Week 9 NFL Odds: Early Locks and Best Bets on the Schedule
Believe it or not, we're already approaching the midpoint of the 2024 NFL season. It has certainly been a wild ride to this point.
The Kansas City Chiefs remain the league's only undefeated team, and we're now down to only two one-win teams. While there's still a sizeable gap between the top contenders and the basement-dwellers, unexpected outcomes can occur at any time.
The Cleveland Browns' stunning Week 8 upset of the Baltimore Ravens—which came with Jameis Winston under center—serves as a prime example.
Identifying locks has been a bigger challenge this season than in recent years, and things won't get a whole lot easier in Week 9. However, there are a few early lines to like.
*Lines via DraftKings Sportsbook
Rams +1 at Seahawks
1 of 3
A year ago, the Los Angeles Rams overcame a 3-6 start to reach the postseason. Now that L.A. is beginning to get healthier, a similar surge could be incoming.
The Rams got to 3-4 on Thursday night with a fairly decisive win over the Minnesota Vikings—though the game certainly wasn't without controversy. The return of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua had the Rams offense humming, and the defense did just enough against a very good Vikings passing attack.
The Seattle Seahawks have a better record at 4-4, but after Seattle fell flat in a 31-10 game against the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles feels like the bigger threat. The Seahawks' 22nd-ranked defense is a liability, and it's been particularly vulnerable to the run (4.9 yards per carry allowed).
Kyren Williams could be in store for a big outing, so keep an eye on those rushing props.
Seattle's offense, meanwhile, stalled without top receiver DK Metcalf (knee). If he's able to return for Week 9, Metcalf may not be at 100 percent. That bodes well for the Rams, who should win outright to even their record at 4-4.
Eagles -7.5 vs. Jaguars
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The Jacksonville Jaguars have played better over the past two weeks, and they came close to upsetting the Green Bay Packers in Week 8. This is probably a larger line than the Jags team we saw on Sunday deserves.
Of course, we may not see the same Jaguars team against the Philadelphia Eagles. Star rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is dealing with a rib injury, while fellow wideout Christian Kirk will miss the rest of the year with a broken collarbone, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The Eagles, meanwhile, are finding an identity on offense and are beginning to gel defensively under coordinator Vic Fangio. Philly rolled the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 8 due to strong play on both sides of the ball. They can do the same to the Jaguars.
Jacksonville's poor pass defense, which has allowed 7.3 net yards per attempt, is a big reason why. Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are healthy and in sync, and that's a problem for the Jags.
While Jacksonville has been better against the run, it surrendered 127 rushing yards to Josh Jacobs in Week 8. Saquon Barkley may not run wild, but he can do enough to keep the Philly offense balanced.
Bills -6.5 Versus Dolphins
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New Buffalo Bills receiver Amari Cooper had just one catch for three yards in the Week 8 win over Seattle. However, his impact on Buffalo's receiving corps goes deeper than his own production.
Cooper's presence has helped open up things for pass-catchers like Keon Coleman (70 yards, 1 TD in Week 8) and Khalil Shakir (nine catches, 107 yards). Josh Allen finally has a potent pass-catching ensemble to go with a loaded backfield.
Against the Seahawks, the Bills ranked up 164 rushing yards, while Allen threw for 283 and two touchdowns.
That's a problem for the Miami Dolphins, who surrendered 307 passing yards to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. While Miami's offense is worlds better with Tua Tagovailoa back under center, the team simply doesn't match up well with the Bills.
Buffalo has won nine of its last 10 games against Miami and has won the last three by an average of 18.7 points—while winning all three by at least a touchdown.
At home and in a game that could all but seal the AFC East for the Bills, Buffalo should win by a touchdown once again.
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