NFL Week 9 2021: 3 teams on upset alert this Sunday

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 31: Damien Harris #37 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball while being tackled by Drue Tranquill #49 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium on October 31, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 31: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on from the bench during a timeout during the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 31, 2021, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

2. NFL teams that should be on upset alert in Week 9 – Cincinnati Bengals

It felt like everyone in the NFL landscape was ready to crown the Cincinnati Bengals as a true powerhouse after their shocking demolition of the Ravens in Baltimore in Week 8. Halloween saw the Bengals turn back into a pumpkin, however, as they got upset by the Jets in a game where New York had to start its backup quarterback.

Mike White carved up a previously stout Cincinnati defense for 405 yards and three touchdowns, a disappointing performance against a quarterback making his first career NFL start. The Bengals also made notable mistakes of their own, including a key drop in the end zone by Ja’Marr Chase and an ill-advised interception from Joe Burrow late in the fourth quarter to set New York up for the winning score.

The good news for Cincinnati is that they return home this week as 2.5-point favorites against the banged-up Cleveland Browns in a big AFC North matchup. The Browns played hard in a 15-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last week and should be coming into this game with a desperate air as their season could be in big trouble if they lose another divisional game.

It is clear in retrospect that the Bengals looked past the Jets, a mindset that can often overtake young teams who hear their own accolades after a good week. Cincinnati will get a different test this week against a desperate division foe and it’s far from a lock that they will be able to match the Browns’ intensity on Sunday.

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