Five things to watch out for in Week 9 of the NFL season

As we approach the halfway point of the 2024 NFL regular season, it’s astonishing to see how the league has unfolded. We’ve witnessed predictable outcomes, such as the Kansas City Chiefs remaining undefeated, alongside surprising twists like the Washington Commanders sitting at 6-2 while the New York Jets languish at 2-6. Here’s a look at five crucial developments to watch for in Week 9.

Jets Facing a Crossroads

The New York Jets have hit a rough patch, suffering five consecutive losses, with the latest setback coming against the New England Patriots. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, reflecting on the team’s struggles, mentioned his previous “darkness retreat,” which he undertook before joining the Jets in 2023. He acknowledged the overwhelming disappointment of the season, especially given the team’s lofty Super Bowl ambitions. In response to their woes, the Jets have fired their head coach and replaced their offensive coordinator, while attempting to revamp their roster by trading for wide receiver Davante Adams, a close friend of Rodgers. Unfortunately, these changes have not yielded the desired results.

As the Jets prepare for their Thursday night matchup against the 6-2 Houston Texans, they face an urgent need to turn things around. The Texans themselves are grappling with challenges, notably the loss of star receiver Stefon Diggs, who is out for the season due to a knee injury. For the Jets, a sixth loss would effectively extinguish their playoff hopes.

Commanders’ Exciting Season

Meanwhile, the atmosphere in Washington is electric, as the Commanders enjoy a successful season. Fans were treated to a dramatic victory against the Chicago Bears, thanks to a stunning Hail Mary pass from quarterback Jayden Daniels. This win brought Washington’s record to 6-2, and they are now gearing up for a rematch against the struggling New York Giants, who they narrowly defeated earlier in the season.

Daniels emphasized the importance of staying grounded despite their success, reminding his teammates that past victories won’t matter if they falter in the future. The Commanders’ upcoming schedule features tough opponents like the Steelers, Eagles, and Cowboys, making this divisional clash crucial for maintaining momentum.

Tua’s Return to Buffalo

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will be back in action against the Buffalo Bills, marking a significant return after suffering a concussion during their previous meeting. After consulting medical professionals, Tagovailoa played last week but could not prevent a last-second loss to the Arizona Cardinals, dropping Miami’s record to 2-5. The pressure is on as the Dolphins fight to stay relevant in a competitive AFC landscape.

In their previous matchup against the Bills, the Dolphins were dominated 31-10 after Tagovailoa’s injury. Now, with the game set in Buffalo—a venue where Miami has not won since 2016—the stakes are even higher. The Bills have strengthened their roster with the addition of Amari Cooper and the return of star linebacker Von Miller from suspension. This matchup promises to be pivotal for both teams.

NFC North Showdown: Lions vs. Packers

One of the most anticipated games this week is the clash between the 6-2 Green Bay Packers and the 6-1 Detroit Lions. However, Packers quarterback Jordan Love is questionable due to a groin injury sustained during last week’s victory over the Jaguars. Love expressed optimism about his recovery but acknowledged the challenges of not practicing leading up to such an important game.

If Love cannot go, backup Malik Willis would step in, who has shown promise in previous games. The Lions, riding high after a dominant 52-14 win against the Titans, are led by quarterback Jared Goff, who has been in phenomenal form, boasting an impressive completion percentage and passer rating over the last few games. This matchup is not just significant for playoff positioning but could also shape the narrative of the NFC North.

Super Bowl 55 Rematch

On Monday night, the Kansas City Chiefs will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a rematch of Super Bowl 55. While Tom Brady has moved on to broadcasting, the Bucs will face challenges as they contend with injuries to key receivers, including Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. Quarterback Baker Mayfield will need to step up against a formidable Chiefs defense that has been solid this season.

Patrick Mahomes, still seeking that breakout game, comes into this contest with underwhelming stats for his standards—eight touchdowns against nine interceptions. However, the Chiefs remain the only undefeated team in the league at 7-0, and this matchup could be the moment Mahomes finds his rhythm.

Week 9 Schedule

Here’s the complete slate for Week 9:

Thursday

• Houston Texans (6-2) @ New York Jets (2-6) – 8:15 p.m. ET

Sunday

• Dallas Cowboys (3-4) @ Atlanta Falcons (5-3) – 1 p.m. ET
• Denver Broncos (5-3) @ Baltimore Ravens (5-3) – 1 p.m. ET
• Miami Dolphins (2-5) @ Buffalo Bills (6-2) – 1 p.m. ET
• New Orleans Saints (2-6) @ Carolina Panthers (1-7) – 1 p.m. ET
• Las Vegas Raiders (2-6) @ Cincinnati Bengals (3-5) – 1 p.m. ET
• Los Angeles Chargers (4-3) @ Cleveland Browns (2-6) – 1 p.m. ET
• Washington Commanders (6-2) @ New York Giants (2-6) – 1 p.m. ET
• New England Patriots (2-6) @ Tennessee Titans (1-6) – 1 p.m. ET
• Chicago Bears (4-3) @ Arizona Cardinals (4-4) – 4:05 p.m. ET
• Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6) @ Philadelphia Eagles (5-2) – 4:05 p.m. ET
• Detroit Lions (6-1) @ Green Bay Packers (6-2) – 4:25 p.m. ET
• Los Angeles Rams (3-4) @ Seattle Seahawks (4-4) – 4:25 p.m. ET
• Indianapolis Colts (4-4) @ Minnesota Vikings (5-2) – 8:20 p.m. ET

Monday

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4) @ Kansas City Chiefs (7-0) – 8:15 p.m. ET

As the league heads into this crucial week, each matchup will have significant implications for playoff hopes and team morale. Fans won’t want to miss a moment of the action!