Nov 6, 2020
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ESPN staff
The Week 9 NFL schedule is stacked with colossal matchups. Our NFL Nation journalists roar us the keys to every game, a plucky prediction for every matchup and final rating picks.
Furthermore, ESPN Stats & Data affords a stat to know for every contest, and the Football Vitality Index (FPI) goes inner the numbers with a matchup rating (on a scale of 1 to 100) and a game projection. ESPN Narrative‘s Kyle Soppe and ESPN Chalk‘s Dave Bearman hand out critical nuggets as successfully. It be all here to support net you ready for a loaded weekend of NFL soccer.
Let’s net into the beefy Week 9 slate, in conjunction with Tom Brady and Drew Brees fighting for the NFC South.
Jump to a matchup:
BAL-IND | SEA-BUF | CAR-KC
CHI-TEN | DET-MIN | DEN-ATL
NYG-WSH | HOU-JAX | LV-LAC
MIA-ARI | PIT-DAL | NO-TB
NE-NYJ
Thursday: GB 34, SF 17
Bye: CIN, CLE, LAR, PHI
Ravens (5-2) at Colts (5-2)
1 p.m. ET | CBS
Matchup rating: 78.5 | Spread: BAL -3 (47.5)
What to sight for: This matchup is all about the Ravens’ rushing attack and the Colts’ chase defense. The Ravens lead the NFL in rushing at 178.7 yards per game, whereas the Indianapolis D is the 2nd stingiest within the league in that category at 79.9 yards per game. The Colts must silent earn the advantage in this jam on Sunday ensuing from they’re heading into the game wholesome on the defense, whereas the Ravens will likely be with out initiating left kind out Ronnie Stanley (ankle). — Mike Wells
Valorous prediction: J.K. Dobbins will become the first Ravens working relieve in two years to make over 100 yards rushing in relieve-to-relieve video games. The Colts are the NFL’s No. 2 chase defense, nonetheless Dobbins rushed for a profession-high 113 yards on Sunday in opposition to the Steelers — who had the head-ranked chase defense on the time. — Jamison Hensley
Stat to know: The Colts are one of 5 unbeaten teams at home this season (3-0). However the Ravens are one of three squads that have not misplaced on the avenue (3-0).
What to know for account: Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has four video games this season with fewer than 18 account solutions, after having appropriate one such game closing season. That is a cosmopolitan construction to take into a matchup with the head defense so far by limiting QB solutions. Explore Week 9 rankings.
Having a bet nugget: Indianapolis is 0-3 in opposition to the spread (ATS) as a home underdog below coach Frank Reich. Learn more.
Hensley’s bewitch: Ravens 34, Colts 23
Wells’ bewitch: Colts 27, Ravens 23
FPI prediction: BAL, 59.8% (by a median of 3.4 solutions)
Matchup need to-reads: Ravens need Lamar to be their MVP again … Colts’ No. 2-ranked defense respects Ravens’ Jackson, cannot ‘fear him’ … Jackson takes blame for lack of targets to Brown … Are Colts for valid? Four-game gauntlet forward will likely decide that … Scars of the NFL’s QB guard: How Rivers and others earn labored via injuries
Seahawks (6-1) at Bills (6-2)
1 p.m. ET | Fox
Matchup rating: 76.2 | Spread: SEA -3 (55)
What to sight for: The Seahawks are allowing 358.7 passing yards per game; no crew has ever allowed even 300 passing yards per game over the direction of a beefy season. It on the whole is a net-proper game for the Bills’ passing attack, which has averaged appropriate 210.5 yards over its past four video games after averaging 316.3 within the first four weeks of the season. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Valorous prediction: Seattle security Jamal Adams will net two sacks. The All-Skilled’s return from a four-game absence comes one week after the Seahawks finished one of basically the most blitz-heavy game plans in 11 seasons below Pete Carroll, one thing that they had to develop with out the skill to net rigidity with their entrance four. The addition of Carlos Dunlap to the Seahawks’ line of defense would ideally make them much less reliant on blitzing, nonetheless request that to silent be a wide section of their defensive manner now that Adams is relieve within the lineup. — Brady Henderson
Stat to know: Seahawks wide receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are the first pair in NFL history with 500 receiving yards and 7 receiving touchdowns every of their crew’s first seven video games.
What to know for account: Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson is pacing toward a season with 4,900 passing yards and merely about 600 rushing yards. There has handiest been one occasion in which a quarterback threw for 4,500 yards and ran for 400 in NFL history: Daunte Culpepper in 2004. Explore Week 9 rankings.
Having a bet nugget: The Bills earn failed to duvet in four straight video games. Learn more.
Henderson’s bewitch: Seahawks 30, Bills 27
Louis-Jacques’ bewitch: Bills 35, Seahawks 31
FPI prediction: SEA, 54.8% (by a median of 1.7 solutions)
Matchup need to-reads: How blitzing will likely be key to reviving Seahawks’ skedaddle speed … Bills crank up chase game, give wished enhance to skedaddle-heavy attack … Metcalf emerges with Lockett to provide Seahawks two No. 1 wide receivers
1: 16
Mike Clay loves the matchup for Stefon Diggs and John Brown in opposition to the Seahawks secondary.
Panthers (3-5) at Chiefs (7-1)
1 p.m. ET | Fox
Matchup rating: 65.8 | Spread: KC -10.5 (52.5)
What to sight for: Can the Panthers salvage a manner to maintain the game shut? If the Chiefs rating solutions like they earn got currently — they’re averaging 39 over their past two video games — Carolina received’t be ready to maintain up. Whether it’s to chase the ball continuously to bite up the clock or salvage a defensive contrivance to frustrate quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Panthers need to make a decision out a idea that works, one thing the Chiefs’ past two opponents, every furthermore below .500, couldn’t develop. — Adam Teicher
Valorous prediction: Panthers working relieve Christian McCaffrey would possibly earn 150 total yards from scrimmage after missing six video games with a high ankle sprain. He returns in opposition to the league’s 29th-ranked chase defense (142.8 yards per game), and his performance will support shield Mahomes off the area with sustained drives. — David Newton
Stat to know: Mahomes has 21 landing passes and one interception this season. That is the top likely landing skedaddle rely with no a pair of bewitch via a player’s first eight video games of a season in NFL history, per the Elias Sports actions Bureau.
What to know for account: Touching the ball is the handiest approach to accrue account solutions, making Curtis Samuel a free-agent carve price, on condition that he ranks eighth amongst wide receivers with 6.9 touches per game. Explore Week 9 rankings.
Having a bet nugget: Carolina quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is 20-4 ATS in his profession as an underdog, in conjunction with the playoffs. Learn more.
Newton’s bewitch: Chiefs 35, Panthers 28
Teicher’s bewitch: Chiefs 33, Panthers 16
FPI prediction: KC, 84.1% (by a median of 13.5 solutions)
Matchup need to-reads: Why McCaffrey will again be Panthers’ workhorse — directly … Mahomes has some advice for “younger Patrick” … Panthers would possibly want to fight via as schedule turns more challenging … Mahomes provides deep ball relieve into fetch of concepts
Bears (5-3) at Titans (5-2)
1 p.m. ET | Fox
Matchup rating: 48.2 | Spread: TEN -6.5 (47.5)
What to sight for: Who performs left cornerback for Tennessee? Adoree’ Jackson passed over prepare on Thursday and is but to be added to the 53-man roster after spending loads of the season on the injured reserve listing. If Jackson is activated, it’s likely not that he’ll see a high quantity of snaps, so any individual would possibly want to rotate in. The Titans released frail Johnathan Joseph, leaving Tye Smith and Breon Borders as potentialities on the left aspect. — Turron Davenport
Valorous prediction: Bears quarterback Gash Foles will likely be sacked a minimal of 4 times. Chicago will likely be with out four Week 1 starters alongside the offensive line in opposition to the Titans — and the handiest-case scenario silent leaves it down two of them. Foles has been below colossal rigidity since he took over for Mitchell Trubisky in Week 3, because the Bears earn surrendered 20 sacks (tied for ninth most within the NFL) and skedaddle 21st in skedaddle block elevate rate, based entirely totally on ESPN Stats & Data data. Foles is in for a protracted afternoon. — Jeff Dickerson
Stat to know: Tennessee is closing within the NFL in opponent third-down conversion rate allowed at 61.9%. The crew become eighth closing season at 36.3%. However fortunately for the Titans, the Bears’ offense ranks 31st in third-down conversion rate at 34.9%, that device third down will likely be attention-grabbing on Sunday.
