It’s Week 9 NFL picks and betting time and the pretenders have been weeded out. What we’re left with are a whole lot of sexy matchups and wagering opportunities. I’m pumped and you should be too. Let’s hit it.
Editors Note: Check also our NFL Week 9 Preview by DS Williamson
Week 9 NFL Picks
Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-1)
The Falcons showed some guts last week at home. They could have easily collapsed like they did last year. But they didn’t. They gutted it out. That tells me that their ascent is upon us. As for the Bucs? Well, they feel like a bridesmaid – never a winner, always a closer runner-up. Give me the better team to win. Heck, even a tie will cover the spread!
Carolina Panthers (-2) at Los Angeles Rams
Typically, I like to ride the team coming off a bye. But not this time. The Panthers got their game back this past week and have no margin for error. For Carolina, every game is do or die from here on in. Meanwhile, the Rams are still searching for some consistency and an identity. Give me the urgency and lay a couple of points on the defending conference champs.
New Orleans Saints (-3) at San Francisco 49ers
Normally, I wouldn’t want to lay any points on the Saints on the road. But wow, are the 49ers bad or what? This is a team with no leadership and no chance. Meanwhile, Drew Brees is looking all world at the moment. In a mega-shootout because the Saints can’t play D, give me New Orleans to cover.
Denver Broncos (-1) at Oakland Raiders
Denver’s offense isn’t sharp right now. They’ve lost their top RB and they have a couple of banged up players on D. Heck, even defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is battling a sideline injury. And then there are the Raiders and Derek Carr coming off a 500+ yards passing performance. The Raiders are supposed to win here, right? Wrong.
Denver’s D is Denver’s D. They are going to a place where Oakland has lost more than they have won this year. Had Carr not thrown for 500 yards this spread might have been -3. So you’re getting some value here. Give me the defending champs to win.
Matthew Ross is a sports commentator and a radio host on TSN 690 Radio in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Follow him @MatthewWords.