5 NFL teams that must win in Week 9

NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 08: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after throwing a 62 yard pass to take the all time yardage record against the Washington Redskins at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 8, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

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As we enter Week 9 of the NFL season it is becoming clearer and clearer which teams need a win, and which teams are trying desperately to lose.

Last week was enjoyable from a fan’s perspective, with multiple games coming down to the wire. The usual suspects treated viewers to offensive masterpieces and the three primetime games provided good football. Well, everyone except the Bills, but fans have come to expect that. Should be even better this week with Nathan Peterman sneaking his way back into the starter role due to injuries.

Regardless, last weeks five teams went 4-1, with only the Vikings failing to defeat the Saints on Sunday Night Football. The Rams, Panthers, Bengals and Chiefs all won their respective games and moved a step closer to the goal of reaching the playoffs.

This week features five more teams fighting for playoff positioning, beginning with the Washington Redskins.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 28: Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Alex Smith #11 in the fourth quarter against the New York Giants on October 28,2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

5. Washington Redskins

The Redskins made one of the biggest moves at the trade deadline, sending a fourth-round draft pick to Green Bay in exchange for Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. The 25-year-old safety is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. What remains to be seen is whether he is essentially an eight-game rental or if Washington will sign him to a long-term contract extension.

At 5-2 the Redskins sit atop the NFC East which has been surprisingly lackluster this season. The defending champion Eagles are 4-4, the Cowboys are 3-4, and the Giants are sitting in the cellar at 1-7. Point is, the division is free for the taking and the Redskins are in pole position.

With a game at home against the Falcons upcoming, the Redskins really need to continue their winning ways. The Falcons are 3-4 despite being a very talented team. When it comes to injuries, there might not be a more snakebitten team than the Falcons this season.

This game is clearly winnable for the Redskins, and they should be capable of taking care of business at home.