Ready for another wild week of NFL action? I’ve dug deep into the matchups, injury reports, and recent form to bring you my NFL Week 9 predictions. Whether you’re a fantasy football fanatic or just want to win the office banter, this preview has you covered—no betting, just smart, dad-approved insights.
NFL Week 9 Predictions: Quick Overview
Let’s get straight to it—this week’s NFL slate is packed with drama, injury twists, and some matchups that could flip your fantasy football fortunes. Here’s my dad-on-the-sidelines take on every game, injury updates, and a few cheeky upset alerts. No jargon, no betting, just smart, honest analysis.
Thursday Night Football: Ravens vs Dolphins Preview
Prediction: Ravens 28, Dolphins 20 (70% Ravens)
Lamar Jackson is back for Baltimore, and that’s bad news for a Dolphins team still searching for consistency. Miami’s got weapons, but the Ravens’ offense should finally click under the primetime lights. Expect Jackson’s playmaking to be the difference.
Early Sunday Games: Key Matchups & Predictions
Bears vs Bengals
Prediction: Bears 24, Bengals 20 (60% Bears)
With Joe Burrow out and the Bengals possibly on their third-string QB, Chicago’s steadier offense and improved defense should get it done—especially if they win the turnover battle.
Vikings vs Lions
Prediction: Lions 30, Vikings 21 (80% Lions)
Detroit’s offense is rolling, and even with J.J. McCarthy back for Minnesota, the Lions’ home advantage and firepower make an upset unlikely unless Detroit self-destructs.
Panthers vs Packers
Prediction: Packers 27, Panthers 17 (85% Packers)
Green Bay at Lambeau in November? Tough ask for the Panthers, even with rookie QB Bryce Young returning. The Packers’ defense and running game should control this one.
Chargers vs Titans
Prediction: Chargers 28, Titans 16 (78% Chargers)
Tennessee’s offense has struggled all year. Unless Derrick Henry takes over, expect Justin Herbert and the Chargers to pull away.
Falcons vs Patriots
Prediction: Patriots 24, Falcons 14 (75% Patriots)
New England’s offense is quietly efficient, and Atlanta’s playmakers are all banged up. Unless the Falcons heal up fast, the Pats should handle business at home.
49ers vs Giants
Prediction: 49ers 23, Giants 20 (60% 49ers)
San Francisco’s defense could be the difference, but watch out—early start and travel could make this closer than expected. If the 49ers start slow, the Giants have a puncher’s chance.
Colts vs Steelers
Prediction: Colts 30, Steelers 20 (70% Colts)
The Colts lead the league in offense, and even Pittsburgh’s tough D (down a starting safety) might not slow them. Unless the Steelers force turnovers, Indy’s firepower wins out.
Broncos vs Texans
Prediction: Texans 23, Broncos 21 (55% Texans)
Close call, but Houston’s young QB C.J. Stroud is improving every week. Denver is unpredictable—if their defense steps up, it could swing, but I’m giving the Texans the edge at home.
Late Sunday Games: What to Watch
Jaguars vs Raiders
Prediction: Jaguars 28, Raiders 20 (70% Jaguars)
Trevor Lawrence gives Jacksonville a big QB advantage. The Raiders might keep it close early, but the Jags’ talent should win out unless they get sloppy.
Saints vs Rams
Prediction: Rams 34, Saints 13 (95% Rams)
Matthew Stafford is back, and the Saints have a full-blown QB crisis. Unless New Orleans’ defense pulls off a miracle, the Rams should cruise.
Chiefs vs Bills
Prediction: Chiefs 26, Bills 24 (55% Chiefs)
A heavyweight clash. With injuries on both sides (Pacheco out for KC, Ed Oliver for Buffalo), expect a close one. Mahomes’ championship pedigree gives KC a slight edge, but Buffalo at home is never a true underdog.
Sunday Night Football: Seahawks vs Commanders
Prediction: Seahawks 27, Commanders 17 (75% Seahawks)
Seattle’s rested and healthy. Washington is missing key weapons, and unless rookie QB Jayden Daniels has a breakout, Seattle should control this one.
Monday Night Football: Cardinals vs Cowboys
Prediction: Cowboys 30, Cardinals 25 (65% Cowboys)
Dallas has the talent and home-field edge. Kyler Murray will need to be brilliant for the Cardinals to have a shot, but the Cowboys’ pass rush could be too much.
Injury Watch & Fantasy Impact
- Lamar Jackson (Ravens): Cleared and ready to go—upgrade all Ravens weapons.
- Joe Burrow (Bengals): Out, Bengals QBs are a risky fantasy start.
- Bryce Young (Panthers): Returns, but faces a tough Packers defense.
- Terry McLaurin (Commanders): Out, downgrade Washington’s passing attack.
- Isiah Pacheco (Chiefs): Week-to-week, monitor for late news.
- Ed Oliver (Bills): Out, could boost KC’s run game.
- Matthew Stafford (Rams): Healthy and gets key weapons back—Rams offense is a must-start.
For full injury updates, check NFL’s official injury report.
Upset Alerts & Team Surprises
- Giants over 49ers: If San Francisco starts slow, New York could pounce.
- Bills over Chiefs: Buffalo at home is never a true underdog—if Allen protects the ball, watch out.
- Raiders over Jaguars: If Jacksonville gets sloppy, Las Vegas could keep it close.
Final Thoughts & Newsletter CTA
Week 9 is packed with drama, key injuries, and playoff implications. Whether you’re tracking fantasy stars or just want to win the family pick’em, these predictions should give you a leg up. Don’t miss next week’s picks and more AI-powered sports insights—join the newsletter now!
Which team do you think is most likely to pull off an upset this week? Let me know in the comments!
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