[Preview] Week 9: Bucs-Rams, The Game Of Fear

After another victory for Philadelphia, now place the rest of the NFL. This week, we are going to experience the remake of a playoff game from last season. A completely crazy meeting that will have left immense memories to the spectators. The last two champions face each other in Florida. On paper, it’s hard to get more exciting, but Los Angeles and Tampa Bay are in a very delicate situation, however. The alarm is raised for these two franchise. Beyond the match not to be missed of the week, it is rather THE match of fear.

For the rest, Lamar Jackson, Kirk Cousins, Bill Belichick and the Titans will be in the news. Here is precisely the program for week 9.

Table of Contents

The match not to be missed

Kick-off Sunday at 10:25 p.m.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5) – Los Angeles Rams (3-4)

It could have (from?) to be Tom Brady’s final NFL image. A legendary match against the Rams in an explosive playoff duel. Last January, Los Angeles beat Tampa Bay in a breathtaking end to the game, including an abortive comeback attempt on the wire of the former New Englander. However, number 12 decided to return despite the announcement of his retirement a few days after this meeting. For the moment, nothing really proves that it was a good decision. On paper, the Buccaneers are full of talent. On the ground, however, it is more complicated. The attack does not succeed and the defense seems to have regressed. As a result, Floridians remain on 3 consecutive defeats and 5 losses in the last 6 games. We are far from the standards expected by Tom Brady.

Where this match becomes interesting is that opposite, the Rams do not do much better. They are certainly one defeat less than their opponents of the weekend, but have not won more matches. Sean McVay can not find the solution either. Except that next to the teams do not expect these two franchises. Certainly Atlanta, in the NFC South, and Seattle, in the West, are not yet out of reach, but there is no evidence that the Rams and the Bucs will recover. At the end of this meeting, one of the two franchises will be (a little) better. The other will sink a little deeper into the crisis. Woe to the loser then.

The duel: Lamar Jackson vs. defense of the saints

Kick-off in the night from Monday to Tuesday at 02:30
New Orleans Saints (3-5) – Baltimore Ravens (5-3)

Saints pass-rusher Cameron Jordan knows that a game against Lamar Jackson is always special. As he indicated at a press conference this week, the Saint is preparing for a special meeting. It must be said that the quarterback is atypical. With 553 yards on the ground, he is the thrower who garners the most yards in this area. Bad news for Louisiana players struggling to contain mobile quarterbacks. As proof, they only got a snatch victory against the Falcons of Marcus Mariota and had to bow against the Cardinals of Kyler Murray. It is therefore difficult to contain Lamar Jackson. Especially since this one is not just a runner. It also displays 1,635 yards and 15 TDs in the air. He is the very definition of a double threat. While the defensive squad is clearly New Orleans’ biggest asset, it’s going to have its work cut out for it. It is certainly on this side of the field that the match will be played. We will still observe the first steps of Roquan Smith, recently acquired via a trade, in his new colors.

The stat: 5/6

Kick-off in the night from Sunday to Monday 02:20
Kansas City Chiefs (5-2) – Tennessee Titans (5-2)

During the last 6 games between Tennessee and Kansas City, the Titans won at 5 times. Which makes them one of the most difficult formations for Andy Reid and his players to maneuver. On the other hand, the Chiefs’ only victory in this series certainly came in the most important game: the conference final in 2019. Patrick Mahomes and his attack had beaten their rivals at the Arrowhead. The fact remains that the Titans can annoy Kansas City. After two losses to start the season, Tennessee has found its stride and has just continued 5 consecutive successes. The franchise therefore arrives in Kansas City with full confidence. The Chiefs will have been able to prepare for this match in the best conditions thanks in particular to their week of rest. Among these two candidates for the AFC playoffs, the meeting promises to be disputed.

Player: Kirk Cousins

Kick-off Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
Washington Commanders (4-4) – Minnesota Vikings (6-1)

For the first time since his departure, Kirk Cousins will face his former team. The opportunity for him to remember the good memories with Washington. The launcher has in fact spent no less than 6 seasons in the federal capital. Sunday, he will return with the Vikings who are currently experiencing one of the best start to the season in their history. A flying start with 6 wins for only 1 loss. Minnesota is first in its division and intends to remain so. To do this, Cousins’ teammates will continue to rely on what has been their strength since the start of the season: efficiency in the red zone. On their last 12 passes in the 20 opposing yards, the Vikings inscribed 11 touchdowns. Kevin O’Connell’s play call is perfect in these situations so far and that’s what helps his team perform. The arrival of TJ Hockenson from Detroit should even bring them a new boost on this side of the ball. Commanders are notified.

