• A Monday night blockbuster: The Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles face off on Monday night in one of the games of the week.

• Can the Colts bounce back against the hot-and-cold Falcons?: The Falcons have been an inconsistent customer all season. Will they provide a tough test for the Colts?

• Unlock your edge with PFF+: Access Premium Stats, dominate fantasy with in-season tools and projections and make smarter bets with the new PFF Player Prop Tool.

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 Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos kick things off on Thursday Night Football.

Click below to jump to a game:

LV@DEN | ATL@IND | NO@CAR | NYG@CHI | JAX@HOU | BUF@MIA | BAL@MIN | CLE@NYJ | NE@TB | ARZ@SEA | LAR@SF | DET@WAS | PIT@LAC | PHI@GB

Storyline of the game: Can the Broncos stay ahead of the pack in the AFC West?

The Broncos have gone from a plucky wild-card outfit to division leader in the space of a year, as they currently lead the AFC West with a 7-2 record. The defense (72.0 grade; 8th) continues to play at a high level, and is fourth in points per game allowed (18.4), while the offense (71.6 grade; 14th) has fluctuated over the last month.

Denver’s offense won’t have to be at its best to beat a Raiders defense that’s third-last in overall PFF grade (53.4) in 2025, but the unit can’t afford to lay an egg. The Broncos are only a game ahead of the Chargers in the standings, and still have five division matchups to play. A win against the Raiders would be huge with the opposite breathing down their neck.

Matchup to watch: Raiders TE Brock Bowers vs. Broncos LB Dre Greenlaw

Bowers (89.1 grade; 1st) returned to the lineup vs. the Jaguars after missing three games to a knee injury, and exploded in his first game back, catching 12 passes for 127 yards and three touchdowns on a 93.6 overall PFF grade. Bowers feasted over the middle of the field, and Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw (84.5 grade) will likely be tasked with slowing the All-Pro tight end down. Greenlaw has only played in two games in 2025 and has been targeted just twice in coverage, but has finished with a PFF coverage grade of at least 62.0 in all of his previous six seasons in the NFL. Can Greenlaw slow down one of the best tight ends in the game?

Additional News

• The Raiders traded WR Jakobi Meyers to the Jaguars for fourth- and sixth-round picks in 2026.
• Broncos CBs Riley Moss (ankle) and Pat Surtain (pectoral) are questionable.

Atlanta Falcons vs. Indianapolis Colts (-5.5)

Storyline of the game: How will the Colts respond to the loss to the Steelers?

The Colts suffered defeat for just the second time this season against the Steelers in Week 9, and it was a loss littered with mistakes. Daniel Jones (75.8 grade; 13th) was sacked five times and threw three interceptions in the defeat, and the Colts’ offensive line — which has been so good all season — fought against the tide for most of the day.

The Falcons have proven to be wildly inconsistent in 2025, picking up big wins against the Bills and Vikings but losing their last three games. Are they the perfect opponent for the Colts to respond?

Matchup to watch: Falcons’ pass rush vs. Colts’ pass protection

Despite giving up five sacks a week ago, the Colts’ offensive line is still a strong unit, allowing the fourth-lowest pressure rate (25.3%) and the fifth-fewest sacks (9) in the NFL. All five of the Colts’ starters have PFF pass-blocking grades of above 60.0.

The improved Falcons’ pass-rush will provide another tough test. Atlanta is top 10 in pressure rate (39.9%) and pass-rush win rate (53.5%), and 13th in sacks (24), while seven defenders have recorded at least 10 pressures on the season. The Falcons blitz at the second-highest rate (52.2%) in the NFL, too. They’ll look to send bodies at the Colts’ offensive line often. 

Additional News

• The Colts made the splash of the trade deadline, trading two first-round picks and WR Adonai Mitchell to the Jets for CB Sauce Gardner.
• Gardner (concussion) is questionable for the game in Germany.

New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers (-5.5)

Storyline of the game: Can the Panthers stick in the playoff race?

After starting 0-2, the Panthers have won four of their last five games and currently sit at 5-4, leaving them outside of a wild-card spot but firmly in the playoff bubble. Facing the 1-8 Saints in Week 10, the Panthers have a real chance to gain some more ground in the playoff race.

