Week 9 of the NFL season features a number of tantalizing games. From the Aaron Rodgers-Tom Brady showdown to the Los Angeles Rams-New Orleans Saints clash, we’ll get to witness a number of potential playoff previews. Here’s a look at the top five matchups we’re looking forward to.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens
Line: Baltimore -3
It’s always a spectacle when these AFC North rivals meet. With both teams in playoff contention, the urgency will be ramped up even more when the Steelers and Ravens clash on Sunday.
These two teams appear to be headed in opposite directions as the Steelers have won three straight while the Ravens have dropped four of five. The Ravens can change the momentum with a win over their big rivals, though.
Atlanta Falcons @ Washington Redskins
Line: Washington -1.5
Don’t look now but Washington is alone atop the NFC East with the only winning record in the division at 5-2. The Redskins have figured out how to grind out tough wins with an excellent defense and running back Adrian Peterson turning back the clock this season. Now they will host a Falcons side that has underachieved despite some outstanding numbers from quarterback Matt Ryan. Atlanta hasn’t won on the road this season but is coming in fresh off its bye week.
Los Angeles Chargers @ Seattle Seahawks
Line: Seattle -1
The Seahawks have turned a number of heads with wins in four of their last five games to climb above .500 for the first time this season. Incredibly, they have turned over the ball just once in that span. Now they will need to protect their house against a talented Chargers team that’s 5-2. The Chargers have strung together four straight wins but keep in mind the combined record of those opponents is 7-22-1.
Los Angeles Rams @ New Orleans Saints
Line: New Orleans -1
The Saints exorcised some demons with a 30-20 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football. Now they will face their toughest test yet against the NFL’s lone remaining undefeated team. The Rams are coming off a close 29-27 win over the Green Bay Packers in which they proved they can overcome adversity and win late against a very good opponent.
According to the Super Bowl odds, these are the top two teams in the NFC right now.
Green Bay Packers @ New England Patriots
Line: New England -6.5
It’s hard to believe this is only the second time that Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers will play against each other in the regular season. Two of the greatest to ever play the game will have the spotlight to themselves when they clash on Sunday Night Football this week. The Patriots have hit their stride with four straight wins while the Packers gave the Rams everything they could handle before falling just short in last week’s 29-27 loss. With Brady and Rodgers leading their respective teams, this will be one of the marquee matchups of the week.