Week 9 Picks!

The NFL hits full stride as we approach Week 9 and the halfway point of the NFL season. It is amazing that we are already at the midway spot in the season, but it is November and now teams begin to make their move, and the games become really important. There are always one or two teams that are like 6-2 or 5-3 and fall apart to finish 8-8 or 7-9. Conversely, there are usually at least two teams that are at 4-4 or 3-5 and get hot to finish 10-6 and vault into a wild card spot. Who are this year's candidates to make a run? Miami is a perfect choice. They are 3-4, but they could easily be 5-2. Watch out for the Dolphins as they could make a run to the playoffs. Also, San Francisco fits into this category. They are 3-4 as well, but they have played hard each week, and almost beat the Colts in Indy last week. In a weak division, they could still make a run and snag the NFC West from the Cardinals. As far as the teams that could fall off in the second half of the season, there are a few teams that people think could fall off. In the AFC, the Broncos (6-1), Bengals (5-2), and Texans (5-3), could all struggle down the stretch and miss the playoffs. In the NFC, Dallas, the Giants, and Philly, one of them will struggle down the stretch and miss the playoffs. With that said, here are my Week 9 picks.....

Last Week's Record: (7-6)
Overall Record: (58-56-2)

JACKSONVILLE (-6) over Kansas City: The Jags are a weird team, but KC is a mess. The Todd Haley-Matt Cassel Era has not started the way Chief fans have envisioned.

Baltimore (-3) over CINCY: The Ravens are a legit Super Bowl contender. They will avenge a loss to the Bengals a few weeks ago. This is one of the best games of the weekend, and it should be a slugfest.

INDY (-8) over Houston: The Texans are good, but they aren't ready for Peyton Manning and company just yet. The Colts had their snoozer last week over the Niners, and they will bring the "A" game this week.

Washington (+10) over ATLANTA: There has to be a week when the huge underdogs rise up and meet the challenge and cover the ridiciously high spreada. I'll roll the dice with the Skins this week. Call it the upset special.

Green Bay (-9) over TAMPA BAY: The Packers will feast on the Bucs this week in the "Bay the Pigs." The Bucs have turned to Josh Freeman, which means the Pack's secondary has a big day.

Arizona (+3) over CHICAGO: The Cards get it done this week in Chicago. Kurt Warner will play lights out on the road to defeat the Bears.

Miami (-10) over NEW ENGLAND: This is the most ridiculous line of the year. The Dolphins are good. This is my lock of the week.

NEW ORLEANS (-13) over Carolina: The Panthers saved their season last week in Arizona, but they will get smoked in the Superdome this week. The Saints roll to 8-0.

SEATTLE (-10) over Detroit: The Seahawks get back on track at home this week against the hapless Lions.

SAN FRANCISCO (-4) over Tennessee: The Niners played hard the last two weeks on the road and lost close games. The Titans finally won their first game last week. This sets up perfectly for a Niner win 20-10.

NEW YORK GIANTS (-4) over San Diego: The Giants need to step up and stop the bleeding. This game could go either way. I'll ride the Giants at home in a must win for both teams.

PHILLY (-3) over Dallas: The Eagles take care of business on SNF. I think the Cowboys are good, but I like the Eagles better. Philly is the team to beat in NFC East.

Pittsburgh (-3) over DENVER: Another bad matchup for Denver. The Steelers defense is too fast and physical for the Broncos. Big Ben makes too many plays, and Denver falls to 6-2. Final Score: Steelers-24- Denver-13