NFL Week 9 Predictions & Best Bets

Week 9 is here. Lamar Jackson's thumb got mangled in Buffalo, the Bengals and Falcons head to Madrid, Tom Brady returns to Foxboro for the first time as an announcer, and Monday night gives us Bills-Vikings, which might be the best coaching matchup of the week.

Let's get into it.

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THURSDAY NIGHT

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS @ BALTIMORE RAVENS

Thursday, November 5 | 5:15 PM PT | Prime Video

Line: Jaguars -10 | O/U: 39.5

Weather: 64°F at M&T Bank Stadium

What a disappointing year for the Ravens.

After weeks of rehabbing an ankle injury, one play is all it took for Lamar Jackson's season to possibly be over, as his thumb got absolutely mangled while he was trying to complete a pass against the Bills on Sunday. Then Tyler "Snoop" Huntley was called into action, but only for a few plays, as he suffered a season-ending turf toe injury and had to leave the game as well. That forced the Ravens to turn to emergency QB Joe Fagnano, who did the best he could against a Bills defense that could smell blood in the water.

Speaking of smelling blood in the water, the Jaguars were a bunch of land sharks who gave the already lowly Colts nothing to ride home with.

I expect Baltimore to feed Henry a lot, but that might not fare too well against a Jags defense that is great at stopping the run. I expect the Jags to stack the box on defense and keep it fairly simple on offense. That should be enough to win by double digits.

PREDICTION: JAGUARS 23, RAVENS 10

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SUNDAY MORNING IN MADRID

CINCINNATI BENGALS vs. ATLANTA FALCONS

Sunday, November 8 | 6:30 AM PT | NFL Network

Line: Bengals -3 | O/U: 52.5

Weather: Indoors at Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid

¡Cómo estás, bitches!

The Bengals head to Spain looking to keep the momentum from their epic comeback win over the Titans, while the Falcons may hold an inquisition on their offense in Madrid. Michael Penix Jr. threw three interceptions in the first half, and Tampa Bay didn't even complete a pass in an absolute monsoon in its win over the Falcons.

You can guarantee the Atlanta offense is yelling sanctuary at its matchup with a Bengals defense that allowed 36 points to Tennessee.

I expect a lot of points in this one, but give me Joe Cool in Madrid. Or should I say José Frío?

PREDICTION: BENGALS 31, FALCONS 24

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SUNDAY EARLY WINDOW

DALLAS COWBOYS @ INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Sunday, November 8 | 10:00 AM PT | FOX

Line: Cowboys -5.5 | O/U: 51.5

Weather: Dome

Oof…

The Cowboys blew a late lead at home against the Cardinals, while the Colts got demolished by the Jaguars.

The Cardinals looked like a completely new team when they subbed in Gardner Minshew for Jacoby Brissett. On Minshew's first drive, Tyler Allgeier broke a 63-yard TD run to put some doubt into Cowboys fans, and it only got worse from there.

Now the Cowboys head to Indianapolis. They'll surely get a win there, right? I'm not so sure… If the Colts don't trade Jonathan Taylor, I expect him to have a huge game and keep this score close, as the Cowboys' run defense might as well be a turnstile at this point.

PREDICTION: COWBOYS 23, COLTS 21

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NEW YORK JETS @ KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Sunday, November 8 | 10:00 AM PT | CBS

Line: Chiefs -10 | O/U: 47.5

Weather: 51°F at Arrowhead Stadium

The Jets are cooked.

After giving up 38 points to the Raiders, it's safe to say Aaron Glenn's butt is extremely hot. The Raiders used the same formula the Dolphins used the week before, pounding the rock to set up explosive plays off play action.

The Chiefs almost broke the hearts of Broncos fans everywhere, but Mahomes was unable to get rid of the ball on the last play of the game and was sacked with no time left at the Denver 12-yard line. What a game.

After getting shut down by the league's best defenses in back-to-back weeks, I expect a huge game for Kenneth Walker in this matchup. Give me the Chiefs to bounce back and dominate the lowly Jets.

PREDICTION: CHIEFS 27, JETS 13

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DETROIT LIONS @ MIAMI DOLPHINS

Sunday, November 8 | 10:00 AM PT | FOX

Line: Lions -7 | O/U: 50.5

Weather: 84°F at Hard Rock Stadium

The Lions knocked off the Vikings to hand them their first loss of the season, while the Dolphins couldn't hold on to their lead at home against the Patriots in a close loss.

The Dolphins have covered in back-to-back weeks and have been making major strides the last couple of games. So much so that I have them covering again this week.

The Lions have been kind of scuffling on offense, and this has all the makings of a letdown game, especially with all the hype around the Minnesota matchup the week before. The Florida heat is another factor as well.

Screw it, give me the Fins!

