X-Factors for each Week 9 NFL Game

Week nine is bringing us one hell of a slate, with multiple matchups between Super Bowl contenders. After this week, we’ll have an even better feeling of who’s a contender, and who’s a pretender. With that being said, let’s take a look at the players set to tip the scales this week.

Levis looked good on his NFL debut, throwing four TDs against the Falcons. Now he goes into Pittsburgh on Thursday night with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith lying in wait. If Levis can find his receivers downfield again, the Steelers' offense will struggle to keep up.

Nominally a home game for the Chiefs, this game is taking place in Frankfurt and German fans should be expecting an offensive shootout. The Dolphins have been exceptional offensively all year, only being slowed down by the Bills and Eagles and their relentless pass rush. If Chris Jones can impact Tua’s timing, the Chiefs will go some way to winning this game.

The Vikings are currently the seventh seed in the NFC and looked to be getting into their groove the past few weeks, only for Kirk Cousins to tear his Achilles heel. Rather than waste the season, Minnesota made a move for Dobbs, who will have a chance to make his mark as the starter.

The Seahawks look to set up the run early and often, giving running back duo Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonet touches early and often. If the Ravens don’t want to get worn down, they’ll need their stud linebacker to shut the Seahawks’ rushing attack down early.

Reports suggest Deshaun Watson may still not be ready to go for week nine, if that’s the case, the Browns will have to rely on Walker once again. Walker has not played well during his stint as a starter, throwing for five INTs and only one score. If he plays well, this should be a walk in the park for the Browns, if he doesn’t…

The Rams look to be without Matthew Stafford this week, but the WR duo of Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp is still formidable. If Alexander can stick tight to his man, the Packers should be able to slow down the Rams enough to get the win.

One of the best wide receivers of his era, Evans is a monster at the catch point and can stretch the field when needed. The Texans' defense has looked solid under Demeco Ryans, so the Bucs may need their star wideout to be the difference-maker on Sunday.

The Commanders traded away both Montez Sweat and Chase Young at the deadline, leaving a once dominant d-line looking understaffed. If Washington expects to get anything from this game, their two remaining studs, Daron Payne and Allen need to ball out.

Shaheed is averaging a tick under 21 YPC so far in 2023, a true field-stretcher who’s proving a difference-maker for the Saints. The Bears held onto star DB Jaylon Johnson at the trade deadline, but outside of that, there are plenty of players to pick on for Shaheed.

Taylor has eased his way back into the season after returning from injury, with Zach Moss deputizing extremely well. If Taylor can find the space Moss has been enjoying all season, it’ll take some pressure off Garnder Minshew at QB and should be enough for the Colts to get the win.

The Giants’ defense has steadily improved over the season, keeping them in games despite less than inspiring offensive play. Kayvon Thibodeaux had three sacks against the Jets last week and will be hoping to continue that form against a Raiders team in crisis.

When healthy, Carter has been one of the best defensive tackles in football during his rookie season. He left the game early last week but should be back for one of the most heated rivalry games in football. If he can get consistent pressure from the interior, the Eagles should be favorites on Sunday.

Perhaps a copout to mention one of the elite QBs in football as an X-Factor, but Burrow has started to play up to usual standards the past couple of weeks. This is a rematch of last year’s divisional round game where Burrow and the Bengals dusted the Bills, so should make for some good viewing!

One of the premier interior defenders in the NFL, Williams has been playing at a high level this season despite a lack of eye-popping numbers. The Chargers offensive line has been playing well recently, allowing Justin Herbert time in the pocket. If Williams plays well and keeps Herbert under pressure all game, the Jets are very much in the AFC playoff race.

Officiating in the NFL this season has been terrible, with obvious calls ignored and ticky-tack penalties becoming far too common. Let’s hope in week nine none of the games are decided by some bad refereeing!