Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season arrives with the trade deadline looming on Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. ET, and several underrated games deserve attention beyond the marquee matchups.
Bengals vs. Falcons – International Game in Spain
The Cincinnati Bengals (5-2) face the Atlanta Falcons (3-5) on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 9:30 a.m. ET on NFL Network from Spain. The quarterbacks enter on opposite trajectories: Falcons' Michael Penix threw a career-high four interceptions in a 16-0 loss to the Buccaneers, while Bengals' 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), and Atlanta's defense allows 223.4 passing yards per game. Wide receivers Tee Higgins (103.7 yards per game, second in NFL) and Ja'Marr Chase (70.3, 16th) present a formidable challenge for the Falcons' secondary.
Broncos vs. Panthers – AFC West vs. NFC South
Denver (5-2) visits Carolina (3-4) on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+. The Broncos lead the AFC West after a dramatic divisional win over the Chiefs and have won four straight. The Panthers, despite their record, top the NFC South and rank ninth in total yards per game (363.7). Denver's defense has allowed the eighth-most yards per game (355.3), setting up an intriguing offensive clash. Trade rumors also surround the Broncos, who have been linked to running back Jonathan Taylor ahead of the deadline.
Buccaneers vs. Bears – Primetime Playoff Implications
Tampa Bay (4-4) hosts Chicago (5-3) on Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC. The Buccaneers shut out the Falcons 16-0 without completing a pass, with Bucky Irving rushing for 170 yards and Kenneth Gainwell adding 140. The Bears have won three straight, including a primetime upset of the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks, and sit second in the NFC North behind the 6-1 Vikings. Quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Caleb Williams headline a game with significant playoff ramifications for both second-place teams. Defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons will make his second appearance for Chicago after a blockbuster trade from the Titans.
