Every weekend in the NFL, our attention is drawn to elements regarding the forces present, records that are within reach, or related to certain historical points. Here are 5 elements of the ninth week of events to pay attention to.
• Also read: Our Week 9 NFL Predictions and the Lady Behind the Colts Big Men
• Also read: These NFL Teams Made or Sink Thanks to… Ping Pong
1. Return of the Great Rivalry
The expected matchup between the Bills and Chiefs in Buffalo will be the 10th matchup between quarterbacks Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes. To date, the Bills have dominated the regular season with four wins to one, while the Chiefs have held their own in playoff games with four wins and no losses. At the moment, both turning points show fairly similar statistics. Allen has 19 touchdown passes compared to four interceptions, while Mahomes also has 19 touchdown passes but seven interceptions. Mahomes' average air yards per game (273.9) is slightly higher than Allen's (255.6). Allen makes up for it on the ground with 487 yards and five touchdowns, while Mahomes has three touchdowns and 262 yards. Take this Popcorn!
2. Broncos dominate fronts
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It's well known that the Broncos, who take on the Texans this week, are counting on one of the most productive defensive fronts in the league. What isn't mentioned is that their offensive line is dominant at the same spot. The Broncos are the first team in NFL history to record at least 35 sacks on defense and allow fewer than 10 on offense after eight games. Indeed, they are first in the standings with 36 sacks, and no other team has allowed fewer sacks than them with eight. This is obviously a recipe for their success.
3. Giants with holes
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The Giants face the 49ers, and their defense will have plenty of tools to slow down the ground game. After eight plays, this defense is allowing 5.73 yards to opposing carriers. According toAssociated PressThat's the worst eight-week average for a run defense since 5.9 yards per carry against Washington in 1959. There is hope for the Giants because despite the success of running back Christian McCaffrey, the 49ers are only gaining 3.4 yards per carry this season.
4. Patriots strike
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The Patriots host the Falcons in Foxboro and will be looking for their sixth straight win, something they haven't achieved since 2021. While all the attention is focused on quarterback Drake May's impressive progress in his second season, we shouldn't lose sight of the team's defensive tackle. The Patriots are among a select group of four teams, along with the Chiefs, Texans and Seahawks, that have given up 20 points or fewer in six games this season.
5. Ja'Marr Chase is on fire
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Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is unstoppable, especially with Joe Flacco at quarterback. Against the Bears, Chase will look to catch at least 10 passes for the fourth straight game. Already one match of 10 techniques turns out to be special, imagine four in a row! On October 12 against the Packers, Chase caught 10 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown. Against the Steelers on October 16, he did it again, making 16 catches for 161 yards and a touchdown. Then last week he carried the ball 12 times for 91 yards against the Jets. In NFL history, only Calvin Johnson, who played for the Lions in 2012, had a four-game streak with at least 10 receptions.
