Big Bear Nolan's Blog

This week is the ninth week of the National Football Leagues 18 week schedule for the 2025 season. In a year that has already produced parody in the sport, this week’s slate has games that can add on to it.

Vikings (3-4) at Lions (5-2), 12 PM CT FOX

When the Lions and Vikings last played each other at Ford Field. It was the big week 18 game last season that was not only the North division title between two 14-2 teams. It was also for the one seed in the NFC playoffs. This season, the Vikings with an uncertain QB future along with a ton of injuries are 3-4 heading into a tough road game at Detroit. The Lions since the week one blowout at Lambeau Field have rebounded nicely going 4-1 since. Despite the disparity in records, expect this one to be close at least for a little bit.

Colts (7-1) at Steelers (4-3), 12 PM CT CBS

Did the Steelers have a tough night last Sunday as Aaron Rodgers former team in Green Bay put it on them? Yes they did, not so great news for the Steelers. They get to welcome in the 7-1 Colts who currently have the best record in the NFL right now. Indianapolis, who has been led by running back Jonathan Taylor and unexpectedly by QB Daniel Jones looks to continue to show why they are the best team as they get a road test at Pittsburgh.

Panthers (4-4) at Packers (5-1-1), 12 PM CT FOX

After looking sluggish in the week 3 upset at Cleveland and a tie the next week at Jerry’s World against Dallas. The Packers have begun to found their groove that they had in weeks one and two. Led by QB Jordan Love and the running back/tight end duo of Josh Jacobs and Tucker Kraft. The Packers offense has been on a roll, helping Green Bay to a 5-1-1 record, Green Bay has only scored below 27 points this season once. Now in their 1923 throwbacks, the Packers welcome the Panthers to Lambeau Field on Sunday. Carolina began to found its groove a little bit, going on a three game winning streak vs Dallas, Miami and New York (A) before falling 40-9 to Buffalo last week. I think Packers should win this one but Carolina could maybe make this a little interesting if the Packers are caught sleeping to begin the game.

Chiefs (5-3) at Bills (5-2), 3:25 PM CT CBS

Of course Kansas City wasn’t going to go down. After a sluggish 0-2 start to 2025, the Chiefs have found its groove going 5-1 in its last six games. KC beat teams like Detroit and last week against Washington on the way to rebounding. Now once again Patrick Mahomes meets up with Josh Allen’s Bills. Buffalo has won the last three regular season games over the Chiefs, but most importantly Kansas City is still on a winning streak over the bills when it matters most in the Postseason. Obviously Josh Allen and the Bills would love to beat Mahomes and the Chiefs when it matters most but Buffalo needs to take care of this game first. Because if the two meet again in the Playoffs, the winner of this game could dictate wether the Playoff game is in Orchard Park or Arrowhead Stadium.

Seahawks (5-2) at Commanders (3-5), 7:20 PM CT NBC

Coming off the cinderella run of last years Playoffs, the Commanders haven’t been hot to start 2025. They do have an impressive 27-10 road win at the Los Angeles Chargers but besides that they haven’t been impressive. The Commanders last three games have been a 25-24 loss against Chicago, 44-22 loss at Dallas, and a 28-7 loss last week at Kansas City. Now the Commanders get Sam Darnold’s Seahawks for Sunday Night Football. Washington desperately needs this win or they are in trouble. Seattle however could use this win to boost its chances at a wide open NFC West.