As we cruise into the second half of the NFL season, playoff races are starting to heat up and things are starting to get real for a lot of teams. Add in the passage of the trade deadline, and the rosters for teams are more or less solidifying.
So now that things are getting serious, we can start to take a look around the league and see what we’re facing in Week 9. Here are some key questions to be answered.
1. Can the Texans’ offensive line keep Deshaun Watson on his feet?
Watson’s protection, long an issue, tends to be one of the biggest determining factors behind whether he has a good day or a great day. That may become particularly true in London against the Jacksonville defensive front, which has been known to throw a few quarterbacks for a loop. A Jalen Ramsey-free secondary could be there for the taking, but Watson needs to stay on his feet if he wants to pick Jacksonville apart. The Jaguars did, after all, have some success against him earlier in the season, holding Watson to 159 yards in Week 2.
2. Is Dwayne Haskins even remotely ready to start against Buffalo?
Haskins is set to make his first NFL start, and it will come against the Bills in Week 9 amid questions that he still hasn’t mastered the offense. It doesn’t help that the Bills bottle up quarterbacks and present a remarkably difficult matchup for the rookie. Haskins has thrown 22 passes in the NFL and four of them have been intercepted, fueling speculation that he’s just not where the team needs him to be. This one could get ugly if that trend keeps up.
3. Will Mike Zimmer’s Vikings be the team that contains Kansas City’s passing game?
The Chiefs are facing a tough matchup against Minnesota. Matt Moore was actually pretty solid in last week’s loss to the Green Bay Packers, but they’re not an elite defensive unit. At their best, the Vikings are, and that would provide Moore with his toughest test since replacing the injured Patrick Mahomes. The Broncos limited Moore after he came in, and Minnesota has a comparable defensive unit, meaning this could be a tough week for the Kansas City offense.
4. Will the Jets give Le’Veon Bell the ball?
Bell continues to struggle, partly because of his supporting cast and partly because of his usage. He’s had 20 touches on the ground just once this season. Admittedly, part of this was down to Sam Darnold’s injury absence, but even since he got back, Bell’s role in the offense has been limited. The fact that he popped up in trade rumors didn’t help things either. This has been discussed with coach Adam Gase, and the Dolphins provide a perfect spot where Bell should be able to run wild. He just needs the chance.
5. How much longer can the Bears stick with Mitchell Trubisky?
Trubisky has started six games this season and failed to throw a touchdown pass in four of them. He hasn’t been any better after his shoulder injury than he was before. The only thing helping him right now is that Chase Daniel didn’t really do anything noteworthy while Trubisky was sidelined, but at some point, something has to give. The Eagles are a beatable defensive unit, and if Trubisky struggles here, the calls will only get louder for coach Matt Nagy to give someone else a chance.
6. How will the Colts deal with Pittsburgh’s ascendant defense?
The Steelers’ season no longer looks over thanks to some superlative defensive efforts in recent weeks. The Colts don’t represent a huge big play threat, but they do have a sturdy offensive line and a quarterback who knows what he’s doing in Jacoby Brissett. That presents an interesting tactical clash, as the Colts thrive on efficiency and the run game. Marlon Mack may be the key here — if the Steelers can stop him, their win streak could continue.
7. Can Carolina make Ryan Tannehill throw it?
The Panthers are very good against the pass and excellent at getting to the quarterback, suggesting Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill could be in for a rough day. On the other side of that, however, is a very vulnerable run defense facing off against Derrick Henry. Opposing running backs have been outstanding against Carolina this year, and if they can’t stop Henry, Tannehill won’t really have to throw against the defense to win. Carolina’s chances in this one may come down to whether they can keep Henry from going off.
8. Can Jameis Winston avoid the killer turnover against Seattle?
It’s no secret that Winston is turnover-prone. It’s no secret that Seattle is tied for the third-best turnover margin in the NFL at +7. In other words, this looks like a prime spot for some Winston mistakes. Part of that is due to his protection, or lack thereof, and the Seahawks’ defensive front will probably take advantage of that. Winston has to be smart and hang onto the ball against Seattle or the Buccaneers have no chance. It would be something of a surprise if he does.
9. Which secondary will be more effective in Lions-Raiders?
Both the Lions and Raiders have struggled to defend the pass at times this season, which could make for an explosive matchup in Oakland this weekend. Matthew Stafford is having one of his finest seasons, while Derek Carr has fallen just shy of 300 yards in consecutive weeks. In other words, both quarterbacks could be in line for pretty big days. This game could come down to which secondary manages to contain the quarterback they’re facing — or force a key turnover.
10. Does Brandon Allen even have a chance for the Broncos?
A 27-year-old journeyman, Allen gets the nod for the Broncos with Joe Flacco out for the season. He’s a stopgap, certainly, but the Browns will probably be licking their chops — particularly their pass rush. Allen should be tested quickly, as we have no idea whether he’ll be able to play well enough to win this game. We should find out pretty quickly whether or not he can handle the responsibility.
11. Has Matt LaFleur’s Packer offense hit its stride?
That dismal Week 1 Packers-Bears game seems a long way away now that the Packers seem to have found something that works. Aaron Rodgers might be the best quarterback in football right now, and Aaron Jones’ emergence means the Packers have a running back that can contribute on the ground and in the air. Davante Adams hasn’t even been available in recent weeks, but may be on track to return against the Chargers, giving Rodgers his top target back. Green Bay’s dynamic offense is one of the best in the league right now, and coach Matt LaFleur has a nice matchup with the Chargers to once again prove that.
12. How will Bill Belichick scheme against Lamar Jackson?
Belichick is masterful at taking away the top weapons of his rivals, but most rivals don’t have a weapon like Jackson. The dual-threat quarterback is fresh off a bye week, before which he beat the formidable Seattle Seahawks. Jackson should be confident and has had plenty of time to prepare for the Patriots. Belichick, of course, has the best defense in the NFL at his disposal, so Jackson will face a much sterner test than he ever has. This should be a fascinating tactical battle.
13. Will the healthy Cowboys show what they’re capable of against the Giants?
The vast majority of Dallas’ injured players look set to return this week, and they will return against the vulnerable New York Giants. That suggests this could be a big week, particularly for the Dallas offense that will have all its weapons available. The Cowboys looked like Super Bowl contenders at the start of the season before floundering a bit. This could be the perfect chance for them to get that look back ahead of the second half of the season.
14. Is this Miami’s last shot at a win?
The Dolphins squandered their first opportunity to get a win against similar bottom-feeders Washington. This game, against the one-win Jets, will be their second chance. The Jets, however, have talent on offense if they’re right, though Sam Darnold’s injury may be a factor worth watching. If they don’t win this week, Week 16 at home to the Bengals looks like another chance at a winner for Miami.
15. Can the Chargers get their run game going against Green Bay?
It’s somewhat bizarre to witness the collapse of the Chargers’ running game considering they have two capable backs in Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler. As a team, though, they haven’t hit 40 yards rushing since Week 4. That’s abysmal, even factoring in that they’ve faced four good defenses since then. The Packers are good, but they’re not elite, and the Chargers should be able to get something going. Newly-minted interim offensive coordinator Shane Steichen may help too. If not, the running game might just be busted.
