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Bleacher Report

Bleacher Report's Expert Week 9 NFL Picks

BR NFL StaffOct 30, 2024

Bleacher Report's NFL expert panel took a slight loss last week, going under .500 on consensus picks for the first time since Week 3, but this isn't the time to get conservative.

Ahead of Week 9, our crew listened to the dogs bark at the midseason moon.

B/R's NFL panel, which includes analysts Brad Gagnon, Gary Davenport, Brent Sobleski and Maurice Moton, along with editors Wes O'Donnell, Ian Hanford and Vince Michelino from B/R Betting Strategy, individually backed several road underdogs this week.

Still, O'Donnell, our leading expert, sided with six teams favored by 6.5 points or more.

Before we break down our selections against the spread, check out the leaderboard with last week's results in parentheses.


ATS Standings

1. O'Donnell: 69-50-4 (9-7)

2. Hanford: 63-56-4 (10-6)

3. Knox: 62-57-4 (8-8)

4. Gagnon 61-58-4 (10-6)

5. Moton: 60-59-4 (8-8)

6. Michelino: 59-60-4 (8-8)

7. Sobleski: 57-62-4 (7-9)

8. Davenport: 54-65-4 (6-10)

Consensus picks: 51-50-2 (6-8)

Lines are from DraftKings as of Wednesday, Oct. 30, at 4 p.m. ET. Check DraftKings for the latest odds info. Information on public betting trends is courtesy of the Action Network. ATS records are provided by Team Rankings.

Houston Texans (6-2) at New York Jets (2-6)

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Texans QB C.J. Stroud
Texans QB C.J. Stroud

DraftKings Line: New York -2

Two months ago, many of us looked at this contest as a marquee matchup between two playoff-caliber teams. However, the New York Jets have unraveled over the past month, losing five consecutive games.

Even with the addition of wide receiver Davante Adams, the Jets offense has averaged only 18.5 points in the past two outings. At 40, quarterback Aaron Rodgers is dealing with a slew of injuries. Yet Gang Green is the slight favorite against the Houston Texans on Thursday night.

The Texans won't have their top two wide receivers. Nico Collins (hamstring) will miss at least one more game on injured reserve, while Stefon Diggs tore his ACL last week.

The Texans lack firepower through the air, but Davenport thinks they'll win the game on the ground.

"Rodgers truly is the perfect quarterback for the Jets. When interim head coach (emphasis on interim) Jeff 'Don't Call Me Lars' Ulbrich called the team's five-game skid 'a moment of darkness,' Rodgers said, 'I've been in the darkness. You have to go in there and make peace with it.'

"Don't fight the suck. Get to know it. Give it a hug. Wrap the despair around you like a nice warm blanket and take a soothing nap. Once you become a Jet, you will be assimilated. Resistance is futile.

"The Diggs injury was a massive blow for the Texans at wide receiver, especially with Collins already out. But running back Joe Mixon has been fantastic in his first year with the team. Tank Dell has flashed in the past, too (although it feels like the distant past). The Texans are finding ways to win, while the Jets are finding ways to Jet."

Predictions

Davenport: Texans

Gagnon: Jets

Hanford: Jets

Knox: Jets

Michelino: Jets

Moton: Texans

O'Donnell: Texans

Sobleski: Texans

ATS Consensus: None

Score Prediction: Texans 23, Jets 21

Miami Dolphins (2-5) at Buffalo Bills (6-2)

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Bills QB Josh Allen (left) and Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa (right)
Bills QB Josh Allen (left) and Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa (right)

DK Line: Buffalo -6.5

The Buffalo Bills will attempt to sweep their season series with the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. In the first meeting between these clubs this season, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered his third documented concussion, but by that point, the Bills already had a 31-10 lead late in the third quarter.

Last week, Tagovailoa returned to action against the Arizona Cardinals, throwing for 234 yards and a touchdown, but Miami lost 28-27 on a last-second field goal.

Even with Tagovailoa on the field, the Dolphins haven't had much success against the Bills. O'Donnell doesn't see Miami turning the tide this week.

"Josh Allen owns the Dolphins. In 13 career games, he is now 11-2 against them. He's thrown 34 touchdowns to seven interceptions and has five rushing touchdowns against them, too. Meanwhile, Tua is 1-7 in his career against Buffalo. In Week 2, he threw three interceptions, including a pick-six, before suffering his concussion.

