The Week 9 NFL schedule for the 2025 season brings some spooky matchups this Halloween weekend.
Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen face each other again for what's expected to be another thriller. The Vikings and Lions will square off in an NFC North battle, and Saints rookie QB Tyler Shough will make his regular-season debut against the Rams.
We have you covered with everything you need to know. Our NFL Nation reporters take you inside the locker room with the best thing they heard this week, and ESPN Research provides a key stat to know and a betting nugget for each contest. Plus, analytics writer Seth Walder makes a bold prediction for each matchup, and fantasy analyst Eric Moody shares fantasy football intel. We also have Football Power Index (FPI) matchup quality ratings (out of 100) and game projections, and three analysts -- Pamela Maldonado, Moody and Walder -- give us final score picks for every game.
Let's get into the full Week 9 slate, which culminates with the "Monday Night Football" matchup between the Cardinals and Cowboys on ESPN. (Game times are Sunday unless otherwise noted.)
Jump to a matchup:
DEN-HOU | IND-PIT | MIN-DET
CAR-GB | SF-NYG | CHI-CIN
ATL-NE | LAC-TEN | NO-LAR
JAX-LV | KC-BUF | SEA-WSH
ARI-DAL
Thursday: BAL 28, MIA 6
Bye: CLE, NYJ, PHI, TB
Broncos (6-2) at Texans (3-4)
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 70.5/100
ESPN BET: HOU -1.5 (39.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Broncos: Denver will be without Pat Surtain II (left pectoral strain) starting this week. For a team that plays the most man-to-man coverage in the league -- the Broncos are the only team that plays at least 60% of coverage snaps in man -- missing the league's best coverage player is significant. The Broncos might have to pick and choose how aggressively they pursue QB C.J. Stroud or play more zone than they have all season. It was a difficult balance for Denver the last time it faced Stroud (in 2023), when he had 274 passing yards on 16 completions but was sacked five times. -- Jeff Legwold
What we're hearing on the Texans: The Broncos lead the NFL in sacks (36) while the Texans' offensive line ranks 28th in pass block win rate (55.1%). One group is perceived as a strength, and the other group is slowly improving. Last week, Houston gave up zero sacks for the first time this season, so the hope is the line can carry that momentum against one of the NFL's top defenses. -- DJ Bien-Aime
Stat to know: The Texans have allowed 103 points through the first seven games of the season, the fewest in franchise history. -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Broncos CB Riley Moss will record a 12% target rate or lower. Moss' season average is 18%, but that number was inflated by playing opposite Surtain. Even when Surtain was opposite him, Moss allowed 1.1 yards per coverage snap this season, average for an outside CB. -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Some fantasy managers might be forced to rely on Broncos QB Bo Nix and WR Courtland Sutton this week with four teams on bye, but it's important to set realistic expectations, given the matchup. The Texans' defense has allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to QBs and the fourth fewest to WRs. See Week 9 rankings. -- Moody
Betting nugget: The Texans are 1-4 ATS (against the spread) against teams with winning records this season. Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: Texans 23, Broncos 20
Moody's pick: Broncos 20, Texans 17
Walder's pick: Broncos 23, Texans 17
FPI prediction: HOU, 50.1% (by an average of 0.3 points)
Matchup must-reads: Four ways Surtain's absence affects the Broncos' defense ... Texans QB Stroud says he's 'a top guy' when at his best ... Why the Broncos can lean on the run with Dobbins, Harvey
Colts (7-1) at Steelers (4-3)
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 67.5/100
ESPN BET: IND -3.5 (50.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Colts: The Colts have been thriving in spite of an injury-plagued defense that is starting to show some cracks. Facing the Aaron Rodgers-led Steelers offense could be a revealing moment. Indianapolis has the league's No. 1 offense and has played with sizable leads all season, and that has resulted in the defense giving up tons of yardage. The Colts rank 24th in yards allowed per game (345.1) and 30th in third-down defense. They have the firepower to win a potential shootout, but they'll need to make consistent defensive stops. -- Stephen Holder
