Week 9 picks
Matthew Stafford has been on a roll, moving the ball and spreading it around. The Vikings have an outstanding defense, but that unit is going to be on the field a lot.
The Giants are rested coming off their open date, and they've picked up some how-to-beat-the-Eagles tips in recent weeks. Philadelphia lacks deep-threat receivers.
The Jets are No. 1 against the run, but Miami has been coming on strong in that department. The Dolphins, with the way their line is playing, should be able to run it enough.
The Chiefs are going to run it, stop the run, rush the passer and force the Jaguars into turnovers. Jacksonville isn't playing with confidence after consecutive ugly losses.
The Browns are playing hard. They just aren't very good and have no consistency at quarterback. Even though the Cowboys will win, this game will be closer than many think.
This game likely hinges on whether Ben Roethlisberger can play, and to some semblance of his typical level. Here's betting he does and is effective enough.
Even though the Saints are on the road, they have the firepower to give the 49ers problems. New Orleans is riding a bit of a wave coming off a victory over the Seahawks.
The Panthers are third against the run, and lesser defenses have stopped the Rams' ground game. So pressure stays piled on Case Keenum. Cam Newton responds to LA spotlight.
Even though the Packers have a bunch of high-profile injuries, they also have Aaron Rodgers on their side. The way the Colts are playing, they're not likely to win this on the road.
Week after week, Philip Rivers is keeping the Chargers competitive. San Diego is sixth against the run, but the ball-control Titans will put that ranking to the test.
Ironically, the biggest strike against the road-warrior Raiders is they're at home. The Broncos offense has been sputtering and will have a hard time matching Derek Carr and those receivers.
The Bills have a chance to sweep the NFC West with a win. The Seahawks have been far from dominant in the last three weeks, and Buffalo will be able to get to Russell Wilson.