NFL picks and picks against the spread Week 9: Eagles stay hot, Cowboys and Bears rebound

The first half of the 2024 NFL season ended with a strange Week 9. After the Rams defeated the Vikings in the first game, there were many unpredictable outcomes and wild finishes in one-possession games. Beyond that, some away teams prevailed, while some home teams failed in the final minutes.

This allows Week 9 to have its own wild ride, with up to 15 games compared to the 16-contest slate we saw last week.

Without further ado, Sporting News’ latest edition of the NFL picks includes fearless picks and picks against the spread.

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(Rates courtesy Caesars Sports Betting)

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NFL picks against the spread for Week 9

• Texans at Jets (pick them, 42.5 o/u)

Thursday 20:15 ET, Amazon Prime Video

These are two of the league’s best pass defenses, and each faces a struggling QB. While CJ Stroud is dealing with burnout at receiver, his Jets counterpart Aaron Rodgers is dealing with dysfunction all around. The difference will be that the team will be more willing to run to get better offensively. While the Texans won’t shy away from their often dominant ground game against Joe Mixon, the Jets will continue to mismanage touches from Breece Hall and Braelon Allen.

To choose: The Texans won 23-20 and closed the gap.

MORE JETS: Aaron Rodgers says Jets need to embrace ‘darkness’

MORE Texans: Update on Stefon Diggs’ injury

• Game of the Week: Lions at Packers (-3.5, 47.5 o/u)

Sunday 4:25 PM ET, Fox

The Packers are looking at Malik Willis starting at QB again due to Jordan Love’s (groin) injury. This will limit the offensive firepower they need to overcome another blowout game for the Lions’ offense. He can be used inside in the Packers passing game and is also shaky at times against the run, playing right into the hands of Detroit’s explosive, balanced offense.

To choose: The Lions won 30-23 and closed the gap.

MORE: Jordan Love injury update

• Lock of the Week: Eagles (-7, 46 o/u) vs. Jaguars

Sunday 4:05 PM ET, CBS

The Eagles’ offense is locked in again, with elite wide receivers Jalen Hurts and Kellen Moore feeling like they’re making all the big plays. The Jaguars’ defense has been terrible against the pass all season, and Hurts needs to shine a light downfield at home plate. Former Eagles coach Doug Pederson is coming in with a reluctant Trevor Lawrence and his QB is dealing with an injury-plagued receiving corps.

To choose: The Eagles won 34-14 and closed the gap.

MORE: Update on Christian Kirk’s injury

• Upset of the Week: Cowboys vs. Falcons (+2.5, 52 o/u)

Sunday 1pm ET, Fox

The Cowboys are a tough matchup against the happier Falcons with Kirk Cousins. Their defense isn’t built to win here either, as they can give up a lot against the pass and will continue to throw relentlessly against Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and others. Atlanta needs to run enough to win, but will fall because Dallas will wisely choose not to run as much.

To choose: The Cowboys won 30-27.

MORE Cowboys: Why wasn’t Key 49ers TD designated as offensive pass interference? | Trevon Diggs confronts reporter after loss

MORE HAWKS: Kirk Cousins ​​proves Falcons made NFL’s best offseason move

• Bills Dolphins (-6.5, 49 o/u)

Sunday 1pm ET, CBS

The Bills are making strides on offense and striking the right balance between effective pass rushing from Josh Allen and dominating the run game. This is a bad 1-2 punch for the Dolphins defense at the ropes. The Dolphins can stay in the game by starting De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert, but they’ll eventually be out late due to the pressure on Tua Tagovailoa.

To choose: The Bills won 31-21 and closed the gap.

MORE: Tua Tagovailoa gets praise for skating in QB battle

• Raiders at Bengals (-7.5, 45 o/u)

Sunday 1pm ET, Fox

The Bengals have been in and out of playoff contention after an 0-3 start and need to play better at home to have a slim chance. Joe Burrow leaves the game when Tee Higgins doesn’t play to help him and Ja’Marr Chase. Here, the Bengals lighten Burrow’s load with a productive running game with Chase Brown and Zack Moss. Lou Anarumo’s ill-fated defense could offer a get-well game after the Eagles’ fumble.

To choose: Bengals won 34-17 and closed the gap.

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• Chargers at Browns (-2, 42.5 o/u)

Sunday 1pm ET, CBS

The Chargers will stick to the “run the ball, stop the run” formula, knowing Jameis Winston could cause some problems in pass defense. Justin Herbert looks to capitalize on his performance from last week to establish an aerial advantage so his teammates can take the kickoff against Winston to preserve the low-scoring game in the second half.

