Week 9 NFL Picks

Another Sunday, another post full of NFL picks from yours truly. There are actually a good amount of good games this week as good teams play good teams and bad teams play bad teams. That makes for some tough picking, especially when you start considering what teams are dealing with injuries, what teams are pushing for a playoff spot, and what teams are starting to pack it in.

It wasn't an amazing week of picking for me last week. I went 9-4 in Week 8. That moves the overall record to 81-35. Again, still looking for that elusive perfect week of picking games. Also, a quick note. This is post #200 on the blog. A small achievement for what essentially is a small blog. The least I can do is say thanks for reading. Really appreciate it. Now to the picks.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8
Washington @ Atlanta: ATLANTA- This one probably own't even be close. The Redskins will struggle to score points agianst a Falcons defense that's getting better every week. Meanwhile, the Falcons offense should score with ease against the Redskins defense. Plus, the Falcons understand at 4-3, they need wins to stay in contention.
Arizona @ Chicago: ARIZONA - Yes, the Cardinals just lost to the Panthers but for some reason, losses is what gets that team going. Expect their rush defense to be much improved. If Chicago can get Matt Forte going, they can win the game but without him, Jay Cutler is bound to have a few turnovers.
Baltimore @ Cincinnati: CINCINNATI - Surprisingly, not a lot of people picking the Bengals in this matchup. Not sure why either. The Bengals already beat the Ravens in Baltimore and haven't gotten any worse. The Ravens need to slow down Cedric benson, who has really gained some confidence as of late.
Houston @ Indianapolis: INDIANAPOLIS - Not sure exactly why the Colts struggled against the 49ers last week but expect them to come out firing against the Texans knowing it's a big division battle. The Texans defense will have its hands full trying to stop Peyton Manning. Plus, we'll see just how the Colts defense responds with all the injuries they've had.
Miami @ New England: MIAMI - It's a bit of an upset but the Dolphins are playing some inspired ball these days, especially on defense. New England's defense hasn't been tested in 3 weeks and may not be ready for the rush attack that's coming after them. Tom Brady should rack plenty of pass yards, especially since the Patriots have all but given up on any sort of run game this year.
Green Bay @ Tampa Bay: GREEN BAY - The Bucs are bringing back the ugly orange jerseys for this one, probably hoping it distracts the Packers. It won't. Aaron Rodgers could have a career game against the awful Bucs defense. And he'll have the ball often, as the Bucs offense will start rookie Josh Freeman, who is bound to make a few mistakes in his first career NFL start.
Kansas City @ Jacksonville: JACKSONVILLE - Real toss-up game. Kansas City has an offense that can score against the Jaguars defense, though its run game isn't a strength and as seen by Tennessee rush romp over the Jags, that's their weak spot. But the Chiefs defense isn't good either, so this may be the game the Jags need to get back in the playoff discussion.
Detroit @ Seattle: SEATTLE - The Seahawks are an enigma right now. They have the talent on both sides to compete for an NFC West title but so far, they've been awful. They can get back on the right track against the hapless Lions, who just lost to the Rams at home.
Carolina @ New Orleans: NEW ORLEANS - The Saints played a very good Falcons team and were pushed to the brink. Now, they play an average Carolina team. The Panthers have a chance if they can run the ball and run the ball well. But if they get behind and have to throw the ball a lot, it could get ugly.
San Diego @ NY Giants: SAN DIEGO - I'm just not sold on the Giants right now. Their only good win is over the Cowboys in Week 2 and lately, they've played terrible. The defense has allowed a ton of big plays and the O-Line has been unable to protect Eli. The Chargers have a great passing game but it's the run game that needs to step up.
Tennessee @ San Francisco: SAN FRANCISCO - That was a good win for the Titans last week but I'm not so quick to jump on the Titans train. Chris Johnson won't run wild against the Niners defense and that means Vince Young will have to make some plays. Plus, the effort San Fran put in against the Colts tells me they're getting back to their early-season form.
Dallas @ Philadelphia: PHILADELPHIA - I have little doubt about this one. The Cowboys have played great so far and on offense, really seem to be clicking. But not as much as the Eagles are. Donovan McNabb is without Brian Westbrook but it doesn't even matter. Expect him to throw for 3-4 TDs and the Eagles defense to keep the Cowboys at bay.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8
Pittsburgh @ Denver: PITTSBURGH - This could be one ugly football game. Two great defenses knocking the crap out of each other. The Steelers have the better offense but the Broncos offense, while not flashy, is pretty darn efficient. This one should come down to the wire and if that's the case, I like Big Ben, who has made a plethora of comebacks in his young career.

WHERE'S GUS JOHNSON? - Don't cry America but Gus isn't calling an NFL game today. The reason for that is that he announced CBS' Saturday Night Fights and boy, was that fun. Hearing Gus yell "There is blood everywhere" brings chills to your bones and a smile to your face. Either way, GuJo should be back in the booth next week for more exciting calls and cackles.