As we are now at the mid-point of the season, we are learning more and more about some teams every week. On the slate for this week, there are some intriguing matchups. A couple of games will take place between teams in the same division in the mix for the playoffs.
The N.F.L.’s trade deadline was as notable for the players who didn’t get moved as for the players who did. The Los Angeles Rams added the Pro Bowl linebacker Von Miller to an already tremendous defense, but the long-rumored Miami Dolphins trade for Deshaun Watson did not come to pass, and Odell Beckham Jr. stayed a member of the Cleveland Browns until the team agreed to release him.
This week’s injured/Covid-list designations have had a greater effect on betting lines than the league’s trades: The Tennessee Titans will try to remain relevant without Derrick Henry, and Aaron Rodgers’s positive coronavirus test has tremendously swung the odds of Kansas City beating his Green Bay Packers.
Below is a look at N.F.L. Week 9, with picks previews.
Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints
Just when it looked like Atlanta was getting something going, they produce a flat performance against Carolina to drop to 3-4 on the season. While Calvin Ridley’s absence due to mental health issues will be a blow to the receiving group, this offence should be good enough to cover for him until he is ready to return. Expect plenty of work for Kyle Pitts, Cordarrelle Patterson and Mike Davis as the Falcons look for their first win over the Saints since November 2019.T hey have a great chance to get after New Orleans in this game with Sean Payton turning to Trevor Siemian, his third choice quarterback. While Payton is going to coach up an impressive defensive scheme, we will take the Falcons to keep it close.
Prediction: Falcons +6
Denver Broncos at Dallas Cowboys
The Broncos traded Von Miller to the Rams, a sign that while they might not be rebuilding, they’re also definitely not trying to compete for anything this season. That said, Denver’s performance for about the last month had already made that abundantly clear. The Broncos’ win over Washington last week was a temporary return to their winning formula from early in the season, as Teddy Bridgewater played a clean game, and the Broncos sacked Taylor Heinicke five times and picked him off twice. Dallas proved their overall depth and resilience against Minnesota, with Cooper Rush outplaying Kirk Cousins and leading the Cowboys to an impressive 20-16 road win, complete with a last-minute touchdown pass to get the win. The Cowboys are optimistic that they’ll have Dak Prescott back this week, but given Denver’s struggles, as well as Rush’s strong play, might they choose to give Prescott an extra week of rest.
Prediction: Dallas Cowboys -9
Green Bay Packers at Kansas City Chiefs
Trap spot. Bad value. Whatever. The Chiefs are not good right now, so I’ll fade them. We’ve been trying to identify where the bounce-back spot would be for Kansas City, but maybe it just isn’t coming. The Packers are red-hot right now, taking down the NFL’s last undefeated last week on TNF, getting a longer week to prep for their trip to Arrowhead Stadium.
Since the Week 1 dud to the Saints, the Packers have won and covered seven in a row — the longest ATS steak of Aaron Rodgers’ career! I have no doubt Rodgers will be able to have his way against the KC defense. But it’s offensively with the Chiefs where we have to just admit they don’t have it. Patrick Mahomes seems like he’ll continue to make mistakes, and he’s unable to get plays out of anyone but Tyreek Hill. Better than a pick’em price — I’ll take the far surperior team.
Prediction: Green Bay Packers ML