What we're hearing on the Steelers: They got torched by Packers TE Tucker Kraft, and the assignment doesn't get easier this week as they face rookie TE Tyler Warren. Not only does Warren lead all tight ends with 492 yards, but the Steelers will be without hard-hitting S DeShon Elliott (knee). To help fill Elliott's shoes, the Steelers traded for Patriots S Kyle Dugger, but he might not be ready to fully take over Elliott's role on short notice. "It's only but one DeShon, and you don't want everybody to be DeShon. You want DeShon to be DeShon," CB Darius Slay said. "You want whoever playing his position to be them. So, we just go out here and just compete, play together." -- Brooke Pryor
Stat to know: Colts RB Jonathan Taylor has scored 14 touchdowns this season, which is equal to or more than five NFL teams (Browns, Saints, Falcons, Raiders and Titans) thus far. -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Steelers RB Jaylen Warren will record under 4.0 yards per carry for the first time since Week 3. The Steelers run inside zone 30% of the time, third most in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Colts are allowing just 2.3 yards per inside zone run this season, which ranks first. -- Walder
Daniel Jones tells Pat McAfee how Jonathan Taylor's dominant stretch has lifted the Colts' offense.
Fantasy nugget: Steelers WR DK Metcalf and Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. both have favorable matchups this week. Metcalf has scored 16 or more fantasy points in two of his past three games while averaging seven targets per contest. Pittman has gotten nine targets and topped 20 fantasy points in each of his past two outings. Both receivers face defenses that rank inside the top five of fantasy points allowed per game to wideouts. See Week 9 rankings. -- Moody
Betting nugget: The Colts are 6-2 ATS, tied with the Patriots for the best record in the NFL. Indianapolis is 4-1 ATS as a favorite and 6-0 ATS in conference play. Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: Colts 30, Steelers 27
Moody's pick: Colts 35, Steelers 28
Walder's pick: Colts 24, Steelers 20
FPI prediction: IND, 57.5% (by an average of 3.1 points)
Matchup must-reads: Tomlin backs Austin amid Steelers' defensive woes
Vikings (3-4) at Lions (5-2)
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 60.3/100
ESPN BET: DET -9.5 (48.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Vikings: The Lions' offense has largely dominated Minnesota, scoring at least 30 points in the past four matchups. Though most defenses set out to stop the run first against Detroit, which ranks 10th in win probability added on rushing plays, the Vikings' real antagonist has been QB Jared Goff. In those four games, Goff has an 80.6 QBR, having completed 78.5% of his passes for 1,020 yards, 6 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. The Vikings will have to reverse those trends Sunday. -- Kevin Seifert
What we're hearing on the Lions: Edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson will face off against his college teammate QB J.J. McCarthy, a matchup Hutchinson described as being "exciting" because of their strong relationship. Hutchinson and McCarthy played at Michigan in 2021, when they won a Big Ten championship and dreamed of reaching this point in their careers. Now, they will compete for the first time in the NFL. "I think I texted him when he got drafted, telling him, 'I'll roll off a little bit on the end' and not try to ... you know," Hutchinson said, smiling. "But it's going to be fun." -- Eric Woodyard
Stat to know: The Vikings are the only NFL team with multiple sacks in every game this season. -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Goff will record a QBR under 50. Minnesota's defense hasn't been the same this season as it was in the recent past. But it is a zone-heavy team, and the Lions have severe man-zone splits, averaging 0.44 EPA per dropback versus man and 0.09 versus zone. -- Walder
Pat McAfee evaluates what Aidan Hutchinson has meant to the Lions after signing a four-year, $180 million extension.
