2019 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 9

Detroit Lions (3-3-1) at Oakland Raiders (3-4)

Sunday, November 3, 4:05PM ET

Things aren’t looking good for either of these squads. While not quite out of the race yet, they need to start racking up wins in a hurry if they’re playoff dreams are going to be realized. Unfortunately, only one team gets to walk away with the W on Sunday.

That team is going to be the Oakland Raiders. Why? There are a couple of reasons I’m giving the edge to the Raiders, but the primary one is the slight edge they have in the offensive department. Derek Carr and Matthew Stafford are similar levels of talent, but Josh Jacobs is the better runner and I like Oakland’s wide array of receiving options.

Seeing as this should be a high-scoring game, the offense will be of the utmost importance. This game will feature two of the league’s absolute worst passing defenses. That means plenty of yards, touchdowns and big plays. If you love high-octane offense and miserable defense, this is the game for you.

Carr has been efficient all year long as he becomes more familiar with Jon Gruden’s offense. Matt Patricia’s impact on the Lions hasn’t been quite as substantial, and we’ll see further evidence of that in Week 9 when these two teams do battle.

Prediction: Raiders win 43-41