Over the last five weeks, the Panthers are eighth in EPA per rush, and Carolina rushed for 163 yards against a tough Packers defense in Week 9. A win against the Saints would keep the Panthers on pace to make a run for the playoffs, somewhere they haven’t ventured since 2017.

Matchup to watch: Saints’ run defense vs. Panthers RB Rico Dowdle

The Panthers have been one of the best rushing offenses in the NFL this season, as they have the sixth-highest PFF rushing grade (80.7) among offenses. The success has been due to the excellent blocking up front (76.7 run-blocking grade; 3rd), but also the performance of running back Rico Dowdle (71.6 grade; 21st). Since Dowdle stepped in as the starter in Week 5, he leads all running backs in rushing yards (652), yards after contact (445) and runs of 10 yards or more (18).

But, the Saints have played inspired defense against the run. Linebacker Demario Davis has the sixth-highest grade against the run (89.2) among linebackers, and the Saints are 11th in EPA per rush allowed. However, New Orleans has given up the fifth-most explosive rushes in the league (27).

Additional News

• The Panthers are spread favorites for the first time this season.
• The Saints traded WR Rashid Shaheed to the Seahawks for fourth- and fifth-round picks.

New York Giants vs. Chicago Bears (-3.5)

Storyline of the game: Can Kyle Monangai’s role in the offense grow?

With running back D’Andre Swift (73.1 grade; 17th) inactive against the Bengals in Week 9, it was up to rookie Kyle Monangai (68.8 grade; 27th) to lead the line, and he stepped up. Monangai carried the ball 26 times for 176 yards, earning a 75.1 PFF rushing grade, and he also caught three passes for 22 yards in the win.

By contrast, although Swift is averaging 4.6 yards per carry, he’s yet to tote the ball 20 times in a game this season, and head coach Ben Johnson spoke highly of Monangai after the win. The Giants’ defense is dead last in EPA per rush. After a strong performance in Week 9, we could see Monangai take on a bigger role in the offense again, even if Swift returns.

Matchup to watch: Giants CB Cor’Dale Flott vs. Bears WR Rome Odunze

The Giants’ defense (62.5 grade; 21st) hasn’t set the world alight in 2025, but a bright spot on the outside has been Cor’Dale Flott (75.9 grade; 7th). Flott has been targeted 39 times, allowing just 21 catches for 246 yards, compiling a 79.6 PFF coverage grade — the best among Giants cornerbacks, and fifth-highest in the league.

Flott will feature against Bears receiver Rome Odunze (71.7 grade; 36th), who leads the Bears in catches (31), yards (473) and touchdowns (five). Flott is yet to give up a touchdown in coverage this season.

Additional News

• The Bears placed Dayo Odeyingbo (Achilles) on injured reserve and traded a sixth-round pick to the Browns for EDGE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and a seventh-round pick.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans (-1)

Storyline of the game: Can the Jaguars take advantage of the C.J. Stroud-less Texans?

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (68.3 grade; 27th) was ruled out of the loss to the Broncos in Week 9 after being concussed on a late hit, and he’s expected to miss the pivotal Week 10 contest as a result. The Texans are already on life support at 3-6, and would expect backup Davis Mills to take the reins if Stroud is out.

That presents a perfect opportunity for the Jaguars to strike. The Jaguars are 5-3 after an overtime win against the Raiders in Week 9 and are still showing growing pains. The Texans’ defense (75.9 grade; 5th) is stiff opposition and is giving up the fewest points per game in the NFL (15.1). However, if the Jaguars’ defense (65.2 grade; 15th) can shut down Mills and give the offense excellent field position, they’ll stand a chance of staying within arms reach of the Colts at the top of the AFC South.

Matchup to watch: Jaguars’ pass protection vs. Texans’ pass rush

Trevor Lawrence has been sacked 21 times through eight games, the sixth-most in the NFL, and the Jaguars’ pass-protection has often been the culprit — an offensive line which surrenders the ninth-highest pressure rate in the NFL (34.3%).

