2018 NFL Picks Week 9: Short and Sweet
A fantastic Week 8 has us well above .500, just in time for a less-obsessive-than-usual Week 9 of picks. I helped pack up my fiancee’s apartment and drive from Arizona to Texas this week, so I didn’t have a chance to get as deep into the stats as usual. I’m sure you’re all crying uncontrollably, but maybe you can follow these picks and win some money to make up for it.
Oakland Raiders +3 at San Francisco 49ers
I was mostly banking on Derek Carr to outscore CJ Beathard here, but San Francisco turned to Nick Mullens and went bonkers. Jon Gruden continues to suck.
Buffalo Bills +10 vs. Chicago Bears
Mitch Trubisky shouldn’t be giving anyone double-digit points on the road, even the Bills. Something like 13-7 feels right.
Kansas City Chiefs -8 at Cleveland Browns
Patrick Mahomes is going to continue putting up 30+ points per game, and the Browns just aren’t good enough to keep pace after firing their head coach and offensive coordinator.
Minnesota Vikings -5 vs. Detroit Lions
Detroit remains remarkably inconsistent, and I like the home team here covering by a touchdown.
Atlanta Falcons +1.5 at Washington Redskins
Washington stops the run well, but Matt Ryan and Julio Jones don’t have to worry about that. Alex Smith can’t run for enough first downs to win against an offensive powerhouse.
Carolina Panthers -7 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As much fun as it was to watch the return of Fitzmagic last week, the Panthers are rolling right now and their defense is rounding into shape. They’ll cover more than a touchdown at home.
Pittsburgh Steelers +3 at Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore beat Pittsburgh pretty handily just a few weeks ago, but the Steelers still have a much higher ceiling and won’t lose to their rival twice in the same season.
Denver Broncos -2.5 vs. Houston Texans
Von Miller is going to love the Houston offensive line, especially with the crowd noise and altitude in Denver.
Los Angeles Chargers +1 at Seattle Seahawks
The Chargers are a scary team, with just two losses on the season to the Chiefs and Rams. Seattle has been surprisingly good, but the Chargers’ offensive attack will expose the holes in the once formidable Seahawks defense.
New Orleans Saints EVEN vs. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams have a brutal schedule, making 16-0 even more difficult than usual. Going into the Superdome after a narrow escape against Aaron Rodgers sounds like a dangerous proposition.
Green Bay Packers +5.5 at New England Patriots
Getting to pick Aaron Rodgers against a soft defense two weeks in a row feels like a rare gift. Do you really think he’ll get blown out against a defense incapable of stopping anyone?
Tennessee Titans +6.5 at Dallas Cowboys
The Titans defense is good for no reason I can pinpoint, but it’s going to be tough for the Cowboys, even at home. Take the under while you’re at it.
That's all for this week! Kick back, grab a drink, and feel free to blame me if you put money on these picks and come out behind. I won't compensate you, but maybe your significant others will send their wrath in my direction instead of yours.
