Week 9 is here — the midpoint of the 2026 NFL season — and it brings several compelling games. The New York Giants try to maintain their NFC East lead while the Philadelphia Eagles roll out a new quarterback; Green Bay travels to New England on a weekend honoring Rob Gronkowski; and Sunday night delivers a big matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Chicago Bears.
Below are the slate’s key matchups, opening lines and expert takes from CBSSports.com and SportsLine, plus notes about the SportsLine projection model (it runs 10,000 simulations per game and has returned more than $5,000 for $100 players on its top NFL picks since launch).
– Cincinnati Bengals at Atlanta Falcons (Madrid)
Time: Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET (NFL Network). Open: Bengals -4.5, O/U 48.5.
The Bengals’ passing attack (Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins) is humming, while Atlanta’s rushing has cooled despite Bijan Robinson. Jared Dubin expects Cincinnati to cover if the Falcons can’t get Robinson going and Michael Penix Jr. can’t match Burrow downfield.
– Cleveland Browns at New Orleans Saints
Time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS). Open: Saints -3.5, O/U 41.5.
New Orleans gets a break coming off a bye, could see key linemen return and might debut rookie WR Jordyn Tyson. With Deshaun Watson in concussion protocol and Cleveland reeling from a lopsided loss, Jordan Dajani sides with the Saints to pick up the win.
– Dallas Cowboys at Indianapolis Colts
Time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (FOX). Open: Cowboys -1.5, O/U 52.5.
After a rough home loss, the Cowboys draw a struggling Colts team. Pete Prisco expects Dallas to bounce back and get the offense moving against Indianapolis.
– Denver Broncos at Carolina Panthers
Time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS). Open: Broncos -3, O/U 42.5.
Bo Nix has been clutch late for Denver, and the Panthers enter a chaotic stretch with a fired DC, mounting OL injuries and pressure on Bryce Young. Jordan Dajani is backing the Broncos again.
– Detroit Lions at Miami Dolphins
Time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (FOX). Open: Lions -6.5, O/U 47.5.
The SportsLine model likes Detroit to move to 6-2 in Miami. On props, Zach Pereles highlights Sione Vaki as a value play for 20+ rushing yards if the Lions open a lead and rotate carries away from Jahmyr Gibbs.
– Los Angeles Rams at Washington Commanders
Time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (FOX). Open: Rams -4.5, O/U 50.5.
Jayden Daniels had some accuracy issues but L.A.’s defense has limited opponents this season. Tyler Sullivan predicts another big outing from Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua and has the Rams winning and covering.
– New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
Time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (FOX). Open: Eagles -5.5, O/U 44.5.
The Giants enter off a bye atop the division; the Eagles are trying to rebound from a road loss and will lean on rival pride and their defense. Despite mixed commentary, Pete Prisco’s pick for the week is the Eagles to cover.
– New York Jets at Kansas City Chiefs
Time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS). Open: Chiefs -9.5, O/U 41.5.
Eric Cohen expects Kansas City to snap its skid in a big way, predicting a multi-score win and a strong performance from Patrick Mahomes.
– Houston Texans at Los Angeles Chargers
Time: Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET (CBS). Open: Chargers -1.5, O/U 43.5.
With the Chargers struggling to score and Houston’s defense talented despite underwhelming results, Zach Pereles recommends considering the Under (42.5) given L.A.’s red-zone and offensive issues.
– Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks
Time: Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX). Open: Seahawks -13.5, O/U 45.5.
Seattle wants a response after a home loss; the Cardinals have switched QBs to Gardner Minshew. Pete Prisco expects the Seahawks to dominate.
– Green Bay Packers at New England Patriots
Time: Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX). Open: Patriots -1.5, O/U 46.5.
It’s a high-profile weekend in Foxborough — Tom Brady will be on the broadcast and Rob Gronkowski is being inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame. John Breech favors the Packers to pull off an upset in New England, citing Green Bay’s defense and the pressure on the Patriots in a celebratory home environment.
– Las Vegas Raiders at San Francisco 49ers
Time: Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX). Open: 49ers -8.5, O/U 46.5.
Eric Cohen likes the 49ers and expects a high-scoring affair (he’s eyeing the Over), with Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey as key contributors after the bye.
– Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Chicago Bears (Sunday Night)
Time: Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC). Open: Bears -3.5, O/U 48.5.
SportsLine’s Matt Severance leans Under for this primetime game and has a strong recent track record on Bears picks; Jordan Dajani is backing Chicago to keep rolling after they upgraded their defensive front and Caleb Williams’ strong play.
– Buffalo Bills at Minnesota Vikings (Monday Night)
Time: Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET (ESPN). Open: Bills -3, O/U 48.5.
SportsLine’s R.J. White, who has had success backing the Vikings, is inclined to the Under; Jordan Dajani prefers Minnesota getting the points (+3.5) if Carson Wentz starts and can open up the passing game for Justin Jefferson.
Fan take: This Week 9 slate matters because it features several defining moments — divisional battles, high-profile homecomings and coaching/quarterback pivots — that could reshape playoff trajectories. How veterans, rookies and teams respond under pressure this weekend will reveal which clubs are legitimate contenders and which might be sellers at the trade deadline.
Source: www.cbssports.com
