NFL Week 9 Picks

We are in Week 9 of the NFL season, which means the Trade Deadline has come and gone. Per usual, their was very little action at the NFL trade deadline. In fact, there was only one trade on the day of the deadline (which was Tuesday). However, a pretty shocking trade involving an All-Pro player went down on Monday, and few (including myself) could believe it. The Cleveland Browns, they worst team in the league, sent a conditional 3rd round pick (if they get one, which they're expected to; if not, it will be a 4th-rounder) to the New England Patriots, the best team in the league, for star linebacker Jamie Collins. Now, there have been many explanations for why Bill Belichick sent Collins packing, including the fact that he is a free agent after this season and was apparently asking for more money than New England was willing to give him. Regardless of the reasoning, I love this trade for the Browns. Yes, I am biased, but the Browns are basically risking nothing for a potentially high reward. They had tons of draft capital to spend, and instead of using one of those many picks to draft someone they hope will turn into a major contributor, they went out and got someone who has already shown he can be a major contributor. Plus, if they can't re-sign him (which I think they will), they'll more than likely get a conditional third round pick next year. So, while the only remaining winless team in the NFL might not win a game this season, they pulled off a pretty good trade Monday and look to be headed in the right direction.

Last Week: 9-4 (7-6 vs. Spread)
Overall: 67-51 (59-60 vs. Spread)

(Home Team Listed Last)

Thursday
Falcons 32, Buccaneers 24 (8:25 PM, NFLN)
The Bucs beat Atlanta the first week of the season, but there is no way the talented Falcons let that happen again. They are 5-2 since that Week 1 loss, while Tampa Bay is 2-4 since that first win. Atlanta won't have Tevin Coleman again but they beat Green Bay on Sunday without him.

Sunday
Cowboys 34, Browns 28 (1:00 PM, FOX)
Two rookie third-round quarterbacks will probably be facing off against each other (Hue Jackson hasn't said who's starting) as Dak Prescott goes up against Cody Kessler. Both have played solidly, but Prescott has a far superior supporting cast.
Steelers 32, Ravens 21 (1:00 PM, CBS)
Ben Roethlisberger looks like he might return Sunday, and if he does, Pittsburgh had more than enough talent to take out Baltimore. If he can't go, it gets a little cloudier. The Steelers have lost the last two weeks, but that was against the Pats, and against Barry Sanders Jay Ajayi and Miami.
Jaguars 17, Chiefs 35 (1:00 PM, CBS)
The Jags are not good. I've tried to talk myself into them, but they keep talking me out. The Chiefs, meanwhile, continue to look like a playoff team built off defense and rushing, even without Jamaal Charles and now Alex Smith.
Jets 20, Dolphins 24 (1:00 PM, CBS)
These are two not-very-good teams, but both are riding two-game win streaks. I'm more impressed by Miami's streak (and Jay Ajayi's two straight 200-yard games), as they've beaten Pittsburgh (albeit sans Big Ben) and Buffalo.
Eagles 24, Giants 31 (1:00 FOX)
This should be a good game. Both teams currently sit in second place in the NFC East behind Dallas, but while Philadelphia has lost three of its last four (including last week), the Giants have won two straight and are at home.
Lions 24, Vikings 17 (1:00 PM, FOX)
After surprisingly starting the season 5-0 despite injuries to key offensive players, the Vikings have lost two in a row. It looks like their offensive deficiencies (namely the line) are finally catching up with them. Ziggy Ansah and company may give Minnesota problems on Sunday.
Panthers 32, Rams 27 (4:05 PM, FOX)
The Panthers got their second win of the season last week, beating Arizona, while the Rams lost their third straight (this time to the Giants in London). I'll take Cam Newton over Case Keenum any day of the week, even a Cam who's beaten up and 2-5.
Saints 42, 49ers 27 (4:05 PM, FOX)
I think the Niners may have the worst team in football (yeah, even worse than the 0-8 Browns). That doesn't mean they don't have talent though. Carlos Hyde will have a field day against New Orleans' defense, and Kap should look better. But they won't be able to stop the Saints' offense.
Titans 21, Chargers 28 (4:25 PM, CBS)
The Titans, at 4-4, have a better record than the 3-5 Chargers, but Tennessee's four wins came against Detroit, Miami, Cleveland, and Jacksonville, which are a combined 9-21. San Diego's three wins came against Jacksonville, Denver, and Atlanta, which are a combined 13-10.
Colts 32, Packers 38 (4:25 PM, CBS)
The Colts continue to scuffle (Andrew Luck not included), while it looks like Aaron Rodgers is still - surprise, surprise - Aaron Rodgers. This will probably be a high-scoring game, considering the quarterbacks and offenses (and the fact that both these defenses gave up over 30 points last week).
Broncos 27, Raiders 30 (8:30 PM, NBC)
This week's Sunday night game features two 6-2 AFC contenders, one the defending champion, the other a breakout team. Derek Carr has drawn MVP talk thus far, and although he will face a tough test in the Denver defense, I think he and the Raiders will pull it out.

Monday
Bills 23, Seahawks 27 (8:30 PM, ESPN)
Seattle has had a rough last two weeks, tying Arizona 6-6 and then losing 25-20 to New Orleans last week. The Bills have also not had the best couple of weeks, losing to Miami and New England. I'll take the 'Hawks at home.