The NFL Roundup 2022: Week 9 Preview

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Well, this is it football fans, we’ve reached what is in essence, the midpoint of the NFL season and you know what that means… the playoff push is about to get underway. Because it’s now or never for teams and they need to start loading up on wins and divisional victories to snag a good seed in the tournament. Which means this weekend’s games should be turned up intensity wise and that means we are going to be treated to an epic weekend of football, one that will feature big storylines and big games and with that in mind, let’s preview Week 9 in the NFL and all the wonder it is going to send our way. 

Will the Atlanta Falcons be able to put together a win streak? 
It wasn’t that long ago that the Atlanta Falcons were a forgotten team. For they were in the NFC South Basement and looked rough. But they’ve been fighting hard and slowly jelling as a team, to the point where they are now atop the NFC South and they’re hoping to pad their record with a win over the Chargers and well… can they? Honestly, I think they can. Because the Chargers defense is not the best in the land, in fact, they’re mediocre at best. So, if the Falcons offense can get a rhythm going and load up points and play stout late, they should have a two-game win streak going and a chance to solidify their standing as the best in their division.   
 
Is Bradley Chubb the key to creating a powerhouse defense in Miami?
This week’s trade deadline featured a bevy of big moves, but none bigger than the all-in trade that Miami made for former Broncos EDGE Bradley Chubb. For they gave up a first rounder and running back Chase Edmonds to bring him to Miami. Oh, and they handed Chubb a $110 million dollar deal as well. In the hopes that he turns this defense around makes it a true powerhouse and well, can he? I think he can. For he finally seems healthy and comfortable on the field and that should allow for him to disrupt lines and force pressure and sacks, something the Dolphins sorely need right now. So, expect him to make a big impact this weekend and beyond.
 
Will the Green Bay Packers lose to the Detroit Lions?
One would think that since the Lions are 1-6 right now and can’t close out a game to save their lives, that the Packers should easily roll over them in a high scoring nightmare. But honestly… that might not be the case this go round. Because the Lions are putting up points, they just can’t get across the finish line. Whereas the Packers… just plain stink and inconsistently score. Which means, there is a chance that Detroit can emerge with a huge victory over a team that dominates them more often than not, and don’t be shocked if they emerge the victor. For they are hungry for a win, and Green Bay is vulnerable and that could mean bad news for the Pack on Sunday.

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The Most Fascinating Games to Watch This Weekend

Thursday Night Football
Philadelphia Eagles (7-0) at Houston Texans (1-5-1)
NRG Stadium – Houston, Texas
8:15 p.m. EST – Prime Video

Normally, one would expect a game like this to not be on anyone’s radar. Because the Texans do indeed stink something awful and Philly should manhandle them well. But this game is indeed of note for two reasons. In part, because it could be a trap game. Where Houston pulls off that epic surprise and upset and sends the last undefeated team home with a loss. Or… it is indeed a beatdown, the kind however, that you cannot help but enjoy or root for because… who doesn’t love a rags to riches story? For the Eagles have been struggling for years and it’s just wonderful to see them dominating teams and well, watching them just let loose and score high and have fun, that’s fun for us, too. So, either way, this is a game worth watching because it will find a way to satisfy the heartiest of fans.

Buffalo Bills (6-1) at New York Jets (5-3)
MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, New Jersey
Sunday November 6, 2022 – 1:00 p.m. EST – CBS

​Divisional matchups are always a good time and this one has a little extra spice to it. After all, it’s the first time in a long time that the Jets have been decent enough to put on a show against a divisional rival and they are undoubtedly looking to silence their critics and doubters by winning big over the Bills. Which won’t be an easy task. Because the Bills are damn good this year, in every phase of the game and they’re looking to pad their record to try and land the number one seed in the playoffs. Which means this should be a solid game through and through, one that could be a shootout if New York really gives it their all. But in the end, expect the Bills to walk out of this one the winner. Because they do have the better team from top to bottom.

Sunday Night Football
Tennessee Titans (5-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (5-2)
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City, Missouri
8:20 p.m. EST – NBC

​This is a Sunday night matchup that should be quite incredible in nature. Because the Titans and the Chiefs have played well all season long and consistently reach the postseason and have a little bad blood between one another because of that. And of course, they’re both chasing the Bills and need a better Win/Loss record to keep pace. Which means these two teams should slug it out on Sunday night… in a dynamic manner. Since Tennessee will need to turn Derrick Henry loose since we don’t know what to expect from Rookie QB Malik Willis just yet, and of course… Mahomes is gonna Mahomes and launch that ball through the air. As to who wins… honestly, that’s anyone’s guess. For these teams are more closely matched than they know thanks to defenses that aren’t perfect. So, this one will likely come to down to which defense wants it more and it will be interesting to see which D that is going to be in a pivotal game.