2015 NFL Picks, Predictions for Week 9

Week 9 NFL Pick 'Em

We're now halfway through the 2015 NFL campaign, and it's been quite the rollercoaster ride. Who would have guessed there would still be four undefeated teams, and only 11 teams that have a winning record through eight weeks? I guess that just demonstrates the unpredictability of the NFL.

I was 12-2 last week, so I'm feeling pretty confident in my picks at this point in the season. Take it for what you will.

We're now halfway through the 2015 NFL campaign, and it's been quite the rollercoaster ride. Who would have guessed there would still be four undefeated teams, and only 11 teams that have a winning record through eight weeks? I guess that just demonstrates the unpredictability of the NFL.

I was 12-2 last week, so I'm feeling pretty confident in my picks at this point in the season. Take it for what you will.

Cleveland Browns (2-5) at Cincinnati Bengals (7-0)

Pick: Bengals

Let’s be honest – there’s no way the Browns stand much of a chance in this game, especially with Johnny Manziel under center. The Bengals have been nearly unstoppable this season, and should continue to be so against an average Browns defense that will be without its top cornerback in Week 9.

Pick: Bengals

Let’s be honest – there’s no way the Browns stand much of a chance in this game, especially with Johnny Manziel under center. The Bengals have been nearly unstoppable this season, and should continue to be so against an average Browns defense that will be without its top cornerback in Week 9.

Green Bay Packers (6-1) at Carolina Panthers (7-0)

Pick: Panthers

Based on what we saw last week, the Packers offense has some serious problems – especially against top-tier defenses. While the Panthers’ offense hasn’t been much more impressive, Cam Newton is making enough plays to come away with the W, as evidenced by Carolina’s 7-0 record.

Pick: Panthers

Based on what we saw last week, the Packers offense has some serious problems – especially against top-tier defenses. While the Panthers’ offense hasn’t been much more impressive, Cam Newton is making enough plays to come away with the W, as evidenced by Carolina’s 7-0 record.

Washington Redskins (3-4) at New England Patriots (7-0)

Pick: Patriots

While the Redskins have had a knack for surprising me this season, there’s simply no way they do it again this week against the Patriots. Tom Brady is playing some of the best football of his career, and New England is pretty much unbeatable for an average team like Washington.

Pick: Patriots

While the Redskins have had a knack for surprising me this season, there’s simply no way they do it again this week against the Patriots. Tom Brady is playing some of the best football of his career, and New England is pretty much unbeatable for an average team like Washington.

Tennessee Titans (1-6) at New Orleans Saints (4-4)

Pick: Saints

Even with a new head coach in place, this Titans team is a long way from winning football games at a consistent clip. The Saints, meanwhile, have been playing well as of late, winning three of their last four. With Drew Brees firing on all cylinders, New Orleans should march right over the Titans.

Pick: Saints

Even with a new head coach in place, this Titans team is a long way from winning football games at a consistent clip. The Saints, meanwhile, have been playing well as of late, winning three of their last four. With Drew Brees firing on all cylinders, New Orleans should march right over the Titans.

Miami Dolphins (3-4) at Buffalo Bills (3-4)

Pick: Dolphins

These two teams are headed in completely different directions. The Dolphins are finally gelling under a new head coach, while the Bills are crumbling under the pressure of too many injuries. It’s going to be an interesting battle with both hoping to stay alive in the playoff race, but I give the edge to Miami.

Pick: Dolphins

These two teams are headed in completely different directions. The Dolphins are finally gelling under a new head coach, while the Bills are crumbling under the pressure of too many injuries. It’s going to be an interesting battle with both hoping to stay alive in the playoff race, but I give the edge to Miami.

St. Louis Rams (4-3) at Minnesota Vikings (5-2)

Pick: Vikings

This will be the Vikings’ first true test to see if they can really be a playoff team. The Rams are a very similar team in that they have a strong running game and a great defense, but Teddy Bridgewater will make the difference. The turnover battle should swing this one in Minnesota’s favor.

Pick: Vikings

This will be the Vikings’ first true test to see if they can really be a playoff team. The Rams are a very similar team in that they have a strong running game and a great defense, but Teddy Bridgewater will make the difference. The turnover battle should swing this one in Minnesota’s favor.

