NFL Picks Week 9: Looking Good, Feeling Good

The New Orleans Saints have the opportunity to win their sixth consecutive game, as they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa is filling the Saints former role of the NFC South’s most disappointing team, and the Saints are looking to keep the Bucs firmly in the division’s cellar.

It’s been a surprisingly great season so far, thanks to a brilliant turnaround from an 0-2 start and Who Dat Nation is feeling as good as they have in a very long time. The Saints are primed this week to keep that feeling going. Let's take a look at this and all of the upcoming Week 9 action.

Last week I went 8-5

I told you so: Seahawks over Texans!

What do I know: Browns over Vikings?

***

WEEK 9

Thursday, November 2nd - Thursday Night Football

Bills(5-2) at Jets(3-5)

Behind their potent rushing attack, Buffalo will upend their AFC East rival. Buffalo wins 26-21.

Pick: Bills

***

Sunday, November 5th - Early Games

Colts(2-6) at Texans(3-4)

Basking in the glow of their World Series Championship, the City of Houston will be all amped up for this one. Houston will have another victory to enjoy when this one is over. Houston wins 32-24.

Pick: Texans

***

Bengals(3-4) at Jaguars(4-3)

Jacksonville just isn't the same team at home as they are away, and their lack of a true passing attack will hurt them against a top-five NFL defense like Cincy. Cincinnati wins 17-13.

Pick: Bengals

***

Rams(5-2) at Giants(1-6)

Eli Manning and his Giants will have no answers for the Rams in this one. Los Angeles wins 27-17.

Pick: Rams

***

Falcons(4-3) at Panthers(5-3)

Carolina’s second-ranked defense will be repeatedly gashed by Atlanta’s passing game in this one. Atlanta wins 34-21.

Pick: Falcons

***

Broncos(3-4) at Eagles(7-1)

Denver’s top-ranked defense has carried them all year, but Philly will stretch them too far, causing Denver to break. Philly will surprisingly break this one wide open at home. Philadelphia wins 42-24.

Pick: Eagles

***

Ravens(4-4) at Titans(4-3)

Tennessee’s passing game will surprise in this one, besting Baltimore’s top-ten defense. Tennessee wins 21-14.

Pick: Titans

***

Buccaneers(2-5) at Saints(5-2)

All season, Saints fans have waited for that vintage Sean Payton/Drew Brees dumptrucking of an opponent that brings the crowd to their feet. Despite what some might have thought, it wasn't going to come against Chicago and their top-ten defense last week. In fact, the Saints have played quite a few top-ten defensive units this season, and it has tested this team for the better.

When will the Saints get their big win this season? Well, look no further than this game against Tampa’s fourth-worst ranked defense. A flailing and wounded rival comes wandering into the Superdome ready to spring the trap. Mark Ingram will run angry and with purpose, while Marshon Lattimore and the Saints defense will make Jameis Winston pay for some big mistakes. The Saints get the decisive victory the fans have been waiting to see. Saints win 31-17.

Pick: Saints

***

Sunday, November 5th - Late Games

Cardinals(3-4) at 49ers(0-8)

Both of these teams have changed drastically since their last meeting, but this one will end the same, with an Arizona victory. Arizona wins 24-14.

Pick: Cardinals

***

Redskins(3-4) at Seahawks(5-2)

Despite not having a functional offensive line, Russell Wilson and the Seattle passing attack has been on point. That continues here in this one. Seattle wins 24-17.

Pick: Seahawks

***

Chiefs(6-2) at Cowboys(4-3) - Game of the Week

Although Kansas City’s defense has severely underperformed this season, the team remains among the NFL’s best. The Chiefs’ offense will lead their way to a narrow victory over the Cowboys in Dallas. Kansas City wins 24-21.

Pick: Chiefs

***

Sunday Night Football

Raiders(3-5) at Dolphins(4-3)

From the outside, Miami has the look of a team bailing on their season, despite a record on the right side of .500, but don’t count them out at home against the flailing Raiders. The Miami defense will keep Oakland in check. Miami wins 21-13.

Pick: Dolphins

***

Monday, November 6th - Monday Night Football

Lions(3-4) at Packers(4-3)

Matthew Stafford and the Detroit passing attack will be too much for the Packers to handle in Green Bay. Detroit wins 24-17.

Pick: Lions

***

That's how I see Week 9 shaping up. Hopefully, the Saints will keep their winning streak rolling along. Leave us your picks, comments, and insight below.