All the NFL Week 9 essentials you need: Expert predictions, fantasy advice, more
It's Week 9 ... and Packers fans will get an early preview of what the post-Aaron Rodgers era could look like. Before we dig even deeper, enjoy these:
- Which teams will emerge victorious in Week 9? Our experts make their picks.
- Should the Browns consider paying Odell Beckham Jr. not to play?
- An ex-Patriots star will go up against his former team on Sunday.
- As always, we're here to help you dominate your fantasy football matchup.
About last night: Indianapolis Colts 45, New York Jets 30 -- Scorigami was achieved on the scoreboard. On the field, Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines ran all over the Jets, who lost quarterback Mike White in the first quarter.
Game of the Week: Green Bay Packers at Kansas City Chiefs -- With all the drama surrounding Aaron Rodgers' positive COVID-19 test, the intrigue of Jordan Love's first NFL start and the Chiefs' efforts to get back on track, this game has plenty of storylines to follow.
Sneaky-Good Game of the Week: Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals -- The Browns are at a crossroads in their once-promising season. The Bengals had a massive letdown against the Jets a week after a statement win over the division-rival Ravens. A division win would be a welcome remedy for either team.
Survivor Pool Game of the Week: Denver Broncos at Dallas Cowboys -- After surviving the entire 2020 season, and then the first seven weeks of this season, our survivor streak came to an unceremonious end after 24 consecutive weeks when the Mike White-led Jets upset the Bengals. So, for fun, we will provide one more survivor pick for this season before moving on. With Dak Prescott set to return, the Cowboys should have no problem with the Broncos. Previous survivor picks this season were the Rams (Week 1), Buccaneers (Week 2), Broncos (Week 3), Bills (Week 4), Vikings (Week 5), Colts (Week 6), Cardinals (Week 7) and Bengals (Week 8) π.
Week 9: Picks, analysis and more
- Week 9 predictions: Paste BN Sports' panel of experts have made prognostications for every game this weekend.
- Who is most irreplaceable player right now? Plenty of NFL teams have put a heavy burden on one player in particular. But who is the most irreplaceable figure? Lamar Jackson? Tom Brady? Our experts weigh in.
- Dolphins' actions spoke volumes about commitment to 'franchise QB': The Dolphins' pursuit of Deshaun Watson fell through, at least for the time being, yet spoke volumes about its long-term commitment to Tua Tagovailoa, Jarrett Bell writes.
- Lessons in accountability: From Aaron Rodgers to Odell Beckham Jr., some of the NFL’s brightest stars are bracing for fallout of varying degrees.
- Where does NFL stand on COVID-19 policy? After Aaron Rodgers's positive COVID-19 test, more scrutiny is being applied to the NFL's protocols for players, both vaccinated and unvaccinated.
- Jordan Love's midseason opportunity mirrors Aaron Rodgers' in 2007: Love's midseason opportunity is eerily similar to an early shot Rodgers got in his career when Brett Favre was injured vs. the Cowboys in a huge game during the 2007 season.
- Trade deadline winners and losers: Several teams opted to shake up their rosters. But which players and organizations are better off?
- What's next for key trade deadline figures? The trade deadline passed with more fanfare than actual action, but there's still a significant fallout for several teams and key players.
- Super Bowl contender is mortgaging its future: The Rams' draft cupboard is nearly empty, but going for broke could be a wise move, Jarrett Bell writes.
- Power rankings: See how all 32 teams stack up heading into Week 9. There's a major reshuffling after the Cardinals' first loss.
Fantasy football: Get your lineup right
Our fantasy football experts have valuable advice to get the most out of your lineup.
- Fantasy rankings for Week 9: For your convenience, these position-by-position rankings were updated for this week's games.
- Studs, duds and sleepers: Here are some key players to know going into Week 9. Why you should consider a Jaguars tight end - yes, you read that right! - against the Bills.
- Waiver wire options: Adrian Peterson to the rescue? Somebody has to fill the massive void left by Derrick Henry.
- Fantasy stock watch: Expect the Titans to throw the ball more to A.J. Brown.
NFL Week 9 schedule
Bye week: Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Football Team
Thursday
Sunday
Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
Denver Broncos at Dallas Cowboys, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
New England Patriots at Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Minnesota Vikings at Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Houston Texans at Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
Las Vegas Raiders at New York Giants, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Los Angeles Chargers at Philadelphia Eagles, 4:05 p.m. ET (CBS)
Green Bay Packers at Kansas City Chiefs, 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX)
Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers, 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX)
Tennessee Titans at Los Angeles Rams, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC)
Monday
Chicago Bears at Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:15 p.m. ET (ESPN)
NFL Facebook group: Join now!
If you love talking π, we have the perfect spot for you. Join our Facebook Groupπ², The Ruling Off the Field, to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders π.