NFL Predictions Week 9: Picks for Most Evenly-Matched Games of Week

The most interesting theme to develop throughout the first half of the NFL season was the increased amount of parity. Aside from a select few elite teams and cellar dwellers, the margin for error for most squads has been razor thin nearly every week.

That's clear when you look at the lines for Week 9. The oddsmakers are predicting a lot of close games once again, including some that would fall in the toss-up category. Let's take a look at those matchups and predict which teams will come out on top.

Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts

Two improbable playoff contenders battling for a chance to gain a leg up in the race for a wild-card spot. It doesn't get much more important than that for a Week 9 game. So a lot of pressure will be on rookie quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Ryan Tannehill (assuming he suits up).

It's tough not to be impressed with how the Colts have handled themselves since learning their head coach Chuck Pagano was battling leukemia. A young team with a rookie quarterback could have crumbled, but they have stepped up in a major way instead.

The Dolphins have been on quite a roll of their own winning three straight games, including a road blowout of the New York Jets last week. But in a game that's likely going to come down to the final drive, the edge goes to Luck against a shaky Miami secondary.

Pick: Colts

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Oakland Raiders

Josh Freeman is back in form, throwing nine touchdowns in three games since Tampa Bay's bye week, so it's no surprise the Buccaneers are suddenly on the rise. They must take advantage of the next three games if they want to get back in the playoff race, though.

The quest starts on Sunday against a Raiders team that has picked up two straight wins over floundering opponents. Oakland has enough talent, especially on offense, to keep pace in the AFC, but has dealt with far too much inconsistent play on defense.

Fittingly, defense is where Tampa Bay should be able to control the game. The Bucs rank sixth in run defense and should be able to keep Darren McFadden under wraps. Freeman and the suddenly red-hot Doug Martin will take care of the rest.

Pick: Buccaneers

Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints

Both fanbases are asking the same question: How does a team with so much talent continue to struggle? The Eagles and Saints are each below .500 and will need to see significant improvement in the coming weeks to avoid completely disastrous seasons.

The problem is easy to identify for New Orleans. The team's defense is giving up 475 yards per game, 50 more than any other unit. Making matters worse, the turnovers the Saints have feasted on in recent years have disappeared (five forced fumbles, three interceptions).

For the Eagles, Michael Vick has received most of the blame. In reality, the play-calling decisions have been just as questionable as some of the star quarterback's. They need to get the ball LeSean McCoy more early in games or the losing streak will continue.

Pick: Saints