The Eagles continue to roll along, improving to 7-0 with a win over the Steelers and based on their remaining schedule it looks like they are a near lock for home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. And, the rest of the NFC playoff picture continues to be murky with the Buccaneers and Packers struggling in the first half of the season, while the 49ers are clinging to an NFC West division lead. Let's dive into Week 9.
**All betting lines from bet365.com** (Updated Nov. 6)
Philadelphia Eagles (7-0) @ Houston Texans (1-5-1)
This is another cupcake matchup for the Eagles, who really control their own fate at this point being the lone undefeated team remaining in the NFL. The Texans have a capable pass defense, but the Eagles' aerial attach will prove to be too much. Maybe rookie Dameon Pierce can keep this game interesting? Pick: Eagles, 27-14.
Line: Eagles -14
ML: Eagles
Spread: Texans
Buffalo Bills (6-1) @ New York Jets (5-3)
Robert Saleh has the Jets playing some gritty football, led by the defense. They're definitely one of the bigger surprises so far this season and this is another huge test, coming off a division loss to the Patriots last week. Josh Allen is 5-2 lifetime against the Jets and I think he will find ways to keep the chains moving with his legs in this game. Look for that Bills pass rush to make things uncomfortable for Zach Wilson. Pick: Bills, 26-16.
Line: Bills -11
ML: Bills
Spread: Jets
Carolina Panthers (2-6) @ Cincinnati Bengals (4-4)
Is the Bengals' offense really that pedestrian without Ja'Marr Chase? I was surprised to see how flat they looked against the Browns last week, considering Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd can stretch the field. P.J. Walker has played well the last two weeks since taking over as the Panthers' starter and I think he can keep this team afloat. Pick: Bengals, 23-17.
Line: Bengals -7
ML: Bengals
Spread: Panthers
Green Bay Packers (3-5) @ Detroit Lions (1-6)
The Packers are in a deep hole in the NFC playoff picture and at this point let's not talk about their chances at an NFC North crown, but can they make it to wildcard weekend? Traditionally, you wouldn't think about counting Aaron Rodgers out, but it's looking pretty grim and they'll need a win here over the Lions to start. Pick: Packers, 27-23.
Line: Packers -3.5
ML: Packers
Spread: Packers
Indianapolis Colts (3-4-1) @ New England Patriots (4-4)
The Sam Ehlinger era is underway in Indy and the Colts fell victim last week to a late touchdown by the Commanders. This will be a big test for the young quarterback as Bill Belichick has a history of feasting on passers he's coaching again for the first time. I like the Pats here and their defense. Pick: Patriots, 23-13.
Line: Patriots -5
ML: Patriots
Spread: Patriots
Los Angeles Chargers (4-3) @ Atlanta Falcons (4-4)
The Chargers will be without Keenan Allen and Mike Williams in this game, which means Austin Ekeler could have a heavy workload. This game is a bit tough to call as the Falcons' secondary has played better in recent weeks and I'm not in love with the lack of weapons at Justin Herbert's disposal. Pick: Chargers, 23-21.
Line: Chargers -3
ML: Chargers
Spread: Falcons
Las Vegas Raiders (2-5) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6)
It hasn't been a good start to Josh McDaniels' tenure as the Raiders' head coach and last week's shutout loss to the Saints was an eye-opener. Derek Carr and Davante Adams need to get back on track against the Jags here and the question for the Raiders will be if their front seven can slow down Travis Etienne? Pick: Raiders, 24-21.
Line: Raiders -2
ML: Raiders
Spread: Raiders
Miami Dolphins (5-3) @ Chicago Bears (3-5)
The Dolphins look like they're back on track having won two in a row upon Tua Tagovailoa's return to the lineup. The Bears are tricky to predict as Justin Fields seems to be finding a rhythm with his legs, keeping opposing defenses on their toes. Soldier Field can make for a tough road game, but I think the Dolphins find a way to come out on top this week. Pick: Dolphins, 23-17.
Line: Dolphins -4
ML: Dolphins
Spread: Dolphins
Minnesota Vikings (6-1) @ Washington Commanders (4-4)
The Vikings have a commanding lead in the NFC North and will now turn their attention to the Commanders, where Kirk Cousins has a perfect revenge spot scenario. I don't think there is much difference between Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke at the quarterback position and this team should remain competitive, but the Vikings should be able to lean on their ground game here to get this win. Pick: Vikings, 24-20.
Line: Vikings -3
ML: Vikings
Spread: Vikings
Seattle Seahawks (5-3) @ Arizona Cardinals (3-5)
The Seahawks have been resilient this season with Geno Smith taking over as the starter and will push for a playoff spot come January. I think the Cardinals are due here though and with James Conner expected to be back in the lineup, they should have a solid one-two punch in the backfield along with Eno Benjamin. Pick: Cardinals, 27-24.
Line: Cardinals -1.5
ML: Cardinals
Spread: Cardinals
Los Angeles Rams (3-4) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5)
Another tough game to pick with two teams in desperate need of a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. I really think the Bucs grind this one out as the Rams' offense has been very one-dimensional to this point. Pick: Buccaneers, 24-20.
Line: Buccaneers -3
ML: Buccaneers
Spread: Buccaneers
Tennessee Titans (5-2) @ Kansas City Chiefs (5-2)
This is a large spread considering both these teams lead their divisions in the AFC and I think it has to do with the uncertainty around Ryan Tannehill's ankle injury. Even if it ends up being Malik Willis, the heart and soul of this Titans offense is the ground game. Patrick Mahomes should be able to move the chains with relative ease, but I still like the Titans to keep this game in check. Pick: Chiefs, 27-17.
Line: Chiefs -12.5
ML: Chiefs
Spread: Titans
Baltimore Ravens (5-3) @ New Orleans Saints (3-5)
The Ravens' offense will be very short-handed on Monday night as Rashod Bateman, Gus Edwards and Mark Andrews won't play. That's significant for Lamar Jackson and puts a lot of pressure on him to be the biggest playmaker in this game. Can the Ravens' defense step up and force Andy Dalton into some turnovers? Pick: Ravens, 20-17.
Line: Ravens -1.5
ML: Ravens
Spread: Ravens
Results
Week 8
ML: 11-4
ATS: 10-5
Overall
ML: 76-47
ATS: 70-51-2
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