NFL: Top 5 Matchups To Watch For Week 9

Football is all about matchups. How will those wide receivers do against that secondary? How will that rushing attack do against that defense? Week 9 is full of great matchups to watch for.

Here are the top 5 matchups to watch for in Week 9.

5. Steelers Ground Game vs. Ravens D-Line

It’s always must watch when these two teams go at it. The Ravens may not have the old elite defense with Ed Reed and Ray Lewis, but they are still playing very well this season. The Ravens have the No. 4 ranked run defense in the NFL, and the Steelers believe ben Roethlisberger will play. Mike Tomlin has to establish a run considering Roethlisberger is coming back from a major injury. Surprisingly, the Steelers ground game hasn’t been performing very well ranking 21^st in the league.

4. Tyrod Taylor vs. Legion of Boom

Pretty interesting matchup here. The Bills are barely hanging alive at 4-4, and they need a win this week. The problem is they are traveling to Washington to face the Seattle Seahawks. The only way the Bills stand a chance in this one is if Tyrod Taylor not only makes pinpoint passes, but if he makes plays with his feet. The Bills have enough injuries to deal with as it is.

3. Giants Receivers vs. Eagles Secondary

This is one of the biggest games of the week. Both of these squads have their obvious flaws, but they also have their strengths. The Giants, led by Odell Beckham Jr., have solid wide receiver play and the Eagles do have a good secondary. The Giants have the worst rushing attack in the league, which makes them constantly pass the ball. The question is: can these wide outs make plays against the Eagles corners? The most passing yards the Eagles have allowed this year is just 273.

2. Lions Passing Attack vs. Vikings Secondary

What a crucial game this. The Lions are 4-4 while the division leading Vikings have dropped two games in a row. The Vikings are 5-2 because of their defense, and we all know that. The Vikings defense has been absolutely phenomenal this year ranking first in points, second in yards, fourth in passing and ninth in rushing yards allowed. The Lions may not be a powerhouse, but they can pass the ball. Matthew Stafford has 16 touchdown passes and four interceptions this season. Seven different Lions receivers have caught a touchdown pass. We’ll see if the Lions passing attack can be effective on Sunday against the Vikings defense.

1. Broncos Defense vs. Raiders Offense

There’s no doubt what the No. 1 matchup of Week 9 is. It’s on Sunday Night Football as the high powered Raiders offense takes on the Broncos defense in an AFC clash. Fans couldn’t ask for anything better this week. Can Derek Carr and the Raiders continue to put up points in bunches or will the Broncos No. 1 pass defense shut them down? If the Raiders can effectively move the ball against the reigning Super Bowl champions- then we know they’re the real deal.