NFL Picks Week 9: Road Teams That Are Locks to Claim Victory

Three road teams claimed victory in Week 8. There were six bye weeks, but that still leaves the home teams with a strong 10-3 record over one week. That's a pretty good percentage. 

Home teams clearly benefit in the NFL, or any sport for that matter. You never want to undervalue home-field advantage. 

Still, it doesn't mean everything. These teams are on the road in Week 9. They may not be the only road teams that will win, but they are by far the most likely. 

San Francisco 49ers at Washington Redskins

The 49ers are one of only two teams in the league to have fewer than two losses. They are also 3-0 on the road, with all three wins coming in the Eastern Time Zone. All three wins were against far better teams than the Redskins. 

The Redskins just don't have any serious offensive punch. The 49ers may not be an explosive offense, but they won't need to be. Their defense will shut the Redskins down. If they score 17 points, they will win easily.

Atlanta Falcons at Indianapolis Colts

I see a potential for symmetry here. Last week, the winless St. Louis Rams hosted an NFC South power in the New Orleans Saints. In that case, as well as this one, both teams in the game are dome teams. The Rams beat the Saints, so why can't the Colts to the same to the Falcons?

The Colts just aren't that good. They don't have the weapons to score many points, and are very weak defensively. Atlanta will cruise to a win.

Cincinnati Bengals at Tennessee Titans

Despite winning on Sunday, the Titans are heading in the wrong direction. Chris Johnson is still doing next to nothing and the Bengals have a good defense. 

Offensively, I love the combination of Andy Dalton and A.J. Green. They are both rookies, but have the makings to be a lethal QB-WR duo for a long time.

Green Bay Packers at San Diego Chargers

When the Chargers play their best game, they can score a lot of points. There are a few problems with that. 

One is that the Chargers have yet to play their best game. As a matter of fact, they have been flat all year, even in their four wins. 

The other problem is that even when the Chargers are at their best, they are not going to outscore the Packers. Green Bay is well rested, will be well prepared and will handle the Chargers.

Predictions:

49ers 27, Redskins 10

Falcons 35, Colts 14

Bengals 20, Titans 10

Packers 38, Chargers 20