Three NFL experts from the Prime Time Sports Talk staff came together to share their picks for Week 9.
These three writers will continue to make their picks for the entire season, earning two points for any correct win-loss outcome and an additional three points for correctly predicting the exact score. (Failure to accurately predict a tie will be treated as a loss.) A cumulative points total and record will be listed at the bottom of every article. An archive of all 17 regular-season and four playoff editions can be found here.
Mike Fanelli, Joe Heller, and Andersen Pickard contributed to this article.
Green Bay Packers vs. San Francisco 49ers
Mike Fanelli: Packers 24, 49ers 17
The Packers are dealing with a few players being on the COVID-19 list. Meanwhile, the 49ers won’t have Jimmy Garoppolo or George Kittle for several weeks and are also going to be without Deebo Samuel, Tevin Coleman, Brandon Aiyuk, Kendrick Bourne, and Trent Williams. Unless the 49ers’ running game can repeat what Dalvin Cook did on Sunday, the Packers get the victory.
Joe Heller: Packers 31, 49ers 13
Aaron Rodgers and the Packers had the advantage in the game already. Add the rest of the injuries and COVID-related absences and this could be a full-scale blowout on national TV.
Andersen Pickard: Packers 24, 49ers 13
The Packers struggled last week against the Minnesota Vikings and were unable to cap off a comeback. They should fare better this week against a decimated San Francisco squad.
New York Giants vs. Washington Football Team
Mike: Washington 24, Giants 20
These two teams played a few weeks back and it came down to an unsuccessful two-point conversion. The Giants got their first win of the season in that game and almost won on Monday night against the Buccaneers. However, Washington is coming off a victory over the Dallas Cowboys and their bye week. Expect them to get even with the Giants.
Joe: Giants 24, Washington 20
The Giants will get their second victory and move closer to the top spot in the NFC East just six days after moving into position to acquire the No. 2 overall pick.
Andersen: Washington 24, Giants 17
Washington has looked solid lately and Kyle Allen has blossomed into a decent starter. He has plenty to learn and improve upon, but he’s in line for a good performance on Sunday. Meanwhile, if the Washington defense can pressure Daniel Jones early on often, the Duke product will be rattled out of the gate and make several crucial mistakes throughout the contest.
Chicago Bears vs. Tennessee Titans
Mike: Titans 27, Bears 20
A few weeks ago, both these teams looked like Super Bowl contenders. However, both are coming off losses and need a win. The Titans were embarrassed by the Bengals last week but will bounce back on Sunday.
Joe: Titans 27, Bears 20
The Titans have struggled defensively, especially on third downs. The Bears’ offense could be the perfect remedy for them. Mike Vrabel‘s bunch are looking to get back in the win column as the calendar has now flipped to November.
Andersen: Titans 21, Bears 17
For the second straight week, we’re all picking the Titans to win. They let us down last week but should bounce back against a Chicago offense that has been shaky. Nevertheless, it will be fascinating to see which side comes out on top as one of the league’s most exciting offenses in Tennessee goes toe-to-toe with one of the most unforgiving defenses in Chicago.
Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings
Mike: Lions 27, Vikings 24
Thanks to Dalvin Cook, the Vikings were able to pull off an upset over the Packers last week. Meanwhile, the Lions got blown out by the Colts. Unless Cook can repeat his performance from last week, look for the Lions to get the close victory.
Joe: Vikings 37, Lions 34
Dalvin Cook will tally another 200-plus yards from scrimmage while Matthew Stafford will make plays to keep his team in the game, but come up just short.
Andersen: Vikings 28, Lions 24
The Vikings are an unpredictable team as of late, but against a Lions team that won’t have Kenny Golladay on Sunday, Minnesota should win. Dalvin Cook could be due for another huge game.
Carolina Panthers vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Mike: Chiefs 38, Panthers 21
In case you needed any more proof, the Chiefs destroyed the Jets last week. The Panthers are coming off a close defeat at the hands of the Falcons on Thursday night. This game won’t be very close as the Chiefs win by two or more touchdowns.
Joe: Chiefs 41, Panthers 30
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs get the victory in this one. The Panthers will make it a game but won’t be able to keep up on the scoreboard.
Andersen: Chiefs 34, Panthers 24
A garbage-time touchdown will make this game look close, but in reality, the Chiefs will have control the whole time.
Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Mike: Texans 27, Jaguars 17
In a battle of 1-6 teams, the Jaguars will be without Gardner Minshew for this game. Expect the Texans to send pressure early and often against his replacement, Jake Luton. For the Texans, if they have any hope of making the playoffs, they must win this game.
Joe: Texans 31, Jaguars 17
This had the potential to be a closer game and potentially a shootout between division rivals, but with Gardner Minshew sidelined for the Jaguars, Deshaun Watson the Texans will win this one easily.
Andersen: Texans 24, Jaguars 17
The Texans will win on Sunday, but the Jaguars will make it close. Jake Luton’s live arm will give Jacksonville a chance to win, but a late-game rookie mistake will hand the victory to Houston.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Indianapolis Colts
Mike: Ravens 24, Colts 23
Many might think this will be an easy win for the Ravens, but it won’t be. They struggled to throw the ball against the Steelers last week while the Colts were impressive in their win over the Lions. The Ravens will win the game but by less than a field goal.
Joe: Ravens 27, Colts 20
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens will rebound from their loss to the Steelers last week. Colts quarterback Philip Rivers will throw a late-game interception, thwarting his team’s comeback.
Andersen: Ravens 24, Colts 20
The Ravens struggled last week against the Steelers, and while they could continue to post bad results against a stingy Colts defense, Indianapolis’ offense won’t be able to propel them past Baltimore.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Buffalo Bills
Mike: Seahawks 38, Bills 27
The Bills needed to blow out the Patriots last week yet only won because Cam Newton fumbled. If not for an overtime loss to the Cardinals, the Seahawks would be undefeated this season. Expect this game to be an ugly one for Buffalo fans.
