NFL WEEK 9 preview and predictions

Here we go. We are officially past the trade deadline, and halfway through the NFL season. Teams have made moves to gear up for a playoff run, and others have decided that their offseason trade for a superstar QB that does high knees 50,000ft in the air, may not be working out. Not naming any names. i’m coming off a below average 6-7 week last week in predictions. I take full responsibility for my poor performance. It’s bounce back time.

TNF: Philadelphia Eagles (7-0) AT Houston Texans (1-5-1)

The NFL’s #1 team in the league takes on a team that will be in the running for the #1 draft pick. The Eagles will showcase a dynamic offense led by Jalen Hurts, and his weapons, AJ Brown, Miles Sanders, and Devonta Smith. The Texans have had a disappointing start to the year, as Davis Mills has not shown he can be “the guy.” The Texans have the 30th worst defense in the league while the Eagles have the 3rd best offense in the league.

This one could get ugly. Eagles 30-14.

Buffalo bills (6-1) at new york jets (5-3)

A very intriguing divisional matchup as the surging Bills travel to the meadowlands to face the Jets, who are reeling from a disappointing loss in Week 8 against the Patriots. Zach Wilson has not performed very efficiently as he has 3:5 TD/INT ratio. Now, he’s going up against one of the best defenses in the NFL? Yikes.

Bills 24-13.

Carolina panthers (2-6) at Cincinnati bengals (4-4)

Somebody please protect Joe Burrow. The Bengals allowed 5 sacks in their Week 8 loss to Cleveland, and did not give Burrow anytime to throw the ball. The Panthers are coming off a shootout, 37-34 overtime loss to the Falcons. Weirdly, the Panthers offense has looked better since getting rid of McCaffery. DJ Moore looks tremendous and the Bengals top CB Awuzie is out for the season.

But…… I like the Bengals to bounce back. 30-24 Cincinnati.

Green bay packers (3-5) at Detroit lions (1-6)

The Packers are reeling, losers of 4 in a row after starting 3-1. This is a good “get right” game for them, but the Lions have proven to be frisky the last couple of years. The Lions have been disappointing this season, as they have failed to take a step forward from last season. This is a closer game, I believe then we think.

Give me the Packers 27-24.

Indianapolis colts (3-4-1) at new England patriots (4-4)

The Sam Ehlinger era started off with a 17-16 loss to the Commanders in Week 8. Ehlinger did a better job taking care of the ball than Ryan, and looks to continue that against a frisky Patriots defense. Mac Jones started and led the Patriots to a Week 8 win against the hot New York Jets. The Pats like to run the ball, and the Colts are at the bottom half of the league in Run Defense. I like the Pats at home here.

Patriots 24-14.

Miami dolphins (5-3) at chicago bears (3-5)

The Dolphins are coming off a much needed, come from behind win on the road in Detroit. Waddle & Tyreek Hill have been everything they have desired and more. Now add Bradley Chubb, and Jeff Wilson Jr. to the mix, and the Miami Dolphins may be a Super Bowl contender. In Week 8, the Bears were dominated in every single facet of the game by the Cowboys. Now they have to try and contain the Miami offense?

Dolphins 31-17.

los angeles chargers (4-3) at atlanta falcons (4-4)

After a much needed BYE week, the Chargers travel to Atlanta, where they will take on the Falcons. LA’s defense has been banged up, but hopefully the extra week of rest gave some time for guys to heal. The Falcons sitting at 4-4 has surprised a lot of people. Coach Arthur Smith is running the ball more than any other team in the league and it is working. The Chargers Run D is not very good, but I like LA on coming off a BYE, in a close one.

Chargers 31-30.

LAS vegas raiders (2-5) at Jacksonville jaguars (2-6)

Two very disappointing teams meet to showcase who is the least disappointing. The Jaguars are coming off a London loss to the Broncos, while the Raiders were just shut out on the road in New Orleans. The Raiders have been horrible on both sides of the ball, while the Jaguars have been terribly inconsistent. However, Travis Etienne has been a great breakout player for the Jags.

I like the Jags 24-20.

Minnesota vikings (6-1) at Washington commanders (4-4)

The Vikings are hot, winners of 5 in a row. They travel to D.C. to take on Taylor Heinicke and the Commanders, who have quietly won three in a row. However, I do not think the Commanders have enough offense to hang with Minnesota.

Vikes 27-17, moving to 7-1.

SEattle Seahawks (5-3) at arizona cardinals (3-5)

One of the biggest stories of the NFL season has been Geno Smith and the 5-3 Seahawks. No one expected them to be this good, and no one expected Geno to perform so well. They are #1 in the NFC West and travel to Arizona for a divisional matchup. Arizona has had a disappointing season to start, but are looking to turn it around. I like Kyler/Hopkins to get the Cardinals back on track in an upset.

Cardinals 31-27.

Los Angeles rams (3-4) at tampa bay buccaneers (3-5)

One of, if not the biggest game of the week. Two teams that battled in the NFC divisional round last year, and also the last two Super Bowl Champions. Both teams are reeling, as lackluster offense as plagued both squads. This is a tough one, as both teams contain so much potential. I think Brady stops the losing skid, but it will be a tight one.

Bucs 24-21.

SNF: Tennessee titans (5-2) at kansas city chiefs (5-2)

Two of the best teams in the AFC battle it out in primetime this Sunday night. Kansas City has played extremely well out of the gate, as their offense has looked as explosive as ever. Derrick Henry is coming off his 6th 200yd rushing effort. This will be a physical game, but I got to go with the Chiefs at home.

Kansas City 30-21.

MNF: Baltimore ravens (5-3) at new orleans saints (3-5)

Week 9 wraps up as the Ravens head to the bayou to take on Andy Dalton and the Saints. The Ravens will be extra rested, as they will not have played in 11 days after their Thursday night victory over Tampa in Week 8. New Orleans is coming off a shutout victory over the Raiders. their defense looked phenomenal, and their offense did their job. But can they contain Lamar Jackson? No.

Ravens 24-14.