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

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Five things to watch out for in Week 9 of the NFL season | CNN
Sports
  • 31 Ekim 2024
EditorBy Editor - 3 hafta ago

It’s hard to believe, but after this week, the 2024 NFL regular season will have reached its halfway point.

We’ve had lots of expected things happen thus far, like the Kansas City Chiefs going undefeated, and lots of unexpected things, like the Washington Commanders being 6-2 and the New York Jets sitting at 2-6!

Here are five things to know for Week 9 of the National Football League season.

The Jets have now lost five games in a row after a shocking upset loss to the Patriots last time out.

Afterwards the defeat, quarterback Aaron Rodgers said: “I’ve been in the darkness. You’ve got to go in there, make peace with it,” referencing when he went to a darkness retreat before deciding to join the Jets in 2023.

By all accounts, this 2024 campaign has been an absolute failure for the Jets. The team had Super Bowl aspirations but have since fired their coach, replaced the offensive coordinator and tried to fix things by trading for Rodgers’ old buddy, receiver Davante Adams. None of it has worked thus far.

Rodgers spoke ahead of Thursday’s game about his new routine introduced to him by Jets punter Thomas Morstead to attempt stay young despite being 39.

“T-Mo (Morstead) gave me a little fountain of youth, he said he’s been taking for a while, all legal, of course,” he told reporters. “I’ve been sort of gassing him up that’s why I’ve been feeling it a little bit better, but he’s been taking like cayenne pepper and water, so he gave me some before the game. It felt pretty good, but I’ve been kind of gassing him up, so that’s why I’m feeling so good.”

On Thursday night, they face the 6-2 Houston Texans. The Texans themselves are dealing with their own issues, with star wide receiver Stefon Diggs ruled out for the season with a knee injury.

One more loss and the season will officially be over for the Jets.

Hail Maryland!

Fans in the nation’s capital, meanwhile, could not be more excited about the Commanders this season.

“It looked like they were heading for a loss on Sunday against the Chicago Bears before Jayden Daniels pulled off one of the best Hail Mary’s in recent memory.

Daniels, who had been questionable before the game with a rib injury, said after: “That’s kind of like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Not too many people get to experience stuff like that.”

The win improved the Commanders to 6-2 on the season, and this Sunday, they travel to play the reeling New York Giants in a rematch of Week 2.

Washington won that game 21-18, but the Giants didn’t have a kicker and converted zero extra points or two-point attempts.

Divisional games are always tricky, but the Commanders would love a win here because they have tough stretch coming up where they will play against the Steelers, Eagles and Cowboys.

Despite being one of the stories of the season so far, Daniels says the young Washington team is remaining level-headed.

“I’ll always be appreciative of it, go out there and enjoy every moment with each other, but at the end of the day, what happened last week doesn’t really matter,” he told reporters on Wednesday. “We could go on a five-game winning streak and lose one, and everybody’s going to talk about that loss. Nobody’s going to talk about (the) prior (result).”

The last time we saw Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa playing against the Buffalo Bills was in Week 2 when he collided with Damar Hamlin, suffering the third diagnosed concussion of his NFL career.

After consulting with medical specialists, Tagovailoa made his return to action last week. The 26-year-old QB avoided taking any hits against the Arizona Cardinals, routinely getting the ball out quick.

Despite having Tagovailoa back in the lineup, Miami blew a late lead and lost the game to Arizona on a last-second field goal, dropping the Dolphins to 2-5 on the season.

Tagovailoa (No. 1) returned to action in Week 8 following another concussion.

Their margin for error is now razor thin in a stacked AFC.

They lost that previous matchup to Josh Allen and the Bills 31-10 after Tagovailoa departed.

This time around, the game is in Buffalo which is not good news for Miami. The Dolphins have not won there since 2016.

The Bills have steadily improved this season and the offense has looked like a more cohesive unit ever since the arrival of Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns.

The defense will also be bolstered by the return of Von Miller, who returns from his four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

The game of the week is the 6-2 Green Bay Packers hosting the 6-1 Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon.

However, Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love is questionable for this one after injuring his groin in the win over the Jaguars.

Love said on Wednesday it’s “realistic” he could play Sunday, adding: “Yeah, obviously not practicing during the week is not the ideal format for trying to play a game.

“Like I said, things happen, if that’s the scenario, I know I’ll be fine. But definitely, it’s not the ideal scenario for going into a big week.”

Backup quarterback Malik Willis would be in line to start if Love can’t go. He went 2-0 filling in for Love in Weeks 2 and 3 when the fifth-year QB was out with a knee injury.

The Lions, meanwhile, are coming off a 52-14 beatdown of the Titans. Quarterback Jared Goff has been incredible as of late with the highest completion percentage (83.0%) and passer rating (146.5) over a five-game span in NFL history.

