- The Ravens finally get Lamar Jackson back: Jackson returns for the Ravens, and can hopefully kickstart their playoff push.
- Chiefs, Bills go toe-to-toe once more: Two of the NFL’s top teams go head-to-head once again on Sunday.
Estimated Reading Time: 20 minutes
We’re diving into every matchup in Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season — including key storylines, matchups to watch, and injury news. The Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins kick things off on Thursday Night Football.
Click below to jump to a game:
BAL-MIA | CHI-CIN | MIN-DET | CAR-GB | DEN-HOU | ATL-NE | SF-NYG | IND-PIT | LAC-TEN | NO-LAR | JAX-LV | KC-BUF | SEA-WAS | ARZ-DAL
Baltimore Ravens (-7.5) vs. Miami Dolphins
Storyline of the game: The return of Lamar Jackson
The Ravens have been dancing on the edge of a mountain for the last few weeks, hoping and praying for the immediate return of Lamar Jackson (62.5 grade; 30th). On Thursday night, the Ravens will have their wish. Jackson will immediately lift a struggling Ravens offense to another level, taking on a Dolphins defense whose 57.9 overall PFF grade is 29th in the NFL. At 2-5, the Ravens’ playoff hunt starts now.
Matchup to watch: Ravens’ run game vs. Dolphins’ run defense
Usually one of, if not the best, run games in the NFL, the Ravens are currently 20th in EPA per rushing play, and could be set to rise with the return of Jackson. Running back Derrick Henry (58.0 grade; 47th) hasn’t had his best season, but has picked up speed in the last two games, rushing for 193 yards and two touchdowns. The threat of Jackson and Henry in the backfield, an all-time great quarterback-running back rushing duo, is going to cause problems for the Dolphins’ defense, which ranks 24th in rushing EPA per play allowed.
Additional News
- Ravens T Ronnie Stanley has been limited in practice (ankle).
- Dolphins’ EDGE Bradley Chubb was limited in practice on Tuesday (shoulder/foot).
Chicago Bears (-2.5) vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Storyline of the game: Can the Bears’ offense really kickstart with Caleb Williams?
The Bears’ offense finds itself in a peculiar position in its first year under Ben Johnson. Caleb Williams (67.4 grade; 24th) has impressed in spurts, but occasionally doesn’t look like he has the repeated touch and feel to be the right fit in Johnson’s offense.
However, it’s early days. Williams will have the opportunity to move the needle forward against a struggling Bengals defense that sits 31st in EPA per play allowed. It’s time to turn those flashes into a consistent beam of light.
Matchup to watch: Bengals’ run game vs. Bears’ run defense
In a quite surprising turn of events, the Bengals’ run game has picked up over the last few weeks, currently sitting sixth in EPA per play despite ranking 31st in total rushing yards. Running back Chase Brown (68.0 grade; T-31st) and Samaje Perine (68.0; T-31st) combined for 167 yards and two touchdowns against the Jets in Week 8; in particular, Brown has totaled 181 yards and a touchdown in his last two games, averaging 7.9 yards per carry. The Bears are 17th in PFF grade against the run in 2025, and the extra wrinkle in the Bengals’ offense in recent weeks will give a decent defense more to think about.
Additional News
Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions (-8.5)
Storyline of the game: Where do the Vikings go from here?
The Vikings find themselves in a bind. Though quarterback Carson Wentz (50.4 grade; 36th) failed to appropriately bridge the gap until the return of J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings are 3-4 and still have slim playoff odds.
With Wentz out for the rest of the season but McCarthy expected to step back into the fold in Week 9, what happens now? The Vikings take on the Lions as clear underdogs, and there’s a real chance the game moves even faster than anticipated for McCarthy — who could be starting just his third career game.
Matchup to watch: Vikings’ pass protection vs. Lions’ pass-rush
Despite investing heavily in the offensive line in the offseason, the Vikings have been plagued by injuries and the inability to protect Wentz and McCarthy consistently. The Vikings are allowing the eighth-highest pressure rate (35.6%) and the second-most sacks in the league (19), and take on a Lions’ defense that’s third in pass-rush win rate (58.5%), 10th in sacks (25) and 10th in pressure rate (38.5%). Bad offensive line meets good pass rush… What could go wrong?
