NFL Week Nine Predictions
According to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, the NFL Competition committee is expected to present to the NFL owners a contingency plan on having a 16-team playoff season (eight in each conference) if games are lost due to COVID-19.
Article by Dave Nguyen, AKSM Sports
News and Notes
Gronk and Brady Pass Young and Rice: In the Buccaneers 25-23 comeback victory against the Giants, Tom Brady connected with Rob Gronkowski for one of his two touchdown passes, the 93rd time both men have connected in the end zone. In the process, Brady and Gronk passed Jerry Rice and Steve Young for the second-most touchdowns by a QB-receiver combo in NFL History.
Wims Suspended: During the Bears overtime loss to the Saints, receiver Javon Wims was penalized for punching a saints defender, causing him to leave the game. It was later issued this week by the NFL that Wims will be suspended two games without pay, and will be eligible to return to the Bears roster on November 17th.
King Dealt to Titans: Earlier this week, the Chargers were shopping defensive back Desmond King for the NFL trade deadline. On Monday, the Chargers traded King to the Titans for a 6th round pick. King is a young, versatile player who is an all-pro defensive back and punt returner. The Titans are primed to make another playoff push this year, and adding a player like King can only increase their chances to position themselves in the AFC playoff picture.
McCaffrey Back to Practice: After suffering an injury in week two, Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey is back at practice. The former Stanford star hopes he will be able to play this week against the Chiefs, but he decision will come down to the doctors.
Possible Playoff Expansion: According to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, the NFL Competition committee is expected to present to the NFL owners a contingency plan on having a 16-team playoff season (eight in each conference) if games are lost due to COVID-19. If there was a 16-team playoff format, there would be four division winners and four wildcard teams from the AFC and NFC and seeds would be 1vs8, 2vs7, 3vs6, 4vs5.
Humphrey, Metcalf, Stafford Test Positive for COVID-19: A few star players are among the latest to test positive for COVID-19: Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf, and Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Lions made an official statement saying they have placed their franchise quarterback on the COVID-19 list and can’t comment any further at this time. Metcalf is having a stellar season for the Seahawks, and if he can’t play against the Bills, it will leave Russel Wilson one less weapon to have when they travel to Buffalo. Humphrey plays a major role for the Ravens defense, and was in close contact with seven players that can’t practice this week; among those players are Patrick Queen and L.J. Fort. If those seven players and Humphrey pass five days of testing they can play against the Colts on Sunday.
NFL Expands Bench Areas and Tightens Mask Requirements: According to Kevin Seifert of ESPN, the NFL has spanned the bench are 60 yards to ensure social-distancing guidelines on game days. Additionally, the league is mandating face coverings for all players during pre and postage interactions, either on the field or in the locker room, and on the sideline if you’re not on the field or about to enter the game. This was released after two players infected with COVOD-19 exposed at least eight others due to close contact on Sunday.
Sunday 1 pm
Broncos (3-4) at Falcons (2-6): The Falcons are well rested after defeating the Panthers last Thursday in the Rain, while the Broncos are coming off a come-from behind victory against the Chargers last week at home. Matt Ryan continues to lead the NFL in passing yards with 2,462, despite their losing record. Drew Locke was able to find rookie receiver KJ Hamler for a last second fourth quarter touchdown to give the Broncos a 31-30 win. It will be a tough task for the Broncos to stop Ryan, as the Falcons are the second best passing team in the NFL this year, so keep an eye on Bradley Chubb to try and generate pressure against Ryan. Prediction: Falcons 30-21.
Seahawks (6-1) at Bills (6-2): Two MVP candidates will face off in Buffalo when the Seahawks travel east to take on the Bills. Russel Wilson continues to cook with his league leading 26 touchdown passes, but Josh Allen (16 TD passes) is not far behind Wilson in many statistical categories. Both quarterbacks are top 10 in touchdown passes, passing yards, completions, and QBR. If there is any advantage, the Bills will be able to score points as the Seahawks defense is near the bottom half of the league in yards allowed per game, points per game, and passing yards per game. Never count out Russel Wilson, despite potentially losing DK Metcalf, but Josh Allen and Stefan Diggs should play well on Sunday. Prediction: Bills 27-24.
Bears (5-3) at Titans (5-2): The Bears are coming off a tough overtime loss to the Saints, holding them to 26 points. This season the Bears have the best red zone defense, allowing their opponents to score touchdowns at 40%. Additionally, the Bears are eighth in points allowed, with Khalil Mack tied for fourth in the league with sacks. The Titans will have their hands full offensively, as they look to feed Derek Henry, who leads the league in rushing, the rock against this Bears defense. Nick Foles can be inconsistent on offense, which can favor the Titans defense who are second in the league in forced turnovers. Expect a defensive struggle in Tennessee. Prediction: Titans 27-20.
Ravens (5-2) at Colts (5-2): It’s up in the air on who will be playing defense for the Ravens after cornerback Marlon Humphrey tested positive for COVID-19, getting in close contact with seven other members of the defense in the process. If they all pass their COVID tests, the Ravens should be fine against the Colts because Phillip Rivers has thrown six interceptions this season, among the top 10 quarterbacks to do so this season. Expect more action from Nyheim Hines in the passing game after he had three receptions for 54 yards and two touchdowns. Prediction: Ravens 24-21.
