PFF Grades and Data: Key insights for every NFL Week 9 game

A good week for Lamar Jackson to return: Lamar Jackson is set to return Thursday night against the Miami Dolphins, a team he’s historically thrived against. Since 2019, Jackson’s 84.6 PFF passing grade versus Miami ranks as the fourth highest among all opponents he’s faced in his career. Against Miami, Jackson has averaged 10.6 yards per attempt — third-highest among his career opponents — and posted a 142.7 passer rating, the best mark he’s recorded versus any team.

The Cowboys have to shore it up on Monday night: The Cowboys defense has struggled to stop the run at the line of scrimmage this season. They’ve allowed 1.7 yards before contact per attempt — the third-highest mark among team defenses. On 17 rushing attempts, Dallas has given up runs of 10-plus yards before first contact, five more than any other defense.

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NFL Week 9 is here, and with it comes a fresh wave of advanced data and analysis.

PFF’s media research team has been hard at work this week, preparing for kickoff — pulling data-driven insights and talking points for our broadcast partners around the league. Now, we’re sharing those same nuggets with you. So, whether you’re looking to win your fantasy matchup, hit on your bets or just get smarter about the game, these are the key storylines to know for every Week 9 contest.

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Baltimore Ravens @ Miami Dolphins

Lamar Jackson is set to return Thursday night against the Miami Dolphins, a team he’s historically thrived against. Since 2019, Jackson’s 84.6 PFF passing grade versus Miami ranks as the fourth highest among all opponents he’s faced in his career. Against Miami, Jackson has averaged 10.6 yards per attempt — third-highest among his career opponents — and posted a 142.7 passer rating, the best mark he’s recorded versus any team.

On the other side, left tackle Patrick Paul has been a bright spot for the Dolphins’ offense this season. Among tackles with 100 or more pass-blocking snaps, Paul’s 3.2% pressure rate allowed ranks fourth lowest, and his 0.7% quarterback knockdown rate ranks sixth best. However, while his pass protection has been strong, his run blocking remains an area of concern — his 44.7 PFF run-blocking grade ranks third lowest among left tackles with at least 100 snaps in that phase.

Chicago Bears @ Cincinnati Bengals

It remains to be seen whether Tyrique Stevenson will suit up this week. If he does, it would be a major boost for the Bears’ run defense, as Stevenson has been one of the league’s top cornerbacks against the run this season. Among cornerbacks with 100 or more run-defense snaps, Stevenson ranks first in PFF run-defense grade (90.6) and is the only player at the position with a 90.0-plus grade while logging at least 100 snaps.

The Bengals’ rushing attack has been on a tear over the past two games. Since Week 7, Cincinnati has averaged 7.0 yards per carry — tied with the Bills for the highest mark in the league during that span. Their 28.9% rate of runs gaining 10 or more yards also leads the NFL by a wide margin (the next closest team, Indianapolis, sits at 23.7%). Through the first six weeks of the season, the Bengals ranked 31st in both yards per attempt (3.1) and explosive-run rate (6.9%).

Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions

The Vikings’ defense enters the week as the NFL’s most disruptive pass-rushing unit. Minnesota leads the league with a 46% overall pressure rate and ranks first in quick pressures, generating heat in 2.5 seconds or less on 33% of dropbacks.

For Detroit, neutralizing that relentless rush will be critical. And fortunately, it plays into Jared Goff’s strengths. The veteran quarterback has been among the league’s best at getting the ball out quickly in 2025. On throws released within 2.5 seconds, Goff owns an 86% completion rate — the highest in the NFL — along with a 127.0 passer rating, the second-best mark in the league.

Carolina Panthers @ Green Bay Packers

Rookie Tetairoa McMillan was one of the few bright spots for the Panthers’ offense in their loss to Buffalo. The wideout showcased his big-play ability, recording four explosive receptions of 15-plus yards — his most in a single game this season.

For the year, McMillan has totaled 17 explosive receptions, tied for the third-most in the NFL.

Blitzing Jordan Love might not be the best approach for the Panthers’ defense this week. The Packers quarterback has been among the league’s most effective passers against extra pressure in 2025. This season, Love owns a 121.2 passer rating against the blitz, the fifth-highest in the NFL. He’s averaging 9.3 yards per attempt, ranking third among quarterbacks.

Love’s Week 8 performance against Pittsburgh was a masterclass in handling pressure. The Steelers blitzed heavily, yet Love stayed composed, completing 16 of 22 passes for 243 yards and three touchdowns — the second-most passing yards vs. the blitz in a game this season, behind only Daniel Jones’ 268 in Week 2 against Denver.

