Forecaster Frank NFL Picks Week 9: The Middle
Thursday Night
- Pit -2.5 (o/u 36.5)
- Steelers 20 Titans 16
Will Levis played well in his NFL debut but faces a tougher task with the Steelers' highly-rated defense. The Titans have yet to win a game on the road. Kenny Pickett, coming off a rough game last week, appears ready to play on Thursday and just needs to avoid the big blunder for a win.
Sonntag in Frankfurt
- Mia +2.5 (50.5)
- Dolphins 41 Chiefs 30
This could be one of the most exciting games of the season, and you need to wake up early to watch it. It's a good thing you get an extra hour with the clocks going back. The Dolphins could get a boost as Teron Armstead and Conner Williams could play, helping a depleted offensive line. Expect a shootout as Tyreek Hill shines.
Sunday at 1
- Min +5 (o/u 37)
- Falcons 23 Vikings 20
The Falcons are voluntarily making a quarterback change as Desmond Ridder is getting benched. The Vikings, meanwhile, need a chance after losing Kirk Cousins to an Achilles injury. Expect the Vikings to get a big game from their defense, but the Falcons to get a win on a late field goal by Younghoe Koo.
- Bal -5.5 (o/u 43)
- Ravens 24 Seahawks 6
The Ravens' defense has been strong. Their statement win over the Lions two weeks ago will be a model for this game. The Seahawks have played well but have been fortified by a soft schedule. This one could be ugly.
- Cle -8 (o/u 37.5)
- Browns 23 Cardinals 0
After trading Joshua Dobbs, the Cardinals are unsure who will start this week. The truth is they are hoping next year it is Caleb WIlliams as the tank is on. This smells like a shutout.
- LAR +3 (o/u 39)
- Rams 24 Packers 16
The Rams have struggled in 2023, but on the road, they have played well at 2-2. The Packers, meanwhile, are beginning to wonder if they made the right choice with Jordan Love. They did not.
- Hou -2.5 (o/u 40)
- Texans 20 Buccaneers 16
The Buccaneers are sinking. With three straight losses, Baker Mayfield has resumed the underwhelming play that has sent him packing from Cleveland and Carolina. The Texans are coming off a loss to the Panthers but should bounce back as Tampa contemplates a quarterback change.
- NE -3.5 (o/u 40.5)
- Patriots 27 Commanders 17
The Commanders traded their two top defenders in a clear indication they will be rebuilding the remainder of the season. The Patriots have played better the last few weeks and hope to have a respectable finish to the season, as the playoffs are longshot in Foxboro.
- NO -7.5 (o/u 41)
- Saints 30 Bears 13
The Bears continue to be dysfunctional with the firing of running backs coach David Walker over workplace behavior. The Saints offense found another gear last week and should have a big win at the Super Dome.
Sunday Late Games
- Car +2.5 (o/u 44)
- Panthers 24 Colts 16
The Panthers got their first taste of victory last week. Facing the reeling Colts, look for them to get a second dose as Bryce Young begins to settle in an NFL quarterback.
- LV -1.5 (o/u 37)
- Raiders 13 Giants 3
There were big changes in Vegas as Josh McDaniels was fired, and Jimmy Garropllo was benched. In the last 24 games since 2010, teams are 15-9 in their interim coach's first game, including a win for Jeff Saturday and the Colts last year. The Giants, meanwhile, could have Tommy DeVito under center again.
- Phi -3 (o/u 46)
- Eagles 38 Cowboys 17
The Cowboys are the NFL's biggest bullies. Against weaker opponents, they dominate, but against good teams, they run and hide. The Eagles will win this game easily, seizing control of the NFC East.
Sunday Night
- Cin -2 (48.5)
- Bengals 31 Bills 20
A return to Cincinnati will be emotional for Demar Hamlin, as his cardiac episode occurred on this field. The Bengals are beginning to resemble Super Bowl contenders after their slow start. The Bengals also have the Bills' number. You can expect that trend to continue.
Monday Night
- NYJ +3 (o/u 41.5)
- Jets 20 Chargers 19
The Jets have been the luckiest team in the NFL following the injury of Aaron Rodgers. Like their win against the Giants, the Jets will win as time expires. Look for Brandon Staley to make another horrendous decision as the Chargers again snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.