NFL Week 9 Picks: Bengals, Chiefs, Cowboys among the selections

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BEST BETS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (4-4) at ATLANTA FALCONS (4-4)

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LINE: Atlanta by 4.5

CHEWABLE: The QB matchup has fifth-round choose Jaren Corridor, who’s stepping in for the injured Kirk Cousins, versus Taylor Heinicke, who replaces Desmond Ridder after the latter had a concussion together with 12 giveaways in eight video games … Thanks largely to an enhancing defence beneath DC Brian Flores, the Vikings have gained three in a row and 4 of their final 5, dropping solely to the Chiefs (by a landing) throughout that stretch … Minnesota additionally does a high quality job towards the run, which Atlanta’s sport plan is usually primarily based round … The Falcons have bother defending tight ends and now they face top-of-the-line in T.J. Hockenson, whose 473 receiving yards is second solely to Travis Kelce amongst males who play the place … Whereas Falcons have an expertise edge at QB, they is also with out their greatest receiver, Drake London, who’s coping with a groin harm and didn’t observe Thursday …  Ought to Corridor battle, the Vikings could have the competent Joshua Dobbs popping out of the bullpen.

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TAKING: MINNESOTA +4.5

SCORE (O/U 37.5): Vikings 23, Falcons 21

ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-7) at CLEVELAND BROWNS (4-3)

LINE: Cleveland by 8

CHEWABLE: Both Kyler Murray will likely be making his first begin in 11 months or Clayton Tune will likely be making his first NFL begin in 24 years, and neither the ‘welcome again’ or simply plain ‘welcome’ could be a heat and pleasant from Myles Garrett or the inhabitants of the Dawg Pound — particularly with the Browns coming off a 24-20 loss to Seattle after they led within the fourth quarter. Cleveland’s defence remains to be first in complete yards allowed, first in passing yards allowed and seventh in dashing yards allowed, and whether or not Deshaun Watson really decides to play or the Browns’ QB will once more be P.J. Walker, it’s exhausting to not again this strong dwelling facet towards the road versus guests who’ve misplaced 5 in a row, all by double digits. Survivor Pool choose of the week.

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TAKING: CLEVELAND -8

SCORE (O/U 37.5): Browns 27, Cardinals 10

LOS ANGELES RAMS (3-5) at GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-5)

LINE: Inexperienced Bay by 3.5

CHEWABLE: The road has been adjusted considerably due to the sprained finger which may maintain Matthew Stafford sidelined, however even with Brett Rypien on the controls the Rams simply may be the higher workforce. They’ve higher receivers and, with Aaron Jones not but himself in two video games since getting back from harm, a greater operating assault with Royce Freeman and Darrell Henderson Jr. Rypien, who had a 2-1 document as a starter over three years with the Broncos, is the nephew of Mark Rypien, the primary Canadian (Calgary) to be a NFL beginning quarterback and Tremendous Bowl MVP. He may additionally be higher, proper now, than Jordan Love, who by the primary half of the season has been one of many league’s worst starters. He has led the Packers to twenty fifth in complete yards in addition to 4 straight losses, a stretch over which they’ve averaged 15 factors and failed to attain greater than 20. The Packers’ banged-up defence has not performed effectively and didn’t get any higher buying and selling CB Rasul Douglas to the Payments. Getting Rams because the canine is a no brainer, particularly when there’s nonetheless an opportunity Stafford performs.

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TAKING: L.A. RAMS +3.5

SCORE (O/U 38.5): Rams 24, Packers 20

BUFFALO BILLS (5-3) at CINCINNATI BENGALS (4-3) 

LINE: Cincinnati by 1.5

CHEWABLE: Breathe simpler, Payments followers, as Josh Allen was again as a full participant at Thursday’s observe after lacking Wednesday altogether with a sore throwing shoulder. Regardless that he has struggled on the highway — throwing six interceptions and fumbling twice as Buffalo has gone 1-3 — the Payments would have zero probability on this one with out him. They’re not an excellent guess even with their fearless chief, nevertheless. Joe Burrow proved his aggravated calf is 100% when he returned to dismantle the Niners 31-17 in San Francisco, Cincy’s third win in a row. Joe linked on his first 19 passes and 28-of-32 for 283 yards and three touchdowns … Ja’Marr Chase has 31 catches for 372 yards and 4 touchdowns over the past three video games … The Bengals defence is among the many greatest within the league at swinging momentum. They’re tied for fifth with 13 compelled turnovers and tied for third with 10 interceptions. One pattern we anticipate to finish: Bengals are 0-9 on Sunday Night time Soccer.

