NFL Week 9 Picks: Falling Teams That Will Get Much Needed Wins

Every one of these teams has been seen as a favorite to make the playoffs at some point this season. As it is, two of them have at least a share of the division lead right now, but they are all on what you would call a bit of a slide. 

Maybe it's only one game. Actually, in all of these cases, the losing streak is only at one game. But the losses were all so bad that their playoff chances don't look as good anymore.

The good news for all of them is that they are in good matchups this week to get back on the winning track.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints simply overlooked the Rams. There's no excuse for that, but it does happen. Fortunately, they get a bit of a reprieve this week. This reprieve doesn't come in the form of a bad team, but a good one. 

The Buccaneers beat the Saints when the two teams played a few weeks ago. Clearly, New Orleans knows that Tampa Bay can beat them. This is also a big division game for the Saints. I don't expect the same sloppiness that we saw in the previous meeting.

This game is in New Orleans, which significantly benefits the Saints, who have yet to lose at home. 

Dallas Cowboys

How bad was Sunday's loss to the Eagles. In front of a national television audience, the Cowboys got destroyed against the Eagles. Dallas couldn't have taken any positives from this game. 

Fortunately, they do have a good offense, and are hosting a Seahawks' team with an inept offense. I don't know that Dallas will do anything long term this year, but this is a good game for them to get back on track. 

Oakland Raiders

The AFC West lead is currently held between three teams. Who's the one outstanding team? The Denver Broncos.

Denver had a late miracle to beat the Dolphins. Last week, Tim Tebow and the Broncos got a stiff reality check against the Lions. 

I don't know that the Raiders will beat them that bad, but I am not anticipating much of a game in Oakland on Sunday. 

Predictions

Saints 31, Buccaneers 23

Cowboys 27, Seahawks 13

Raiders 24, Broncos 14