Additional News
Carolina Panthers vs. Green Bay Packers (-13)
Storyline of the game: Will the Packers play down to another inferior opponent?
With a 5-1-1 record, the Packers have cemented themselves as one of the best teams in the NFL and a real Super Bowl contender. However, this team has a penchant for playing down to its opponents. Will it happen against a much-improved, but still limited, Panthers team?
The Packers’ 84.9 PFF grade is fourth in the NFL, and Green Bay is third in offensive EPA per play and 12th in EPA per play allowed. Meanwhile, the Panthers are 24th on offense and 21st in defense. This should be a layup for the Packers, but with a loss to the Browns and close wins against the Bengals and Cardinals already this season, stranger things have happened.
Matchup to watch: Panthers’ pass-protection vs. Packers EDGE Micah Parsons
Edge rusher Micah Parsons (92.5 grade, 1st) has been everything the Packers wanted and more. Parsons is tied for the second-most pressures (42) in the NFL and leads all edge defenders in PFF pass-rush grade (93.0). He’ll take on two good tackles in Ikem Ekwonu (75.6 grade; 17th) and Taylor Moton (73.4; 22nd), who have allowed a combined four sacks and 35 pressures through seven games. Parsons is inevitable and has five games with at least five pressures, including four games with a 90.0-plus pass-rushing mark.
Additional News
- Panthers QB Bryce Young (ankle) is expected to practice this week and could be ready to go for Week 9.
Denver Broncos vs. Houston Texans (-1)
Storyline of the game: Which defense will reign supreme?
The Broncos’ (69.7 grade; 11th) and Texans’ defenses (75.2 grade; 5th) are two of the best units in the NFL, and have both supported up-and-down offenses in 2025. Though they won’t get face-to-face, each unit will likely look to assert its dominance on Sunday, and the game could be decided by whichever group makes more of an impact. Both teams rank in the top five in points allowed per game and EPA per play allowed, with superstar talent across the board. Who will come out on top?
Matchup to watch: Broncos CB Riley Moss vs. Texans WR Nico Collins
With corner Pat Surtain II (68.6 grade; 32nd) out for the next few games, the onus will be on Riley Moss (57.0 grade; 68th) to step up and handle the toughest assignments. That’ll likely start with Texans receiver Nico Collins (73.9 grade; 28th), who will be returning from a concussion.
Collins is a dominant outside receiver, but has had a quiet season, catching 26 passes for 339 yards and three touchdowns. He’ll still provide Moss with a tough task, especially downfield. Moss has allowed the third-lowest completion percentage when targeted (24-of-53; 45.3%), but has surrendered the 10th-most yards in coverage (349) and the seventh-most touchdowns (three).
Additional News
Atlanta Falcons vs. New England Patriots (-5.5)
Storyline of the game: Can the up-and-down Falcons stop Drake Maye?
The Falcons, true to form, have been one of the most inconsistent teams in the NFL. They’ve already been shut out by the Panthers, upset the Bills and were embarrassed by the Dolphins in Week 8. Quantify the Falcons at your own expense, but is there a chance they can stop the 6-2 Patriots — led by quarterback Drake Maye (87.1 grade; 5th)?
Maye has been one of the standout players of the 2025 season, lifting the Patriots to first in the AFC East on the back of five straight wins. The Falcons’ rollercoaster makes them tough to predict weekly, but they’ve proven they can hang with the best in the NFL. Can the defense lock in and do it again?
Matchup to watch: Falcons WR Drake London vs. Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez
Two of the best at their respective positions go head-to-head. Falcons receiver Drake London (82.0 grade, 8th) missed the team’s Week 8 loss, and the offense struggled without its star receiver. London has caught 38 passes (15th) for 469 yards (18th) and two touchdowns in 2025, and when the Falcons need a bucket in the passing game, they go to London. His 20 first-down receptions are 21st in the NFL.