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TAKING: CINCINNATI -1.5

SCORE (O/U 49.5): Bengals 33, Payments 24

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MIAMI DOLPHINS (6-2) vs. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (6-2)

(Recreation to be performed at Frankfurt, Germany)

LINE: Kansas Metropolis by 1.5 

CHEWABLE: Not solely is that this the primary NFL sport to be performed in Frankfurt, Germany, however it’s additionally the primary probability for Tyreek Hill to burn the Chiefs, who elected to commerce him to Miami in March, 2022 relatively than pay him the four-year, $120 million deal he signed with the Fish. Hill is the primary receiver within the Tremendous Bowl period to succeed in 1,000 receiving yards in eight weeks and, with 1,014, he’s on tempo for two,154 yards, which might be fairly good contemplating no person has reached the two,000-yard mark … Working towards “Cheetah” is Steve Spagnuolo, who simply so occurred to be the defensive coordinator of the NFL Europe’s Frankfurt Galaxy in 1998 and since  2019 has been the extremely revered DC of the Chiefs, which suggests his unit practiced towards Hill every single day for 3 years. It figures that if Spags can’t defend towards Hill, no person can, and I’m not saying the latter isn’t extra probably than the previous  … Nearly as good because the Dolphins’ No. 1-ranked offence is, it has not fared effectively towards the robust defences of Buffalo and Philadelphia. The truth is, Miami’s solely two losses had been to the Payments (48-20) and Eagles (31-17), in the one two video games the Dolphins haven’t scored no less than 24. Oh, and the Chiefs’ defence is each bit pretty much as good as their offence (in each instances they’re ranked fourth) and, as Tua Tagovailoa will quickly be reminded, is phenomenal at pressuring the quarterback, with 28 sacks that’s tied for second most within the league … Patrick Mahomes had his worst sport of the season final week within the Chiefs’ 24-9 loss to the Broncos, however he additionally was taking part in by a bout of the flu, which I can effectively think about is tough as I’m penning this by a bout of COVID. My choose for this sport is predicated on A) the Dolphins defence, which is a lot better than it was now that Jalen Ramsey is again, nonetheless solely center of the pack and B) No QB has a greater bounce again today than Mahomes, who has gained eight straight video games coming off a loss.

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TAKING: KANSAS CITY -1.5

SCORE (O/U 50.5): Chiefs 30, Dolphins 24

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (5-2) at BALTIMORE RAVENS (6-2)

LINE: Baltimore by 6

CHEWABLE: The marquee sport within the 1 p.m. window and a candy follow-up to the Dolphins-Chiefs breakfast. This battle of division leaders has a Ravens workforce on a three-game profitable streak throughout which it has averaged 31 factors per sport, and the Seahawks, who’ve gained two straight and introduced in former Giants DL Leonard (Huge Cat) Williams to a defence that simply retains getting higher … Whereas Geno Smith has not performed as much as the usual he set final season — and he has turned the ball over seven occasions in his final three outings — the important thing to this sport, like most involving the Ravens, would be the play of Lamar Jackson. He’ll should be at his scampering greatest towards a workforce that already was doing an excellent job pressuring quarterbacks earlier than the addition of Huge Cat, and even at that, Seahawks are additionally good towards the run. Numbers of observe: Lamar thrives towards NFC groups with a 17-3 document that features 29 TD passes and 7 interceptions. He’s additionally 7-17 ATS as a house favorite of three.5 factors or extra. This line feels too excessive in what must be an in depth one.

