NFL Week 9: Will this be the week of the upset?

There are quite a few key divisional games this week that could easily be won by either team. The Colts and Patriots host tough divisional opponents, and the Broncos and Ravens are looking to regain their early-season momentum.

Houston Texans (5-3) versus Indianapolis Colts (7-0), 11 a.m., CBS

This is much more than an ordinary regular-season game for the Texans. Houston’s 5-3 record is the best start in their relatively short history, and its offense is ranked third in the league. If ever there were a chance for the Texans to knock off their hated rivals, this is the year.

Houston’s tight end, Owen Daniels, will miss the game (and likely the rest of the season), but quarterback Matt Schaub has plenty of other top receivers as well as two quality running backs, despite Steve Slaton’s serious fumbling issues. The Colts also have an incredibly reliable offense and will be able to move the chains with ease.

Having lost 13 of the last 14 matchups against Indianapolis, Houston doesn’t exactly have a track record of success against its divisional rivals.

If history repeats itself, the Texans will have a tough time stopping MVP-candidate Peyton Manning and his potent offense.

Baltimore Ravens (4-3) versus Cincinnati Bengals (5-2), 11 a.m., CBS

Cincinnati has surprised the football world by rattling off a quick 5-2 start and challenging the Steelers in the AFC North. Running back Cedric Benson has been spectacular this season, and the Bengals are averaging 128 rushing yards per game.

Baltimore, meanwhile, has a statistically above-average offense and defense, yet find themselves in third place in its division. After handily defeating the Broncos last week, though, the Ravens have out-scored their opponents by a total of 62 points.

The Bengals have struggled mightily to defend the pass this season, and are ranked 30th in the league, giving up 253 passing yards per game. The Ravens have a very solid offensive line, and quarterback Joe Flacco could rack up hundreds of yards through the air.

Cincinnati will rely on Benson for the majority of its offense, and even if quarterback Carson Palmer converts most third-down situations, the Bengals may struggle matching the Ravens point-for-point.

Miami Dolphins (3-4) versus New England Patriots (5-2), 11 a.m., CBS

The Dolphins somehow managed to defeat the Jets last week, despite being out-gained by 274 yards. Ted Ginn Jr.’s two 100-yard kickoff return touchdowns were the majority of Miami’s offense.

New England, fresh off a bye, has had two weeks to prepare for the Dolphins’ Wildcat offense and rookie quarterback Chad Henne, and are heavily favored in this contest. The Patriots, though, have given up an atrocious 4.5 yards per carry, so the Dolphins should be able to control the line of scrimmage and move the chains behind the rushing duo of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams.

Since Bill Belichick has taken over as head coach of the Patriots, New England is 7-2 when coming off a bye week. While the Pats may be looking ahead to the next two weeks of tough matchups, history is on New England’s side.

Dallas Cowboys (5-2) versus Philadelphia Eagles (5-2), 6:20 p.m., NBC

The momentum Dallas carries after three straight victories could be nullified if Roy Williams doesn’t shut his trap. Brought on to replace Terrell Owens, Williams is being overshadowed by young Miles Austin.

When asked if he was still the No. 1 receiver, Williams responded by claiming, “I’m the No. 1 receiver. But things are just going No. 2’s way. (Austin) gets the ball thrown correctly his way. I’m stretching and falling and doing everything.”

Williams may get more opportunities this evening, as the Cowboys won’t be able to move the ball on the ground against the very solid Eagles run defense. Marion Barber has a strained quad, yet continues to play, which means that virtually all of the Cowboys’ offense will have to come through the air.

Philadelphia is coming off two straight victories and quarterback Donovan McNabb looks nearly flawless. This latest episode in the classic NFC East rivalry should be as exciting as advertised.

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) versus Denver Broncos (6-1), 6:30 p.m. Monday, ESPN

Veteran quarterback Kyle Orton is a perfect fit for the Broncos, provided he has a capable running game to fall back on. The Steelers, ranked as the best team in the NFL against the run, will force Orton into some third-and-long situations.

Part of the reason Denver was blown out last week was because Orton was unable to rely on his running game and failed on key third downs.

In order to stop the mighty Pittsburgh aerial assault, the Broncos will need to pressure quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers have surrendered 20 sacks so far this year, and the Denver defense has compiled 23 sacks (No. 2 in the NFL). If the Broncos achieve one thing tomorrow night, it’ll be roughing up Roethlisberger.

Following a 6-0 start, the Broncos crashed back to earth in Baltimore. Should Knowshon Moreno have some success on the ground, though, this game could go either way.

Andrew Kneeland is a junior at the Arizona Virtual Academy. He is an intern at the Green Valley News.