NFL Week 9 Picks: Could the Lions Jolt the Jets?
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NFL Picks Week 9 features a number of road teams favored by a wide margin against their vulnerable hosts.
But could upsets be in the air this week.
Coming off a horrendous performance in the home loss to Green Bay in Week 8, the New York Jets look to rebound against a Lions team coming off a thrilling win over the Redskins.
Elsewhere, the Dolphins continued to roll on the road by beating the Bengals in Cincinnati.
Miami meets a Baltimore team coming off a bye and is a surprising five-point underdog.
Here's a look at how the NFL's most intriguing Week 9 match-ups could turn out.
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NFL Picks Week 9 Line: Baltimore at -5.5
Why the Ravens Could Win: Fresh off a bye and with Joe Flacco sporting a fancy new haircut, the Ravens should be itching to get back on the gridiron.
After a sluggish start to the season, Ed Reed's presence should continue to spark improvement in the secondary.
Why the Dolphins Could Win: Davone Bess is quickly becoming more than just another ordinary slot receiver in the NFL.
Bess has teamed with Brandon Marshall to give Chad Henne plenty of chances to make plays in the passing game.
If Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams manage to get going Sunday, Henne would be able to turn to the play-action game to exploit Baltimore's weakness at cornerback.
Player to Watch: Brown has had a difficult time getting started this season, but look for the Dolphins to try to get him involved early and often against the Ravens.
After carrying the ball 16 times against the Bengals in Week 8, look for him to get at least 20 touchdowns in Week 9.
Prediction: The Dolphins ride the momentum to an early lead and hold on for yet another road win.
Score: Miami 24, Baltimore 19
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NFL Picks Week 9 Line: Chicago at -3
Why the Bears Could Win: Chicago's defense has been a pleasant surprise this season, thanks in large part to the consistent play of high-priced free agent acquisition Julius Peppers.
The Bills have only one interception all season long, so don't expect Cutler to throw the ball to the wrong team Sunday.
Why the Bills Could Win: Lee Evans has gone well over 100 yards in the last two games, and Steve Johnson has caught six touchdowns in the last five games.
After nearly pulling upsets on the road in each of the last two weeks, Buffalo is clearly playing much better than early in the season.
Player to Watch: C.J. Spiller has had a disappointing rookie season to say the least, but this could be the week he finally gets going.
The Bears' cover 2 scheme will be focused on stopping Evans and Johnson on the outside, freeing up Spiller to catch plenty of short passes out of the backfield.
If he can get the ball, he should have a good chance to break a big one Sunday.
Prediction: The Bills hang around and finally get a lucky break late.
Score: Buffalo 21, Chicago 20
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NFL Picks Week 9 Line: New York Jets at -4
Why the Jets Could Win: Every NFL team has a bad game filled with poor play and questionable coaching strategy.
You still can't argue against the Jets' talent on both sides of the ball.
LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene should be able to find room against the Lions' run defense, and Mark Sanchez will welcome the chance to play in the peaceful indoor conditions after struggling in a windy New Meadowlands Stadium last week.
Why the Lions Could Win: Matthew Stafford didn't put up huge yardage or completion numbers in his first game since Week 1, but he did toss four touchdown passes.
Three of his scoring passes went to Calvin Johnson, who is having the best season of his career.
Player to Watch: Shonn Greene has been a disappointment this season, but he is still averaging 4.5 yards per carry and could have a big game against the Lions.
Time will tell if Rex Ryan gave Tomlinson too much work early this season.
Prediction: The Lions will take an early lead, but the Jets will wake up and turn up the heat on Stafford in the second half.
Score: New York Jets 24, Detroit Lions 21



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