What to know for account: Titans working relieve Derrick Henry has 5 straight video games with not lower than 15 account solutions nonetheless three or fewer receptions. That is the longest scoot of its kind since one by Arian Foster in 2012, and it’s miles going to continue in opposition to a Bears defense that is worse in opposition to the chase than you can mediate (below league reasonable in every working relieve rushing yards and yards per elevate). Explore Week 9 rankings.
Having a bet nugget: When Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill starts traditional-season video games for Tennessee, overs are 15-2, in conjunction with 6-1 this season. Learn more.
Dickerson’s bewitch: Titans 21, Bears 13
Davenport’s bewitch: Titans 21, Bears 17
FPI prediction: TEN, 62.0% (by a median of 4.2 solutions)
Matchup need to-reads: Evil to worse: Bears O-line beset by injury … Davis proving his price to Titans earlier than fundamental offseason … Bears cannot pull out but every other miracle elevate … Titans start DB Joseph after getting King
Lions (3-4) at Vikings (2-5)
1 p.m. ET | CBS
Matchup rating: 40.8 | Spread: MIN -4 (52.5)
What to sight for: Who’s going to suit up at quarterback for the Lions after Matthew Stafford become positioned on the reserve/COVID-19 listing on Tuesday? Whereas coach Matt Patricia would not speculate about the QB’s jam, it’s that potentialities are you’ll luxuriate in Stafford performs in Week 9 if he continues to check negative every single day this week. If not, it would possibly be Scramble Daniel or David Blough below heart. Since Stafford become drafted by Detroit in 2009, the Lions are 5-22 (.185) when he would not start, in conjunction with 0-8 closing season. — Courtney Cronin
Valorous prediction: Vikings QB Kirk Cousins continues his dominance over Patricia’s Lions with a 275-yard, three-landing day in which he completes 75% of his passes. Closing yr, Cousins threw for 580 yards, 5 touchdowns and no interceptions in opposition to Detroit, and he has but to earn a game below 70% completions in opposition to the Lions since Patricia took over in 2018. — Michael Rothstein
Stat to know: This would be working relieve Adrian Peterson‘s third profession game in opposition to Minnesota, a crew he spent 10 seasons with earlier in his profession. Peterson’s teams are 0-2 in opposition to his used membership.
What to know for account: Lions wideout Kenny Golladay can even not be packed with life this week, so it’s price noting that Marvin Jones Jr. averages 22.2 solutions per game one day of his Lions profession when seeing not lower than 10 targets. Explore Week 9 rankings.
Having a bet nugget: Minnesota has lined every of the past 5 meetings between these teams. Learn more.
Rothstein’s bewitch: Vikings 31, Lions 23
Cronin’s bewitch: Vikings 28, Lions 20
FPI prediction: MIN, 66.5% (by a median of 5.8 solutions)
Matchup need to-reads: With Golladay out, Hockenson would possibly emerge as skedaddle-to guy … Key to Vikings’ success: Protect ball out of Cousins’ hands? … What’s going on to Lions chase game? … Stafford on COVID listing again
Broncos (3-4) at Falcons (2-6)
1 p.m. ET | CBS
Matchup rating: 39.4 | Spread: ATL -4 (50)
What to sight for: The Falcons’ secondary is bettering, thanks in section to a skedaddle speed that has generated 20 of its 47 QB hits and six of its 13 sacks over the last three video games. And Broncos QB Drew Lock is polishing off an NFL-worst 58% of his passes and has the fifth-top likely off-draw percentage within the league, per ESPN Stats & Data. — Mike DiRocco
Valorous prediction: The Broncos will speed for a minimal of 140 yards, even after coach Vic Fangio become requested again and again about letting Lock throw more this week after the crew scored 21 solutions within the fourth quarter whereas in up-tempo, chuck-it-around mode in Sunday’s elevate over the Chargers. The Broncos need to shield the ball to beat Atlanta. — Jeff Legwold
Stat to know: Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan has a 72.3% completion rate and 89.3 Entire QBR with wide receiver Julio Jones on the area this season, nonetheless Ryan’s numbers drop to 59.1% completions and 45.1 Entire QBR with out him. Jones leads all NFL avid gamers with 123.7 receiving yards per game over his past three contests.
