NFL Week 9 Predictions: Matt Hasselbeck and QBs Who Will Struggle

Tennessee Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has had an up-and-down season in 2011, posting big numbers while struggling in between.

He had two straight 300-yard games against the Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos in Weeks 2 and 3, but hasn't been that impressive for the most part since.

Hasselbeck is just one of three notable quarterbacks who will struggle in Week 9. 

3. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo Bills

Ryan Fitzpatrick has had a solid season and has earned the five-year, $60 million extension he was granted before Week 8.

However, while Fitzpatrick is a solid quarterback, he's still not a star in my opinion. Look at who he's succeeded against—they haven't been top pass defenses.

Against a legit pass defense in the Cincinnati Bengals, he threw for 199 yards and no touchdowns and averaged just 5.9 yards per attempt.

Fitzpatrick faces an elite pass defense in the New York Jets in Week 9 and I expect him to struggle. 

2. Matt Hasselbeck, Tennessee Titans

Hasselbeck's up-and-down season hasn't been helped by the fact that running back Chris Johnson has been awful.

He's also facing the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9, who are giving up just 212.6 passing yards per game. This season, they have given up just six passing touchdowns, which is good for third-fewest in the NFL.

This game is being played in Tennessee, but I still expect Hasselbeck to have problems in the passing game, especially because top receiver Kenny Britt is out. Their No. 1 receiver's absence has clearly limited the Titans' aerial assault this year. 

1. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers

Oh, Philip. Where have you gone wrong?

Philip Rivers is a top quarterback in the NFL, but he's not playing like one right now. Through seven games, he has seven touchdowns and 11 interceptions (most in the league).

On top of this, No. 1 running back Ryan Mathews' status is in doubt for Week 9 with a groin injury. Rivers is facing the 7-0 Green Bay Packers, a squad that has forced a league-high 13 interceptions this season.

This can't end well.