NFL picks Week 9: Falcons-49ers and every other game

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) after the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Oakland Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers (-4.5)

Derek Carr is playing lights out, throwing four touchdowns against a strong Jets defense last week. Ben Roethlisberger is back, but he didn’t look 100 percent last week. The Raiders (4-3) are playing well and the Steelers (4-4) will miss Le’Veon Bell.

Pick: Oakland 21, Pittsburgh 19

New York Giants (-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

New York (4-4) is incredibly up-and-down this year, and Tampa Bay (3-4) isn’t playing with any consistency either. The Giants offense was rolling against the Saints and Eli Manning couldn’t have done any more to win. They get the job done this week.

Pick: New York 27, Tampa Bay 16

Denver Broncos (-4.5) at Indianapolis Colts

For one quarter, Andrew Luck looked like the player we’re used to seeing. But Indianapolis (3-5) is a mess right now, and Denver (7-0) is on fire. It’s hard to see Luck not turning it over multiple times against this defense, and the Broncos will exploit a poor defense.

Pick: Denver 23, Indianapolis 13

Philadelphia Eagles (-2.5) at Dallas Cowboys

Dallas (2-5) hasn’t won a game since beating Philadelphia (3-4) in Week 2. Tony Romo of course went down that week, and the Cowboys haven’t coped in his absence. That won’t change this week.

Pick: Philadelphia 24, Dallas 14

Chicago Bears at San Diego Chargers (-4)

Losses are piling up for San Diego (2-6) and this season could get ugly in a hurry. Chicago (2-5) has played better than many expected, but it hasn’t been able to close out tight games. John Fox heaps some more misery on a team he knows a lot about.

Pick: Chicago 23, San Diego 20

Last week: 9-5 
Season: 78-40