NFL Week 9 Preview: Fans say "Danke Schoen" to Dolphins-Chiefs matchup

This week in the NFL was a beehive of trade activity and organizational maneuversing. The Raiders fired head coach Josh McDaniels and GM Dave Ziegler, after their reign of terror netted Vegas just nine wins in 25 games. Linebacker coach Antonio Pierce elevates to interim head coach, as the Raiders brass make yet another run at turning over a new leaf on a dead tree. 

On the player front, the Redskins traded defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young. Sweat goes to a Bears team out of contention, but Young to the 49ers could very well alter the power structure of the NFC. The former No. 2 overall pick reunites with fellow Ohio State DE Nick Bosa (himself a former No. 2 overall selection) and reinforces a defensive line that boasts four Pro Bowl players and five former first-round picks.

No pressure there, San Francisco defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. 

As for this week’s slate of games, there are some beauts to look forward to, starting off in Germany where the Miami Dolphins and the Kansas City Chiefs tangle. Will Tua Tagovailoa top Patrick Mahomes and the Dolphins finally put to rest which offense is now the NFL’s best.

The up-and-coming Seahawks visit the Ravens. Will Seattle contain Lamar Jackson and maintain its NFC West lead? Will the Cowboys put together back-to-back excellent outings, or will the defending NFC champs put their East rival in their place?  

Some great questions. Thankfully, they will all be answered come Sunday evening. 

— NFL WEEK 9 PREVIEW —

BYES: Broncos, Lions, Jaguars, 49ers.

TNF RECAP

Kenny Pickett engineered a 11-play, 92-yard drive to put the Steelers up 20-16, hitting WR Diontae Johnson with a 2-yard pass with just over four minutes remaining. For Johnson, the seemingly routine TD was a milestone of sorts — his first following 119 consecutive catches without reaching the end zone (Week 17 of 2021, was the last time he struck pay dirt).

Rookie QB Will Levis and the Titans offense had a chance to win it. With the help of two key Steelers penalties and a 29-yard Levis pass to Chris Moore, Tennessee made it to the Pittsburgh 22-yard line. But Kwan Alexander intercepted a Levis pass in the Pittsburgh end zone with six seconds left to end the game. 

Hopkins did not catch a pass in the second half.

For Pickett, it was the seventh game-winning drive of his short but up-and-down career. The game was a microcosm of that career. He and Steelers passing game finally came out of the gate well, but after an 5-of-7 start, Pickett was off for most of the night — until the game-winning drive. A key play was 33-yard pass from Pickett to Johnson. Perhaps the key player on that drive, however, was RB Jaylen Warren, who picked up 38 of his team-high 88 rushing yards on the march. 

Will Levis (262 yards passing) continues to justify the excitement triggered by his standout NFL debut against Atlanta. On Thursday, the rookie QB made a number of impressive throws and exhibits poise and toughness in the pocket. WR DeAndre Hopkins, who blistered the Atlanta secondary for three TD catches, was held without a catch in the second half against Pittsburgh. 

The Steelers (5-4) move to within a game of first-place Baltimore in the AFC North. They host the Packers next week. The Titans are on the road at Tampa Bay next week.

Miami Dolphins (6-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (6-2), from Frankfurt, Germany, 9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network

The marquee matchup of the NFL weekend takes place in Frankfurt, Germany. The Dolphins come in with the league’s most explosive offense, averaging 33 points and 482 yards per game. The Chiefs, long the standard of NFL passing-game excellence, are coming off perhaps their least effective performance on offense since Mahomes took the reins in 2018. Against Denver, it failed to generate a TD drive against the league’s worst scoring defense. Miami’s defense is not a world-beater by any stretch but, on paper, figures to give KC a bigger challenge than Denver did.

Whether Andy Reid’s offense will be rebound is a point of interest, but the prime attraction of this game is the electrifying Miami offense against a Kansas City’s pass defense that is tied for second in the NFL with 28 sacks. Of course, there is a human-interest angle to Tyreek Hill playing against Kansas City but containing the hot receiver will also be the focal point of his former team’s defense. 

The winner of this game gets a leg up on homefield advantage in the playoffs. For Tua Tagovailoa, besting the defending league MVP will be a feather in his helmet and further validation of his elite status among the game’s best quarterbacks. Miami 27, Kansas City 23.

