Locals In The NFL: Best Matchups To Watch In Week Nine
Oct 30, 2025, 5:28 PM | Updated: Oct 31, 2025, 8:56 am
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 28: Puka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after scoring a touchdown during the NFL 2025 game between Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Inglewood, California."" (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Week nine of the NFL season kicks off tonight!
From Thursday to Monday, there are plenty of intriguing matchups with ties to the state of Utah worth following.
Here’s a look at the top games — including the one we think stands out above the rest.
Games in the spotlight for Week 9️⃣
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— NFL (@NFL) October 30, 2025
Noteworthy Locals In The NFL Week 8 Matchups
Two Quarterback Games
As usual, there are two quarterbacks with local ties looking to lead their team to victory in week nine.
Former Roy & Corner Canyon QB Jaxson Dart and the Giants will host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. (MT). Dart is the only local in this game.
Also on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. (MT), Former Utah State QB Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers will host the Carolina Panthers. Alongside Love is two former BYU Cougars, RB Chris Brooks and S Zayne Anderson.
Raiders vs. Jaguars – Sunday, November 2 at 2:05 p.m. (MT)
The locals’ presence in this game isn’t outstanding, but there is a key storyline to watch as the Las Vegas Raiders host the Jacksonville Jaguars.
For Jacksonville, it will be former Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd and former Utah wide receiver Tim Patrick. For Las Vegas, it’s Corner Canyon offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson and former Utah defensive tackle Leki Fotu.
So far this season, Lloyd is tied for first in the NFL for interceptions. On the other side of the ball, Raiders QB Geno Smith has thrown the most picks. The former Ute could snag his fifth of the season against Vegas.
DEVIN LLOYD 99 YARDS ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!#LocalsInTheNFL #ProUtes #DUUUVAL @kslsports
— Chandler Holt (@CHoltSports) October 7, 2025
Bills vs. Chiefs – Sunday, November 2 at 2:25 p.m. (MT)
In this game, there are considerably more local ties, both on and off the field.
Kansas City has two former BYU Cougars, head coach Andy Reid and offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia. With them is former Utah State wide receiver Jalen Royals and Kearns High linebacker Jeffrey Bassa.
Buffalo has as many locals as any other team in the NFL. The Bills have former Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid, former Utah safety Cole Bishop, former Weber State cornerback Taron Johnson, and Highland High tight end Jackson Hawes.
Local ties aside, the recent history between Kansas City and Buffalo runs deep. This should be a great game.
Week Nine’s Top Game To Tune In To For Locals
Rams vs. Saints – Sunday, November 2 at 2:05 p.m. (MT)
Although Bills vs. Chiefs has more locals, the chance of big plays in this game looks to be higher wth a handful of local pass catchers.
Los Angeles has just one local, but it’s a heavy-hitter in former BYU wide receiver Puka Nacua. For New Orleans, it’s three more skill position players in former BYU quarterback Taysom Hill, former Weber State wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, and former Utah wide receiver Devaughn Vele.
About #LocalsInTheNFL
For over five years, KSL Sports has provided coverage on all NFL players with ties to the state of Utah.
Whether they attended Utah or BYU or grew up in the Beehive State, we keep you caught up with how the locals are performing on the highest stage.
From highlights to trades and other breaking news, check out our Locals In The NFL coverage here.
