How to watch every NFL Week 9 game

With Week 9 comes the second half of the season as most teams have played eight games. As each week goes by, playoff implications grow stronger and contenders emerge from the pack.

This weekend’s slate of games is headlined by a matchup between two potential playoff teams as the Broncos visit the Raiders with first place in the AFC West on the line.

To catch that and every other Week 9 game, check out the how-to-watch guide below. (All times Eastern)

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Key matchup: Le’Veon Bell vs. Baltimore’s run defense

The Ravens haven’t been great offensively, but their defense has played well. They’ve allowed just 573 yards on the ground — third fewest in the league. It will be tough sledding for Bell on Sunday as the Steelers figure to be run-heavy, especially if their QB is Ben Roethlisberger, who's not 100 percent.

Fun fact: The Steelers have lost three straight against the Ravens but are winning the all-time series 24-20.

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Key matchup: Dez Bryant vs. Joe Haden

Bryant was a full participant in practice on Thursday for the first time since injuring his knee. The Cowboys WR showed signs of his old self last week, and he’s only going to improve as he plays with QB Dak Prescott more. Haden will have his hands full with a motivated Bryant as Prescott likely will continue to look for Dez.

Fun fact: The Cowboys are 64-66-1 when wearing their blue jerseys, including 3-7 against the Browns.

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Key matchup: Jalen Ramsey vs. Jeremy Maclin

Maclin has struggled for the most part this season, particularly when it comes to red zone production. Ramsey (20), on the other hand, has played exceptionally well in locking down opposing No. 1 receivers. This should be a hotly contested battle between the rookie Ramsey and the veteran Maclin.

Fun fact: The Chiefs won the last meeting in 2013, beating the Jaguars 28-2.

Key matchup: Brandon Marshall vs. Byron Maxwell

Marshall took aim at Maxwell this week, saying the former Eagles cornerback holds on “every single play.” Marshall has torched the Dolphins, his former team, in the past, so all eyes will be on him in his return to Miami. Marshall has an advantage in this one.

Fun fact: The Jets have won the past three meetings by a combined score of 102-58.

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Key matchup: Detroit’s WRs vs. Minnesota’s secondary

Detroit's Marvin Jones Jr. has been a pleasant surprise while Golden Tate has been somewhat of the opposite. However, when the two are healthy, they’re tough to stop. They’ll go up against one of the best secondaries in the league as the Vikings look to limit Detroit’s aerial attack.

Fun fact: The Lions have lost 16 of their past 18 road meetings with the Vikings.

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Key matchup: Fletcher Cox vs. Justin Pugh

Most teams have to use multiple linemen to limit Cox (91) up front, but the Giants might experiment with putting Pugh on an island with the Eagles DE. It’s not exactly a smart move, but it will allow them to focus more attention on Brandon Graham and Conor Barwin on the edge.

Fun fact: The Eagles have won five of their past six against the Giants, including three straight on the road.

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Key matchup: Todd Gurley vs. Luke Kuechly

The Panthers have been strong against the run this season, holding opponents to just 80.1 yards per game. Kuechly is a big reason for that, but the star LB will have a difficult challenge in tracking Gurley (pictured). If the Rams are going to win this game, it’ll be with Gurley having success on the ground.

Fun fact: The Panthers never have played a game in Los Angeles following the Rams’ and Raiders’ departures from the city months after Carolina became an NFL franchise.

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Key matchup: Saints WRs vs. 49ers secondary

The Saints have one of the best wide receiver groups in the league, headlined by Brandin Cooks (10) and Michael Thomas. They’re a handful to contain and although the 49ers have been good against the pass, Drew Brees is a different animal to defend against.

Fun fact: The 49ers lead the all-time series 48-25-2 and have won three of the past four meetings.

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Key matchup: Vontae Davis vs. Jordy Nelson

Davis has had an up-and-down season riddled with injuries, and the Colts CB currently is recovering from a concussion. He was on the practice field Thursday so he should be able to go, but he’ll be tasked with covering Nelson. If Davis is able to go, it will be a big lift for the Colts against Green Bay’s passing attack.

Fun fact: The Colts haven’t won a game at Lambeau Field since 1988.

Key matchup: Jack Conklin vs. Joey Bosa

Two of the game’s top rookies will square off in the NFL for the first time after meeting three times in college. The Chargers have moved Bosa (99) around on the defensive line so his matchups won’t be all against Conklin, but he’ll see him the most on the right side of the field.

Fun fact: When the Titans beat the Chargers in 2013, they ended a nine-game losing streak against San Diego that went back to their Houston Oilers days.

Key matchup: Von Miller vs. Austin Howard

The Raiders will have their hands full against Miller (58) on the edge, particularly if Howard starts. The Raiders RT struggled last week against the Bucs, and their pass rushers aren’t anything like Miller. Protecting Derek Carr as they have thus far will be key.

Fun fact: The Raiders had lost eight straight against the Broncos prior to last season’s 15-12 win. Only one of those losses was by single digits.

Key matchup: Seattle’s offensive line vs. Buffalo’s pass rushers

Bills OLB Lorenzo Alexander has been limited due to a hamstring injury, but he’ll be a serious problem for Seattle’s offensive line if healthy. LB Shaq Lawson is also back from injury and has been impactful thus far. Seattle has to protect QB Russell Wilson.

Fun fact: Alexander already has matched his career sack total entering this season with nine in 2016.

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