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ESPN NFL scores will be closely watched throughout a high-stakes Week 9 slate featuring division battles, international football and several major quarterback storylines. The schedule includes 14 games from Sunday, Nov. 8, through Monday night, with the Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings headlining the ESPN broadcast.
ESPN NFL Scores Spotlight a Critical Bills-Vikings Clash
Buffalo enters Monday night at 6-1, while Minnesota also owns a 6-1 record. The Bills are listed as 3.5-point favorites, with the total set at 45.5 points. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
The Vikings will turn to Carson Wentz after Kyler Murray suffered a hamstring injury. Minnesota’s defense has allowed the fewest passing yards in the league, but Buffalo can attack through the ground with James Cook and create opportunities for Josh Allen. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has used an aggressive blitz rate, setting up a fascinating tactical battle.
Most analysts favor Buffalo, although one projection selected Minnesota in an 18-17 upset. That split reflects the strength of the matchup and the possibility of a low-scoring, physical contest.
Explosive Sunday Matchups and Key Predictions
Bengals and Falcons Open the International Slate
Cincinnati and Atlanta meet at Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid at 9:30 a.m. ET. The Bengals are 5-2 and favored by three points, while the Falcons enter at 3-5. All five analysts selected Cincinnati, with projected scores ranging from 28-23 to 38-31.
Joe Burrow is coming off a career-best six-touchdown performance, while Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase give Cincinnati one of the league’s most dangerous receiving combinations. Higgins has 636 receiving yards and is producing at an elite level after the catch. Atlanta’s injured secondary faces a difficult assignment in the international spotlight.
Broncos-Panthers Could Deliver a Surprising Upset
Denver has won four straight and sits at 6-2, but Carolina remains atop a competitive NFC South despite a 3-4 record. Four analysts picked the Broncos, while Gennaro Filice predicted a narrow 24-23 Panthers victory.
The biggest question is whether Denver’s defense can maintain its pressure away from home. Carolina has extra rest after playing on Thursday night, and the Panthers could benefit from a reset following the firing of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.
Chiefs Look to Rebound Against the Jets
Kansas City is a heavy favorite at Arrowhead Stadium against the 2-6 New York Jets. Every analyst selected the Chiefs, with Patrick Mahomes expected to exploit a New York defense that has allowed 30.7 points per game during its three-game losing streak.
The Jets will be without Garrett Wilson after coach Aaron Glenn confirmed the receiver would miss the game. Kansas City’s offense has dealt with injuries, but New York’s recent struggles against the pass make this a strong bounce-back opportunity.
More Week 9 Games to Watch
- Cowboys at Colts: Dallas is favored by 5.5 points in a matchup featuring Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Jonathan Taylor.
- Lions at Dolphins: Detroit has won three straight, while Miami continues searching for consistency after a 1-6 start.
- Giants at Eagles: New York is favored in a matchup featuring quarterback changes on both sides.
- Rams at Commanders: Los Angeles could welcome Myles Garrett, while Washington relies on Jayden Daniels.
- Texans at Chargers: Houston has the rest advantage, while Los Angeles has gone nine quarters without a touchdown.
- Raiders at 49ers: San Francisco is favored by 9.5 points, with Nick Bosa expected to return.
- Packers at Patriots: Green Bay’s struggling run game faces a New England defense allowing only 92.6 rushing yards per game.
- Cardinals at Seahawks: Seattle turns to Drew Lock after Sam Darnold’s injury, while Arizona starts Gardner Minshew.
- Buccaneers at Bears: Chicago has won consecutive prime-time games and enters as a 6-2 favorite.
Thursday Night Football Adds More Drama
Jacksonville visits Baltimore on Thursday, Nov. 12, with the Jaguars favored by 9.5 points. Jacksonville is 5-2 and has the league’s No. 5 scoring offense and No. 2 scoring defense.
Baltimore faces a major quarterback crisis. Lamar Jackson is sidelined with a thumb injury, Tyler Huntley is out for the season, and rookie Joe Fagnano could make his first NFL start. The Ravens also need Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers to rediscover their form.
For fans checking ESPN NFL scores, Week 9 offers a packed combination of playoff pressure, injury news and potential upsets. While predictions point toward several favorites, the crowded schedule creates plenty of opportunities for dramatic results.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Bills-Vikings game?
Buffalo visits Minnesota on Monday, Nov. 9, at 8:15 p.m. ET. The game will air on ABC and ESPN.
Which Week 9 game is being played internationally?
Cincinnati faces Atlanta at Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, on Sunday morning.
Who is favored in the Bills-Vikings matchup?
Buffalo is favored by 3.5 points, although one analyst predicted a Minnesota victory.
Why is Lamar Jackson missing Baltimore’s game?
Jackson is sidelined by a thumb injury. Baltimore is also without backup quarterback Tyler Huntley for the season.
