NFL Schedule Week 9: Key Matchups to Watch for in Biggest Games of the Week

Eight weeks into the 2012-2013 NFL campaign, teams are jostling for position within the league and trying to iron things out for the second half.

That includes Peyton Manning's Denver Broncos, Eli Manning's New York Giants and Ben Roethlisberger's Pittsburgh Steelers.

Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, nobody knows exactly what is going on; all we know is that the Eagles are once again underachieving. Soar, these birds do not.

Here's a look at Week 9's most explosive matchups, complete with schedule information.

Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals

Where: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH

When: Sunday, Nov. 4 at 1 p.m. ET

Watch: CBS

Key Matchup: Cincinnati Pass Defense vs. Denver Passing Attack

The Bengals are allowing 7.8 yards per pass attempt this season, 25th in the NFL. They allowed Ben Roethlisberger to throw for 278 yards and one touchdown in Week 7 (albeit with one interception).

On the other hand, Peyton Manning is averaging 8.22 yards per pass attempt this season (best in the NFL) and he's tossed 17 touchdowns to four interceptions. In his past two games against the San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints, he's averaged 307 passing yards while totaling six passing touchdowns to one interception.

Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Giants

Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

When: Sunday, Nov. 4 at 4:25 p.m. ET

Watch: CBS

 

Key Matchup: New York Pass Defense vs. Pittsburgh Passing Attack

The Giants are averaging 29.3 points per game this season, third in the NFL. They are going to score points.

In that regard, the game will once again lie in Roethlisberger's hands with Pittsburgh's running game ailing (3.7 yards per carry, 26th in the NFL). 

The Giants have allowed 8.3 yards per pass attempt this season, 30th in the NFL. On the other hand, they have notched 16 interceptions, tied for second in the league. That includes compiling four interceptions against Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8.

Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints

Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA

When: Monday, Nov. 5 at 8:30 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN

Key Matchup: Philadelphia Running Game vs. New Orleans Run Defense

It's only natural to look at Michael Vick's turnovers as a key component to this game, but don't forget about running back LeSean McCoy.

You can only hope Eagles coach Andy Reid has realized running the ball with McCoy is greater than throwing the ball with Vick.

In the three games McCoy has received 20 or more carries this season, the Eagles have won. That includes victories over the Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants.

This season, New Orleans has allowed 5.0 yards per carry (30th in the NFL) and nine rushing touchdowns (tied for second-most in the league).

It would behoove the Eagles to keep the ball out of Drew Brees' hands as much as possible while pounding the rock in New Orleans.

Then again, you never know with Andy Reid.