The Cleveland Browns enter Week 9 at 5-3 but rank 29th in scoring offense. Beyond their 491-yard performance against Tennessee in Week 7, the Browns have averaged just 251 yards per game since Week 5. They face a New Orleans Saints team sitting at 2-5 but playing better than their record indicates, with three losses coming in one-possession games.
The Los Angeles Rams, preseason Super Bowl favorites, have clawed to a .500 record with above-average play on both sides of the ball. They meet the Washington Commanders, who have improved significantly since Jayden Daniels returned at quarterback. The Denver Broncos and Houston Texans round out teams expected to falter this week despite recent improvements.
The Houston Texans recovered from an 0-4 start to reach 2-5 and have played better lately. However, they face the winless Los Angeles Chargers, a team with considerable talent that appears due for a breakthrough victory.
