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NFL Pick’em Pool Picks: Targets, Avoids, Predictions for Week 9 (2024)

Posted on by Peyom
NFL Pick’em Pool Picks: Targets, Avoids, Predictions for Week 9 (2024)

NFL Pick’em Pool Picks: Targets, Avoids, Predictions for Week 9 (2024)

Only two teams will have a bye in Week 9, making it a busy schedule across the NFL. Injuries will once again impact the lineup, and some teams will also make changes at quarterback.

Each week of the NFL season, I share my picks for each game and rank their picks for those playing in a format that requires it. The games are divided into “Locks”, “Semi-Safe Picks” and “Toss-Ups”. The number listed next to the game indicates my confidence, counting down to my least confident choice. The winning selection is written in italics.

In a few weeks, you may see the “Wait and Wait” subcategory as some platforms require all games to be selected before Thursday Night Football kicks off. There may still be some injury questions for Sunday and Monday games. If that’s the case, I’ll leave these games aside and suggest where they should be placed when a player is in or out. Let’s get to our tips for week 9.

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Week 9 NFL Pick’em Pool Locks

The number listed next to the game indicates my confidence, counting down to my least confident choice. The higher the number, the better. The winning selection is written in italics.

  • 14 – Washington with the New York Giants
  • 13 – Cincinnati against Las Vegas
  • 12 – Kansas City against Tampa Bay

The Giants are 0-4 at home and their offensive line is once again in shambles with star left tackle Andrew Thomas out for the season. The Commanders have scored 236 points this season while the Giants have scored just 117 points. The Giants don’t have enough firepower to match the Commanders’ performance.

The Bengals are also 0-4 at home this season, but have a much easier opponent in the Raiders. The Raiders have a 2-6 record and average just 18.0 points per game. With Davante Adams now a member of the Jets, the Raiders’ offense isn’t going to improve any time soon. As disappointing as the Bengals were, a matchup against the Raiders should help them improve their record to 4-5 on the season.

The Chiefs continue to find a way to get things done. They defeated the Raiders last week to improve to 7-0 on the season. Their defense was outstanding, allowing just 17.6 points per game. It will be difficult for the Buccaneers to score points in this game as they are still without Chris Godwin (ankle) and Mike Evans (hamstring).

Semi-confident picks for Week 9’s pick ’em pools

11 – Philadelphia against Jacksonville

The Eagles have won three straight games and improved their record to 5-2. Their defense was much better, allowing 17 points or fewer in each of those three games. The Jaguars have given up 28 points per game this season and have been decimated by injuries at wide receiver. With their offense largely healthy, the Eagles should be able to take care of business at home.

10 – buffalo against Miami

The Bills are 6-2 and have run away from the AFC East. The next best team in the division is the Dolphins at 2-5. The return of Tua Tagovailoa makes the Dolphins more dangerous, but with him under center they lost to the Cardinals last week. Division battles can be tough, but the Bills should come out of it with a win. They are 10-2 at home since the start of last season.

9 – New Orleans at Carolina

The Saints have lost six games in a row, but I still have a better feeling for them in this game. Derek Carr should be back from his oblique injury and add some stability to the offense. When these two teams faced off in Week 1, the Saints won 47-10. The Panthers will need almost a miracle to win another game this season.

8 – Baltimore against Denver

The Ravens will look to bounce back from last week’s disappointing loss to the Browns. The Broncos have proven difficult en route to a 5-3 record. As good as the Broncos have been, they don’t have the same firepower on offense that has helped the Ravens average 30.3 points per game. The Ravens further bolstered their offense by acquiring Diontae Johnson from the Panthers this week. The Ravens also have the advantage of this game being played at home.

7 – Minnesota against Indianapolis

The Colts benched Anthony Richardson in favor of Joe Flacco. The Colts are 1-1 in games Flacco has started, beating the Titans by three points and losing to the Jaguars by three points. It will be a difficult test for him away against the Vikings, who lead the league with 12 interceptions. The Vikings are 3-1 at home while the Colts are just 1-3 on the road.

NFL Pick’em Toss Ups of Week 9

6 – Houston with the New York Jets

Without the injuries, the Texans would have been the clear favorite for this game. In addition to Nico Collins (thigh), who is on the reserve bench with an injury, Stefon Diggs (knee) is now out for the season. At 2-6, the Jets are desperate for a win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Considering the teams having a short week since this is the Thursday Night Football game, it wouldn’t be a surprise if either team won.

5 – Atlanta against Dallas

Talk about weird divisions. The Cowboys are 0-3 at home, but they are 3-1 on the road. The Falcons are 2-3 at home and 3-0 away. These statistics suggest that the Cowboys have the edge in this matchup in Atlanta. However, it’s worth noting that two of the Cowboys’ three road wins came against bad teams, the Giants and Browns. The Falcons should be a much tougher opponent.

4 – Los Angeles Chargers in Cleveland

Two weeks ago, the Chargers would have been the first choice here without hesitation. However, the Browns offense came to life last week with Jameis Winston at center. He helped pull off the upset of the Ravens by throwing for 334 yards and three touchdowns. I’m leaning towards the Chargers, but I don’t feel too good about it.

3 – Chicago in Arizona

When Kyler Murray plays well, the Cardinals can be tough to beat. Last week he threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns against the Dolphins. However, he also has four games this season in which he threw for fewer than 200 yards. The Cardinals have also played many close games, with three of their last four games being decided by two points or fewer. This game could go either way.

2 – Los Angeles Rams in Seattle

The Rams are 0-3 on the road, so the Seahawks appear to be the game here. However, I can’t bring myself to choose them. The Rams finally have Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua back from injury and were able to take some time off after their last game was played on Thursday Night Football. I prefer the Rams’ healthy offense to help them win, but I’m not shouting it from the rooftop.

1 – Tennessee against New England

This matchup screams channel change. It might be hard to watch if Drake Maye (concussion) can’t play. This could be a “wait and see” game considering we don’t know if Maye will be in the starting lineup, but honestly it’s hard to form any conviction considering how bad both teams are.

NFL Pick’em Wait and see by the pool

Green Bay vs. Detroit

This game is about the status of Jordan Love as he battles a groin injury. The Packers have a bye in Week 10, so they could tread carefully and hold out for Love. If Love is out, the Lions are the clear favorites here. If he plays, the Packers could be tough to beat at home, even if the Lions have won five straight games.

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