Welcome to Week 9, which kicks off at Baltimore on Thursday evening. Eight of this week’s 15 contests are the interconference variety, including a clash of 6-1 teams on Monday night at Minneapolis.
On the other hand, there are only two divisional matchups this week, including a rematch between the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks in the Pacific Northwest. Mike Macdonald’s club prevailed in the first meeting in Week 2 in the desert.
For what it’s worth, there were three divisional rematches last Sunday. And in each instance, the team that lost the first meeting won the second. Food for thought.
Everything you need to know for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL Season
Off: Pittsburgh, Tennessee
Thursday, Nov. 5
Jacksonville (5-2) at Baltimore (4-4): Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson is out once again after injuring his thumb at Buffalo last Sunday, and rookie free agent Joe Fagnano will be the team’s starter this week. Liam Coen’s talented squad has outscored the opposition a combined 110-40 in the first half this season.
Sunday, Nov. 8
Cincinnati (5-2) vs. Atlanta (3-5) (Madrid): While the Bengals’ defense still leaves a lot to be desired, Joe Burrow and company have put 31-plus points on the board during their current three-game winning streak. Last Sunday in Tampa, the Falcons were the first team in the league that was shut out this season.
N.Y. Jets (2-6) at Kansas City (5-2): The Jets make their first appearance at Arrowhead Stadium since 2020 looking to end their second three-game losing streak of the season. Meanwhile, Andy Reid’s club has suddenly found itself in second place in the AFC West after losing for the second consecutive Sunday.
Cleveland (5-3) at New Orleans (2-5): Deshaun Watson, sacked eight times in the loss to the Steelers, was placed in concussion protocol on Wednesday, so stay tuned. Off last week, it’s been another rough start to a season for the Saints. The team is 8-16 under Kellen Moore, committing 37 turnovers in 24 games.
Denver (6-2) at Carolina (3-4): Last week, the Broncos beat the Chiefs and took over first place in the AFC West. The Panthers are below .500 after a Thursday night loss at Green Bay, and the team fired defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. Carolina is 1-2 at home and has allowed a combined 128 points in those games.
Dallas (3-5) at Indianapolis (2-6): Last week, for the fifth time in eight games, the Cowboys scored at least 30 points. But for the second time, they came away with a loss. Shane Steichen’s club has dropped four straight, and this season has as many offensive TDs (15) as turnovers—12 by quarterback Daniel Jones.
Detroit (5-2) at Miami (1-6): Both of these clubs hosted divisional rivals last week. The former handed the Vikings their first setback of the season, while the latter squandered a 13-3 lead in a loss to the Patriots. Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs has already amassed 1,058 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns in seven games.
N.Y. Giants (4-2-1) at Philadelphia (2-6): The well-rested Giants have already won as many games as they did this past season (4) and one more than in 2024 (3). They seek their first victory at Philadelphia since 2013. The Birds have now dropped six straight and face an NFC East rival for the third consecutive week.
L.A. Rams (4-4) at Washington (2-4-1): The Rams have won their last two games and incredibly, have a chance to get over .500 for the first time this season if they can knock off the Commanders. Dan Quinn’s perplexing club is one of three teams in the league with an NFL-best plus-seven turnover differential.
Las Vegas (4-4) at San Francisco (6-1): Klint Kubiak’s club snapped its four-game losing streak on Sunday vs. the Jets, but the Raiders did give up 30-plus points for the fifth straight contest. The NFC West-leading Niners had a little extra time to get over their first loss of 2026, and are a perfect 4-0 at home this season.
Houston (2-5) at L.A. Chargers (0-7): It’s been a very disappointing year both of these 2025 playoff teams. DeMeco Ryans’s club, off last week, is having unexpected issues on the defensive side of the ball. On the other hand, the Bolts are struggling in all aspects and off to their worst start since opening 0-11 in 2000.
Arizona (3-5) at Seattle (4-4): In Week 2, Seahawks’ quarterback Drew Lock threw for 235 yards and three scores in a 31-7 win—Seattle’s 10th straight victory in this series. This week, it’s Gardner Minshew that gets the nod for Mike LaFleur’s team against a struggling ‘Hawks’ team that will be turning to Lock again.
Green Bay (5-3) at New England (5-3): It’s a call to arms on Sunday afternoon at Foxborough. Packers’ signal-caller Jordan Love leads the NFL in aerial yardage (2,246) and is fourth with 16 TD tosses. In his last five games, Patriots’ quarterback Drake Maye has thrown 14 touchdown passes and just two picks.
Sunday night
Tampa Bay (3-5) at Chicago (6-2): It’s a clash of the NFL’s top two ground attacks. The Bucs have run for 168.6 yards per game in 2026 and are 3-1 in their last four outings after beginning 0-4 this season. The Bears are off to their best start since opening 7-1 in 2012. Chicago is running for 150.8 yards per contest.
Monday, Nov. 9
Buffalo (6-1) at Minnesota (6-1): A clash of strength vs. strength. Joe Brady’s Bills lead the NFL in scoring, averaging 33.3 points per game. The Vikings are giving up a league-low 13.3 points per contest. Buffalo is 3-0 on the road this season, scoring 33-plus points and allowing 30 or more points in each of those wins.
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