Joe: Seahawks 34, Bills 30
Russell Wilson will continue his MVP-caliber season. While Josh Allen and the Bills keep up on the scoreboard, Wilson and the Seahawks will pull ahead in the end.
Andersen: Seahawks 34, Bills 27
This is going to be a blowout. While the Seahawks will win by a touchdown, the Bills’ offense will fire on all cylinders against a porous Seattle defense. Nevertheless, the Seahawks have the best offense in football and will rip apart a Buffalo defense that has underperformed this year.
Denver Broncos vs. Atlanta Falcons
Mike: Falcons 27, Broncos 24
Somehow, someway, the Broncos got the last-second victory over the Chargers last week. That says more about the Chargers than the Broncos. While the Falcons are the master at last-minute collapses, expect them to get their second win in a row.
Joe: Falcons 27, Broncos 24
The Falcons look like a different team since head coach Dan Quinn got fired. While Drew Lock is coming off of an impressive fourth-quarter come-from-behind victory over the Chargers, the Falcons will seal this game late.
Andersen: Broncos 24, Falcons 23
The Falcons win football games because of their passing game, but two of their top receivers (Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage) may be inactive this week. If Ridley sits out, the Broncos quickly become the favorites and should be able to edge out Atlanta on Sunday.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Mike: Raiders 31, Chargers 28
Despite the crazy winds, the Raiders were able to pull off the upset over the red-hot Browns last week. Now, they face a Chargers team that finds new ways to lose every week. While Justin Herbert should keep the Chargers in the game, the defense will find a way to choke away the victory.
Joe: Raiders 27, Chargers 20
Derek Carr and the Raiders will pull out another victory over a division rival. They will continue to bite at the Chiefs’ heels in the AFC West while Justin Herbert will throw a costly interception late.
Andersen: Raiders 23, Chargers 20
Though marginal, the Raiders should pick up a victory over their divisional rivals this week. Las Vegas remains in the hunt for a position in the AFC playoffs but continues to be hurt by injuries to their secondary and offensive line.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Dallas Cowboys
Mike: Steelers 41, Cowboys 13
Before the season started, this would have been the best game in Week 9. However, the Cowboys have been killed with injuries and don’t have the firepower to keep up with Pittsburgh. Don’t be surprised if Ben Roethlisberger is pulled early in the fourth quarter as this game turns into a blowout.
Joe: Steelers 38, Cowboys 13
The lone remaining undefeated team has had to fight to hold off late-game comeback attempts in the last two weeks. That won’t be the case this week. The Cowboys’ derailed season will continue their free fall to the top of the Draft board.
Andersen: Steelers 31, Cowboys 9
The Cowboys will struggle once again, sparking a whole lot of questions throughout the organization. The Steelers should impress in all facets of their game as they cruise to 8-0.
Miami Dolphins vs. Arizona Cardinals
Mike: Cardinals 31, Dolphins 14
While the Dolphins were able to win in Tua Tagovailoa’s debut, the Rams gave the game away. However, the Cardinals are coming off their overtime win against the Seahawks and bye week. With two weeks to prepare for Tua and the Dolphins, expect this game to get out of hand.
Joe: Dolphins 24, Cardinals 21
Tua Tagovailoa will get his second NFL victory in as many attempts. The Cardinals will have a bye week hangover; their timing will be off just enough offensively for Miami’s defense to capitalize.
Andersen: Cardinals 31, Dolphins 23
After Miami’s defense had a huge game last week, they will struggle against the Cardinals. Kyler Murray and co. will show off their highly-flying offense while Tua Tagovailoa continues to play subpar football and the Dolphins fall to 4-4.
New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mike: Buccaneers 31, Saints 27
This Sunday night game should be the best this weekend. Two future Hall of Famers in Tom Brady and Drew Brees will battle it out. Brees and Saints got the victory over Brady and the Buccaneers in Week 1 in New Orleans. However, expect Brady to have his best game of the year with the addition of Antonio Brown as the Buccaneers get the victory.
Joe: Buccaneers 41, Saints 38
Tom Brady and Drew Brees in primetime will continue their back-and-forth battle for the top spot for career touchdown passes. Antonio Brown will come up big in his Buccaneers debut while Brees will struggle without his top receivers against the Buccaneers’ defense.
Andersen: Buccaneers 38, Saints 31
The Buccaneers will win big yet again this week, defeating the Saints by a touchdown while the two teams combine for nearly 70 points. Antonio Brown will be the name to watch in Week 9, though Tom Brady vs. Drew Brees will certainly garner attention, too.
New England Patriots vs. New York Jets
Mike: Patriots 13, Jets 10
Hopefully, you have something more entertaining to do Monday night, like watch paint dry or count how many birds are in a tree. This game is going to be boring and hard to watch. Both offenses are awful thanks to poor quarterback play. However, one team has Adam Gase coaching them, and that’s why they will lose.
Joe: Jets 21, Patriots 13
For the second week in a row, MetLife Stadium will host a Monday night game. This time, the home team Jets will be on the winning end, for the first time this season. If he continues to struggle, Cam Newton may be starting his last game for the Patriots.
Andersen: Patriots 20, Jets 14
While both teams are struggling, Monday night’s game should be fun to watch and could explain a lot about the future power balance of the AFC East. The Patriots may have been bad lately, but the Jets are far worse. New England will win.
Point Totals
Mike: 160
Joe: 150
Andersen: 153
Records
Mike: 80-39
Joe: 75-44
Andersen: 75-44
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