Week 9 NFL Picks: Struggling Teams Sure to Get Back on Track

In the 100-meter freestyle that is the NFL season, there is little time to tread water. But for a number of teams around the league, the 50-meter mark, or Week 9 in this case, will provide them with a shot at regrouping and getting back on track for the stretch run.

From the East Coast to the West Coast, the AFC to the NFC, there are a handful of reeling NFL squads in need of a momentum shift this weekend. 

Here are my picks for struggling teams set to right the ship in Week 9.

San Diego Chargers

It's hard to believe after facing the Cleveland Browns in Week 8, but the San Diego Chargers will actually have an even easier matchup in Week 9 when they host the division rival Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday Night Football.

San Diego is teetering on the brink of a complete collapse after losing three straight games, the last two in embarrassing fashion to the Browns and Denver Broncos. Still, the Chiefs have yet to hold a lead in regulation and have just one win all year long. 

With the Chargers playing at home and in desperate need of something to feel good about, I like them to bounce back in the week's opening matchup. After all, the Chargers beat the Chiefs by 17 points on the road in Week 4.

Carolina Panthers

At first glance, the Carolina Panthers look like a hopeless NFL bottom feeder. However, if you take a closer look at what Ron Rivera's club has done this season, you'll notice that it has been unlucky on more than its fair share of occasions.

The Panthers have lost five games in a row but have lost their last four by a combined 12 points. 

On Sunday, Carolina will be in DC looking for its first road win of the season against the Washington Redskins, who have lost two in a row themselves. I love Cam Newton and the crew in this matchup. Not only is Washington just 1-2 at home this season, but the Redskins have won just one game at FedEx Field in their last nine tries. 

This is the week the Panthers' bad luck finally runs out.

Seattle Seahawks

After two tough weeks in a row, Pete Carroll's Seattle Seahawks return home to CenturyLink Field to take on the Minnesota Vikings, who were exposed at home in Week 8 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

The Vikings have lost two of their past three games and are just 1-2 away from home in 2012. On the other hand, Seattle is a perfect 3-0 at home this season. The Seahawks' impressive home resume includes wins over the Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots.

Given the way in which Seattle's defense is playing at home this fall and the direction Minnesota seems to be taking, I can't help but believe that the Seahawks will cruise to a bounce-back win in the Pacific Northwest this Sunday afternoon. 

Minnesota's defense is admirable, but it doesn't compare to Seattle's.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter for more NFL picks.