Monday Night Football matchups always make for good television, despite the numbers being down. Here are the teams playing on Monday Night Football.
The Seattle Seahawks started off the season flying high, jumping out to a 4-1 record. However, after a tie and a loss in their last two games, they head into their Week 9 matchup against the Buffalo Bills looking for answers. Buffalo is coming off a bad loss vs the New England Patriots, so both teams will be thirsting for a win on Monday night.
Despite the skid, the Seahawks are still firmly atop the NFC West. Divisional foe Arizona has not played up to their preseason expectation this season, leaving the Seahawks as the team to beat. The Cardinals looked a lot better in Week 8, so the divisional championship may go down to the wire this season.
The Bills, however, play in the AFC East, which is owned by the Patriots. Head coach Rex Ryan has had success against the Pats in the past, including a 16-0 shutout victory of a short-handed New England team earlier in the year. Buffalo will likely have to play for a Wildcard if they hope to make it to the playoffs this season.
A big matchup to take a look at in this one is Buffalo’s defensive line going up against the Seattle offensive line. Russell Wilson has been hit a ton this season and is dealing with a couple of injuries heading into the game. If the offensive line cannot block the Bills blitzing defense, it could be a long day for the Seahawks.
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Seattle is still a favorite to make it to the Super Bowl, but keeping Wilson healthy is a top priority. Ryan and the Bills defense are going to come after him on Monday night, as Buffalo has one of the more aggressive pass rushes in the league. Getting Christine Michael involved early will be key for the Seahawks, who will likely come away with the home victory on Monday night.
Bills running back LeSean McCoy practiced this week and should be ready to go against Seattle. The Seahawks still have one of the better defenses in the league, though their biggest strength is in their secondary. Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor can make a defense pay, but Seattle may be too tall of an order for him in primetime.