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)
Atlanta Falcons (3-4) at New Orleans Saints (5-2)
Sunday, November 7, 1PM ET
Oddly enough, this is my one and only upset pick of Week 9. And trust me, it was not a decision that I made lightly. In fact, it was the last pick I made and it’s the one I’d be least likely to put money on. So take that into consideration, for whatever it’s worth.
I’m probably going to regret this, but I’m just not confident in the New Orleans Saints quarterback situation right now. Jameis Winston is done for the year, Taysom Hill has been out several weeks with a concussion and may not be ready for Week 9, and that leaves Trevor Siemian as the potential starter. It could worse, but it’s not great.
The Falcons on the other hand haven’t been terrible this year. They’ve grabbed the short straw a few too many times, but luck is bound to turn given how well they’ve played at times. Especially with an uncertain situation under center for the Saints, this could be the Falcons opportunity to turn things around.
Matt Ryan has a big day through the air, relying on Kyle Pitts and Cordarrelle Patterson to move the ball against this tough Saints secondary. A key turnover late in the game is the difference, as Atlanta is able to repel a last-minute drive and secure their fourth win of 2021.
Prediction: Falcons win 27-26 | Spread: Saints (-6)
Denver Broncos (4-4) at Dallas Cowboys (6-1)
Sunday, November 7, 1PM ET
It came as a bit of a surprise that Dak Prescott sat out on Sunday night against the Minnesota Vikings. The Dallas Cowboys still won. With Prescott likely to return to the lineup in Week 9, the odds seem stacked against the Denver Broncos to pull off the upset.
Yes, the Broncos are coming off a solid win. Yes, their defense is among the better groups in the NFL. Unfortunately, their offense has struggled to get going over the last few weeks, as evidenced by the fact that they’ve only topped 20 points in a game once since Week 3. They can’t rely solely on their defense to win against a team like Dallas.
With Prescott back under center, the Cowboys rack up the offensive yards in bunches. Ezekiel Elliott gets going on the ground, and Prescott’s gaggle of outstanding receivers does their usual work. They aren’t going to run up the score against this Denver defense, but the fact that the Broncos offense often stalls isn’t going to help.
Teddy Bridgewater needs to have a big game if the Broncos are going to pull off the upset. I don’t see that happening, though, as the Cowboys extend their winning streak to seven games.
Prediction: Cowboys win 31-17 | Spread: Cowboys (-9.5)
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)
Minnesota Vikings (3-4) at Baltimore Ravens (5-2)
Sunday, November 7, 1PM ET
I would love to pick the Minnesota Vikings here to upset the Baltimore Ravens and prove themselves as legitimate threats in the NFC. However, if I’m being honest with myself, the odds of that happening just seem slim with everything that’s happened so far this season.
The Vikings can’t get out of their own way right now. Playcalling is horrid, Kirk Cousins can’t take full advantage of the weapons available to him, and the defense is hobbled. Especially with the loss of Danielle Hunter to a season-ending pectoral injury, things just around turning in the Vikings’ favor right now.
As for the Ravens, they’ve got the momentum on their side despite a Week 7 loss to the Bengals. They’re well-rested after a bye week and seem relatively healthy. Cousins isn’t exactly known for beating quality competition, so chances are the Baltimore defense gets the best of him.
The Ravens stop their losing streak at one, while the Vikings fall further out of contention with another defeat at the hands of a contender. It’s back to the drawing board for Minnesota while Baltimore ramps up for a second-half run at the AFC North crown.
Prediction: Ravens win 26-17 | Spread: Ravens (-5.5)
Cleveland Browns (4-4) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-3)
Sunday, November 7, 1PM ET
I’m not sure what happened with the Bengals in Week 8. They went from the top-seeded team in the AFC to losing to one of the worst teams in the league. Somehow, their outstanding defense gave up 400+ yards and four touchdowns to a backup making his first NFL start.
While it was an odd outcome, I can’t imagine the struggles continuing for the Bengals. Joe Burrow has been outstanding this season and figures to have another big game against a subpar Cleveland Browns secondary. It’s not like their offense has had a tough time moving the ball this season, and that won’t be the case in Week 9 either.
The main question is whether or not the Bengals can get it together on the defensive end. They looked lost against the Jets in Week 8, and slowing the Browns won’t be a cakewalk. Then again, they’re still dealing with a number of injuries, including one to Baker Mayfield that has limited his effectiveness.
Cincinnati needs to right the ship or risk taking a tumble down the standings. A win against their division rivals in Week 9 should be just what the doctor ordered to get this franchise back on track.