Fantasy nugget: Lions RB Amon-Ra St. Brown and Goff should shine at home. Goff has averaged 16.8 fantasy points per game this season -- giving him a reliable floor -- but he has been even better at home, with an average of 20.1 points per game. The Vikings' defense gave up big fantasy performances to Chargers QB Justin Herbert (25.2) and Eagles QB Jalen Hurts (24.0) in each of its past two outings. See Week 9 rankings. -- Moody
Betting nugget: Minnesota is 14-7 ATS on the road since 2023. All four Vikings road games this season have gone over the total. Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: Lions 30, Vikings 17
Moody's pick: Lions 34, Vikings 17
Walder's pick: Vikings 23, Lions 21
FPI prediction: DET, 74.9% (by an average of 10.3 points)
Matchup must-reads: How the NFL shut down a field goal controversy ... What Hutchinson's extension means, and which pass rusher is getting paid next ... Lions OC Morton feels he 'failed' WR Williams, eyes fixes
Panthers (4-4) at Packers (5-1-1)
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 55.8/100
ESPN BET: GB -13.5 (44.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Panthers: QB Bryce Young appears to be headed back to the starting lineup after missing this past Sunday's game because of a high ankle sprain, but things could look different for the offense. Coach Dave Canales strongly suggested he will give RB Rico Dowdle a heavier workload and ditch the alternating series with Chuba Hubbard, calling what Dowdle has done "excellent.'' Running against the Packers, who have the league's third-best rush defense, will be key to keeping the pressure off Young to carry the offense. -- David Newton
What we're hearing on the Packers: QB Jordan Love was on the hottest streak of his career this past Sunday, when he completed 20 straight passes. "I knew it was going well," coach Matt LaFleur said. "But I guess in the moment, I didn't realize it was going that well." Love's start to this season -- 13 touchdowns, 2 interceptions and a 70.9% completion rate -- is reminiscent of his eight-game stretch to finish the 2023 season (with 18 touchdowns and just one interception). "Obviously, when your quarterback is playing really good football, it's good for everybody," LaFleur said. -- Rob Demovsky
Stat to know: The Packers have only four takeaways this season, which is tied with the Ravens for the second fewest in the NFL. -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Packers WR Christian Watson will record another 85-plus-receiving-yard game. Watson, who returned last week from a torn ACL, managed 85 yards on just 23 routes. If he gets a target, there's always a great chance it'll be a big gain. Last week, 52% of his routes were verticals. -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan finished with a season-high seven receptions and tied his season high with 10 targets last week. He has averaged 12.5 fantasy points per game, but his ceiling could rise against a Packers defense that has struggled against outside receivers over the past month. See Week 9 rankings. -- Moody
Betting nugget: The Panthers are 12-4 ATS in their past 16 games as underdogs. Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: Packers 27, Panthers 19
Moody's pick: Packers 28, Panthers 17
Walder's pick: Packers 30, Panthers 9
FPI prediction: GB, 77.1% (by an average of 11.5 points)
Matchup must-reads: Panthers DE Brown has a happy place: riding his tractor ... Packers WR Watson comes up big in return from torn ACL
49ers (5-3) at Giants (2-6)
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 55.4/100
ESPN BET: SF -2.5 (48.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the 49ers: The 49ers are averaging just 20 points per game, their lowest mark through eight games since coach Kyle Shanahan's first season (2017). This week, they face a Giants defense that has allowed 215 points, its most in an opening eight-game stretch since 2019. For the 49ers to take advantage of that, they will need their offensive line to protect better than it did against Houston. "[They're] similar in the fact they have an elite defensive line, as good as there is from the five rushers that they get on the field at the same time and the depth they have behind them," Shanahan said. "[They are] as good as it gets from a pass rush standpoint." -- Nick Wagoner
What we're hearing on the Giants: The Giants have to move forward without rookie RB Cam Skattebo, who is out for the season because of a dislocated ankle and fractured tibia. "I mean, other guys just kind of have to pick it up," QB Jaxson Dart said. That starts with second-year RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. and extends to veterans such as WR Darius Slayton. New York will need some playmakers to step up against San Francisco's top-10 scoring defense. -- Jordan Raanan
Stat to know: The 49ers are second in the NFL in passing yards per game this season (259.3), trailing only the Cowboys. -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Giants WR Wan'dale Robinson will record seven or more receptions. San Francisco nickelback Upton Stout is allowing 1.5 yards per coverage snap, the most among all slot corners with at least 100 coverage snaps. Stout has a shoulder issue, and if he cannot go, then Robinson would face a fill-in. Either way, he's got a good matchup. -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Tracy should inherit a large share of Skattebo's workload. Injuries to Fred Warner (ankle) and Nick Bosa (knee) have gutted the 49ers' defense, leaving the unit last in pressure rate and struggling with tackling, coverage and consistency. Tracy and the Giants' offense should capitalize on that weakness. See Week 9 rankings. -- Moody
