2020 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 9

Carolina Panthers (3-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (7-1)

Sunday, November 8, 1PM ET

Just a few weeks ago, I had so much hope for this Carolina Panthers squad. Unfortunately for them (and my picks), things haven’t gone as expected over the last several games, leading them to 3-5 and currently caught in a three-game skid.

Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs have been just as deadly as always. Patrick Mahomes is slinging it like the former MVP he is, having tossed five touchdowns this past weekend against a pitiful New York Jets squad. Against a middle-of-the-road Carolina pass defense, look for Mahomes to have another big day.

As for the Panthers offense, they’ll be hoping Teddy Bridgewater can get things going in Week 9. He’s been solid for most of the 2020 campaign but has had a tough time carrying the scoring load with Christian McCaffrey out. As great as Mike Davis has been stepping in for CMC, there just hasn’t been enough firepower on this Carolina offense.

The Panthers will hold their own, as they have in most of their losses this season. In the end, though, the Chiefs will get the best of them, as Mahomes takes advantage of his copious playmakers to put this one out of reach for Bridgewater and Co.

Prediction: Chiefs win 34-21