Sep 8, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA;  New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs against Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (8) during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Top 10 Player Props for NFL Week 9

The slate of games on deck for NFL Week 9 does not feature too many (any?) intriguing matchups, but that doesn’t mean bettors should take the week off. However, they may want to focus on some of the many player props on offer. With sportsbooks carrying a couple hundred per game, bettors will have plenty to choose from.

But with 13 games scheduled for Sunday, sportsbooks will have well over a couple thousand markets to choose from. So, where do you start? You start with our top 10 player props list for Week 9 of the NFL season.

NFL Week 9: Player Props

The following are our top 10 player prop picks for Week 9 of the NFL season (Sunday games). These will not be in any particular order, and the odds will be via FanDuel unless otherwise stated. However, we do suggest you line shop and make sure you get the best odds for whichever ones you choose to bet on.

Alvin Kamara, O/U 67.5 Rushing Yards at -114/-114

Alvin Kamara, O/U 15.5 rushing attempts at -120/-110 (via DraftKings)

Kamara has averaged just 10 carries per game the last three weeks with Spencer Rattler at quarterback, but we expect that to change with Derek Carr coming back to face the Panthers. In the first four games of the season (with Carr at QB), Kamara got 15, 20, 26 and 19 carries.

To take the pressure off Carr as he returns from injury, the Saints will give their multitalented running back plenty of touches. Against the worst run defense in the league (154.6 ypg allowed; 171.3 ypg allowed over their last three), he’ll probably blow past 67.5 yards in the first half.

Our Picks: OVER 67.5 rushing yards and 15.5 rush attempts

Bryce Young, O/U 18.5 Pass Completions at -135/+105

Against the Saints in Week 1, Young had 13 completions (30 attempts). In Week 2, he had 18 (26 attempts), and in his return to the starting lineup last week, he completed 24 of 37 passes. The Saints have been allowing 22.4 per week and 20 in their previous three games.

Having beaten the Panthers once already this season and hungry for another win, the Saints’ defense will take charge in this game. They’ll rattle Young from the start and not let up.

Our Pick: UNDER 18.5 completions for +105

Dak Prescott, O/U 37.5 Passing Attempts at +100/-130

The Dallas run game has been truly terrible this season, leaving the Cowboys no choice but to throw a lot. Prescott has attempted more than 37.5 passes in four of seven games this season and averages 37.4. Opponents are averaging 33.6 per game against Atlanta this season and 39 attempts per game over the last three.

Once the Falcons get out to a comfortable lead at the half, Mike McCarthy will abandon the run in the second. Dak may surpass 37.5 attempts before the fourth quarter.

Our Pick: OVER 37.5 pass attempts for Dak Prescott.

Derrick Henry, O/U 18.5 Rushing Attempts at -114/-114

Derrick Henry, O/U 86.5 Rushing Yards at +104/-135

When the Ravens review the game film for last week’s loss to the Browns, they will see one issue on offense that can be easily rectified. Henry did not touch the ball enough (11 carries), hence his lowest rushing total since Week 1.

He’s had between 15 and 24 attempts since Week 2 with more than 18.5 in three (all wins that saw him run for 100+ yards). Denver has a tough defense; teams have been averaging 26.5 this season against them for 106.4 ypg (98 ypg allowed over their last three). Jackson will take some of those carries, but after losing last week, they’ll try to get back to their bread and butter this week.

Our Pick: OVER 18.5 attempts and 86.5 rushing yards

Kyren Williams, O/U 20.5 Rush Attempts at -110/-120

Kyren Williams, O/U 91.5 Rushing Yards at -115/-115

The Rams have been leaning on their young running back the last few weeks, giving him the ball 22, 21 and 23 times, and he has not disappointed as he’s gone for 102, 76 and 97 yards. Teams have been averaging 30 rush attempts (148.3 yards) against the Seahawks this season, 33 per game over their last three (182.3 ypg allowed).

Los Angeles would be foolish not to feed Williams against a defense struggling against the run.

Our Pick(s): OVER 20.5 rushes and 91.5 yards (odds via DraftKings)

Khalil Shakir, O/U 4.5 Total Receptions at -128/-102

Khalil Shakir, O/U 51.5 Receiving Yards at -114/-114

Shakir has been the go-to guy for Josh Allen the last two weeks with 16 receptions on 17 targets for 107 and 65 yards. Allen had a relatively quiet day against the Dolphins when these teams played back in Week 2 (13-for-19 for 139 yards and one touchdown), but Shakir caught all five of his targets for 54 yards.

Our Picks: Take the OVER for both markets.

–Field Level Media

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff high-fives teammates during warmups before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023.

Week 9 NFL Capsules

WEEK 9 NFL CAPSULES

Denver Broncos (5-3) at Baltimore Ravens (5-3), 1 p.m. ET
The Week 9 Broncos-Ravens capsule will move at 4 p.m. ET Friday due to uncertainty around the status of QB Lamar Jackson.

