NFL’s Top Week 9 Games

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Week 8 of the NFL season was expected to be a bit of a letdown after a thrilling slate of games the week prior. It was anything but. Ten of the fifteen games came down to one possession, most notably Washington’s unbelievable Hail Mary finish. Week 9 lacks high-profile matchups in the same way Week 8 did, but that seems to be something to be excited about. This is the point in the season when certain teams turn their attention from the standings to the draft board. I’ve listed my top five games of this weekend.

5. Texans @ Jets

I’m giving the Jets one last chance. This team was built to be a contender, and to this point, it has fallen dramatically short. The Davante Adams trade was sold as the move that would turn the tide for New York, but the Jets are 0-2 since the move. If they can’t pull off a win at home against the Texans, their season will be effectively over. Houston is vulnerable this week, as they’ll be missing their top two receivers. Still, I have no hope that New York can turn things around.

HOU 24-17 NYJ

4. Broncos @ Ravens

Last week, I would have said that Baltimore was locked in as one of the top three teams in the NFL. Now it appears they have the potential to lose any given matchup. Without Mike Macdonald calling plays, the Ravens’ defense has lacked the dynamism that made it an elite unit in 2023. Meanwhile, Bo Nix has suddenly become a true contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year. I guess that’s what playing against the Panthers can do for a quarterback. I see Baltimore bouncing back in this matchup.

BAL 31-21 DEN

3. Cowboys @ Falcons

Dallas, similar to the Jets, has one final chance to turn their season around. You have my word; if the Cowboys lose this one, they won’t be included in any more “top games” rankings (at least for a little bit). The offense has lacked any sort of run game and no longer possesses the explosive potential that made it so dangerous last year. On defense, Dallas is still missing enough key starters to instill confidence in any opposing unit. Atlanta has shown struggles of their own on defense. The offense, on the other hand, has been rolling, scoring at least 30 in three of their last four games. I expect Kirk Cousins and the Falcons to pick apart the Cowboys’ defense.

ATL 31-24 DAL

2. Rams @ Seahawks

The NFC West is wide open, and this matchup could have a major impact on which team ends up winning it. The Rams, after an injury-riddled start to the season, reminded the league who they are when healthy with a ten-point win over the Vikings last weekend. They now sit just one game away from the lead in the division with plenty of season left to be played. Seattle, after starting the year 3-0, have lost four of their last five games. They need a win here to recover their season. In what may be a shootout, I’ll give the nod to the better offensive playcaller.

LAR 31-28 SEA

1. Lions @ Packers

So far, the NFC North has definitively looked like the best division in football. The division’s top two teams will face off on Sunday, with the winner taking control of the division title race. The Lions are playing better than any team in the NFL right now, with a dominant running game and efficient play from Jared Goff. The Packers’ defense has quietly come along in recent weeks, leading to four consecutive victories. There is some question whether Packers quarterback Jordan Love will suit up. Whether he does or not, I have Detroit picking up yet another win.

DET 28-24 GB