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This Halloween weekend, the New Orleans Saints go into the bye week with a 7-1 record and find themselves firmly in the driver’s seat in the NFC South. Coming off a dominant win at home last week, the team and the fans can’t wait to get back to action, but it will be good to get some rest for the players, namely Alvin Kamara, as three consecutive divisional games loom large.
With the Saints off the schedule this week, we will focus on the the rest of the Week 9 action and see if tricks or treats await the Saints’ rivals this week. There are plenty of storylines to follow this week, and plenty of teams to root against. Let’s take a look at this and all of the upcoming Week 9 action.
Last week I went 12-3
I told you so: Texans over Raiders!
What do I know: Panthers over 49ers?!
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WEEK 9
Thursday, October 31st - Thursday Night Football
49ers(7-0) at Cardinals(3-4-1)
Expect Jimmy G and Emmanuel Sanders to have monster games against the frightfully suspect Arizona pass defense. It’ll be no tricks and all treats for the Niners in the desert this Halloween night. San Francisco wins 42-9.
Pick: 49ers
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Sunday, November 3rd - Very Early Game
Texans(5-3) at* Jaguars(4-4) - Wembley Stadium - London, England
This one will come down to quarterback play, and Deshaun Watson will come through where Gardner Minshew cannot in the end. Houston wins 13-10.
Pick: Texans
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Sunday, November 3rd - Early Games
Bears(3-4) at Eagles(4-4)
Chicago’s freefall will continue in Philly, as the Bears offense continues to look abysmal. Philadelphia wins 25-13.
Pick: Eagles
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Colts(5-2) at Steelers(3-4)
Pittsburgh’s defense will not be able to keep them afloat against Indy. Indianapolis wins 27-12.
Pick: Colts
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Jets(1-6) at Dolphins(0-7)
Is this game really necessary? Jets win 13-9.
Pick: Jets
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Vikings(6-2) at Chiefs(5-3)
Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota passing attack will have a huge game against the Kansas City defense. Minnesota wins 19-16.
Pick: Vikings
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Titans(4-4) at Panthers(4-3)
Carolina rebounds from their beating at San Francisco by rushing the ball relentlessly at the Tennessee defense. Carolina wins 28-14
Pick: Panthers
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Redskins(1-7) at Bills(5-2)
Buffalo will have a big day through the air against this Washington defense. Buffalo wins 24-16.
Pick: Bills
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Sunday, November 3rd - Late Games
Buccaneers(2-5) at Seahawks(6-2)
Seattle’s defense will force more than a few turnovers from Tampa, and they’ll convert those turnovers into points. Seattle wins 26-17.
Pick: Seahawks
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Lions(3-3-1) at Raiders(3-4)
Matthew Stafford and the Detroit passing attack will light up the Raiders in Oakland. Detroit wins 34-24.
Pick: Lions
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Packers(7-1) at Chargers(3-5)
Los Angeles’ inability to run the ball against the Packers defense will be their downfall, as they’ll be unable to keep up with Aaron Rodgers and the Pack amidst the sea of cheeseheads in Los Angeles. Green Bay wins 35-28.
Pick: Packers
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Browns(2-5) at Broncos(2-6)
Cleveland’s rushing game will ultimately wear down Denver’s defense late in the game, and turnovers will cost Denver in the end. Cleveland wins 24-17.
Pick: Browns
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Sunday Night Football
Patriots(8-0) at Ravens(5-2) - Game of the Week
Lamar Jackson and Mark Ingram will provide the New England defense the toughest challenge they’ve faced all season. On the other side, Tom Brady will lead the Pats to a late-game victory in this battle of the AFC’s best. New England wins 31-30.
Pick: Patriots
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Monday, November 4th - Monday Night Football
Cowboys(4-3) at Giants(2-6)
Despite the Giants’ best efforts, Dallas’ defense will smother them out. Dallas wins 34-21.
Pick: Cowboys
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That’s how I see Week 9 coming together, let us know what you think will happen. The Saints may not be playing this week, but fear not, there’s plenty to root for and against. Leave your comments, picks, and insight below! Happy Halloween, Who Dat Nation!