Dallas Cowboys (3-4) at Atlanta Falcons (5-3), 1 p.m. ET
The first-place Falcons are running toward their first winning season and playoff appearance since 2017, winning four of their last five games. Atlanta is 2-3 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with a chance to move to 6-3 for the first time since 2016 when the Falcons were NFC champions. Scoring is up and Atlanta has eclipsed the 30-point total in three games this year, a mark it failed to meet a single time in 2023. Kirk Cousins’ 2,106 passing yards rank third in the NFL and his 14 touchdowns through the air are tied for fifth, with five players catching at least 29 passes through eight games. The Cowboys have dropped two in a row and are 2 1/2 games behind the NFC East-leading Washington Commanders. The first of those two losses was a 47-9 drubbing at home to the Detroit Lions on Oct. 13. With Micah Parsons (ankle) and DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) out, the Cowboys are trending south in a hurry on defense. They’ve allowed the second-most points in the league (28.3 per game) and the most rushing yards (154.6, tied with the Carolina Panthers). Without a running game — the Cowboys average less than 74 yards per game — QB Dak Prescott has three straight two-interception games.

Miami Dolphins (2-5) at Buffalo Bills (6-2), 1 p.m. ET
Von Miller is back from suspension following Buffalo’s 31-10 win at Seattle as the Bills look to improve head coach Sean McDermott’s dominance of the Dolphins. McDermott is 14-2 against Miami, and Buffalo beat the Dolphins by the same 31-10 count in Week 2. Bills RB James Cook has provided a consistent running game. He scored twice last week and shredded Miami back in September, hauling in a TD pass before finding the end zone twice on the ground. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained a concussion in the third quarter of the home loss to Buffalo and he missed the next four games. The Dolphins lost three times during that span, averaging 10 points in those four contests. With Tagovailoa back, the Dolphins believe there’s time to crash the playoff picture. He completed 28 of 38 passes for 234 yards and a touchdown in a 28-27 setback against the Cardinals last week. Dolphins RB De’Von Achane had 147 yards from scrimmage last week and is becoming a reliable weapon in his second season. He has 346 total yards (115.3 per game) with four TDs (three rushing) in three career games against the Bills.

New Orleans Saints (2-6) at Carolina Panthers (1-7), 1 p.m. ET
New Orleans couldn’t be happier to see Carolina pop up on the schedule for the second time this season. Not only have the Panthers allowed 18 more touchdowns than they’ve scored this season, the Saints are trying to snap a six-game losing streak that began Week 3. In Week 1, the Saints smothered the Panthers with scores on nine consecutive drives in a 47-10 romp. Carolina’s only touchdown in the game was a late run by Bryce Young, who was benched before Week 3 but gets set to make his second start in a row due to Andy Dalton’s thumb injury. Young played well at Denver last week and connected on two TD passes. The Saints are only a game ahead of the Panthers in the NFC South standings and face their own concerns. Derek Carr’s oblique injury led to rookie QB Spencer Rattler taking over as the starting quarterback in Week 6. Carr threw for three touchdowns in the first meeting. Rattler has thrown for one TD in the past three games combined. Carr could be back from the injury Sunday trying to spark an offense averaging 15.7 points per game during the losing skid.

Las Vegas Raiders (2-6) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-5), 1 p.m. ET
Joe Burrow is putting up MVP-type statistics — 15 touchdowns, three interceptions — but the Bengals aren’t pulling in wins with a defense allowing 25.4 points per game. They were hit for 37 points by the Eagles last week in a 20-point loss during which Philadelphia was the far more physical team on both sides of the line of scrimmage. The failures aren’t entirely on the Bengals’ defense. Cincinnati is winless at home at 0-4 and failed to score 20 points for the third game in a row last week. The Raiders failed to take advantage of opportunities against the Chiefs last week, including 1-for-3 in goal-to-go situations, resulting in a 27-20 loss. Neither team has been able to generate rushing yards consistently, ranking in the bottom five in the league in yards per game on the ground. The imbalance has put the Raiders in a double-digit deficit in every game this season. QB Garder Minshew was toast against the Chiefs’ blitz last week — Kansas City notched five sacks — and the Bengals are one of the most blitz-happy teams in the NFL.

Los Angeles Chargers (4-3) at Cleveland Browns (2-6), 1 p.m. ET
Rumors swirled in Cleveland that this could be the final game for DE Myles Garrett with the Browns as the trade deadline approaches. But he’s not the former No. 1 pick creating the most buzz in The Land. Jameis Winston started his first game of the season with Ken Dorsey installed as Cleveland’s play-caller, and the combination worked magic — 2024 team highwater marks in points (29), passing yards (321), first downs (22), touchdowns (three), passing touchdowns (three), third-down percentage (53.3) and yards per pass attempt (7.5) — to beat the Ravens. The Chargers are eighth in the NFL in total defense (305.4 yards per game) and have 17 sacks, a concern for Cleveland’s beleaguered offensive line. Winston was sacked only twice last week (Deshaun Watson was sacked 33 times in seven games) and Dorsey said there’s a renewed focus on a physical running game as Nick Chubb works his way back from a 2023 season-ending knee injury.

Washington Commanders (6-2) at New York Giants (2-6), 1 p.m. ET
The Commanders are the first team since the 2016 Dallas Cowboys to open a season 6-2 with a rookie starting quarterback, and fourth since 1950. Jayden Daniels had 326 yards and the walk-off 52-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass to beat the Bears last week. He’s completing 71.8 percent of his passes (second in the NFL) and consistently finding No. 1 WR Terry McLaurin, a Giant-killer in previous seasons (25 receptions, 362 yards) over four career games against New York. The Giants made secret of their affinity for Daniels in an offseason HBO “Hard Knocks” series, but Brian Daboll’s team is the only opponent this season to keep the Commanders out of the end zone. The Giants stopped Daniels six times in the red zone in a 21-18 Week 2 loss but they were trampled for 215 rushing yards and Washington connected on seven field goals. Quarterback is a constant talking point around the Giants, with Daniel Jones trying to prove his worth and going for his third consecutive game against Washington without an interception. The Giants’ defense remains a force with a league-best 35 sacks, but the offense averages 14. 8 points per game compared to Washington’s 29.5 ppg average.

