• A high-flying Thursday evening matchup: Baltimore and Cincinnati each possess potent offenses coming off 40-plus level performances final week, however the Ravens might stand in a tier of their very own, main the NFL in EPA per play, profitable play proportion (42.4%), and landing proportion (35.4%) behind the NFL’s highest-graded QB-RB tandem.
• An Eagles-Cowboys battle we’re not used to: The Cowboys’ troubles went from dangerous to worse with the information early within the week that their franchise signal-caller, Dak Prescott, suffered a critical hamstring within the crew’s Week 9 loss to Atlanta that will require season-ending surgical procedure.
• Unlock your edge with a PFF+ subscription: Get full entry to all our in-season fantasy instruments, together with weekly rankings, WR/CB matchup charts, weekly projections, the Start-Sit Optimizer and extra. Sign up now!
Estimated studying time: 23 minutes
Click beneath to leap to a sport:
CIN@BAL | NYG@CAR | NE@CHI | BUF@IND | MIN@JAX | DEN@KC | ATL@NO | SF@TB | PIT@WAS | TEN@LAC | NYJ@ARI | PHI@DAL | DET@HOU | MIA@LAR
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens (-6)
Storyline of the sport: Rematch of Week 5 additional time thriller
Thursday evening kicks off with an AFC North divisional rematch of what was an immediate traditional the final time these two groups met in Week 5. The Ravens secured a nail-biting three-point additional time victory in Cincinnati in that sport, as Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow dueled it out. Now, the sequence shifts to Baltimore.
Jackson and Burrow have been dealing all season lengthy, with the pair rating No. 1 and a couple of, respectively, in PFF passing grade this season — separated by simply 0.1 factors on the grading scale.
Baltimore and Cincinnati each possess potent offenses coming off 40-plus level performances final week, however the Ravens might stand in a tier of their very own. Baltimore leads the NFL in EPA per play, profitable play proportion (42.4%) and landing proportion (35.4%) behind the NFL’s highest-graded QB-RB tandem in Jackson and Derrick Henry.
Matchups to observe: Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase vs. Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey
The Bengals ‘outspoken receiver gave the media an fascinating quote when requested about prep on a brief week, however are you able to blame him after his efficiency the final time these groups met? Back in Week 5, Chase tore up the Ravens’ secondary to the tune of 10 grabs for 193 yards and a pair of scores on his technique to an outstanding 91.3 PFF receiving grade for the sport.
The job of stopping a repeat efficiency from Chase will fall, partially, on Marlon Humphrey. The veteran nook struggled a bit the final time these groups matched up, incomes his lowest protection grade (50.5) of the season. Still, he stays top-of-the-line within the sport, presently holding the third-highest season protection grade on the cornerback place (83.2).
Additional information:
- Cincinnati has acquired RB Khalil Herbert from Chicago for a seventh-round choose within the wake of Zack Moss (neck) being out indefinitely.
- Bengals WR Tee Higgins (quad) uncertain to go well with up for this one.
New York Giants (-6.5) vs. Carolina Panthers
Storyline of the Game: Two groups trying to get on monitor late within the 12 months
Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany performs host to this NFL worldwide matchup between a pair of struggling NFC franchises within the Panthers and Giants.
Carolina tallied its second win of this season this previous week the Panthers they took down the Saints in inconceivable vogue at residence, 23-22, with Bryce Young below middle. The younger passer earned a 75.2 PFF passing grade final week, his highest in any begin of 2024, and can once more be tabbed to begin.
The Giants discover themselves amid a four-game slide, with their final win coming again in Week 5. During this shedding streak, New York ranks twenty sixth in offensive EPA per play with simply 5 offensive touchdowns scored, tied for the fewest within the NFL over that span.
Matchups to observe: Panthers C Cade Mays vs. Giants DI Dexter Lawrence
Carolina’s go safety has been its sturdy go well with this season, however with the lack of LT Ikem Ekwonu to an ankle harm — which can sideline him once more this week — this crew has wanted to shuffle the offensive line. That despatched Brady Christensen — who was beginning at middle for the injured Austin Corbett — to left sort out, and elevated Cade Mays to begin at middle. In his lone begin final week, the third-year middle earned a high quality 84.4 PFF pass-blocking grade.