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TAKING: SEATTLE +6

SCORE (O/U 44): Ravens 24, Seahawks 21

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (3-4) at HOUSTON TEXANS (3-4)

LINE: Houston by 2.5 

CHEWABLE: The temptation right here is to select the canine, which is 3-0 ATS on the highway and had 9 days to arrange for this sport. However these causes aren’t sufficient to again Bucs, who would be the second-best workforce on the sphere. Tampa Bay has misplaced three in a row, averaging 12.33 factors in that span. The offence is so unhealthy as a result of the Bucs have a weak operating again in Rachaad White main a poor floor sport, Baker Mayfield’s arm is within the backside half of beginning QBs across the league and he has little time behind a line that may’t shield. Final week, the Texans sacked Carolina QB Bryce Younger six occasions and held the Panthers to 224 complete yards. C.J. Stroud’s passing yards complete has dropped a notch in every of the final 4 video games to the purpose that the rookie QB had his worst day as a professional final week, finishing simply 16 of 24 passes for 140 yards. The Texans will rebound from changing into the primary sufferer of the Panthers.

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TAKING: HOUSTON -2.5

SCORE (O/U 40): Texans 17, Bucs 14

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (3-5) at NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2-6)

LINE: New England by 3

CHEWABLE: The Commanders defence has allowed essentially the most passing touchdowns and second-most variety of factors within the league, and that was earlier than buying and selling its bookend warmth appliers, Montez Sweat and Chase Younger, earlier than Tuesday’s deadline. Even Mac Jones minus his high receiver (Kendrick Bourne suffered a season-ending knee harm final week) ought to have the ability to discover holes if he has all day to look, proper? Washington is coming off a 38-31 loss to the Eagles by which Sam Howell went off, throwing for 397 yards and 4 touchdowns. He was additionally sacked solely as soon as, which needed to be a deal with for essentially the most sacked quarterback within the NFL this season. As unhealthy because the Commanders are at defending, and as disillusioned as they have to be after buying and selling away two stars, it simply doesn’t really feel proper to again a workforce that has an AFC worst point-differential as a favorite. Now taking JuJu Smith-Schuster for an anytime landing may not be a nasty thought, and it has to pay lots since he’s had simply 4 catches of 9 yards in his final two video games.

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TAKING: WASHINGTON +3

SCORE (O/U 40.5): Patriots 23, Commanders 21

CHICAGO BEARS (2-6) at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (4-4)

LINE: New Orleans by 8.5

CHEWABLE: The Bears ought to roll to victory — if Tyson Bagent celebrates this Nov. 5 like he did the final one, when he accomplished 32 of 40 passes for 400 yards and 5 touchdowns towards East Stroudsburg. After all, the Saints defence is healthier than the one the Division II Warriors placed on then subject, however it has allowed 132.3 dashing yards per sport over the past three weeks, which suggests D’Onta Foreman and Roschon Johnson can churn up some actual property, particularly if guard Nate Davis returns from harm … With duel-threat extraordinare Alvin Kamara now in full stride, the Saints have averaged 27.3 factors per sport over the past 4 weeks and no less than 407 yards of their final three, together with a 511-yard outburst towards the Colts final week … The addition of Sweat will assist the Bears’ move rush, which was nearly non-existent, and the run defence, which is Prime 3 within the league permitting a mean of 78.3 yards per sport. There will likely be no upset right here, however the Bears can cowl if two of Davis, LB Tremaine Edmunds and SS Jaquan Brisker play, and Bagent can lead by the again door this Nov. 5.

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TAKING: CHICAGO +8.5

SCORE (O/U 41): Saints 28, Bears 20

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (3-5) at CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-6)

LINE: Indianapolis by 2.5 

CHEWABLE: The Colts’ beat-up secondary is no less than a part of the rationale their defence has been so brutal of late, permitting a mean of 38 factors throughout the present three-game dropping streak. The Panthers are flying excessive after choosing up their first win of the season final week, a 15-13 victory over the Texans. Can Bryce Younger choose up his second win? Perhaps, if the Panthers can present him higher safety than standard. A greater guess is than Jonathan Taylor and Zack Moss could have busy, excellent afternoons, towards a Carolina run defence that ranks twenty ninth, permitting a mean of 139.4 yards per sport.

