NFL Week 9 Preview: Biggest Stories and Games to Watch

Can RG3 rescue the sinking Washington Redskins? Will the Chicago Bears keep winning? Are the Arizona Cardinals destined for an epic collapse?

These are just some of the NFL's top storylines and intriguing questions heading into Week 9. With seasons on the line and players' reputations at stake, there is more than enough to break down as we cross the halfway point of the 2012 NFL season. 

Let's take a look at the biggest stories and games fans should be looking out for this weekend. 

Battle of Surprise 4-3 Squads

Before the season began, who would have guessed that both the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts would be 4-3 after eight weeks? 

No one, yet here we are. 

In one of the week's least expected must-see matchups, the Dolphins will hit the road looking to keep pace with the New England Patriots in the tight AFC East, while the Colts will try and move to 5-3 in rookie quarterback Andrew Luck's first season.

There are huge AFC playoff implications on the line in this game. The winner could ultimately have the edge in a tie-breaking situation somewhere down the line. 

Week 9 Super Bowl Preview? 

There are three late afternoon games in Week 9, but only one that truly stands out. In a potential Super Bowl preview, the Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. 

This matchup couldn't have come at a better time either. The two teams have won a combined six games in a row and are playing by far their best football of the season. The Giants haven't lost at home since Week 1 though, while all three of the Steelers' losses have come on the road in 2012.

Either way, you won't want to miss this game. Two storied NFL franchises going head to head in a meaningful regular season matchup? 

Sign me up.

How Hot are the Dirty Birds?

On Sunday night we'll find out just how hot the Atlanta Falcons really are. The only undefeated team left standing this season, Atlanta has won its first seven games and will host the struggling Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football.

Dallas is 3-4 this season and perhaps the best team in the league when it comes to finding ways to lose games. A loss in Week 9 though would leave little room for error over the second half of the schedule.

Though I don't trust the Falcons at all in the postseason, I'm sold on them during the regular season. I fully expect Matt Ryan and company to roll at home this weekend and push the 'Boys to the brink.

Will the Dirty Birds cool come playoff time? You bet. But for now, they are as hot as Atlanta in July.

Monday Night Must-Win

Week 9's final showdown will pit two struggling teams, who were projected to make the playoffs, against one another when the Philadelphia Eagles visit the New Orleans Saints in the Superdome. 

The Monday Night Football showcase can be labeled a must-win for both teams, but is arguably more important for the home team. New Orleans is 2-5 through the first half of the season, while Philly is reeling at 3-4 having lost three straight. 

With Michael Vick's job security up in the air, Andy Reid and the Eagles are in desperate need of a win to avoid imploding for the second straight year. 

The Saints aren't under quite as much pressure having made the playoffs last season and winning a Super Bowl in 2009. Still, whichever team loses on MNF this week can kiss their postseason hopes good bye.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter.