Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season features several intriguing matchups that may fly under the radar ahead of the November 10 trade deadline. Here are three games worth watching.
Bengals vs. Falcons – International Game in Spain
The Cincinnati Bengals (5-2) face the Atlanta Falcons (3-5) on Sunday, November 8 at 9:30 a.m. ET on NFL Network from Spain. The quarterbacks enter on opposite trajectories: Falcons quarterback Michael Penix threw a career-high four interceptions in a 16-0 loss to the Buccaneers, while Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow tossed five touchdown passes and ran for the overtime winner in a 43-36 victory over the Titans. Cincinnati leads the NFL in passing yards per game (288.4) behind the receiver duo of Tee Higgins (103.7 yards per game) and Ja'Marr Chase (70.3 yards per game), testing a Falcons defense that allows 223.4 passing yards per game.
Broncos vs. Panthers – AFC West Leaders Meet NFC South Leaders
At 1 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+, the Denver Broncos (winners of four straight) host the Carolina Panthers. Denver tops the AFC West after a last-play win over the Chiefs, while Carolina leads the NFC South at 3-4. The Panthers rank ninth in total offense (363.7 yards per game) against a Broncos defense surrendering the eighth-most yards (355.3 per game). Trade rumors also surround Denver, who have been linked to running back Jonathan Taylor ahead of the deadline.
Buccaneers vs. Bears – Primetime Division Contenders
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit the Chicago Bears at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC. Tampa Bay blanked the Falcons 16-0 without completing a pass, with Bucky Irving (170 yards) and Kenneth Gainwell (140 yards) powering the ground attack. Chicago has won three straight, including a primetime upset of the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks, and sits second in the NFC North behind the 6-1 Vikings. The quarterback matchup between Baker Mayfield and Caleb Williams highlights a game with playoff implications for both second-place teams. Defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons will make his second appearance for the Bears after a trade from the Titans.
