NFL Week 9 Preview

Week nine of the NFL sees three notable matchups for fans to get their teeth stuck into across the weekend. 

The desperate New York Jets face a surging Houston Texans side; Miami’s resilient Dolphins take on Buffalo’s powerhouse Bills, and a high-stakes NFC North showdown at Lambeau Field sees the Lions challenge the Packers for division supremacy.

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Houston Texans @ New York Jets – Friday (12:15am)

As we approach the season’s midpoint, the Jets (2-6) face a steep uphill battle to remain playoff-relevant. Their offense – consisting of future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, his former star receiver from Green Bay Davante Adams, and potential future Pro Bowlers in receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall – have not been able to fire their side near a playoff spot. Their hopes for a postseason spot are dim unless they can win nearly every remaining game.

Meanwhile, the Texans (6-2) lead the AFC South but have experienced their share of ups and downs, including injuries to key offensive players. They aim to solidify their position in the second half of the season but need consistency to be genuine Super Bowl contenders.

The two teams at different ends of the standings, yet they are almost the same price on the money line – are we looking at a trap game?  The lean is to stay away from betting on sides and instead look towards the total points market, taking the under 42 total points at a price of 10/11. Both defences are capable of making this a scrappy, tight affair in the first match-up of Week 9 proceedings.

Additionally, a Braelon Aleen Anytime Touchdown @3/1 looks like a nice angle to take advantage of, considering he has only one fewer touchdowns than running back Breece Hall this year and has seen a fair share of game time in the red zone this season.

Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills – Sunday (6pm)

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is off to a strong start to the season, with his dual-threat skills in passing and running putting defences on edge. With 14 passing touchdowns and just one interception, Allen’s accuracy and timing have elevated Buffalo to serious Super Bowl contenders, barring any late-season obstacles.

The Miami Dolphins, meanwhile, sit at 2-5 after a one-point loss to Arizona. However, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa returning from a serious concussion sustained against Buffalo in Week 3, Dolphins fans are hopeful. Head coach Mike McDaniel has faced recent criticism for his play-calling in tight spots, and a victory against AFC East rival Buffalo would ease that pressure and spark a possible playoff push.

Though these teams are at opposite ends of the standings, they match up closely in skill. However, the Bills’ firepower may prove too much for Miami to handle over four quarters. The recommended pick is Buffalo Bills -6 @10/11.

Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers – Sunday (9:25pm)

In what could be the marquee match-up of the week, the Detroit Lions head to Lambeau Field for a fierce NFC North showdown with the Green Bay Packers. The NFC North is tightly contested, with all four teams boasting winning records. The Packers, retooling quickly after Aaron Rodgers’ departure, are led by rising star quarterback Jordan Love and head coach Matt LaFleur. Their defence, especially cornerback Xavier McKinney – who leads the league with six interceptions – has been a game-changer this season.

The Lions, meanwhile, have transformed from near-bottom dwellers to Super Bowl contenders under head coach Matt Campbell. Savvy offseason moves and a cultural shift have powered Detroit to a 6-1 record, positioning them as one of the league’s top teams and a favourite to secure a playoff bye.

While divisional games are often low-scoring, this match-up promises fireworks with two potent offenses on display. Without injured edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions may struggle to contain Green Bay’s passing attack. Expect an explosive contest, with the Over 48.5 total points looking appealing. Consider the Packers’ money line at 31/20 as they aim to challenge the division leaders.