New England Patriots (2-6) at Tennessee Titans (1-6), 1 p.m. ET
The Patriots have won six of the past seven meetings, but for the first time in 25 years there won’t be a Belichick or Vrabel involved. Tennessee openly shifted to making plans for the 2025 roster at the trade deadline, and the future of QB Will Levis remains in doubt this week and long-term. Levis has been fighting a shoulder injury since the Titans’ last win. The Patriots believe No. 3 pick Drake Maye could be the franchise quarterback, but he spent the week in concussion protocol. The Patriots ended a six-game losing streak last week with a 25-22 win over the New York Jets and experienced hand Jacoby Brissett is ready to step in should Maye miss the game. The Titans are reeling from three consecutive losses, the latest a 38-point shellacking (52-14) at Detroit. Mason Rudolph has two touchdowns and three interceptions as Levis’ replacement, but the Titans have struggled in comeback mode. Tennessee enters this week with five consecutive scoreless quarters in the second half and 12 total points in the fourth quarter this season — all against the Dolphins in Week 4.

Chicago Bears (4-3) at Arizona Cardinals (4-4), 4:05 p.m. ET
Suddenly a threat in the NFC West, the Cardinals are surviving with little pass rush behind solid offensive line play and strong performances from QB Kyler Murray and the running game. James Conner is over 700 yards from scrimmage and a driving force behind Arizona’s three wins in four games. All had narrow margins — one point at San Francisco, two points over the Chargers and the 28-27 victory at Miami last week — and Arizona is still being outscored by 27 points on the season. Murray has 11 touchdown passes, three picks and averages 8.4 yards per carry with two touchdowns. The former No. 1 pick matches up with rookie top overall pick Caleb Williams this week. Williams (five interceptions) played well enough to get the Bears a fourth consecutive victory last week but then the Hail Mary in Washington happened. It was the third loss for Chicago, all in games when the Bears failed to get to 17 points. Third-down conversions remain a rub for offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. The 33 percent conversion rate and 183.6 passing yards per game on the season both rank in the bottom five of the NFL.

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-2), 4:05 p.m. ET
The Eagles have won three straight games. They picked up a second consecutive road victory last weekend, winning 37-17 at Cincinnati following a 28-3 defeat of the New York Giants in Week 7. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts accounted for four TDs (three rushing) against the Bengals and did not turn the ball over for a third straight game. Saquon Barkley ran for 108 yards, surpassing 100 scrimmage yards for the sixth time in seven games, and is No. 2 in the NFL with 766 rushing yards. The Eagles rank second in the league in rushing with 165.9 yards per game and fourth with 12 rushing touchdowns. Philadelphia meets a Jacksonville defense that ranks 29th in scoring (28.0 points per game) and total defense (382.1 yards per game). The Jaguars were unsuccessful in coach Doug Pederson’s first return to Philadelphia, where he coached from 2016-20 and led the Eagles to their only Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl LII. The Eagles welcomed him back with a 29-21 win against Jacksonville on Oct. 2, 2022.

Detroit Lions (6-1) at Green Bay Packers (6-2), 4:25 p.m. ET
Lions QB Jared Goff set the NFL record with a completion percentage of 83 percent over a five-game stretch. The just-completed run of games also slotted the Lions in rare company with a cumulative four-game record-tying 172 points (2019 Ravens). Goff has gobbled against Green Bay in his career with 12 touchdowns, three INTs and a passer rating of 98 in seven starts. The Packers are optimistic Jordan Love (groin) will be part of the fight for first place in the NFC North. He had three TD passes in the last meeting and is on a run of seven consecutive home games with multiple TD passes. If Love can’t play, Malik Willis is the next man up. He helped guide the Packers to a fourth consecutive win, 30-27 at Jacksonville last week after Love was injured. The Packers’ defense leads the NFL with 19 takeaways but Green Bay has only a plus-four turnover margin and tied with a league-worst nine broken tackles last week.

Los Angeles Rams (3-4) at Seattle Seahawks (4-4), 4:25 p.m. ET
How thrilled was Rams QB Matthew Stafford to have the band back together last Thursday? He posted his 16th career four-TD game and the Rams climbed closer to the top of the crowded NFC West to set up a significant midseason matchup with the Seahawks. Seattle lost both games to the Rams last season, but Los Angeles is 0-3 on the road in 2024. But a run defense giving up almost 150 yards per game — and an average of 163.3 in the past three games — could be ripe for the picking given the success of Rams RB Kyren Williams. He has eight rushing touchdowns and scored a pair at Seattle last season. Buffalo all but erased the ground game of the Seahawks last week. Kenneth Walker had nine carries for 12 yards and Zach Charbonnet ran three times for 4 yards. QB Geno Smith leads NFL in passing yards (2,197) and completions (212), and the Seahawks might again lean heavily on the aerial attack given the Rams’ weaknesses in the secondary.