PREDICTION: DOLPHINS 26, LIONS 23

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CLEVELAND BROWNS @ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Sunday, November 8 | 10:00 AM PT | CBS

Line: Saints -3 | O/U: 42.5

Weather: Dome

The Saints were resting at home watching the Browns take one to the dome against a Steelers team that imposed its will on both sides of the ball.

I expect the Saints to come out well rested and try to set the tone early so the crowd gets behind them. It will be interesting to see how the Browns respond after getting punked by Pittsburgh.

Cleveland has not been able to score much at all this year, and if the Saints turn this game into a shootout, that will be a problem for the Browns.

Give me the Saints!

PREDICTION: SAINTS 26, BROWNS 21

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NEW YORK GIANTS @ PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Sunday, November 8 | 10:00 AM PT | FOX

Line: Giants -3.5 | O/U: 38.5

Weather: 62°F at Lincoln Financial Field

"Fly Eagles Fly" has quickly turned into "Why Eagles Why."

To be fair, they have been decimated by injuries, but even before the injuries the offense couldn't do much.

Now the Eagles get to face a well-rested Giants team that has looked explosive on offense ever since JJ (no relation to Melissa) McCarthy took over at QB. John Harbaugh has clearly established an identity that resonates with his players, and the Giants are looking to extend their NFC East lead.

I expect the Giants to try to embarrass the Eagles in Philly. They just might.

PREDICTION: GIANTS 24, EAGLES 10

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LOS ANGELES RAMS @ WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

Sunday, November 8 | 10:00 AM PT | FOX

Line: Rams -5.5 | O/U: 47.5

Weather: 61°F at Northwest Stadium

Spicy.

You wouldn't think a game between teams with these records would generate this much intrigue, but here we are. Both of these teams need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

If the Rams want any shot at a wild-card spot, they'll need to escape D.C. with a win against a Commanders team that has Jayden Daniels healthy again. On the other side, a Commanders win would put them within realistic striking distance of the Giants.

Considering the desperation, I think the Rams have just a little more, but I expect this game to come down to the wire. Give me the Rams on a walk-off field goal.

PREDICTION: RAMS 29, COMMANDERS 27

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DENVER BRONCOS @ CAROLINA PANTHERS

Sunday, November 8 | 10:00 AM PT | CBS

Line: Broncos -2.5 | O/U: 44.5

Weather: 66°F at Bank of America Stadium

It seems like just yesterday Cam Newton was leading the Panthers against the Peyton Manning-led Broncos in Super Bowl 50. That was 11 years ago. Where the f has the time gone?

Both of these teams are in first place, but they are heading in completely opposite directions. The Panthers have been rickrolled their last two games, while the Broncos seem to be hitting their stride.

I expect the Broncos to pound the rock with Jonah Coleman and Bo Nix to get the win in Carolina against one of the worst run defenses in the NFL.

PREDICTION: BRONCOS 30, PANTHERS 14

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SUNDAY AFTERNOON

HOUSTON TEXANS @ LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Sunday, November 8 | 1:05 PM PT | CBS

Line: Texans -4.5 | O/U: 40.5

Weather: Dome (85°F outside) at SoFi Stadium

Gross.

This matchup looked super juicy in the preseason, but now it's just sad. Both of these teams had Super Bowl hopes, and now both are on the verge of cleaning house and starting over.

The Texans' edge rushers should be able to wreak havoc, and they've done it all year, but it just hasn't turned into wins through the first seven games.

Give me the Chargers with the points, and screw it, give me the Chargers to get their first win of the year.

PREDICTION: CHARGERS 27, TEXANS 26

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ARIZONA CARDINALS @ SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Sunday, November 8 | 1:25 PM PT | FOX

Line: Seahawks -8.5 | O/U: 39.5

Weather: 57°F at Lumen Field

Where to begin.

The Seahawks were outplayed by the Chicago Bears on Monday night on their home turf, while the Cardinals rallied in Dallas behind Gardner Minshew. After watching Jacoby Brissett struggle for three quarters, Mike LaFleur had seen enough and switched to Minshew down 17-3. What a call. Minshew led four straight touchdown drives, then the game-winning field goal drive in overtime, as the Cardinals stole a win on the road in Dallas.

As for the Seahawks, it's safe to say this team isn't the same as last year's Super Bowl-caliber team. While it's nearly impossible to repeat, the Seahawks have only themselves to blame for the hole they're in.

JSN is pretty much unstoppable, but the rest of the offense seems out of sync, and a lot of that has to do with play-calling. Brian Fleury needs to call more deep shots and more rollouts to get Darnold out of the pocket. The deep shots will put a constant threat in the back of defensive backs' minds, while the rollouts will give Sam a clean look, let him throw without traffic around him and give him the option to run for more yardage.

I also think Darnold needs to be honest about his health. He looked pretty stiff at times Monday night, and if he's not at least 90% healthy, he needs to let the coaches know so Drew Lock can take over.

With the way the NFC is shaping up, the Seahawks need to win all the games they should, and they can't afford the same boneheaded mistakes we've seen in all four losses.

