after recent acquisitions.

The Houston Texans, coming off a bye, visit the Los Angeles Chargers, who have struggled to score touchdowns over the past month.

San Francisco’s 49ers host the Las Vegas Raiders, with the 49ers’ defensive line bolstered by the return of Nick Bosa and the addition of DeForest Buckner.

The Green Bay Packers play the New England Patriots, both teams holding top-10 defenses and featuring deep-ball quarterbacks—Jordan Love for Green Bay and Drake Maye for New England. The Packers’ rushing attack remains a weakness, averaging 60.6 yards per game.

Seattle’s Seahawks, without Sam Darnold, will start Drew Lock against the Arizona Cardinals, aiming to repeat a successful performance from earlier in the season.

The Chicago Bears travel to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with the Bears’ defense highlighted by recent trade acquisition Jeffery Simmons and quarterback Caleb Williams generating MVP discussion.

Finally, the Buffalo Bills host the Minnesota Vikings, with the Vikings expected to increase blitz pressure on Josh Allen, who has struggled against heavy rushes.

"The Jaguars enter Thursday night with the No. 5 scoring offense and No. 2 defense in points allowed," one analyst noted. "Higgins currently ranks second in the NFL with 636 receiving yards, putting him on pace for nearly 1,800 yards this season," another analyst said. "The Broncos have a perfect 4-0 home record, but this week’s game is in Charlotte," a third analyst observed. "The Lions have allowed their three lowest point totals and yardage totals of the season in the past three contests," a fourth analyst reported. "The Packers’ run game is averaging an NFL-worst 60.6 rush yards per game," a fifth analyst pointed out. "The Rams’ defense could feature both Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald for the first time since the offseason," a sixth analyst added.

These previews highlight injuries, statistical trends, and strategic considerations shaping the Week 9 slate.