Indianapolis Colts (4-4) at Minnesota Vikings (5-2), 8:20 p.m. ET
The Vikings are winless since a 5-0 start and welcome Indianapolis for a primetime date Sunday, the first meeting between the teams since Minnesota won in overtime and set the NFL record for the largest comeback in history (33 points) in December of 2022. Anthony Richardson was benched after going 3-1 in his last four starts because he’s on a historic track — for lowest completion percentage — as a pocket passer. Into the lineup steps Joe Flacco, who took the Browns’ passing game to the next level and pushed Cleveland to the playoffs last season with 300-yard games in five consecutive starts. Flacco, 37, continues to fire the ball from the pocket and has multiple TD passes in three of four games with the Colts, including two starts. Sam Darnold has been a strong stand-in for the Vikings in his first season with the team and has five two-TD games. Minnesota is moving forward without LT Christian Darrisaw (ACL), but acquired Cam Robinson from the Jaguars this week to take his place.

–Monday
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4) at Kansas City Chiefs (7-0)
The Chiefs attempt to start 8-0 for the third time in franchise history (2003, 2013) against the franchise that delivered Kansas City its last Super Bowl loss. QB Patrick Mahomes thrives on “Monday Night Football,” where he’s 7-2 with 23 TDs (21 pass, two rush). But he’s not putting up the type of numbers Baker Mayfield has for the Buccaneers this season. Mayfield leads the NFL in TD passes (21), ranks second in passing yards (2,189) and third in completion percentage (71.1). The last quarterback to rank in the top three in each category through Week 8 of the season was former Chiefs QB Alex Smith in 2017. Kansas City’s defense has been borderline dominant, especially in slowing running backs in the red zone. Tampa deployed RBs Rachaad White and Bucky Irving in receiving roles last week and they combined for 12 receptions for 151 yards while TE Cade Otton caught two TD passes. The Chiefs have allowed a league-low 15 plays of 20-plus yards. Mahomes is searching for a stronger connection with new target DeAndre Hopkins. He caught two passes at Las Vegas last week in his debut with Kansas City. Hopkins needs five receptions to become the seventh player all-time to reach 950 career catches in his first 12 seasons.

–Field Level Media

Oct 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings fans react late during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

NFL flexes Colts-Vikings to ‘SNF’ in Week 9

The NFL on Monday announced that it has flexed the Indianapolis Colts-Minnesota Vikings game in Week 9 to the Sunday night slot on NBC, bumping the Jacksonville-Philadelphia game to Sunday afternoon.

The Nov. 3 game between the host Vikings and Colts was originally scheduled as a 1 p.m. ET kickoff. The Jaguars-Eagles will kick off at 4:05 p.m. on CBS.

Indianapolis is also scheduled as the “Sunday Night Football” game two weeks later at the New York Jets in Week 11.

The Colts are 4-3 entering Week 8 and the Vikings are 5-1.

–Field Level Media

Feb 12, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell at the Super Bowl Host Committee Handoff press conference at the Super Bowl LVIII media center at the Mandalay Bay North Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NFL moves trade deadline to after games in Week 9

NFL owners voted Tuesday at the annual league meeting in Orlando, Fla., to move the trade deadline to the Tuesday after the games in Week 9.

That represents a full week later than the previous deadline, which was the Tuesday following the games in Week 8. The move of the trade deadline allows teams to better prepare for a playoff push during the 17-game season.

The 2024 NFL trade deadline is Nov. 5.

When the league expanded to a 17-game schedule in 2021, the trade deadline was not moved. This shift puts the deadline back to a more traditional alignment in the league calendar.

The Pittsburgh Steelers initially proposed for the deadline to be pushed to after the games in Week 9, while the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders proposed for the deadline to be extended after the contests in Week 10.

–Field Level Media

Dec 24, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Week 9 Capsules

Week 9 NFL Capsules

Miami Dolphins (6-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (6-2): The Dolphins aren’t getting much attention for their defense, but with safety Jevon Holland (concussion) back in the lineup a week after cornerback Jalen Ramsey (knee) returned, Miami has potential to be menacing for teams without multiple threats in the passing game. Enter the Chiefs, who looked mortal at Denver in a 24-9 loss, the third time this season they’ve been held under 20 points. The Chiefs find themselves in unfamiliar territory — no, not the Frankfurt, Germany part — going conservative to keep the ball away from Tua Tagovailoa and former KC No. 1 receiver Tyreek Hill. The Chiefs’ passing defense is no slouch, allowing 176.1 yards per game in 2023. Hill is already over 1,000 receiving yards and has 61 catches, more than twice the number for the Chiefs’ leading wide receiver (Rashee Rice, 30). Tagovailoa has 18 TD passes, tied with Kirk Cousins for the NFL lead, but far more weapons to lean on than Patrick Mahomes. What’s uncertain is the merit of the Dolphins’ position in the AFC pecking order. Miami is winless (0-2) against teams with winning records this season.

Minnesota Vikings (4-4) at Atlanta Falcons (4-4): Imagining a more chaotic week of quarterback change for two teams going head-to-head isn’t easy to fathom. The Vikings lost Kirk Cousins (Achilles) for the season just as he got Minnesota back to .500 following an 0-3 start. Atlanta benched Desmond Ridder “for this week” with turnovers becoming a detrimental factor. That sets up a save-your-ticket-stub type of QB pairing not to be confused with Montana-Elway: Vikings rookie Jaren Hall gets the call against journeyman Taylor Heinicke. Heinicke makes his first start for the first-place Falcons but the 30-year-old is 12-12-1 as a starter in his career. Minnesota’s toothy defense depends on chaos caused by blitzing more than 57 percent of snaps. DE Danielle Hunter has 10 of Minnesota’s 23 sacks, but if the mobile Heinicke can get Atlanta aligned and see the pressure coming, big plays are possible. Opponents complete 72.2 percent of their passes and converted third downs 43.5 percent of the time. Hall could benefit from a more reliable rushing attack and the Vikings are pushing Cam Akers ahead of Alexander Mattison in search of a spark.