Update (Wednesday): Mike Macdonald said Darnold cracked a rib on the second play Monday and played through it without telling the staff, and a quad injury from the final drive has him ruled out Sunday. Drew Lock, who's nursing his own throwing elbow, is slated to start. Justin's pick and best bet were made before the news.

PREDICTION: SEAHAWKS 27, CARDINALS 20

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LAS VEGAS RAIDERS @ SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Sunday, November 8 | 1:25 PM PT | FOX

Line: 49ers -10 | O/U: 52.5

Weather: 77°F at Levi's Stadium

The last time these two teams played each other with both teams at .500 or better was November 3, 2002. Wow.

It's no longer officially the Battle of the Bay, but you can just feel the hatred on both sides and from all the fans. I'm definitely going to avoid going out to any bars in downtown Reno to watch this one.

As far as the matchup goes, Klint Kubiak has a lot of familiarity with Kyle Shanahan and the Niners, since Kubes was the Niners' passing game coordinator in 2023. The Kubiak and Shanahan football trees are connected, and I expect both coaches to pull out all the stops to try to get the edge on each other.

The Niners have more talent, but the familiarity should be more than enough to keep this game extremely close. This is essentially Harry Potter vs. Lord Voldemort. I can't wait for these two wizards to match up.

PREDICTION: 49ERS 24, RAIDERS 21

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GREEN BAY PACKERS @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Sunday, November 8 | 1:25 PM PT | FOX

Line: Patriots -3 | O/U: 45.5

Weather: 53°F at Gillette Stadium

Tom Brady returns to Foxboro for the first time as an announcer.

After shaky starts, the Packers and Patriots are both 5-3 and will look to keep their momentum going, just like Dan Connolly kept his momentum going on one of the greatest big-man plays of all time: his 71-yard kickoff return against the Packers on Sunday Night Football.

Sure, I could show highlights from Green Bay's Super Bowl win over the Pats, but what's the fun in that? Dan Connolly got to live out every big man's dream. It's a good thing he didn't score, because the eruption from that cheer probably would have shattered the earth into a million pieces.

It's pretty crazy to think that these two teams have had only five full-time head coaches combined (Mike McCarthy, Matt LaFleur, Bill Belichick, Jerod Mayo, Mike Vrabel) since that run in 2010.

The Pats have been playing more consistent football and have shown they can stop the run. Green Bay also comes in fairly banged up at receiver, which bodes very well for that Patriots defense. Also, there's no way Drake Maye loses at home in front of Tom Brady.

Give me the Pats at home.

PREDICTION: PATRIOTS 26, PACKERS 23

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SUNDAY NIGHT

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS @ CHICAGO BEARS

Sunday, November 8 | 5:20 PM PT | NBC

Line: Bears -6 | O/U: 47.5

Weather: 49°F at Soldier Field

Do I smell a trap game? I think I do.

Da Bears established a physical presence and took the crowd out of the game early up in Seattle, while the Bucs held Atlanta to zero points in an ugly shutout win.

Caleb Williams didn't miss a beat against the Dark Side defense, extending plays and carving up the Seahawks' secondary with methodical drives down the field. It's crazy to think this is only Williams' third year. The football IQ and decision-making he has shown this year are elite.

On the other side, the Bucs are the first team since 1974 (52 years!) to not complete a pass in a game. The crazy thing is that both teams that didn't complete a pass in those two games actually won. Maybe the service academies aren't so crazy after all.

Baker Mayfield is getting a bad rap, but Tampa's running game is elite, and Baker has been nursing a sore thumb for more than a month. Why wouldn't they just run it? I think Tampa will be totally fine with the same formula, using its ground game to go on grueling drives and take the crowd out of the game in Chicago.

Give me the Bucs in an upset.

PREDICTION: BUCCANEERS 19, BEARS 17

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MONDAY NIGHT

BUFFALO BILLS @ MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Monday, November 9 | 5:15 PM PT | ESPN/ABC

Line: Bills -3.5 | O/U: 45.5

Weather: Dome

There are so many intriguing coaching matchups this week, and this one might take the cake.

Brian Flores and the Vikings defense will look to slow down the freight train that is Joe Brady's offense. The Bills have been nearly unstoppable on offense this year, while the Vikings defense has terrorized opposing QBs with its relentless blitzing.

The last time these two teams met, in 2022, Justin Jefferson (thrown to by Kirk Cousins) made one of the greatest catches of all time on 4th-and-18 to keep the Vikings alive and lead them to victory. Catch of the year!

Josh Allen will do everything he can to make sure the Bills have a much bigger lead so that doesn't happen again. The biggest question for the Vikings is Kyler Murray, who has struggled to fully grasp Kevin O'Connell's offense.

Give me Josh Allen and the Bills.

PREDICTION: BILLS 24, VIKINGS 16

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— Justin Tapp | The Sizzlin CEO