Mays might want to faucet into that efficiency if he hopes to decelerate the Giants’ All-Pro inside pass-rusher. Lawrence holds a position-leading 10 sacks this season behind a 13.4% strain charge, on his technique to incomes a 82.8 PFF pass-rush grade.
Additional information:
- Carolina has traded WR Jonathan Mingo to Dallas for a fourth-round choose in 2025.
- Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks has been activated from the IR, might make his NFL debut.
New England Patriots vs. Chicago Bears (-6)
Storyline of the sport: Offensive woes proceed in Chicago
After a protracted week of criticism heaped onto Matt Eberflus and this teaching workers, Week 9 didn’t internet the optimistic outing the Windy City had hoped for. The Bears fell to the Cardinals by three scores in a sport during which they scored no touchdowns and averaged simply 3.4 yards per play. Among the eccentricities of that sport included a sequence the place D.J. Moore walked off the sphere on a stay play resulting from harm as Caleb Williams scrambled to his aspect in search of an outlet.
On the opposite sideline, New England suffered a crushing additional time defeat after an unimaginable game-tying drive from first-year quarterback Drake Maye. However, his total efficiency within the sport left rather a lot to be desired, having tossed 4 turnover-worthy performs — together with an interception in additional time that ended the sport.
Matchups to observe: Patriots QB Drake Maye vs. Bears secondary
When the Pats made the swap to Maye, they did it with the understanding there have been going to be some rising pains with a younger quarterback. However, the problems with ball safety have gotten extra prevalent, with the rookie having recorded 9 turnover-worthy performs in his 4 begins.
Chicago’s secondary has been within the highlight in current weeks, and the unit’s struggles have but to subside regardless of some shuffling within the lineup. This protection unit has seen its crew protection grade fall from an 86.0 — the best within the NFL by Week 6 — to only a 45.3 over the past three video games.
Additional information:
- Chicago has traded RB Khalil Herbert to Cincinnati for a seventh-round choose in 2025.
Buffalo Bills (-4) vs. Indianapolis Colts
Storyline of the sport: Josh Allen and the Bills using excessive into the back-half of 2024
The 7-2 Bills come into the ultimate eight video games of the 2024 marketing campaign on a four-game profitable streak after securing a detailed divisional victory this previous week. This Bills offense has been clicking in current weeks, because the unit ranks second in EPA per play since Week 6. Josh Allen has tossed 9 big-time throws over that span, the third-most within the NFL.
Even after a change at quarterback, the Colts nonetheless have points to kind out offensively. Joe Flacco struggled on the helm in his first authentic begin as QB1, producing a 51.7 PFF passing grade behind three turnover-worthy performs. This week, he appears to appropriate these errors in opposition to a Bills protection unit that has allowed the fifth-highest open goal proportion (64.8%) over the past 4 video games.
Matchups to observe: Bills WR Khalil Shakir vs. Colts CB Kenny Moore II
Shakir doesn’t obtain the credit score he deserves for being a constant presence on this receiving crop. The third-year receiver has generated a 70.0-plus receiving grade in 5 of his eight video games performed. Shakir supplies his quarterback with a managed goal beneath to reap the benefits of two-high defenses, holding the bottom common depth of goal (2.9) amongst qualifying receivers, but amassing over 11 yards per reception.
Tasked with protecting Shakir within the slot would be the veteran Kenny Moore II, who’s within the midst of one other high quality 12 months. The Colts nook holds a top-10 protection grade when lined up within the slot (72.6), having allowed simply 0.85 yards per protection snap.
Additional News:
- FS Mike Edwards has requested for and been granted his launch from the Bills.
- Bills Edge Von Miller has been activated following his suspension.
- Bills WR Keon Coleman (wrist) absent from apply to begin the week.
Minnesota Vikings (-4.5) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Storyline of the sport: Has Minnesota gotten again heading in the right direction?
Jacksonville’s struggles continued in Week 9, struggling a second-straight powerful loss amid a painful stretch in a tough schedule. After a sluggish begin this previous week that netted zero factors within the first half, Trevor Lawrence and the Jags stormed again to chop the Eagles’ result in simply 5 factors earlier than the younger passer tossed his fourth quarter red-zone interception that finally determined the end result.