Coach: Bill Belichick

Kick-off Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
New England Patriots (4-4) – Indianapolis Colts (3-4-1)

They didn’t get us used to it, but the Patriots are currently living a ” controversial “ at quarterback. While we thought of a problem-free return for Mac Jones after his injury, it ultimately seems much more complicated than that. Against the Bears, Zappe and Jones alternated. The following week, the Patriots won against the Jets, but forced to note that the former Alabama was not particularly convincing. What is Bill Belichick going to do? If it would be logical for Jones to remain a starter, we note that the technician was never really clear on the subject. History perhaps to leave the door open to a return of Zappe.

This meeting against the Colts will in any case be an opportunity to continue to observe the situation at this pitching position. A post that also raises questions in Indianapolis. After Matt Ryan’s injury, Sam Ehlinger is now in charge of the franchise attack. Against the Commanders, this did not particularly surprise him with a lackluster match and a defeat in the key. His next challenge is in New England. In any case, there should not be many points in this meeting.

The (other) division duels

Kick-off Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
Detroit Lions (1-6) – Green Bay Packers (3-5)

Kick-off Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
New York Jets (5-3) – Buffalo Bills (6-1)

Kick-off Sunday at 10:05 p.m.
Arizona Cardinals (3-5) – Seattle Seahawks (5-3)

Three division duels will enamel this 9th week of competition. In NFC North first where the Packers are in difficulty. After 4 consecutive defeats, Green Bay absolutely must react. For this, Aaron Rodgers teammates travel to Detroit to face a team that has won only one game since the start of the season. Always at 7 p.m., place at the AFC East. New York continues its division tour. After New England, the Jets now receive the Bills. The level will rise again and you will have to be strong to resist what is best in AFC.

Finally, later in the evening, Seattle wants to confirm its good start to the season. Above all, the Seahawks aim to stay ahead of the NFC West. To resist the 49ers and the Rams, we will have to beat the Cardinals. A team they had already beaten 19-9 in week 6. We will have to reiterate.

The rest

Kick-off Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
Atlanta Falcons (4-4) – Los Angeles Chargers (4-3)

Kick-off Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
Chicago Bears (3-5) – Miami Dolphins (5-3)

Kick-off Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
Cincinnati Bengals (4-4) – Carolina Panthers (2-6)

Kick-off Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6) – Las Vegas Raiders (2-5)

In the rest of the week’s games, the surprising Falcons host the Chargers coming out of a week off. On paper, Los Angeles seems superior to its opponent of the weekend, but Atlanta is no longer a surprise and could disrupt Justin Herbert and his family. At the same time, Chicago and Miami will offer us a great style opposition with on the one hand a team carried almost exclusively on the ground and the other which cuts its opponents in the air with its duo Jaylen Waddle – Tyreek Hill.

The last winners of the AFC conference will receive the Panthers. After a loss to Cleveland, the Bengals must react and should have the perfect opponent. In any case, they hope to emerge victorious from this feline duel. Other felines precisely, Jaguars have not really released their claws for a few weeks. After a good start to the season, they are in difficulty, like their defeat in London last weekend. Sunday, they face the Raiders who also took a hit on the head with a backhand without having scored a single point against the Saints. One of the two teams will stick their heads out of the water. For the other, it will be the crisis.

The posters

Kick-off Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
Atlanta Falcons (4-4) – Los Angeles Chargers (4-3)
Chicago Bears (3-5) – Miami Dolphins (5-3)
Cincinnati Bengals (4-4) – Carolina Panthers (2-6)
Detroit Lions (1-6) – Green Bay Packers (3-5)
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6) – Las Veagas Raiders (2-5)
New England Patriots (4-4) – Indianapolis Colts (3-4-1)
New York Jets (5-3) – Buffalo Bills (6-1)
Washington Commanders (4-4) – Minnesota Vikings (6-1)