Bouncing back from a defeat is hard, but overcoming a three-game losing streak is a precarious disaster. The Jets entered their Thursday Night Football clash with the Houston Texans facing the potential of being eliminated from playoff contention with another loss. The game started dreadfully with rookie Wide Receiver Malach Corley running toward the end zone before deciding to celebrate too early by dropping the ball before the end zone and leading to a touchback. Corley cost his team a touchdown and embarrassment for his family. Instead, the Texans took the early 7-0 lead at halftime and 10-7 in the third quarter. Then, Aaron Rodgers rallied his team behind DeVante Adams and Garrett Wilson. Wilson made two incredible one-handed catches including a catch compared to Odell Beckham’s. The Jets moved to 3-6 while the Texans fell to 6-3, and it will be interesting to see whether the Texans’ injury catches up to them. For the Jets, it is a small step toward potentially making the playoffs as a contender. In this article, we preview the five hottest games of week 9.
Last Week Record: 2-3
Overall Record: 26-14
1. Denver Broncos (5-3) at Baltimore Ravens (5-3)-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET CBS
The Denver Broncos are one of the best surprise teams in this regular season because there were no expectations for them to contend for a playoff spot. Bo Nix took full advantage of facing the Carolina Panthers last week by completing 28 of 37 passes for 284 yards and three touchdowns. However, facing the Baltimore Ravens will be a steep test because Lamar Jackson is playing at an elite level. Jackson’s dominance usually forces his opponent to trail in games and force a comeback. I think the Ravens should consider this game a must-win after losing to the Cleveland Browns last week. I think the key is that Derrick Henry will pound the rock, and the Ravens’ will pull away in the end.
Ravens 29-Browns 20
2. Dallas Cowboys (3-4) at Atlanta Falcons (5-3)-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET Fox
The Cowboys are reeling from two straight losses after the 49ers demolished them in the second half last week. Dallas struggled to slow down the 49ers by allowing over 200 rush yards on the ground. Dak Prescott wracked up some numbers in the fourth quarter, but the performance was disappointing because Prescott threw two interceptions and had too many failed drives while the game was competitive. The Cowboys’ defense is not the same without Micah Parsons, and likely to miss another game. The Falcons will feel confident after winning last week on the road against the Buccaneers. Kirk Cousins completed 23 of 29 passes, 276 yards, and four touchdowns against a struggling Buccaneers defense. I think Cousins will continue to cook this week against another struggling unit. However, I think this will be a shootout because Prescott will do well against the Falcons. Cousins will win it with a field goal drive.
Falcons 33-Cowboys 30
3. Detroit Lions (6-1) at Green Bay Packers (6-2)-Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET Fox
This is an important game in the NFC North because the winner will lead the division. Last week, the Lions demolished the Titans 52-14, and they appear to be the best team in the NFC. There are bigger questions surrounding the Packers heading into this matchup because Jordan Love is dealing with a groin injury. It means backup quarterback Malik Willis will likely be under center, and he has been 2-0 so far this season as a starter. Willis is a viable backup quarterback, but I think they will need Love to match the firepower on the other sideline.
Lions 30-Packers 24
4. Indianapolis Colts (4-4) at Minnesota Vikings (5-2)-Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET NBC
The Colts quarterback situation has been a major storyline in the past week. Anthony Richardson was widely criticized for his decision to come out of the game for a play because he was tired. Richardson struggled by completing only 10 of 32 passes for 175 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Therefore, it was no surprise when the team turned to Joe Flacco, with the team in contention for a playoff spot. After starting the season 5-0, the Vikings have lost back-to-back games and heading in the wrong direction. Their last defeat was to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football, and the 10 days rest would have allowed them to steer the ship in the right direction. I think Sam Darnold will play better at home under the Primetime lights, and the Vikings win a close game.
Vikings 27-Colts 20
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4) at Kansas City Chiefs (7-0)-Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET ESPN
I can sympathize with the Buccaneers because their season drastically changed when they lost their two Wide Receivers, Chris Godwin and Mike Evans to injuries. The team is struggling to compete and lost last week to the Falcons at home. It gets difficult in week 9 by having to travel on the road to face the undefeated Chiefs. The two-time defending champions are a winning machine because Patrick Mahomes and the best defense in football find a way to win games. I think Mahomes will have his best game of the season in this matchup and win easily.
Chiefs 33-Bucs 20