15 predictions for Week 9 NFL games
Analysts forecast two upsets, three fantasy sleepers, and specific stat lines for the upcoming Sunday and Monday slate.
By Rafael Collins ·
The 2026 NFL season enters Week 9 with 14 games scheduled for Sunday and Monday, following the Jacksonville Jaguars' victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night.
A panel of analysts provided 15 specific forecasts for the upcoming slate. Betting analyst Pamela Maldonado identified two underdogs poised for outright wins. She selected the Green Bay Packers at the New England Patriots and the Cleveland Browns at the New Orleans Saints. Maldonado noted that Green Bay's defense has allowed only two touchdowns on passes of 10-plus yards while recording seven interceptions. For Cleveland, she cited the team's top-10 pressure rate against New Orleans quarterback Tyler Shough, who has seen his passing volume drop significantly since the start of the season.
Analytics writer Seth Walder projected specific stat lines for three players. He forecasted that Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill will record 1.5 sacks and five pressures. Walder noted McNeill leads all defensive tackles in pass rush win rate. He also predicted Denver Broncos rookie running back Jonah Coleman will rush for 79 yards and score a touchdown. Walder pointed to Carolina's run defense, which ranks 26th in EPA allowed per designed carry. Additionally, he projected that Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner will allow just 17 receiving yards on four targets, a drop from his earlier season struggles.
Fantasy football writer Eric Moody highlighted three sleepers. He suggested Indianapolis wide receiver Keenan Allen, who leads the Colts with 34 receptions, as a viable option against a Dallas defense that allows the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Miami quarterback Malik Willis, who has rushed for 225 yards and three touchdowns, is another pick against the Detroit Lions. New York Giants running back Devin Singletary is the third selection, as injuries to Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Cam Skattebo could increase his workload against Philadelphia.
Analyst Matt Bowen predicted three touchdown scorers. He cited Cincinnati wide receiver Tee Higgins, who has caught a touchdown in back-to-back games. New York Giants wide receiver Malachi Fields is another pick, with Bowen expecting a score on a fade route. San Francisco 49ers running back Kaelon Black is the final selection, as the Las Vegas Raiders allow 146.4 rushing yards per game, the second-highest total in the league.
Analyst Ben Solak offered four additional predictions. He expects Minnesota Vikings backup quarterback Carson Wentz to post better raw numbers than starter Kyler Murray has all season, sparking roster debate. Solak also predicted that Kansas City Chiefs backup Justin Fields will be used on a quarterback sneak. He forecasted that the Los Angeles Rams will trade for Indianapolis wide receiver Josh Downs if they defeat the Washington Commanders. Finally, he predicted that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Joe Milton will throw a 65-yard pass in a game against the New York Giants.
The games are scheduled for this weekend, with the final matchup occurring on Monday night.