What to know for account: Denver rookie wideout Jerry Jeudy led the NFL with 159 air yards closing week nonetheless scored appropriate 11.3 account solutions within the guts of. For reference, the other 12 avid gamers with not lower than 100 air yards closing week averaged 21.6 account solutions. Explore Week 9 rankings.
Having a bet nugget: Atlanta is 0-4 outright at home and as a current this season. Atlanta is furthermore 2-7 outright as a current for the explanation that start of closing season. Learn more.
Legwold’s bewitch: Broncos 27, Falcons 24
DiRocco’s bewitch: Falcons 31, Broncos 21
FPI prediction: ATL, 62.7% (by a median of 4.4 solutions)
Matchup need to-reads: ‘Dream Killer’ Reed offers Broncos’ skedaddle speed hope … Falcons’ defense modified the account to develop a game. Can they elevate on? … Ex-Broncos QB Plummer on 499-yard day vs. Falcons: ‘I take into accout we misplaced’ … Falcons coach: McKinley to be ‘held to blame’ after tweeting on trade affords … Broncos’ Callahan rewards Fangio’s faith with production
Giants (1-7) at Washington (2-5)
1 p.m. ET | Fox
Matchup rating: 26.1 | Spread: WSH -1 (42.5)
What to sight for: How will Washington kind out Giants QB Daniel Jones? Jones is 3-0 in opposition to Washington and 1-16 in opposition to all americans else. He has thrown seven touchdowns with three picks and owns a 75.0 total QBR in those three video games — his handiest showing versus any NFC East crew. Washington has sacked Jones appropriate twice, and in Week 6, he threw for handiest 112 yards nonetheless ran for 74. — John Keim
Valorous prediction: Giants RB Wayne Gallman will chase for over 100 yards, making him Original York’s first 100-yard rusher this season. No crew is better at defending the skedaddle than Washington. It’s allowing appropriate 185.9 yards per game. So how develop you attack it? Slide the ball! The Giants earn rushed more successfully in most up to date weeks. That would possibly continue on Sunday in opposition to Washington, with Original York’s handiest person effort this season. — Jordan Raanan
Stat to know: Washington is averaging 292.7 yards of offense per game this season, the third fewest within the NFL (Jets at 259.0, Giants at 291.8). And the crew furthermore has the 2nd-worst QBR this season at 41.0.
Injuries: Giants | Washington
What to know for account: Original York wide receiver Sterling Shepard has gone over 15 account solutions in every of his video games relieve from injury, and he averaged 18.3 in opposition to Washington a season ago. Explore Week 9 rankings.
Having a bet nugget: The Giants earn lined seven straight and 16 out of 20 on the avenue since 2018. Learn more.
Raanan’s bewitch: Giants 22, Washington 17
Keim’s bewitch: Washington 20, Giants 19
FPI prediction: WSH, 65.4% (by a median of 5.4 solutions)
Matchup need to-reads: Frustrated Tate absent from Giants’ prepare on Wednesday … Washington coach Rivera received’t speculate on Kerrigan trade discuss … Giants’ Ryan says coach’s advice helped set apart companion’s existence
0: 46
Field Yates and Mike Clay agree that Evan Engram has gotten “relieve heading in the right direction” thanks to the sheer quantity of targets.
Texans (1-6) at Jaguars (1-6)
1 p.m. ET | CBS
Matchup rating: 10.5 | Spread: HOU -7 (50.5)
What to sight for: Achieve not be shocked to see the Texans blitz more than they already develop, even with originate air linebacker Whitney Mercilus out. The Texans blitz a median of 12 times per game, per ESPN Stats and Data. On Sunday, they’ll be facing rookie quarterback Jake Luton, a sixth-round bewitch who hasn’t taken a game snap since Nov. 23, 2019, when Oregon Articulate played Washington Articulate. — Mike DiRocco
Valorous prediction: Houston RB David Johnson will chase for more than 100 yards for the first time this season. When these two teams played in Week 5, Johnson ran for 96 yards on 17 carries. And the Jaguars skedaddle 28th within the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game. — Sarah Barshop
Stat to know: Luton had 28 passing TDs and three interceptions closing season at Oregon Articulate. That 9.3 ratio ranked fifth within the FBS within the relieve of handiest Justin Fields, Tua Tagovailoa, Joe Burrow and Dustin Crum.
