With 30 of 32 teams returning to action, NFL Week 9 kicks off on Thursday and features 15 matchups ripe for bold predictions. The Jacksonville Jaguars, winners of 18 of their last 24 regular-season games, are projected to beat the Baltimore Ravens by 15 or more points in primetime without Lamar Jackson. The Cincinnati Bengals, boasting a top-10 offense and defense, are expected to force turnovers and see Joe Burrow throw four touchdowns against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Dallas Cowboys could rack up 450 yards of offense against an Indianapolis Colts team in the midst of a fire sale. Travis Kelce is predicted to have his best game of the 2026 campaign with 125 yards and two touchdowns as the Kansas City Chiefs face the Seattle Seahawks. Jared Goff, ranking in the top five in major passing categories, may throw five touchdowns as the Detroit Lions host the Miami Dolphins.
Deshaun Watson could record his first four-touchdown game since Week 12 of 2020 as the Cleveland Browns take on the New Orleans Saints. Rookie J.J. McCarthy might lead a game-winning drive for the New York Giants against a short-handed Philadelphia Eagles squad. Myles Garrett, returning from a season-opening absence, could notch a strip-sack on Jayden Daniels in the Los Angeles Rams' matchup.
Bo Nix is forecast to post a 300-yard game for the Denver Broncos against a Carolina Panthers defense that has allowed 59 and 43 points in games this season. Justin Herbert and C.J. Stroud could combine for over 700 yards of total offense, with Stroud leading the Houston Texans past the Los Angeles Chargers. Jordan Love and Drake Maye may combine for eight touchdowns, but Love's Green Bay Packers are tipped to defeat the New England Patriots.
Rookie Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, could make his first start and lead the Las Vegas Raiders to an upset over the playoff-bound San Francisco 49ers. The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks are predicted to beat the Arizona Cardinals by 20-plus points. Baker Mayfield's return may spark the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a statement win over the Chicago Bears. Finally, Kyler Murray is projected to outgain Josh Allen as the Minnesota Vikings edge the Buffalo Bills.