Prediction: Bengals win 26-21 | Spread: Bengals (-3)
Buffalo Bills (5-2) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-6)
Sunday, November 7, 1PM ET
As uninspiring as the Buffalo Bills have been over the last two weeks, I’m still can’t imagine a scenario in which the hapless Jacksonville Jaguars defeat them. It would likely take Josh Allen missing the team plane and half the defense landing on IR to give the Jaguars the edge.
Seeing as those things are very unlikely to happen, my prediction is for the Bills to win this one easily. Sure, the Jaguars will attempt to make it a game, and might even manage a touchdown or two in the first half. However, much as was the case in Week 8, Jacksonville will be eager to hear the final whistle for much of the second half.
Look for Trevor Lawrence to be on the run for much of this game. Buffalo’s front seven will get after him on every snap, forcing him into more mistakes than the Jaguars are capable of overcoming. That leads to plenty of points for Allen and the Bills offense.
Jacksonville has been one of the worst teams in the NFL this season, while Buffalo has been one of the top threats in the AFC. The Bills have been a tad erratic at times, but they step up to the challenge in Week 9 and deliver another defeat to Urban Meyer’s club.
Prediction: Bills win 41-17 | Spread: Bills (-14)
Houston Texans (1-7) at Miami Dolphins (1-7)
Sunday, November 7, 1PM ET
Despite their miserable record, the Miami Dolphins haven’t been a complete dumpster fire this season. The same can’t be said for the Houston Texans, who have flailed their way through the season since Tyrod Taylor got hurt in Week 2.
The only glimmer of hope they have left (besides potentially getting the No. 1 overall pick) is that Taylor may return to the lineup soon. However, until that happens, the odds of the Texans racking up another win are slim to none — even against the 1-7 Dolphins.
Since his return from injury, Tua Tagovailoa has given the Miami offense a small shot in the arm. He kept them relatively competitive against a far superior Bills team in Week 8 and should have their offense moving against a Texans defense that is one of the worst in the NFL. Then again, don’t be surprised if they fail to top 28 points, the most they’ve scored in a game this season.
Davis Mills does his best, but Houston lacks weapons and the defense doesn’t make his life any easier. The Texans suffer yet another defeat, further proving their place among the worst clubs in the league right now.
Prediction: Dolphins win 23-18 | Spread: Dolphins (-7)
Las Vegas Raiders (5-2) at New York Giants (2-6)
Sunday, November 7, 1PM ET
Despite their uninspiring record, the New York Giants have been better than advertised in 2021. Things just haven’t gone their way, and injuries haven’t helped. Unfortunately, I don’t see lady luck being on their side in Week 9 against the Las Vegas Raiders either.
Then again, anything is possible with the Raiders’ uncertain situation. The franchise is still in flux, and key injuries on offense could limit their effectiveness against a solid New York defense. If Darren Waller and Josh Jacobs can’t go, the Raiders may be hard-pressed to move the ball consistently on Sunday.
Still, I think they’ll get the best of the Giants. The Las Vegas pass rush has been exceptional this season, which doesn’t bode well for Daniel Jones‘ comfort in the pocket. New York has also had to cobble together a running game after the injury to Saquon Barkley, which will hinder their offense’s balance and ability to take pressure off of Jones.
The Giants keep it close as they have all season, but the Raiders pull ahead late and never look back. It’s another disappointing setback for the G-Men, while Las Vegas continues its surprising climb to the top of the AFC ranks.
Prediction: Raiders win 26-18 | Spread: N/A
Los Angeles Chargers (4-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (3-5)
Sunday, November 7, 4:05PM ET
This Los Angeles Chargers are so much better than they’ve shown over the last couple of games. Consecutive losses have them limping into Week 9, but a matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles should help them get back on track as we head into the second half of the 2021 campaign.
Don’t get me wrong — I’m not saying the Eagles are a doormat for the Chargers to step on. They’re riding high after crushing the Lions, and have been relatively competitive all season long despite their meh 3-5 record. It’s going to take a strong effort from Los Angeles to walk away from this one victorious.
And that’s exactly what’s going to happen. Justin Herbert is going to break out of this mini slump, shredding a middle-of-the-road Eagles secondary. Austin Ekeler also gets going on the ground, keeping the chains moving all day long. The Chargers put on a dazzling offensive performance, cracking the 40-point mark in the process.
The Eagles don’t go away easy, as Jalen Hurts keeps the offense running despite a couple of turnovers. Ultimately it’s the Philly defense that bends too much, breaking the Eagles’ backs and sending them away with their sixth loss of the season.