On the opposite hand, Minnesota bought again heading in the right direction in Week 9 after struggling a pair of its personal powerful losses within the weeks prior. The Vikings began their Week 9 sport in the same method to Jacksonville, totaling zero factors within the first half. But the place they differed is that the Vikings had been capable of play strong protection to be able to deliver residence the win.
Matchups to observe: Vikings LT Cam Robinson vs. Jaguars Ege Josh Hines-Allen
Just a few weeks in the past, Cam Robinson was the beginning left sort out for the Jaguars; now, he finds himself taking part in in opposition to his former crew in the identical season. Minnesota acquired Robinson to take over for Christian Darrisaw (knee), who’s slated to overlook the remainder of the 12 months. In his first outing together with his new crew, the veteran sort out surrendered 4 pressures on 40 go units, incomes a 64.4 PFF go blocking grade.
With Hines-Allen being on a tear in current weeks, it is going to be fascinating to see how vital familiarity might be on this matchup. The gifted pass-rusher has produced a unbelievable 89.9 PFF pass-rush grade this season, powered by six sacks — three of which have come within the final two video games.
Additional information:
Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs (-8)
Storyline of the sport: AFC West divisional showdown
The Chiefs’ march by the 2024 common season continued final week, the place they notched their eighth straight win of the marketing campaign, taking down Tampa Bay on Monday evening. A late Bucs rating might have despatched this one to additional time, however the opposing comeback was stifled as quickly because the coin toss landed within the Chiefs’ favor. In that outing, Patrick Mahomes earned his highest go grade (87.4) of the season, his second 80.0-plus graded outing previously two video games.
Denver’s Week 9 didn’t go anyplace close to positively, with this crew falling aside in opposition to Baltimore and struggling a 30-plus-point defeat. Lamar Jackson and firm managed to attain 41 factors in opposition to the league’s finest protection by EPA per play allowed. That leaves a mess of questions for Denver heading into this bitter rivalry matchup, as Mahomes is lastly catching his stride after a slower first half in 2024.
Matchups to observe: Chiefs WR DeAndre Hopkins vs. Broncos CB Pat Surtain II
Hopkins’ first full workload since touchdown with Kansas City ended about in addition to anybody within the group might have hoped when making the commerce. In Week 9, the veteran receiver earned his highest receiving grade (81.8) of the season, powered by eight receptions, a pair of touchdowns and a trio of 15-plus yard receptions.
While that’s undoubtedly a powerful day for any receiver, it could be a much more tough job to shake free of the sticky protection of Surtain on the surface. The Broncos nook’s 74.9 PFF protection grade ranks within the top-15 on the place. His repute has preceded him in current weeks, with the Ravens opting to not goal him as soon as in Week 9.
Additional information:
- Denver has traded Edge Baron Browning to Arizona in change for a sixth-round choose.
- Denver and Edge Jonathon Cooper have agreed to a 4-year, $60 million extension.
Atlanta Falcons (-4) vs. New Orleans Saints
Storyline of the sport: Saints have fired HC Dennis Allen
After dropping their seventh straight sport in a row, the Saints have determined to half methods with head coach Dennis Allen, with particular groups coordinator Darren Rizzi set to behave as interim HC. Week 9’s historic blunder largely settled the choice on Allen. Per ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, the Saints are the primary crew to lose in 20 years after outgaining their opponent by 150-plus yards, operating for 150 or extra yards and profitable the turnover battle.
The Falcons are heading in the wrong way as they march into this divisional matchup carrying a 4-0 report in opposition to the NFC South this season. While Atlanta has seemed like a revamped crew in current weeks, it bears reminding that this similar Saints crew drove Atlanta to the brink in Week 4 however finally fell brief.
Matchups to observe: Falcons WR Darnell Mooney vs. Saints CB Alontae Taylor
The previous two outings have been very productive for Mooney, with the Falcons receiver contributing a mixed 80.6 PFF receiving grade over the 2 contests. Over that span, Mooney has generated 3.05 yards per route run and 19.3 yards per reception to go along with a pair of landing catches, giving him 5 on the 12 months — a brand new career-high.
