Six of the 13 Week 9 matchups consist of divisional opponents playing each other. True rivalries are denoted by historical significance plus two competitive teams.
Sunday night action will conclude with a , but prior to that several rivalry games will take place. The Giants-Eagles game will feature two teams trying to chase the Cowboys. Not too far down the East Coast the Ravens and Steelers will renew their always nasty and defensive-centric rivalry.
Dallas (6-1) at Cleveland (0-8), 11 a.m., KDVR-31. At the season’s midway point, Dallas has played well enough to be considered the class of the NFC with a rookie quarterback and a rookie running back.
Jacksonville (2-5) at Kansas City (5-2), 11 a.m. The Chiefs are lurking on the outside while the Raiders and Broncos square off later in the day. Kansas City is a strong playoff contender.
(3-5) at Miami (3-4), 11 a.m. Dolphins running back started the season inactive, but he’s rushed for over 200 yards in each of the last two games – both wins.
Philadelphia (4-3) at New York Giants (4-3), 11 a.m. The Eagles did everything to beat the Cowboys last week but conservative playcalling and a lack of vertical passing game hurt them late.
Detroit (4-4) at Minnesota (5-2), 11 a.m. The Vikings are imploding offensively and it’s costing them their prime NFC North position. This is a home game with a chance to slow the bleeding.
Carolina (2-5) at L.A. Rams (3-4), 2:05 p.m. The Panthers kept their season alive with a win over the Cardinals and they’ll need more wins to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
New Orleans (3-4) at San Francisco (1-6), 2:05 p.m. gives the Saints a chance to beat anyone, but it’s not known yet whether New Orleans is a legitimate playoff contender.
Tennessee (4-4) at San Diego (3-5), 2:25 p.m. The Titans are sneaking up on folks behind and their strong running game. They could emerge in the AFC South before it’s all said and done.
Indianapolis (3-5) at Green Bay (4-3), 2:25 p.m., KCNC-4. Two top-tier quarterbacks with a disappointing starts to the season, but the Colts need this one more to avoid a dangerous 3-6 hole.
Buffalo (4-4) at Seattle (4-2-1), Monday, 6:30 p.m., ESPN. The Seahawks’ offense has completely shifted due to their inability to run the football, but their defense is still their key to remaining among the NFC’s elite.
Game of the week
Pittsburgh (4-3) at Baltimore (3-4), 11 a.m., KCNC-4. Neither team has the dominant defense that defined the rivalry in recent years but count on hostility, dislike and a few scuffles. The Ravens are expecting to face quarterback , who is recovering from a knee injury. His health and play compared to the play of Baltimore QB Joe Flacco will likely decide the winner and early leader in a division no one has taken control of.
