NFL Picks Against the Spread: Week 9

A betting preview of every game (against the spread) on Sunday and Monday in Week 9.


Lock of the Week
It’s put up or shut up time for Detroit. Last year will officially be a fluke if Motor City can’t run over J-Ville.

Lions (-4) at Jaguars
Four of Jacksonville’s six defeats have been by nine or more points, including margins of 38 and 20 points in home losses.


Blowout Bargain
The biggest numbers are not always the biggest risks on the board.

Texans (-10.5) vs. Bills
Four of Houston’s six wins have come by 20 or more points, while three of Buffalo’s four losses have been by 20 or more points.


Straight Up Upsets
Redemption song games for Cam Newton and Mike Vick, who will face two of the worst defenses this week.

Panthers (+3.5) at Redskins
Rather than Cam Newton, RG3 wants to “be compared to Aaron Rodgers, or a guy like that. Someone who’s won Super Bowls.”

Eagles (+3.5) at Saints
New Orleans’ hapless defense is ranked dead last 32nd in the league, allowing 474.7 yards and 30.9 points per game.


Backdoor Covers
These two may or may not be straight up upsets, but they should be close calls decided by a field goal.

Bengals (+4) vs. Broncos
Peyton Manning is 7–0 all-time vs. Cincy, with 1,827 yards, 17 TDs and three INTs. But he can win without covering…

Cowboys (+4.5) at Falcons
The Boys have been losing and the Birds have been winning, but both teams have been doing so by slight margins.


Sucker Bets
Steer clear of these unless you’re a hometown homer with something to prove or a degenerate with an itch to scratch.

Dolphins (-1) at Colts
It’s hard to bet against Andrew Luck, but probably not smart to bet on the Colts.

Raiders (-1) vs. Buccaneers
The Jon Gruden Bowl in the Black Hole could come down to a Sea Bass field goal.

Giants (-3.5) vs. Steelers
Pittsburgh is flying in on Sunday morning before running this New York marathon.

Bears (-4) at Titans
Vanderbilt alum Jay Cutler’s homecoming game in Nashville could be INT party.

Seahawks (-4.5) vs. Vikings
Pete Carroll thinks there’s no way Bama could beat an NFL team. How bout LSU?

Packers (-11) vs. Cardinals
When given respect, Green Bay has failed to cover against supposedly inferior teams.