With the buying and selling away of Marshon Lattimore on the deadline, this Saints protection might be down its finest protection defender and in search of contributors to step up into the function he vacated. Expectations are that third-year nook Alontae Taylor might play extra on the surface after primarily manning the slot. That might show troubling, as Taylor hasn’t produced glowing protection metrics in his time within the NFL. This season, the Saints nook possesses only a 41.4 PFF protection grade — 111th out of 112 qualifying corners.
Additional information:
- Saints WR Chris Olave (concussion) was carted off of the sphere this previous week together with his second critical concussion this season.
- New Orleans has traded CB Marshon Lattimore to Washington for a third- and fourth-round choose, in addition to a late-round choose swap.
San Francisco 49ers (-6) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Storyline of the sport: Christian McCaffrey doable to return
After lacking the primary eight video games of the 2024 marketing campaign resulting from issues over a calf/Achilles harm, Christian McCaffrey has returned to apply in restricted vogue to begin the week, with the potential for him to have the ability to make his season debut. With some powerful matchups to come back within the latter half of the 49ers’ schedule, getting again your finest participant is at all times excellent news.
Unfortunately, the Bucs nonetheless discover themselves navigating unsure waters concerning harm. However, regardless of being down their two finest receivers, Baker Mayfield and this Bucs offense managed to take the Chiefs to additional time — simply to by no means possess the ball, shedding 30-24 in Kansas City. That marks this crew’s third-straight loss, dropping beneath .500.
Matchups to observe: 49ers RG Dominick Puni vs. Buccaneers DI Calijah Kancey
Getting the gifted second-year DI Calijah Kancey again from harm in Week 6 was supposed to assist repair this struggling run protection for the Bucs, but it surely hasn’t netted the outcomes many would have anticipated. Kancey presently holds only a 28.9 run protection grade this season — rating 128th out of 129 certified inside defenders. While he might have recorded two tackles for loss or no acquire since his return, he additionally has surrendered a negatively-graded snap over 33% of his run suits.
Paving the way in which for McCaffrey’s doable return might be rookie RG Puni. While the younger blocker has carried out effectively total this season — incomes a top-15 run-blocking grade on the place — some points with consistency have sprouted. Over his final two outings, Puni has earned only a 58.0 PFF run blocking grade, due partially to being defeated on 12.2% of his run blocks.
Additional information:
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Washington Commanders (-2.5)
Storyline of the Game: Division leaders sq. off
The NFC East-leading Commanders shocked everybody this previous week on the commerce deadline, securing veteran nook Marshon Lattimore to shore up their points within the secondary. While Lattimore is a bit faraway from his lockdown days, his respectable 71.6 protection grade this season locations him within the top-24 on the place. He’s a welcome addition to a crew that ranks 25 this season in crew protection grade (56.0).
The AFC North-leading Steelers had been additionally busy on the deadline, making a pair of trades that landed this crew WR Mike Williams and Ege Preston Smith to assist complement each side of the ball. While neither of the offers transfer the needle considerably, they every deal with a necessity this crew has confronted within the first half of the 12 months: pass-rush depth and choices within the receiving sport.
Matchups to observe: Steelers WR George Pickens vs. Commanders CB Benjamin St-Juste
Even with the addition of Mike Williams, Pickens stands as the highest canine on this Steelers passing offense. Since Russell Wilson took over quarterback duties in Week 7, Pickens holds a position-leading 89.9 PFF receiving grade over that span, racking up just below 200 yards receiving.
The struggles in protection stemming from St-Juste are finally what led this crew to usher in a participant like Lattimore. The 27-year-old CB has generated only a 49.7 protection grade — ranked one hundred and fifth out of 112 qualifying CBs. St-Juste has surrendered 8.0 yards per protection goal and 13 receptions of 15-or-more yards.
Additional information:
Tennessee Titans vs. Los Angeles Chargers (-7.5)
Storyline of the sport: Chargers exhibiting strides
All-around crew showings have been the hallmark of the Chargers final couple of performances, and it couldn’t come at a greater time: Los Angeles heads into the back-half of the 12 months with a 3-1 report over its final 4 video games. The protection has been significantly commendable and presently maintain the league’s finest mark in EPA per play allowed, in addition to a top-five mark in total defensive grade (76.0).