Patriots corner Christian Gonzalez (71.3 grade; 21st) missed the first three games of the season and has allowed just 13 receptions for 123 yards in coverage, not to mention a 68.6 passer rating when targeted.
Additional News
- The Patriots traded EDGE Keion White and a 2026 seventh-round pick to the 49ers for a 2026 sixth-round pick.
- The Patriots also traded S Kyle Dugger and a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2026 sixth-round pick.
San Francisco 49ers (-2.5) vs. New York Giants
Storyline of the game: Can the 49ers’ offense bounce back?
The 49ers have been plagued by injuries in 2025, but still sit with an exceptional 5-3 record given the circumstances. San Francisco’s offense was put in a bind by the Texans’ defense in Week 8, but will look to bounce back against a Giants defense that’s 30th in EPA per play allowed and has been having a tough time in 2025.
The Giants have the talent to pressure the quarterback (75.6 PFF pass-rushing grade; 8th), but have allowed more explosive plays (86) than any other defense in the NFL, while giving up 26.9 points per game. The 49ers are still in the playoff hunt and will look to bounce back in Week 9.
Matchup to watch: 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey vs. Giants’ defense
49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (74.3 grade; 12th) has been the fulcrum of the offense in 2025, leading the NFL in touches (196) and catching 56 passes (second-most in the NFL) for 559 yards (8th). The 49ers haven’t reached their usual standards of rushing the ball (67.2 rushing grade; 28th), but McCaffrey has dominated as a pass-catcher.
Against the Falcons, he rushed 24 times for 129 yards and two touchdowns in Week 7. The Giants are dead last in rushing EPA per play allowed — McCaffrey will likely see a lot of the football, causing problems for a defense that can’t stop the run effectively.
Additional News
- The 49ers traded a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Patriots for EDGE Keion White and a 2026 seventh-round pick.
- Giants RB Cam Skattebo is out for the rest of the season (ankle).
Indianapolis Colts (-3) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Storyline of the game: Can the Colts handle a tough test?
The Colts have excelled in 2025. Their 7-1 record tops the NFL, and their 85.0 team PFF grade is fifth. They’re on a collision course with the playoffs and continue to play excellent football, but face a tough test against the Steelers in Week 9.
The Steelers are 4-3 and can’t afford many slip-ups with the Bengals, and potentially the Ravens, hunting for the AFC North title. The Colts will need to be at their best on the road in Week 9. They should already be taken seriously, but another impressive performance could help cement their place as one of the best teams in the NFL.
Matchup to watch: Colts RB Jonathan Taylor vs. Steelers’ run defense
Jonathan Taylor (81.7 grade; 2nd) has been on a tear in 2025, leading all players carries (143), rushing yards (850), touchdowns (12) and runs of 10 yards or more (23) as well as ranking second in yards after contact per attempt (4.16). The Steelers are 19th in rushing EPA per play allowed and are 24th in percentage of defensive drives ending in a score (45.1%). They’ll have to dig deep to slow down Taylor and an exciting Colts’ offense.
Additional News
- The Steelers traded a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Patriots for S Kyle Dugger and a 2026 seventh-round pick.
Los Angeles Chargers (-10) vs. Tennessee Titans
Storyline of the game: Can the Chargers protect QB Justin Herbert?
The Chargers are 5-3 and in a good position, but have failed to protect Justin Herbert (90.0 grade; 3rd) in large stretches. Herbert has been pressured on 41.6% of his dropbacks (fifth-highest) and hit 35 times (most in the NFL) in eight games, but has still played extremely well.
However, the Chargers have to protect him. The return of tackle Joe Alt (81.0 grade; 5th) will help, and the Chargers face an in-the-mud Titans’ defense that ranks 26th in pressure rate (31.3%) and 21st in PFF pass-rush grade (66.3). Can they keep Herbert clean against a bad defense and build a little momentum?
