Our guide to every NFL game in Week 9: Matchup previews, predictions, picks and nuggets

The Week 9 NFL schedule for the 2024 season is full of exciting matchups, and we have all the information you need to know before the weekend. Our NFL Nation reporters share the biggest keys to each game, while analytics writer Seth Walder makes bold predictions for each matchup. The ESPN Research team provides important stats and betting nuggets for every contest, and our Football Power Index (FPI) gives game projections. Fantasy analyst Eric Moody identifies fantasy football X factors, and three analysts give final score picks for each game. From an NFC North showdown between the Lions and Packers to a Monday Night Football matchup between the Buccaneers and the Chiefs, we have you covered. Get ready for a weekend of loaded NFL football action! Rookie left guard Jackson Powers-Johnson has seamlessly transitioned to close out games for the Bengals, with the support of his teammates. The key matchup to watch is left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. facing off against Maxx Crosby of the Raiders. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow aims to neutralize Crosby’s impact. Burrow has struggled to pass for over 250 yards in recent games, but this week he faces the Raiders. The Raiders’ wide receiver Jakobi Meyers is predicted to have a strong game against Bengals corner Cam Taylor-Britt. Bengals running back Chase Brown is expected to shine against the Raiders’ defense. The Bengals are favored to win against the Raiders, while the Chargers are expected to edge out a victory against the Browns. The Patriots are hoping for a win at home against the Titans. Stevenson has been performing well in fantasy football with consistent high scores and is expected to continue this trend against the Titans defense. The Patriots and Titans have had mixed records against the spread, with different predictions from experts. Washington and Giants will face off, with Washington focusing on their strong running game against the Giants’ weak run defense. The Saints will take on the Panthers, with Carr returning as quarterback for the Saints and Kamara expected to have a big rushing game. The Broncos, with their best record in years, will face challenges against the Ravens. Overall, there are interesting matchups and storylines to watch in Week 9 of the NFL. The Baltimore Ravens are facing the Denver Broncos, with rookie quarterback Bo Nix looking to make big plays against a Ravens defense vulnerable to explosive plays. The Ravens have a strong history of success at home against rookie QBs, but Nix has been impressive with five wins in his past six starts. Ravens running back Derrick Henry is on a touchdown streak, and the Ravens are favored to win this matchup. On the other hand, the Jacksonville Jaguars are set to take on the Philadelphia Eagles, with Jalen Hurts leading a more efficient offense and the Jaguars struggling defensively. The Eagles are expected to come out on top in this matchup, with Hurts’ improved performance and the potential impact of defensive end Josh Sweat. The Bears face a tough schedule ahead, and tight end Cole Kmet is predicted to have a strong game against the Cardinals. Meanwhile, Cardinals running back James Conner is expected to excel against the Bears’ defense. In the Lions vs. Packers matchup, Lions quarterback Jared Goff is on a hot streak, while the Packers may rely heavily on running back Josh Jacobs. Lastly, the Rams vs. Seahawks game will feature a battle between Rams running back Kyren Williams and Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf. Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith will look to bounce back after a scoreless game last week. It will be interesting to see how the Colts’ new QB, Joe Flacco, handles the Vikings’ blitz-heavy defense. The Minnesota Vikings are known for their aggressive blitzing, but Joe Flacco has been successful in scoring touchdowns and gaining yards when facing a blitz. The return of tight end T.J. Hockenson should benefit the Vikings’ offense by distributing targets more evenly. The Indianapolis Colts have a higher chance of making the playoffs with Flacco as QB compared to Richardson. Wide receiver Adonai Mitchell is predicted to have a standout game with Flacco under center. Injuries may affect both teams, but the Colts’ passing game is expected to improve with Flacco. The Buccaneers are facing a challenge without their top receivers, while the Chiefs have been strong on defense. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes is expected to perform well against the Buccaneers’ defense. The Chiefs are favored to win, but the Buccaneers may still put up a fight.