NFL Week 9 Picks: Predicting the Score of Every Game

It was a busy week leading up to Week 9 of the NFL season. Shawne Merriman was claimed by the Bills, and Randy Moss was claimed by the Titans.

Moss was a huge pickup for the Titans and adds another dimension to that offense. Jeff Fisher is a perfect coach for Moss and will have his attention.

This week features teams that are desperate, such as the Chargers, Vikings and Bengals. All contenders a season ago, they have struggled in 2010.

Here are my picks.

Top QB: Phillip Rivers—28-of-38, 387 yards, three TDs

Top RB: Adrian Peterson—25 carries, 188 yards, two TDs

Top WR: Hakeem Nicks—Nine catches, 191 yards, TD

Top Kicker: Ryan Longwell

Top Defense: Minnesota Vikings

New York Jets at Detroit Lions

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 31: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers on October 31, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Packers defeated the Jets 9-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaa

After winning five straight games, the Jets hit a bit of a speed bump last week when they were shut out at home by the Packers. The offense was lethargic, and Mark Sanchez had a rookie game.

Now they look to rebound against the Lions and their high-powered offense. 

Matthew Stafford returned from a shoulder injury last week, and all he did was throw four touchdowns, including three to Calvin Johnson. This offense is dangerous, and the Lions can play spoiler to a lot of teams this season. 

I expect the Jets to rebound here, but they should be careful, because the Lions will be ready to play.

Fearless Forecast: Jets 27, Lions 17

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 24: Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons scores a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals at Georgia Dome on October 24, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Raheem Morris says the Buccaneers are the best team in the NFC. A win in Atlanta would certainly help his case. 

Don't count out the Bucs, especially with quarterback Josh Freeman, who seems to thrive under pressure. He has led the Bucs to the game-winning drive in the fourth quarter four times this season. That's a guy I want on my team. 

His task is hard, though, against a Falcons team coming off a bye week. With an explosive offense of Matt Ryan, Michael Turner and Roddy White, the Falcons are lethal. White has been possibly the best receiver in football this season.

I don't see the Bucs winning this game, but given what has happened this season, nothing would surprise me.

Fearless Forecast: Falcons 24, Buccaneers 14

San Diego Chargers at Houston Texans

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SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 31: Tight end Antonio Gates #85 of the San Diego Chargers celebrates a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in the third quarter at Qualcomm Stadium on October 31, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the Titans 33-2

Every year it seems the Chargers get off to a slow start but are able to overcome it. That's why at 3-5, people are not too worried about this team yet.

But to get to 4-5 they must do something they have failed to do thus far this season: Win a road game. 

You may be asking yourself, how are the Chargers 3-5? Statistically, they have the best offense and defense in football. They are a prime of example of how stats are not accurate about a team's performance.

This is a winnable game against the Texans, who are ranked dead last in defense in the NFL. Philip Rivers will shred the Texans secondary.

As for the Texans, which Texans team will show up? Will it be the one that dominated the Colts in Week 1? Or the team that was manhandled by both the Cowboys and Giants?

I like the Chargers to win their first road game of the season and head into the bye week 4-5. 

Fearless Forecast: Chargers 34, Texans 27

New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 31: Darren Sharper #42 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates a play during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Louisiana Superdome on October 31, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew Sharpe/Getty Images)

The Saints got a huge win against the Steelers last week after a forgettable game versus the Browns. Are the Saints rejuvenated now? 

When these two teams met earlier in the season, the Saints won thanks to a late field goal. The Saints really should have no problem winning this game, as the Panthers are simply mistake-prone.

Matt Moore threw three interceptions last week on Carolina's way to a 20-10 loss to the Rams.

I've got to go with the Saints in this one.

Fearless Forecast: Saints 23, Panthers 17

Chicago Bears at Buffalo Bills (in Toronto)

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KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 31: Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills passes during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 31, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Two weeks in a row the winless Bills have gone to overtime, and they have lost both games—two heartbreakers in a row. This team simply does not know how to win, as in overtime they fail to execute down the stretch.

Their first win is coming soon, and it's this week against a reeling Bears team.

After a surprising 4-1 start, the Bears are 4-3 and coming off a bye week. The offense is pitiful to watch, and Jay Cutler better get it together. His last game he threw four interceptions to DeAngelo Hall.

This will be an ugly game, and the Bills have to win eventually. Why not this week against the Bears?

Fearless Forecast: Bills 16, Bears 14

Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings

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EDEN PRAIRIE, MN - OCTOBER 7: Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress answers questions from the media during a press conference at Winter Park on October 7, 2010 in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)

I cannot for the life of me figure out how Brad Childress still is the Vikings coach. He has made so many mistakes in the past few weeks. Let me just name them for you.

Week 7: Fails to challenge a touchdown by Packers tight end Andrew Quarless where he clearly didn't get both feet in bounds. The Vikings lose this game 28-24. Following this game, Childress goes on to rip Brett Favre because of his interceptions. 

Week 8: Makes possibly the worst challenge in NFL history when he uses his power to throw a red flag on a ball caught by Brandon Tate where there was nothing to be reviewed. After the Vikings loss to the Patriots, without permission from owner Zygi Wilf, Childress decides to waive Randy Moss—the same player who they just recently surrendered a third-round pick for.

Now you tell me, at 2-5, how has Childress kept his job? He has lost his team and barring a complete turnaround will be gone by season's end at least. 

