5 most interesting NFL matchups to watch Week 9

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 25: Wide receiver DK Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks runs with the football after a reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the second 2half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The play was called back from a offensive holding penalty. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 01: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins looks to pass against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

3. Tua Tagovailoa vs. Kyler Murray

The Dolphins firmly debunked the rumors that they were tanking the 2020 season by installing Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback by defeating the Rams last week. That doesn’t mean it was a tour de force by the rookie signal-caller.

After all, he finished the game with very modest passing numbers. Going 12 for 22 for 93 yards and a touchdown represents a good quarter for most NFL quarterbacks. That’s all Tagovailoa was asked to do in all four quarters of his debut as a starter.

The lack of exposure he received in Week 8 makes this a more intriguing game to watch in Week 9. It’s unreasonable to think Tagovailoa is going to go out there and beat Kyler Murray in a shootout. If he manages to hold his own, it should be interpreted as a very positive sign by the Dolphins’ fan base.

From Arizona’s perspective, they will want to see Murray step up and show he can win this game comfortably. The 5-2 Cardinals are in a great position to snag a playoff berth that could provide this roster valuable postseason experience. A win over the Dolphins in Week 9 could catapult Arizona into contention for a home playoff game. That’s a goal well worth pursuing for Murray and his teammates.

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