Week 9: NFL Sunday Slate
Credit: USA Today
NFL Season Record: (35-31) (+1.12 units)
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12:00PM CST: Denver Broncos vs. Baltimore Ravens -8.5
Baltimore is coming off a road loss against the Cleveland Browns. Now, they must get off the mat and take on one of the best pass defenses in the NFL. Lamar Jackson also did not practice all week. That is probably not a big deal, but against a defense like Denver’s, it’s still important to note. The Ravens also don’t have the best defense. The offense has been carrying them. If Bo Nix can protect the football, the Broncos can keep this game close. I got this at 9.5 but is now down to 8.5, which I still like getting more than a TD so I will keep this here.
Play: Broncos +8.5 (-112) [via DraftKings]
12:00PM CST: Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills -6.5
The Dolphins and Tua looked much better with him behind center, but they still lost to the Cardinals. The Cardinals' offense was able to take advantage of the Dolphins' awful man pass coverage. Kyler Murray’s ability to scramble around and buy time helped his WRs get open. I think Josh Allen will do the same today. Buffalo killed the Jaguars' man defense and should do the same today. It’s a big number, but the Dolphins haven’t shown us they can close games. The Bills are also Tua’s kryptonite. We might see another -6 so you could hold out for one.
Play: Bills -6.5 (-110) [via DraftKings]
12:00PM CST: Dallas Cowboys vs. Atlanta Falcons -3
The Cowboys are still filled with drama. Ezekiel Elliott did not travel with the team and is not playing today after missing practice. It’s been a circus in Dallas. The Falcons continue to keep chugging along. Dak could also struggle against the Falcons DBs. Atlanta will also be able to take advantage of the poor rushing defense of the Cowboys. The Falcons are the kings of FG games. I like ATL laying 3, but if it’s 3.5, I would buy the hook.
Play: Falcons -3 (-112) [via DraftKings]
12:00PM CST: Los Angeles Chargers -1 vs. Cleveland Browns
The Chargers have been great defensively. Today they will be going up against a reinvigorated Browns team with Jameis Winston commanding the offense. The Browns will look to build off their big win against the Ravens, while the Chargers will aim to come into the dog pound and put the Browns in their place. It looks like the Browns will also have their offensive line healthy today, which is huge getting Jedrick Wills and Joel Bitonio back on the line. I’m taking the Brownies for a third week in a row.
Play: Browns +1 (-108) [via DraftKings]
12:00PM CST: New England Patriots vs. Tennessee Titans -3
We talk about this anytime the Titans are favored. Why is this team favored?! The Patriots played a strong game against the Jets after head coach Jerod Mayo called out the toughness of his team. I think with a healthy Drake Maye they could steal another game. The Titans have loss every game SU that they have been favored in. I think it happens again today. This game should be closer to a pick’em.
Play: Patriots +3 (-105) [via DraftKings]
3:00PM CST: Chicago Bears vs. Arizona Cardinals -2
The Bears will be trying to come back after getting knocked out late against the Redskins last Sunday in a soul-stealing defeat. The Bears didn’t play great. The Redskins dominated the first half and then played ultra-conservative in the second half to try and protect Jayden Daniels. The Cardinals will use the same recipe with their ground and pound, then Kyler Murray going in for the kill. I like this Cardinals offense, but the defense will need to step up against the Bears. The Bears face another tough test after having a soft schedule to begin the season.
Play: Cardinals -2 (-108) [via DraftKings]
3:25PM CST: Los Angeles Rams -1.5 vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are spiraling out of control. They can’t move the football or put the ball into the end zone. It’s been a mess. The Rams are starting to get healthy and figure things out. With Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp back in the lineup with extra rest, I love the Rams in this matchup. Two teams going in opposite directions. I’m backing Sean McVay, who has dominated Seattle.
Play: Rams -1.5 (-112) [via DraftKings]
7:20PM CST: Indianapolis Colts vs. Minnesota Vikings -5
Joe Flacco is now the main man in Indianapolis, thanks to the self-benching of Anthony Richardson. This is a huge upgrade for the Colts. Flacco can push the ball downfield and use all of the weapons that the Colts have. The Vikings started hot but have cooled off after losing their first two games of the season and are looking to avoid a third. I am not big on the Vikings, mostly because Darnold is hard to trust. Is the defense legit, or has the league caught up to them? Too many points, in my opinion.
