Ramblin’ Fan NFL Week 9 Picks and Predictions

Oct 28, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) against the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-US PRESSWIRE

NFL Week 9 is upon us with the AFC West kicking off the week as the Chiefs (1-6) will travel to San Diego to take on the Chargers (3-4) on Thursday Night Football.   It looks like there is another great week of games coming up and since the Rams are on the bye I can enjoy the games relatively stress free.  The momentum I had going 11-2 in week 7 didn’t carry through into week 8 as I only picked 9 games correctly, although the only two games that were real surprises were the Vikings losing to the Bucs and the Chargers losing to the Browns.  Overall my record is still above .500 and is right in there with the average “expert” pickers that other sports websites employ.  Here are my picks and predictions for NFL Week 9 and while the Rams aren’t playing we can at least root against their playoff race competition, Go Rams!!!

Chiefs @ Chargers.  The Chiefs are looking like the favorites for the #1 overall pick in the 2013 draft.  Of course if the Chargers were to lose to their division rival on primetime television it may seal the fate of Norv Turner. Chargers win 27 – 10.

Cardinals @ Packers.  The Cardinals offense can’t generate points against anyone with that offensive line and Stephens-Howling as their primary back.  The Packers will also probably be looking to make a statement after playing down to the Jaguars level last weekend.  Packers win 35 – 13.

Lions @ Jaguars.  The Lions have been shooting themselves in the foot all season long with poor special teams and turnovers.  The Jaguars only have 4 interceptions and 7 sacks this season, look for Stafford to build on his performance last weekend against a less formidable defense. Lions win 24 – 14.

Bears @ Titans.  The Bears defense will take Chris Johnson away and force the Titans to win through the air.  As long as Jay Cutler and the Bears offense don’t give this game away with turnovers this Bears defense will control the game wire to wire.  Bears win 20 – 3.

Broncos @ Bengals.  The Bengals have lost three straight and are struggling in Andy Dalton’s sophomore season.  That and they will have to face the hottest quarterback in the NFL in Peyton Manning.  The Broncos also have shown they can play some defense too. Broncos win 27 – 20.

Panthers @ Redskins.  Cam Newton is really struggling in his second season and the Panthers are a team that appears poised to challenge for the #1 overall choice in the 2013 draft.  As much as I would like to see the Panthers spring the upset and push that draft pick the Rams will get from the Redskins up the board I just don’t see it happening.  Redskins win 21 – 10.

Ravens @ Browns.  The Ravens are coming off a bye last week after getting blown out by the Texans in week 7.  Look for the Ravens to come out focused against a division opponent and take care of business while leaning heavily on Ray Rice.     Ravens win 23 – 6.

Dolphins @ Colts.  The battle of rookie quarterbacks on surprise 4-3 teams takes place in Indianapolis and given how much better the Colts have played at home I give them the nod.  That and Andrew Luck is the real deal, if you get a chance to watch this game don’t pass it up.   Colts win 20-17.

Bills @ Texans.  The Texans have the leagues leading rusher in Arian Foster and will face the leagues worst run defense.  This could be a huge day for Foster as the Bills are giving up 6 yards per rush, look for Foster to put some distance between himself and the rushing title competition this weekend.  Texans win 45 – 7.

Vikings @ Seahawks.  For Rams fans the best result of this game would be if it ended in a tie.  These are both teams the Rams are potentially in competition with for a playoff spot.  That said the Seahawks are just so much better at home than they are anywhere else.  Seahawks win 17 – 14.

Buccaneers @ Raiders.  The Buccaneers traveled to Minnesota and put together an impressive performance last week.  I expect their trip to California to have similar results as the Raiders have largely underperformed this season.  If the Raiders are going to win this game Darren McFadden needs to have a big game and ease the burden from Carson Palmer.  Buccaneers win 20 – 13.

Steelers @ Giants.  Big Ben and the Steelers travel to New York to take on Eli Manning and the Giants.  The Giants have won four in a row and will probably extend that streak against a Steelers defense that will be without Polamalu once again. The Giants defense will probably give up some big plays but Eli and the offense will find a way to win in the clutch.   Giants win 31 -24.

Cowboys @ Falcons. The Cowboys will travel to Atlanta after failing to complete the comeback last week against the New York Giants.  I haven’t actually watched a Falcons game yet this season so I am really looking forward to seeing what they can do on Sunday Night Football.  Tony Romo and the Cowboys offense has shown it can put up points but they lack consistency.     Falcons win 35 – 24.

Eagles @ Saints.  Who would have thought that these two teams would have a combined record of 5-9 when they were looking at this matchup as the NFL schedule was released.  Sure I expected the Saints to struggle a little without Sean Payton, but I never expected it to be this bad.  As for the Eagles, well I guess talent alone will not get you wins in the NFL as they are probably the most underachieving team this season.  At least we will get to hear about how much Jon Gruden loves Drew Brees the entire game.   Saints win 35-31.

Week 9 Matchups

Pick

Chiefs @ Chargers

Chargers

Cardinals @ Packers

Packers

Lions @ Jaguars

Lions

Bears @ Titans

Bears

Broncos @ Bengals

Broncos

Panthers @ Redskins

Redskins

Ravens @ Browns

Ravens

Dolphins @ Colts

Colts

Bills @ Texans

Texans

Vikings @ Seahawks

Seahawks

Buccaneers @ Raiders

Buccaneers

Steelers @ Giants

Giants

Cowboys @ Falcons

Falcons

Eagles @ Saints

Saints

Last Week

9-5

Overall Record

69-49