To choose: The Chargers won 20-13 and closed the gap.

MORE: Comparing Brown’s offense to Jameis Winston and Deshaun Watson | Jameis channels Eminem in interview

• Patriots at Titans (-3, 38 o/u)

Sunday 1pm ET, Fox

The Patriots are feeling it with their running game and defense, and Jerod Mayo will see another strong performance on the road. No matter who the quarterback is on either team, New England will run the ball better while also making clutch defensive plays and takeaways to steal another one against the AFC’s worst team.

To choose: The Patriots won 20-17.

MORE: Update on Drake Maye’s injury

• Commanders at Giants (-3.5, 43 o/u)

Sunday 1pm ET, Fox

Jayden Daniels has been keyed into the running game each week to facilitate the transition downfield. But the biggest improvement for Washington lately has been Dan Quinn’s defense stepping up each week. They will continue to toughen up the Giants’ struggling offense, which can’t seem to get a matchup break.

To choose: Commanders win 23-16 and close the gap.

MORE: Jayden Daniels’ Hail Mary reactions | Daniels outlasts Caleb Williams | Daniels impressive in post-match interview

• Saints at Panthers (-7, 45 o/u)

Sunday 1pm ET, CBS

Injuries and ineffectiveness have derailed QB plans for both teams. This will be an uninspiring, low-scoring battle between sophomore QBs Bryce Young and Jake Haener. The team with the best supporting point guards Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave will get enough points.

To choose: Saints won 20-17 but failed to close the gap.

MORE: Week 9 NFL Power Rankings | Week 9 NFL picks

• Broncos at Ravens (-9, 44.5 o/u)

Sunday 1pm ET, CBS

The Broncos field a solid offense with dual-threat QB Bo Nix playing well and channeling his inner Lamar Jackson. He will now face the real Lamar Jackson in a big matchup for both playoff contenders. Nix and Sean Payton will keep Denver inside with good passing and passing defense, but ultimately Denver’s front line will be worn down by Derrick Henry.

To choose: The Ravens won 26-23 but were unable to close the gap.

• Bears at Cardinals (pick them, 44.5 o/u)

Sunday 4:05 PM ET, CBS

The Bears are heading to the desert to make up for their dry performance in Washington. Kyler Murray and Caleb Williams present yet another duel of Heisman-winning QBs and No. 1 overall picks. Murray is stepping up with his supporting cast, but the issue here will be Arizona’s run defense. Chicago’s overall defense will recover from the shock of the Hail Mary.

To choose: The Bears won 23-20.

MORE: Caleb Williams duels Daniels | Tyrique Stevenson apologizes for mistakes during Hail Mary

• Rams at Seahawks (collect, 48.5 o/u)

Sunday 4:25 PM ET, Fox

The Rams will be ruthless in running Kyren Williams, and the Seahawks will again have no answer to that running back. They also start to struggle in the second round, unable to get Mike Macdonald to pass the ball. Seattle’s fast pace will further benefit Los Angeles’ loaded, rested and healthy offense.

To choose: The Rams won 31-27.

MORE RAM: Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp quiet trade rumors in win over Vikings

MORE SEAHAWKS: Seahawks linebackers fight on the sideline

• Colts at Vikings (-5.5, 45.5 o/u)

Sunday 8:20 PM ET, NBC/Peacock

Anthony Richardson is trying to defend the starting job over Joe Flacco, but all he offers is a rushing threat to help Jonathan Taylor break out of the backfield. The sophomore QB’s collapse won’t escape the Vikings’ pressure- and turnover-oriented attack. On the other end, Sam Darnold could run another secondary that fails to stop Justin Jefferson or any of Minnesota’s receivers downfield.

To choose: The Vikings won 27-20 and closed the gap.

MORE VIKINGS: How did the referees miss the obvious face mask penalty on the Rams’ game-sealing safety against the Vikings?

MORE Colt: Shane Steichen shows Colts remain loyal to Richardson | Richardson checks himself due to fatigue

• Pirates at Chiefs (-9, 44.5 o/u)

Monday 8:15 PM ET, ESPN/ABC

The Chiefs are getting a break as the Buccaneers’ short-handed passing game comes to Kansas City, making it a tough prime time spot for Baker Mayfield. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce should combine for another big game and get more help from wings all over the field. Tampa Bay will need to make a run to win, but can’t do that effectively here, especially when the game script is negative.

To choose: The Chiefs won 27-10 and closed the gap.

Statistics of the Week

• Direct recording of Week 8: 10-5
• Week 8 record against spread: 7-8
• Straight from the beginning of the season to date: 83-39
• Against the spread from the beginning of the season to date: 64-57