Pick: Packers 27, 49ers 24. Denver Broncos at Atlanta Falcons (-4) Sunday, 1 p.m. Game of the Midweek: Oakland Raiders at San Francisco 49ers (-3) Thursday 8:20 p.m., Fox.
It’s Week 9 of the NFL season, which kicks off on Thursday with the San Francisco 49ers facing the Arizona Cardinals, so it’s time for our weekly look at the point spreads in order to help you win some money.
Last week, Charles Curtis went 5-9 in Week 8 picks(61-58 overall) and Steven Ruiz went 5-9 (63-57 overall). We now go to each of them for comments before their picks.
Charles: Woof. To paraphrase Bill Belichick, we’re on to Week 9.
Steven: What Charles said. Let’s just pretend last week didn’t happen.
(All bets courtesy of BetMGM)
Note: the Vikings-Chiefs game was off the board at the time of publication.
49ers at Cardinals (+9.5)
Charles: 49ers
I made a huge mistake last week thinking the Panthers could cover against San Fran. Am I really going to expect the Cards to cover in a short week against that defense? Nope.
Steven: 49ers
The 49ers are arguably the best team in football — yes, even better than the Pats — and the Cardinals are not that. This should be an easy win for San Francisco.
Texans at Jaguars (+1.5)
Charles: Texans
I do think the Jags can keep up, but I’ll take Houston by a field goal on the road.
Steven: Texans
The Texans always seem to play down to their competition, and I can see that happening on Sunday. But I’m rolling with Deshaun Watson, who continues to do amazing things every Sunday.
Forbes Nfl Week 9 Picks Bleacher Report
Redskins at Bills (-10.5)
Charles: Bills
It’s becoming clear that Buffalo is a good football team that also has a very easy schedule. And if they face Dwayne Haskins on Sunday? Covering this spread shouldn’t be a problem.
Steven: Redskins
I just don’t know if Josh Allen is good enough to cover that big of a spread. As long as Washington can protect the ball, this will be a low-scoring game. Take the points and the under.
Titans at Panthers (-3.5)
Charles: Titans
My faith in Kyle Allen is about to go out the window … yeah, yeah, I know, that was quick. The Titans are good enough to cover here with their defense.
Steven: Titans
If the Panthers can’t run, their offense will struggle to move the ball, and the Titans have the second-best run defense in the NFL, per Football Outsider’s DVOA.
Bears at Eagles (-4.5)
Charles: Bears
This was my reaction to seeing that line:
So yeah, I’ll take the points.
Steven: Eagles
Yeah, this is a tough game to pick. My advice would be to stay away, but since I have to make a pick, I’ll go with the better team and quarterback.
Jets at Dolphins (+3)
Charles: Jets
The Fins have been playing feisty football as of late, but this is the Sam Darnold Redemption Game. Jets by a touchdown.
Steven: Dolphins
I’m calling it: The Dolphins get their first win of the season. The Jets are a mess and this awkward trade deadline won’t help matters.
Nfl Week 9 Picks Predictions
Colts at Steelers (-1)
Charles: Colts
Indy keeps playing in close games, so winning by two or more — especially if James Conner is banged up — doesn’t seem that outlandish.
Steven: Colts
Does Vegas know something I don’t? Not only am I taking that point, but I’ll also take the Colts straight-up, too.
Lions at Raiders (-2.5)
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Charles: Lions
This is a really tough one for me. Both teams are good, not great, with flaws. So I figure I’ll take the points when it’s basically 50-50.
Steven: Lions
This is another coinflip game. The Raiders offense has been better than you probably realize, but the same can be said about Matt Stafford, who is quietly having a career year. I think that’ll continue against a suspect Raiders pass defense.
Buccaneers at Seahawks (-6.5)
Charles: Buccaneers
This seems like a hair too big to me. Seattle’s defense isn’t good enough to cover a touchdown spread against an offense that, while it’s mistake-prone, can easily backdoor cover.
Steven: Buccaneers
Agree with Charles. The Seahawks seem deadset on keeping every game they play this season within one score. The Bucs have enough offensive firepower to put up points on Seattle’s struggling defense.
Browns at Broncos (+3)
Charles: Browns
I hate this. I really do. Of course we’re being dared to bet on the Browns to be road favorites against Brandon Allen. And I nearly backed the Arkansas product whose teammates make up a pretty good defense. But I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Ugh.
Steven: Broncos
Denver is a tough place to play and the Broncos defense could give the Browns fits. Cleveland could lose this one straight up.
Packers at Chargers (+3.5)
Charles: Packers
Forbes Nfl Week 9 Picks
I’ll take the MVP candidate QB who might get his No. 1 receiver back this week, thanks.
Steven: Packers
This line is waaaaaaay too low. Aaron Rodgers is back to playing at a high level and the same cannot be said for this frustrating Chargers team.
Patriots at Ravens (+3.5)
Charles: Patriots
If there’s anyone who can figure out the defense that will keep Lamar Jackson in check, it’s Bill Belichick.
Steven: Ravens
I know I’m going out on a limb, but Belichick has had trouble with dual-threat quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson. I could see the Ravens quarterback having a big day against a historically good Pats defense. Give me the points.
Cowboys at Giants (+7.5)
Charles: Cowboys
Fresh off a bye, in primetime and facing a Giants squad that turns over the ball a lot seems like a good time to take Dallas.
Steven: Cowboys
That’s a big spread to cover, but I just don’t have any faith in a bad Giants team keeping pace with the NFL’s most efficient offense. Dak Prescott will have a big day and the Cowboys will roll.
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