Betting nugget: Since the start of last season, overs are 11-1 in 49ers games after a loss. Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: 49ers 34, Giants 29
Moody's pick: 49ers 23, Giants 21
Walder's pick: Giants 31, 49ers 27
FPI prediction: NYG, 56.2% (by an average of 2.5 points)
Matchup must-reads: Are the 49ers looking to improve ahead of the trade deadline? ... Skattebo's injury: What it means for RB, Giants and their future ... Patriots trade DE White to 49ers
Bears (4-3) at Bengals (3-5)
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 48.9/100
ESPN BET: CHI -2.5 (51.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Bears: The key for the Bears' offense will be converting on red zone opportunities, which has been a struggle since Week 3. Chicago has the NFL's second-lowest red zone TD percentage (36.8%) and scored a league-low 3.9 points per red zone drive in that span. Going against a Cincinnati team that ranks 30th in red zone defense (70.3% TD rate) could help the Bears break through. "We place a lot of onus on being able to run the ball down there," Bears coach Ben Johnson said. "I thought we could have done a little bit better inside the 10 [at Baltimore]. We had some negative plays that certainly didn't help the cause. I feel good about the plan that we put into place." -- Courtney Cronin
What we're hearing on the Bengals: If QB Joe Flacco (shoulder) can't go Sunday, this could be the ultimate test for Jake Browning, who has eight interceptions this season. The Bears lead the league in interceptions (11) and turnover margin. Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said, "We've just got to play every down with a clear plan as to what you're going to do with the football and know your keys and play with vision, don't guess, and make responsible decisions." -- Ben Baby
Stat to know: The Bengals are allowing an NFL-worst 31.6 points per game this season and are seeking to avoid allowing 30-plus points in three straight games. -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Bears RB D'Andre Swift will record 100-plus rushing yards for the third time in four games. Chicago runs outside zone on 50% of its designed runs, the third-highest rate in the NFL. And the Bengals are allowing 5.9 yards per carry against outside zone, also third most. -- Walder
Taylor Lewan, Dan Orlovsky, Andrew Hawkins and Will Compton debate if Caleb Williams and the Bears are frauds.
Fantasy nugget: Bengals RB Chase Brown erupted for 25.5 fantasy points on 15 touches in Week 8, while fellow RB Samaje Perine added 17.0 on 10 touches. With Flacco potentially out, Cincinnati could lean on its backs against a Bears defense that ranks 25th in run stop win rate (28.5%) and allows the sixth-most rushing yards per game (143.3). See Week 9 rankings. -- Moody
Betting nugget: Overs are 4-0 in Bengals home games and Bears road games. Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: Bears 20, Bengals 13
Moody's pick: Bengals 35, Bears 31
Walder's pick: Bears 30, Bengals 16
FPI prediction: CHI, 54.6% (by an average of 1.7 points)
Matchup must-reads: Bears add S Gardner-Johnson to banged-up secondary ... QB Flacco not practicing, uncertain for Bengals-Bears
Falcons (3-4) at Patriots (6-2)
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 42.2/100
ESPN BET: NE -5.5 (44.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Falcons: Miami's Tua Tagovailoa was the first QB to throw for over 200 yards against the Falcons' defense. Now, Atlanta has the task of containing QB Drake Maye, whom defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich referred to as a "younger Josh Allen." Expect continued aggression from a defense that leads the league in blitz rate on opposing dropbacks (47.8%) and has allowed the fewest passing yards per game (149.1). -- Marc Raimondi
What we're hearing on the Patriots: Starting RB Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, highlighting potential depth concerns at the position as rookie TreVeyon Henderson and former practice squad player Terrell Jennings (2024 undrafted free agent) are next up. The team also added three RBs to the practice squad last week (D'Ernest Johnson, Jonathan Ward and Rushawn Baker). Maye noted the Falcons' stingy pass defense and blitz-heavy approach, and considering Stevenson is also the Patriots' most reliable RB in pass protection, whether he can play (team-high 62% of offensive snaps) is a top storyline. -- Mike Reiss
Stat to know: Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte has a receiving touchdown in three straight games. He could become the third Patriots player in the past 10 seasons with a receiving score in four straight games. -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Maye will lead the league in QBR this week. He has been great in 2025, but his numbers have been particularly exceptional against man coverage (89.1 QBR). Now, he faces the Falcons, who play man coverage 58% of the time, which is second most in the NFL. -- Walder
Damien Woody says Drake Maye is playing like a top-5 quarterback and is the best QB from the 2024 draft class.