Matchup to watch: Chargers WR Ladd McConkey vs. Titans S Kevin Winston Jr.
After a slow start to the season, Chargers wideout Ladd McConkey (71.0 grade; 37th) has stepped up in the last few weeks. Over the last four games, McConkey has been targeted 37 times (3rd), catching 27 passes (2nd) for 294 yards (8th) and three touchdowns, earning a 74.2 grade (36th) while catching more passes than any receiver out of the slot in that time.
McConkey’s connection with Herbert is back to its best. The two will look to feast against Titans safety Kevin Winston Jr. (61.7 grade), who looks like the most likely option to take over in the slot for cornerback Roger McCreary (66.5 grade; 38th) — who was just traded to the Rams. It’s a tough spot for the rookie to step into.
Additional News
- The Chargers signed S Marcus Williams to their practice squad.
- The Titans traded CB Roger McCreary and a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick to the Rams for a conditional 2026 fifth-round pick.
New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Rams (-13.5)
Storyline of the game: Will the Rams pick up from where they left off post-bye?
The Rams (91.9 grade; 1st) have dominated in 2025, sitting atop the NFC West with a 5-2 record after defeating the Jaguars 35-7 in Week 7. With their Week 8 bye out of the way, can the Rams resume their hot start against a struggling 1-7 Saints team (65.4 grade; 29th) — one which just made a change at quarterback, bringing in rookie Tyler Shough? Receiver Puka Nacua (92.6 grade; 1st) returns from a short absence and will likely step in to help elevate one of the best offenses in the NFL.
Matchup to watch: Saints CB Alontae Taylor vs. Rams WR Puka Nacua
The Rams more than survived without Nacua in the lineup, but his return gives them an extra boost on offense as one of the best receivers in the NFL. Nacua lines up out wide on 56.2% of his snaps, and will likely face off with Saints corner Alontae Taylor (64.3 grade; 41st). Taylor has allowed a 111.8 passer rating when targeted in coverage, giving up 28 receptions (7th) for 280 yards (17th).
Nacua will get back in the saddle as Stafford’s favorite target and force Taylor to be at his best. Even if Taylor plays well, Nacua always gets his.
Additional News
- The Rams traded a conditional 2026 fifth-round pick to the Titans for CB Roger McCreary and a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick.
Jacksonville Jaguars (-3) vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Storyline of the game: Can the Jaguars find a rhythm post-bye?
The Jaguars are 4-3 after losing their last two games before a Week 8 hiatus, and look to return to action with a win against a reeling Raiders team also coming off a bye week. The Jaguars’ offense has looked hot at times in 2025, but has yet to find some real flow under Liam Coen.
The hope is that with a bye week behind them, the Jaguars will have been able to figure out a few kinks and can hopefully create ways to consistently factor receivers Brian Thomas Jr. (59.2 grade; 93rd) and Travis Hunter (62.2; 73rd) in the passing game. They’re presented with a good opportunity against a Raiders defense that sits 31st in PFF coverage grade (43.2)
Matchup to watch: Jaguars WR Travis Hunter vs. Raiders CB Darnay Holmes
Hunter had the best game of his young career on offense against the Rams in Week 7, catching eight of 12 targets for 101 yards and a touchdown on a 72.7 overall PFF grade. Call it something of a breakout for the uber-talented two-way star, as Hunter played in a season-high 67 snaps on offense. There’s a good chance Hunter’s role in the Jaguars’ offense continues to grow, and he’ll square off with Raiders corner Darnay Holmes (52.7 grade; 89th) in Week 9. Holmes has allowed 15 of 22 receptions for 145 yards when targeted.
Additional News
Kansas City Chiefs (-1.5) vs. Buffalo Bills
Storyline of the game: Two AFC juggernauts face off once again
Any time the Chiefs battle the Bills, it’s primetime viewing; due to their perennial positions at the top of their respective divisions, it’s become a yearly tradition. The Chiefs (83.0 grade; seventh) have been hot recently, and the offense looks better than it has in years. The return of Rashee Rice (83.8 grade) has impacted the Chiefs’ offense, while the Bills’ run game (85.8 grade, 2nd) has been among the best in the NFL.
