NFL Week 9: Trends which will decide each game

Baltimore Ravens (5-2) at Indianapolis Colts (5-2), 1:00 pm

Ravens: John Harbaugh’s club has lost just two games but both have been at home. And in those contests, the Ravens allowed a combined 62 points in setbacks to the Chiefs and Steelers. In those setbacks, quarterback Lamar Jackson was sacked a combined eight times, lost three of his five fumbles and was picked off twice by Pittsburgh.

Colts: Veteran quarterback Philip Rivers has settled down the last few games after a shaky start with his new club. He’s thrown six touchdown passes and been picked off only once in the team’s last two games – wins over the Bengals and Lions. In his first five outings this season, he totaled more interceptions (5) than aerial scores (4).

Houston Texans (1-6) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-6), 1:00 pm

Texans: The team has just one victory but it was over the Jaguars, 30-14, in Week 5 at Houston. In that contest, the club rolled up 486 total yards and quarterback Deshaun Watson overcame two interceptions by throwing for 359 yards and three scores. The Texans have now defeated Jacksonville five consecutive times dating back to 2018.

Jaguars: With second-year quarterback Gardner Minshew sidelined, Doug Marrone will turn to rookie Jake Luton, a sixth-round selection from Oregon State. Of course, the Jaguars’ biggest issue has been the defense. The team has managed only six sacks and one half-dozen takeaways and has allowed at least 30 points in six consecutive games.