Fantasy nugget: Falcons TE Kyle Pitts Sr. has piled up 19 targets over his past two games and scored at least 13 fantasy points in each. Though the Patriots' defense is formidable, it allows the fifth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends. The unit also just gave up big performances to Browns TEs David Njoku (13.7) and Harold Fannin Jr. (18.4). See Week 9 rankings. -- Moody
Betting nugget: The Falcons are 6-14 ATS in their past 20 games as an underdog. Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: Patriots 30, Falcons 10
Moody's pick: Patriots 24, Falcons 21
Walder's pick: Patriots 31, Falcons 20
FPI prediction: NE, 64.9% (by an average of 5.8 points)
Matchup must-reads: Falcons feel good about QB Penix returning vs. Patriots ... Why did the 6-2 Patriots trade away two former starters? ... Patriots QB Maye, teammates hold Halloween party for cancer patients
Chargers (5-3) at Titans (1-7)
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 39.5/100
ESPN BET: LAC -9.5 (43.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Chargers: Sunday will be somewhat of a revenge game for many in the Chargers' locker room, as seven players spent time in Tennessee. That group includes cornerstones of their defense, DT Teair Tart and S Elijah Molden. There's also edge rusher Bud Dupree, who signed a five-year, $85 million deal with the Titans in 2021. Molden, who was traded for a seventh-round pick after training camp last season, said he doesn't have added motivation playing the Titans. "The move was great for me. So, it's almost like, 'Thank you,'" he said while laughing. -- Kris Rhim
What we're hearing on the Titans: The Titans' secondary (specifically, cornerback) has been stripped down due to trading starters Jarvis Brownlee Jr. last month and Roger McCreary earlier this week, in addition to placing L'Jarius Sneed (quad) on injured reserve. Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson will have his hands full going against Justin Herbert, the NFL passing yards leader (2,140). -- Turron Davenport
Stat to know: The Titans are seeking to avoid losing four straight games by double digits for the first time since the franchise relocated to Tennessee ahead of the 1997 season. -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Chargers edge Tuli Tuipulotu will record two or more sacks. He has recorded six sacks this season, and everyone has a better chance of a multi-sack day when facing QB Cam Ward and his 11% sack rate. -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Chargers RB Kimani Vidal has been superb since taking over. He has accumulated 21 or more touches in two of his past three games and scored at least 19 fantasy points in both. Vidal is in another great spot this week. The Chargers are heavy favorites, which could create positive game flow, and Tennessee's defense allows the third-most fantasy points per game to backs. See Week 9 rankings. -- Moody
Betting nugget: The Titans are 1-6 ATS in their past seven games. Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: Chargers 28, Titans 14
Moody's pick: Chargers 33, Titans 17
Walder's pick: Chargers 31, Titans 12
FPI prediction: LAC, 74% (by an average of 9.9 points)
Matchup must-reads: Titans QB Ward leans on Manning through turnover issues ... Rams acquire CB McCreary from Titans with draft pick swap
Saints (1-7) at Rams (5-2)
4:05 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 46.3/100
ESPN BET: LAR -14.5 (43.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Saints: Rookie QB Tyler Shough will make his first start of the season. Coach Kellen Moore said he didn't want to flip-flop quarterbacks, and expects Shough to be the quarterback for the rest of the season. Spencer Rattler, who was benched midway through this past Sunday's game, will be the backup. -- Katherine Terrell
What we're hearing on the Rams: They have had back-to-back games with four or more sacks. According to ESPN Research, another such game would tie their longest streak with four or more sacks since Sean McVay took over in 2017. McVay pointed to the group's efficiency on early downs. "That's one of the best defenses that I've ever been around or gone against," he said. -- Sarah Barshop