Panthers (3-5) at Chiefs (7-1): There is an expectation that the Panthers are going to have Christian McCaffrey suiting up for the first time since his injury back in September. Unfortunately, McCaffrey’s presence may not be enough to stop the high powered offense of the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes is second in the league in passing yards and touchdown passes, and rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is second in rushing yards. The Panthers will put up a fight but the Chiefs will prevail in the end. Prediction: Chiefs 34-20.
Lions (3-4) at Vikings (2-5): Both teams were trending in the opposite direction last week, as the Lions were thumped by the Colts at home while Dalvin Cook lit up the Packers defense in a 28-22 win. Cook is second in the league in rushing with 652 yards and first in touchdowns on the ground after his 163 yard three touchdown game at Lambeau Field. Whether Matt Stafford plays or not, the Lions allow 130 rushing yards per game, which is a good sign for Cook to eat up the Lions on Sunday. Prediction: Vikings 30-21.
Giants (1-7) at Washington (2-5): The last time these two teams played each other the Giants won after Washington failed two-point conversion attempt in the Meadowlands. Both teams meet again and another low scoring affair should be expected. The Washington Football Team is well rested coming off a bye week while the Giants watched a lead against Tom Brady and the Bucs disappear. Daniel Jones continues to improve each and every week, despite what the Giants record shows. It’s hard to beat a team twice in the span of four weeks, and the Washington defensive line may have something to say to that. Prediction: Washington 20-17.
Texans (1-6) at Jaguars (1-6): Both teams come into this game with an identical record. The Texans haven’t won a game since these two played each other on October 11th. The Jaguars are on a six-game losing streak. Since the Texans fired Bill O’Brien, Doug Morrone might be coaching his last game in Jacksonville after Sunday. Prediction: Texans 30-21.
4:05 pm
Raiders (4-3) at Chargers (2-5): The Chargers are coming off a heartbreaking, last second loss to the Broncos while the Raiders are coming off a 16-6 win in the wind at Cleveland last week. Josh Jacobs had 31 carries for 129 yards on the ground due to the weather conditions. Vegas is coming on an important stretch of divisional games that could put them in position for the AFC playoff picture, and a win against the Browns last week certainly helps. If the Raiders can earn wins against the Chargers and Broncos in the next few weeks, Gruden and the gang could be playing for a playoff spot. Justin Herbert will put up a good fight though, as he is averaging 303.3 passing yards per game this season. Prediction: Raiders 27-24.
4:25 pm
Steelers (7-0) at Cowboys (2-6): The Steelers remain the lone team in the NFL with an undefeated record after their defense stopped Lamar Jackson and the Ravens on the last drive of the game last week in their 28-24 win in Baltimore. In their seven wins this season, Ben Rothlisberger has completed at least 65% of his passes and one touchdown pass. His play is like fine wine, it gets better with age. Ben and the Steelers should have no problem taking care of the Cowboys, who arguably have the worst defense in the league. Prediction: Steelers 30-10.
Dolphins (4-3) at Cardinals (5-2): What people may not know about the Dolphins is that their defense is first the league in points allowed per contest at 18.6 points per game. Their defense showed up against the Rams last week in Tua’s first career start, limiting Sean Mcvay’s offense to 17 points, picking off Jared Goff twice, scoring on a fumble and punt return touchdown, in a 28-17 win at home. Miles Gaskin, who has played an integral part in the Dolphins running game, will be on IR with a knee injury, missing at least three games. It will be a tough game for Tua as Kyler Murray and a high powered offense are well rested coming off a bye, winning their last game at home in overtime against the Seahawks. Prediction: Cardinals 30-21.
Sunday Night
Saints (5-2) at Buccaneers (6-2): A week one matchup but with more at stake as Drew Brees and the Saints travel south to take on Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. What’s at stake? Control in the NFC South and a potential top seed in the NFC playoff picture. With Tom Brady reviving his connection with Rob Gronkowski and has had more time to gain chemistry with his weapons, this will be a different Bucs team than the one that lost to the Saints in week one. Drew Brees led the Saints to a gutsy road win at Chicago last week, but he faces a tougher Tampa defense that is top five in yards allowed, sacks, and turnovers. With questions surrounding the potential return of Michael Thomas, Alvin Kamara will have to help Drew Brees and the offense again this week. Oh, this will also be the debut of Antonio Brown on the Bucs, as if Brady needed more weapons to throw too. Prediction: Buccaneers 30-24.
Monday Night
Patriots (2-5) at Jets (0-8): The fact that Adam Gase is still the coach of the winless Jets is mind boggling. There is no hope for the Jets to win a game this season, even if Sam Darnold is developing chemistry with rookie receiver Denzel Mimms. Cam Newton has had consecutive bad weeks, with his performance against the 49ers and fumbling the ball in the last minute of the fourth quarter, ruining the chances to tie and send the Bills game last week into overtime. Newton will get back on track and try to put the Patriots back in the AFC playoff picture. Prediction: Patriots 31-20.