"Tua returned to the lineup a week ago, but the Dolphins dropped yet another game. While a trend-breaking performance is always possible, I've been riding with Buffalo and have zero inclination to buck that trend."

Predictions

Davenport: Bills

Gagnon: Bills

Hanford: Bills

Knox: Bills

Michelino: Bills

Moton: Bills

O'Donnell: Bills

Sobleski: Dolphins

ATS Consensus: Bills -6.5

Score Prediction: Bills 28, Dolphins 20

Denver Broncos (5-3) at Baltimore Ravens (5-3)

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Ravens RB Derrick Henry
Ravens RB Derrick Henry

DK Line: Baltimore -9

The Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos have the same record, but they're viewed as two teams in different realms, hence the massive point spread. The line makes sense when you look at offseason projections for these clubs.

Back in the offseason, the Ravens had a 11.5 over-under win total (h/t DraftKings), while the Broncos had a 5.5 over-under win total. Now, ask yourself if oddsmakers grossly underrated the Broncos to the point that you must adjust expectations for this game.

Most of our panel gave Denver the nod to cover, but Knox isn't going to take the safe play.

"This game has me torn like a 1990s poster book (it was a thing, kids)," Knox joked. "The Broncos have a top-tier defense and a quarterback who is improving by the week. Baltimore's defense stinks, and the Broncos have covered or pushed in all four road games this season.

"The line has no business being this large, which makes me think it's a trap. Denver will have to rely on Nix and its passing game to put points on the board. While Baltimore's secondary is vulnerable, I don't expect the Ravens to drop every interception that lands in their hands, as they did against Cleveland. I also expect Baltimore to recognize that 11 carries for Derrick Henry isn't nearly enough.

"Taking Denver and the points is the safe play here. At this point in this roller-coaster of a season, I'm done playing it safe."

Predictions

Davenport: Broncos

Gagnon: Broncos

Hanford: Ravens

Knox: Ravens

Michelino: Broncos

Moton: Ravens

O'Donnell: Ravens

Sobleski: Broncos

ATS Consensus: None

Score Prediction: Ravens 30, Broncos 20

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Washington Commanders (6-2) at New York Giants (2-6)

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Commanders QB Jayden Daniels
Commanders QB Jayden Daniels

In Week 2, the Washington Commanders squeaked by the New York Giants 21-18 with seven field goals, but that happened before quarterback Jayden Daniels had his breakout Monday Night Football performance against the Cincinnati Bengals the following week.

The Commanders were 1.5-point home favorites in that game. Now, they're getting a field goal plus the hook on the road against a downtrodden Giants squad coming off its third consecutive loss.

Despite Daniel Jones' struggles, he isn't on a "short leash" as the team's starter, per ESPN's Jordan Raanan. But with the massive talent gap at quarterback, O'Donnell sided with the favorite without thinking twice about it.

"After eight weeks of play, I don't know what else to say about the Giants. The defense bends but doesn't break too often, giving the offense chances to win games. They've won twice. They score an average of 14.6 points per game, the second-worst number in the league behind a Dolphins offense that has been without its starting QB for more than half the season.

"That basically means, in terms of scoring points—which a team needs more of to defeat the other team—the Giants are the worst offense in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Commanders are one of the league's most efficient offensive units this season and rank behind only Detroit and Baltimore in points scored per game.

"The last time these two teams met, the Giants actually scored more touchdowns than the Commanders (two to zero), yet Washington won on seven—yes, seven—field goals. I'm willing to bet Washington will score more touchdowns this time and cover that annoying hook at 3.5 points."

Predictions

Davenport: Commanders

Gagnon: Giants

Hanford: Commanders

Knox: Commanders

Michelino: Giants

Moton: Commanders

O'Donnell: Commanders

Sobleski: Commanders

ATS Consensus: Commanders -3.5

Score Prediction: Commanders 27, Giants 17

Las Vegas Raiders (2-6) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-5)

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Bengals QB Joe Burrow
Bengals QB Joe Burrow

After two blowout losses to the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers, the Las Vegas Raiders have put together competitive efforts against the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs, covering the spread in back-to-back weeks.

