The Cincinnati Bengals (5-2) and Atlanta Falcons (3-5) get it started in Madrid, Spain and then the rest of the games get going, including Green Bay (5-3) at New England (5-3) where the Packers will be looking to stay in the thick of the NFC North race, which has all four teams above .500 this season. The Patriots are one game behind the Buffalo Bills and have already beaten them once, so this is a big game for them as well.
The Chicago Bears (6-2) just put a beat down on the Seattle Seahawks last Monday night and will be on national television for the third straight game when they host the resurgent Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5) who have won two straight games and lead the NFL in rushing, averaging just under 169 yards per game. The Bears offense has been on fire and quarterback Caleb Williams leads the league in completion percentage while the defense got a big boost with Jeffery Simmons coming on board via trade with the Tennessee Titans. Look for the Bears to continue their winning ways on Sunday night.
A big game for the Seattle Seahawks (4-4) looms this Sunday as they host the Arizona Cardinals (3-5), who are coming off a stunning comeback win at Dallas last week with reserve QB Gardner Minshew coming off the bench and passing for three touchdowns. Seattle has been struggling and will be without QB Sam Darnold (quad injury and cracked rib) for this one. Drew Lock will start at quarterback and the 'Hawks need to get it going on offense, especially with the running game now that Zach Charbonnet is back. The San Francisco 49ers are threatening to run away with the NFC West title, so this game is very important to keep pace.
On Monday night, the Minnesota Vikings (6-1) host the Buffalo Bills (6-1) in what should be a good one. The Vikings lead the NFC North division by a razor thin margin while the Bills have a one game cushion in the AFC East, so both teams need a win. Carson Wentz will start at quarterback for Minnesota as Kyler Murray is out with a hamstring injury. The Vikings defense has been stellar all season and leads the NFL in scoring defense, giving up just 13.1 points per game. Meanwhile, the Bills average 33.3 PPG, which leads the league. The Vikings will look to get after Buffalo QB Josh Allen early and often and if they're successful, the Vikings could win this one.
The rest of the NFL games for Week Nine are featured in the capsule style previews and the Heftyinfo picks follow up.
Cincinnati (5-2) vs. Atlanta (3-5) - (game played in Madrid, Spain) - The Bengals have been rolling and the Falcons are a mystery team this year. Take the Bengals in this one.
Dallas (3-5) at Indianapolis (2-6) - Two teams coming off very bad losses . . . something has to give.
Denver (6-2) at Carolina (3-4) - The Broncos keep pulling games out late and the Panthers always seem to be at their best when they slip under the .500 mark. Toss up in this one.
N.Y. Jets (2-6) at Kansas City (5-2) - Chiefs coming off bad loss on road last week and the Jets are doing what most people expected from them. Take the Chiefs.
Detroit (5-2) at Miami (1-6) - The Lions better be ready for this game. The Dolphins always play hard and haven't been the door mat most people thought they would be.
Cleveland (5-3) at New Orleans (2-5) - The Browns will have Shedeur Sanders at quarterback in this game as Deshaun Watson is out with a concussion. The Saints are coming off the bye week and should be ready. Toss up here.
N.Y. Giants (4-2-1) at Philadelphia (2-6) - Can the Eagles finally get a win? The Giants are looking to pad their lead in the NFC East division race. Yet another toss up.
L.A. Rams (4-4) at Washington (2-4-1) - This game could very well go down to the wire.
Houston (2-5) at L.A. Chargers (0-7) - Who cares?
Las Vegas (4-4) at San Francisco (6-1) - 49ers should get the win, but the Raiders will battle them.
Green Bay (5-3) at New England (5-3) - Patriots have been up and down this season and the same could be said of the Packers. Take the Pats at home in this game.
The Heftyinfo picks for Week Nine . . . . . . . . . . . . (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)
Jacksonville over Baltimore
Cincinnati over Atlanta (game played in Madrid, Spain)
Dallas over Indianapolis
Carolina over Denver
KANSAS CITY over N.Y. Jets
Detroit over Miami
New Orleans over Cleveland
N.Y. Giants over Philadelphia
L.A. Rams over Washington
L.A. Chargers over Houston
San Francisco over Las Vegas
New England over Green Bay
Seattle over Arizona
Chicago over Tampa Bay
Buffalo over Minnesota
Last Week's Record - 11-3
SEASON RECORD - 76-44-1
Lock of the Week Record - 5-3
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