For most prognosticators week eight was brutal. However, I did not fall into the trap of predictability and was a perfect 5-0. As the calendar flips to November, the stakes get higher in head-to-head matchups of the best teams in the league. It is even higher for a team looking to rebound after a tough loss, vying for the division title or even the number one seed in the conference. So, what are the top matchups on the slate for week 9? In this article, we will preview and predict the top 5 games this weekend.
Overall: 25-15
1. Miami Dolphins at Kansas City Chiefs (in Germany)- Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET NFL Network
The Kansas City Chiefs played one of the worst offensive games in the Patrick Mahomes era in a loss to the Broncos. In professional sports, excuses are unacceptable, but to the defense of Mahomes, he was battling the flu. After the stinging defeat, the team will have to take a long flight to play a Miami team that rebounded last week at home against the New England Patriots. The Dolphins’ offense found their rhythm with Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill combining for 15 catches, 233 yards, and two touchdowns. However, I can’t trust the Dolphins’ defense ability to rush the quarterback, and I think Travis Kelce will be a monster in the middle of the field. On the other hand, I think the Chiefs’ defense has been their best unit this season, and they will able to slow down the high-flying attack from South Beach just enough. I have the Chiefs winning in a close fourth-quarter finish.
Chiefs 30-Dolphins 24
2. Seattle Seahawks at Baltimore Ravens-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET CBS
After dismantling the Lions 38-6 at home, the Ravens were likely overconfident when they faced the Cardinals last week. Fortunately, the team found a way to beat a bad team on the road despite a lackluster performance. It will be a reminder to the team to take the competition seriously. This week, the Ravens return home to face the NFC West-leading, Seattle Seahawks. Last week, the Seahawks came from behind to defeat the Cleveland Browns. Seattle is overachieving for the second consecutive season, but I think this is a tough matchup for them. The offense will struggle to keep up with the dynamic play of Lamar Jackson. The Ravens’ defense will force a turnover late in the game to seal the win.
Ravens 24-Seahawks 20
3. Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles-Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET Fox
This is a ginormous matchup in the context of the NFC East division battle. These two teams are red-hot offensively after scoring a combined 81 points last week. The key for this game is whether the Cowboys can get a lead and slow down the run game. The Cowboys’ defense under Dan Quinn has struggled to stop the run when facing the top teams. If the Cowboys can get ahead, it will allow the pass rush to get after Jalen Hurts. Despite the impressive record, I think the Eagles defense has struggled, and the lowly Commanders to score 31 points last week. The defense is vulnerable, and I think Dak Prescott will have a big performance in the national spotlight.
Cowboys 31-Eagles 27
4. Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals-Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET NBC
These two teams met twice last season. In the first matchup, the Bengals started brightly, but the game was canceled following surreal events surrounding Damar Hamlin’s injury. In the second game, they faced off in the divisional round of the playoffs, with the Bengals destroying the Bills on the road 27-10. The Bills defense is still struggling to slow down the opponent after a last-minute loss to the Patriots and squeaking by the Buccaneers last week. On the other hand, the Bengals returned after their bye week with Joe Burrow looking healthy and the return of Tee Higgins bringing dynamism to the offense. Also, the offense got a jolt from Joe Mixon, who averaged nearly 5.5 per carry. The Bills’ defense will be without Tre’Davious White and Matt Milano, while the Bengals’ defense has been improving weekly. I have a close-home win in a thriller.
Bengals 28-Bills 27
5. Los Angeles Chargers at New York Jets-Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET ABC/ESPN
The Chargers took care of business last week in defeating a toothless Chicago Bears team. It was a much-needed performance after back-to-back defeats to the Cowboys and Chiefs. However, the defense they will face on Monday Night can be considered one of the best in the league. The unit can get to the quarterback and force turnovers using its zone schemes and inside pressure. I think the Chargers’ defense is vulnerable to quality playmakers like Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall. Zach Wilson will make throws to sustain drives on third-down. I have the Jets winning in a low-scoring contest.
Jets 23-Chargers 21