Week 9 marks the halfway point in the regular season, and we have seen a number of trades by the teams looking to put themselves into a good position to make a run at the playoffs. Our first game did not go as many (including myself) though it would, though the result was as predicted.
Thursday Recap – Eagles 29 over Texans 17
I have to give Cam’s boys credit: the Texan Bulls stayed in it. Their defence caused issues for what most consider the best O Line in the league, and their rookie sensation Dameon Pierce looked excellent. Even Davis Mills made some nice throws on the run, but eventually, the class of the Eagles shone through and they were able to drive on Houston and pull away. The Eagles continue their undefeated run, and the Texans will come out of this game with some good points to build off.
Sunday/Monday Predictions:
Ravens v Saints
Both teams come in a little banged up on both sides of the ball, but the Saints have started to figure it out on offence, getting Kamara involved in the passing game. Unfortunately for the Saints, the Ravens D can move and have upgraded an area they had struggled with, namely, linebacker coverage. Raquon Smith should help them in this front. I can see a Lamar clinic where he only throws the ball 25 times, but is very efficient and hits some big downfield strikes to Duvernay and Robinson, leading to a solid win.
Ravens 33 over Saints 24
Bucs v Rams
The Bucs and Rams are two of the most disappointing teams in the NFL right now. A lot of their troubles relate to their quarterback play, but I think the biggest issues are their offensive lines. With killers on both defences, this will be a slog with neither team being able to do much running or passing. The difference might be turnovers, and if there is one thing Brady is great at, even in down seasons, is ball security. I can see a Bucs turnover leading to their only major.
Bucs 13 over Rams 6
Seahawks v Cards
Geno Smith is a revelation this year, and I can see him putting up big numbers in the air against a Cardinals team that is ultra-aggressive on defence, and can be vulnerable to deep shots. Look for a big day for Lockett and Metcalf, with at least one 40+ yard dime by Geno. Kyler plays best out of structure, and will be able to put up a good day, but will not be able to match the Seahawks drive for drive, and a late comeback will fall short.
Seahawks 38 over Cards 31
Raiders v Jags
Very similar teams here, with some good talent on both sides without all of the puzzle together yet. I can see Maxx Crosby eating in this game, putting a beating on Lawrence. Trevor needs a bounce-back game, and I think he’ll play OK, but will still make two or three head-scratchers that lead to a Raiders win.
Raiders 24 over Jags 21
Chargers v Falcons
The Chargers fit in the disappointing category with the aforementioned Rams and Bucs, but their issue is that they are in the AFC. There is little margin for error, especially in the West, and they are vulnerable. In particular, the Chargers struggle stopping what the Falcons are good at: running it down your throat. I would not be surprised to see Mariota have more rushes than completions this week, which I reckon is the recipe for success.
Falcons 23 over Chargers 14
Bengals v Panthers
The Bengals have a lot of issues with injuries, with most of their defensive backfield either out or banged up, and Ja’Marr Chase out at least this week if not longer. Their offensive line is still bad. But they have Joey Burrow, and he is starting to go automatic. I can see a full-on air raid against the Panthers, with Tee Higgins going absolutely off. The Panthers’ win last week was flukey as it gets, and they will not be able to pull off the miracle again.
Bengals 35 over Panthers 17
Vikings v Commanders
Taylor Heinicke is not that guy. He is limited in terms of his arm strength, his pocket awareness is bad, and his seeming athletic ability is an illusion because he tucks and runs at any sign of pressure. The Vikings defence is going to wreck everything Washington attempts, and Kirk Cousins will control the game and do enough to get the win.
Vikings 20 over Commanders 0
Lions v Packers
This is a juicy game, with a Packers team that needs to show some serious improvements on offence. But I see their defence struggling mightily this week, and the Lions will force-feed St Brown and Swift and put a hurting on the Packers D. Aaron Rodgers will play his best game this year, but it won’t be enough as Goff leads a game winning drive to get the Lions back in the win column. This will be a dagger for Green Bay, who will have to fight to even have a chance at a wildcard berth.
Lions 48 over Packers 45
Dolphins v Bears
Mike McDaniel has shaken off criticism about the handling of Tua’s concussion issues to install a gameplan on offence that has unlocked the best from Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Their passing game is dynamic, and the Bears have unloaded tow of their best defenders just in time for the Fins to pass all over them. Tua will have 250 yards in the first half, and Miami will be able to coast to an easy win.
Dolphins 34 over Bears 10
Bills v Jets
I don’t see this as a massive blowout as many are predicting, because the Jets’ defence is very very good. The Bills defence is on another level, and they will make Zack Wilson’s day a nightmare. Their incredible ability to generate pressure without blitzing allows them to flood the field with coverage, and Wilson has already shown a lack of awareness in beating coverage. Josh Allen will have a decent day, but the defence will be the difference here.
Bills 27 over Jets 17
Patriots v Colts
The Colts took the gamble in putting the young Ehlinger in the starting QB role hoping he could be a spark to help them get back in the AFC South race. He didn’t play terribly, but did not have enough last week against the Commanders. This week, they are up against Belichick, and are missing their best player in Taylor. Mac Jones is still playing poorly, but this should be a heavy running game for the Pats, so he only needs to make the easy throws on 2nd and 3rd and short. Pats win, Colts fall farther behind in the division.
Patriots 24 over Colts 14
Chiefs v Titans
The Titans always seem to get up in big games, and this is a huge game for the AFC playoff implications. Mahomes and the Chiefs are looking unstoppable on offense at the moment, and their ability to take what the defence gives them has allowed them to dominate possession. The Titans want to do exactly that: run Henry, chew clock, play good defence and score when opportunities present themselves. I just do not see anything but a typical Andy Reid masterclass is identifying weakness (cornerback, linebacker) and capitalising on it (power run, Kelce short game) and a dominant performance by Pat and the Chiefs. It doesn’t always translate to lots of points for KC, but heaps of control and possession.
Chiefs 27 over Titans 17
Slowly but surely, we are seeing the playoff picture becoming clearer. I am excited to see who rises to the top over the next weeks and who sinks to the bottom of the league. See you next time!
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