NFL Picks Week 9: Locks You Can Take to the Bank

With Week 9 of the 2012 NFL season already upon is, it’s time to look at the biggest locks that are as good as money this week.

Each of the following teams is at home and facing lesser competition, so if you’re in a suicide pool or just looking to make a few extra bucks, these are the locks you should be leaning towards.

While we would never condone gambling, if you are going to place a wager this week, at least do it in a way that will yield profit. Bet smart.

San Diego Chargers

Kansas City at San Diego

Despite the feeling that no divisional matchup is ever a lock, the quarterback controversy in Kansas City is setting up the San Diego Chargers for the blowout win that the team desperately needs.

NFL fans can’t forget that it was just three weeks ago the Chargers choked away a win against the Denver Broncos, but it was their 7-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 8 that has to wake the team up.

With Kansas City’s defense not playing up to their capabilities and the advantage of a short week for the home team, star running back Ryan Mathews will open up the pass game for Philip Rivers and the Chargers will destroy the Chiefs 34-17.

Green Bay Packers

Arizona at Green Bay

As tough as the Cardinals defense has been this year—fourth in the league against the pass—the combination of Aaron Rodgers and a poor Arizona offense means the Green Bay Packers are a lock in Week 9.

The Packers offense of 2011 has returned over the last three weeks of the season, and the Cards will be the next victim of Rodgers and whoever it is Green Bay puts out there at receiver amid all the injuries.

As good as the Cardinals defense has been against the pass and the run, there is no way Arizona will outduel Green Bay with John Skelton under center; four straight losses prove that. Packers win, 37-14.

Houston Texans

Buffalo at Houston

After a tough loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Houston Texans realized their flaws and built off the run-first style that brought them to prominence. With the stellar play of their defense, the Texans will demolish the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

The Bills are ranked 22nd and 32nd against the pass and run respectively, and the latter will be Buffalo’s downfall. With Arian Foster leading the potent Texans sixth-ranked running attack, it will be a long day for the Bills run defense.

Add in home-field advantage for Houston, and Sunday is going to be one of the worst beatings Buffalo faces all year. After finally taking their foot off the throttle, the Texans will win 44-27.

Check back for more on the National Football League as it comes, and don’t miss Bleacher Report’s NFL page to get your fill of all things football.

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