NFL Week 9: Who's Favored? Picks and Predictions

NFL Week 9 promises intense matchups, with key teams aiming for wins and padding their stats for playoff contention. Experts share their picks, with models predicting winners based on data and trends. Let's break down some picks and highlights for top games: Cowboys vs. Falcons (1 p. m. ET, Fox): The Cowboys face the Falcons, with the Falcons favored by 2. 5 points. Expert Tyler Sullivan predicts Atlanta's victory, partially due to their strong defense, led by A. J. Terrell, who could limit Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb. Dolphins vs. Bills (1 p. m. ET, CBS): Analysts favor the Bills (-6) against the Dolphins. The SportsLine Projection Model predicts Buffalo to cover the spread in over 60% of simulations, aiming for their fourth straight win. Raiders vs. Bengals (1 p. m. ET, Fox): Cincinnati is favored by 7 points against the Raiders. Pete Prisco believes the Bengals will rebound with a 10-point margin, attributing their last week’s upset to a weak offense. Chargers vs. Browns (1 p. m. ET, CBS): Jameis Winston, now with the Browns, faces a tough Chargers defense. Despite this, John Breech is optimistic about Winston's performance, believing he could pull off an upset as an underdog. Patriots vs. Titans (1 p. m. ET, Fox): Jason La Canfora, an NFL insider, hints at potential upsets, with the Titans favored by 3. 5 points against the Patriots. The return of quarterback Will Levis could boost Tennessee's offense. Commanders vs. Giants (1 p. m. ET, Fox): The Commanders are slight favorites (-3. 5) against the Giants, but simulation models show the Giants have a solid chance to cover or win outright. Saints vs. Panthers (1 p. m. ET, CBS): Another favorite, the Saints (-7. 5), have the upper hand against struggling Carolina. The Panthers have been historically bad this season, which experts like seamstress Jordan Dajani consider a safe bet to lose by a significant margin. Broncos vs. Ravens (1 p. m. ET, CBS): John Breech predicts the Ravens will win by a close margin, although their defense is shaky against the pass. The Broncos' run-first offense might not be enough to challenge Baltimore. Jaguars vs. Eagles (4:05 p. m. ET, CBS): The Eagles (-7. 5) are expected to beat the Jaguars, projected to win 32-22. Philadelphia's defense has been stifling, holding opponents to around 18. 9 points per game. Bears vs. Cardinals (4:05 p. m. ET, CBS): The Bears (+1. 5) could upset the Cardinals according to SportsLine's models, even after an unlikely loss in Week 8. Lions vs. Packers (4:25 p. m. ET, Fox): Eric Cohen, a betting expert, leans towards the Lions to beat the Packers, given Jordan Love's unreliable status. The Lions could be the unexpected victors. Rams vs. Seahawks (4:25 p. m. ET, Fox): Will Brinson predicts the Rams will edge out the Seahawks, with Kyren Williams potentially having a big game. Colts vs. Vikings (8:20 p. m. ET, NBC): The Colts turn to Joe Flacco as their new quarterback. The Vikings, who have a top defense, are favored by 6. 5 points. Buccaneers vs. Chiefs (8:15 p. m. ET, ESPN, ABC): Experts are divided on whether the Chiefs can maintain their undefeated streak against the Buccaneers.