Thrilling showdowns abound in Week 9 of the NFL season, headlined by a pivotal NFC North clash between the surging Detroit Lions and rival Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The upstart Lions, led by resurgent quarterback Jared Goff, aim to solidify their division lead over Aaron Rodgers’ Packers. Meanwhile on Monday Night Football, Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers look to knock off Patrick Mahomes and the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs.
Lions Take Aim at Division Lead in Green Bay
At 6-1, the Detroit Lions are off to their best start since 1956 thanks to the MVP-caliber play of veteran quarterback Jared Goff. Goff enters the matchup with a chance to match Packers legend Aaron Rodgers’ NFL record of six straight games with multiple passing touchdowns and a 70% completion rate. Detroit has momentum, winning their past two games at Lambeau.
The Packers, meanwhile, face uncertainty at quarterback with Jordan Love battling a groin injury. If Love can’t go, backup Malik Willis would get the nod, likely leading to a much more run-heavy offensive approach. Green Bay will lean on running back Josh Jacobs regardless – he has the second-most rushing yards after contact in the NFL this season.
At 6-1, the Lions are off to their best start since 1956 with veteran quarterback Jared Goff competing at an MVP level.
ESPN’s Eric Woodyard
Goff Aims to Match Rodgers’ Record
Lions quarterback Jared Goff has been on a tear, completing 83% of his passes over the past five games – the highest percentage during a five-game span in NFL history. With two or more passing touchdowns on Sunday, Goff would match Packers legend Aaron Rodgers‘ NFL record of six straight games with multiple TD passes and a 70%+ completion rate.
- Goff has completed 83% of his passes over the past 5 games, an NFL record
- With 2+ TD passes vs GB, Goff would match Rodgers’ record of 6 straight games with multiple TDs and 70%+ completions
Packers’ Uncertainty at Quarterback
The Packers face a big question mark at quarterback heading into the pivotal divisional matchup. Starter Jordan Love is battling a groin injury that could sideline him on Sunday. If Love can’t go, backup Malik Willis would start, likely shifting Green Bay to a much more run-heavy offensive approach.
In the two games Willis started earlier this season with Love out, the Packers called designed runs on a whopping 68% of snaps, compared to just 41% in Love’s six starts. Regardless of who is under center, expect a heavy dose of running back Josh Jacobs, who has the second-most rushing yards after contact in the NFL.
| Packers QB | Games Started | Designed Run % |
|---|---|---|
| Jordan Love | 6 | 41% |
| Malik Willis | 2 | 68% |
Monday Night Showdown: Bucs vs Chiefs
On Monday Night Football, Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4) head to Kansas City to take on Patrick Mahomes and the undefeated Chiefs (7-0) at Arrowhead Stadium. It’s a tough test for the Bucs, who will be without star wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Without wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, quarterback Baker Mayfield leaned heavily on tight end Cade Otton last week. The Bucs will have to do it again, with seemingly the only real hole in the Chiefs’ defense being that they’re giving up an average of 80.86 yards to opposing tight ends — the most of any team in the league.
Bucs beat reporter Jenna Laine
The Chiefs boast one of the NFL’s most productive pass rushes, racking up five sacks last week against the Raiders. They also added former Patriots edge rusher Joshua Uche at the trade deadline to bolster the unit. Still, slowing down Brady and the Bucs’ fourth-ranked scoring offense, which is averaging over 29 points per game, presents Kansas City’s toughest defensive challenge yet.
Other Key Week 9 Matchups
- Chargers at Browns – The Chargers’ Justin Herbert has heated up, passing for nearly 300 yards per game over the past 3 weeks. He faces a vulnerable Browns pass defense.
- Seahawks at Cardinals – Arizona has won 3 of 4 and goes for its first 3-game win streak since 2021. The Seahawks hope to have DK Metcalf back from injury.
- Titans at Chiefs – Derrick Henry looks to extend his streak of 9 straight games with a rushing TD, the third-longest ever by a player 30 or older.
With pivotal division clashes, star quarterback duels, and undefeated teams put to the test, Week 9 of the NFL season offers no shortage of compelling matchups and storylines. Will the upstart Lions solidify their hold on the NFC North lead in Green Bay? Can the GOAT knock off Mahomes and the unbeaten Chiefs at Arrowhead? Answers are just days away as the season nears its midpoint in spectacular fashion.