In those five games, the Lions have more touchdowns (25) than incompletions (20), which is just ridiculous.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa attempts a pass in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday, October 27. The Dolphins lost 28-27.
Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown catches a Hail Mary pass that was tipped with no time left to beat the Chicago Bears 18-15 at Commanders Field in Landover, Maryland, on October 27.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix scores a rushing touchdown in Denver on October 27. The Broncos beat the Carolina Panthers 28-14.
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown, left, and his identical twin brother, Philadelphia Eagles safety Sydney Brown, exchange jerseys after the game between their teams in Cincinnati on October 27. The Eagles won 37-17.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold reacts after being sacked for a safety in his own endzone by Los Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young in Inglewood, California, on Thursday, October 24. TV replays showed Young had grabbed Darnold’s face mask. After the game, lead official Tra Blake said the incident went unpenalized because none of his officiating crew had a clear look at it. The Rams won 30-20.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert stiff arms Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. during the Chargers' 17-15 loss in Glendale, Arizona, on Monday, October 21.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Chris Conley and Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie vie for the ball on Sunday, October 20, in Santa Clara, California.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce is tackled by Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks on October 20 in Indianapolis. The Colts won 16-10.
Green Bay Packers kicker Brandon McManus celebrates with fans after kicking the game-winning field goal against the Houston Texans in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on October 20. The Packers won 24-22.
Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers on October 20 in Landover, Maryland. The Commanders won 40-7.
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton runs out of the tunnel prior to the game against the New England Patriots in London on October 20. The Jaguars won 32-16.
Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss breaks up a pass to Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey in the second half of the Broncos' 23-16 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Denver on Sunday, October 13.
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch, center, celebrates an interception with his teammates during a game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, on October 13. The Lions trounced the Cowboys 47-9.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs dives for a touchdown in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on October 13. The Packers beat the Arizona Cardinals 34-13.
Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II stands for the national anthem on October 13.
Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson stops Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku in Philadelphia on October 13. The Eagles won 20-16.
Carolina Panthers linebacker Claudin Cherelus pressures Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins in Charlotte, North Carolina, on October 13. The Panthers lost 38-20.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams walks down the tunnel after his team beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 35-16 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on October 13. Williams completed 23 of his 29 pass attempts and throwing for 226 yards and four touchdowns.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel makes a catch during his team's 36-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Seattle on Thursday, October 10. Samuel became the first wide receiver in NFL history with 20 touchdown receptions and 20 touchdown runs after scoring on a 76-yard touchdown catch.
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Isaac Yiadom and safety Ji'Ayir Brown break up a touchdown pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf in Seattle on October 10.
New Orleans Saints linebacker Willie Gay Jr. signs autographs for a young Kansas City Chiefs fan before the start of the game between the teams in Kansas City, Missouri, on Monday, October 7. Gay played for the Chiefs for four seasons before signing with the Saints during the offseason. The Chiefs beat the Saints 26-13.
Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum celebrates after a play during a game against the New York Jets in London on Sunday, October 6. The Vikings extended their win streak with a 23-17 victory.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman scores on a 49-yard touchdown reception during the Bills' 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans in Houston on October 6.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence eats a cupcake to celebrate his birthday after his team beat the Indianapolis Colts 37-34 at home in Jacksonville, Florida, on October 6. It was the Jaguars' first win of the season.
Green Bay Packers punter Daniel Whelan grabs a high snap during a game against the Los Angeles Rams in Inglewood, California, on October 6. The Packers won 24-19.
Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville, Florida, on October 6.
Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn celebrates with teammates after kicking a 59-yard field goal on the last play of his team's victory over the Buffalo Bills in Houston on October 6.
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir runs for a touchdown after a blocked field goal during a game against the Arizona Cardinals in Santa Clara, California, on October 6. The Cardinals came back to narrowly upset the 49ers 24-23.
Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss celebrates after an interception in Denver on October 6. The Broncos beat the Las Vegas Raiders 34-18.
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers walks off the field after his team's loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London on October 6. Rodgers was intercepted three times.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels passes in the first half of the team's 42-14 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday, September 29.
Denver Broncos cornerback Tremon Smith celebrates as a field goal attempt by New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein misses in the fourth quarter in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on September 29. The Broncos won 10-9.
Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders fights off the tackle attempt by Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt in Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 29. The Bengals beat the Panthers 34-24.
Houston Texans safety Eric Murray celebrates after sacking Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence during the Texans' 24-20 victory in Houston on September 29.
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle catches a touchdown pass in the end zone in Santa Clara, California, on September 29. The 49ers beat the New England Patriots 30-13.
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton bobbles the ball as he runs against Dallas Cowboys linebacker Eric Kendricks during the Giants' 20-15 loss to the Cowboys in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Thursday, September 26.
Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills celebrates an interception during the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Orchard Park, New York, on Monday, September 23. This was his first career interception and latest milestone since he suffered from a cardiac arrest on the field in early 2023.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III runs with the ball for a touchdown during the Steelers' 20-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in Pittsburgh on Sunday, September 22.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold throws the ball to tight end Johnny Mundt in Minneapolis on September 22. The Vikings beat the Houston Texans 34-7.
Kadeem Telfort of the Green Bay Packers takes a selfie with a fan after the Packers beat the Tennessee Titans 30-14 on the road in Nashville on September 22.
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones lands in the end zone for a touchdown in Minneapolis on September 22.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescotts sits on the field after a play during the team's 28-25 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Arlington, Texas, on September 22.
New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard runs past New England Patriots cornerback Alex Austin for a touchdown in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Thursday, September 19. The Jets won 24-3.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney scores a touchdown during the team's 22-21 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia on Monday, September 16.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes runs the ball against Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dax Hill during the Chiefs' 26-25 victory in Kansas City, Missouri, on Sunday, September 15. The defending Super Bowl champs moved to 2-0 on the season.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. catches a pass over Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum and linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. during a game in Minneapolis on September 15. The Vikings would go on to win the game 24-17.
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara runs the ball during the Saints' 44-19 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, on September 15. Kamara had four touchdowns in the game.
Miami Dolphins players attend to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after he took a hit to the head in the second half of a game against the Buffalo Bills in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Thursday, September 12. Tagovailoa was later ruled out with a concussion.
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and teammates wait in a tunnel before a game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, California, on Monday, September 9. This is the first game back for Rodgers since tearing his Achilles tendon last year after his first game of the season.
Los Angeles Chargers players and Las Vegas Raiders players clash after a play during the second half of their game in Inglewood, California, on Sunday, September 8.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott celebrates after a touchdown during the Cowboys' 33-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland on September 8. Hours before the game, Prescott agreed to a record four-year, $240 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in the NFL.
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. breaks a tackle from Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker K.J. Britt in Tampa, Florida, on September 8. The Buccaneers beat the Commanders 37-20.
Miami Dolphins wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle celebrate a touchdown during a 20-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Miami Gardens, Florida, on September 8. Hill was detained for a short time by police after a traffic incident earlier in the day. Miami-Dade Police Department Director Stephanie V. Daniels said Sunday that an investigation has begun into the incident and one of the officers involved is being placed on administrative duties.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields signals during the second half of a game against the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta on September 8. The Steelers defeated the Falcons 18-10.
Tennessee Titans tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo, right, and Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson tumble in the end zone in Chicago on September 8. Okonkwo made the catch for a touchdown, but the Titans ultimately fell 24-17 to the Bears.
Rhamondre Stevenson of the New England Patriots runs the ball against Cincinnati Bengals defenders in Cincinnati on September 8. The Patriots beat the Bengals 16-10.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, center, celebrates his interception return for a touchdown during the Vikings' 28-6 victory over the New York Giants in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on September 8.
Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars players pray together at the end of the game in Miami Gardens, Florida, on September 8.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir, top, dives for the end zone for a touchdown as Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Justin Jones is unable to make the tackle in Orchard Park, New York, on September 8. The Bills won 34-28.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love walks off the field after taking a hit in the final seconds of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles in São Paulo early Saturday, September 7. The Eagles won 34-29.
Brazilian and American flags are presented on the field at Neo Química Arena – also known as Corinthians Arena – in São Paulo ahead of the game between the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, September 6. It was the first NFL game in South America.
Grammy Award-winning singer Taylor Swift cheers on boyfriend Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs during the game against the Baltimore Ravens in Kansas City, Missouri, on Thursday, September 5.
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely catches a pass with his toe out of bounds as time expires at the end of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 5. The Chiefs won 27-20.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes scrambles during the game against the Baltimore Ravens in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 5.
Fans enter Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, ahead of the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens on September 5.


The best photos from the 2024 NFL season

On Monday night, the Chiefs will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a rematch of Super Bowl 55 – but this game will look much different.

Tom Brady, of course, is in the booth and no longer quarterbacking Tampa Bay, but his old targets also will not be playing this one.

Chris Godwin was lost for the season with an ankle injury and Mike Evans isn’t expected back for weeks with a hamstring ailment.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield could be in for a long night against a Chiefs defense that has been great so far this year.

Mayfield will be without his top two targets – Chris Godwin and Mike Evans – for Monday's game against the Chiefs.

We are still waiting for that Patrick Mahomes breakout game, but the three-time Super Bowl champion looked much improved last time out as he threw two touchdowns in a win over the Las Vegas Raiders – but for the season, he has eight touchdown passes and nine interceptions.

Certainly not Mahomes-like numbers, but he that won’t deter or dismay him as the Chiefs are the only undefeated team in the NFL at 7-0.

Maybe, just maybe, this is the week we get that offensive explosion from Mahomes.

Away @ home

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

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