The NFL Roundup 2017 - Week 9 - The Most Fascinating Games to Watch on Sunday

Written by John Edward Betancourt

​There’s definitely a special kind of electricity in the air when it comes to Week 9 in the NFL and the reason for that is simple, the playoff race is about to get underway. This is where the best of the best pad their record for a postseason run, or where other teams come to discover just how tough they really are as they fight to change the course of their season. Regardless of where your team stands this year, I think we can all agree that tomorrow will feature some thrilling and competitive games as everyone in the NFL looks to control their fate and that’s exactly what we are going to be looking at today, games that feature teams that are ready to seize the moment or are desperate to change their fortunes as the playoffs draw near…

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Denver Broncos (3-4) at Philadelphia Eagles (7-1)
Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, PA
1:00 p.m. EST – CBS

​On paper, this game looks like a waste of time, but in reality, it’s going to be quite an interesting matchup for several reasons. First and foremost, Denver’s defense is stellar and should give the Philly offense all kinds of trouble when they take the field but let’s be honest, we’re all curious as to how the Denver offense is going to look with Brock Osweiler at the helm and all the man has to do for this game to be a success for Denver, is put some points on the board and don’t turn the ball over. In the end however, I don’t expect the Broncos to win this one simply because the Eagles are so damn good, but they could surprise if Philadelphia underestimates a team that is desperate for a win. 

Indianapolis Colts (2-6) at Houston Texans (3-4)
NRG Stadium – Houston, TX
1:00 p.m. EST – CBS

​This is another game that based on records alone, should probably be avoided, and quite frankly…I have no interest in seeing what Indy does in this game simply because their season is essentially over. No, what makes this game so intriguing is the sheer fact that this matchup allows for us to see exactly what the Texans are made of. They’ve lost J.J. Watt, and now Deshaun Watson is out for the season with a torn ACL, and their defense is struggling. So, if this team is truly as special as they appear to be, they have to go out there and wow the football world with a big time win over the Colts.

Atlanta Falcons (4-3) at Carolina Panthers (5-3)
Bank of America Stadium – Charlotte, NC
1:00 p.m. EST – FOX

​What’s fascinating about this game is that it features two teams that on paper appear to be elite, but everyone is questioning whether or not they can play at a high level. The Falcons are of course, the defending NFC Champions, yet they’ve managed to blow another big lead this season and endure an embarrassing loss to the Patriots and as for the Panthers, while at times they have shown flashes of brilliance on the field, they’ve suffered some ugly losses to the Bears and the Saints. Which means there’s a fair chance that this game is going be a high scoring affair as both of these teams attempt to silence all of their critics and prove to everyone they are indeed elite. 

​Kansas City Chiefs (6-2) at Dallas Cowboys (4-3)
AT&T Stadium – Arlington, TX
4:25 p.m. EST – CBS

​Despite all the amazing storylines presenting themselves on Sunday, if there’s one game that looks like it is going to be a good old-fashioned football brawl, it’s this one. Both K.C. and Dallas have proven themselves to be formidable on offense by both land and air, and both of their defenses seem to subscribe to the ‘bend but don’t break’ edict that can drive fans mad. So really, I would say the winner of this game will be whichever team limits their turnovers and plays stout defense, but in between all of that, I think we’re in for quite the treat as both Alex Smith and Dak Prescott light up the scoreboard with touchdown after touchdown.