NFL Week 9 Predictions: Projecting Each Game's Star Performance

Predictions are fun. 

Even if they're nearly impossible to get right. 

With the league-wide parity in the NFL today, it doesn't matter if you're Chris Mortensen or if you've just started tweeting about football, some games simply don't play out the way we expect them to. 

See: Saints vs. Rams game in Week 8. 

However, picking star players' performances and stat lines can be just as entertaining, and for the most part, I can count on the big-name guys delivering. 

Let's take a look which players will be the "star performer" in all of Week 9's action...

Dolphins at Chiefs 

Dwayne Bowe 

I'm kind of taking the easy way out here, but Bowe's a great player and I don't see the Dolphins containing him in this one. Sean Smith is one of the biggest cornerbacks in the league at a solid 6'3'', but Bowe is far more physical and can create separation.

He's also great at catching the ball in traffic. While some attention will now be centered around rookie Jon Baldwin downfield, Bowe should have a big day. 

Projection: 6 catches, 104 yards, TD

Falcons at Colts

Michael Turner

If you've read any of my other articles this week, you know that I'm fully expecting a monster day for Michael Turner. When he runs the ball more than 20 times, the Falcons win. Indianapolis is allowing 144 rushing yards per game. I mean, it just makes perfect sense. Which is why it probably won't happen. 

Projection: 22 carries, 130 yards, TD

Buccaneers at Saints

Darren Sproles

Going into this article, I promised I wouldn't give you Drew Brees here. The Saints are a totally different team at home, and with the way No. 9 spreads the ball around, it's hard to pinpoint one receiver that's bound to have a huge game each week.

However, Darren Sproles has been one of the team's most consistent, yet underrated players. He'll get a few carries, but is a terror in the screen game and will give the Bucs nightmares after this NFC South battle. 

Projection: 6 carries, 30 yards, 5 catches, 63 yards TD

Jets at Bills

Fred Jackson

Another semi-obvious selection, but one that I can't bet against right now. The Bills will give the Jets a taste of their own "ground-and-pound" medicine in Orchard Park on Sunday—Chan Gailey knows it's not smart to challenge Darrelle Revis and New York's secondary.

Jackson has done it all for Buffalo and will continue his MVP-caliber (yes, MVP-caliber) season with more than 100 yards from scrimmage. 

Projection: 23 carries, 102 yards, 4 catches, 32 yards, 2 TDs

Seahawks at Cowboys

Miles Austin 

Where has Austin been this season? Is his injury still bothering him? He has five catches for 43 yards in the team's last two games. Facing a susceptible defensive backfield at home, Dallas takes a few shots deep to Austin involving him in the offense early while getting back in rhythm with Tony Romo. 

Projection: 7 catches, 91 yards, TD

Browns at Texans

Andre Johnson 

Johnson is itching to get back on the playing field and although I know he's facing an emerging shutdown corner in Joe Haden—it won't matter. 

I don't care who's covering No. 80. Houston will run first to set up their patented play-action pass and Johnson will be targeted on a few deep balls down the field as well as in the intermediate passing game.

Projection: 8 catches, 154 yards, 2 TDs

49ers at Redskins

Frank Gore

After seeing what Fred Jackson did to the Redskins last week, it's hard to envision Gore not having similar success. 

The game plan for San Francisco is relatively simple each week. Run and stop the run. They're fantastic at both. 

Projection: 20 carries, 134 yards, TD 

Bengals at Titans 

Javon Ringer

Curveball! The Bengals have a solid defensive front that's one of the toughest units to run on in football. However, Javon Ringer has shown signs of life for the Titans and may actually get more carries than Chris Johnson. At home, Ringer makes a game out of this one.

Projection: 15 carries, 84 yards, TD

Broncos at Raiders 

Tim Te...Kidding. Michael Bush 

Tebow couldn't possibly be worse than what he was against the Lions, could he?

Either way, with Darren McFadden likely out, Michael Bush will receive the lion's share of the carries for Oakland and should pound his way to a big afternoon in the Black Hole.

24 carries, 113 yards, 2 TDs

Giants at Patriots

BenJarvus Green-Ellis

I totally expect Brady to bounce back at home, but Green-Ellis will play a critical role against the Giants. The Patriots won't be playing from behind like they were against the Steelers, so running the football often will be a realistic option.

Green-Ellis has proven to be an effective runner this season, so much so that Bill Belichick has given him an average of 19 carries in the team's last three wins. That's a ton for a Patriots back. 

Projection: 18 carries, 98 yards, 2 TDs

Rams at Cardinals 

Brandon Lloyd 

After Steven Jackson's 159 yards against the Saints last week, he'll get plenty of carries against the divisional rival Cardinals.

But with Sam Bradford likely returning, Lloyd should be in for his first extremely productive game in a St. Louis uniform against a Cardinals team that's allowing more than 277 yards through the air per game. 

Projection: 6 catches, 104 yards 

Packers at Chargers 

Jordy Nelson 

...a close second behind Aaron Rodgers, of course. Like Brees, Rodgers spreads the ball around to all his receivers, so this is essentially a shot in the dark. Whenever you think Nelson is going to have a sub-par game, he catches a few passes and showcases some serious YAC ability. 

Projection: 4 catches, 102 yards, TD

Ravens at Steelers

Mike Wallace

The Ravens will put their defensive onus on stopping the deep ball to Wallace, but that's easier said than done.

Even if they stop one of his long catches, Wallace has matured enough as a receiver to become a solid, chain-moving option. More fantasy points for Wallace owners.

Projection: 5 catches, 98 yards, TD

Chicago at Philadelphia

DeSean Jackson 

I know the Eagles are a run-first team now (what?!), but Jackson is due for one of his classic games.

He's been relatively quiet during his team's two-game winning streak (only six catches), but I expect Philadelphia to take the top off the defense with Jackson. Chicago's secondary is one of the worst in the league and Andy Reid will look to exploit that.  

Projection: 3 catches, 105 yards, TD