NFL Week 9: Bengals-Falcons Madrid Matchup and Browns Quarterback Change Highlight Slate

NFL Week 9 features a Madrid matchup where Joe Burrow, who leads the league with 20 passing touchdowns, faces a Falcons defense with 16 turnovers.

NFL Week 9 of the 2026 season features 14 games, including a matchup in Madrid between the 5-2 Cincinnati Bengals and the 3-5 Atlanta Falcons. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow enters the contest leading the NFL with 20 passing touchdowns and ranking fourth in passing yards with 2,115. He faces an Atlanta defense featuring Brandon Dorlus and Gervon Dexter Sr., who rank first and second among defensive tackles in pressure rate. ESPN Research notes the Falcons have committed 16 turnovers, the second-most in the league.

In Cleveland, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is expected to make his first start for the 5-3 Browns as Deshaun Watson remains in concussion protocol. Sanders faces a New Orleans Saints team that has failed to cover the spread in seven straight games following a bye week. Saints wide receiver Chris Olave enters the game with 636 receiving yards, more than the rest of the team's wideouts combined.

The Indianapolis Colts (2-6) host the Dallas Cowboys (3-5) following a 42-7 loss. Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is currently the only qualified passer without a touchdown on throws of 10 or more yards downfield. Dallas receiver CeeDee Lamb and running back Javonte Williams lead the Cowboys' offense, with Williams averaging 19.3 touches per game.

Other key matchups include the 2-6 New York Jets visiting the 5-2 Kansas City Chiefs. Jets quarterback Geno Smith leads the NFL with a 59% completion rate on passes of 20-plus yards. The 5-2 Detroit Lions, who lead the league with 395.4 yards per game, face the 1-6 Miami Dolphins. The Week 9 schedule concludes with a Monday Night Football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Minnesota Vikings.