Week 9 doesn’t feature many intriguing match-ups, but there are a few to keep an eye on. The New York Jets travel to Detroit to take on the surging Matthew Stafford show. I don’t think that game will be very close, but it should provide some entertainment. The Miami Dolphins take their undefeated road record to Baltimore. San Diego has yet to win a road game, but that may change this week as they head to Houston. The Indianapolis Colts will be on the road to face the Eagles for what should be a very interesting game for Peyton Manning. At the beginning of the season, a match-up between the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders probably didn’t mean much to anyone outside of those respective cities, but it actually looks to be a solid game.
Sunday, November 7th
Tampa Bay (5-2) @ Atlanta (5-2)
It’s eye opening to see the Bucs with their 5-2 record, but it’s counterfeit. They have surrendered more points than they’ve scored and should give up quite a bunch this weekend at Atlanta. Matt Ryan is on a tear and Michael Turner gets to face the 30th ranked run defense.
Prediction: Atlanta 30, Tampa Bay 16
Chicago (4-3) @ Buffalo (0-7)
Both of these teams have trouble scoring points and neither defense is spectacular. The Bills are the league’s worst rushing defense, but do well against the pass. The Bears are good against the run, but average against the pass. I think Buffalo finally gets their first win of the season here.
Prediction: Buffalo 17, Chicago 13
New England (6-1) @ Cleveland (2-5)
The Patriots have the league’s best record and Bill Belichick isn’t likely to lose to his former coordinator. The Browns will implement some trickery, but it won’t be enough.
Prediction: New England 30, Cleveland 17
New York Jets (5-2) @ Detroit (2-5)
The Jets were shut out last week against Green Bay and the Lions were energized by Matthew Stafford’s return from injury. The Lions offense is capable, but the Jets defense is simply awesome. The Jets’ 3rd ranked rushing offense faces the 27th ranked run defense.
Prediction: New York Jets 31, Detroit 13
New Orleans (5-3) @ Carolina (1-6)
Carolina almost upset the Saints the last time these two teams met. The Saints are coming off of an impressive victory over the Steelers and look to continue rolling.
Prediction: New Orleans 27, Carolina 16
Miami (4-3) @ Baltimore (5-2)
The Dolphins’ undefeated road record comes to an end this week. The Ravens are coming off of a bye week and should have their defense fine-tuned.
Prediction: Baltimore 24, Miami 13
San Diego (3-5) @ Houston (4-3)
The Chargers have yet to win on the road, but that’ll change this week. The Chargers are #1 in the NFL in both yards for and against. The Texans are ranked 32nd in yards allowed per game, and Philip Rivers might throw for 350-400 yards in this contest. I don’t think this game will be close.
Prediction: San Diego 37, Houston 20
Arizona (3-4) @ Minnesota (2-5)
The Cardinals are awful on the road at 1-3, but the Vikings have many problems, both on the field and off. The Cardinals have problems stopping the run, which should lead to a big day from Adrian Peterson. The Vikings lost badly to the Cardinals last year, but that won’t happen this time around.
Prediction: Minnesota 23, Arizona 13
New York Giants (5-2) @ Seattle (4-3)
Seattle is undefeated at home, but that luck should run out this week as the Eli Manning show comes to town. The Giants have one of the league’s best offenses and the Seahawks have problems stopping teams through the air.
Prediction: New York Giants 27, Seattle 17
Indianapolis (5-2) @ Philadelphia (4-3)
The Colts are very average on the road, but they’re 2-0 so far against the NFC East. Peyton Manning takes the #2 offense (yardage) against an average defense and should have some success. I’d pick Philadelphia if they had a better running game, but it’s hard to go against Peyton Manning.
Prediction: Indianapolis 24, Philadelphia 20
Kansas City (5-2) @ Oakland (4-4)
Both of these teams are playing good football and are ranked 1st and 2nd respectively in rushing yards per game. The Chiefs are much better at stopping the run, so I’ll go with them.
Prediction: Kansas City 24, Oakland 23
Dallas (1-6) @ Green Bay (5-3)
Before this season started, I had this game asterisked because it should have been an elite showdown, but not so much. The Packers are coming off of a shutout victory over the Jets and Dallas is coming off of a blowout loss to the Jaguars. Aaron Rodgers and Co. should win rather easily.
Prediction: Green Bay 27, Dallas 17
Monday, November 8th
Pittsburgh (5-2) @ Cincinnati (2-5)
The Bengals find ways to lose each week. The offense is fine, but the defense has played poorly. Ben Roethlisberger should have some fun here.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 30, Cincinnati 24
Bye: Denver, Tennessee, St. Louis, San Francisco, Washington, Jacksonville