Stat to know: Saints RB Alvin Kamara had a season-low 21 rushing yards against the Bucs last week. He has failed to reach 40 rushing yards in each of the past four games, which is tied for the longest streak of his career (2017, rookie season). -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Rams CB Darious Williams will record an interception. Not only is he facing Shough, but Williams is having a strong season with 0.6 yards per coverage snap (per NFL Next Gen Stats), seventh best among outside corners with at least 100 coverage snaps. -- Walder
Mike Clay explains why Alvin Kamara's decreased fantasy production this season barely makes him a top-20 running back in Week 9.
Fantasy nugget: Rams QB Matthew Stafford was on a hot streak before the Week 8 bye, scoring at least 25 fantasy points in three of his previous four games. The stage is set for Stafford and WRs Puka Nacua and Davante Adams to deliver big performances against a Saints defense that has allowed 14 touchdown passes, the sixth most in the league. See Week 9 rankings. -- Moody
Betting nugget: The Saints are 2-6 ATS this season, tied for the worst record in the NFL. Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: Rams 27, Saints 18
Moody's pick: Rams 31, Saints 16
Walder's pick: Rams 29, Saints 10
FPI prediction: LAR, 86% (by an average of 16.3 points)
Matchup must-reads: Why the Saints are turning to QB Shough now ... Rams add CB depth with McCreary -- but otherwise hold strong ... Saints QB1 or not, Shough believes in his NFL future
Jaguars (4-3) at Raiders (2-5)
4:05 p.m. ET | FOX | Matchup rating: 30.8/100
ESPN BET: JAX -2.5 (44.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Jaguars: To snap a two-game losing streak, coach Liam Coen stressed the importance of being balanced offensively. The Jaguars threw 90 passes and ran it 38 times combined in losses to the Seahawks and Rams, a significantly higher pass-run split than the first five games, when they averaged 37 passes and 28 runs. "I need to call more runs," Coen said earlier in the week. What also would help is the Jaguars cutting down on penalties to avoid getting behind the sticks (they lead the league with 48 offensive penalties and 37 accepted offensive penalties). -- Michael DiRocco
What we're hearing on the Raiders: Las Vegas coach Pete Carroll is a big fan of Jaguars WR/CB Travis Hunter. On Wednesday, Carroll called Hunter a savvy football player who is aggressive in coverage. Even though Carroll knew the Raiders didn't think Hunter would fall to the No. 6 pick, he was impressed by the Heisman Trophy winner during the interview process. "I would have loved to have had the chance to [play Hunter both ways]," Carroll said. "That's what we talked about in the interview, and he was right on it as far as the mentality that it would take to do something like that." -- Ryan McFadden
Stat to know: The Raiders have been held to fewer than 30 points in 27 consecutive games. That's the longest active streak in the NFL and third-longest streak in franchise history. -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Jaguars CB Greg Newsome II will allow a touchdown in coverage. Newsome has played just 24 coverage snaps in two games as a Jaguar since his trade from the Browns, but he has allowed 3.9 yards per coverage snap and two touchdowns in that span. -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Hunter set season highs in targets (14), receptions (eight) and fantasy points (24.1) before the bye. The rookie has a great chance to keep that momentum going. Brian Thomas Jr. is limited because of a shoulder injury, and the Raiders' defense is allowing the fourth-most fantasy points per game to wideouts. See Week 9 rankings. -- Moody
Betting nugget: The Raiders are 1-5 ATS in their past six games, including 0-4 ATS as an underdog in that span. Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: Jaguars 27, Raiders 21
Moody's pick: Jaguars 27, Raiders 19
Walder's pick: Jaguars 24, Raiders 20
FPI prediction: JAX, 54.6% (by an average of 2.4 points)
