NFL Picks Week 9: Predicting Week's Closest Matchups

Nail-biters. Jaw-clenchers. Headache-causers.

Call them what you will: those close games in the NFL are enough to drive any football fan crazy, which, of course, is what all us diehards are.

Week 9 of the 2012 NFL campaign figures to come complete with some riveting matchups that should go down to the wire.

Whether it be two rising teams pitted against each other or two prime playoff contenders battling it out, Week 9 has it all for us.

Here's a look at predictions of the games I see being the closest this week in the NFL.

Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts

Both the Dolphins and Colts have improved as the season has progressed. 

The Colts have won three of their last four games (including a 30-27 victory over the Green Bay Packers), while the Dolphins have won their last three games, including a 30-9 thumping of the New York Jets last week.

To me, this comes down to Miami's defense. The Dolphins are allowing 18.0 points per game this season (fifth in the NFL) while allowing 6.8 yards per pass attempt (11th) and eight passing touchdowns.

That should come in handy against Andrew Luck, who is still getting accustomed to the league.

Prediction: Miami 20, Indianapolis 17

Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks

Both of these teams have generally solid defenses with generally mediocre offenses.

That adds up to a low-scoring nail-biter in Seattle on Sunday.

I ultimately like Seattle's defense better, though, against the run and against the pass. Given Christian Ponder's inconsistent play this season, I could see the Seahawks' defense causing problems for him.

Plus, Minnesota's run defense fell apart against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. That's not good news leading up to a matchup against the NFL's second-leading rusher, Marshawn Lynch.

Prediction: Seattle 24, Minnesota 17

Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Giants

With four straight wins (including a 26-3 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6), it's hard to bet against the Giants at home.

On the other hand, their pass defense leaves a lot to be desired, allowing 8.3 yards per pass attempt (30th in the NFL). Also, while they have racked up 16 interceptions, Ben Roethlisberger isn't known for coughing the ball up much (he has 14 touchdowns to three picks this season).

In the end, I still like New York's offense to do enough to outscore a one-sided Pittsburgh offense.

Prediction: New York 27, Pittsburgh 24

Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints

This is a hard game to call.

The Eagles are so unpredictable from week to week. and they've lost by a combined eight points in their last three games against the Steelers, Lions and Falcons.

On the other hand, the Saints just got crushed by the Denver Broncos after beating the San Diego Chargers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Saints need to score a lot to win ballgames these days. The good news is the Eagles have given up a combined 56 points to the Lions and Falcons in their past two games.

There's also the fact that the Eagles have racked up 17 turnovers so far (second in the NFC), while the Saints have registered nine turnovers (tied for 11th in the NFC).

Prediction: New Orleans 27, Philadelphia 23