What happened: ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown broadcast panel made their weekly underdog selections ahead of Sunday's NFL slate. The recurring segment highlights teams facing unfavorable odds entering the weekend schedule.

Why it matters: Pregame studio segments provide broadcast context ahead of the early kickoff window. As teams navigate the regular season, each weekly matchup carries implications for divisional standings and the broader postseason picture.

What to watch: The Week 9 slate begins with the 1 p.m. ET kickoff window.