Welcome back, gridiron fans! We’ve officially crossed the halfway point of the 2023 NFL season, and the playoff picture is finally starting to take shape. Week 9 is packed with blockbuster clashes, fierce rivalries, and a special international showdown that could have major AFC implications.
This is your complete guide to every Week 9 NFL game. We’re breaking down the key matchups with in-depth previews, offering our expert predictions, and providing the picks you need to know. Let’s dive into the action.
Marquee Matchups: NFL Week 9 Previews & Predictions
These are the must-watch games of the week, featuring Super Bowl contenders and bitter divisional foes.
Miami Dolphins (6-2) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (6-2) – Frankfurt, Germany
- The Key Nugget: This is the first-ever NFL game played in Frankfurt and marks Tyreek Hill’s highly anticipated first game against his former team, the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Matchup Preview: It’s a battle of offensive firepower versus defensive dominance. The Dolphins’ offense, engineered by Tua Tagovailoa, is built on league-best speed. On the other side, the Chiefs have been winning with a surprisingly stout defense, as Patrick Mahomes has looked uncharacteristically human in recent weeks. Can Miami’s blitz-heavy scheme disrupt Mahomes, or will the Chiefs’ defense be the unit that slows down an elite offense on a neutral field?
- The Prediction: This is a true coin flip, but the Chiefs’ defense is the most reliable unit in this game. They’ll make one or two key stops that Miami won’t be able to match.
- Pick: Chiefs 27, Dolphins 24
Dallas Cowboys (5-2) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (7-1)
- The Key Nugget: The Eagles are 7-1 for the second consecutive season—a first in franchise history. This NFC East rivalry is consistently one of the most intense in the NFL.
- Matchup Preview: This is a classic battle for supremacy in the NFC East. The Cowboys’ offense, featuring Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, has been explosive. However, they haven’t faced a defensive front as formidable as Philadelphia’s. The Eagles are a juggernaut, with Jalen Hurts winning games with his arm, his legs, and the unstoppable “Tush Push” play. For Dallas to pull off the upset, pass-rusher Micah Parsons needs a game-wrecking performance.
- The Prediction: Winning in Philadelphia is a monumental task. The Eagles are the more complete team right now and should be able to grind this one out at home.
- Pick: Eagles 31, Cowboys 26
Buffalo Bills (5-3) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (4-3)
- The Key Nugget: A rematch of last season’s emotional AFC Divisional playoff game. Bengals QB Joe Burrow appears fully healthy, throwing 8 touchdowns over his last 3 games.
- Matchup Preview: Two AFC titans are looking for a statement win. The Bills have looked inconsistent, with Josh Allen’s brilliance often undermined by costly turnovers. The Bengals, after a sluggish start, are now firing on all cylinders. The Joe Burrow to Ja’Marr Chase connection is electric again. Expect a high-scoring shootout where the quarterback who avoids the critical mistake will come out on top.
- The Prediction: We’re riding the hot hand in this prediction. The Bengals are ascending, while the Bills are still searching for consistency on offense.
- Pick: Bengals 30, Bills 27
More NFL Week 9 Picks & Quick Predictions
Here are our rapid-fire picks for the rest of the notable Week 9 slate.
- Seattle Seahawks (5-2) at Baltimore Ravens (6-2): A fascinating clash of two division leaders. The Ravens’ elite defense will be the difference-maker at home. Pick: Ravens
- Los Angeles Chargers (3-4) at New York Jets (4-3): A potent Chargers offense faces the Jets’ phenomenal defense on Monday Night Football. Defense often travels well in primetime. Pick: Jets
- Tennessee Titans (3-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3): A Thursday night brawl between two physical, old-school teams. Rookie QB Will Levis was a revelation for the Titans last week and could carry that momentum forward. Pick: Titans
- Minnesota Vikings (4-4) at Atlanta Falcons (4-4): With Kirk Cousins out for the season, rookie Jaren Hall gets the start for the Vikings. That’s a tough assignment for a first career start on the road. Pick: Falcons
Week 9 will be a pivotal slate that helps separate the true contenders from the pretenders. Let us know your own predictions in the comments below!