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5) at New York Jets (4-3)

Pick: Jaguars

I know I’m going to regret this, but I believe this will be the upset of the week. Geno Smith just isn’t a reliable NFL quarterback, and will likely make too many mistakes to keep New York alive in this one. Blake Bortles will keep his breakout season going with a strong showing in Week 9.

Pick: Jaguars

I know I’m going to regret this, but I believe this will be the upset of the week. Geno Smith just isn’t a reliable NFL quarterback, and will likely make too many mistakes to keep New York alive in this one. Blake Bortles will keep his breakout season going with a strong showing in Week 9.

Oakland Raiders (4-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4-4)

Pick: Raiders

The Steelers are reeling right now, especially after the loss of Le’Veon Bell. Meanwhile, the Raiders are rolling as they start to look like a legitimate playoff team. This one should come down to the wire, but I think the Raiders have enough firepower on offense to overcome a desperate Pittsburgh team.

Pick: Raiders

The Steelers are reeling right now, especially after the loss of Le’Veon Bell. Meanwhile, the Raiders are rolling as they start to look like a legitimate playoff team. This one should come down to the wire, but I think the Raiders have enough firepower on offense to overcome a desperate Pittsburgh team.

New York Giants (4-4) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4)

Pick: Buccaneers

I have a feeling this will end up being one of the most exciting games of Week 9. The Buccaneers have been up and down all season long, but Jameis Winston seems to be finding his footing. Meanwhile, the Giants just watched Eli Manning throw six touchdowns in one game. Tampa Bay wins this thriller.

Pick: Buccaneers

I have a feeling this will end up being one of the most exciting games of Week 9. The Buccaneers have been up and down all season long, but Jameis Winston seems to be finding his footing. Meanwhile, the Giants just watched Eli Manning throw six touchdowns in one game. Tampa Bay wins this thriller.

Atlanta Falcons (6-2) at San Francisco 49ers (2-6)

Pick: Falcons

The 49ers are a disaster right now, while the Falcons are desperately looking for a bounce-back win after floundering against the Buccaneers last weekend. No matter how “weak” the Atlanta defense may be, there’s no way Blaine Gabbert leads San Francisco to a win in Week 9.

Pick: Falcons

The 49ers are a disaster right now, while the Falcons are desperately looking for a bounce-back win after floundering against the Buccaneers last weekend. No matter how “weak” the Atlanta defense may be, there’s no way Blaine Gabbert leads San Francisco to a win in Week 9.

Denver Broncos (7-0) at Indianapolis Colts (3-5)

Pick: Broncos

With the way Andrew Luck has been playing, there’s simply no way the Colts can overcome the Broncos’ elite defense. Even if Peyton Manning struggles and the running game doesn’t get going for Denver, the Broncos will still walk away from this one unblemished.

Pick: Broncos

With the way Andrew Luck has been playing, there’s simply no way the Colts can overcome the Broncos’ elite defense. Even if Peyton Manning struggles and the running game doesn’t get going for Denver, the Broncos will still walk away from this one unblemished.

Philadelphia Eagles (3-4) at Dallas Cowboys (2-5)

Pick: Cowboys

The Cowboys continue to come close to victory, but just can’t seem to get it done at crunch time. That changes this week, as they hope to salvage some hope while they wait for Tony Romo’s return. The Cowboys stifled the Eagles’ offense the first time around, and Darren McFadden is playing well right now. Dallas inches out a win.

Pick: Cowboys

The Cowboys continue to come close to victory, but just can’t seem to get it done at crunch time. That changes this week, as they hope to salvage some hope while they wait for Tony Romo’s return. The Cowboys stifled the Eagles’ offense the first time around, and Darren McFadden is playing well right now. Dallas inches out a win.

Chicago Bears (2-5) at San Diego Chargers (2-6)

Pick: Chargers

Could we have asked for a much worse Monday Night Football matchup? Maybe, but this one will probably still be an uninspiring showdown between two teams just trying to not embarrass themselves. I give the edge to the Chargers because of their high-flying passing attack and home-field advantage.

Pick: Chargers

Could we have asked for a much worse Monday Night Football matchup? Maybe, but this one will probably still be an uninspiring showdown between two teams just trying to not embarrass themselves. I give the edge to the Chargers because of their high-flying passing attack and home-field advantage.