Arizona Cardinals (1-7) at Cleveland Browns (4-3): Rookie Clayton Tune jumped to the front of the line at QB this week when starter Joshua Dobbs was traded to the Vikings. Dobbs was expendable with Kyler Murray nearing his return from a December 2022 ACL tear. Tune’s task would be to get the best of the NFL’s No. 1-ranked pass defense spearheaded by DE Myles Garrett (8.5 sacks). Arizona has averaged just 318.6 total yards and 18.9 points per game. In other words, the margin for error is miniscule. Cleveland coughed up the ball on a late-game interception by PJ Walker to lose at Seattle in Week 8. Deshaun Watson, sidelined with a bruised rotator cuff, said he’s getting stronger and the Browns plan to welcome him back Sunday. But the last time Watson deemed himself ready, he wasn’t, and Walker ended up finishing the game. Walker has six turnovers and one touchdown, and the Browns are also without All-Pro running back Nick Chubb (knee) for the rest of the season. Following this game, the Browns enter a stretch of pivotal AFC North games: at Baltimore next week, followed by a date with the Steelers.

Los Angeles Rams (3-5) at Green Bay Packers (2-5): Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said publicly the next 10 games are critical for QB Jordan Love, whose future with the franchise is likely tied to his performance the rest of the way. Three losses (Falcons, Raiders, Broncos) ended with Love having a chance to win the game but failing to get the Packers points. Green Bay enters on a four-game losing streak but could get a break if Matthew Stafford (sprained thumb) can’t play. Backup Brett Rypien is untested and the Rams lost their leading rusher, rookie Kyren Williams, to a knee injury two weeks ago. Green Bay’s rushing game isn’t exactly dangerous. Aaron Jones is off to a slow start this season. He has yet to rush for more than 45 yards in any of his four games after surpassing that mark in nine of 17 games last season. Love has 11 touchdown passes but his eight interceptions are tied for second-most in the NFL.

Washington Commanders (3-5) at New England Patriots (2-6): Even with losses in five of the past six games, Commanders coach Ron Rivera appears convinced Sam Howell is the right man to lead Washington forward. With showings like last week against the Eagles, it’s easy to buy the argument. Howell have four touchdown passes and put up 31 points against Philadelphia for the second time this season. But he has nine turnovers (eight INTs) and has been sacked 41 times in 2023. With a running game averaging 85.9 yards per game, Howell is being asked to carry a heavy burden. In the team’s four losses in the past five games, the Patriots scored a combined 37 total points compared to 29 in the lone win during that stretch. The Patriots’ top two rushers, Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott, are both averaging less than 4.0 yards per carry and the ground game (84.4 yards per game) isn’t a threat. Falling behind in games places the onus on Jones, as New England is being outscored 118-53 in the first half this season.

Chicago Bears (2-6) at New Orleans Saints (4-4): The Bears traded a 2024 second-round draft choice to the Commanders in return for DE Montez Sweat to try and upgrade one of the NFL’s weakest pass rushes. General manager Ryan Poles, who previously traded pass rushers Robert Quinn and Khalil Mack out of Chicago, called Sweat “a huge addition” to a defense with an NFL-worst 10 sacks. Sweat has 6.5 sacks so far this season, giving him a total of 35.5 in five seasons. Rookie QB Tyson Bagent will make his third straight start in place of Justin Fields, who continues to rehab a thumb injury. Bagent completed 25 of 37 for 232 yards but was intercepted twice in a 30-13 loss to the Chargers last Sunday in Los Angeles. New Orleans had lost four of five before recording its highest-scoring performance in the last 20 games in a 38-27 victory at Indianapolis last Sunday. Just in time for Sweat’s arrival, New Orleans changed the left side of the offensive line because guard James Hurst missed the last two games due to injury, and Trevor Penning was benched three games ago. Andrus Peat moved from guard to tackle, and Max Garcia started at guard. The Saints had season highs of 350 passing yards, 161 rushing yards and 511 total yards against the Colts. It was the third consecutive game in which they gained 400 yards.

