We missed a couple of the over/unders by a point, but we’re starting to hit a groove now when it comes to straight up picks in the last two weeks (22-6). We’ll look to keep the momentum alive in my Week 9 NFL Picks. There are some surprising spreads this week, especially in Buffalo and Denver. I just don’t see how those two home teams are going to be able to put up points in their games. I’m also really looking forward to seeing the Seahawks go up against a good team, to see if their defense is actually legit.
We’ll keep track of all my picks throughout the season, including my losses! Over time, we’ll find out if you should back me or straight up fade me. Send your complaints to @chrismeaney.
Last week:
SU: 12-2
AS: 10-4
O/U: 7-7
Season total:
SU: 76-43-2
AS: 68-53
O/U: 65-56
Week 9 NFL Picks
Oakland Raiders @ San Francisco 49ers -2.5 (44.5)
SU: Raiders
AS: Raiders
O/U: Under
The battle of two Bay Area teams in what will no doubt be a barn burner. Sure. Both Oakland and San Francisco rank Top five in points allowed per game, but it doesn’t make me feel any better about taking the over. I usually lean home team in these coin flip games, especially with as bad as both are, but I’ll take Oakland here because of Derek Carr. That’s right…Derek Carr. The Raiders’ QB ranks second in completion percentage (72) and comes in with the healthier team.
Atlanta Falcons @ Washington Redskins -2 (48.5)
SU: Falcons
AS: Falcons
O/U: Under
All the numbers say to take Washington. They have been the better team with the better defense and are at home. There’s something about this Washington team that I don’t trust. Alex Smith has looked 50/50 and I think Matt Ryan can go in there, fresh off a bye, and outscore them.
Chicago Bears -10 @ Buffalo Bills (37.5)
SU: Bears
AS: Bears
O/U: Under
I just don’t see how Nathan Peterman can score any points this week. Buffalo already ranks last in points and passing yards per game. Tough spot for him yet again.
Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings -4.5 (49)
SU: Vikings
AS: Vikings
O/U: Under
I think Detroit will stall on offense without Golden Tate and against this Vikings defense in Minny. They looked great against Drew Brees last week and seven of the nine QB’s they faced have thrown one or zero touchdowns. The Lions can’t stop the run and it’s killed them all season long. Dalvin Cook is also back this week.
Kansas City Chiefs – 8.5 @ Cleveland Browns (51)
SU: Chiefs
AS: Chiefs
O/U: Under
Remember when Patrick Mahomes and Baker Mayfield played in college and combined for 14 touchdowns? Yeah, that was fun. The coaching changes should make a world of difference for this team but probably not in one week against this offense.
New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins -3 (43.5)
SU: Dolphins
AS: Dolphins
O/U: Over
Sam Darnold has struggled of late and has very little to work with on offense. Give me the home team in a low scoring game.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens -3 (47.5)
SU: Steelers
AS: Steelers
O/U: Under
Joe Flacco looked brutal last week and his Ravens return home after losing two straight. I expect their defense to turn it around, but Flacco can’t keep pace with Big Ben and his weapons. Pit wins on a last second field goal.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers -6 (55)
SU: Panthers
AS: Panthers
O/U: Under
It looks like the Panthers have found their grove with two straight wins against Philadelphia and Baltimore. They’ll continue to roll at home against the worst defensive team in the league.
Houston Texans @ Denver Broncos -1 (46)
SU: Texans
AS: Texans
O/U: Under
Demaryius Thomas will play his first game as a Texan in Denver against his former team. I know Denver is a tough place to play, but I’m still shocked they are favored. Houston has won five straight and the defense has been much better. Denver also has a few key guys out on defense.
Los Angeles Chargers @ Seattle Seahawks -1.5 (48)
SU: Chargers
AS: Chargers
O/U: Over
Seattle has been much better than I thought they would be. They are running more than they are throwing, and doing a good job of it. Plus, the defense has been on point. I like the Chagers, though, as they are coming off a bye and could get Melvin Gordon back. He’ll be the difference.
Los Angeles Rams @ New Orleans Saints – 1.5 (59.5)
SU: Saints
AS: Saints
O/U: Over
The Rams almost had their first loss of the season last week, and may have if it weren’t for Ty Montgomery. You don’t seen Drew Brees and the Saints lose often at home, and the difference may be their run defense. Saints win on a last second field goal in what should be an instant classic.
Green Bay Packers @ New England Patriots -5.5 (56.5)
SU: Patriots
AS: Packers
O/U: Over
Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers go toe-to-toe in what should be a very entertaining Sunday night game. New England has everyone rolling on offense right now for me not to pick them at home on prime time. I wouldn’t take too much stock into last week’s game in Buffalo. It’s a tough place to play and the Bills usually play Brady tight at home. This game should have more scoring and just like last week Rodgers should be able to keep his team in it.
Tennessee Titans @ Dallas Cowboys -5.5 (40.5)
SU: Cowboys
AS: Cowboys
O/U: Under
Both of these teams don’t do a whole lot on offense and both have pretty solid defenses. It’ll be interesting to see what king of volume Amari Cooper gets in his first game as a Cowboy. I’ll take the home team with the best players on the field…Ezekiel Elliott
Like these Week 9 NFL Picks? Get more Chris Meaney on his new podcast, By Any Means. Each week he’ll bring in guests from around the industry to break down all the fantasy news you need to know for your march to the championship.
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