Minnesota (4-4) at Atlanta (4-4), 1:00 p.m. ET

A big game for two teams with identical .500 records and new starting quarterbacks. Rookie QB Jaren Hall takes over as Minnesota’s QB, replacing Kirk Cousins who tore his Achilles in last week’s win over Green Bay. Though Hall gets the start, Josh Dobbs, acquired this week in a trade Arizona, may see some action in this game in preparation for taking over the position full-time. 

Rookie wideout Jordan Addison (seven TD catches) blossomed and became a favorite target of Cousins in the wake of superstar Justin Jefferson's absence. Whether he, K.J. Osborne, and tight end T.J. Hockenson continue to produce as they did recently under Cousins bears watching against an Atlanta defense that was just scorched by rookie QB Will Levis.

For Atlanta, QB Taylor Heinicke starts in place of Desmond Ridder, who became a turnover machine in recent weeks (seven in his three games). Heinicke played well (one TD pass, 100.3 rating) in relief of Ridder against Tennessee. This week he faces a Minnesota defense — that like the Vikes’ offense — is enjoying a midseason resurrection. In the last three games (all wins), defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ crew allowed an average of 197 passing yards. 

Unlike his counterpart for Minnesota, Heinicke can draw on his experience as a starter in Washington. Also, this is the game that Falcons’ OC finally turns loose rookie RB Bijan Robinson. Atlanta 23, Minnesota 17.

Seattle (5-2) at Baltimore (6-2), 1:00 p.m. ET

Second maybe to the Miami-Kansas City showdown for most intriguing, the Seahawks suddenly find themselves atop the NFC West, with a chance to jump a full game ahead of idle San Francisco. Baltimore is on a roll and in their last home game thoroughly destroyed an impressive Lions team. 

For Seattle to avoid a similar fate, QB Geno Smith needs to avoid the turnovers on the road that cost his team a win in Cincinnati. He also threw two INTs against Cleveland last week, mistakes that were forgotten following the game-winning drive he engineered.

Those missteps will not fly against the Ravens defense, which is the No. 2 unit in the NFL against the pass. Expect the Seahawks to counter that Ravens’ strength by leaning on their ground game and running backs Zach Charbonnet and Kenneth Walker. 

Baltimore’s offense is still all about QB Lamar Jackson. However, in losing to the Ravens last week, Arizona may have reminded the league of the blueprint for corralling the dual-threat weapon. Cardinal pass rushers did an excellent job maintaining discipline and forcing Jackson to beat them from the pocket. Jackson threw for just 157 yards, so Arizona’s strategy worked to some degree. 

We anticipate Seattle trying to do the same thing, but the Seahawks’ secondary, despite an influx of impressive young talent, is inconsistent. Jackson and the Baltimore D are just too formidable at home. Baltimore 28, Seattle 17.

Arizona (1-7) at Cleveland (4-3), 1:00 p.m. ET

This game is newsworthy by virtue of whether two formerly celebrated and now injured and suspect quarterbacks will suit up against each other. Kyler Murray, who has not played since Week 14 of last year when he tore an ACL, may play Sunday — or he may not. As of Thursday, Cardinal coaches removed Murray from the injury report but are keeping a lid on their intentions for Sunday.

If Murray is held out yet another week, head coach Jonathan Gannon will name that Tune — Clayton Tune, that is — to make his first career start, now with former starting QB Josh Dobbs in Minnesota. Either Murray or Tune need to expect a rude welcome by Myles Garrett and Cleveland defense rated No. 1 overall and in defending the pass (163 yards per game). Despite those numbers, the Browns’ defense did slip the past two games and gave up a game-winning drive last week in the 24-20 loss to Seattle.

Cleveland has been dealing with its own quarterback injury situation in recent weeks. Deshaun Watson returned to practice Thursday but he and the team still express uncertainty about whether his problematic shoulder is ready for him to return to action. P.J. Walker, who boasts a 2-1 record despite a TD-to-INT ratio of 1-to-5, is standing by.

If Watson can throw, we give a big edge to the Browns. If Murray returns for Arizona, we expect rust from the long layoff and Myles Garrett to be major issues. Cleveland 23, Arizona 9.

