Hard to believe we’ve already hit the halfway mark of the NFL season. Here’s how every Week 9 matchup shapes up, complete with lines, analysis, and score predictions.
Ravens (2–5) at Dolphins (2–6)
Thursday, Oct. 30 – 8:15 p.m. | Line: Ravens -7.5
The Ravens had a perfect weekend. In addition to their big home win, all of their AFC North rivals lost. They did it without Lamar Jackson, as backup Tyler Huntley played extremely well, especially considering he didn’t find out he was starting until Friday. The defense executed bend-but-don’t-break to perfection, and Baltimore inched closer to relevance.
Miami’s confusing season continues. After destroying Atlanta on the road, the Dolphins reminded us that Mike McDaniel’s offense can still look elite. Tua Tagovailoa’s last two stat lines tell the story: three interceptions and zero touchdowns one week, then four touchdowns and no picks the next. The problem is inconsistency.
Prediction: Ravens 31, Dolphins 23
Baltimore’s defense needs another strong effort to limit Miami’s big-play potential.
49ers (5–3) at Giants (2–6)
Sunday, Nov. 2 – 1 p.m. | Line: 49ers -2.5
The 49ers struggled offensively in last week’s 25-15 loss. After a series of first-half three-and-outs, they fell behind early and couldn’t generate any running game, forcing Mac Jones into predictable situations. Their defense kept it close, but the offense couldn’t keep pace.
For Giants fans, this season of highs and lows may have finally hit rock bottom. The emergence of young stars Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo offered hope, but Skattebo’s broken ankle will sideline him for the remainder of the season. Combined with Malik Nabers’ earlier ACL tear, the Giants are just trying to survive.
Prediction: 49ers 24, Giants 20
San Francisco should lean on its defense to bounce back.
Chargers (5–3) at Titans (1–7)
Sunday, Nov. 2 – 1 p.m. | Line: Chargers -9.5
The Chargers looked dominant in a bounce-back win against the Vikings, excelling on both sides of the ball. If they can sustain this level of play, they remain a serious AFC West contender.
The Titans, meanwhile, are at rock bottom for a second straight year. The culture that made them a top AFC seed in 2021 has completely vanished, and watching former coach Mike Vrabel succeed in New England only twists the knife.
Prediction: Chargers 33, Titans 17
Los Angeles has too much firepower for one of the league’s weakest teams.
Vikings (3–4) at Lions (5–2)
Sunday, Nov. 2 – 1 p.m. | Line: Lions -9.5
The Vikings were embarrassed on primetime last Thursday. To make matters worse, Carson Wentz is now out for the year following shoulder surgery. Second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy returns from injury and gets thrown straight into the fire against an elite Detroit defense.
Lions fans have every reason to be happy. Despite losing both coordinators to head coaching jobs last offseason, replacements John Morton and Kelvin Sheppard have kept this team rolling.
Prediction: Lions 30, Vikings 20
Detroit’s punishing defense should overwhelm McCarthy in his return.
Colts (7–1) at Steelers (4–3)
Sunday, Nov. 2 – 1 p.m. | Line: Colts -3.5
Jonathan Taylor’s MVP-level play continues, as the Colts remain in the AFC’s top seed position. He has scored three touchdowns in three straight games and continues to power one of the league’s most explosive offenses.
The Steelers, once hot, are cooling off after two straight losses. Their long-standing issues remain: no run game, poor offensive line play, and a defense that bends too often.
Prediction: Colts 28, Steelers 24
Taylor and the Colts control the clock and take another step toward January football.
Falcons (3–4) at Patriots (6–2)
Sunday, Nov. 2 – 1 p.m. | Line: Patriots -6.5
The Falcons need a short memory after getting blown out by Miami. They are hoping to get some key players back from injury, but their defense, which was once a strength, has completely disappeared.
The Patriots, meanwhile, keep winning. Drake Maye’s sophomore breakout season continues behind an elite defense and deep-threat weapons. They dominated Cleveland, though they struggled in the red zone, converting only two of six chances.
Prediction: Patriots 27, Falcons 20
Expect New England’s defense to dominate from start to finish against an offense that has produced just twenty points in its past two games.
Broncos (6–2) at Texans (3–4)
Sunday, Nov. 2 – 1 p.m. | Line: Texans -1.5
After throwing an interception on his second pass, Bo Nix and the Broncos rebounded to crush Dallas. The win came at a cost, as star cornerback Pat Surtain is now out for a month. Even so, the defense dominated, and Denver looks legitimate.