On top of it all, quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes (78.2; 11th) and Josh Allen (85.7 grade; 6th) renew their storied and growing rivalry. At the end of the season, these two teams will be vying for a Super Bowl and could face off in the AFC Championship game once again.
Matchup to watch: Chiefs’ run defense vs. Bills’ run game
The Bills have become a true ground-and-pound team over the last two seasons. Running back James Cook (87.9 grade; 1st) currently leads the NFL in rushing yards per game (107.6), while Josh Allen is routinely one of the best scrambling quarterbacks in the NFL, averaging 6.0 yards per rush in 2025. The Bills are second in the NFL in rushing EPA per play and will go toe-to-toe with a Chiefs run defense (63.6; 23rd) that’s allowed the eighth-fewest explosive runs in the NFL. If the Bills want to win on the ground, they’re going to have to be aggressive up front and try to create efficient rushing yards, as opposed to relying on explosives.
Additional News
- The Bills placed DI Ed Oliver (biceps) on injured reserve on Tuesday.
- Chiefs G Trey Smith (back) is questionable after missing Week 8.
- Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco is viewed as week-to-week with an MCL sprain.
Seattle Seahawks (-3.5) vs. Washington Commanders
Storyline of the game: Is the Commanders’ season on life support?
The Commanders are 3-5 on the year after their loss to the Chiefs on Monday night, and now their playoff odds sit at just 17%. Sure, injuries to Jayden Daniels (76.5 grade; 13th) and others have slowed the team down, but the front office positioned the team as one that was ready to compete for a Super Bowl.
They still have the sixth-toughest remaining schedule and take on a Seahawks team playing well on both sides of the ball. Will a loss really close the curtain on any playoff aspirations the Commanders might have?
Matchup to watch: Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba vs. Commanders’ pass coverage
Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (92.1; 2nd) has lifted off in 2025, catching 50 passes (4th) for 819 yards (1st) and four touchdowns. Where Smith-Njigba has really dominated is downfield. His 10 deep receptions led the NFL, and Smith-Njigba is just one of three players to have a perfect PFF receiving grade on deep receptions. The Commanders’ defense has yielded more explosive pass plays (59) than any other team in the NFL, and could struggle to slow down the deep threat of Smith-Njigba.
Additional News
- Seahawks CB Devon Witherspoon (knee) and S Julian Love (hamstring) are questionable and could finally return to the defense.
- Commanders T Laremy Tunsil is questionable after exiting Monday’s loss to the Chiefs early (hamstring).
Arizona Cardinals vs. Dallas Cowboys (-3.0)
Storyline of the game: Can the Cowboys’ offense continue to support the defense?
There are two versions of the Cowboys that exist. The offense (78.5 grade, 6th) is one of the best in the NFL, and despite a disappointing outing vs. the Broncos’ defense, is still fourth in EPA per play. Conversely, the Dallas defense (47.1 grade; 32nd) continues to be the worst in the NFL and just allowed 44 points to a Broncos offense that hasn’t been at its best.
Dak Prescott (88.5 grade; 4th) is still playing at an extremely high level, but can the Cowboys’ offense continue to carry the load? The unit will have a better chance against the Cardinals on Sunday, but Matt Eberflus’ defense has still surrendered 30 or more points in five games this season.
Matchup to watch: Cardinals CB Will Johnson vs. Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb
Cardinals rookie corner Will Johnson (71.5 grade; 22nd) has impressed in 2025, allowing just 15 of 26 receptions for 115 yards. The rookie is also eighth in pass breakups (5) and seventh in forced incompletion rate (23%).
He’ll have arguably the toughest test of his season so far against Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb (72.6; 31st). Lamb has caught 12 passes for 184 yards and a touchdown in his two games returning from injury, and will consistently be a go-to target for Prescott against a Cardinals defense needing a boost. Johnson could have his work cut out for himself.
Additional News
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