5 Fantasy Football Bold Predictions - Frank Ammirante's Week 9 Picks (2026)
The 2026 NFL season rolls on to Week 9, so it's time to continue my weekly bold predictions column. This […]
Latest blog entries about NFL
The 2026 NFL season rolls on to Week 9, so it's time to continue my weekly bold predictions column. This […]
Rafael Devers lands among the Silver Slugger finalists, showcasing his power despite an injury‑cut season for the San Francisco Giants. He posted 37 homers, 36 doubles, 88 RBI and a .525 slugging percentage over 148 games, earning a .258/.340/.525 slash line and a 136 wRC+. Though his wRC+ ranks 14th league‑wide, Devers joins Jake Bauers, Alec Burleson and Matt Olson in the final round, adding to his two previous Silver Slugger wins (2021, 2023). Highlights include clutch multi‑home‑run games against Atlanta and the Dodgers, and his first Giants walk‑off versus the Angels.
The New York Giants receive concerning practice updates on Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers ahead of their Week 9 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Analyst Jim Duquette reveals the likely suitors for free‑agent right‑hander Tarik Skubal, noting the Dodgers, Padres, Mets and possibly the Giants as frontrunners, while dismissing the Cubs as unlikely spenders on a starter. Skubal, acquired by Los Angeles from Detroit last season, is a top priority for a Dodgers team looking to bounce back after a NLCS loss to Milwaukee. Duquette highlights the Dodgers’ willingness to spend big under owner Mark Walter, but warns that landing Skubal could bolster a NL rival and impact LA’s title hopes.
In Episode 121 of The Depot Dive, Joe Clark and the host break down the Steelers' commanding Week 8 victory over the Browns, highlighting Jaylen Warren's performance, the revitalized rushing attack, and a defense that effectively shut down the run game. The duo then debates strategic moves the Steelers should consider moving forward in the season.
Wilson was not off to a great start last season, admitting after the fact that he worried about his future in the NFL, before Brissett's insertion helped turn his year around.
Colin Cowherd bluntly compares the Kansas City Chiefs’ resurgence to the New England Patriots’ historic dynasty. With the Chiefs sitting 5-2 in Week 9 after a 6-11 season, Cowherd highlights the Patriots’ 19-year run—17 division titles, 77% win rate, 13 conference championships and nine Super Bowls—versus Kansas City’s seven straight AFC Championship trips (2018‑24), five Super Bowl appearances and three Lombardi trophies. He argues the Chiefs still lag in consistency, citing a weak run game before Kenneth Walker and recent special‑teams struggles. The debate intensifies ahead of the Chiefs’ Week 9 home clash with the Jets.
Travis Kelby, now a newlywed to Taylor Swift, says he’s "excited" for his first Christmas as a husband, sharing his enthusiasm in a Tommy Hilfiger ad. The couple tied the knot on July 3, 2026 at Madison Square Garden, with a star‑studded ceremony featuring Adam Sandler officiating and performances by Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks and Avril Lavigne. Kelce, entering his 14th NFL season, recently signed a three‑year deal after weighing retirement. He’s on pace for a career‑best season with 29 catches, 410 yards and two TDs, while the Chiefs rebound from back‑to‑back losses as they prepare for upcoming games against the Jets, Falcons and Cardinals.
The Minnesota Vikings are still searching for offensive line help before Monday night, after C.J. Hanson took part in this week's workout.
Veteran defensive back Jalen Ramsey says the 6-2 Pittsburgh Steelers have a real shot at a Super Bowl after a strong start that puts them atop the AFC North. He points to the unit’s dominant defense—ranking No. 1 in sacks and No. 3 in points allowed—and a potent rushing attack led by Jaylen Warren, who boasts a league‑best 6.9 yards per touch through eight games. Analysts like Adam Schein note the team could finally break a seven‑game playoff losing streak, while head coach Mike McCarthy stresses continued improvement. With the Steelers now a playoff contender, their odds of a deep run remain an intriguing question.
Former Patriots star Rob Gronkowski addresses backlash after Election Day photos showed him near a Turning Point USA tent in New Hampshire. He says the images were misrepresented, noting he and girlfriend Camille Kostek simply greeted voters of all political views and did not endorse the conservative group. A Turning Point USA spokesperson confirmed Gronkowski had only walked past the tent. The incident sparked comments from local officials and GOP candidates, but Gronkowski emphasizes his neutrality ahead of his Patriots Hall of Fame induction on Nov. 7.
The 49ers sit 6‑1 entering Week 9 and, despite a strong start, still need a pass rusher, secondary help, and receiver depth. Niners Nation’s trade‑deadline wishlist lists seven targets, from high‑priced wideout Garrett Wilson (Jets) to more affordable options like Indianapolis WR Josh Downs. Safety Jessie Bates III (Falcons) resurfaces as a potential long‑term fix, while edge rusher Josh Sweat (Cardinals) offers a healthy, high‑upside pass‑rush boost. The author ranks Downs as the most realistic acquisition, with Wilson as a dream‑catcher and multiple others as bold, “swing‑for‑the‑fences” moves to solidify a Super Bowl run.