What to know for account: Houston wideout Brandin Cooks is amazingly quietly one of appropriate three wide receivers with not lower than seven catches in every of his past three video games. On a per-game basis, he’s WR5 over that stretch (21.6 account solutions per game). Explore Week 9 rankings.
Having a bet nugget: These two teams are a combined 3-12 ATS this season. Learn more.
Barshop’s bewitch: Texans 27, Jaguars 17
DiRocco’s bewitch: Texans 24, Jaguars 13
FPI prediction: HOU, 68.8% (by a median of 6.6 solutions)
Matchup need to-reads: Watt ‘not looking out to rebuild’ as Texans stumble … Jaguars to begin rookie QB Luton vs. Texans … Texans shut facility after Martin checks obvious for coronavirus … What style of ‘loopy’ stuff must silent Marrone try? Right here are some concepts … Texans signal quarterback McCown, 41, to packed with life roster
Raiders (4-3) at Chargers (2-5)
4: 05 p.m. ET | Fox
Matchup rating: 36.9 | Spread: LAC -1 (51.5)
What to sight for: This is continuously a fight, nonetheless the matchup brings a tiny extra this yr: rookie QB Justin Herbert vs. seven-yr vet Derek Carr, who has been striking up impressive numbers. Both offensive strains are in flux, nonetheless every unit must silent be relieve at beefy strength or shut to it on Sunday. However the Chargers will miss defensive dwell Joey Bosa, which must silent make Carr feel a tiny more pleased within the pocket. — Shelley Smith
Valorous prediction: The patchwork Raiders offensive line will throw a shutout in opposition to the Chargers’ hobbled skedaddle speed, per week after shutting out an clearly hobbled Myles Garrett in frigid Cleveland. And Carr, ready to expand performs, will speed for a minimal of 1 first down. — Paul Gutierrez
Stat to know: The Raiders are 3-1 on the avenue this season after going a combined 3-13 on the avenue within the old two seasons. And they are able to salvage out about to raise three straight avenue video games for appropriate the third time within the past 15 seasons.
What to know for account: Herbert has four straight video games with not lower than 21 account solutions, tying Deshaun Watson for the longest such scoot by a rookie quarterback amongst packed with life avid gamers. Explore Week 9 rankings.
Having a bet nugget: Six of seven Raiders video games earn gone over the total this season. Learn more.
Gutierrez’s bewitch: Raiders 23, Chargers 21
Smith’s bewitch: Chargers 24, Raiders 17
FPI prediction: LV, 53.9% (by a median of 1.4 solutions)
Matchup need to-reads: Raiders entering potentially season-defining stretch vs. AFC West foes … Will Chargers wide receiver Williams attach it all together after up-and-down start? … When will the Raiders’ wide, and pricey, O-line net relieve together? … Lynn on Chargers blowing but every other double-digit lead: Bought to make a decision this out
Dolphins (4-3) at Cardinals (5-2)
4: 25 p.m. ET | CBS
Matchup rating: 54.9 | Spread: ARI -4.5 (49)
What to sight for: Despite the Cardinals taking half in successfully as of gradual, they’ll be down Byron Murphy Jr., and presumably Dre Kirkpatrick, at cornerback. If Kirkpatrick is out too, sight for Miami rookie QB Tua Tagovailoa to earn a wide time out, ensuing from whomever Arizona cornerback Patrick Peterson is just not guarding will likely be picked on all day. — Josh Weinfuss
Valorous prediction: The Dolphins will retain Cardinals wideout DeAndre Hopkins to below 50 receiving yards. In video games by which every Xavien Howard and Byron Jones are wholesome, the Dolphins are allowing appropriate 5.5 yards per try and 13.8 solutions per game. They earn the NFL’s No. 1 scoring defense, and a wide reason is their sizable-money cornerbacks. This is a marquee expose-it game for the Dolphins’ defense, although, and neutralizing Hopkins — who’s currently averaging more than 100 receiving yards per game — would be a wide accomplishment. — Cameron Wolfe
Stat to know: Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray carried out 1-2 within the 2018 Heisman Trophy balloting. This would be handiest the fifth time that quarterbacks who carried out 1-2 within the Heisman within the identical yr earn started in opposition to every other within the NFL. (Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson are basically the most most up to date pair to meet, earlier this season.)
