NFL Week 9 Preview
Fantasy Football Start Em’ Sit Em
Quarterback Start: Dak Prescott (at CLE), Philip Rivers (vs. TEN), Start Jameis Winston (vs. ATL)
Quarterback Sit: Matthew Stafford (at MIN), Blake Bortles (at KC), Derek Carr (vs. DEN)
Running Back Start: Jay Ajayi (vs. NYJ), Charcandrick West (vs. JAX), Terrence West (vs. PIT), Derrick Henry (at SD)
Running Back Sit: Jerick McKinnon (vs. DET), Mike Gillislee (at SEA), Ryan Matthews (at NYG)
Wide Receiver Start: Devante Adams (vs. IND), Michael Thomas (at SF), Quincy Enunwa (at MIA)
Wide Receive Sit: Marvin Jones (at MIN), Travis Benjamin (vs. TEN), Jeremy Maclin (vs. JAX)
Tight End Start: Kyle Rudolph (vs. DET), Antonio Gates (vs. TEN), Dennis Pitta (vs. PIT)
Tight End Sit: Julius Thomas (at KC), Zach Ertz (at NYG), Jack Doyle (at GB)
Defense/ST Start: Ravens (vs. PIT), Cowboys (at CLE)
Defense/ST Sit: Titans (at SD)
Week 9 Game Picks
Falcons vs. Buccaneers: Atlanta has an opportunity to extend their lead in the NFC South by avenging their previous defeat at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This game will be close simply because the back end of the Falcons defense can be beaten and beaten badly. The Packers and Chargers saw success when going downfield against Atlanta. So look for the Bucs to try their hand at that. Problem is, Jameis Winston can be a bit inconsistent. I believe he’ll have a good night, but he’ll also likely cost his team the game. I’m picking the Falcons to win.
Lions vs. Vikings: It’s gut check time for the Vikings. There offense has come to a complete stop thanks to issues in the trenches and their offensive coordinator resigned earlier in the week. It’ll probably be a tough adjustment for them. The Vikings defense will need to play as they did in the first four weeks of the season and reclaim their identity. Against the Lions passing offense, they need to regain their physical nature. The Lions defense is bad enough to allow some success to the Vikings, but ultimately I think Detroit wins this game.
Steelers vs. Ravens: The expectation is that Ben Roethlisberger will play this weekend. So I’ll base my prediction on that. His return couldn’t come at a better time considering the Ravens secondary isn’t the best in the league. So expect the Steelers to take some shots downfield. Also, the Ravens offense is average across the board. Even the bizarro Steelers defense should be able to contain them. Look for the Steelers to win this game.
Jets vs. Dolphins: This game has two components to look at. First, the big battle will be in the trenches as the Jets defensive front will have to compete against the Dolphins line and breakout running back Jay Ajayi. Ajayi will be looking to make it three straight big running games in a row. The second thing to consider is the quarterbacks of the two teams. Say it with me now: liability. Both teams will attempt to make the opposing team’s quarterback win the game. Which means the consistency of Ryan Fitzpatrick will go up against Ryan Tannehill. I give the Dolphins the slight edge in this one since I believe Ajayi will have another good game.
Cowboys vs. Browns: The Indians just blew a 3-1 lead and the Browns will be 0-9 after Sunday. As I look at their schedule, their best chance to win a game is probably next week at Baltimore.
Jaguars vs. Chiefs: Nick Foles will stand under center for the banged up Kansas City Chiefs. This will be a difficult stretch for them as they try to just get healthy and make a run towards the back end of the season. When healthy I believe in them, but they have to get there first. The Jaguars offense will have an uphill battle. They have a new offensive coordinator and a fledgling quarterback going up against a good defense. It won’t end well. KC will win this game.
Eagles vs. Giants: The Eagles let one get away from them last week and need to stay on pace with the Cowboys. They’ll have a huge matchup problem as their secondary can’t hope to cover Odell Beckham and the Giants receivers. If Eli Manning has a good game, the Eagles will have a tough time. But I expect Eli to be average and still lead his team to a win.
Panthers vs. Rams: Cam Newton’s talk with the commissioner couldn’t have come at a better time. Jeff Fisher coached teams and Greg Williams coached defenses tend to have a reputation of borderline hits on quarterbacks. Ask Teddy Bridgewater about that one. With more calls on the way, I don’t see how the Rams defense can shake him. So look for the Panthers to win.
Saints vs. 49ers: The Saints deserve credit for their improved play. Their defense has been overachieving over the past three weeks and Drew Brees has done his normal work on offense. Against the awful 49ers, New Orleans should have no trouble.
Titans vs. Chargers: The Chargers blew a chance to get to .500 with head scratching mistakes and play calling across the board. Their key to victory will be shutting down the running attack of the Titans and making Marcus Mariota beat them. And the advantage there is that Chargers Assistant Ken Whisenhunt coached Mariota just a season ago. I’m sure he can pass on a few secrets to the defense. If Philip Rivers can avoid costly turnovers, the Chargers should win this game.
Colts vs. Packers: Two quarterbacks that are asked to carry their teams meet up in this one. Aaron Rodgers already holds the clear advantage simply because the Colts don’t have a pass rush and Vantae Davis may be forced to sit out due to a concussion. If Rodgers has truly turned his play around, he’ll have not problems torching the Colts defense en route to a Packers victory.
Broncos vs. Raiders: The two best teams in the best division in football square off for first place. This will be the greatest test for the Raiders offense. Can they run the ball against Denver? Can they score touchdowns instead of field goals against Denver? And their defense will be tested as well. Expect a lot of running plays and quick passes from the Broncos offense. I’m picking the home team to win though. This is probably the biggest game Oakland has had in over a decade in the Black Hole. I expect them to feed off the crowd’s energy and pick up the win.
Bills vs. Seahawks: The Seahawks should be upset with the results of their last two wins. With LeSean McCoy still nursing an injury, I don't see how the Bills can go into Seattle and win against a motivated Seahawks team.
