Many teams will be looking for respect with a win in week nine. That respect will come in the form of leading divisions, winning records, and a victory overseas. Between a game in Germany and numerous fights for division leadership, week nine of the NFL is full of big games.
Here are five NFL games in week nine that will fill viewers weekends’ with excitement:
- Miami Dolphins vs. Kansas City Chiefs
For the second year in a row the NFL will play two games in Germany, beginning this week with an absolute showdown. The first of two games to take place in Frankfurt, Germany this season will be between two of the best teams in the league. The Miami Dolphins have not defeated the Chiefs since 2011, losing their past three matchups against the side. With players like quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, running back Raheem Mostert, and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, they may finally possess the offensive caliber to break that losing streak. Miami was already a good team this season, but the return of all star cornerback Jalen Ramsey will continue to make them elite.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs are coming off a week eight loss to the Broncos in a game they will want to forget. This team has not lost two games in a row since September of 2021, and will do everything in its power to make sure that does not happen. As the Chiefs possess a powerful quarterback themselves in the form of Patrick Mahomes, an offensive masterclass would not be out of the picture for either side.
Both teams share a 6-2 record and are at the top of their respective divisions. A loss for the Chiefs will likely still see them as division leaders, however, the Dolphins could be knocked down to second in facing defeat. The Dolphins will need the win more but the Chiefs will not make that an easy task, as they look to avoid their second loss in a row. Fans will likely be wondering if Taylor Swift is willing to fly across seas to serve as Kansas City’s good luck charm once again.
2. Seattle Seahawks vs. Baltimore Ravens
Believe it or not, these two sides have only faced each other six times in history, and both have three wins over the other. The Seattle Seahawks are continuing to perform better than expected this year, as they look to win three straight games for the second time this season. The Ravens currently hold a three game win streak they will not want to lose. Each side also holds first place in their division, with the Seahawks narrowly having the edge in the NFC West.
The winner of this matchup will not only claim the lead in the all-time series, but begin to reign over their division in true fashion. If the Ravens lose, they will still be first in their division. However, the Seahawks have the unpredictable 49er’s sniffing their trail, and they will want to execute a victory come Sunday.
Geno Smith has only played the Ravens once, a game his then Jets side lost 19-3 back in 2013.This could give Baltimore a slight advantage, although Smith will want to prove himself against the side he has not played in ten years. With games between these two teams only dating back to 1997, plenty of history has yet to be made. As both sides are top teams in the league, another page to the story will be added in exciting fashion.
3. Minnesota Vikings vs. Atlanta Falcons
Both teams enter this matchup with an even record, with one looking to earn more wins than losses for the first time this season. The Vikings have won their last three games after beginning the season in the exact opposite fashion. They have yet to hold a winning record this season and their trek in doing so is almost complete. There seems to be just one factor holding them back.
The team’s quarterback Kirk Cousins exited his last game late with a torn achilles, and is unexpected to return this season. Since, they have signed former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs to possibly take the reins. It is possible that rookie Jaren Hall may get the start, after replacing Cousins last week, but it will remain a mystery until game time.
As for the Atlanta Falcons, they have been unable to remain consistent throughout the season. Apart from winning their first two games, their hunt for momentum continues to get stopped short. They too have been forced as of recent to rely on their backup quarterback, in the form of former Commanders player Taylor Heinicke. The Falcons have not faced a losing record all season and a loss would put them in that position. Meanwhile, the Vikings are finally in a position where that winning record is doable, but could just as easily earn a losing record again.
This game could go either way and excitement lies in waiting to see who will get the start at quarterback for the Vikings. It could also be a battle of the backups, in which each team will have to rely on them for the shot at a winning record.
4. Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles
These division rivals will square off for the first time this season, with huge potential gain on the line. The Eagles currently hold first place in the NFC east with just one loss, but the Cowboys are hot on their trail. Dallas has also won four of the last five matchups against Philadelphia, giving them sovereignty over the series as of recent. That being said, it may be time for another Dallas loss, as they have failed to win three games in a row all season.
The motivation for Philadelphia is above and beyond, as not only are they chasing another Super Bowl, there is no shot they want to give Dallas any leverage in the division. They will also be looking to regain some control between the sides. Philadelphia also faces a bye week after this matchup, meaning a loss could allow the Cowboys to sneak to the top of the division in its absence. These two sides have offered plenty of high scoring games in the past and Sunday is likely to offer the same.
Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown is already closing in on 1,000 yards this season and could do it this weekend with an outstanding performance. He has helped this Eagles team immensely making them look impossible to beat. Although Washington may have found the key to stopping Philadelphia’s lethal “tush push,” the Eagles still look like the dominant side heading into this weekend.
A win for the Cowboys could be season altering, giving them the hope of division champs. Meanwhile the Eagles will continue to be the top team in the league with a victory.
5. Buffalo Bills vs. Cincinnati Bengals
A rematch of last year’s playoff divisional matchup will headline Sunday night with heavy expectations on the line. Both teams have not performed as well as fans thought they would this season. Although both sides hold a winning record, neither is in the best playoff position.
The Bills will have a chance to reclaim a division lead with a win, while also having another chance to assert momentum. Every time they have looked to be dominant this season, the Bills lose that energy in an instant. As for the Bengals, they share last place in their division, but have looked their best as of recent. With three wins in a row, they will look to continue their climb to what they may believe is their rightful spot at the top of the division.
Defeating a team like the Bills may also give them the confidence to return to impeccable form and truly become the team their fans expected. Although, it will be no easy task against a side like Buffalo fighting for just as much respect. Two young quarterbacks who are both future faces of the league will face off, each with the goal of trying to better the other.
