Week 9 Picks

Washington at Atlanta
The Falcons can't seem to beat the league's best teams, but they do play a consistent and solid brand of football. Washington is the opposite. Falcons 27 Washington 13

Arizona at Chicago
The Cardinals rely on one stat: Kurt Warner's interceptions. In games they have lost he throws a lot. The Bears need to find a way to move the ball on the ground, which they haven't really done. Arizona is 8th in the league in run defense. Cardinals 24 Bears 17

Baltimore at Cincinnati
The Ravens got back on track last week by dominating the Broncos. This could be the best game of the week, and I expect the Ravens to avenge their Week 5 loss at home to the Bengals. Ravens 27 Bengals 17

Houston at Indianapolis
The Colts quietly have put together one of the better defenses in the NFL. When the Texans can run the ball (without fumbling, Steve Slaton), they have one of the league's best offenses. I like Payton Manning to continue to roll. Colts 30 Texans 24

Miami at New England
New England was the first victim of the Wildcat in 2008. The Dolphins made the Patriots old linebackers look ancient on the way to a 38-13 win in New England. Two months later in Miami the Patriots gave up just 66 yards rushing, and racked up 48 points and over 500 yards of offense in a 48-28 win. My guess is that this week's game will settle somewhere between those extremes, and Tom Brady will be the difference. Patriots 27 Dolphins 23

Green Bay at Tampa Bay
The Buccaneers will wear those old white/creamsicle uniforms, and just in time! The Buccaneers were famously bad for most of their history while wearing the creamsicle outfit, and in 2009 they've returned to the NFL cellar. The Packers need a pick-me-up after the Vikings (and Brent) completely a season sweep up in Lambeau. Packers 31 Bucs 13

Kansas City at Jacksonville
Maybe the toughest game of the week. The Jags swing violently from competent to horrendous, and the Chiefs play the most spirited losing football we've seen in years. Jaguars 20 Chiefs 13

Carolina at New Orleans
The Panthers, as a team, probably aren't as bad as their 3-4 record, but their quarterback certainly is. Jake Delhomme had a better game last week against Arizona, but the Saints, who have intercepted everybody this year, must be chomping at the bit. Saints 28 Panthers 14

Detroit at Seattle
The Lions stink. Seahawks 27 Lions 19

Tennessee at San Francisco
The Titans finally logged a victory. San Francisco's defense is going to make Tennessee look really bad. As long as Alex Smith plays OK, the 49ers should control this one from start to finish. 49ers 17 Titans 9

San Diego at NY Giants
Yes, we remember that San Diego drafted Eli Manning, then had to trade him to the Giants. Blah, blah, blah. This is a real toss up to me: Chargers 27 Giants 26

Dallas at Philadelphia
Another toughy. The absolute worst time to pick Dallas is when they are hot. They are extremely hot right now. The Eagles reliance on big plays probably won't be exposed against the Cowboys, but I like Dallas; the Cowboys can play a little ball-control and rack up a lot of yards against Philly's so-so defensive front. Cowboys 28 Eagles 21

Pittsburgh at Denver
I really don't want to pick this game. I don't think Denver can move the ball against Pittsburgh. But I also think Denver will keep it close. I guess I'll fall back on Ben Roethlisberger. Steelers 23 Broncos 20, OT.