Now, the Raiders will go east to face the Cincinnati Bengals, who are averaging 18.3 points per game over the last three weeks.

Aware of the Bengals' recent offensive struggles and defensive lapses, Moton backed the Raiders to cover for a third consecutive week.

"The Raiders have become the kings of backdoor covers, which is what they've done in consecutive weeks against the Rams (-6.5) and Chiefs (-9.5). However, they haven't come close to a cover against a stout defense. They lost by double digits to the Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers, the top three teams in scoring defense.

"The Raiders' loss to the Carolina Panthers is the only outlier double-digit loss. Afterward, head coach Antonio Pierce called players out for making business decisions in that game.

"Stick with the overall trend here and take the Raiders to stay within a touchdown and an extra point against the Bengals' 23rd-ranked scoring defense."

Predictions

Davenport: Bengals

Gagnon: Bengals

Hanford: Bengals

Knox: Raiders

Michelino: Bengals

Moton: Raiders

O'Donnell: Bengals

Sobleski: Raiders

ATS Consensus: Bengals -7.5

Score Prediction: Bengals 31, Raiders 20

New England Patriots (2-6) at Tennessee Titans (1-6)

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Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson
Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan had a positive update on quarterback Will Levis' recovery from a shoulder injury.

"I'm optimistic he's in a better place after some rest…we'll see what he looks like on Wednesday," Callahan said about Levis.

Because of Levis' turnover issues (seven interceptions and three lost fumbles), bettors may be tempted to back the New England Patriots even without knowing whether rookie quarterback Drake Maye will clear the league's concussion protocol in time.

Moton sorted out the quarterback injuries with suggestions for various scenarios, though he ultimately sided with the Titans.

"Both the Patriots and Titans played the Miami Dolphins, who started Tyler Huntley in those games," Moton said. "Tennessee went on the road and beat Miami 31-12, and New England lost to the Dolphins 15-10 the following week.

"Neither team is certain about its quarterback situation, which makes this a tough call before the final injury report. But we know the Patriots struggle to stop the run, ranking 22nd in rushing yards allowed. Meanwhile, Tennessee has rushed for at least 142 yards in three of its last four contests.

"If Rudolph starts, take the Titans. But if Levis returns, you may sweat it out. And if Jacoby Brissett starts for the Patriots, use the Dolphins games against these teams as the reason to side with Tennessee."

Predictions

Davenport: Patriots

Gagnon: Titans

Hanford: Patriots

Knox: Patriots

Michelino: Patriots

Moton: Titans

O'Donnell: Patriots

Sobleski: Patriots

ATS Consensus: Patriots +3.5

Score Prediction: Patriots 20, Titans 17

New Orleans Saints (2-6) at Carolina Panthers (1-7)

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Saints QB Derek Carr
Saints QB Derek Carr

Quarterback Derek Carr's potential return tilts the odds heavily in favor of the New Orleans Saints. The Carolina Panthers also traded starting wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday.

Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton missed last week's game against the Denver Broncos because of a sprained thumb from a car accident. In his place, Bryce Young threw for 224 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions with a 64.9 percent completion rate. That was an improvement from his first two starts of the season.

Our crew expects Carr to significantly raise the Saints offense. New Orleans beat Carolina 47-10 in Week 1, and Knox sees another decisive victory for the Saints in a season series sweep.

"Former Saints head coach Sean Payton saw some criticism for possibly trying to run up the score on the Panthers in Week 8," Knox said. 'We're not trying to run up the score on anyone,' Payton told reporters in response. 'It's the National Football League.'

"Whether teams try to run up the score or not, it's the defense's job to stop the opponent. Carolina's league-worst defense hasn't been able to stop anyone as of late. With Johnson now in Baltimore, the Panthers will likely struggle to keep pace.

"It's looking like Carr will be back for Week 9, and with Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave and Taysom Hill in the lineup, I think New Orleans can do enough to win by a touchdown and an extra point."

Predictions

Davenport: Saints

Gagnon: Panthers

Hanford: Saints

Knox: Saints

Michelino: Panthers

Moton: Saints

O'Donnell: Saints

Sobleski: Panthers

ATS Consensus: Saints -7.5

Score Prediction: Saints 28, Panthers 16

Los Angeles Chargers (4-3) at Cleveland Browns (2-6)

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Browns DE Myles Garrett
Browns DE Myles Garrett

The Cleveland Browns offense looked brand new with Jameis Winston under center last week, recording season highs in points (29) and total yards (401) while knocking off the Baltimore Ravens at home. This week, Cleveland's rejuvenated aerial attack faces a tough test against the Los Angeles Chargers' ninth-ranked pass defense.