The Texans’ pass rush will look to target tackle Walker Little (66.9 grade; 34th). The 2021 second-round pick has permitted seven sacks (T-1st) and 30 pressures (3rd-most) and will face off against two of the best edge rushers in the NFL, Will Anderson Jr. (90.8 grade; 4th) and Danielle Hunter (85.0 grade; 10th). The pair have combined for 82 pressures and 11 sacks in 2025.

Additional News

• The Jaguars traded fourth- and sixth-round picks for WR Jakobi Meyers.
• Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. (ankle) is questionable.

Buffalo Bills (-9.5) vs. Miami Dolphins

Storyline of the game: Can the Bills avoid a trap game?

The Bills have been cruising since returning from a Week 7 bye, squashing the Panthers before playing arguably their best game of the season against the Chiefs in a 28-21 Week 9 win. They enter the week massive 9.5-point favorites against a Dolphins team that didn’t go down without a fight in Week 3.

A lot has changed since then, and the fire in the Dolphins is all but out, but the Bills still have to play hard. They can’t afford to slip up and lose ground against the surging Patriots. 

Matchups to watch: Bills RB James Cook vs. Dolphins’ run defense

Bills running back James Cook (87.8 grade; 1st) has been on a tear in 2025, rushing for 867 yards (2nd) and seven touchdowns (4th) while sitting third in missed tackles forced (36) and second in runs of 10 yards or more (22). Cook is aided by a dominant offensive line (74.7 run-blocking grade; 7th) but has earned grades of at least 87.0 in the last two seasons.

Cook and the Bills take on a Dolphins run defense (62.9 grade; 24th) that’s improved in recent weeks, but is still 23rd in EPA per rush. Miami has also yielded the second-most explosive rushes in the league (35).

Additional News

• The Dolphins traded EDGE Jaelan Phillips to the Eagles for a third-round pick.
• The Bills placed EDGE Michael Hoecht (Achilles) on season-ending IR.

Baltimore Ravens (-4) vs. Minnesota Vikings

Storyline of the game: Can the Ravens build momentum in the second half of the season?

With Lamar Jackson (69.7 grade; 23rd) back, the Ravens comfortably sidestepped the Dolphins in Week 9, but face a tougher test against the Vikings in Week 10. The Ravens are 3-5 and have a 56% chance of winning the AFC North.

Baltimore was active at the trade deadline, adding Dre’Mont Jones (64.5 grade; 63rd) to eat some innings on the edge. A win against a Vikings team also looking to get back in the playoff hunt will go a long way for the Ravens, but the Vikings’ defense is a top-10 unit in EPA per play.

Matchup to watch: Ravens CB Nate Wiggins vs. Vikings WR Justin Jefferson

The Ravens’ defense has been nothing short of a disappointment in 2025. The unit was expected to excel, but is currently 26th in EPA per play and grade (60.7), surrendering 27 points per game. Second-year corner Nate Wiggins (61.2; 49th) will have one of the toughest tests of his career in Week 10, facing off against Vikings star Justin Jefferson (81.4; 13th).

Jefferson has caught 42 passes (9th) for 649 yards (5th) and two touchdowns in 2025, and hauled in six passes for 47 yards and a touchdown in J.J. McCarthy’s first game back. Wiggins has permitted just 28 completions on 47 targets and is a budding star in his own right. He won’t make things easy for the superstar receiver.

Additional News

• The Ravens acquired EDGE Dre’Mont Jones for a conditional fifth-round pick.
• Vikings RB Aaron Jones (shoulder) is questionable.

Storyline of the game: How will the new-look Jets fare?

The Jets were the main characters of the trade deadline, trading corner Sauce Gardner (71.3 grade; 22nd) to the Indianapolis Colts for a two first-round picks and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams (79.7 grade; 7th) to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2027 first-round pick, and 2026 second-round pick and Mazi Smith (46.4 grade).

The Jets are in full rebuild mode, and with a 1-7 record, are heading toward the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. In the meantime, without their two best defensive players, things could look ugly — even against an equally on-the-ropes Browns team.

Matchup to watch: Browns CB Denzel Ward vs. Jets WR Garrett Wilson

The Jets reportedly considered receiver Garrett Wilson (72.8 grade; 33rd) untouchable in trade talks. After missing the last two weeks through injury, Wilson is back at practice and should be ready to go vs. the Browns.