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TAKING: INDIANAPOLIS -2.5

SCORE (O/U 44): Colts 23, Panthers 21

NEW YORK GIANTS (2-6) at LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (3-5) 

LINE: Las Vegas by 1.5

CHEWABLE: Raiders interim coach Antonio Pierce simply occurs to be a former Large, and what higher approach for gamers to ingratiate themselves with the brand new boss than to provide him his first win towards his former workforce. Having Aidan O’Connell at QB as a substitute of Jimmy Garoppolo may give the Raiders a lift as effectively, though it’s not like excessive powered cables are wanted to get extra out of an offence that has failed to attain greater than 21 factors in a sport this season. However vital assistance is on the way in which for the Giants, and never simply the return of QB Daniel Jones, who doesn’t precisely have a troublesome act to comply with after the workforce completed with web minus-9 passing yards in its 13-10 loss to the Jets final week. Larger, if in actual fact it does occur, would be the return of two offensive tackles — star LT Andrew Thomas and RT Evan Neal, the workforce’s 2022 first spherical choose. Additionally, Saquon Barkley is coming off his greatest dashing sport of the season towards a Raiders defence that ranks thirtieth towards the run.

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TAKING: N.Y. GIANTS +1.5 

SCORE (O/U 37): Giants 21, Raiders 20

DALLAS COWBOYS (5-2) at PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (7-1)

LINE: Philadelphia by 3

CHEWABLE: Already taking part in by a knee harm, Jalen Hurts has misplaced two of his three profession begins towards Dallas, whereas the Eagles have dropped 4 of their final 5 versus the Cowboys. Extra vital, nevertheless, is what’s occurring within the right here and now. The Eagles have the No. 1 run defence within the league, however they’re additionally twenty sixth towards the move. Dak Prescott, who has been on the high of his sport the final two weeks, has accomplished a career-best 71 p.c of his passes this season. Towards the Rams final week within the Cowboys’ 43-20 win, he had a season-best passer score of 133.7, enhancing his document to 30-0 when his passer score eclipses 114. And looking out into the rear view mirror yet another time exhibits Prescott loves taking part in Philly. In his final three begins versus the Eagles he has gone 3-0 and, whereas tossing 11 TD passes in comparison with one interception, directed the ‘Boys to a mean of 44 factors per sport. A win by the house facet on this one would give the Eagles a snug three-game lead within the NFC East, whereas a victory by the guests places Eagles and Cowboys tied within the loss column. Anticipate a second big sport in a row from CeeDee Lamb.

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TAKING: DALLAS +3

SCORE (O/U 46.5): Cowboys 31, Eagles 28

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (3-4) at NEW YORK JETS (4-3)

LINE: L.A. Chargers by 3.5

CHEWABLE: Pegged as an underdog by greater than a subject purpose is a slap within the face to the Jets, who’re on a three-game profitable streak and taking part in at dwelling towards a workforce that snapped a two-game hunch by beating up on the Bears. Additionally, Gang Inexperienced’s anemic offence will get to face a defence that ranks thirty first in complete yards allowed and useless final in passing yards allowed, so even Zach Wilson ought to have success towards the Chargers, supplied he’s purchased time by a line that will likely be dealing with the rejuvenated Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa. Getting Breece Corridor going could possibly be tough for the Jets, as stopping the run is one thing the Chargers defence does effectively with a sixth-best 93.4 yards per sport towards. In the meantime, Justin Herbert will likely be a defence that’s fifth towards the move, however Austin Ekeler’s expertise as a rusher could possibly be simpler as New York has the second-worst defence within the league towards the run. 

TAKING: N.Y. JETS  +3.5

SCORE (O/U 40): Chargers 23, Jets 21

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