The Las Vegas Raiders, sitting 4-4 and still in the AFC playoff hunt, face a critical Week 9 showdown against the NFC‑leading 49ers. San Francisco’s success hinges on Kyle Juszczyk’s versatile 21‑personnel packages, which top the league with a 34.5% usage rate and generate the highest EPA (11.21) for those formations. Juszczyk’s run‑blocking (fourth‑best among fullbacks) and red‑zone receiving (8 catches, 2 TDs) force the Raiders to improve their defense, which currently ranks last in EPA per rush allowed (0.133) and middling in pass defense against these sets. The article breaks down the Raiders’ struggles versus 21‑personnel and highlights the need for an answer before the 49ers’ 28.1‑point offense takes over.
The Browns travel to New Orleans for Week 9 after a bruising loss to Pittsburgh, now forced to start rookie Shedeur Sanders at quarterback following Deshaun Watson’s concussion. Meanwhile the Saints, fresh off a bye, are expected to rally behind rookie QB Tyler Shough, who benefits from a healthier roster and new additions like RB Audric Estimé and kicker Charlie Smyth. Media picks are split, with CBS’s Pete Prisco favoring a 17‑14 Saints win, John Breech backing a 20‑17 Browns victory, and Sporting News forecasting a narrow 23‑20 Saints edge. Run games for both sides remain a concern, making predictions hinge on quarterback play and defensive adjustments.
On a November 5 episode of First Take, Skip Bayless sparked controversy by claiming he "wanted to execute" several Dallas Cowboys players after their 24‑17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. He referenced defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, who had used the word “execute” 32 times in a pre‑game interview, but twisted it into a facetious call for on‑field executions. Williams and others rebuked Bayless, noting the remark crossed a line. The article details Bayless’s history of provocative comments and the backlash surrounding his latest outburst.
Mike Wallace warns the Steelers that their recent spree of WR trades—DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr. and Mike Williams—has not solved the team's receiving woes. With the trade deadline looming, Wallace urges Pittsburgh to focus on developing homegrown talent rather than chasing more high‑profile acquisitions, citing lingering chemistry issues and the need for continuity on the field.
The New York Jets were hoping Demario Davis would be able to maintain his elite play at age 37; instead, he's starting to look like he's out of gas.
With DJ Moore in Buffalo, Rome Odunze was supposed to inherit the Bears' top receiver job. Instead Luther Burden III took it, and Caleb Williams' target share proves it.
The Patriots offensive line issues could lead them to explore a trade for this veteran.
The Cowboys’ offensive line must step up against the Colts’ revamped defensive front as Dallas looks to get back on track. This season the O-line posts a 53% pass‑block win rate (8th) but a 69% run‑block win rate (31st) and has allowed 11 sacks. The key threat is rookie interior rusher Adetomiwa Adebawore, who ranks third in pass‑rush grade with 16 pressures and five sacks despite the loss of Pro Bowler DeForest Buckner. The article urges Dallas to exploit the Colts’ weak run defense—over 1,054 rushing yards allowed—and to trust its five‑man front against a pass rush that ranks 32nd in the league. Success hinges on improving interior blocking and sticking with the run game.
Teams are going to keep calling the Los Angeles Chargers ahead of the deadline—but these three players should be off the table, even if they reverse course.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft undergoes back surgery and must miss Rob Gronkowski’s Hall of Fame induction on Nov. 7, as well as the team’s games against the Green Bay Packers (Nov. 8) and Detroit Lions in Munich (Nov. 15). Kraft, who celebrated drafting Gronkowski in 2010, told ESPN he’s “on injured reserve” after the procedure. Despite his absence, Gronkowski will be inducted as the 38th Patriots Hall of Famer, with a ceremony at Patriot Place Plaza and a halftime tribute during the Packers game. The article recaps Gronk’s back‑injury history, his Patriots stats (521 receptions, 79 TDs, three Super Bowls), and the scheduling around his FOX broadcasting duties.
Jon Gruden says the Las Vegas Raiders “need me back” in a TikTok video, highlighting his lingering ties to the club where his son Deuce serves on staff. The comment comes as the Raiders sit 4‑4 under head coach Klint Kubiak after a 38‑33 win over the Jets, and as Tom Brady, a minority owner since 2024, influences football operations. Gruden’s comeback hopes are complicated by a $150 million lawsuit he filed against the NFL over leaked emails that led to his 2021 resignation, with a trial set for May 2027. The piece explores whether the Brady‑led franchise will ever rehire the former coach.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell confirms quarterback Kyler Murray is a week‑to‑week injury, prompting a start for veteran Carson Wentz on Monday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills. With Murray sidelined and Max Brosmer promoted to backup, O’Connell emphasizes the urgency of a win to keep Minnesota’s 6‑1 NFC lead. Wentz will need to connect with star WR Justin Jefferson, who currently has modest 28 catches for 335 yards and four TDs. The move also gives the front office a clearer picture before the trade deadline, as the Vikings aim to spark an offense that’s faltering despite a strong record.
Jason Kelce publicly rebuts claims that Philadelphia Eagles players pushed offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland out, calling the rumors "baseless" on the 94WIP Morning Show. Kelce emphasizes that Stoutland’s February departure stemmed from the organization’s shift in offensive philosophy, not player dissatisfaction, and cites visits from teammates like Jordan Mailata as proof of his respect. He also criticizes unnamed sources leaking the story. Stoutland, a 13‑year Eagles staple who helped secure two Super Bowls, left after his role was reduced, and the team has hired Chris Kuper under new OC Sean Mannion.