Los Angeles Rams (3-5) at Green Bay (2-5), 1:00 p.m. ET

Two teams sinking in the standings and in the estimation of their fanbases. In a game critical to their playoff chances the Rams got smacked around on the road by Dallas in Week 8. In an equally embarrassing effort, Green Bay was throttled by Minnesota at home. 

The Rams still possess one of the league’s most-productive passing games — at least from a yardage point of view. Matthew Stafford is eighth in the league, averaging 258 yards passing per game. He throws to one of the NFL’s finest tandem of receivers in Cooper Kupp (21 catches, 316 yards in four games) and rookie standout receiver Puka Nacua, who is tied for second in the NFL in catches (61) and is third in yardage. 

But, as noted in previous posts, the Rams struggle in the red zone, and this inability to finish drives in the end zone will likely keep the Packers — ranked No. 8 in red-zone defense — in the game.

Except that Green Bay’s offense is so inept right now that it is hard to see the Packers taking advantage of whatever opportunities Los Angeles hands them. Jordan Love is an existential moment, with even Green Bay GM Brian Gatekunst this week discussing how important the next few games are for Love and his future with the organization.

Making things even more difficult for Love, the Packers are not able to run the ball, the offensive line is a disappointment and their young receivers are inconsistent — all as poor a reflection on Gatekunst and head coach Matt LeFleur as on the play of Love. 

We expect the Rams to play with a greater sense of urgency and Stafford to put up some big numbers. Rams 27, Packers 14.

Tampa Bay (3-4) at Houston (3-4), 1:00 p.m. ET

In Week 8, Houston suffered a disappointing loss to previously winless Carolina, damaging their hopes for AFC South contention. Tampa Bay is coming off 10 days rest and two consecutive tough setbacks. Will one of these teams allow recent disappointments to infect their play Sunday?

Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield is experiencing the ups and downs of either a career resurrection or the path of a career journeyman. Interestingly, Mayfield played well in road games earlier this season, throwing seven TDs and just one interception away from Raymond James Stadium. The Bucs’ offensive line is a better unit than what Houston faced against Carolina and might give Mayfield time to work Mike Evans down the field.

Houston’s signal-caller C.J. Stroud cooled off a bit recently after playing at near-historic clip during the first four weeks of the season. Still, Stroud has avoided turnovers, and Sunday he goes up against a defense that, over the last three games, allowed an average rating of 107.1 and 299 yards passing per game. 

We are going with the home team. Houston 24, Tampa Bay 16

Washington (3-5) at New England (2-6)

Washington played commendable but spent a lot of energy and effort battling division rival Philadelphia last week. The Patriots hung tight for a time with Miami, but the last time they played at home, they beat Buffalo in dramatic fashion.

New England quarterback Mac Jones may be on an upswing. After a miserable stretch, Jones threw four TDs and one interception in the last two games. However, the Patriots do not boast many playmakers, so it is not clear they have the firepower to exploit a Washington defense depleted with this week’s trades of Young and Sweat.

Washington QB Sam Howell put up huge numbers (397 yards passing, four TDs) against the Eagles, but tends to follow up productive performances with duds. As do the Patriots, the Commanders struggle to run the ball and, facing a sometimes porous Pats passing defense, Howell will try to feature Terry McLaurin (42 catches), who might be gearing up for a productive stretch. 

The Commanders, deflated by trades and the close loss to Philadelphia, is primed for a stinker. Jones’ recent play makes us think New England will take advantage of their home environs. New England 22, Washington 17.

Chicago Bears (2-6) at New Orleans (4-4)

The Bears looked overmatched against the Los Angeles Chargers last week and here they again go on the road to tangle with another team flush with hopes for a playoff berth.

The Saints come off a huge road win against the Colts, with Derek Carr (19-of-27, 310 yards) enjoying his best day with his new team. RB Alvin Kamara keeps rounding into form for the Saints, and Rashid Shaheed, who leads the NFL in both punt return average and yards per catch, is emerging into a scary big-play weapon. 