The Texans earned a big home win over San Francisco thanks to their defense, which remains the NFL’s best in points and yards allowed. The slow start hurt them, but they still have two games remaining against the division-leading Colts.
Prediction: Texans 24, Broncos 23
Houston keeps its playoff hopes alive with a narrow home win.
Bears (4–3) at Bengals (3–5)
Sunday, Nov. 2 – 1 p.m. | Line: Bears -2.5
Chicago’s momentum stalled in a loss to Baltimore, as the defense surrendered 30 points to a backup quarterback and Caleb Williams failed to find a rhythm. This matchup will say a lot about whether the Bears are for real.
The Bengals also disappointed, losing to the previously winless Jets. Their defense gave up 39 points, matching the Jets’ total from their previous three games combined. Even with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco trying to steady the ship, things are unraveling quickly in the Queen City.
Prediction: Bears 34, Bengals 31
Caleb Williams bounces back to lead Chicago past a desperate Cincinnati squad.
Panthers (4–4) at Packers (5–1–1)
Sunday, Nov. 2 – 1 p.m. | Line: Packers -13.5
The Panthers were embarrassed 40-9 by Buffalo but remain in playoff contention at .500. Still, if Bryce Young misses another week, it will be tough to keep up with the NFC’s best.
The Packers continue to look like one of the most complete teams in football. Jordan Love is thriving, and tight end Tucker Kraft continued his strong season with a huge game on National Tight Ends Day. Green Bay’s offense is humming, and its defense keeps closing games.
Prediction: Packers 27, Panthers 24
Even if Bryce Young plays, Carolina won’t have enough to beat this Green Bay team.
Saints (1–7) at Rams (5–2)
Sunday, Nov. 2 – 4:05 p.m. | Line: Rams -14.5
The Saints’ disastrous season continues, and after scoring only three points last week, they now turn to rookie Tyler Shough for his first career start. The offense has given him little help.
The Rams are rested after a London win and their bye week. With Puka Nacua returning from injury, this team looks ready for another deep run.
Prediction: Rams 31, Saints 9
Los Angeles dominates as Shough struggles in his debut.
Jaguars (4–3) at Raiders (2–5)
Sunday, Nov. 2 – 4:25 p.m. | Line: Jaguars -3.5
The Jaguars enter off a bye after a 35-7 loss in London but remain optimistic. Their early schedule was brutal, yet they escaped above .500. Consistency remains the key.
The Raiders also come off a bye, but their offense has been abysmal, and Pete Carroll’s debut season in Las Vegas is off to a poor start.
Prediction: Jaguars 35, Raiders 17
Jacksonville creates turnovers and wins comfortably.
Chiefs (5–3) at Bills (5–2)
Sunday, Nov. 2 – 4:25 p.m. | Line: Chiefs -1.5
Kansas City rolled again, led by an MVP-caliber Patrick Mahomes and a defense allowing just 16.4 points per game.
Buffalo dominated Carolina, with James Cook rushing for over 200 yards in a statement performance. This matchup could shape the AFC playoff picture.
Prediction: Chiefs 27, Bills 24
Kansas City’s defense slows down Josh Allen just enough to win a thriller.
Seahawks (5–2) at Commanders (3–5)
Sunday, Nov. 2 – 8:20 p.m. | Line: Seahawks -3.5
Seattle is tied with the Rams atop the NFC West. Sam Darnold has strung together a second straight solid season, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba continues to lead the NFL in receiving yards.
Washington’s year has been derailed by injuries, and with Jayden Daniels sidelined, Marcus Mariota will start again. The Commanders have struggled to sustain drives.
Prediction: Seahawks 28, Commanders 20
Seattle’s run defense should smother Washington’s ground attack.
Cardinals (2–5) at Cowboys (3–4–1)
Monday, Nov. 3 – 8:15 p.m. | Line: Cowboys -2.5
The Cardinals are reeling after five straight close losses, all by an average of less than three points. They’ve shown heart but not results.
The Cowboys continue to frustrate, alternating between contenders and pretenders. Dak Prescott’s two-interception game against Denver summed up their inconsistency.
Prediction: Cowboys 28, Cardinals 27
Dallas survives at home to keep faint playoff hopes alive.
On Bye: Browns, Jets, Buccaneers, Eagles
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