The NFL season enters a pivotal stretch as teams prepare for a slate of matchups that could define their playoff trajectories. Our NFL Week 9 expert picks highlight a major shift in the AFC North, where the Baltimore Ravens must navigate a short week without their star signal-caller, while the Dallas Cowboys attempt to salvage their momentum following a disappointing home loss.
Thursday Night: Jaguars Travel to Baltimore
The week kicks off with a lopsided spread as the Jacksonville Jaguars visit the Baltimore Ravens. The biggest story surrounding this matchup is the absence of Lamar Jackson. With Jackson out, the Ravens are forced to start rookie Joe Fagnano under center.
Experts suggest the Ravens are a fundamentally different team without their starting quarterback. Meanwhile, Trevor Lawrence is performing at a high level, supported by a productive ground game. The Jaguars are currently 10-point favorites and are expected to handle the road challenge effectively on a short week.
- Pick: Jaguars 27, Ravens 16
International Action: Bengals and Falcons Head to Spain
In a unique scheduling twist, the Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons will face off in Spain. The Bengals' offense has been explosive recently, with Joe Burrow finding success through the air. In contrast, the Falcons have struggled to find offensive consistency over the past few weeks.
Analysts believe Atlanta will find it difficult to match the big-play potential of Burrow's passing attack. The Bengals enter the contest as 3-point favorites and are expected to secure a double-digit victory abroad.
- Pick: Bengals 33, Falcons 21
Sunday Early Slate: Cowboys, Broncos, and Lions Seek Wins
Several teams are looking to correct course during the Sunday morning window. The Dallas Cowboys are coming off a shocking home defeat at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals. They face an Indianapolis Colts squad that is reportedly considering roster trades amidst significant internal struggles. With the Cowboys' passing game expected to find its rhythm again, they are 6-point favorites to win on the road.
In the AFC West, the Denver Broncos travel to play the Carolina Panthers. Denver is coming off a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs fueled by late-game heroics from Bo Nix. They face a Panthers defense that recently fired defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and has been struggling to protect the line of scrimmage.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions take their high-powered offense to Florida to face the Miami Dolphins. Despite the long travel and Miami's improved play, Jared Goff is expected to lead the Lions to a high-scoring victory.
- Cowboys vs. Colts: Cowboys 31, Colts 17
- Broncos vs. Panthers: Broncos 26, Panthers 20
- Lions vs. Dolphins: Lions 30, Dolphins 13
Key Matchups and Divisional Rivalries
The New York Giants currently sit in first place as they prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles. While the Eagles are struggling following a loss to the Washington Commanders, this rivalry game is expected to be tight. The Eagles' defense will look to contain J.J. McCarthy, but projections favor the Giants to win a close one late.
Other notable games include:
* Kansas City Chiefs vs. New York Jets: The Chiefs are looking to end a two-game skid. Kenneth Walker is expected to be a focal point of the Kansas City offense as they try to outlast a persistent Jets squad.
* New Orleans Saints vs. Cleveland Browns: The Saints have a rest advantage coming off a bye week. This is predicted to be a low-scoring affair as the Browns continue to struggle on the road.
* Washington Commanders vs. Los Angeles Rams: Jayden Daniels is expected to keep the Commanders competitive, but the veteran presence of Matt Stafford may give the Rams the edge in a cross-country trip.
Late Sunday and Monday Night Football
The Seattle Seahawks are looking for redemption after an embarrassing loss to the Chicago Bears. They host the Arizona Cardinals, who are turning to Gardner Minshew at quarterback. Seattle's defense is expected to play with high intensity to stifle the Cardinals' momentum.
On Sunday night, the Chicago Bears host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After a dominant performance against Seattle, the Bears look to Caleb Williams to make the necessary plays down the stretch against a tough Tampa Bay run defense.
The week concludes with the "game of the week" as the Buffalo Bills visit the Minnesota Vikings. This matchup features a clash between Josh Allen and a formidable Minnesota defense. Experts believe the Bills will utilize a ground-heavy strategy to neutralize the Vikings' pass rush, similar to how the Lions attacked them previously.
- Seahawks vs. Cardinals: Seahawks 30, Cardinals 13
- Bears vs. Bucs: Bears 24, Bucs 21
- Bills vs. Vikings: Bills 21, Vikings 14
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Lamar Jackson not playing in Week 9?
While the specific nature of the absence isn't detailed, the Ravens are confirmed to be starting rookie Joe Fagnano in his place for the Thursday night game against the Jaguars.
Where is the Bengals vs. Falcons game being played?
This Week 9 matchup is scheduled to take place in Spain, marking a significant international appearance for both franchises.
Who is starting at quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals?
The Cardinals are making a change at the position, naming Gardner Minshew as the starter for their upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks.