Good Lord, it's Week 9 in the NFL and the teams are scheduled to show the world why analyst and fans should be aware of their potential going into the latter part of the season. The week started off Thursday night when the Bengals destroyed the Browns 31-10 in primetime. It'll continue this afternoon with several match-ups that are undeniably a must see. Below we've drawn out the outline for some of the most compelling match-ups for Week 9. Enjoy your Sunday.
(Sept. 19, 2015 - Source: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images North America)
Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills 1:00 p.m. E.T on CBS
After the heartbreak experience in London, the 3-4 Buffalo Bills return to action and host the Miami Dolphins at Ralph Wilson Stadium this afternoon. Buffalo is looking to get back into the Playoffs race in the AFC East division that has been really competitive. With Buffalo sitting behind the Jets in 3rd place, a victory over the Dolphins means they will sweep the season series with Miami and advance to (4-4). Miami is hoping to halt the Buffalo offense with a supposedly rejuvenated defense that got destroyed on Thursday Night last week. In Week 3 the Bills defeated the Dolphins by a whopping score of 41-14. Since QB Tyrod Taylor has been injured the Bills offense has slumped but with his return today I expect the Bills to get the win. Miami head Coach Dan Campbell relishes the opportunity here to show why he is more than just a interim but the prime candidate to take over duties for years to come.
(Oct. 17, 2015 - Source: Hannah Foslien/Getty Images North America
St. Louis Rams @ Minnesota Vikings 1:00 p.m. E.T on FOX
This here might be the game of the week. Well at least one of them. Rams HB Todd Gurley against the Minnesota Vikings defense and Vikings HB Adrian Peterson against the Rams defense. Many injuries on the Vikings roster creates question about whether they will get the victory today. Two absentees are scheduled today ; LB Eric Kendricks has a rib injury, DT Shariff Floyd has a knee issue and DE Everson Griffen has a neck injury he'll likely play through. The Rams will be without Chris Long on their side of the football. Though bizarre, this match-up will morph into a duel between QB Teddy Bridgewater and QB Nick Foles. With a stifling Rams defense awaiting the Bridgewater mobility it is likely that this could be a tough match-up for Minnesota. Regardless of who comes out victorious in this one, both of these teams have rosters filled with talent that should make watching them play today a thrill for NFL fans.
(Nov. 2, 2015 - Source: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images North America)
(Oct. 31, 2015 - Source: Dustin Bradford/Getty Images North America)
Green Bay Packers @ Carolina Panthers 1:00 p.m. E.T on FOX
7-0 said the NFL fans who evaluated the Panthers season record this week. In Week 9 their NFC North opponent the Green Bay Packers will visit Bank of America Stadium for what could determine who is to be the #1 seed in the NFC going into the post-season. Now of course there is plenty of football still remaining before the Playoffs but both of these teams need this win to gain more tread within their respected divisions. Green Bay suffered a loss to Denver on Sunday Night Football last week and now only lead the Vikings by just one game. The Panthers escaped the Colts on Monday Night by of score 26-29 and now have a two game lead on the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South. QB Cam Newton is here to win, regardless of the interceptions or low completion percentage. QB Aaron Rodgers struggled extremely against the Broncos Sunday Night and the Packers loss 29-10 after producing just one Touchdown. I'm going to go ahead and say that I trust the Panthers to get it done at home with their top ranked rushing offense. The physicality of this game gives Carolina the favor undoubtedly. Of course Packers defensive coordinator Don Capers might have a schematic for such.
Other Notable Match-ups
(Oct. 31, 2015 - Source: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images North America)
Oakland Raiders @ Pittsburgh Steelers 1:00 p.m. on CBS
- Oakland Raiders ranked 8th in scoring this season.
- Pittsburgh Steelers defeated last week by Bengals (8-0).
- Will HB DeAngelo Williams produce in HB Le'Veon Bells absence?
Denver Broncos @ Indianapolis Colts 4:25 p.m. E.T on CBS
- Colts have lost three straight games and may forfeit AFC South lead.
- Denver defense have a +5 Turnover ratio.
- QB Peyton Manning and QB Andrew Luck have lowest QB rating in the NFL.
Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys 8:30 p.m. E.T on NBC
- Cowboys have lost 5 straight games.
- Eagles are still hunting NFC Wild Card.
- QB Tony Romo is probable and likely to return.