Seattle Seahawks (5-2) at Baltimore Ravens (6-2): Division leaders separated by 2,300 miles duel in Maryland with critical matchups against more familiar rivals dead ahead. The Seahawks moved past struggling San Francisco and into first place in the NFC West with last Sunday’s 24-20 victory against visiting Cleveland. Geno Smith threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba with 38 seconds remaining for the winning score. “Our team is such a scrappy team. We find ways to win no matter what,” Smith said. “I feel like if I can play up to my capabilities, play up to my standard, who knows where we can be. Because we’re one of the best teams in football if we play right.” Seattle’s defense has been a big reason why it is atop the division. Over the past four games, the Seahawks have allowed a total of nine second-half points and zero touchdowns. They also acquired DT Leonard Williams from the Giants this week. The Ravens have used their usual ground-and-pound approach to build a 1 1/2-game lead in the AFC North. They labored offensively at Arizona last week, with just 268 yards of total offense. Gus Edwards ran for three touchdowns — two after interceptions — as the Ravens came away with a 31-24 victory, their third in a row.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4) at Houston Texans (3-4): Despite losing three in a row, Tampa Bay resides in the NFC South, where front-running Atlanta is only a half-game ahead with a matching record and has made a quarterback change. The Texans are 2 1/2 games behind streaking Jacksonville in the AFC South. The Buccaneers’ position might have influenced their thinking when New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas came calling with a trade proposal involving their top wide receiver, Mike Evans. Playing his 10th season, Evans is on his way to his 10th 1,000-yard season with 507 yards on 33 receptions.
Tampa Bay’s decision not to trade means quarterback Baker Mayfield retains his most reliable target. Mayfield is enjoying the most accurate season of his career at 64.2 percent with 10 touchdowns and four interceptions. He intends to make the start Sunday despite a knee contusion. Mayfield and the Bucs are looking to revive an offense that has struggled during their recent slide. They’ve managed just 37 points during the losing streak. The Texans missed a chance to get over the .500 mark last week with a 15-13 loss at previously winless Carolina. The Texans managed only 229 total yards against a team ranked 30th in the NFL in scoring defense at more than 28 points per game. That’s part of a recent trend for Houston, which after averaging 24 points and 368.5 yards per game in the first four games has regressed to 17.3 ppg and 279.7 yards per game in the past three games.

Indianapolis Colts (3-5) at Carolina Panthers (1-6): Frank Reich scored his first win with the Panthers last week, just in time to roll out the red carpet for the team that fired him one year ago. Reich would love to dish out a defeat to the Colts on the near-anniversary of being canned. Indianapolis has lost three games in a row to fall from the top of the AFC South to the bottom. Carolina is last in the NFC South and faces a sharp turnaround to a short week date with the Chicago Bears (2-6) next Thursday. “We’ve got to just continue to find ways for us to take the next step,” Reich said. Reich had a 40-33-1 record in four-plus seasons with the Colts. He was fired Nov. 7, 2022. The Colts are consistently putting up points and are the only team with at least 20 in every game this season. But blending the running game to preserve leads — and prevent self-inflicted wounds from QB Gardner Minshew (four fumbles, five interceptions) — remains a challenge. The Colts’ defense has been part of the issue, allowing an NFL-high 28.6 points per game. Carolina is averaging 18.1 points per game (25th in the NFL).

New York Giants (2-6) at Las Vegas Raiders (3-5): Points are a problem for two teams in and out of disarray since Week 1. The Giants started 6-2 last season but enter with the opposite record for numerous reasons. Anyone tuning in to this late afternoon kickoff to see TE Darren Waller’s return to Las Vegas can skip it. Waller could be headed to IR with a hamstring injury. But there are still a few storylines simmering after dramatic ends to October for both franchises. The Raiders fired GM Dave Ziegler, head coach Josh McDaniels and offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi. Former Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce was promoted to interim head coach, and promptly benched Jimmy Garoppolo in favor of rookie Aidan O’Connell. The Giants have been decimated by injuries and haven’t scored more than 16 points since beating Arizona 31-28 on Sept. 17. New York gets QB Daniel Jones back and could be healthier on the offensive line than at any point this season with both offensive tackles in line to play. The Giants have allowed 41 sacks and must contend with Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby (6.5 sacks). Las Vegas has scored over 18 points just once this season and has four offensive touchdowns in the past four games.

Dallas Cowboys (5-2) at Philadelphia Eagles (7-1): November games don’t typically settle division titles in the NFL, but there’s plenty of anticipation for the top two teams in the NFC East to meet for the first time this season. Cowboys QB Dak Prescott is 8-3 as a starter against the Eagles, completing 67.5 percent of his passes for 2,757 yards with 19 TDs and eight picks. All the Eagles did last week was add an All-Pro safety, trading for Kevin Byard of the Titans, to shore up one of their few defensive weaknesses. The Eagles allowed 31 points to the Commanders for the second time this season, but won last week on a huge performance from Jalen Hurts. He matched his career high with four TD passes and matched his season high — set in the first meeting with Washington in Week 4 — with 319 passing yards against Washington. Hurts (shoulder) didn’t play in the December loss to Dallas last season and Prescott (hand) didn’t play when the Cowboys lost at Philadelphia in Oct. 2022. Dallas’ defense gives up 17.1 points per game and has nine interceptions, including three returned for touchdowns by cornerback DaRon Bland. Hurts is 1-2 in his career against the Cowboys.

Buffalo Bills (5-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (4-3): Cincinnati knocked the Bills out of the AFC playoffs with a 27-10 win in the divisional round last season, and the Bengals are on a three-game winning streak that corresponds with QB Joe Burrow (calf) saying he’s healthy. His play backs up the claim. Burrow completed 28 of 32 passes for 283 yards and three touchdowns against the 49ers last week. He also completed 19 consecutive passes, one shy of Ken Anderson’s team record set on Jan. 3, 1983. The Bills are fourth in the NFL with 27 sacks, which could limit the amount of time the Bengals have to separate from Buffalo’s man coverage. Burrow said he won’t be thinking about the last game at this site between the teams, in January, when the game was canceled due to the medical emergency involving Bills safety Damar Hamlin. The Bills also claim their focus is on this week and enter with a little extra rest, having defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 24-18, on Oct. 26. Bills quarterback Josh Allen needed the time off. He is dealing with an injured right shoulder and wasn’t a full participant in practice. Allen will be going against Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson, with whom he played collegiately at Wyoming in 2016 and 2017.