Wilson has caught 36 passes for 395 yards and four touchdowns, and will face off against Browns’ CB Denzel Ward (50.4 grade; 95th) on Sunday. Ward’s 52.9 PFF coverage grade is the lowest of his career, but he’s still allowed just 230 yards in coverage. This battle could be a bright spot in an ugly game.

Additional News

• Browns RB Quinshon Judkins (shoulder) is still considered day-to-day.
• Browns WR Cedric Tillman (hamstring) returned to practice on Monday.

New England Patriots vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5)

Storyline of the game: Can Bucky Irving help lift the Buccaneers’ run game?

The Buccaneers are 6-2 and in good stead, but in the last month, the offense has felt lopsided. In the first four weeks of the season, the Buccaneers were sixth in EPA per rushing play, but running back Bucky Irving (60.1 grade; 44th) has missed the last four weeks. In those four games, the Buccaneers ranked 20th in EPA per rushing play with just five explosive runs — tied for the fewest in the NFL.

Irving could return to the lineup in Week 10, and the Buccaneers will aim to get the dynamic second-year running back involved early and often.

Matchup to watch: Patriots WR Stefon Diggs vs. Buccaneers CB Jamel Dean

Veteran receiver Stefon Diggs (79.3 grade; 15th) has been a revelation for the Patriots after signing in the offseason, catching 45 passes (14th) for 508 yards (19th) and helping lift New England to a 7-2 record. Diggs will be covered by Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean (90.7 grade; 1st) for the majority of the game, and will have his work cut out.

Dean has been a black hole for offenses in 2025, surrendering just 15 catches for 204 yards while snagging three interceptions. Diggs has earned at least five targets in six games, but Dean has granted more than one reception in just three games. 

Additional News

• Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) is questionable.
• Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin (leg) is questionable.

Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks (-6.5)

Storyline of the game: Can the Cardinals slow down the Seahawks’ offense?

The Seahawks put the NFL on notice on Sunday Night Football in Week 9, crushing the Commanders 38-14. Sam Darnold (93.5 grade; 1st) threw for 330 yards and four touchdowns, recording a 92.6 overall PFF grade.

The Seahawks’ offense (86.8 grade; 2nd) has been nearly unstoppable, which presents a real challenge for the Cardinals’ defense (64.0 grade; 17th). The season debut of Walter Nolen gave the Cardinals some extra bite on defense in the 27-17 win against the Cowboys, but they’ll need every tool available to stop one of the best defenses in the NFL as they try to get back into the wild-card picture.

Matchup to watch: Cardinals DI Walter Nolen vs. Seahawks G Grey Zabel

A battle of the rookies in the trenches takes precedent. Nolen notched an 81.7 overall PFF grade in his season debut vs. the Cowboys, collecting a sack, three stops and batting a pass at the line of scrimmage. 

Nolen was active and disruptive, but will face a tough test against Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (51.2 grade; 61st) in Week 10. Zabel has given up just 10 pressures so far this season, and is yet to allow a sack on 252 pass-blocking snaps. 

Additional News

• QB Kyler Murray (foot) is out after being placed on IR, and QB Jacoby Brissett is slated to start.

Los Angeles Rams (-3.5) vs. San Francisco 49ers 

Storyline of the game: Are the Rams the best team in the NFL?

The Rams are 6-2 through nine weeks of the season, and hold top-five in grades on offense (88.4 grade; 1st) and defense (81.0 grade; 3rd). Los Angeles is looking for revenge against the 49ers, who defeated the Rams 26-23 in overtime in Week 5.

Another victory against a team with a winning record would solidify the Rams as one of the top teams in the NFL heading into the second half of the season. But, are they the No. 1 squad in the league?

Matchup to watch: Rams EDGE Jared Verse vs. 49ers T Trent Williams

Rams edge rusher Jared Verse (86.9 grade; 8th) has continued his ascent toward stardom in 2025, generating 40 pressures (6th) and four sacks on the season. Verse can do it all, whether rushing the quarterback or strong-arming in the run game. In just a season-and-a-half, Verse has helped elevate the Rams’ defense.