QB Justin Fields, out with a thumb injury, is listed as “doubtful” and some are speculating that the Bears may be preparing a future without him. For backup QB Tyler Bagent playing in the Superdome against an active and opportunistic defense (No. 7 in the NFL against the pass) will probably overwhelm any comfort level from having a couple of starts under his belt. Bagent’s biggest goal should be re-involve WR D.J. Moore who does not have a TD catch since his monster three-score game against Washington in Week 5. 

This is a game New Orleans should win, and win handily. If they do not, and come January are outside the playoffs looking in, they will rue this opportunity squandered. New Orleans 30, Chicago 13. 

https://www.nbcsportschicago.com/nfl/chicago-bears/bears-news/fox-sports-nfl-analyst-carmen-vitali-sees-bears-moving-on-from-justin-fields/516377/

Indianpolis (3-5) at Carolina (1-6)

The Panthers look for their second straight win, after rookie QB Bryce Young came through in the clutch last week against Houston. This game points to Young and offense having a productive day, given that the Colts defense allowed 77 combined points in Indy’s last two games, both losses, against mediocre offenses (Cleveland, New Orleans). WR Adam Thielen recorded eight more catches last week and his chemistry with Young should be a problem for a Colts’ secondary that will likely be without corner Julius Brents.

For the Colts’ offense, Gardner Minshew continues to be productive but mistake prone. More turnovers against the Panthers will keep them in it. RB Jonathan Taylor was hot early against New Orleans but the team went away from him even though the game was tight. 

Going out on a limb, but we see Taylor getting more touches and controlling the game, and for Minshew to feed off that and play his cleanest football of the season Sunday. Indianapolis 24, Carolina 16. 

New York Giants (2-6) at Las Vegas (3-5)

Dads who lost their family savings at the tables in Las Vegas enjoyed a better week than these two teams. 

The Giants threw away a sure win and a chance to climb into playoff contention by losing to the Jets in overtime. The returning Daniel Jones joins Justin Fields and Jordan Love as promising young quarterbacks who have seen their stock plummet in 2023. His future could be determined over the next few weeks, starting Sunday. Fortunately for Jones he now has Sequin Barkley (139 yards rushing vs. the Jets) to hand the ball to. Unfortunately, he must contend Sunday with the Raiders bone saw known as Maxx Crosby (6.5 sacks).

This week, Vegas’ interim head coach Antonio Pierce said all the right things in taking over from Josh McDaniels. But all the NWA-inspired bluster in the world can not hide the Raiders’ deficiencies on offense, especially at quarterback where Jimmy Garoppolo played himself out of a job in the loss to the Lions. Aidan O’Connell starts in his place. Star receiver Davonte Adams will also start but he may be lost psychologically to the wear and tear of a season that gets more challenging by the week. 

This might be the most difficult game of the weekend to gauge, given the collective misery of these two teams. Still, brand new coaches, especially ones who wear their passions on their sleeve, can ignite a short-term bump in play. If Adams did not give up on the season, we like the Raiders. Las Vegas 20, New York Giants 13.

Dallas (5-2) at Philadelphia (7-1)

The game is right there with the Dolphins and Chiefs in terms of must-watch allure. Dallas’ Week 8 performance inspired eye-rolling across the NFL — we have all seen this script before, where the Cowboys look like a truly destructive force once in a while, only to follow up with a disengaged, poorly executed one the next. 

The Cowboys up-and-down play as a whole mirrors that of their quarterback Dak Prescott. If he plays well, so does Dallas. To beat the Eagles, Prescott and OC Brian Schottenheimer need to again involve WR CeeDee Lamb, who ran roughshod through the Rams’ secondary. The Eagles’ defense is vastly superior to the Rams, but if they struggle to slow down Washington’s Sam Howell, who is to say Dak, Lamb and the Cowboys offense can not put up points?

Jalen Hurts and Philadelphia’s offense against the Micah Parsons-led Dallas defense also promises to be intriguing. Parsons returned to form with a pair of sacks against the Rams, but faces a much stiffer obstacle tackles Jordan Mailatas and Lane Johnson, and the rest of the Eagles’ great offensive line. Also, the Dallas secondary must contend with the record-setting A.J. Brown, who looks to extend his mark of games with 125+ yards receiving to seven.

We say Brown gets it done again. The Eagles keep showing their championship mettle on a weekly basis and occasionally put forth a statement game. Here comes the statement: Philadelphia 33, Dallas 17.