The Titans haven’t been almost as lucky discovering wins on their schedule. However, they had been capable of safe their second victory on the 12 months this previous week regardless of almost permitting a rookie quarterback to notch his first ever comeback victory. Similarly, what success Tennessee has managed stems from its strong protection, which ranks within the top-seven in EPA per play allowed. That development will show very important to this crew’s success transferring ahead.
Matchups to observe: Chargers QB Justin Herbert vs. Titans FS Mike Edwards
Without extremely touted weapons or constant safety, Justin Herbert remains to be dealing and at last hitting his stride on the 2024 season. The Chargers’ franchise signal-caller has contributed 910 passing yards since Week 7 behind an unimaginable 10 big-time throws, on his technique to a 92.8 PFF passing grade — all of that are prime marks within the NFL.
An harm to Quandre Diggs prompted Tennessee to amass Mike Edwards after his launch from Buffalo. While it stays to be seen if Edwards will play on this one, the Titans might use some extra playmakers within the secondary. Although he’s skilled a small pattern in 2024 with seven whole snaps, his 2023 run in Kansas City leaves some questions, as he earned only a 58.6 grade in protection.
Additional information:
New York Jets vs. Arizona Cardinals (-1)
Storyline of the sport: Don’t depend these groups out simply but
After beginning the season with a 1-3 report in September, this Cardinals crew has gone on to facilitate a unbelievable stretch of video games, coming away with a 4-1 report within the 5 video games to observe. The Cards had been the cardiac youngsters in October, profitable three of their 4 video games by two or fewer factors. To begin November, this crew produced one among its finest outings of the 12 months on each side of the ball, smashing the Bears by three scores.
Week 9 additionally noticed the Jets halt a five-game slide with a win in opposition to the harm riddled Texans. Credit is to be able to this Jets go rush that completely blasted C.J. Stroud at each probability it bought, rackings up 33 whole pressures and eight sacks. That efficiency catapulted this Jets protection into the highest 5 of strain charge (41.0%) on the season.
Matchups to observe: Cardinals LG Evan Brown vs. Jets DI Quinnen Williams
Quinnen Williams has been wreaking havoc as a go rusher on the inside of this Jets protection over the previous few matchups. Since Week 6, Williams owns a powerful 85.7 PFF pass-rush grade — the best at his place over that span — due largely to racking up 5 sacks and a 17.4% pass-rush win charge.
Interestingly, Brown has been producing equally spectacular marks as a go protector over that span. Since Week 6, the previously undrafted guard has generated a 77.0 PFF pass-blocking grade, having surrendered simply two pressures throughout 121 go units.
Additional information:
- Arizona has acquired Ege Baron Browning from Denver in change for a sixth-round choose.
- New York has traded WR Mike Williams to Pittsburgh in change for a 2025 fifth-round choose.
Philadelphia Eagles (-7) vs. Dallas Cowboys
Storyline of the sport: Cowboys anticipated to be with out Dak Prescott for foreseeable future
The Cowboys’ troubles went from dangerous to worse with the information early within the week that their franchise signal-caller, Dak Prescott, suffered a critical hamstring within the crew’s Week 9 loss to Atlanta that will require season-ending surgical procedure. That will thrust Cooper Rush into the highlight to try to raise this crew out of its in depth struggles. In his spell on the helm of this offense this previous week, Rush earned a 62.8 PFF passing grade, tossing a big-time throw in addition to stopping any turnover-worthy performs.
Rush gained’t have many simple appears in opposition to an Eagles protection that has been the driving drive behind the crew’s 4 sport win-streak. Since coming back from their bye in Week 6, Philly lays declare to the league’s highest-graded protection (90.2) by a wide-margin, with the subsequent highest-team falling over 10 factors decrease on the grading scale.
Matchups to observe: Eagles RB Saquon Barkley vs. Cowboys entrance seven
When the Eagles made it a precedence to signal Barkley in free company, it was with the intention to have him generate manufacturing like he’s skilled this season. The dynamic again has eclipsed 100 all-purpose yards in all however one sport this season and is making performs which have by no means been seen on the sphere earlier than.
