As the NFL reaches the midway point of the regular season, Week 9 promises thrilling matchups and intriguing storylines. Key games will spotlight the clash between quarterbacks Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, alongside the surprising performance of the Indianapolis Colts as they face the Pittsburgh Steelers. With the trade deadline looming on Tuesday, teams may still be looking to make impactful moves to bolster their rosters.
Thursday night kicked off Week 9 with the Baltimore Ravens securing a decisive 28-6 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Following this loss, the Dolphins announced the mutual parting of ways with general manager Chris Grier, while head coach Mike McDaniel remains in his position for now.
Colts Seek Validation Against Steelers
The Indianapolis Colts enter Week 9 as one of the league’s biggest surprises, boasting a 7-1 record—the best in the NFL. Their current four-game winning streak has sparked discussions around quarterback Daniel Jones as a potential MVP candidate. Despite this success, only two of their victories have come against teams with winning records. This week, the Colts will face a tougher challenge as they head to Pittsburgh to take on the division-leading Steelers.
The Steelers, eager to rebound from a disappointing loss to the Green Bay Packers, will rely on their defensive strength to contain Colts’ star running back Jonathan Taylor, who leads the league with 850 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. While the Colts’ defense ranks sixth in points allowed per game at 19.3, they have shown vulnerability, giving up an average of 345.1 yards. This matchup will be critical for both teams as they navigate the second half of the season.
Colts at Steelers will kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, airing on CBS.
Broncos Face Texans in Key AFC Showdown
In another compelling matchup, the Denver Broncos bring their five-game winning streak to Houston to challenge the Texans, who stand at 3-4. This game features two promising young quarterbacks: Bo Nix of the Broncos and C.J. Stroud of the Texans.
The Broncos have demonstrated versatility in their victories, overcoming top teams and winning in various styles. Nix will face a formidable Texans defense that leads the league in points allowed per game at just 14.7. However, the Texans’ offense has shown inconsistency, struggling early in the season but recently showing signs of life with a season-high 475 yards against the San Francisco 49ers.
As both teams vie for playoff positioning, expect a battle between Denver’s strong pass rush, which has recorded 36 sacks, and a Texans offense trying to find its footing. This game is set to start at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, airing on Fox.
McCarthy Returns Amid Vikings’ Struggles
The Minnesota Vikings are turning back to J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback after he missed five games due to injury. With the team struggling and having lost two consecutive games, McCarthy faces the Detroit Lions in a high-pressure situation.
McCarthy’s early season struggles have raised concerns about his decision-making, and he will need to quickly adapt against a Lions defense that boasts a strong pass rush. The Lions, averaging 30.7 points per game at home, present a significant challenge for the Vikings, who rank 25th in rushing offense. This game is also scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, airing on Fox.
Chiefs and Bills Clash in High-Stakes Showdown
One of the most anticipated games of the week features the Kansas City Chiefs traveling to Buffalo to take on the Buffalo Bills. This matchup marks the tenth meeting between two of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.
While Allen holds a 4-1 record against the Chiefs in the regular season, Mahomes has outperformed him in the playoffs, winning all four encounters. The Chiefs enter this contest on a three-game winning streak, having found offensive rhythm with key players returning to health. They have averaged 29.7 points per game during this stretch and have tightened their defense, allowing just 24 points across three games.
Conversely, the Bills have struggled recently, managing only 17 points per game during a two-game stretch before rebounding with a 40-9 win against the Carolina Panthers. With both teams vying for playoff positioning, this game is expected to deliver high stakes and intense competition. Chiefs at Bills is set for 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, airing on CBS.
These matchups highlight the competitive nature of the NFL as teams jockey for playoff positioning, making Week 9 a pivotal moment in the season. Fans can look forward to an exciting slate of games that could reshape the landscape of the league.
