Quarterback Injuries Shake Up Week 9 NFL Matchups
ICARO Media Group
In Week 9 of the NFL season, several teams are dealing with quarterback uncertainties due to injuries. The Minnesota Vikings face a challenging situation with Kirk Cousins out for the year due to an Achilles injury. In his place, rookie Jaren Hall will start, with Joshua Dobbs as his backup. On the other hand, the Atlanta Falcons have Taylor Heinicke starting, who is seen as an upgrade for Arthur Smith's team.
The Vikings will be playing against the Falcons, and the quarterback difference gives Atlanta the edge in this crucial game. Furthermore, Atlanta's defense has been strong, allowing just 4.9 yards per play this season. The projected score favors the Falcons, with a predicted outcome of 27-20. The betting pick is also in favor of the Falcons, with a spread of -5.
Another matchup worth noting is the Arizona Cardinals against the Cleveland Browns. Arizona will be starting rookie fifth-round pick Clayton Tune, which puts him in a challenging position against the formidable Browns defense. The Browns defense has excelled on third down, boasting a league-best opponent conversion rate of 28.3%. Additionally, the defense allows just 260 yards of total offense per game. Star defender Myles Garrett, with 8.5 sacks this year, poses a significant threat. The predicted score leans heavily in favor of the Browns, with a projected outcome of 30-17. The betting pick also favors the Browns, with a spread of -8.
The clash between the Baltimore Ravens and the Seattle Seahawks promises to be an exciting matchup. The Ravens have a strong defense leading the league in sacks and points allowed. However, the Seahawks' defense has also been impressive, especially after acquiring Leonard Williams. Over the last four games, they have allowed just 12.5 points per game and collected 21 sacks. This tight game is expected to have a projected score of 27-24, favoring the Ravens. However, the betting pick takes into account the Seahawks' strong performance and suggests picking them with a spread of +5.5.
The Washington Commanders face the New England Patriots, who recently made significant defensive acquisitions. Washington, having sold key defensive players before the trade deadline, is in a rebuilding phase. This may result in a deflated effort from the team. Additionally, their struggling defense, ranked 31st in points per game allowed, may give Patriots quarterback Mac Jones an opportunity to move the ball. The projected score in this matchup is in favor of the Patriots, with a predicted outcome of 24-17. The betting pick also suggests picking the Patriots, with a spread of -3.5.
Finally, the Buffalo Bills face the Cincinnati Bengals in a matchup that highlights the Bills' recent struggles. Their execution and decision-making have been questionable, allowing opponents to hang around and cover the spread. On the other hand, the Bengals showcased their potential as Super Bowl contenders in their victory over the 49ers. Led by the impressive Joe Burrow, the Bengals are favored to win with a projected score of 33-24. The betting pick also leans towards the Bengals, with a spread of -2.5.
As the NFL season progresses, injuries and quarterback uncertainties continue to impact matchups and betting predictions. Fans and bettors alike eagerly await the outcomes of these exciting Week 9 games.