NFL Picks Week 9: Favorites That Will Have No Problems Covering Spread

Instead of trying to catch the upset special of the week, it is often wiser to trust the better teams in the NFL.

Eight of 14 games that took place last week were decided by at least 10 points. In many cases, the favorite is so superior that even the biggest lines do not do it justice.

Week 9 of the NFL season should be more of the same. These matchups are very one-sided and should end in blowouts. You should feel confident laying down money on any of these teams.

Note: All lines courtesy of Vegas Insider.

Houston Texans (-10) over Buffalo Bills

The Bills have allowed more rushing yards per game and more rushing touchdowns than anyone else in football. Opponents are averaging six yards per carry, almost a full yard more than the next worst on the list.

Is there any chance this unit is able to stop Arian Foster this week?

Foster is arguably the best running back in football and currently leads the NFL with nine rushing touchdowns. He should have a field day against this defense that has struggled to contain every running back it has faced this year.

In addition, only the Pittsburgh Steelers have allowed fewer yards than the Texans this year. This game should not be close.

Green Bay Packers (-11) over Arizona Cardinals

The Packers were unable to cover a large spread last week, but Aaron Rodgers had to deal with a new look at wide receiver. Jordy Nelson and Greg Jennings will still be out against the Cardinals, but he should be more acclimated with James Jones and Randall Cobb by this point.

Meanwhile, Arizona has lost four straight after starting the season 4-0. The Cardinals look completely lost on both sides of the football. Clay Matthews should have a big game against this struggling offensive line, and there is little reason to believe the defense will fare much better.

This squad allowed Alex Smith to have a near-perfect 157.1 quarterback rating last week. One can only imagine what Rodgers would be able to do against the unit. 

Detroit Lions (-4) over Jacksonville Jaguars

Last week seemed to be an eye-opening experience for quarterback Matt Stafford. For the first time in two years, he realized that there are other receivers on the team beside Calvin Johnson.

Stafford completed passes to nine different receivers. Of his 34 total completions, only three were by Megatron.

This could lead to a more effective offense overall, and eventually will allow Johnson to get back to his dominant ways once teams stop triple-teaming him all the time.

Jacksonville has played better lately, but the Jaguars have still lost four straight and six of seven overall. There is little chance this young team should be able to stay with the talented and physical Lions, regardless of where the game is being played. 

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