Meanwhile, the Chargers have opened up their passing attack over the past few weeks. Justin Herbert has thrown at least 32 passes in three consecutive contests.

Sobleski expects a tight battle, and he's siding with the Browns.

"While Winston's insertion to the starting lineup dominated the conversation after the Browns' previous struggles at quarterback, the defense was an overlooked aspect of how they beat the Ravens last weekend," Sobleski pointed out.

"Cleveland's defense hasn't reached the same standard it established a year ago, and the Ravens did manage 387 total yards. However, Myles Garrett and Co. made everything difficult on Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. Neither got rolling like they had been prior to that matchup.

"Standout cornerback Denzel Ward did suffer a concussion during that contest, though Los Angeles doesn't have the same talent or explosiveness on offense that Baltimore does. Throw in the Chargers' West-to-East Coast time-zone change for a 1 p.m. start, and the Browns are positioned to win two in a row."

Predictions

Davenport: Chargers

Gagnon: Chargers

Hanford: Browns

Knox: Chargers

Michelino: Browns

Moton: Chargers

O'Donnell: Chargers

Sobleski: Browns

ATS Consensus: Chargers -2

Score Prediction: Chargers 23, Browns 20

Dallas Cowboys (3-4) at Atlanta Falcons (5-3)

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Cowboys QB Dak Prescott
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott

DK Line: Atlanta -2.5

Without edge-rushers Micah Parsons (ankle) and DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) and cornerback DaRon Bland (ankle), the Dallas Cowboys defense has struggled mightily to apply pressure or stop the run as of late.

Over the last two weeks, the Cowboys have allowed 77 points. They're now going against an Atlanta Falcons team that's scored at least 31 points in three of its last four contests.

Like the Seattle Seahawks two weeks ago, Dallas has to turn this matchup into a track meet with its aerial attack to beat Atlanta.

Most of our crew believes the Cowboys can go score-for-score with the Falcons because of Dak Prescott's rapport with CeeDee Lamb. Gagnon picked Dallas to win outright.

"The Falcons are 2-3 with a minus-25 scoring margin at home this season, and they're running into a Cowboys team that may be a mess but is also still quite talented and in desperation mode. The Cowboys win straight-up."

Predictions

Davenport: Cowboys

Gagnon: Cowboys

Hanford: Cowboys

Knox: Cowboys

Michelino: Falcons

Moton: Falcons

O'Donnell: Falcons

Sobleski: Falcons

ATS Consensus: None

Score Prediction: Cowboys 27, Falcons 24

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-2)

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Eagles QB Jalen Hurts
Eagles QB Jalen Hurts

The Jacksonville Jaguars could put together a valiant effort Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, or they may fall apart in this matchup.

Last week, Jaguars wide receivers Christian Kirk (shoulder), Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) and Gabe Davis (shoulder) suffered injuries. Kirk will miss the rest of the season, while Thomas is day-to-day. Head coach Doug Pederson told reporters that Davis "should be fine."

On top of the injuries, the Jaguars traded left tackle Cam Robinson to the Minnesota Vikings this week.

Because of the Jaguars' injuries and the key departure along their offensive line, most of our crew backed the Eagles to win big. Davenport spoke for the majority.

"It's not easy to lay over a touchdown with Philadelphia, even after last week's impressive outing against the Bengals. Cincinnati hasn't exactly impressed this season, and the Eagles can't rush the passer or cover a bed with a sheet.

"Luckily for Philly's matador secondary, the Jaguars don't have any wide receivers. With Kirk out for the year and Thomas perhaps out this week as well, the top three wide receivers in Jacksonville may be Davis, Parker 'Who?' Washington and Tim 'Randomly Generated Madden Name' Jones.

"Combine an injury-ravaged offense with the league's fourth-worst defense, and you have all the ingredients for a happy crowd at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday—and an Eagles blowout."

