2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 9

New England Patriots (4-4) at Carolina Panthers (4-4)

Sunday, November 7, 1PM ET

Despite all of the setbacks this franchise has suffered over the years, the New England Patriots have found a way to bounce back quickly. Mac Jones is playing well (relative to the other rookie quarterbacks, and the New England defense is doing its part to keep the wins coming.

Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers have lost four of their last five games after a 3-0 start and are desperately awaiting the return of Christian McCaffrey, which may or may not happen this week. Even if it does (unlikely), the Patriots will be ready to shut down the Panthers.

It’s just becoming clear that Carolina was a pretender to start the year. And while New England has dealt with its own fair share of ups and downs, they’ve come stronger on the other side and appear ready to make a legitimate run at a Wild Card spot. The race continues in Week 9 when they head south to take down the Panthers.

Jones has another good game, and Damien Harris gets going on the ground despite Carolina’s outstanding defense. While neither team scores a large number of points, the Patriots stifle the Panthers’ offense and don’t need too many touchdowns to get the W.

Prediction: Patriots win 19-15 | Spread: Patriots (-3.5)