NFL Week 9 games: 5 teams on upset alert
Looking at the NFL Week 9 schedules, these are five teams that must beware the dreaded upset alert this weekend.
5. Minnesota Vikings (-3) at Washington Commanders
The Vikings are 6-1 and rolling in the NFC North, but this could be a tricky week. Washington has won three straight and seems to believe in backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who has breathed life into the offense over his two starts. While Minnesota has the league’s second-best record, there have been a litany of close calls against middling opponents. Look for the Commanders to keep this very close if not find a way to outright win the game.
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4. Las Vegas Raiders (-2) at Jacksonville Jaguars
The Raiders and Jaguars are both two-win teams, and Las Vegas has to play an early game after coming all the way across the country. Jacksonville isn’t good, but the same ca be said for the Raiders, who are coming off an embarrassing 24-0 shutout defeat at the hands of the New Orleans Saints. If Las Vegas has any hope of making the playoffs, it must win here, but the Jaguars have talent on both sides of the ball, and this one is in Duval County.
3. New England Patriots (-6) vs. Indianapolis Colts
Interesting game here between two AFC teams trying to climb into the playoff picture. New England is 4-4 after dispatching the New York Jets in the Meadowlands last weekend, while the Colts are 3-4-1 following a brutal defeat to the Commanders. However, Indy should be happy with the way second-year quarterback Sam Ehlinger looked in his first NFL start. If he plays well again, the Colts have a real chance to go into Foxboro and steal a win.
Read: NFL Power Rankings, Week 9 – Vikings Keep Winning
2. Arizona Cardinals (-2) vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are underdogs in this game for what reason? Seattle just smoked the Cardinals a few weeks ago at Lumen Field, and although DeAndre Hopkins is back for this game, Arizona is still a very limited offensive team. The Seahawks are 5-3 and leading the NFC West with Geno Smith playing really well under center, and due to a defense stepping up over the past month. Seattle should win this game.
1. Los Angeles Chargers (-3) at Atlanta Falcons
Again, why are the Chargers favored? Going all the way across the country, taking on a team that’s only a half-game worse in the standings. Oh, and the Chargers will be without Joey Bosa, Mike Williams, J.C. Jackson, Rashawn Slater and Keenan Allen. Back the birds.