Denver Broncos @ Houston Texans

Screen passes continue to be a defining element of Sean Payton’s offensive philosophy in Denver. The Broncos’ 17% screen-pass rate ranks second-highest in the NFL this season, mirroring their emphasis from last year, when they finished third at the same rate.

This year, the focal point of those plays has shifted to second-year receiver Troy Franklin, who has become the go-to target on designed screens. Franklin has been remarkably efficient, catching all 13 of his NFL-leading screen targets — already surpassing his total from the entire 2024 season.

In 2024, Marvin Mims Jr. was one of the league’s most frequently utilized receivers on screen passes, finishing second in both targets (27) and receptions (26) among wideouts. That role now appears to belong to Franklin, who has seamlessly stepped into the short-area playmaking responsibilities within Payton’s quick-hitting, rhythm-based passing attack.

On the defensive side, opposing offenses have tried to counter Houston’s aggressive front with screen passes, but with limited success. The Texans’ defense has faced screens on 14% of opponent plays, the fourth-highest rate. However, they’ve been highly effective at containing them, allowing only 3.4 yards per play, the seventh-lowest mark in the NFL.

Atlanta Falcons @ New England Patriots

Kyle Pitts has taken on a more traditional tight end role in the Falcons’ offense this season, lining up inline at the highest rate of his career. After aligning inline on 38% of his receiving snaps in 2024 — his previous single-season high — Pitts has increased that figure to 48% in 2025, marking a clear shift in how Atlanta is deploying him.

The adjustment hasn’t limited his production. Through Week 8, Pitts has recorded 20 receptions from an inline alignment, tied for the fourth-most among tight ends this season.

The Patriots’ receiving corps has been one of the league’s most reliable groups in contested situations. New England’s 69% contested-catch rate ranks second in the NFL. Leading the way is Stefon Diggs, who has been flawless in those moments — catching all seven of his contested targets in his first season with the Patriots.

San Francisco 49ers @ New York Giants

The 49ers’ pass rush was short-handed last week against Houston with Bryce Huff sidelined, forcing Robert Saleh to adjust his defensive approach. To compensate for the absence of one of his top edge threats, Saleh dialed up pressure through the blitz more aggressively than at any point this season.

San Francisco blitzed on 33% of the Texans’ dropbacks, its highest rate of the year. The approach proved effective, as seven of the team’s 10 total pressures came on plays where extra rushers were sent.

If the 49ers’ defense can consistently generate pressure on Jaxson Dart, it could significantly disrupt his rhythm in this matchup. Under duress, Dart has struggled — his 53.8 passer rating when pressured ranks 26th among quarterbacks this season.

Still, San Francisco’s defenders will need to stay disciplined in their rush lanes. Dart has shown a strong tendency to extend plays with his legs, posting a 16% scramble rate when pressured, the fifth-highest mark in the NFL.

Indianapolis Colts @ Pittsburgh Steelers

After posting a 54.3 passing grade over the first four weeks of the season (31st among 32 quarterbacks), Aaron Rodgers’ grade has climbed to 83.4 since the Week 5 bye (fourth among 32) — and his playmaking outside the pocket is a major reason why. Since Week 6, Rodgers ranks top-two among quarterbacks with 15 completions for 265 yards and four touchdowns on dropbacks outside the pocket. That’s an area where the Colts’ defense has struggled, ranking bottom-five with six passing touchdowns and a 113.8 passer rating allowed.

An 80-yard rushing touchdown in Week 8 added to Jonathan Taylor’s already dominant totals on runs outside the tackles, where he leads the league in nearly every category. Taylor has totaled 474 yards, 10 touchdowns and 21 missed tackles forced on such plays. Not only do his 10 rushing scores outside the tackles lead the NFL by five, but they already surpass any player’s full-season total from 2024. If any defense has a chance to contain him on the edges, it’s T.J. Watt and the Steelers, who rank third-best with just 3.5 yards per carry allowed outside the tackles.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Tennessee Titans

Kimani Vidal has stepped up in a big way for the Chargers’ backfield, helping stabilize the running game amid injuries to Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris. Taking advantage of his expanded role, Vidal has flashed notable explosiveness — particularly on runs outside the tackles.

This season, Vidal has produced seven explosive runs of 10-plus yards on outside carries, tied for the eighth-most in the NFL. He’s been highly efficient in those situations as well, averaging 7.3 yards per carry — a figure that trails only league rushing leader Jonathan Taylor (7.8).