Predictions

Davenport: Eagles

Gagnon: Jaguars

Hanford: Eagles

Knox: Eagles

Michelino: Eagles

Moton: Eagles

O'Donnell: Eagles

Sobleski: Jaguars

ATS Consensus: Eagles -7.5

Score Prediction: Eagles 35, Jaguars 14

Chicago Bears (4-3) at Arizona Cardinals (4-4)

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Bears QB Caleb Williams
Bears QB Caleb Williams

DK Line: Chicago -1

Last week, the Chicago Bears took a stunning loss to the Washington Commanders on a Hail Mary pass. Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels tossed the ball up from midfield, and wideout Noah Brown caught it off a deflection.

The Bears likely feel deflated after taking their first lead with less than 30 seconds remaining in the game, but they now have to pick themselves up and go on the road to face an Arizona Cardinals squad that's won three of their last four outings. They'll have to stop Kyler Murray and rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr., who are starting to hit their stride in the passing game.

Our crew is split on this matchup, though Michelino thinks the Bears will exploit the Cardinals defense to bounce back from a tough loss.

"With each team coming off dramatic finishes in Week 8, the NFC stakes are high for this matchup between the last-place Bears and first-place (!) Cardinals. Having just suffered a crushing defeat thanks to one of the greatest walk-off Hail Mary passes ever, it's fair to wonder about the carryover effect on the Bears this week.

"Despite the Bears' mostly strong defensive performance against the No. 2 overall pick, No. 1 pick Caleb Williams continued to show both flashes of dominance and inconsistency. As the Bears' road struggles continue, it's fitting that they're the slight underdog heading into Arizona.

"On the other hand, the Cardinals are riding high off a big win in Miami, having scratched and clawed their way to the top of the NFC West. This team has shown resiliency under head coach Jonathan Gannon, and Murray is finally returning to his pre-injury form.

"However, the Cardinals' most glaring weakness is its 27th-ranked defense, which is the biggest personnel advantage for Chicago. Despite the good vibes around the Cards, it's hard for me to pass on the upside of a balanced game plan from Da Bears."

Predictions

Davenport: Cardinals

Gagnon: Bears

Hanford: Cardinals

Knox: Bears

Michelino: Bears

Moton: Bears

O'Donnell: Cardinals

Sobleski: Cardinals

ATS Consensus: None

Score Prediction: Bears 24, Cardinals 21

Detroit Lions (6-1) at Green Bay Packers (6-2)

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Lions QB Jared Goff
Lions QB Jared Goff

DK Line: Detroit -3.5

In a marquee matchup for the top spot in the NFC North, the Green Bay Packers have a question mark at quarterback. Jordan Love strained his groin in last week's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, and his status is uncertain for this game.

The Packers are 2-0 without Love this season, but they beat two teams below .500 (the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans). If the Packers don't have their starting signal-caller, the Lions and their No. 1-ranked scoring offense should be favored in this spot by more than a field goal.

Hanford gave the nod to the Lions, who haven't lost at Lambeau Field in three years.

"This will be Jared Goff's first outdoor game of the season. While that would typically concern me, the Lions are just playing differently right now. The Packers defense leads the NFL in takeaways, but the Lions aren't far behind, and a hobbled (and already generally mistake-prone) Love could make their job even easier.

"The hook here definitely could come back to bite me, but it's tough to pick against the Lions right now. They've won two in a row in Lambeau Field and are 3-0 ATS on the road this season. Goff is taking care of the ball, and I don't see that changing this week. Lions win and cover."

Predictions

Davenport: Lions

Gagnon: Packers

Hanford: Lions

Knox: Lions

Michelino: Lions

Moton: Lions

O'Donnell: Lions

Sobleski: Packers

ATS Consensus: Lions -3.5

Score Prediction: Lions 30, Packers 24

Los Angeles Rams (3-4) at Seattle Seahawks (4-4)

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Rams WR Puka Nacua
Rams WR Puka Nacua

Bettors should think twice about putting their money on the Seattle Seahawks at home. They've lost three consecutive games at Lumen Field.

Quarterback Geno Smith told reporters that the Seahawks' Week 8 outing against the Buffalo Bills felt like a "road game at times." From a betting perspective, Seattle is 1-4 ATS at home this season.

On the flip side, Smith is 2-2 as a starter against the Rams, and the Seahawks lost one of those games by only one point.

