NFL Week 9 early games: Jared Hackmyer picks Ravens vs Colts, Giants vs Washington, Titans vs Bears, and more
FALCONS (-4) Broncos (49.5)
Jared’s Pick: Falcons
Breakout Player: WR Julio Jones
Now that the Falcons are getting the hang of winning football games, I think they will start to surprise some teams. Atlanta‘s defense is really their biggest issue. Teams have been running all over them. Their offense ranks sixth in the NFL in yards per game, and their defense ranks 29th in yards allowed per game. Denver‘s defense hasn’t been playing awful, but I think Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and company are too much for them.
Seahawks (-2.5) BILLS (55)
Jared’s Pick: Seahawks
Breakout Player: WR DK Metcalf
There’s nothing better than two MVP candidates going head to head on a Sunday. These are two of the top offenses in the NFL, with two struggling defenses. We're looking at a shootout, but Seattle will come out on top and cover the spread. Seattle’s offense produces touchdowns like crazy, and 26 of them have come from Russell Wilson. RB Chris Carson will be out Sunday, so I’d expect Wilson to have the ball in the air even more. Seattle defense might have a tough time stopping Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs, but Wilson and the offense will get the job done.
Ravens (-2) COLTS (47)
Jared’s Pick: Ravens
Breakout Player: TE Mark Andrews
QB Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense are going head to head with a very tough defense this week and Jackson hasn't been the player as last year. Baltimore‘s defense is really the team's bright spot. Baltimore has to find a way to move the ball in the air better this week, as they rank last in passing yards per game. The Ravens are the better team, but the line has it right – this will be close.
Texans (-7) JAGUARS (50.5)
Jared’s Pick: Texans
Breakout Player: WR Will Fuller
With QB Gardner Minshew out for Jacksonville, I think this is a clear win for Houston. Houston’s defense has not been good but this will be a bounce back game for them. Deshaun Watson is having a great season, but not winning. Houston will likely put up points this week, and I don’t see Jacksonville doing the same.
CHIEFS (-10.5) Panthers (52.5)
Jared’s Pick: Chiefs
Breakout Player: WR Mecole Hardman
Kansas City used to be known for its offense. Now, they are becoming a force on defense. In the last 3 weeks, they’ve allowed a total of only 42 points. With star RB Christian McCaffrey back, the Panthers will challenge them. Carolina has been playing better than expected, but they don't have what it takes to cover against the best team in football.
VIKINGS (-4.5) Lions (50.5)
Jared’s Pick: Vikings
Breakout Player: RB Dalvin Cook
When star RB Dalvin Cook gets going, he’s hard to stop. Last week, Cook recorded 163 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns, 63 receiving yards, and 1 receiving touchdown against Green Bay. It wouldn’t make sense to see him struggle tomorrow, going against Detroit’s 23rd ranked rushing defense. With Lions’ QB Matt Stafford active, the Lions will put up some points, but without WR Kenny Golladay, they won't put up enough.
TITANS (-6) Bears (46.5)
Jared’s Pick: Titans
Breakout Player: RB Derrick Henry
Both teams are playing well this season and both are coming off tough loses. Tennessee has been stronger on offense, and Chicago has been stronger on defense. I wouldn’t be surprised to see RB Derrick Henry have a big game, after seeing RB Alvin Kamara record over 150 scrimmage yards against Chicago last week. I don’t see Chicago allowing a ton of points on Sunday, but too many for their struggling offense to cover.
Giants (+3) FOOTBALL TEAM (42)
Jared’s Pick: Giants
Breakout Player: WR Darius Slayton
For the past few years, the New York Giants haven't been able to beat anyone but Washington. Despite their record, this year the Giants look significantly better. They have only lost one game by 10 or more points this season. Their biggest problem is turnovers, and they didn’t seem to have that problem last time they played Washington. It definitely wouldn’t shock me to see New York come out of this game on top.