Prediction: Chargers win 43-30 | Spread: Chargers (-2.5)
Green Bay Packers (7-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-4)
Sunday, November 7, 4:25PM ET
It’s odd to feel like the Kansas City Chiefs don’t stand that much of a chance in this one. But with the way they’ve played this season (and the hot streak the Green Bay Packers are on, even having Patrick Mahomes under center isn’t enough to convince me.
Then again, this one also has the smell of a trap game (as strange as that may seem). The Packers are riding a seven-game winning streak and currently sit atop the NFC standings. Meanwhile, the Chiefs have limped through the season as turnovers and defensive struggles have suddenly transformed them into a middle-of-the-road squad.
Still, you can’t count out Mahomes and Andy Reid. At the same time, you can’t take Aaron Rodgers for granted. He’s in the middle of another epic campaign, giving Mother Time the middle finger as he continues to play some of his best football. He’s also got Davante Adams back, which should help.
The edge goes to the Packers, as they’ve got the superior defense and are going against a turnover-happy Chiefs offense. Rodgers stays hot, and Green Bay remains arguably the team to beat the NFC.
Prediction: Packers win 34-24 | Spread: N/A
Arizona Cardinals (7-1) at San Francisco 49ers (3-4)
Sunday, November 7, 4:25PM ET
The Arizona Cardinals may have suffered their first loss, but don’t expect them to stay down for long. They’re still one of the top contenders in the league and are going to be eager to prove that Thursday night loss was a lone bump in the road rather than a sign of things to come.
It’s not like the San Francisco 49ers are an intimidating opponent right now. Sure, they’re coming off a solid win and have plenty of talent on the roster, but they’ve been cursed by injuries this season and have had a hard time with penalties. Look for the Cardinals to turn this one into a shootout, which they’re more than capable of winning.
Kyler Murray airs it out early and often, relying on DeAndre Hopkins and Zach Ertz to move the chains. A few touchdowns later, he’s got Arizona in the lead and ready to run the 49ers into the ground as Jimmy Garoppolo struggles to get going against the Cardinals’ dangerous defensive front.
The Cardinals get back on track with a win, while the 49ers fall further behind in the race for one of the NFC’s Wild Card spots.
Prediction: Cardinals win 36-17 | Spread: Cardinals (-2.5)
Tennessee Titans (6-2) at Los Angeles Rams (7-1)
Sunday, November 7, 8:20PM ET
Heading into Week 9, the Los Angeles Rams have really hit their stride. The defense is playing well, the offense is rolling and it’s looking like the Rams will be one of the true contenders to emerge from the NFC.
That is unless the Tennessee Titans have something to say about it. Which they very well may. The Titans have been outstanding for much of the year, although they have a tendency to bury themselves in holes that are tough to dig themselves out of. Doing that won’t work against the Rams and their well-balanced attack.
As the two teams’ records would suggest, this should be a great game with a nice amount of offense. The Rams passing game gets going early, as Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods make the Tennessee secondary look silly. With Derrick Henry sidelined, the Rams focus on slowing the pass, keeping Tannehill from having too big of a day through the air.
Ultimately, the Rams prove to be too much for the Titans. Between their outstanding offense and hard-nosed defense led by Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey, Los Angeles has enough firepower to send the Titans home with their third loss of the season.
Prediction: Rams win 34-24 | Spread: Rams (-7.5)
Chicago Bears (3-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3)
Monday, November 8, 8:15PM ET
Another week has gone by, and I still don’t have much confidence in this Chicago Bears offense. Sure, the defense is holding its own this season, but Justin Fields hasn’t elevated this group enough to make them a consistent threat to find the end zone.
As for the Pittsburgh Steelers, their offense has been slightly more reliable in 2021. It started off slow but has gained momentum down the stretch as Najee Harris and Diontae Johnson continue to shine. Even against Chicago’s solid defense, the Steelers should be able to strike paydirt at least a couple of times.
The same can’t necessarily be said for the Bears against Pittsburgh’s elite defense. All season long, the Steelers have done a great job of overwhelming opposing offenses with their ability to pressure the passer and shut down ground games. Against Fields and Co., I’d imagine we’ll see more of the same.
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The Bears keep it close early, but a defensive touchdown by the Steelers turns the tide and allows them to run away with this one. Suddenly, Pittsburgh is a team worth taking seriously in the AFC playoff race.
Prediction: Steelers win 28-20 | Spread: Steelers (-6.5)