Injuries: Dolphins | Cardinals
What to know for account: Hopkins has been a major-10 wide receiver in 5 of seven video games this season, and he faces a Dolphins defense that ranks 21st this season in opposition to account wide receivers. Explore Week 9 rankings.
Having a bet nugget: Miami has lined video games by 11.5 solutions per contest this season, which is on tempo to be the handiest designate within the Colossal Bowl know-how. (The present document is 11.1, by the Oakland Raiders in 1967.) Learn more.
Wolfe’s bewitch: Dolphins 23, Cardinals 20
Weinfuss’ bewitch: Cardinals 31, Dolphins 24
FPI prediction: ARI, 69.7% (by a median of 7.0 solutions)
Matchup need to-reads: The Tagovailoa tour: Four days, three states, two wins and one unforgettable weekend … Cardinals’ Baker is ‘relax’ except ‘he flips that savage swap’ … Flores says Dolphins are not auditioning Tua … Kingsbury confirms 2 Cardinals tested obvious for coronavirus
Steelers (7-0) at Cowboys (2-6)
4: 25 p.m. ET | CBS
Matchup rating: 40.5 | Spread: PIT -14 (42)
What to sight for: The Cowboys earn had more than 25,000 followers in every of their past three video games at AT&T Stadium, and a identical crowd is anticipated Sunday. How a large range of them will likely be Steelers followers? The Cowboys will likely be initiating their fourth different quarterback in opposition to a ferocious skedaddle speed. And Pittsburgh has a balanced offense that has scored not lower than 26 solutions in every game. When the Steelers visited in 2012, AT&T Stadium become overrun by Shocking Towels amongst the gang of 95,595. The crowd will likely be smaller on Sunday, nonetheless the proportion of Steelers followers will likely be bigger. — Todd Archer
Valorous prediction: Dallas working relieve Ezekiel Elliott would possibly earn his first 100-yard game. The Steelers struggled to remain the Ravens on the ground closing week, giving up 265 yards — in conjunction with 113 to rookie J.K. Dobbins. And they is mostly with out defensive lineman Tyson Alualu, linebacker Devin Bush and defensive relieve Mike Hilton of their chase defense. Composed, Pittsburgh has had its magnificent fragment of refined checks on the ground, and it’s not getting any simpler this week, because the Cowboys will likely lean on their speed attack with the quarterback region in flux. — Brooke Pryor
Stat to know: The Steelers are forcing 1.9 turnovers per game, tied for the 2nd most within the NFL within the relieve of the Seahawks (2.0). The Cowboys, within the intervening time, are committing a league-high 2.3 turnovers per game.
What to know for account: Elliott is averaging 8.8 account solutions per game within the three weeks following the Dak Prescott injury (RB25). He become RB4 within the 5 weeks prior, averaging 22.3 solutions within the guts of. Explore Week 9 rankings.
Having a bet nugget: Dallas has failed to duvet video games by a median of 10.1 solutions per contest this season. That is on tempo to be the 2nd-worst designate within the Colossal Bowl know-how. (The Baltimore Colts were at minus-10.7 in 1981.) Learn more.
Pryor’s bewitch: Steelers 35, Cowboys 20
Archer’s bewitch: Steelers 37, Cowboys 17
FPI prediction: PIT, 78.0% (by a median of 10.4 solutions)
Matchup need to-reads: Return of ‘Yard’ Roethlisberger indicators more proper things forward for Steelers … Cowboys to begin Gilbert or Trail at QB in opposition to Steelers … Steelers altering their concepts with but every other in-season trade … Once Cowboys’ strength, this role team has been hit laborious … Dalton data is proof it’ll net worse for Cowboys
Saints (5-2) at Buccaneers (6-2)
8: 20 p.m. ET | NBC
Matchup rating: 83.6 | Spread: TB -4.5 (50.5)
What to sight for: Huge receiver Antonio Brown will make his debut with the Buccaneers, who scrutinize to avenge a Week 1 loss at Original Orleans and retain retain of the NFC South. Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians acknowledged they’re “gentle-years” from where they were in Week 1 as an offense, and Todd Bowles’ defense has become one of the league’s handiest. However that D has confirmed some vulnerability over the last two weeks in opposition to the Raiders and Giants, having to conquer slack starts and rely on 2nd-half of interceptions to be the variation-makers. It will want a substantial faster start in opposition to Drew Brees. — Jenna Laine
Valorous prediction: Bucs quarterback Tom Brady will burn the Saints with a 50-yard TD skedaddle. OK, this one genuinely is just not so plucky, for the explanation that Saints earn allowed seven passes of 48-plus yards over their past 5 video games. Original Orleans’ secondary has made slack improvements, nonetheless who better to search out and expose a breakdown in protection than Brady — particularly now that he has so many various playmakers to work with in Mike Evans, Elevate Gronkowski, Brown and presumably Chris Godwin (if he’s wholesome)? — Mike Triplett
Stat to know: Saints working relieve Alvin Kamara has six straight video games with 100 scrimmage yards, the longest packed with life scoot within the NFL and the longest scoot by a Saints player since Deuce McAllister’s crew-document nine-game scoot in 2003. Kamara’s 27 profession video games of 100 scrimmage yards are tied with Joe Horn for third in franchise history.
