NFL Week 9 Picks
Updated: Nov 7, 2021
Hey! Hey! We've passed the mid-point of the NFL season, but fret not, there are still plenty of games to bet on. Here are the bests bets for week nine of the NFL. Last week my locks of the week went 2-3 (12-8 YTD) and I went 9-6 overall (31-26-1 YTD).
Jets @ Colts
The Pick: NYJ +10
All aboard the Mike White train. In his first career start last week, White threw for 405 yards and three touchdowns. He torched a Bengals' defensive unit that had been solid all year. Move along Zach Wilson, the Jets have a new savior. White will have another chance to prove his mettle on Thursday night against the Colts. Both teams sit with five losses, but the Colts have more pedigree and higher expectations. Don't let the Jets' dismal history fool you though, Robert Salah has this unit hungry for wins. If the Jets can contain Jonathan Taylor, then they have a good shot to pull the upset. Even if White cannot replicate his transcendent performance, I still expect New York to keep this game within single digits (all but one TNF game this season has been decided by single digits).
Browns @ Bengals
The Pick: CIN -2.5
Last week the Bengals were embarrassed by the Jets. The defense was torn to shreds and Burrow made a costly mistake late in the game. Now the Bengals are out for blood, eager to prove to the NFL that they are still playoff contenders. God have mercy on any team that stands in their way. Oh, it happens to be the Browns this week. Poor bastards...they have no idea what awaits them this weekend. Hell hath no fury like a Bengal scorned. Indeed, following a loss Cincinnati has beat their next opponent by an average of 18.5 points. Cleveland is still banged up and won't have enough firepower to match up with the Bengals. Take Cincinnati to cover at home.
Raiders @ Giants
The Pick: LV -3
In last week's picks, we talked about how continuously undervalued the Titans are by the oddsmakers. The same seems to apply to the Raiders. I'll acknowledge the fact that the Raiders have dealt with plenty of off-field drama from the unexpected resignation of Jon Gruden to the recent release of Henry Ruggs following his horrific drunken actions. However, it does not seem to affect Carr and company. Every week the Raiders go out and play good football, winning five out of their first seven games. Now Las Vegas will take on the Giants in New York. The Giants are so injury-ridden at this point that Daniel Jones's main weapons are the second and third-string tight ends (maybe not 100% true, but it sure feels true). The Giants did hang tough with Kansas City, but the Chiefs are a shell of their former selves. I like the Raiders to cover the spread in this game and further cement their position at the top of the AFC West.
Broncos @ Cowboys
The Pick: DAL -10
The Cowboys have covered the spread in every game up to this point. That is a tremendous feat and one that was hard-fought to achieve. In order to keep the streak alive, the Cowboys have to beat the Denver Broncos by double digits in Dallas. I like the chances of the Cowboys to attain that goal. Dak Prescott will be back and the offense will be cooking. Denver just traded away franchise face, Von Miller, further weakening the defense. The Dallas D kept the Vikings in check last Sunday and I expect them to keep Teddy Bridgewater and Co. under wraps this week. The Cowboys will start the season 8-0 against the spread for the first time since the 2007 Patriots.
Chargers @ Eagles
The Pick: LAC -1.5
Justin Herbert has struggled as of late. Over his last two games, the young gunslinger has thrown for only three touchdowns and three interceptions. Granted, Herbert was facing two of the better defenses in the league in the Ravens and Patriots. This week the Chargers are playing a soft defensive unit in the Eagles though, so many of Herbert's woes may disappear. The Chargers have enough offensive prowess to bury the Eagles quickly. Additionally, the Chargers' defense is excellent and should be able to force Jalen Hurts into a few turnovers. Pick Los Angeles to rebound and takedown Philly on the road.
The Best of the Rest:
Vikings @ Ravens: MIN +6
Patriots @ Panthers: CAR +3.5
Bills @ Jaguars: BUF -14.5
Texans @ Dolphins: MIA -5.5
Falcons @ Saints: NO -6.5
Packers @ Chiefs: GB +7.5
Cardinals @ 49ers: SF -2
Titans @ Rams: TEN +7.5
Bears @ Steelers: PIT -6.5