Having said that, the Vikings will win this week against the Cardinals, who are starting turnover machine Derek Anderson. If the Vikings lose this week, Childress must go. No excuses.

Fearless Forecast: Vikings 20, Cardinals 10

New England Patriots at Cleveland Browns

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FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 31: Tom Brady #12 of New England Patriots checks the clock with his coach Bill Belichick in the fourth quarter against the Minnesita Vikings at Gillette Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Get

Before their bye week, the Browns went into New Orleans and shocked the Saints, 30-17. Now they have their sights set on the Patriots. 

It won't happen though. 

The Patriots are clicking, and why would you doubt them for trading Randy Moss? Bill Belichick always knows what he is doing. It opened up the door for guys like Brandon Tate and Danny Woodhead. 

For the Browns to win this game, Colt McCoy will need to throw for more than he did against the Saints, 74 yards. Tom Brady will not throw four interceptions, that's for sure. 

Fearless Forecast: Patriots 24, Browns 16

Miami Dolphins at Baltimore Ravens

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BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 24: Ed Reed #20 of the Baltimore Ravens returns an interception against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium on October 24, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Bills 37-34. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

You'd think I would learn to start picking the Dolphins, seeing as they are 4-0 on the road, and this week is another road game. It's a big test for this Dolphins team. 

The Ravens are 5-2 and coming off a bye week. Ed Reed is back and adds another dimension to a scary Ravens defense. 

Can the Dolphins go into Baltimore and win this game? They will need more than five Dan Carpenter field goals this week because the Ravens are a different team than the Bengals. I'm going with the Ravens. 

Fearless Forecast: Ravens 20, Dolphins 17

New York Giants at Seattle Seahawks

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 17: Steve Smith #12 of the New York Giants against the Detroit Lions at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 17, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

In a wide-open NFC, the Giants appear to be one of the best, if not the best team in the conference. Thanks to a great defense and the emergence of Hakeem Nicks, the Giants are washing the bad taste out of their mouths from last season.

Meanwhile, the Seahawks, at 4-3, will be without Matt Hasselbeck this week due to a concussion. It seems that it was just a matter of time before Hasselbeck would get hurt.

Charlie Whitehurst, who the Seahawks acquired from the Chargers over the offseason, will draw his first career start. I don't know what to expect out of Whitehurst. 

The Giants improve to 6-2 here.

Fearless Forecast: Giants 26, Seahawks 13

Indianapolis Colts at Philadelphia Eagles

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles prepares to come out of the tunnel to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on September 26, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Im

One of the most intriguing games, if not the best game, of Week 9 featured the Colts traveling to Philly to play the Eagles in Michael Vick's return from injury.

Before the injury, the Eagles were one of the hottest teams in football, with Vick quickly making Eagles fans forget about Donovan McNabb. 

This game will be a huge test for the Eagles defense. No matter who is out there at wide receiver for the Colts, Peyton Manning will find you. Injuries don't stop No. 18. 

Will Vick show any signs of rust in his first game back? The Eagles' success in this game will depends on how Vick plays and if he is efficient. 

The Eagles are well rested, and the Colts are coming off a short week. The Eagles take it.

Fearless Forecast: Eagles 27, Colts 23

Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders

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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 31: A fan holds up a fake head before the Seattle Seahawks game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 31, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The most meaningful game of Week 9 features the Chiefs and the Raiders. Did you ever think you'd hear that? 

If the Chiefs win, the division is in their hands. If the Raiders win, they are right in the mix. Judging from the last two games of the Raiders, they are not a team I'd want to face right now. 

The Raiders have outscored their opponents 92-17 the past two weeks, a scary stat. A rushing attack of Darren McFadden and Michael Bush has been a huge part of that domination. 

The Chiefs may have something to say about the Raiders' rushing attack. They have a pretty good one of their own in Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles. 

The Raiders are on fire, and the fans in Oakland are witnessing a meaningful game for the first time in forever. The Raiders will not disappoint. 

Fearless Forecast: Raiders 17, Chiefs 9

Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 31: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers looks to throw against the New York Jets on October 31, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.The Packers defeated the Jets 9-0. (Photo by Jim McIs

In the beginning of the season, this game between the Cowboys and the Packers looked like it would be one of the best games of the season. Now, with Tony Romo out and the Cowboys at 1-6, a game that once looked so entertaining has lost its excitement.

Everything about this game says the Packers will win. They have won two straight games and shut out the Jets last week. Although they are still decimated with injuries, the Packers are fighting through them.

You know the story of the Cowboys. They are the most disappointing team of the season, and Wade Phillips knows he is getting fired after the season. How can you be excited about a Cowboys game if you are a fan?

I have a feeling this game may be closer than people think. The Cowboys will play much better than they did last week, but it won't be enough.

Fearless Forecast: Packers 24, Cowboys 17

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 31: Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on October 31, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew Sharpe/Getty Images)

Similar to the Cowboys-Packers game, this AFC North clash between the Steelers and Bengals looked to be a meaningful game when the season started.

The Bengals are desperate at 2-5, and their season is spiraling out of control. Carson Palmer continues to disappoint week in and week out. The Terrell Owens-Chad Ochocinco experiment is not working out, and the defense has been a problem.

On the other hand, the Steelers are coming off a loss in New Orleans in a game they could have won. They are 2-1 since Ben Roethlisberger has returned and are maybe the most balanced team in football.

The Bengals are a mess right now and will drop to 2-6 here. When will T.O. break his silence?

Fearless Forecast: Steelers 20, Bengals 10