–Field Level Media

Nov 13, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) celebrates the touchdown of running back quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1)  during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Week 9 Player Props: Ode to QB2s, revenge plot in Germany

With eight weeks of the regular season in the books, we have a mature player props market with plentiful data points.

Finding winners will become increasingly difficult as the bookmakers sharpen their lines. As a result, this is the time of year when exercising discipline can save your bankroll.

When studying player props, we typically skew more toward playing under this time of year. However, after beginning with an overall handicap of the Week 9 games, I noticed that quite a few overs piqued my interest.

That can sometimes be a red flag, so we will be a bit cautious in adding more plays. As a result, these are three most intriguing player props heading into Week 9.

–Falcons QB Taylor Heinicke over 10.5 rushing yards (-115 at BetMGM)
Falcons head coach Arthur Smith announced they’re turning to Heinicke after the veteran backup replaced Desmond Ridder last week in the third quarter against the Titans.

Ridder underwent a concussion evaluation at halftime and, despite being cleared, did not check back into the game. He’s been turnover-prone and Heinicke was very productive, albeit against a Titans’ defense clearly playing it safe with a big lead.

Heinicke orchestrated four scoring drives for 20 points and 253 total yards compared to one scoring drive for three points in the first half for Ridder. And while Smith doesn’t view this change as permanent, Heinicke is clearly auditioning for the job.

Opportunities for Heinicke to run the ball against a Minnesota defense that forces opposing quarterbacks to step up in the pocket.

According to Pro-Football-Reference, the Vikings lead the league with a 52.7 percent blitz rate. That’s almost 10 percent higher than the Giants, who rank second at 43.1.

The Vikings have also allowed the sixth-most rushing yards (170) to opposing quarterbacks this season.

Based on these factors, we have enough to play Heinicke over his rushing prop.

–Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa over 22.5 pass attempts (-130 at FanDuel)

There are plenty of storylines in Germany as two of the AFC’s top teams take part of the NFL’s International Series.

The Dolphins and Chiefs have matching 6-2 records. But Miami has yet to beat a team with a record over .500. In comparison, the Chiefs have three wins over .500 teams.

There’s also the Tyreek Hill angle, as the dynamic wide receiver will line up against his former team after spending five years in Kansas City before he was traded during contract talks with the Chiefs.

Even before playing his first game with the Dolphins, Hill drew some criticism after commenting that Tagovailoa was a more accurate passer than Mahomes.

While some in the media interpreted Hill’s comments as a slight towards Mahomes, he never said Tagovailoa was the better quarterback. Hill praised Mahomes for having the stronger arm between the two.

Nonetheless, we have a revenge angle here with Hill facing the Chiefs.

This game will take place at Deutsche Bank Park, which has a retractable roof. The total remains steady at 50.5, the highest of the week.

Given the subplots with Tagovailoa vs. Mahomes and Hill facing his former team, it wouldn’t surprise me if this game turns into a track meet.

–Tyson Bagent over 18.5 completions (-110 at DraftKings)
With Justin Fields still nursing a right thumb injury, Bagent will make his third straight start. While the rookie has only 80 passes this season, he’s completing 70 percent of his attempts.

It also doesn’t hurt that his average intended air yards (5.6) puts him dead last among quarterbacks with at least 68 pass attempts.

It’s not a stretch to think that the Bears’ passing offense is somewhat risk-averse with Bagent under center.

If the Bears continue with this conservative approach, Bagent should be able to pick up some easy completions against the Saints with this prop going over the number.

–By Michael Nwaneri, Field Level Media

Oct 28, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Week 9 betting capsules: Chiefs favored against Jordan Love, Packers

It’s midway through the season and injuries and illnesses are starting to take a toll. The game of the week might have been Green Bay at Kansas City, but that was before Packers QB Aaron Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19 despite his earlier claims of being “immunized.”

Tennessee at the Los Angeles Rams also lost some of its luster after Titans running back Derrick Henry, the two-time NFL rushing champ, underwent surgery Tuesday on his injured right foot. Maybe with an extra hour of sleep, everyone can stay healthy this week.

Sunday’s games

Atlanta at New Orleans (-6.5 points, O/U 42)

With Jameis Winston sidelined, Trevor Siemian was named the starting QB for the Saints (5-2), coming off a 36-27 victory against defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay. New Orleans has won six of the past seven against the NFC South rival Falcons (3-4). Atlanta lost at home 19-13 to Carolina last week and will be without star WR Calvin Ridley because of mental health reasons. That leaves QB Matt Ryan with few options other than rookie TE Kyle Pitts.

Buffalo at Jacksonville (+14.5, 48.5)

The Bills (5-2) lead the league in most points scored and fewest allowed and have an early MVP front-runner in QB Josh Allen. Their wins have been by scores of 35-0, 43-21, 40-0, 38-20 and last week’s 26-11 victory against visiting Miami. The Jaguars (1-6) failed to build any momentum from their 23-20 victory in Week 6 against the Dolphins in London. Coming off a bye, they suffered a 31-7 road loss last week to the Geno Smith-led Seattle Seahawks.

