Forecaster Frank's NFL Picks: Week 9
I had another terrible week going 6-9, as my season record tumbles toward the abyss at 58-62-3.
Thursday Night
Phi -14 (o/u 45)
Eagles 31 Texans 6
This is just the fourth time that an NFL matchup involves the matching teams that are playing in the World Series at the same time. The Eagles have a shot at making the Super Bowl. The Texans have a shot at getting the number one pick. This will be over fast, giving fans in Houston and Philadelphia time to focus on Game 5.
Sunday at 1
LAC -3 (o/u 49.5)
Chargers 30 Falcons 20
The Falcons were fortunate to win last week after the Panthers tied the game late but missed the PAT. The Chargers have been banged up, but a bye week could get them restarted. I see a good game from Justin Herbert as the Chargers get on track while the NFC South remains a clown car.
Mia -5 (o/u 45.5)
Dolphins 31 Bears 16
To help their injury-beleaguered secondary unit, the Dolphins added Bradley Chubb to help the pass rush. Smith should be able to get in on Justin Fields and help the Dolphins' defense improve. The Bears have traded away key pieces on the defense, which will open up lanes for Tua Tagovailoa to take advantage of.
Car +7.5 (o/u 42.5)
Bengals 24 Panthers 20
Since Steve Wilks has taken over as interim coach, the Panthers have been pesky. If Eddy Piñeiro did not miss a PAT at the end of regulation and a field goal in overtime, they would be in first place. Joe Burrow looked shaky on Monday as the Bengals sorely missed Ja'Marr Chase. The Bengals win the game, but it will be a struggle.
GB -3.5 (o/u 49.5)
Packers 31 Lions 20
The Packers have lost four straight, and the Lions have lost five in a row. The Packers are facing a survival game as they can get back on track. The Lions are just having a typical Detroit Football season of pain and misery. Expect a big day from Aaron Rodgers as the Pack get back on track.
Jax -1.5 (o/u 48)
Jaguars 23 Raiders 17
Two teams in the midst of lost seasons meet in Jacksonville. The Jaguars are close to winning, but something goes wrong late. The Raiders have disappointed, and the toll is beginning to show. Last week the Raiders were shut out in New Orleans. The Raiders never play well in early starts, looking for the Jaguars to get their third win of the season.
NE -5.5 (o/u 39.5)
Patriots 23 Colts 10
The Patriots are coming off a statement win over the Jets in the Meadowlands, while the Colts stumbled and had a frustrating loss in Sam Ehlinger's first start. Hard to see Ehlinger going into Foxboro and getting a win.
Buf -13 (o/u 47)
Bills 31 Jets 10
Reality slapped the Jets in the face as they were beaten up by the Patriots. The Bills continued to march toward the best record in the AFC, stomping the Packers in primetime. Hard to see the Jets giving the Bills much of a fight in this game.
Min -3.5 (o/u 43.5)]
Vikings 24 Commanders 15
Change is in the air in Washington, as Daniel Snyder has been exploring options to sell the Commanders. Kirk Cousins, a former quarterback in Washington, is having a great season, as the Vikings are in command of the NFC North. Look for Cousins to get another win as the Vikings improve to 7-1.
Sunday Late Games
Ari -2 (o/u 50)
Cardinals 24 Seahawks 20
The Cardinals had their chances in Minnesota last week but made too many mistakes with the game on the line. The Cardinals ended a frustrating losing streak at home two weeks ago. With a divisional foe on hand, expect the Cardinals to get another win as the high-flying Seahawks come down to reality.
TB -3 (o/u 42.5)
Rams 17 Buccaneers 13
Two struggling teams that have been somewhat disappointing meet with their seasons on the brink. The Buccaneers can not get anything going on offense, as the line has struggled, and Tom Brady has begun to show his age. The Rams have dealt with a Super Bowl hangover and hope one win can turn their season around. With Aaron Donald having a big game, expect the Buccaneers to continue to sink as the Rams get back to .500.
Sunday Night
KC -12 (o/u 46.5)
Chiefs 31 Titans 9
The Titans were fortunate to win with Malik Wills at quarterback as Derrick Henry dominated the Texans. With Ryan Tannehill in limbo, it is hard to imagine them having the same path to victory against the Chiefs. Even with Tannehill, it would be hard to see them winning this game as Patrick Mahomes shines under the lights again.
Monday Night
Ravens -2.5 (o/u 48)
Ravens 27 Saints 17
The Ravens may be finding their groove after an impressive win over the Buccaneers. The Saints also are coming off an impressive performance shutting out the Raiders. With Roquan Smith joining the Ravens, expect Baltimore to take command of the AFC North and get a statement win in the Superdome.