NFL picks Week 9: Falcons-49ers and every other game
Oct 19, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs past Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis (58) to score a touchdown in the third quarter at Lambeau Field. The Packers beat the Panthers 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills (-3)
This one is tough to predict. Buffalo (3-4) should have Tyrod Taylor back which will help, but Miami (3-4) has bounced back well under Dan Campbell if you take out the Patriots game last week. The Dolphins get back on track and pick up a huge road win inside the division.
Pick: Miami 27, Buffalo 22
Green Bay Packers (-2.5) at Carolina Panthers
Green Bay (6-1) couldn’t have played any worse in Denver, but not many teams will beat the Broncos on that form. Carolina (7-0) hasn’t been flashy, but they are a gritty team that get it done. Still, Aaron Rodgers hasn’t lost two games in a row since 2010, and I expect the Pack to bounce back.
Pick: Green Bay 24, Carolina 17
Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets (NO LINE)
This one will depend on the availability of Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brandon Marshall for New York (4-3). If they can go, the Jets are favorites. It’s hard to see Fitzpatrick being able to go, or at least at 100 percent, after tearing a ligament in his thumb. The Jaguars (2-5) get it done after the bye.
Pick: Jacksonville 20, New York 14
St. Louis Rams at Minnesota Vikings (-2.5)
This is a game I’ve been looking forward to for weeks. These two teams are so similar. Strong defenses, dominant run games and capable quarterbacks. The way Todd Gurley is playing, I expect him to find a way past the Minnesota (5-2) defense. St. Louis (4-3) will find a way to slow down Teddy Bridgewater.
Pick: St. Louis 20, Minnesota 16
Washington Redskins at New England Patriots (-14.5)
No contest.
Pick: New England 34, Washington 7
Tennessee Titans at New Orleans Saints (NO LINE)
New Orleans (4-4) is rolling, with Drew Brees fresh off a seven-touchdown performance against the Giants. With or without Marcus Mariota, Tennessee (1-6) isn’t getting it done.
Pick: New Orleans 24, Tennessee 7
Next: More early games and the late games