Week 9 Predictions

After an eventful Week 8, the midpoint of the NFL season, football fans are bound for an even more exciting weekend in the 9th week of football. Two playoff contenders, the Patriots and the Saints, lost in conference showdowns last weekend, limiting them both to just 5 wins going into Week 9. Looking ahead to Sunday, great games are in store among championship built teams. As usual, The NFL Report has the Week 9 predictions, and be sure to comment!

Michael Turner

Game-to-Watch: Packers at Chargers: In the past two weeks, the Chargers have been rather disappointing, losing to the Chiefs and the Jets, both of which on the road. Finally, Philip Rivers' team will play in their own stadium against the most dominate team in the league. Though Green Bay's offense has been outstanding, the defense has been below par this year. They rank 28th in total yards allowed per game (391), a statistic they ranked 5th overall in the league. Somehow, the defense is ranked 31st in terms of passing yards allowed per game, yet they have 13 interceptions so far, ranked 2nd overall. It will be important for that defense to shut down Philip Rivers, so Rodgers can control the game. Though the Chargers are in their home stadium for the Week 9 matchup, Green Bay appears to have the advantage. The outstanding offense will dominate the game, and even the Packers' defense will step up their play.

Packers over Chargers: 31-10

Stand-Out Performance: RB Michael Turner: The most overlooked player in the NFL is beginning to gain more and more attention as the season progresses. Michael Turner has been quite consistent for his team, tied for fourth in terms of rushing touchdowns this season. This weekend, Turner faces off against the Indianapolis Colts, a team known for a weak rushing defense. The Colts are ranked 31st in rushing yards allowed per game (144.0), 30th in rushing TD's allowed (10), and 32nd in 1st downs allowed (69).  Turner will completely trample the Colts' defense, and will have one of the best games of his career.

Michael Turner: 170 yards, 2 rushing TD's, 1 receiving TD 

Player to Watch: Tom Brady: For the first time since the 2007 Super Bowl, the New England Patriots will face off against the New York Giants. Brady was not happy after losing to the Giants because of a last minute game-winning touchdown. Now, he is also coming off of a disappointing loss against the Steelers. Though Brady started the year off strong, he has begun to cool off (the last time he had over 2 touchdowns in a game was in Week 4).  These three failures from the past will be used as motivation. Brady will walk onto the field and tear apart the Giants defense. Make sure to keep an eye on Brady, for there may be a spike in terms of fantasy points in Brady's future.

Tom Brady: 330 passing yards, 3 passing TD's, 1 rushing TD

Week 9 Predictions:

Jets over Bills (OT)

Cowboys over Seahawks

Texans over Browns

Falcons over Colts

Chiefs over Dolphins

Saints over Buccaneers (OT)

49ers over Redskins

Raiders over Broncos

Bengals over Titans

Rams over Cardinals

Patriots over Giants

Packers over Chargers

Steelers over Ravens

Eagles over Bears