The Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers are on a bye but this week has some intriguing matchups, headlined by a huge divisional tilt.
Here, DAZN lists five storylines to look out for in Week 9 of the NFL season.
The Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers could be bigger than a division lead
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The 6-1 Lions visiting the 6-2 Packers will be contested for the NFC North division lead. However, these squads could very well be the best in the NFC, period.
The Packers and Lions are fifth and sixth, respectively, in total yards per game, meaning Sunday’s clash should set off high-octane fireworks and possibly spell a preview of an NFC Championship game this postseason.
Watching the quarterback duel between Jordan Love and Jared Goff and their featured running backs in Josh Jacobs and Jahmyr Gibbs, respectively, should be special.
C.J. Stroud must take matters in his own hands … and feet
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The Houston Texans (6-2) are on the road against the New York Jets (2-6) on Thursday Night Football.
C.J. Stroud won’t have the services of Stefon Diggs nor Nico Collins, meaning the star quarterback should be forcing the issues on the feet whether that means scrambling in the open field or buying time before finding receivers that he does have suited up during the national spotlight game.
That could mean a monstrous game for Stroud or shortcomings for the Texans.
Could the Los Angeles Rams keep surging?
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Everything is coming together for the Los Angeles Rams at the right time.
Last week, they returned the services of wideouts Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua and Matthew Stafford responded by airing it out for 279 passing yards and four touchdowns in a big win over the Minnesota Vikings.
Having won two straight, the Rams (3-4) can get to the .500 level and legitimately threaten for the NFC West if they can find a way to defeat the Seattle Seahawks (4-4) on the road Sunday.
Can the Baltimore Ravens bounce back?
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The Ravens (5-3) had their five-game win streak snapped last week at the hands of the Cleveland Browns in a big upset.
This week, they’re home against a fellow 5-3 squad in the Denver Broncos.
Rattling Broncos’ rookie quarterback Bo Nix with their defense will be key. In addition, the Ravens have reigning MVP Lamar Jackson fifth among quarterbacks in yards passing and running back Derrick Henry leading all rushers in yardage on the ground — both pointing toward a long day in Baltimore for the Broncos’ defense.
Watch Tua Tagovailoa-Tyreek Hill chemistry
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The Miami Dolphins lost to the Arizona Cardinals last week but quarterback Tagovailoa returned to the field and picked up where he left off in airing it out to Hill for six receptions and 72 yards.
The Dolphins (2-5) are struggling and having to visit the Buffalo Bills (6-2) in Week 9, but it’s going to be interesting to see if Tagovailoa and Hill can link up and be a force against an established powerhouse squad.