Issues becoming the run are a typical theme with this Cowboys protection, as this crew once more finds itself ranked on the backside of the NFL in crew run protection (41.6) and EPA per rush allowed. The potential return of Micah Parsons to the lineup is motive for optimism, but it surely stays to be seen if his presence will make up for widespread points becoming the run.
Additional information:
- Eagles WR A.J. Brown (knee) left the sport in Week 9, however Philly hopeful he prevented critical harm.
- Dallas has acquired WR Jonathan Mingo from Carolina for a fourth-round choose in 2025.
- Cowboys Edge Micah Parsons (ankle) is feasible to make return this week.
Detroit Lions (-3.5) vs. Houston Texans
Storyline of the sport: C.J. Stroud might get firepower again simply in time
With accidents to their top-two receivers, the Texans have been left hamstrung within the passing sport in current weeks. That deficiency got here to a head this previous week: the Texans fell to the Jets with solely two receivers registering a catch on the place. With Nico Collins probably slated to return to the lineup this week, Stroud might get again maybe the sport’s finest receiver — touting a 92.4 PFF receiving grade this season.
The Lions could be the most full crew within the NFL this season, and there’s no higher instance than that of the performances Jared Goff has amassed. Over their previous two video games, Goff has managed to safe a high quality 74.5 passing grade regardless of totaling simply 230 passing yards, producing below 150 by the air in every sport. Generally, the expectation is that in case your quarterback was held that low in yardage, it could be a foul day to your offense. That’s not the case for Ben Johnson and Detroit.
Matchups to observe: Texans LG Kendrick Green vs. Lions DI Alim McNeill
The points in go professional on the inside of this Texans offensive line had been on full show in primetime this previous week, with three inside lineman producing sub-23.0 PFF pass-blocking grades. The worst amongst them was Kendrick Green — who got here in in-relief of Kenyon Green, who suffered an harm that will sideline him into the longer term — incomes only a 0.4 pass-blocking grade.
If Green isn’t capable of take strides this week, it is going to be a protracted day matched up with Alim McNeill. The Lions defensive sort out has actually stepped up within the absence of Aidan Hutchinson. Since Week 6, McNeill has generated a 79.4 PFF pass-rushing grade, powered by 18 pressures and a pair of sacks.
Additional information:
- Detroit has acquired Edge Za’Darius Smith from Cleveland for a 2025 fifth-round choose and a 2026 late-round choose swap.
- Texans WR Nico Collins (hamstring) passes medical testing, might return this week.
Miami Dolphins vs. Los Angeles Rams (-1)
Storyline of the sport: Turnarounds on the horizon for these franchises?
A handful of weeks in the past, this matchup wouldn’t have carried anyplace close to the identical intrigue because it presently does. That’s as a result of current performances these two groups have produced to various levels.
The Rams appear to be a completely totally different squad after returning each Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua to the lineup. This offense is proving tough for even among the league’s extra savvy defenses like Minnesota and Seattle.
While the Dolphins have but to transform a win because the return of Tua Tagovailoa to the lineup, they’re performed much more impressed offensively. Tagovailoa has some methods to go earlier than he’s absolutely dialed again in, however producing a 74.5 PFF passing grade over his two video games since return is a step in the fitting route.
Matchups to observe: Rams WR Puka Nacua vs. Dolphins CB Jalen Ramsey
After taking place in Week 1 and lacking the subsequent 5 video games, the dynamic receiver returned in Week 8 to supply a classic Nacua outing. But the next week, he was once more lacking from the lineup for an prolonged interval, this time ejected after stepping into an altercation on the sphere and throwing a punch. If he’s capable of put collectively a full sport, Nacua has the potential to eclipse the 81.8 receiving grade he produced in his return.
The veteran nook Ramsey has been on his sport within the first half of 2024 and is coming off one of many prime performances of his profession. In Week 9, Ramsey recorded the Tenth-game of his profession, having earned a 90.7 protection grade whereas coming away together with his first interception of the season and a 44.4 passer score allowed into his protection.
Additional information: