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5 NFL Teams That Will Let Fan Bases Down in Week 9, Including the New England Patriots
NFL
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

While each franchise enters the week with optimism, not all 32 NFL teams can win every week. One loss doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme, but it’s not how any team wants to end a tough week. Yet, here are five NFL teams that will inevitably let their fan bases down with a loss in Week 9.

Cleveland Browns

NFL: Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers
Nov 1, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs the ball while under pressure against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter of an NFL game at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Todd Monken’s Cleveland Browns may be 5-3, but they also have the 29th-ranked scoring offense. While they had a mini offensive explosion in Week 7 with a season-high 491 yards, it also came against the Titans, one of the NFL’s worst defenses. Take that game out, and the Browns have averaged just 251 yards per game dating back to Week 5. Next up is a New Orleans Saints team that may be just 2-5, but they’ve played much better than their record suggests. Three of their five losses have come in one-possession games, but this time, the Saints will find a way to win.

Los Angeles Rams

NFL: Los Angeles Rams at Las Vegas Raiders
Oct 25, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay walks off the field following the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn Images

The popular Super Bowl favorite before the season kicked off, the Los Angeles Rams have had to scratch and claw their way to a .500 record. While the Rams have been above-average on both sides of the ball, now Sean McVay’s team runs into a Washington Commanders group that’s played much better upon Jayden Daniels’ return. With their superstar quarterback leading the way, the Commanders have a chance to pull off arguably the upset of the week.

Denver Broncos

NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos
Nov 1, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton leaves the field after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Houston Texans

NFL: New York Giants at Houston Texans
Oct 25, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) hands the ball off to Houston Texans running back Woody Marks (4) against the New York Giants in the second quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Credit is owed to the Houston Texans for not throwing in the towel on their season after getting out to a 0-4 start. They’re now 2-5 and playing much better as of late. Yet, now they face arguably the most desperate team in the NFL, the 0-7 Los Angeles Chargers, who are not bereft of talent. Eventually the Chargers will win their first game, and it could happen while hosting the Texans this week.

New England Patriots

NFL: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins
Nov 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel looks on during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images

The New England Patriots are banged up heading into their Sunday matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Both teams are 5-3, and each has found its recipe for success, winning four of their past five games. It feels like one of the best matchups in Week 9, but with the Patriots still missing several playmakers, it could be more difficult for Drake Maye to have his usual impact. Meanwhile, Jordan Love still finds a way to drill bombs deep downfield no matter who’s in the lineup, and he’ll find more success on Sunday afternoon too.

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