Matchup must-reads: Three things the Jaguars need to focus on entering Week 9 ... TE Bowers 'ready to roll' after injury absence ... Coen: Jaguars not trading WR Thomas ... What to make of 2-5 Raiders
Chiefs (5-3) at Bills (5-2)
4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 89/100
ESPN BET: KC -2.5 (52.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Chiefs: One reason many of the Chiefs players love their rivalry with the Bills is how both fanbases support their team and hate the other team. "They do not like the Chiefs," QB Patrick Mahomes said of the Bills' fans. "It is a cool environment. I love playing in historic stadiums and that stadium has had so many great players play in it." Sunday's game could be the Chiefs' last appearance in Highmark Stadium. Mahomes hopes Kansas City can pull together for its first victory in Buffalo since 2020. -- Nate Taylor
What we're hearing on the Bills: Though the Bills' offense has reigning MVP Josh Allen, and RB James Cook III is off to an explosive start, questions linger about the recent struggles of the outside passing game. The defense is also dealing with injuries and will have to keep pace with a Chiefs offense that has gotten hot after Rashee Rice's return. "Anytime you're playing against a good team and a good quarterback, you have to get to play at the top of your game in order to win a football game," Allen said. "So, not that you don't go out there and try to play your best all the time, there is a heightened sense of awareness to that, of understanding who's on the other side of the football." -- Alaina Getzenberg
Stat to know: This is the 10th matchup between Mahomes and Allen, including the playoffs. Since 1950, no QBs under 30 have faced off more from different divisions. -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: The Bills will record multiple 30-plus-yard gains on crossing routes. They run crossing routes 13% of the time, second most in the NFL, while the Chiefs -- despite having a good pass defense -- have allowed 0.77 EPA per play against targeted crossing routes (second worst). -- Walder
Louis Riddick explains why a Week 9 loss to the Chiefs at home would be a devastating blow for the Bills.
Fantasy nugget: Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt is set up for success with Isiah Pacheco dealing with a right MCL sprain. Hunt's nose for the end zone has kept him on the fantasy radar, scoring five total touchdowns in eight games. The Bills' defense also allows the sixth-most fantasy points per game to RBs. See Week 9 rankings. -- Moody
Betting nugget: Allen is 4-1 outright and ATS against Mahomes in the regular season, including four straight wins and covers. Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: Chiefs 23, Bills 20
Moody's pick: Chiefs 32, Bills 24
Walder's pick: Bills 27, Chiefs 24
FPI prediction: KC, 58.2% (by an average of 2.6 points)
Matchup must-reads: RB Pacheco expected to miss Bills showdown ... What can Buffalo take away from big win in Carolina for Chiefs? ... For QB Mahomes, Chiefs, the grind really begins
Seahawks (5-2) at Commanders (3-5)
8:20 p.m. ET | NBC | Matchup rating: 63.6/100
ESPN BET: SEA -2.5 (47.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Seahawks: They aren't sure which Commanders QB they'll face Sunday night -- Jayden Daniels or Marcus Mariota. Coach Mike Macdonald said Wednesday that they don't need drastically different game plans for either because Washington runs the same offense regardless. "I think both operate it really well, both have really great arm talent, both can extend plays, both are really fast," Macdonald said. -- Brady Henderson
What we're hearing on the Commanders: Washington's defense continues to allow explosive plays. The Commanders have allowed 27 pass plays of at least 20 yards, and only four teams have yielded more. Only one team (Dallas) has allowed more total yards on such plays. It's due to myriad problems, from communication to discipline and sometimes just getting beat. Meanwhile, in only seven games, Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba leads the NFL with 14 receptions of 20-plus yards -- and has 101 more total yards off such plays than any receiver in the NFL. -- John Keim