Oddsmakers dealt a sharp line here, especially when considering the potential return of Seahawks star wideout DK Metcalf from a one-week absence because of a knee injury.

Gagnon went against the panel's consensus pick. He thinks the Seahawks will snap their losing streak at home if Metcalf suits up.

"Going anti-trend here. I still don't trust the Rams, who are due for their first loss in nearly a month," Gagnon said. "And I think Seattle has too much talent to lose four straight home games in emphatic fashion, especially with Metcalf likely returning to the lineup."

Predictions

Davenport: Rams

Gagnon: Seahawks

Hanford: Rams

Knox: Rams

Michelino: Rams

Moton: Rams

O'Donnell: Rams

Sobleski: Rams

ATS Consensus: Rams -1

Score Prediction: Rams 31, Seahawks 23

Indianapolis Colts (4-4) at Minnesota Vikings (5-2)

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Vikings WR Justin Jefferson
Vikings WR Justin Jefferson

DK Line: Minnesota -5

On Tuesday, the Indianapolis Colts declared quarterback Joe Flacco their starter over second-year pro Anthony Richardson. With that switch, oddsmakers shifted this line 1.5 points to the Colts' side, indicating Indianapolis' upgrade at quarterback.

Richardson has thrown four touchdowns and seven interceptions while only completing 44.4 percent of his passes this season. Flacco should lead a more efficient passing attack. In three games, he's thrown for seven touchdowns and just one interception while completing 65.7 percent of his passes.

On Sunday evening, Flacco will face the Minnesota Vikings' 30th-ranked pass defense, which has allowed six touchdown passes over the last two weeks.

Our panel expects offensive fireworks in this game, though Sobleski has the Vikings covering the spread.

"The Colts are making a short-sighted decision to start Flacco over Richardson. That isn't a defense of Richardson's play. The 22-year-old is a project who needs to play through his growing pains. Instead, they're turning to a 39-year-old known commodity who isn't part of the Colts' long-term future.

"Flacco has predominantly played in three games this season. He wasn't particularly good during that stretch. The veteran threw for fewer than 190 yards in the two games that Indianapolis won.

"Frankly, the Vikings are still a much better team than the Colts despite suffering two straight losses. This line feels like oddsmakers are trying to entice those who expect the Colts to receive a major boost from Flacco while also looking at Minnesota's recent stretch of play. To quote Admiral Ackbar, 'It's a trap.'"

Predictions

Davenport: Vikings

Gagnon: Colts

Hanford: Colts

Knox: Vikings

Michelino: Colts

Moton: Colts

O'Donnell: Vikings

Sobleski: Vikings

ATS Consensus: None

Score Prediction: Vikings 30, Colts, 24

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4) at Kansas City Chiefs (7-0)

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Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield
Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield

Without wide receivers Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ankle), the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pushed the Atlanta Falcons in a high-scoring matchup, but they lost 31-26 last week. Baker Mayfield threw for 330 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Even with a depleted pass-catching group, the Buccaneers could threaten to ruin the Kansas City Chiefs' unblemished record. Though the Chiefs plan to get wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins more involved in the offense in his second week with the team, our experts think the Buccaneers have enough to stay within eight points of the reigning champions.

Hanford is concerned about Mayfield's decision-making in a hostile environment without his top receivers, but he expects Tampa Bay to cover late in the game.

"The Chiefs are 7-0 and are playing at home, but the Bucs have a few things working in their favor here," he said. "Kansas City has won only two games by more than one score this year. Mayfield excels against the blitz. And the Bucs are one of the best fourth-quarter teams in the NFL.

"There's a part of me that pictures Mayfield making a few horrible decisions as he tries to do too much in a big road game with his top two receivers injured. He will probably make at least one, but this feels like a late backdoor cover, just like we saw from the Las Vegas Raiders this past week.

"The Chiefs stay undefeated, but they only win by a touchdown."

Predictions

Davenport: Buccaneers

Gagnon: Chiefs

Hanford: Buccaneers

Knox: Buccaneers

Michelino: Chiefs

Moton: Buccaneers

O'Donnell: Chiefs

Sobleski: Buccaneers

ATS Consensus: Buccaneers +8.5

Score Prediction: Chiefs 24, Buccaneers 19


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