Cedric Gray has been a breakout performer in his first year as a starter for the Titans, quickly establishing himself as a force against the run. The second-year linebacker has showcased strong instincts and physicality, earning a 90.3 run-defense grade that ranks sixth among linebackers this season. Gray’s 18 run stops are also tied for the third-most at the position.

New Orleans Saints @ Los Angeles Rams

Matthew Stafford put on a clinic in the red zone against the Jaguars before the bye week, completing eight of nine passes for 46 yards and four touchdowns. That performance brought his season total to 14 red zone passing touchdowns — the most of any quarterback without an interception this year. His primary target has been Davante Adams, whose five red zone receiving touchdowns are tied for third among all pass-catchers.

The Saints rank top-10 with a 58% red-zone touchdown rate allowed, but the Rams will present a different challenge. New Orleans has faced the league’s lowest red zone pass-play rate at just 46%.

With Tyler Shough making his first start against the Rams, keeping him protected will be critical, especially after he completed just one pass for 6 yards and took two sacks on 11 pressured dropbacks in Week 8.

Los Angeles will have the edge advantage, as Jared Verse and Byron Young have combined for 68 total pressures, tied for the third-most among edge duos. On the Saints’ side, their young offensive tackle group has allowed an 18% pressure rate, the third-highest mark in the NFL.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Las Vegas Raiders

Travis Hunter delivered his most complete performance of the season before the bye week, posting eight catches for 101 yards and five first-down conversions, all season highs. Hunter was especially effective vertically, producing 71 receiving yards on throws 10-plus yards downfield, nearly matching his total of 72 entering the game. Against such passes, the Raiders rank third-worst with a 26.4 coverage grade and have allowed the seventh-highest catch rate at 55%.

One bright spot in an otherwise disappointing start to the Raiders’ season has been the emergence of third-year wideout Tre Tucker, whose separation ability continues to stand out. Of his 39 total targets, 29 have come after creating separation — a 74% open-target rate that ranks second among qualifying receivers. His four touchdowns on open targets are the third-most among wideouts. However, the Jaguars will present a tougher test for Tucker, as their outside cornerbacks have allowed the fifth-lowest open-target rate at 34%.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Buffalo Bills

While the focus will be on the quarterbacks in this matchup, James Cook is likely to play a major role in determining the outcome. He’s coming off a career-best rushing performance in Week 8, recording 216 yards, 10 conversions and seven explosive runs — all against a Panthers defense that entered the game with the league’s third-best success rate against the run.

Through Week 4, the Chiefs ranked bottom-five in yards per carry allowed at 4.9, but they’ve tightened up since the Week 5 slate, ranking fourth-best at 3.6 yards per carry allowed.

Rashee Rice has made an immediate impact since returning from suspension, leading the Chiefs with 18 targets over the past two weeks and doing most of his damage on short throws. Of his 16 catches, 13 have come on targets under 10 yards past the line of scrimmage. On those plays, his 89 yards after the catch rank third among wide receivers, while his three receiving touchdowns rank first. The Bills’ defense has struggled in this area, allowing 9.5 yards per catch on short targets — the highest mark in the league.

Seattle Seahawks @ Washington Commanders

Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba have found quick chemistry this season, particularly on deep passes. Darnold is tied for first with a perfect 99.9 passing grade on deep throws, and his 609 passing yards trail only Jalen Hurts despite 11 fewer attempts. Most often on the receiving end is Smith-Njigba, who leads all pass-catchers with 10 receptions and 385 yards on deep targets. They’ll face a Commanders defense that has allowed 491 yards on deep passes — fifth-most in the league.

Rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt opened the season strong, leading qualified backs in yards per carry from Weeks 1–5 (6.6) while producing nine explosive runs. But he’s cooled off over the past three weeks, ranking 28th among 31 qualified backs in yards per carry (3.0), having produced only one explosive run over that span. It won’t get any easier for Croskey-Merritt against a Seahawks defense that ranks first with 3.3 yards per carry allowed and just eight explosive runs surrendered.

Arizona Cardinals @ Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys’ defense has struggled to stop the run at the line of scrimmage this season. They’ve allowed 1.7 yards before contact per attempt — the third-highest mark among team defenses. On 17 rushing attempts, Dallas has given up runs of 10-plus yards before first contact, five more than any other defense.

The Cardinals’ ground game has taken a step back compared to the previous two seasons under Drew Petzing, but this matchup could present an opportunity. Arizona frequently pulls its offensive linemen in the run game — 392 rushing attempts with a pulling blocker since 2023, the second-most in the league. On those plays, the Cardinals have averaged 3.2 yards before contact, the fourth-highest figure among rushing offenses when pulling an offensive lineman.