NFL Week 9 schedule rankings and predictions

Steel City

The week opens in Pittsburgh as the Steelers play host to the Tennessee Titans. Kenny Pickett’s status for Pittsburgh is up in the air. Something tells me that Will Levis will be tested more by the Steeler defense than he was by the Falcons’ D. Prediction: Steelers 23, Titans 21

13. New York Giants at Las Vegas Raiders

One can only hope Brian Daboll doesn’t prevent Tommy DeVito from using his passing arm again. This game has the potential to be worse than Jets-Giants. At least Josh McDaniels won’t have to suffer through it. Prediction: Raiders 16, Giants 7

12. Washington Commanders at New England Patriots

This is a game between teams heading in the wrong direction. Don’t be surprised to see the Patriots jump up and down on the Commanders. They seem to be able to do that when everything seems lost. Prediction: Patriots 23, Commanders 21

11. Los Angeles Chargers at New York Jets

Justin Herbert is coming off a big game and faces a staunch Jets defense. Zach Wilson goes up against an unpredictable Chargers squad. The Jets have seemingly found a way to find a way to win, though. Prediction: Jets 24, Chargers 23

10. Los Angeles Rams at Green Bay Packers

Going to go with the home team to down a Rams team that just was strafed by the Dallas Cowboys. The Rams started off with three sacks against Dak Prescott, and the next thing you know, they were down by more than 20. It won’t be that bad here but it will wind up with a loss. Prediction: Packers 27, Rams 23

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Houston Texans

Going with the Texans in this one, who look to add more misery to a Tampa Bay team that was once 3-1 … and is heading toward 3-5. Prediction: Texans 17, Buccaneers 13

8. Minnesota Vikings at Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons catch a break because Kirk Cousins is out for the Vikings. This is the perfect setup for Atlanta to come up with another victory. It is also a game that can be missed by many. Prediction: Falcons 24, Vikings 16

7. Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints

Tyson Bagent gets the call again, so look for a solid New Orleans win. That is no knock on Bagent, one of the best stories of NFL 2023. Prediction: Saints 31, Bears 17

6. Indianapolis Colts at Carolina Panthers

The Colts play high-scoring games and their big plays abound. This won’t be any different, except Carolina won’t be able to keep pace. Prediction: Colts 38, Panthers 13

5. Arizona Cardinals at Cleveland Browns

Let’s go with the Cardinals staying close and the Browns closing them out in the second half. It happens every week with Arizona. Prediction: Browns 27, Cardinals 17

4. Seattle Seahawks at Baltimore Ravens

This is a great matchup. The Ravens and Seahawks are teams in first place in their respective divisions. Love the way Pete Carroll has this team playing and how solid John Harbaugh always is. A nail-biter. Prediction: Ravens 27, Seahawks 24

3. Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals are on a roll and the Bills sputter against lesser squads. Still, this should be one worth checking out. Prediction: Bengals 31, Bills 27

2. Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles

An NFC East rivalry game that Dallas must have if it plans on trying to stay in the division race. Not going to happen at the Linc. Prediction: Eagles 27, Cowboys 21

1. Miami Dolphins at Kansas City Chiefs (Germany)

This is one that everyone will be awake early for as the Dolphins and Chiefs duel in Germany. Think the NFL would rather have this in prime time instead of the morning in most time zones? The Dolphins have yet to prove they can stay with strong teams. Prediction: Chiefs 28, Dolphins 23

Story originally appeared on List Wire