2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 9

Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
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NFL Picks, Week 9 – Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images
NFL Picks, Week 9 – Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

NFL picks and score predictions for Week 9 as the 2021 season continues on.

Please don’t be discouraged by the fact that we’re nearly midway through the 2021 NFL season. There are still another 10 weeks to go before the playoffs begin, and this upcoming weekend of action promises to be just as chaotic and exhilarating as the eight that came before it.

As usual, we’ve got you covered with the Week 9 edition of NFL picks and score predictions. Just as in years passed, I’ll never claim to know what the future holds. As it turns out, odds are high at least a few of my picks will be completely wrong. I will, however, make my selections based on research, experience, and careful consideration.

After several strong weeks in a row, I admittedly took an inevitable step back in Week 9. When Monday night’s game had come to an end, my Week 8 NFL picks had culminated in a 9-6 record. Considering how well my picks have done this season, though, I’m not too upset about it — it could definitely be worse than the 82-40 record I’ve managed so far.

Just remember that making picks is not a science. Plenty of research goes into it, but there’s no crystal ball — craziness occurs every Sunday. Then again, isn’t that part of the fun of it all?

Now that we’ve gotten all of that out of the way, here are my NFL picks and score predictions for Week 9. Just keep in mind that I assume no responsibility if you choose to place wagers based on my picks — that’s your decision, not mine.

Week 9 Byes: Detroit Lions (0-8), Seattle Seahawks (2-5), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-1), Washington Football Team (2-5) | All point spreads and odds are courtesy of WynnBet.

NFL Picks and Predictions, Week 9

New York Jets (2-5) at Indianapolis Colts (3-5)

Thursday, November 4, 8:20PM ET

You’ve all heard the phrase, “any given Sunday.” I’m going to choke the New York Jets upset of the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 8 to the fact that any team can win any game. I am not buying that Mike White is suddenly going to turn the Jets into a contender.

It’s been a bumpy road for the Indianapolis Colts this season, but it’s clear they’re capable of forcing their way into the AFC playoff picture. Even after a tough loss to the Tennessee Titans, we’ve seen enough from Indianapolis to feel confident in their ability to earn a Wild Card spot.

Look for Carson Wentz to have one of his best games of the season, carving up the New York secondary. And when the Colts take the lead, they can then turn to Jonathan Taylor to eat the clock and tire out the defense. The Indianapolis defense also steps up, burning up the heat on White and forcing him into more mistakes than the Jets can overcome.

New York isn’t a good team, but they’ve pulled off a couple of surprising wins this season. If they were more consistent, I’d be concerned here. For now, though, I’m fairly confident in the Colts to take care of business and get one step closer to .500.

Prediction: Colts win 31-23 | Spread: Colts (-10)