Week 9 matchups:
Steelers-Ravens, Rams-Saints, Packers-Patriots highlight the NFL slate. Here’s a preview and prediction for every game.
Rk. Team LW 1 2 3 4 5 8 9 10 6 13 11 12 7 14 15 16 17 18 Comment by Nate Davis
Trick — shame for Todd Gurley owners thinking they’d be treated to a second TD when L.A.’s RB put LT record pursuit on hold for good of team.
Treat — Eli “Candy” Apple made team-high nine tackles in New Orleans debut. New club thinks he’ll fit in nicely with five fellow Buckeyes.
Trick — RB position depleted? All good. They’ll give bulk of carries to Cordarrelle Patterson and Julian Edelman while TB12 paces them in ypc (8.0) amid #TB1K pursuit.
Treat — next two opponents (Browns, Cardinals) a combined 4-11-1. K.C. should keep treating fans to wins leading up to Mexico date with Rams.
Trick — just when you thought Joey Bosa might be ready to come out of that tunnel, it seems his 2018 debut is probably still weeks away.
Treat — there are few things more fun right now than watching TE Vance McDonald consistently go Mark Bavaro on opposing defenders.
Trick — so were you fooled into thinking Adrian Peterson was washed up? Sunday’s 64-yard TD run was AP’s latest stiff-arm to Father Time.
Treat — Cam Newton played so well against Ravens’ No. 1 defense, backup Taylor Heinicke got to play and complete career-long 13-yard pass.
Trick — the gag was on Vikes, whose momentum flatlined Sunday night with no Minneapolis Miracle available to save them from Saints.
Treat — they enjoyed London in best possible way, getting win to level record at 4-4 before heading back across Atlantic to much-needed bye.
Trick — Ty Montgomery’s apparent fit of petulance might have cost team shot at derailing Rams and might loom larger later in clustered NFC.
Treat — as they enjoy week off, they’ll watch Ravens and Steelers beat up on each other — and Baltimore win would put Cincy back in first.
Trick — Joe Flacco, top-ranked defense had elicited Super Bowl memories. Starting to smack fraudulent for team now outside playoff picture.
Treat — after injury-ravaged first half, they have heartbeat ... and only three opponents currently with winning records left on schedule.
Trick — it was starting to look like they might get swept by AFC East until they pulled away from Jets late in fourth quarter Sunday.
Treat — WRs Tyler Lockett and David Moore have emerged as surprisingly trusted duo for Russell Wilson, hauling in 10 of his 16 TD passes.
Trick — maybe? Buy a team that’s won five in row even if none of its victims has winning record? Houston scheduled to face one plus-.500 club in second half. Treat — Dak Prescott finally has a No. 1 receiver with Amari Cooper set for Dallas debut. Wait, did Gruden just pull dirty trick on Jerry?
Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California TV: Fox, NFL Network
Danny Sheridan’s line: by 3
Raiders’ keys to victory: They have to protect QB Derek Carr. He’s at his best when he can get in a rhythm and keep his eyes up the field. They have enough weapons with RB Jalen Richard, WR Seth Roberts, WR Martavis Bryant and TE Jared Cook to slice up a banged-up, rebuilding 49ers defense. The Raiders defense will have success if it can find a way to stop the 49ers rushing attack and diminish some of the effectiveness of their play-action game. 49ers QB C.J. Beathard takes a ton of hits and is susceptible to turning the ball over.
49ers’ keys to victory: San Francisco’s ball security was much better in Week 8 against the Arizona Cardinals. QB C.J. Beathard wasn’t sharp, but all he has to do is hit a couple of big throws and limit turnovers and coach Kyle Shanahan’s scheme alone will churn out some points. TE George Kittle and WR Marquise Goodwin have to be involved in the passing game. The 49ers offense is at its best with those two making plays. The pass rush has struggled all season, but they found ways to get pressure on Cardinals QB Josh Rosen.
Matchup to watch: Raiders DT Maurice Hurst vs. 49ers interior offensive line. The 49ers have had a difficult time against dominant interior defensive linemen. The Raiders rookie can wreck this game if the 49ers are unable to keep him from collapsing the pocket and blowing up run plays.
Who wins? This Battle of the Bay doesn’t come with much luster, but the Raiders have the slight edge in talent, especially at quarterback.
Raiders, 30-27 49ers RAIDERS SCHEDULE
L ............ Rams ............ 33-13 L ........ atDenver ........ 20-19 L ......... at Miami ......... 28-20 W ...Cleveland ...45-42 (OT) L .. at L.A. Chargers ..26-10 L... Seattle (London) ...27-3 Oct. 21 .............. Bye .............. L ...... Indianapolis ...... 42-28 Nov. 1... at San Fran . ... 8:20 Nov. 11 L.A. Chargers 4:05 Nov. 18 ... at Arizona ...4:05 Nov.25 .... atBaltimore .... 1 Dec. 2 ...Kansas City ... 4:05 Dec. 9 .... Pittsburgh .... 8:20 Dec. 16 .... at Cincinnati .... 1 Dec.24 ...... Denver ...... 8:15 Dec. 30 ...at Kansas City ...1
L ..... at Minnesota ..... 24-16 W .......... Detroit .......... 30-27 L .... at Kansas City .... 38-27 L ....... at Chargers ....... 29-27 L ........... Arizona ........... 28-18 L ..... at Green Bay ..... 33-30 L ........ L.A. Rams ........ 39-10 L ........ at Arizona ........ 18-15 Nov. 1 ...... Oakland ...... 8:20 Nov. 12 ... N.Y. Giants ...8:15 Nov. 18 .............. Bye ............. Nov. 25 ...at Tampa Bay ... 1 Dec. 2 ..... at Seattle ..... 8:20 Dec. 9 ....... Denver ....... 4:05 Dec. 16 ...... Seattle ...... 4:05 Dec. 23 ..... Chicago ..... 4:05 Dec. 30 .at L.A. Rams .4:25