Verse goes toe-to-toe with veteran tackle Trent Williams (84.6 grade; 4th) in a matchup that could define the game. Williams has allowed 24 pressures and four sacks in 2025. When the two faced off in Week 5, Verse collected three pressures when matched up with Williams.

Additional News

• Rams WR Puka Nacua (chest) is questionable.

Detroit Lions (-8.5) vs. Washington Commanders

Storyline of the game: An NFC Divisional Round rematch

Just under 12 months ago, the Commanders shocked the Lions in the NFC Divisional Round, winning 45-31 to advance to the NFC Championship Game. Now, the Commanders’ 2025 season is on life support, while the Lions are once again riding their status as Super Bowl contenders.

The Commanders will likely be without quarterback Jayden Daniels (76.7 grade; 10th) for the foreseeable future after he suffered a dislocated elbow in Week 9, and are now 3-6 after losing four straight games. Three months ago, this contest would have had a lot more pomp and circumstance around it, but time moves fast in the NFL.

Matchup to watch: Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown vs. Commanders CB Mike Sainristil

The Lions’ offense (78.0 grade; 5th) remains one of the top units in the NFL, and receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (87.0 grade; 6th) is always a big reason why. St. Brown has caught 59 passes (3rd) for 635 yards (6th) and seven touchdowns (2nd) in 2025, and is fifth in yards per route run (2.52).

Meanwhile, Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil has permitted the fourth-most yards in coverage (413) so far this season. St. Brown could feast in the slot.

Additional News

• Lions G Christian Mahogany (leg) is out.
• Lions T Penei Sewell (lower body) is questionable.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Los Angeles Chargers (-3)

Storyline of the game: How will the Chargers’ offensive line fare without Joe Alt?

We’ve already seen the Chargers’ offensive line struggle in 2025. Quarterback Justin Herbert (90.4; 3rd) has been sacked 28 times (3rd-most) and pressured 155 times (1st) through nine games, and the Chargers offensive line ranks 31st in pressure rate allowed. The line has been poor without tackle Joe Alt (79.0 grade; 11th), and though the first-round pick returned to action in Week 9, he exited the win against the Titans with a season-ending ankle injury.

The Chargers are once again without their two star tackles. Despite trading for guard/tackle Trevor Penning (50.4 grade; 64th), they’re expected to have a rough ride against the Steelers’ defense (69.8; 12th).

Matchup to watch: Steelers’ pass rush vs. Chargers’ pass protection

It really could be a bloodbath in this matchup. The Steelers’ defensive line has stepped up a gear in recent weeks and holds a 53.6% pass-rush win rate (8th) while sacking opposing quarterbacks 32 times (4th). Even with edge rusher T.J. Watt (82.1 grade; 16th) not performing at an elite level, the Steelers have the likes of Nick Herbig (90.4 grade; 5th) stepping up. In his last three games, Herbert has been pressured on 47.0% of his dropbacks.

Additional News

• Chargers RB Omarion Hampton (ankle) isn’t expected to return from IR until after the team’s Week 12 bye.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Green Bay Packers (-2.5)

Storyline of the game: Two NFC heavyweights go toe-to-toe

Monday Night Football brings us arguably the matchup of the week, with the 6-2 Philadelphia Eagles taking on the 5-2-1 Green Bay Packers. The Eagles found some offensive cohesion in their last two games prior to a Week 9 bye.

Although the Packers were shocked by the Panthers in a 16-13 Week 9 loss, they’re still one of the best teams in the NFL. Two great offenses, two great defenses, two great teams. This one could be a doozy.

Matchup to watch: Eagles T Jordan Mailata vs. Packers EDGE Micah Parsons

The excellent Week 10 battle will be headlined by the war in the trenches between two of the best players in the NFL, Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata (80.2 grade; 9th) and Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons (92.0 grade; 2nd). Mailata has yielded just 16 pressures and one sack in eight games, registering a 77.1 PFF pass-blocking grade (15th). Meanwhile, Parsons has 43 pressures (5th) and seven sacks (8th) on the season, and is once again a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. 

Additional News

• The Eagles opened the practice window for EDGE Nolan Smith (triceps).
• The Packers placed TE Tucker Kraft (knee) on IR.