Cleveland at Cincinnati (-2.5, 47)

The drama continues for the Browns (4-4), from QB Baker Mayfield’s torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder to WR Odell Beckham Jr. being told to go home. They dropped to .500 with a 15-10 loss at home to Pittsburgh last week, a team they blew out in last season’s playoffs. The Bengals (5-3) are coming off a shocking 34-31 loss to the New York Jets, but that was between a blowout of Baltimore and this week’s battle for Ohio bragging rights.

Denver at Dallas (-10, 49.5)

The Broncos (4-4) managed to get past visiting Washington 17-10 last week to snap a four-game skid, then traded star LB Von Miller to the Los Angeles Rams. Even with QB Dak Prescott out, the host Cowboys beat Minnesota 20-16. Prescott might return from a calf injury and WRs Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup are healthy, but Dallas (6-1), which is the only team that’s 7-0 against the spread, could probably win again with backup Cooper Rush under center.

Houston at Miami (-5.5, 46.5)

Neither of these teams has won since Week 1. The Texans lost 38-22 last week to the visiting Rams while the Dolphins suffered a 26-11 defeat at Buffalo. The Dolphins (1-7) showed some interest in Texans star Deshaun Watson, but talks fizzled before the trade deadline. QB Tyrod Taylor should return for the Texans (1-7) for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 2, giving them a slightly better chance at an upset.

Las Vegas at N.Y. Giants (+3, 46.5)

The emotional roller coaster continues for the Raiders (5-2). They responded well to coach Jon Gruden’s resignation, but this week leading receiver Henry Ruggs III was released after being arrested for a fatal DUI crash. While the Raiders are coming off a bye, the Giants (2-6) have had a short week after a 20-17 defeat at Kansas City on Monday night. New York might get WR Kenny Golloday and RB Saquon Barkley back from injuries.

Minnesota at Baltimore (-6, 49.5)

Expect the Vikings (3-4) to keep it close as their four losses are by a touchdown or less, including a 20-16 defeat against visiting Dallas last Sunday night. QB Kirk Cousins has 14 TD passes and just two INTs and RB Dalvin Cook is back healthy. The Ravens (5-2) had a bye last week, giving them time to tend to their wounds after a 41-17 home loss to Cincinnati. Baltimore is 10-3 following an off week under coach John Harbaugh.

New England at Carolina (+3.5, 41)

The Patriots (4-4) improved to 3-0 on the road with a 27-24 win against the L.A. Chargers last week as Adrian Phillips picked off two passes, returning one for a go-ahead TD. Nick Folk added four FGs. The Panthers (4-4) snapped a four-game skid with a 19-13 win at Atlanta, but QB Sam Darnold was knocked out and might not be able to play in this one. Carolina might finally get RB Christian McCaffrey back from a hamstring injury, though.

L.A. Chargers at Philadelphia (+1.5, 50)

The Chargers (4-3), behind second-year QB Justin Herbert, were looking like a threat in the AFC until dropping their past two games, including a 27-24 home loss to New England last week. Herbert has a right hand injury and has been limited in practice this week. The Eagles (3-5) blew out the winless Lions 44-6 last week in Detroit but have yet to win in three home games this season. QB Jalen Hurts is more exciting in the running game (71 yards on seven carries last Sunday) than as a passer (9 of 14 for 103 yards).

Arizona at San Francisco (-2.5, 45.5)

The Cardinals (7-1) are coming off their first loss — 24-21 to visiting Green Bay last Thursday night — and QB Kyler Murray is hobbled with an ankle injury. Arizona won the first meeting between the teams 17-10, but that was with 49ers rookie Trey Lance under center. Jimmy Garoppolo, who threw for 322 yards in a 33-22 win at Chicago last week, is back for this one. The 49ers (3-4) will try to snap a seven-game home losing streak, while the Cardinals have won four straight on the road.

Green Bay at Kansas City (-7, 48)

The Packers (7-1) have won seven in a row, including a 24-21 victory at previously undefeated Arizona last Thursday night. But that was with Aaron Rodgers, who is now in the league’s COVID-19 protocol. Backup QB Jordan Love threw seven passes in the season-opening loss, completing five. He’ll likely spend a lot of time handing off to Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. The Chiefs (4-4) steadied the ship a bit with a 20-17 victory against the visiting New York Giants on MNF. Patrick Mahomes has thrown an NFL-high 10 INTs, however.

Tennessee at L.A. Rams (-7.5, 52.5)

The Titans (6-2) have won four in a row and eked out a 34-31 overtime victory last week at Indianapolis despite the loss of RB Derrick Henry. They signed 36-year-old Adrian Peterson to help replace him, but a lot more will fall on the shoulders of QB Ryan Tannehill. The Rams (7-1) have also won four straight, including a 38-22 victory last week at Houston. It wasn’t that close, as L.A. had a 38-0 lead through three quarters. The Rams added eight-time Pro Bowl LB Von Miller in a trade with Denver, showing they’re serious about winning now.

Monday’s Game

Chicago at Pittsburgh (-6.5, 39.5)

The Bears (3-5) have lost three in a row and dropped a 33-22 decision to San Francisco last week at home. LB Khalil Mack missed his first game since 2018 because of a foot injury and head coach Matt Nagy was in the COVID-19 protocol. Rookie Justin Fields threw for 175 yards and a TD and rushed for 103 yards and a score, the first Chicago QB to rush for 100 since Bobby Douglass in 1973. The Steelers (4-3) have won three in a row to stay in the AFC North race, but they average just 19 points per game. Big Ben Roethlisberger is 16-6 in his career on MNF.

–Field Level Media