Injuries: Saints | Buccaneers
What to know for account: In his past three matchups with the Saints, Evans has appropriate 5 catches on his 119 routes chase. Explore Week 9 rankings.
Having a bet nugget: All seven Original Orleans video games earn gone over the total this season. Learn more.
Triplett’s bewitch: Buccaneers 27, Saints 23
Laine’s bewitch: Buccaneers 29, Saints 26
FPI prediction: TB, 64.9% (by a median of 5.2 solutions)
Matchup need to-reads: Scars of the NFL’s QB guard: How Brees, Brady and others earn labored via injuries … Brown says he’s grateful to be relieve in soccer … Saints are 5-2 ensuing from Kamara is making NFL history … What can the Buccaneers request from receiver Brown?
1: 04
Mike Clay is just not benching Michael Thomas, nonetheless expresses anxiousness about his matchup in opposition to Bucs CB Carlton Davis.
Patriots (2-5) at Jets (0-8)
Monday, 8: 15 p.m. ET | ESPN
Matchup rating: 22.5 | Spread: NE -7.5 (42.5)
What to sight for: The Patriots earn misplaced four straight. The Jets earn misplaced eight straight. Every crew has gone three straight with out a landing skedaddle. Both quarterbacks, Cam Newton and Sam Darnold, are struggling. Once upon a time — lisp, 10 years ago — this become a fun contention. Then it grew to become one-sided. Now it looks to be like no-sided. — Smartly off Cimini
Valorous prediction: Rookie Patriots linebacker Josh Uche, who played 13 snaps in his debut, will take on a bigger role and net thinking rising a turnover that helps the Patriots to a victory. Uche, a 2nd-round bewitch from Michigan, is the form of mercurial, bodily linebacker the Patriots desperately need to become a centerpiece of their defense. — Mike Reiss
Stat to know: Over his past three video games, Newton has zero touchdowns, 5 interceptions, a 21% off-draw percentage and a 25.3 Entire QBR. Fragment of the anxiousness would possibly presumably be his wideouts. That team has one receiving TD this season (fewest within the NFL), and the Pats earn thrown eight picks when focusing on a wide receiver (one fewer than basically the most within the NFL).
What to know for account: Is Original England working relieve Damien Harris getting sufficient consideration? His per-game reasonable would earn him trending toward an 1,100-yard season, and he within the atomize got into the dwell zone closing week in Buffalo. His role is game-script dependent, nonetheless even the struggling Patriots are 7.5-point avenue favorites over the Jets. Explore Week 9 rankings.
Having a bet nugget: Bill Belichick is 6-1 ATS in his profession in Original England when facing a crew 0-3 or worse outright. Learn more.
Reiss’ bewitch: Patriots 26, Jets 17
Cimini’s bewitch: Patriots 20, Jets 10
FPI prediction: NE, 72.6% (by a median of 8.1 solutions)
Matchup need to-reads: Dolphins trade WR Ford to Patriots … Jets optimistic Darnold will play Monday evening despite shoulder injury … After decades of dominance, Patriots are a protracted shot to raise AFC East … Jets GM Douglas shoulders blame whereas backing Darnold, Gase … Projected 2021 NFL draft assert: Who has the No. 1 bewitch?
