NBC Sports Philadelphia's Derrick Gunn gives predictions for his top-five Week 9 games of the NFL season.
Falcons at Redskins (1 p.m., FOX)
I'm still trying to figure out how the Falcons are tied for last in the NFC South with the Bucs. The 'Skins, winners of three straight, are definitely surprise leaders of the NFC East. Washington's fourth-ranked defense that gives up just 19 points per game gets a boost on the back end after trading for former Pro Bowl safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. The Falcons' 30th-ranked D is generous, allowing 30 ppg. The 'Skins will score more than enough to win.
Steelers at Ravens (1 p.m., CBS)
Just a few weeks ago the Ravens were at the top of the AFC North, but after losing two in a row they're struggling to stay afloat. The Steelers, now controlling the division, still remember how the Ravens beat them in the 'Burgh back in Week 4. For Big Ben and company, revenge will be oh so sweet.
Chargers at Seahawks (4:05 p.m., CBS)
Every year we wonder if this is the year the Chargers will make some noise in the AFC and they end up falling flat. But maybe just maybe they won't crumble this year. The team with the West Coast identity issue has won four straight and trails Kansas City by just one game in the AFC West. Many thought the no-names on back end of the Seahawks defense would be their Achilles' heel, but the secondary has held up its end of the deal. The 'Hawks put an end to the Chargers' win streak.
Rams at Saints (4:25 p.m., FOX)
This is the game of the day, and these teams could cross paths in the postseason. These two high-powered offenses recently strengthened their defenses, with the Rams trading for Jaguars defensive end Dante Fowler, and the Saints grabbing CB Eli Apple from the Giants to complement CB Marshon Lattimore. The Saints score 33.4 ppg. The Rams tally 33 points per outing. Get ready for a shootout. When the dust settles, the Rams will fall from the ranks of the unbeaten in the dome.
Packers at Patriots (8:20 p.m., NBC)
It's a shame that the two best QBs of this generation, Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady, will be meeting for just the second time. The Packers came close to beating the Rams but beat themselves. They traded all-purpose back Ty Montgomery, who fumbled the fatal kickoff return, and also dealt Clinton-Dix. Packers' brass say they're not giving up on this season, but asking the Pack to beat the Pats, who've won five in a row and are 4-0 at home, is just too much for even the magic of Rodgers.
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