Stat to know: Sam Darnold has had 19 completions of 20-plus air yards, most in the NFL this season. The most by a Seattle player in the first eight games over the past 20 seasons is 20 by Russell Wilson (2019 and 2017). -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Commanders LB Bobby Wagner will lead all players in combined tackles in Week 9. If Seattle gets out to a lead, it'll want to run the ball plenty -- hence giving Wagner tackle opportunities. Plus, my tackle model gives Wagner a 46% chance to reach double-digit tackles -- the highest of any player this week. -- Walder
Injuries: Seahawks | Commanders
Fantasy nugget: Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet is in a great spot behind an offensive line that ranks 10th in run block win rate (72.7%), facing a Commanders defense that's middle of the pack in fantasy points allowed to the position. Charbonnet has had 10 or more touches in every game this season. He finished with a season-high 19.5 fantasy points before the bye. See Week 9 rankings. -- Moody
Betting nugget: The Commanders are 11-26-1 ATS in prime-time games since 2013 (0-3 ATS this season). Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: Seahawks 30, Commanders 19
Moody's pick: Seahawks 28, Commanders 21
Walder's pick: Seahawks 27, Commanders 21
FPI prediction: WSH, 56.8% (by an average of 2.3 points)
Matchup must-reads: QB Daniels in line to play vs. Seahawks, but WR McLaurin out with injury
Cardinals (2-5) at Cowboys (3-4-1)
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET | ABC, ESPN | Matchup rating: 54.2/100
ESPN BET: DAL -2.5 (53.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Cardinals: They are at the proverbial fork in the road with their season. If all the tweaks they made during the bye week pay off with a win, they could salvage a season that has been marred by a five-game losing streak. If they extend that streak to six games, the season could be hanging on by a thread. "I think the main thing for us is you can't look into the future. You can't look back now. We are where we are. We got to do everything that we need to do to try to win a game," coach Jonathan Gannon said. -- Josh Weinfuss
What we're hearing on the Cowboys: At 3-4-1, the Cowboys are in must-win territory at the midway point of their season -- not just for playoff purposes, but for feeling like 'the-season-isn't-slipping-away' purposes. Since 2000, the Cowboys are 15-10 in games before their bye week. In the past 10 seasons they have made the postseason, they have lost the game before their bye only once and still made the playoffs (2018). That year, they made a season-changing trade for Amari Cooper before the trade deadline. Do they have a similar move in store this season? -- Todd Archer
Stat to know: The Cowboys are the first team in NFL history to average 30.0 points per game and have a negative point differential through the first eight games. -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: If he starts, Cardinals QB Kyler Murray (foot) will record his highest air-yards-per-attempt game of the season (previous high: 7.0). Cowboys opponents have averaged 8.6 air yards per attempt this season, highest in the NFL. -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. has been underwhelming so far, topping 13.0 fantasy points in only three games and reaching 10 or more targets just once. Things are looking up against a Cowboys defense that has struggled against outside receivers and is allowing the most fantasy points per game to wideouts. See Week 9 rankings. -- Moody
Betting nugget: Cowboys QB Dak Prescott is 29-22-1 ATS in his career as a home favorite with overs going 35-17 in those games. Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: Cowboys 48, Cardinals 20
Moody's pick: Cowboys 41, Cardinals 31
Walder's pick: Cowboys 33, Cardinals 24
FPI prediction: DAL, 61.1% (by an average of 4.2 points)
Matchup must-reads: Cardinals preparing QB Murray to start vs. Cowboys ... Where will QB Prescott, 'inconsistent' Cowboys go from here?